Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Middleboro: Town Meeting May 13, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Middleboro's New Town Manager
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Middleboro: Does Anyone Do Their Homework?
WildRice
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:52 am
Quote:
Another candidate, John D'Agostino, Town Manager of Mansfield seems to be having problems with political enemies in that town. According to the Attleboro Sun Chronicle, he seems to be the impetus for a nasty recall election in progress there. No details were given, however.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Middleboro: Impressive Choices!
The jury concluded that D'Agostino, who oversees the Electric Department, had indulged in retaliatory behavior against Director John Beliveau and Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Stoyle, after Stoyle filed a sexual harassment complaint against D'Agostino and Beliveau supported her action. The complaint, filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, never went forward.
D'Agostino fired Beliveau in 2004. Stoyle quit in 2005, claiming D'Agostino's retaliatory behavior drove her out.
Amoruso and McCarter were linked to the issue because both were selectmen at the time of the alleged retaliation and selectmen oversee D'Agostino.
Meanwhile, a judge ruled last month that D'Agostino was personally responsible for about $1 million in damages and attorney's fees to Stoyle, and the town has appealed that ruling.
Friday, April 18, 2008
SJC Rules on Child Enticement Laws
State Supreme Court says child abuse cyber-stings legal
The Supreme Judicial Court today ruled that online stings in which police pose as children to catch sexual predators are legal and can be used to prosecute people.
It is the first time that the state supreme court has ruled on child enticement laws.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Soaring Energy Prices: Is Middleboro Immune?
Oil hits another record high as dollar drops to record low
Oil prices hit all-time highs above $115 a barrel Thursday with reports that oil and gasoline stocks in the United States were lower than expected and as the dollar hit record lows. Read More
.
And what has Middleboro done to reduce municipal energy consumption?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Solar Town Hall? Not in Middleboro!
Not so Middleboro! Is anyone talking about saving money or cutting energy costs? How come ALL other towns seem to be discussing reducing their energy costs, but not Middleboro?
Too busy pretending that the casino will bail them out of their poor decisions?
Cape Cod Today
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Verizon: The Whiners!
Amusement abounds about the Middleboro subscribers of Verizon who accepted service under misleading circumstances.
Verizon promises???
FOLKS ---- Think twice before signing!
In another venue, the whiners prevail 'Nothing can be done.'
Complaints are heard about poor quality reception, lack of service and so on.
At a certain point, a class action lawsuit will be filed. Does anyone recall the settlement against the predecessor of ComCast? It equalled about a month's service. You didn't participate? I did!
My Verizon complaints were resolved with a dedicated letter writing and phone calling campaign, but more could and should be accomplished to call the issue to the attention of legislators to assure amendment, but the whiners won't act. Nor will they complain!
Verizon: You Jokers!
Verizon: WAY TO GO!!!!!
Verizon: Your Cheatin' Heart .....#3
Verizon: Still Not Listening?
Can you hear me now? Verizon says No!
Verizon
Verizon: Your Cheatin' Heart .....#2
Have you contacted the Verizon President's office?
The number is 1 800 483 7988.
You might also check with your town to see if a license has been issued for FIOS.
I am not aware of Verizon collecting money up front.
Have you paid for the FIOS service but haven't received it ?
Please let me know.
Thank you, Christine Christine O'Toole
Compliance Officer
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Telecommunications & Cable
Department of Public Utilities Consumer Division
One South Station
Boston, MA 02110
1-800-392-6066 617-368-1127 >>>>>>>>>note new number 617 478-2591 Fax
Middleboro: Town Web Site
Middleboro: Embarrassing Conduct by BOS
.
You can't ALL have Verizon and use that as an excuse.
.
Thank you for all who made wise choices during the recent Town Election.
.
Middleboro Assessors: Revisited #2
Monday, April 14, 2008
Middleboro Assessors: Revisited #1
Middleboro Assessors: How Much Worse?
Middleboro Property Valuations
Verizon: You Jokers!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Verizon: Finally, Middleboro Can Hear!
Nice work!
Do you hear the applause?
Could you tell us how many years??
Verizon
Deep Cuts .....but Middleboro?
This has been an interesting time with buckets of information about energy, but it's curious that when discussing municipal problems, the Globe points out 2 communities:
.
Deep cuts loom across state
Expenses outpacing revenue and state aid
Fewer cities, towns seeking override votes
By Eric Moskowitz
Globe Staff / April 6, 2008
BY RICK FOSTER / SUN CHRONICLE
If you think you're paying high electric bills, it might not be just because of rising fuel prices.
Decreasing energy use, or finding a renewable source, can also help relieve this heavy burden on available utilities.
Way back in May 2005, the Massachusetts Electricity Facility Siting Board issued a finding that the 468-megawatt Cape Wind wind-farm project would save New England rate-payers “at least” $25 million a year. Now that oil prices are much, much higher, we wonder how much more it could save.
The board, in its finding, aimed to introduce much-needed competition into the severely constrained New England electric grid. ProvidenceJournal
The excitement on Cape Cod was palpable on the weekend leading up to the MMS hearings on the Cape Wind project, and not just at the thought of dueling minstrels at the microphone. To the unbounded joy of the wind farm opponents on stage, the Deus ex Machina of Blue H USA appeared from the wings with perfect timing to state that you can have wind power without seeing it. CapeCodToday
Pembroke energy panel wants town to ‘go green’
The Energy Committee will propose a town meeting bylaw that sets higher standards for energy efficiency throughout town government.
By Sydney Schwartz
PEMBROKE —
Pembroke officials are hoping the town will “go green” this year.
The Pembroke Energy Committee will ask residents at town meeting to include energy conservation in the town bylaws — and set higher standards for energy efficiency in town government.
The group, which has been meeting since July, is also looking into saving the town money in buying gas, fuel and electricity, and into developing renewable energies, like wind power, chairman Nick Zechello said.
“It brings the awareness to town government that it starts at the local level,” Zechello said. “It starts with the town employees. It starts with the department heads, to conserve energy.”
If approved at the April 22 town meeting, the bylaw would require every department head and employee to work to reduce energy consumption.
Department heads would be encouraged to buy energy-efficient vehicles and drivers would be encouraged to use less fuel, if possible, according to the proposal.
Middleboro: Property Valuations
Since the Middleboro BOS have failed to mail real estate tax bills on time for the last two years, an abatement needs to be filed by the first payment due date.
Abatement Forms are available on the town's web site and include instructions.
When you are denied an abatement, you have a right to file an appeal with the Appellate Tax Board. Instructions and forms are available on line: ATB
You will then receive notification of a hearing date.
Among the issues you might include:
1. Noise which needs to include additional commuter rail trains
2. Exhaust pollution
3. Traffic and congestion
4. Environmental degradation, which should probably include the eventual draw down of wells and light pollution
5. Crime If you review the statistics, crