town of blandford massachusetts annual report · 2020. 8. 4. · ï glossary appropriation: an...

TOWN of BLANDFORD Massachusetts

ANNUAL REPORT

Photo by Carolee Blascak

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2017 Warrant 2017 Budget Appointed Officials Page 7

Agricultural Commission

Arts Council Assessors

Building Commissioner/Inspector Page 8

Cemetery Commissioners

Conservation Commission

Council on Aging/Center for Active Adults

Cultural Council Page 9

Elected Officials Page 6

Federal Legislators

Finance Committee Page10

Financial Reports

Balance Sheets Revenue

Expenditures

Fire Department Glossary Page 3

Governmental Districts Page 4-5

Health,Board of Highway Department 0-11

Hilltown Community Ambulance Page 11

Historical Commission

Library Trustees Page 12

Municipal Light Plant Board

Planning Board

Police Department

Recreation Committee

Selectmen

Tax Collector Town Clerk

Telephone Directory

Town Meetings

Treasurer Water Commissioners

Zoning Board of Appeals Page 13

GLOSSARY:

APPROPRIATION: An authorization granted by a Town Meeting to make expenditures and to incur obligations for specific purposed. An appropriation is usually limited in amount as to the time when it may be expended. Only a Town meeting or the School Committee can authorize money appropriated for one purpose to be used for another. Any amount which is appropri-ated may be encumbered (see definition). AVAILABLE FUNDS: Free cash, reserves and unexpended balances available for appropriation. COLLECTOR: Is responsible for the overall administration of local taxes. The Collector enforces the tax laws to insure a high level of voluntary payment and is responsible for properly maintaining tax records, accounting for taxes received, and paying over all receipts to the Treasurer. ENCUMBRANCES: Obligations in the form of purchase orders, contracts or salary commitments which are chargeable to the appropriation and for which a part of the appropriation is reserves. ESTIMATED RECEIPTS: Estimate of money to be received by the Town from various sources, such as licenses, state reim-bursements, etc. The estimate is deducted by the Assessors from the gross amount to be raised by taxes when the tax rate is set. EXCESS AND DEFICIENCY: Also called the "surplus revenue" account, this is the amount by which case, accounts receiva-ble and other assets exceed the liabilities and reserves. It is akin to the "stockholders equity'' account on a corporation bal-ance sheet. it is not; however, available for appropriation in full because of a portion of the assets listed as "accounts receiva-ble" may be taxes receivable and uncollected. (See "Free Cash") FISCAL YEAR: A twelve-month period commencing July 1 to which the annual budget applies and at the end of which a Town determines its financial position and the results of its operations. FREE CASH: Certified each July 1 by the Director of Accounts, this is the surplus revenue account (Also called "excess and deficiency') less any uncollected taxes of prior years. It is available for appropriation upon certification. By action of a Special Town Meeting after certification and before setting the tax rate, part or all of any unexpected "free cash" may be applied to reduce the tax rate of the current year. (See also "Excess and Deficiency''). "Free Cash" is also referred to as "Available Funds." OVERLAY: Amount of money raised by Assessors for purpose of creating a fund to cover abatements and uncollectible tax-es. RESERVE FUND: Amount transferred from Overlay and/or appropriated for unforeseen or emergency purposes. Controlled by the Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen. ROAD MACHINERY FUND: A fund which is the accumulated town charge for certain uses for town equipment and which may be appropriated for maintenance and repair of that equipment. SURPLUS REVENUE: The amount by which the cash, accounts receivable and other floating assets exceed the liabilities and reserves. SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: A meeting of the registered voters of a Town called by the Board of Selectmen at their discretion or by written request of 20% of all registered voters in the Town. TOWN MEETING WARRANT: A written order calling the annual or a special town meeting and containing a list of the sub-jects to be acted upon. The Selectmen shall insert in the warrant for the annual Town Meeting all subjects which are request-ed in writing by ten or more registered voters and in the warrant for a Special Town Meeting all subjects requested by I0% of all the Town's voters.

GOVERNMENTAL DISTRICTS

Updated 3/2016

Governor's Office

Charlie Baker, Governor Karyn Polito, Lt. Governor

Boston Office Springfield Office

Executive Office, Room 360 436 Dwight Street, 3rd floor

State House Springfield 01103

Boston 02133 Tel: 413-784-1200

Tel:6l7-725-4000 Fax: 413-784-1203

Secretary of the Commonwealth

William Francis Galvin


State House, Room 337 436 Dwight Street. Room 102

Boston, MA 02133 Springfield 01103

Tel: (617) 727-7030 Tel: 413-784-1376

Fax:6l7-742-4528 Fax: 413-784-1379

Toll free: 1 -800-392-6090

cathy. molta@,sec. state.ma.us

Email: [email protected]

Representatives in Massachusetts General Court

State House Address District Office

Representative: William Smitty Pignatelli (D) 4th Berkshire District Room 448 P.O. Box 2228

State House Lenox, MA 01240

Boston, MA 02133 Tel: 413-637-0631

Tel: 617-722-2582

Fax: 617-722-2879

Email: Rep. Smitty@Hou. State.MA.US

Senator: Benjamin Downing (D) District Office

State House 7 North Street Room 413F Suite 307

Boston, MA 02133 Pittsfield, MA 01201

Tel: 617-722-1625 Tel: 413-442-4008

Email : Benjamin.Downing@masenate. Gov

Please see the state's website for more information: www.mass.gov

Representatives in United States Congress

U.S. Senators Ed Markey One Financial Plaza,l2th Floor

One Bowdoin Square,10th Floor Springfield, MA 01103

Boston, MA 02114 413-185-4610

617-565-8519

Elizabeth Warren 1550 Main Street. Suite 406

JFK Federal Building, Suite 2400 Springfield, MA 01103

Boston, MA 02203 413-788-2690

617-565-3170

Washington Office

Russell Senate Office Building

2 Russell Courtyard

Washington, DC 20510

Tel: 202-224-4543

U.S. Congressman Richard E. Neal 300 State Street U.S. Congressman Springfield, MA 01105

Washington Office 413-185-0325

2208 Raybum House Office Building Pittsfield Office

Washington, DC 20515 78 Center St. 202-225-5601 Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-442-0946

District Attorney Anthony Gulluni Hall of Justice

50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103

Tel: 413-747-1000

Elected Town Officials

May 2016-May2017

Title, Term Expires

Assessor (3 years) Don Carpenter 2018 Cosette Cousineau 2016 Edna Wilander 2017

Cemetery Commission (3 years) TJ Cousineau 2018 Stephen Jemiolo 2017 Tim Blood 2016

Fence Viewer (3 years) Vacant 2018 Vacant 2016

Field Driver (3 years) Vacant 2018

Health, Board of (3 years) H. Richard McCann 2016 Christopher Smith 2017 Peter Thayer 2018

Library Trustee (3 years) Charles Benson 2016 Mary Marin 2017 Mary Kronholm 2018 Moderator (3 years) David Hopson 2018

Municipal Light Plant Board (3 years) Rylan Shepard 2016 Peter Langmore 2017 June Masse 2018

Title, Term Expires

Planning Board (5 years) John Bianco 2016 Lynn McCann 2016 TJ Cousineau 2017 Sharon Barnard 2018 Mary Mangini 2019 Jeffrey Allen 2019 Don Carpenter 2020

School Committee (3 years) Michele Crane 2015 Terri Garfield 2017

Selectmen (3 years) William Levakis 2016 Andrew Montanaro 2017 Adam Dolby 2018

Town Clerk (3 years) Mary Kronholm 2017

Tree Warden (3 years) Peter Thayer 2018

Water Commissioner (3 years) William Levakis 2016 Brad Curry 2017 Gordon Avery 2018

If you have any interest in being appointed to fill one of the vacancies on any of the boards, you are encour-aged to attend their meeting(s), speak with their board members, and submit a letter of interest to both the board of your interest and the Board of Selectmen.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2019 Warrant (Addendum) 29

2019 Budget 46

Appointed Officials 7

Agricultural Commission 8

Assessors 8

Building Commissioner/Inspector 8

Cemetery Commissioners 8

Conservation Commission 8

Council on Aging/Center for Active Adults (Addendum) 8

Cultural Council 9

Elected Officials 6

Election Results 2017 36

Federal Legislators 5

Finance Committee 9

Financial Reports 19

Fire Department 10

Glossary 3

Governmental Districts 4

Health,Board of 10

Highway Department 11

Hilltown Community Ambulance 11

Historical Commission 11

Library Director 12

Library Trustees 12

Municipal Light Plant Board 13

Planning Board 13

Police Department 13

Recreation Committee 14

Selectmen 14

Tax Collector 15

Town Clerk 15

Telephone Directory 18

Town Meeting Minutes 37

Treasurer 16

Water Commissioners 17

Zoning Board of Appeals 17

GLOSSARY

APPROPRIATION: An authorization granted by a Town Meeting to make expenditures and to incur obliga-tions for specific purposed. An appropriation is usually limited in amount as to the time when it may be expend-ed. Only a Town meeting or the School Committee can authorize money appropriated for one purpose to be used for another. Any amount which is appropriated may be encumbered (see definition). AVAILABLE FUNDS: Free cash, reserves and unexpended balances available for appropriation. COLLECTOR: Is responsible for the overall administration of local taxes. The Collector enforces the tax laws to insure a high level of voluntary payment and is responsible for properly maintaining tax records, accounting for taxes received, and paying over all receipts to the Treasurer. ENCUMBRANCES: Obligations in the form of purchase orders, contracts or salary commitments which are chargeable to the appropriation and for which a part of the appropriation is reserves. ESTIMATED RECEIPTS: Estimate of money to be received by the Town from various sources, such as li-censes, state reimbursements, etc. The estimate is deducted by the Assessors from the gross amount to be raised by taxes when the tax rate is set. EXCESS AND DEFICIENCY: Also called the "surplus revenue" account, this is the amount by which case, accounts receivable and other assets exceed the liabilities and reserves. It is akin to the "stockholders equity'' ac-count on a corporation balance sheet. it is not; however, available for appropriation in full because of a portion of the assets listed as "accounts receivable" may be taxes receivable and uncollected. (See "Free Cash") FISCAL YEAR: A twelve-month period commencing July 1 to which the annual budget applies and at the end of which a Town determines its financial position and the results of its operations. FREE CASH: Certified each July 1 by the Director of Accounts, this is the surplus revenue account (Also called "excess and deficiency') less any uncollected taxes of prior years. It is available for appropriation upon certification. By action of a Special Town Meeting after certification and before setting the tax rate, part or all of any unexpected "free cash" may be applied to reduce the tax rate of the current year. (See also "Excess and Defi-ciency''). "Free Cash" is also referred to as "Available Funds."

OVERLAY: Amount of money raised by Assessors for purpose of creating a fund to cover abatements and un-collectible taxes. RESERVE FUND: Amount transferred from Overlay and/or appropriated for unforeseen or emergency purpos-es. Controlled by the Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen. ROAD MACHINERY FUND: A fund which is the accumulated town charge for certain uses for town equip-ment and which may be appropriated for maintenance and repair of that equipment. SURPLUS REVENUE: The amount by which the cash, accounts receivable and other floating assets exceed the liabilities and reserves. SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: A meeting of the registered voters of a Town called by the Board of Selectmen at their discretion or by written request of 20% of all registered voters in the Town. TOWN MEETING WARRANT: A written order calling the annual or a special town meeting and containing a list of the subjects to be acted upon. The Selectmen shall insert in the warrant for the annual Town Meeting all subjects which are requested in writing by ten or more registered voters and in the warrant for a Special Town Meeting all subjects requested by I0% of all the Town's voters.

GOVERNMENTAL DISTRICTS

Updated March 2016

Governor's Office

Charlie Baker, Governor Karyn Polito, Lt. Governor Boston Office Springfield Office

Executive Office, Room 360 436 Dwight Street, 3rd floor State House Springfield 01103

Boston 02133 Tel: 413-784-1200

Tel:6l7-725-4000 Fax: 413-784-1203

Secretary of the Commonwealth

William Francis Galvin


State House, Room 337 436 Dwight Street. Room 102

Boston, MA 02133 Springfield 01103

Tel: (617) 727-7030 Tel: 413-784-1376

Fax:6l7-742-4528 Fax: 413-784-1379

Toll free: 1 -800-392-6090

cathy. molta@,sec. state.ma.us


Representatives in Massachusetts General Court

State House Address District Office

Representative: William Smitty Pignatelli (D) 4th Berkshire District Room 146 P.O. Box 2228

State House Lenox, MA 01240

Boston, MA 02133 Tel: 413-637-0631

Tel: 617-722-2575

Fax: 617-722-2238

Email: Rep. Smitty@Hou. State.MA.US

Senator: Adam Hinds (D) State House 100 North Street Room 309 Suite 410

Boston, MA 02133 Pittsfield, MA 01201

Tel: 617-722-1625 Tel: 413-344-4561 or 413-768-2373


Please see the state's website for more information: www.mass.gov

Representatives in United States Congress

U.S. Senators Ed Markey One Financial Plaza,l2th Floor One Bowdoin Square,10th Floor Springfield, MA 01103

Boston, MA 02114 413-185-4610

617-565-8519

Elizabeth Warren 1550 Main Street. Suite 406

JFK Federal Building, Suite 2400 Springfield, MA 01103

Boston, MA 02203 413-788-2690

617-565-3170

Washington Office

Russell Senate Office Building

2 Russell Courtyard

Washington, DC 20510

Tel: 202-224-4543

U.S. Congressman Richard E. Neal 300 State Street U.S. Congressman Springfield, MA 01105

Washington Office 413-185-0325

2208 Raybum House Office Building Pittsfield Office

Washington, DC 20515 78 Center St. 202-225-5601 Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-442-0946

District Attorney Anthony Gulluni Hall of Justice

50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103

Tel: 413-747-1000

Title, Term Expires

Planning Board (5 years) Vacant 2023

Sharon Barnard 2018

Julie Mueller 2022

Jeffrey Allen 2019

Don Carpenter 2020

Richard Barnard 2021

Vacant 2019

School Committee (3 years) Michele Crane 2018

Terri Garfield 2020

Selectmen (3 years) William Levakis 2019

Cara Letendre 2020

Adam Dolby 2018

Town Clerk (3 years) Laurie Boucher 2020

Tree Warden (3 years) Peter Thayer 2018

Water Commissioner (3 years) Brian Champiney 2019

Florentino Vazquez 2020

Gordon Avery 2018

If you have any interest in being appointed to fill one of the vacancies on any of the boards, you are encouraged to attend their meeting(s), speak with their board members, and submit a letter of interest to both the board of your interest and the Board of Selectmen.

Title, Term Expires

Assessor (3 years)

Stephen Jemiolo 2019

Frank Lucia 2018

Amie McLaughlin 2020

Cemetery Commission (3 years) TJ Cousineau 2018

Stephen Jemiolo 2020

Tim Blood 2019

Fence Viewer (3 years) Vacant 2019

Laurie Boucher 2018

Field Driver (3 years) Vacant 2019

Health, Board of (3 years) Laurie Boucher 2019

Frank Lucia 2020

Peter Thayer 2018

Library Trustee (3 years) Charles Benson 2019

Byam Stevens 2020

Mary Kronholm 2018

Moderator (3 years) David Hopson 2018

Municipal Light Plant Board (3 years) Kim Bergland 2018

Peter Langmore 2020

June Masse 2019

ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS

Agricultural Commission (3 years) Bob Costello 2019

Eileen Gates 2019

Dick Gates 2019

David Hopson 2019

Arts Council ( 6 years) Lori Bocon 2021

Janet Strausberg 2018 Lucia Sullivan 2020

Sue Racine 2020

Byrun Stevens

Building Inspector

Jonathan Flagg 2018

Burial Agent (by B o Health) TJ Cousineau 2020

Doug Emo 2020

Chief procurement Officer (1 year) Angeline Ellison 2018

Conservation Commission (3 years) Bryan Young, Chair 2018

Mike McLaughlin 2020

Orpheus Barrows 2019

Florentino Vasquez 2018

Frank Lucia 2020

Constables

Florentino Vasquez

Brad Curry

Laurie Boucher

Council on Aging (3 years) Margit Mikuski 2020

Linda Barnard 2020 Barbara Langmore 2018

Judy MacKinnon 2018

Dog Officer (1 year) Joanne Grybosh

Election Warden (1 year) Lynn McCann

Electrical Wiring Inspector (1 year) Larry Gretsky

Emergency Management Directors

Brad Curry 2018

Ed Harvey 2018

Kevin Hennessey 2018

Jim Wolfgang 2018

Angeline Ellison 2018

Fire Chief Ed Harvey 2018

Finance Committee (3 years) Eric McVey 2019

Andrew Quinn 2019

Marty Lynch 2020

Hazardous Waste Coordinator

Ed Harvey 2018

Highway Department Sup. Brad Curry 2018

Historical Commission

Katy Milford 2019

Jo-Anne Auclair 2020

Don Carpenter 2020

Mick Brennan 2020

Janet Strausberg 2018

Peter Milford 2018

Information Security Officer Angeline Ellison

Information Technology Specialist Akuity Technologies

Inspector of Animals and Slaughter (1 year ) Ken Frazier

Inspector of Servicemen’s Graves

Douglas Emo

Measurer of Bark and Wood (1 year) Pete Thayer

Pest Control (1 year) Pete Thayer

Pioneer Valley Planning Comm. (1year) TJ Cousineau

John Bianco, Alt.

Plumbing and Gas Inspector (1 year) Aaron Poteat

Plumbing and Gas Inspector Asst. (1 year) Vacant

Police Chief (3 years) Kevin Hennessey 2016

Police Officers (1 year) Christopher Anciello

Gage Terlik

Dennis Flores

Krysten Scapin

Miguel Santana

Bruce Cooley

Records Access Officer

Laurie Boucher

Mary Kronholm– assistant

Recreation Committee (3 years) Charles Benson 2018

Vicky Bisgrove 2018

Keri Morawiec 2018 Cara Letendre 2020

Registrars of Voters (3 years) Cynthia Montanaro Robert Twyman

TaxCollector June Massee

Karen Shaw (interim)

Town Accountant Janet Lombardo

Eric Kinsherf

Town Administrator Angeline Ellison

Town Counsel Kopelman and Paige, P.C.

Treasurer (3 years) Sara Hunter– interim Treasurer Mary Kronholm- Interim Assistant

Veteran’s Agent (1 year) Joseph Henning

Watson Park Superintendent (1 year) Douglas Emo

Wired West Delegate

Peter Langmore

Kim Bergland

June Massee

Zoning Board of Appeals (3 years) Don Brainerd, Chair 2020

Jim Kronholm 2020

Sumner Robbins 2020

Richard Barnard, Alt. 2018

Unless otherwise noted, appointments are made by the Board of Selectmen.

If you have any interest in serving on any of the boards, you are encouraged to attend their meeting(s), speak with their board members, and submit a let-ter of interest to both the board of your interest and the Board of Selectmen.

THE FOLLOWING REPORTS ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION

(No report submitted)

BOARD OF ASSESSORS

The Assessors office is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 2pm until 6 pm or by appointment.. Property record cards and maps are available on line at the town‟s web site Www.townofblandford.com. All homeowners are en-couraged to view their property cards for accuracy after tax bills are received in January as abatements can only be accepted for 30 days following mailing. The information on these cards is used to calculate your taxes .Please call assessors office at 413-848-4279 ext. 200 with any errors or omissions on these cards. In July 2018 Mayflower , our municipal appraisal firm, will be in town to reevaluate approximate 200 homes. We will update the residents when he will be in the area once a definite time frame is determined. Respectfully submitted ;Stephen Jemiolo: Chair, Frank Lucia :Member, Amie McLaughlin,: Member , Laurie Boucher , Clerk.

BUILDING COMMISSIONER


CEMETERY COMMISSION

The new property purchased has been timbered . The fire dept. is cutting up the tops for fire wood for the elderly. Work on the new storage shed should start sometime this year. we have six burials and two exhumes to be trans-

fer ed to other cemetery s. Respectfully Cemetery Commissioners Tj Cousineau Steve Jemiolo

CONSERVATION COMMISSION


COUNCIL ON AGING

This past year the Center for Active Adults has begun to move in a new direction. We gathered together a focus group to brainstorm ideas around how to keep Seniors in their homes as they age here in the hilltowns. Phil Burns, the town outreach worker at the time, had each participant answer a list of discussion questions. Transpor-tation, health and nutrition, housing, emergency preparedness, and social life questions were posed to the group. Following this meeting, Phil put together a report highlighting ideas that were shared. This report was published in a recent consortium newsletter that went out to Seniors in town. Copies can be made available to Seniors by request. We are now going to develop an action plan. Knowing that transportation is our number one priority, we are currently working with our hilltown consortium including Blandford, Russell, Chester, Montgomery, Mid-dlefield, Tolland, Huntington, and Granville to begin to solve this complicated issue. The focus group will begin meeting again on Thursday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. If you are interested, please call Judy MacKinnon at 413-427-

0983.

While we will continue our social events this coming year, we feel it is crucial for us to reach as many people as possible in as many ways as possible. We want to work with other boards in order to coordinate efforts, as well. Our annual Veteran‟s Day Dinner included the Historical Society this year. Chips Norcross created a display of WW1 posters for all to view, as well as having a binder of past Blandford Veterans‟ photos for all to enjoy.

Also, the CAA, along with the financial support of the town, was able to purchase new military flags and poles. The flags are proudly displayed in the foyer of our town hall to honor our Blandford Veterans.

Donovan Sand and Gravel continues to support our “Sand for Seniors” program by donating sand. We thank them again this year. If there are any Seniors in town who are not able to pick up their own sand for their walk-ways, feel free to contact us by leaving a message at 848-4279, extension 400.

Lori Bocon recently joined us as our clerical assistant. Her artistic talents have greatly improved the quality of our newsletters and bulletin board. She is also working at getting our Facebook page up and running.

We are in the process of adding Heidi Taberman and Mary Mangini to our board. We encourage anyone who has an interest in helping us in any way to let us know.

Moving ahead, we are hoping to provide programs that are more multi-generational in nature. We continue to offer Monday morning exercise classes and Saturday morning tai chi for men and women of all ages. Watch for more offerings to come.

Respectfully submitted by, Margit Mikuski, Co-Chair, Judith MacKinnon, Co-Chair, Linda Barnard, Secretary, Barbara Langmore, Board Member

CULTURAL COUNCIL


FINANCE COMMITTEE

(See budget)

Finance Committee membership: Eric McVey - FINCOM Chair; Andrew Quinn, Martin Lynch

Finance Committee Budget Execution: Spent $150 out of an allocated $600 - exercising fiscal restraint

Finance Committee Goals for FY 19: Support BOS goals to engage fully with other Hilltown/Gateway Regional School District communities to de-velop more cohesive, Hilltown centric path forward to promote the Region and lift not only the Blandford com-munity up but to help lift all communities together whenever possible and practical.

Give town taxpayers a break from yearly 2.5% tax increases if possible.

FY18:

Improve infrastructure and delivery of critical services to the community.

Larger goals achieved this year

- Purchase of a new Emergency Response vehicle to replace aged fleet vehicle

- Purchase of a replacement of a highway maintenance fleet vehicle. - Increased funding of building stabilization to help start the process of replacing the Firehouse, and making im-provements to the Library.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

In the calendar year 2017 Blandford Fire and Rescue responded to 96 emergency calls.

We would like to thank the voters for their outpouring of support at the November 20th special town meeting that allowed us to move forward with the purchase of what is now known as Squad 2 our mini-pumper. It is in service and working out quite well for the town's needs.

We continue to seek grant funding for the purchase of a water tanker, however for the second year in a row we have have been denied funding.

A committee to work on building needs for both the highway and fire departments has passed our recommenda-tions to build a new highway garage and renovate the current one for use as a fire station onto the town leader-ship. We hope for movement on this project at the Annual Town Meeting.

As chief I would like to thank the firefighters and officers of the department who train with tenacity and respond to calls for service 24/7 365. - PLEASE! Check your smoke alarms and please post your 911 address.

Tom Ackley celebrates over 60 years of volunteer firefighting service to the community of Blandford, we would like to honor his service by dedicating this year's report to him.

Respectfully Submitted, Ed Harvey, Fire Chief

BOARD OF HEALTH

The Board welcomed new member Frank Lucia last May to replace Christopher Smith whose term ended. We thank Chris for his time and service.

Transfer Station stickers will be available the month of June in the Board of Health office on Wednesday eve-nings from 6-7:30pm, at the Transfer Station and online via the Unipay System.

Respectfully submitted,

Pete Thayer; Chair, Laurie Boucher; secretary, Frank Lucia; member

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

The Highway Department would like to take this opportunity to thank the Town‟s residents for their on-going support as we strive to maintain the 64 miles of roads in Blandford. It has been a challenging winter as it has been long and icy that doesn‟t seem to let up. As a result of the prolonged inclement weather, the sand and salt usage this year exceeded the allowable budget.

Our current department consists of only two full time employees; Brad Curry, Highway Superintendent and Joe Boisseau. We unfortunately lost Frank Lucia for a time as out third full time employee due to an outside of work accident but he has recently returned for a few hours a week and we hope to have him return to full capac-ity soon. We have limited assistance of a few part time seasonal employees, namely Bruce Cooley, Florentino Vazquez and Bill Messier. All of these individuals have shown exemplary performance and dedication to their jobs.

We are working with the engineer on the Small Bridge Grant and will be putting out to bid shortly. Herrick Road and South Street have been skim coated. We are working with the Water Department to assist us with the repairs of Russell Stage Road. We are also looking into other means of funding as the Highway Department rec-ognizes that many of the roads in town are in need of major repair. It is with our best efforts and with limited staff that we try to keep up with the maintenance.

We would like to also thank the town for the approval of a new dump truck. We are selling five pieces of equip-ment / vehicles.

We hope to see you at the Annual Town Meeting and look forward to your support so we can continue with the-se important road projects. As always, the Highway Department welcomes suggestions and input from the town residents as we strive to improve Blandford‟s infrastructure.


Bradley W. Curry

Highway Superintendent

HILLTOWN COMMUNITY AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, INC. (No report submitted)

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

The Blandford Historical Commission has continued this year its work to preserve and protect historical and archeological structures, landscapes and sites in Blandford, as charged by the State.

One of our two major continuing projects is the restoration of Watson Park. We have ongoing contracts with professional services for annual care and maintenance of the flower beds, shrubs and trees in Watson Park. This is budgeted for each year with payment from the Watson Park Trust Fund provided by Dr. Deane for this pri-vate park he donated to the town in the 1930s in memory of a town resident, Electra Watson.

The other important project for the Historical Commission is the use for Shepard Farm. After much legwork and preparatory planning, we have submitted to the attorney preliminary documents which we expect will lead to a release of a portion of the conservation restriction held by the State through the Department of Conservation & Recreation. This area includes the house and adjacent land which can then be used in the best interest of the town as directed by the Board of Selectmen. These procedures are State Law requirements.

As these priority projects progress more independently, it will allow the Commission to focus some additional time on inventories of buildings in town. The Commission will again this year be donating a book to the Porter Memorial Library relating to an aspect of history.

Residents are reminded that our Commission, as a municipal board, does not store any historical records. So people should access the town website to see details from our board for such items, including referrals to other agencies in Blandford.

2018 Peter Milford

2018 Janet Strausberg

2019 Katy Milford

2019 Linda Barnard

2020 Jo-Anne Auclair

PORTER MEMORIAL LIBRARY TRUSTEES

Having completed Phase 1 (Catalogue Conversion to digital format) of the Long Range Plan in 2016 made it possible for Porter Memorial Library (PML) to start Phase 2 (Reconfiguration) in 2017. The most visible change to date is the replacement of outdated, fixed shelving with caster-mounted shelving systems that allow maximal use of the existing floor print, which can now be opened up for meetings, classes and presentations.

The Catalogue Conversion made it possible for PML to join the CW/MARS network, giving PML cardholders access to over 9 million items in the collections of 144 member libraries. PML patrons responded enthusiastical-ly in 2017. Our 374 card-holders (a 16% increase) checked out an impressive 3216 items (a 65% increase from 2016)! In return, patrons of other CW/MARS member libraries have borrowed 1,447 items from PML, which is a net lender, with a 72% increase in inter-library loans from 2016.

Catalogue Conversion also made it possible for PML to cull its collections, which had outgrown storage capaci-ty. In April, culled items were offered to the Blandford community through a festive sale at the Town Hall. Cur-rently, 9086 books, CDs, DVDs, audio books and periodicals are included in the PML collection. Continuing de-acquisition, coordinated through Better World Books, will produce income earmarked for new acquisitions.

Library Director Janet Lombardo retired in October after years of dedicated leadership. Longtime staff members Lori, Bocon, Heidi Taberman and Renee Hudon moved on to other job opportunities. The Trustees extend their thanks and the thanks of PML patrons for their years of friendly and helpful service. Interim Library Director Judy Kelly came on board at the end of the calendar year, to provide leadership while the Trustees seek a fulltime replacement.

Phase 3 (Renovation) work has begun with bids being solicited for heating and cooling upgrades, lighting repalcement, improved sidewalk access and expanded parking capacity. Repairs to windows, ceilings, floors, and roof gutters will bring the facility into peak operating condition.

PML, as a municipally and state funded library, remains committed to free access to information, literacy and lifelong learning.


Mary Kronholm, Chair; Charles Benson, Treasurer; Byam Stevens

MUNICIPAL LIGHT PLANT

(no report submitted)

PLANNING BOARD

The Blandford Planning Board continues to work towards the promotion of health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Blandford. The goal being to protect and conserve the value of property with-in the Town and to secure safety from fire, congestion or confusion in accordance with the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Chapter 40A).

T.J. Cousineau continues to work with the Green Community Grant and states he is approximately 1/3 com-plete. LED lights have been installed in the town offices and auditorium. He is waiting on the Common-wealth‟s approval to move forward with the next stage.

We are a new board and have been reviewing by laws along with policies and procedures. We are presently working with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission on the installation of a solar field on North Blandford Rd.

We have welcomed Julie Mueller to the Board this year. Julie brings significant past knowledge from the Plan-ning Board and is instrumental in finding the correct person from the Commonwealth to answer questions and concerns pertaining to the Planning Board. We have also welcomed James Stockseth who brings youth an vi-tality to the Board. Both Julie and James were appointed to fill open positions.

We would like to thank Don Carpenter, Mary Mangini, John Bianco and Frank Burkott for their service to the Planning Board. All have resigned this year for personal reasons.

2021 Richard Barnard

2020 James Stockseth

2019 Jeff Allen

2019 Julie Mueller 2018 Sharon Barnard

POLICE DEPARTMENT


RECREATION COMMITTEE

It has been another busy year for the Recreation Committee! We sponsored the annual Memorial Day picnic that was well attended. Special thanks to Peter Langmore and Dick Gates who manned the grills. The Halloween party was packed with kids playing the games of skill manned by our volunteers. The favorite game, as always, was eating donuts off a string. This was our fifth year having a trick-or-treating trail in Watson Park. We had a wonderful turn-

out of residents who set-up and manned booths and decorated cars to distribute treats this year!

This coming summer the we will be joining forces with the town of Russell to help maintain Russell Pond. This col-laboration will allow Blandford residents to purchase passes at a reduced rate. More information about prices and how to purchase passes will be distributed as we draw closer to the swimming season.

If you have not already, we encourage you to explore the network of well groomed trails with foot bridges at the Knittel Conservation Area. The trails begin at the parking pull out area on Herrick Road. Great places to walk your dog or explore nature with you children.

As always, thanks to the many volunteers who have stepped forward to help make our events fun. We welcome a new member to our committee this year, Maggie Zajko . Thank you for joining us! If you would like to participate please email us at [email protected] or call Cara at (413) 552-9600. Respectfully submitted Chuck Benson - Chair; Cara Letendre - Secretary; Sabrina Kanner - Member; Keri Morawiec - Member: Maggie Zajko

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

It has been an eventful year in the Town of Blandford with some significant events occurring. First of all we would like to thank Adam Dolby for his years of service on the Selectboard. He has been instrumental in the Broadband project, the case against our former tax collector, outsourcing our accountant‟s office and much more. He continues to serve the town in his position on the Fire Department.

Karen Shaw has gone above and beyond in her role as Selectboard Administrator. She has stepped up to take on ex-tra tasks as needed and keeps us organized and on task.

It has been a year of considerable change for the town, transitioning to a more professional outsourced financial team, completing the process of cleaning up our financial affairs, completing the legal process against a former tax collector and working towards reimbursing affected individuals. The Town has also made considerable progress in allocating money to purchase of a fire truck, new highway equipment, and a building stabilization fund. While much has been accomplished, we recognize there is still work to be done.

This coming year we will continue to focus on the Broadband project. We are currently working with the Municipal Light Board, Westfield Gas and Electric and our Last Mile Liaison. Quarterly Reports will be presented at Select-board meetings going forward.

The Fire Department has more vehicles to replace in order to revamp their aging fleet and continues to seek grant funding. This coming year the highway fleet is still in need of our attention and we will be working with the High-way Superintendent in that regard. We recognize the need to progress further on the building project for Highway/Fire, placing building stabilization as a top priority.

Finally, there have been countless hours of time generously donated to the town over this past year by volunteers in many different roles. We would like to acknowledge their support for the community of Blandford, and sound a heartfelt THANK YOU for all of their many caring and generous efforts.


Cara Letendre William Levakis

TAX COLLECTOR


TOWN CLERK

The Town Clerk‟s office is often considered the first point of contact for the municipal offices. Since our Town Clerks office is part-time we have begun reviewing and updating some processes this year in order to assist residents in conducting their Town Clerk business in the easiest and most efficient method possible. Dog license online request process is in its final stages of setup and we hope to have it completed soon. Dog license forms are also available out-side of the Town Clerk‟s office door for after hour submittals. Former Town Clerk, Mary Kronholm, has agreed to remain on as Assistant Town Clerk to help make the transition and process adjustment flow smoothly. Her assistance has been instrumental and I thank her for her time and pa-tience.


Laurie Boucher

VETERANS' AGENT

See budget

WATER COMMISSIONERS

Secretary Hours: (Cara Letendre) Thursdays 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Email: [email protected] Phone: (413) 848-4279 x 304 (413) 552-9600

The Board of Water Commissioners is continuing to work diligently to keep water flowing to residents without any interruptions. Overall the Water Department has kept the water running well with no major problems to report for the previous year. We are looking to continue with infrastructure improvements this coming year. We are focusing in particular on the water line running down Russell Stage Road. We are looking into grant funding to help replace the 4" line with 8". Another project we are working on is purchasing equipment need-ed to start reading meters. This project has been a long time in coming.

Maintenance will begin mid-May to flush hydrants, exercise gate valves etc. We will also be doing necessary upgrades to the pump house as well as filter maintenance at the treatment plant . All our staff has continued to attend meetings and training programs. The Water Department is very proactive in training and educating our staff which makes the department run very smoothly and efficiently. Lastly, the Commissioners wish to thank all the water users and residents for their cooperation and support. Respectfully submitted, Gordon Avery - Chair; Florentino Vazquez - Clerk; Brian Champiney - Member

ZONING BOARD of APPEALS

The ZBA gave out one special permit and received a design for a sign over the past year.

The special permit was for a house to be built on a lot bordering on Main Street and Sunset Road. The lot al-ready contains one dwelling and was allowed a special permit for a second dwelling in accordance with the towns Zoning By-Laws.

The By-Law pertaining to the case is on page five, section 4.1.1.1. The Blandford Zoning By-Laws can be found on the internet under Town of Blandford, Zoning By-Laws.

The ZBA also received a design for a sign for a business at the Blandford Store.

The sign was within the required six square feet size and required no public hearing.

The ZBA did spend several meetings going over changes in the Zoning By-laws to help clarify their intent. The ZBA will also work with the Planning Board on their grant to revise the Zoning By-Laws.

Respectfully Submitted,

Chairman, Donald Brainerd

Member, Sumner Robbins

Member, James Kronholm

Alternate, Julie Mueller

Blandford Town Hall 413-848-4279

Financial Departments extension 1

100 Accountant 101 Tax Collector 102 Treasurer 103 Finance Committee (mailbox only)

General Government extension 2

200 Assessors

202 Conservation Commission (Mailbox only) 203 Town Clerk

204 Zoning Board of Appeals

206 Board of Selectmen

207 Planning Board

Public Works extension 3

301 Highway Department 302 Police Department 304 Water Department 305 Building Inspector (Mailbox only) 306 Tree Warden (Mailbox only) 307 Cemetery Commission (Mailbox only) 308 Dog Officer (Mailbox only) 309 Municipal Light Boad (Mailbox only)

Human Services extension 4

400 Council on Aging

401 Board of Health

Cultural and Recreation extension 5

500 Arts Council 501 Recreation Committee (Mailbox only) 502 Town Administrator

Fire Department NON EMERGENCIES

600 or 848-2874

601 or 848-2874

Porter Memorial Library

700 or 848-2853

Veterans‟ Agent Joseph Henning 413-427-3054

FINANCIAL REPORTS

REPORT OF THE TOWN ACCOUNTANT

TOWN OF BLANDFORD

To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and citizens of Blandford, I submit to you the following Annual

Financial Report.

Our mission is to ensure that the appropriate financial and auditing controls within the Town are

maintained in an efficient, cost-effective and responsive manner. We oversee all departmental

appropriations assuring that departments operate within their annual budget. In addition, we are

responsible for maintaining all financial records and that they are in compliance with federal, state and

local laws and regulations.


Eric A. Kinsherf, CPA

www.erickinsherfcpa.com

Town Accountant

WARRANT ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

County of Hampden, ss. Town of Blandford

TO: One of the Constables in the Town of Blandford, in said County and State

GREETINGS: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of Blandford qualified to vote in elections and town affairs to meet at the Blandford Town Hall, One Russell Stage Road, Blandford, on May 7, 2018 next, at 7 P.M., then and thereto to act on the following matters:

Article 1: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 39, §15 that the Town Moder-ator be authorized to declare a two-thirds vote without a count when passage of an article requires a two-thirds vote by statute, provided, however, that if the vote is immediately questioned by seven or more voters, a count shall be taken, or take any other action relative thereto..

Article 2: To see if the Town will vote to accept the reports of the Town Officials and act thereon; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 3: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $1,554,352 for the Gateway Regional School District for the period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 4: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $100,000 for the Vocational Education for the period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $36,000 for the transportation expenses for Vocational Education for the period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 6: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer and/or Tax Collector to enter into compensating balance agreements during Fiscal Year 2019 as permitted by M.G.L., c. 44, §53F; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 7: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Se-lectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018, in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L., c. 44, §4, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with M.G.L., c. 44, §17; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 8: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $15,000 for the Reserve Account; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $35,000 for the Stabilization Account; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 10: To see if the Town will vote pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 44, §53E ½, as most recently amended, to establish FY2019 spending limits as set forth below for the revolving funds established in Article XXI of the General Bylaw entitled, “Revolving Funds,” with such limits to be applicable from fiscal year to fiscal year until revised by Town Meeting prior to July 1 for the ensuing fiscal year:

Or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 11: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for and accept all Federal and State grants available to the Town of Blandford; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 12: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept all Chapter 90 funds; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds $2,326,729 to defray the expenses of the Town for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019; or take any other action relative thereto. (See Proposed Departmental Budgets)

Authorized Revolving Funds

Fiscal Year Expenditure Limit

Fire Department $10,000

Council on Aging $ 5,000

Electrical Inspector and

Plumbing Inspector

$10,000 each

Shepard Farm Property $10,000

Board of Health Perc Tests $10,000

Board of Health Trash Bag Program

$ 5,000

Article 14: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $552,032 from Water Department Funds to operate the Water Department for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019; or take any other action relative thereto. (See Proposed Departmental Budgets)

Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $100,000 for the Building Stabilization Account; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $85,000, for the Municipal Light Stabi-lization Fund; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 17: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of G.L. c. 59, § 5, clause Twenty-second G, providing that the exemptions available pursuant to clauses Twenty-second, Twenty-second A, Twen-ty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second D, Twenty-second E and Twenty-second F, with re-spect real estate of soldiers and sailors and their spouses based upon specified residency requirements, may be granted to otherwise eligible persons who have resided in the Commonwealth for one year pri-or to the date of filing for exemptions pursuant to the applicable clause; or take any other action rela-tive thereto.

Article 18: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town‟s Zoning Bylaw by adding a new Section XIV, Tem-porary Moratorium on Recreational Marijuana Establishments, that would provide as follows, and fur-ther to amend the Table of Contents to add Section XIV, “Temporary Moratorium on Recreational Marijuana Establishments”:

Section XIV: Temporary Moratorium on Marijuana Establishments.

A. Authority and purpose

By vote at the State election on November 8, 2016, the voters of the Commonwealth approved a law regulating the cultivation, distribution, possession and use of marijuana for recreational purposes. This law was amended on December 30, 2016 by extending certain deadlines by six months and the Cannabis Control Commission is required to issue regulations regarding implementation by March 15, 2018 and to begin accepting applications for licenses on April 1, 2018.

Currently under the Zoning Bylaw, Marijuana Establishments and Marijuana Retailers are not a permitted use in the Town and any regulation promulgated by the State Cannabis Control Commission are expected to provide guidance to the Town in regulating Marijuana Establish-ments and Marijuana Retailers. Further, the ballot measure establishes two important provi-sions that require ballot action by the Town prior to the adoption of zoning. First, the Town must, by ballot, determine whether it will issue licenses for Marijuana Establishments and Ma-rijuana Retailers; and, second, by ballot that cannot occur prior to November, 2018, the next biennial state election, on whether to allow on-site consumption of marijuana products should the Town decide to allow licenses for such facilities.

The regulation of Marijuana Establishments and Marijuana Retailers raise novel and complex legal, planning, and public safety issues and the Town needs time to study and consider the regulation of Marijuana Establishments and Marijuana

Retailers and address such novel and complex issues, as well as to address the potential impact of the State regulations on local zoning and to undertake a planning process to consider amending the Zoning Bylaw regarding regulation of Marijuana Establishments and Marijuana Retailers and other uses related to the regulation of marijuana. The Town intends to adopt a temporary mor-atorium on the use of land and structures in the Town for the Marijuana Establishments and Marijuana Retailers so as to allow the Town sufficient time to engage in a planning process to address effects of such structures and uses in the Town and to adopt provisions of the Zoning Bylaw in a manner consistent with sound land use planning goals and objectives.

B. Definitions

For purposes of this moratorium, the definitions set for in M.G.L. c. 94G, §1 shall apply.

C. Temporary Moratorium

For reasons set forth above and notwithstanding any other provisions of the Zoning Bylaw to the contrary, the Town hereby adopts a temporary moratorium on the use of land or structures for Marijuana Establishments and other uses related to recreational marijuana. Because of the statutory requirement to have the State Attorney General‟s Office approve all Zoning changes approved at Town Meeting, and the time it takes to prepare such submission for the Attorney General‟s Office to conduct their review and respond, the moratorium shall take effect through December 31, 2018 or 120 days from the date of the Town Meeting action, whichever occurs latter; or until such time as the Town adopts Zoning Bylaw amendments that regulate Marijua-na Establishments and obtain the Attorney General‟s Office approval, whichever occurs earli-er. During the moratorium period, the Town shall undertake a planning process to address the potential impacts of marijuana in Blandford, consider the Cannabis Advisory Board regula-tions regarding marijuana establishments and marijuana retailers and related uses, determine wither the Town shall restrict any or all licenses for such marijuana establishments and mariju-ana retailers, and consider such other and further matters as set forth in M.G.L. c. 94G, §3 and M.G.L. c. 64N, §3.

Article 19: To see if the Town will vote in accordance with M.G.L. c. 59, §38H or any other enabling authority to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a Real and Personal Property Tax Agreement with Green Apple Farms, IV, LLC or its affiliated entity, located at 250 W 57th Street, Suite 701, New York, NY 10107, for a period of up to twenty-five (25) years, and to approve said agreement under which Green Apple Farms IV, LLC or its affiliated entity, will pay the Town a sum of money per year in lieu of personal property taxes and in lieu of real estate taxes relative to seventy five (75) acre +/- parcel of land located at 0 Chester Street, Blandford, MA related to the proposed construction and operation of a Large-Scale Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installation(s) with an expected name-plate capacity of approximately 5 MW AC, and further to take any actions and execute any other doc-uments or ancillary agreements necessary, convenient, or appropriate to accomplish the foregoing and to implement and administer the agreement, all of which agreements and documents shall be on such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Board of Selectmen deems in the best interests of the Town; or take any other action relative thereto..

Article 20: To see if the town will vote to delete Section (D) Apportionment of Capital and Operating Costs from the Gateway Regional School District Agreement and replace it with a new section (D) Assessments, as follows:

SECTION IV APPORTIONMENT AND PAYMENT OF COSTS INCURRED BY THE DISTRICT

DELETE: Section (D) Apportionment of Capital and Operating Costs

Capital and operating costs shall be apportioned annually for the ensuing fiscal year on the basis of each member town‟s public school population. For the purpose of this subsection, public school pop-ulation shall be defined as the number of children residing in a member town and receiving education at the town‟s expenses. Each member town‟s share for each fiscal year shall be determined by com-puting the ration which that town‟s public school population on March 1 of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the apportionment is determined bears to the total public school population from all the member towns on the same date. In computing a town‟s public school population, the pupils referred to in subsection (D) of Section X shall be excluded.

REPLACE WITH: Section (D) Assessments

1. The District shall prepare on budget that shall include the funds necessary to support the operat-ing, transportation, and capital/debt needs of the District.

2. The assessment apportioned to each member town, shall be comprised of the following categories of costs, itemized and calculated as follows: a. The operating portion shall consist of all District expenditures less transportation, capital and

debt. The operating portion shall be calculated based on the Alternative Method as calculated as outlined in Subsection 3 below or based on the Statutory method calculated as follows: i. From the operating costs subtract Chapter 70 state aid, the total required minimum local

contributions from the member towns, and other general fund income. ii. The remaining amount is the amount over the minimum required local contributions. iii. The amount over the minimum required local contributions shall be assessed to the

member towns based on the March 1 student enrollment for the current fiscal year. For the purpose of defining enrollment related to the assessments, pupil enrollments shall be defined as the number of pupils in all grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelve (PK – 12), inclusive, residing in each member town and receiving education at member towns‟ expense.

b. The transportation portion shall be calculated by reducing the District‟s transportation costs by the amount the District anticipates receiving in Chapter 71 Transportation reimbursement and additional amounts from the Transportation Reserve Fund. The remaining amount shall be allocated to the towns based on enrollment on March 1 of the current year.

c. The debt and capital cost portion shall be allocated by enrollment based on the March 1 en-rollment of the current year.

d. The total assessment to each member town shall be the sum of the minimum local contribu-tion, the above minimum local contribution, transportation, and capital/debt, as calculated above.

3. Alternate Assessment Method

a. The Alternate Assessment shall create an equalized percentage assessment to each member town.

b. The member towns‟ combined operating, transportation, and capital/debt assessment shall be apportioned annually for the ensuing fiscal year by increasing each town‟s prior fiscal year assessment by the percentage of the total District assessment increase. The starting assess-ment shall be calculated using a five-year average as approved by the Regional School Com-mittee or otherwise agreed upon by the Regional School Committee.

c. When using the Alternative Assessment Method, each town must meet its Minimum Required Local Contribution. If the equalized percentage assessments results in a member town(s) not meeting the Minimum Required Local Contribution, then the town(s) so affected shall have their assessment increased to the Minimum Required Local Contribution amount. The re-maining towns shall have their assessment reduced in an equal manner.

4. Committee Budget Vote

a. The Committee will have the option to vote the Alternative Assessment Method each year starting with FY „2019.

5. Assessment Method

a. The member towns may choose to participate in the Alternate Assessment Method on a pilot basis for five (5) years beginning with FY „2019 with an annual vote at each town meeting on the assessment. The Alternate Method outlined in this section will end with FY „2023 unless the Regional Agreement is amended otherwise.

Article 21: To see if the town will vote to rescind the vote taken under Article 1 of the November 20, 2017 Spe-cial Town Meeting transferring $30,00 from the Capital Account and authorizing the borrowing of $201,250 for the purchase of a mini pumper; or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 22: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $30,000 from the capital account and $201,250 from certified Free Cash for the purchase of the 2018 Mack GU713 or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 23: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $2,867.94 from certified Free Cash to pay a fiscal year 2017 invoice from Lecrenski Bros., Inc. for vocational school transportation or take any other action rela-tive thereto. (four-fifths majority vote required)

Article 24: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $2,000 from Assessors Expense into the Assessors Clerk Sal-ary line item, or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 23: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $6,000 from Fire Department volunteer payments to Expenses for procurement of firefighter PPE, or take any other action relative thereto.

ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION WARRANT

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Hampden, ss.

GREETINGS: In the name of the Commonwealth you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said town who are qualified to vote in town elections to vote at

Blandford Town Office

1 Russell Stage Road, Blandford

Saturday, the Twelfth of May, 2018

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the following purpose:

To cast their votes in the Town Election for candidates for the following offices:

Assessor for three years

Board of Health for three years

Cemetery Commissioner for three years

Fence Viewer for three years

Fence Viewer for two years

Field Driver for three years

Library Trustee for three years

Moderator for three years Municipal Light Board f or three years

Planning Board for five years (2) Planning Board for one year

School Committee for three years Select Board for three years

Tree Warden for three years

Water Commissioner for three years

And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested Copies seven (7) days at least before the time of the meeting in three (3) public places in Blandford. Hereof fail not and make return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Clerk of said town at or before the time of said meeting.

Given under our hands and the seal of the Town of Blandford this 23rd Day of April, 2018.

I have served this warrant as directed.

_________________________________

Constable Date

Assessor for three years

Mary Mangini

_________________________________________

Board of Health for three years

*Frank Lucia

__________________________________________

Cemetery Commissioner for three years

*Stephen Jemiolo

__________________________________________

Cemetery Commissioner for one year

_________________________________________

Library Trustee for three years

*Byam Stevens

__________________________________________

Municipal Light Board for three years

*Peter Langmore _________________________________________

Municipal Light Board for one year

*Kim Bergland

__________________________________________

Planning Board for five years

__________________________________________

Planning Board for three years

RESULTS OF ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION

MAY 13, 2017

TO VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE, MARK A CROSS (X) IN THE SQUARE AT THE RIGHT OF THE NAME. (Use extra space below candidate‟s name if you wish to vote for a write-in.)

* Caucus Nominee ** Nomination Papers

Planning Board for two years

___________________________________________

Selectman for three years

Cara Letendre

__________________________________________

School Committee for three years

*Terri Garfield

__________________________________________

Town Clerk

*Laurie Boucher

__________________________________________

Water Commissioner for Three Years

*Florentino Vazquez, 2 N. Blandford Rd.

Minutes of May 1, 2017 Annual Town Meeting

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

County of Hampden, SS. Town of Blandford

At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the TOWN OF BLANDFORD, held on May 1, 2017 at the Blandford Town Hall, One Russell Stage Road, Blandford, Massachusetts, the following business was transacted:

Moderator: due to the Town‟s permanent Town Clerk not being present at meeting it was necessary to elect a Temporary Town Clerk by vote for purposes of the meeting. Moderator asked meeting to vote to authorize him to cast a single vote for election of Laurie Boucher (Assistant Town Clerk) as the Temporary Town Clerk for the evening. Vote passed and Laurie Boucher was elected as Town Clerk for the meeting.

Article 1: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. C. 39, Sec. 15 that the Town Moderator be authorized to declare a two-thirds vote without a count when passage of an article requires a two-thirds vote by statute, provided, however, that if the vote is immediately questioned by seven or more voters, a count shall be taken, or take any other action relative thereto..

Sponsor: Town Moderator

RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE: That the Town vote to approve the article as written.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN: That the Town vote to approve the article as written.

Article passed unanimously; a procedural motion

Article 2: To see if the Town will vote to accept the reports of the Town Officials and act thereon; or take any other action relative thereto.

Sponsor: Town Moderator

FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written.

THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written.

Article passed unanimously

Article 3: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town‟s General By-Laws, Section II, P. Arts Council by deleting this section in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:

P. Arts Council 1. The Arts Council shall consist of five members appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

2. Members shall be appointed for staggered terms of three years and any such member shall not be appointed to more than two consecutive terms, or for a total of six years, Members must remain off the council for a one-year interval before serving additional terms. 3. Members shall have demonstrated scholarship or creativity in, or distinguished service to, the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. 4. Upon a vacancy, for any reason, the member's successor, if any, shall be appointed for a term of three years, and shall serve until the qualification of such member's successor.

Sponsor: Arts Council




Article 4: To see if the town will vote to amend the Town‟s General By-laws Section III Committees, B, Organization of the Fi-nance Committee, Section 4 by deleting that section in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:–

Section 4. In the event of any vacancy in its membership, the Finance Committee shall notify the Moderator and the Town Clerk in writing within seven (7) days of such vacancy and the Appointing Committee shall fill such vacancy.

Sponsor: Town Administrator




Article 5: To see if the Town will vote pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.44, §53E½, as most recently amend-ed, to (1) establish the following revolving funds and fiscal year spending limits as set forth below, and further (2) to amend the General By-laws by inserting a new by-law, Article XXI, Revolving Funds, establishing various revolving funds, specifying the departmental receipts to be credited to each fund, the departmental purposes or programs for which each fund may be expended, and the entity authorized to expend each fund, such bylaw to provide as follows:

XXI, Revolving Funds

A. There are hereby established in the Town of Blandford pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.44, §53E½, the following Revolving Funds, from which the specified department head, board, commit-tee, or officer may incur liabilities against and spend monies from without appropriation in accord-ance with the limitations set forth in this by-law.

B. Fringe benefits of full-time employees whose salaries or wages are paid from the fund shall also be paid from the fund.

C. No liability shall be incurred in excess of the available balance of the fund.

D. The total amount spent during a fiscal year shall not exceed the amount authorized by Annual Town Meeting or any increase therein as may later be authorized by the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee in accordance with G.L. c.44, §53E½.

E. Interest earned on monies credited to a revolving fund established by this by-law shall be credited to the General Fund.

F. Authorized Revolving Funds

G. Procedures and Reports. Except as provided in General Laws Chapter 44, §53E½ and this by-law, all applicable state and local laws and regulations that govern the receipt, custody, expenditure and payment of town funds shall apply to the use of revolving funds established and authorized by this by-

law.

And, further, to establish the following fiscal year spending limit for such funds:

Or take any other action relative thereto.

Sponsor: Fire Chief, Council on Aging, Board of Selectmen, Board of Health



Article Amended

Article 5: To see if the Town will vote pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.44, §53E½, as most recently amended, to (1) establish the following revolving funds and fiscal year spending limits as set forth below, and further (2) to amend the General By-laws by inserting a new by-law, Article XXI, Revolving Funds, establishing various revolving funds, specifying the departmental receipts to be credited to each fund, the departmental purposes or programs for which each fund may be expended, and the entity author-ized to expend each fund, such bylaw to provide as follows: Amendment 1: Shepard Farm Property fiscal year spending limit changed to $30,000 due to expected logging. Amendment passed

Article passed as amended unanimously

Article 6: To see if the town will vote to fund the Town Administrator salary line at $1 for fiscal year 2018.

Sponsor: Citizen‟s Petition submitted by Don Carpenter

FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to take no action on this article.

THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to take no action on this article.

Motion to postpone Article indefinitely. Motion passed by secret ballot 72 yes to 30 no.

Article 7: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow mon-ey from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018, in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L., Ch. 44, Sec. 4, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with M.G.L., Ch. 44, Sec. 17; or take any other action relative thereto.

Sponsor: Board of Selectmen

FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written



Article 8: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer and/or Tax Collector to enter into compensating balance agreements during Fiscal Year 2018 as permitted by M.G.L., Ch. 44, Sec. 53F; or take any other action relative thereto.





Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $ 1,532,002 for the Gate-way Regional School District for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto.




Article amended

Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from available funds the sum of $ 1,532,002 for the Gateway Regional School District for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto. Article passed as amended unanimously

Article 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $ 75,000 for the Vocation-al Education for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto.




Article amended

Article 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from available funds the sum of $ 75,000 for the Vocational Education for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto. Article passed as amended unanimously

Article 11: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $35,000 for the transporta-tion expenses for Vocational Education for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; or take any other action rela-tive thereto.




Article amended

Article 11: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from available funds the sum of $35,000 for the transportation expens-es for Vocational Education for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto. Article passed as amended unanimously

Article 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $30,000 for the Reserve Account; or take any other action relative thereto.




Andy Montanaro made motion to change amount to $20,000- motion seconded. Finance committee recommends leaving article as it stands. Vote taken & motion was denied. Article passed unanimously

Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $70,000 for the Emergency Stabilization Account; or take any other action relative thereto.





Article 14: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for and accept all Federal and State grants availa-ble to the Town of Blandford; or take any other action relative thereto.


FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written. Article passed unanimously

Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept all Chapter 90 funds; or take any other action relative thereto.


FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written. Article passed unanimously

Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,566,370 to defray the expenses of the Town for the Fiscal Year be-ginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto. (See Proposed Departmental Budg-ets)



THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the budget with amendments.

Article amended

Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,609,371 to defray the expenses of the Town for the Fiscal Year be-ginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto. (See Proposed Departmental Budg-ets) Fire Dept. made motion for $40,000 to be set aside from building stabilization fund to be put towards a replacement

fire truck. Motion carries

Assessors made motion to change line item 18 to $4800 and line item 19 to $17680. Finance committee supports- mo-tion carries

Zoning Board made motion to increase line 58 to $450. Finance committee approves- motion carries. Selectman William Levakis made motion to change line item 8 to $60,000. Motion seconded and discussion followed

regarding proposed hours. Motion made to move question. Motion failed by small majority. As a result of above changes, line item 76 was increased to $400,041. Line item 131 carries as written

Selectman William Levakis made motion to change line item 135 to $13000 for Chapter 90 & grant $ record keeping. Finance committee amended to $9750. Motion carries as amended

Selectman Adam Dolby made motion to change line item 163 to $11,890. Motion passed

As a result of above changes, line item 168 was increased to $541,082

Line item 185 carries as written

Finance committee made motion to change line item 187 to $39,000 (previously agreed upon with library trustees). Motion carries

As a result of above changes line item 206 was changed to $64,546

Line item 215 carries as written

Article 16 carries as amended at $1,609,371.

Article 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $552,032 from Water Department Funds to operate the Water Department for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018; or take any other action relative thereto. (See Proposed Departmental Budgets)

Sponsor: Water Department




Article 18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $275,000 for the Building Stabilization Account; or take any other action relative thereto.




Article amended

Article 18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $275,000 for the Building Stabilization Account; or take any other action relative thereto

Per amendment on Article 16 this amount was decreased to $230,000 to set aside funds for fire truck and to bal-ance the budget. Motion carries.

Article 19: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $25,000 for the Municipal Light Stabilization Fund (Wired West Fiber Optic); or take any other action relative thereto.





Article 20: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of $37,989, representing the balance of retained earnings, for the Water Department Stabilization Account; or take any other action relative thereto.


BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to approve the article as written.

Article amended by Moderator

Article 20: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of $37,989, representing the balance of retained earnings, from the Water Department earnings to the Water Department Stabilization Account; or take any other action relative thereto. Article passed as amended

A true copy

Attest:

_________________________________

Laurie Boucher, Town Clerk

FY201

8 Passe

Subto-tals

FY2019 Re-

quested Subtotals Key Discussion Points

GENERAL GOVERNMENT July STM

Moderator's Salary 75 75 Moderator's Expense

Selectboard Salaries 5,261 6,000 ~ $12.40/hr 3 hrs per week for 52

Town Administrator 40,000 64,000 Increase Rqstd by BOS, Full-Time TA

.

Secretary Salary 9,750 14,976 18hr @ $16

Technology Training/ Support

Selectmen's Expenses 2,100 2,500

Finance Committee 600 400

Accountant Salary 5,500 0 Sourced accounting services

Town Consultant Services (Economic Development Dir) 18,100 Jean Leclaire (New Item for 2019)

PVPC Accounting Consulting Services 27,000 0 MARS Consulting Services (School Budget Consulting) 1,000 Facilitation for school budgeting

Outside Accountant Expenses - Eric Kin-sher 500 10,820 Sourced Accounts Payable ($500/mo)

Assessor's Stipend 4,800 4,896 Divided by 3 assessors

Assessor's Clerk Salary - Lori 17,680 18,034 Level funded per BOS. BOA Request-

SUBTOTAL 4-22 113,266 140,801

27,535

Dues, Membership fees 220 220

Education & Training 6,900 2,500 Tuition/class cost Mileage 600 600

Registry of Deeds 61 61

Legal Notices 150 150

Map ink 0 0

Cell Phone / IT 480 0

Misc. Expenses 500 500

Salary for Training 0 0

Assessors asked for $3K. Town cousel advise ZERO - stipend covers the du-ties of the position

Assessor's Contract Services 22,000 22,000

Total Assessors Costs SUBTOTAL 24-33

30,911 26,031

(4,880)

Treasurer's Dept. Salary 20,000 30,000 Outsourced with Tax Collector via

Treasurer Asst Salary 525 536

Treasurer's Expenses 6,600 9,480

Sourced: Eric K. - Health Insurance, Retirement, Supplemental Insurance & OBRA @ $240/mo

Tax Title Legal Fees 10,000 10,000 Tax Title Custodian (Research) 2,000 2,000

mailto:24hr@%20$17.43

Tax Collector's Salary 12,992 30,000 Outsourced with Tax Collector via PVPC (five towns)

Tax Collector's Expenses 7,714 7,700 Tax Title Advertising 5,000 5,000 Special Project: Collector's dept. 5,000 0

Town Clerk's Salary 11,648 11,881 16hrs/wk

Town Clerk Assistant 2,731 3,918

Town Clerk's Expenses 4,384

2,500

Town Reports Salary 693

693

Street & Dog List Salary 598

610

Street & Dog List Expenses 323

323

Vital Statistics Salary 50

51

Board of Registrar's Salary 60

60

Election & Registration 2,200

2,300

Town Reports Expenses 710

710

Conservation Commission

CC - Travel/gas 2,000 300 CC - MACC Dues (5 Members) 945 945

CC - Classes/webinars/training 2,000 2,000

CC - Chainsaw 0 0

CC - Mowing 0 0

CC - Miscellaneous (Camera, Game Cams, Chains and Locks) 0 0

Conservation Maps

Planning Board 500 600 Pioneer Valley Plan Com Assessment 185 185

Zoning Board of Appeals 450 450

Zoning Secretary 300 500

Town Buildings Custodial Staff 11,800 12,272

New Town Hall Maint. & Repairs 8,000 9,000 SoftRite - Maintainance Fees 17,500 19,380 Accela Contract for Services

Town Counsel / Legal Fees 30,000 37,500 Legal Fees + $7500 deductible (MCAD) Audit Services - Town Records 25,000 25,000

Town Hall Utilities (excl. water) 22,500 20,000

Town Water 10,456 10,456

Town Hall - Heating Fuel 21,000 21,000

Town Office Supplies (all) 10,000 5,000

Town Misc. Expenses (incl. mowing) 6,000 6,000 Old Town Hall: All expenses 5,000 5,000

Underground Tank Inspection

SUBTOTAL 35-83 266,864

293,349 Total Gov't FY2018 = $411,041

Total General Government FY 2019

460181

TOWN PROTECTION SERVICES

Hilltown Community Ambulance Service 24,840 26,204 Berkshire County Dispatch 4,940 4,940 Combined fire & police services

Police Salaries 29,000 29,580 . Software 600 800 . Radar Certifications 300 300 . Firearms Recertification 700 700 . (new) cell phone 0 0 870 requested

Training 700 1,000

Cruiser Maintenance 3,000 2,000

Fuel for vehicles 3,500 3,640

phones 0 0

Aircards 1,440 1,440

Uniforms 0 0 1000 requested


Radio Equipment 600 500

Blackboard connect 1,636 1,636

misc office supplies 300

Police & Ambulance SUBTOTAL 86-

103

72,156 73,940

1,784

Fire Chief 15,600 15,912

Department to bill FIRE calls to home-owner, with insurance notation, @ $100/call.

Fire Inspector

Firefighters/Clerk 6,000 1,000 no payouts in rolling 12 history

Clerk's Salary - -

Fire Dept Salaries SUBTOTAL 105-109

Notification/Response sys/Office supplies 1,150 1,150

Equip testing/repairs 7,300 7,300

Utilities (electric, gas, phone, cable) 2,500 2,500

Cell phones - -

heating fuel 3,000 3,000

Fuel for vehicles 1,750 1,750

Insurance 0 0

Apparatus repair/maintenance/inspections 5,100 5,100

Medical Response Supplies 1,500 1,500


Education & Training 3,000 3,000

Physical Exams 1,000 1,000

Building repair & Maintenance 2,000 2,000

Pager, Radio repair/maintenance 600 600

Emergency Equipment 500 500

SCBA/ compressor maintenance 2,000 2,000

Fire Suppression Equip/Supplies 2,900 2,900

Fire Dept Expenses SUBTOTAL 111-

127

34,900

34,900

-

0 0

Building Inspector Salary 5,400 5,400 Building Inspector Expenses 510 510

Plumbing Inspector Salary 0 0

Plumbing Inspector Salary - Revolving

Electrical Inspection Salary - Revolving 0 0

Inspector of Animals 543 554

Emergency Management (expense) 102 102

Dog Officer Salary 860 5,000

Nearby town animal control officer - comparison of salaries of Russell & Otis

Dog Officer Expenses 306 1,000

0 0

Tree Warden Salary 1,150 1,173

Tree Warden Expenses 510 510

Contract Svc - Tree Expense 24,000 20,000

SUBTOTAL 129-142 33,381 34,249 Total Protective FY 2018 = $162037

Total Protective Services 160,001

HIGHWAY

Highway Salaries 136,80

0 139,536 2%

Employee Benefits (est $16.6k each) Worker #3 37,440 37,440

Worker #4 TBD 0 0 Additional worker request @37,440. BOS not in budget

Highway Secretary 9,750 12,350 19hrs at $12.50/hr (Increase in hours) Overtime Salaries 3,000 3,000 P/T Salaries 12,600 12,000 (new) Clothing Allowance 2,900 3,500 Include Hwy provided PPE

SUBTOTAL 144-151

202,490

207,826 5,336

0 0

Snow & Ice Labor 32,455 32,455

Sand & Salt 55,000 55,000

Winter Repairs / Parts 12,000 14,000

Winter Fuel and Oil 17,000 17,000

SUBTOTAL 156-160 116,455

118,455

2,000

Equipment Rental - -

Western Mass Mower 1,000 1,000

Equipment Repairs (outside source) 30,000 40,000

Equipment Repairs (inside) 3,000 3,000

Hwy Vehicle Inspections

Fuel For Vehicles 20,000 20,000

Total Equipment Costs SUBTOTAL 162-167

54000 64000 10,000

Bldg Maint & Repairs 5,000 5,000

Utilities (electric, propane) 3,200 4,500 Total Building Costs SUBTOTAL 169-

171 8,200 9,500

Bridge repair N. Blandford Road/Gore Rd 500,000 Bridge Repair Grant captured as an expense and income

Road Repairs (gravel, blacktop, etc) 50,000 85,000

Routine Hwy Expenses 65,000 30,000 Shop Supplies

Total Hywy Maintenance SUBTOTAL 173-176

115,000

615,000 Hwy Total Budget Fy2018 = $496145

Hwy Total Budget 1,014,781

Transfer Station Salaries 11,890 11,890

Cartage & Tipping 25,500 25,500

Transfer Station Expenses 19,847 19,847

Cemetery Commission Expenses 3,500 3,500

Municipal Light Board (fiber optic) 1,000 16,000

$1000 annual fee, $15,000 contingency as we move into design/implementation phase

Total Public Works SUBTOTAL 179-184 61,737 76,737 1,091,518

Board of Health Salaries 2,399 2,447 Board of Health Secretary 3,236 3,301

Board of Health Expenses 11,417 11,417 Lee Visiting Nurses 350 350

Excercise 300 300

Staff/Volunteer Transport 200 200

Equipment/Furnishings 350 350

Supplies 200 200

Postage 96 96

Newletter Printing 150 150

Recreational/Social 900 900

Emergency Health Planning 300 300

Council on Aging Expenses: TTL 2,250 2,250

Adminstrative Support (New) 500 500 Is grant continuing from 2018 or re-move?

Veterans' Administration 1,700 1,700

Veterans' Benefits 27,000 27,000

TOTAL HUMAN SERVICE: SUBTOTAL 186-201

51,348 $

51,461 113

Library Salaries 39,000 39,780 Needed $1600 for new librarian

Books 13,393

13,393

Telephones 0 0

Electricity 0 0

Summer Reading/Toddler Time 2,000 2,000

Oil & Utilities 3,000 3,000

MassCat fee 2,183 2,183

Cleaning of Building 0 0

Snow Shoveling - -

Landscaping - -

Travel 300 300

Maint/Repair 300 300

Supplies 1,000 1,000

Shipping 300 300

Library Expenses SUBTOTAL 203-216 61,476

62,256

780

Recreation Committee 1,670 6,670 $5,000 addition to fund Russell Pond

Town Common Lawn Maint. 0 0 Historical Commission 600 275

0 Requested items for FY19 handled

0 items in FY18

0 0 Memorial Day 800 800

SUBTOTAL 218-225 7,745

TOTAL CULTURE, REC & LIBRARY 0 0 70,001 Insurance (Property, Liability) 54,000 54,000

Fire & Police Disability Insurance 15,000 15,000

Hampden County Retirement 48,022 60,549 Julian Bartley - Director 20% increase in salaries from '16-'17. Mandated 8%

Workers' Compensation 11,000 11,000

Unemployment Compensation 3,000 3,000

Group Insurance (Health) 61,671 128,071 Benefits for employees at $16,600 per person. (TA, Hwy, Asses Clk)

Medicare Town Share 10,000 10,000

TOTAL OVERHEAD EXP: SUB- 202,693 281,620

78,927

GATEWAY REGIONAL SCHOOL DIS-TRICT, VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND TRANSPORTATION

Gateway Regional School District 1,532,002

1,554,35

2 As per School Alternative Assessment

Vocational Schools 75,000 100,000 (Reduce/increase to known students +

Vocational Transportation 35,000 36,000

Total Education SUBTOTAL 236-

239

1,642,00 1,690,352

48,350

BUILDING STABILIZATION 217,60 100,000 Includes $25K for Library addition

EMERGENCY STABILIZATION 70,000 35,000

MUNICIPAL LIGHT STABILIZATION 85,000

Reserve Account 14,600 15,000

Loan & Int.-Debt Exclusion approved by 59,283 59,283

Loan & Int.-Debt Exclusion approved by voters Gateway only

0 0

Remaining Loan Debt (not subject to an override) 42,684 42,684 Adjustment due from Treasurer (trucks,

Annual Capital Equip./ Projects 100,00 70,000

Green Community Act 40,000 $40k Prepaid to state for Green Com-munity grant monies for heat pump sys-

Wired West Fiber Optic (Stabilization) 25,000 0 Wired West Funding moves to Munici-pal Light Stabilization

Total Other Exp SUBTOTAL 241-

250

529,167 446,967

(82,200)

GRAND TOTAL TOWN EXPENSES 3,620,716

4,252,101

TOWN REVENUE

Property & Real Estate Taxes 2,812,7

53

2,812,753

WARRANT for town meeting calls for $1,489,402

FREE CASH ACCOUNT .

Overlay Account -25,000 -25,000

New Growth 15,000 15,000

Water Dept. Overhead Expense 20,436 20,436 .

Cherry Sheet (State aid) 174,108

674,108 Cherry $174,108, Bridges grant $500,000

Subtract Cherry Sheet Allocated (ex. COA) 0 0

Building Inspector Receipts 0 0

Local Receipts: Motor Vehicle, Food and Lodging taxes, Etc.

475,000

475,000

Green Community Grant 40,000

$40k Prepaid to state for Green Com-munity grant monies for heat pump sys-tems for library & historical buildings

Debt Exclusion Income 58,542 58,542

Zoning Board of Appeals $30 filing fee for each case. Dept could not predict annual income.

Gateway Remodeling - Debt excl. 91,676 91,676

TOTAL TOWN REVENUE 3,622,5

15 4,162,515

Current Projected Tax Rate Adjustment 2.5% (See cell below)

NET REVENUE Minus EX-PENSES

1,798

(89,586)

(0.025)

2,326,749

Water Department - Enterprise Account

Superintendent Salary 37,925 37,925

Clerk's Salary 5,330 5,330

Secretary 10,000 10,000 . Water Dept. Administrator 0 0

Backup Superintendent 10,250 10,250

Commissioners' Salaries 6,304 6,304

Licensed Assistant 3,204 3,204

Field Commissioner (2014) 8,600 8,600

Other Labor 17,000 17,000

Utilities 30,000 30,000

Chemicals 15,375 15,375

Breaks and Repairs 42,000 42,000

Testing 10,250 10,250

System Repairs 0 0

Office Expenses 4,100 4,100

Equipment Repairs 3,075 3,075

Legal/Audit Fees 1,000 1,000

Software Support 1,025 1,025

Education and Training 4,100 4,100

Dept. Supplies 4,100 4,100

Medical Ins 16,600 16,600

Property Insurance 9,219 9,219

Utility Billing Module 3,400 3,400


Maintenance 15,000 15,000

Capitol Expense 13,000 13,000

Overhead/indirect Cost: Pd to town 20,436 20,436

--- 0 0

Payroll 98,613 98,613

Non-Salary Expenses 193,33 193,330

Debt Repayment 260,08 260,089

Total Water Dept. Expenses 552,03 552,032

Water Department Revenue

552,032

552,032 WARRANT for town meeting calls for $523,973. Need to adjust to match

Surplus

0 $37989 retained earnings Passed

0

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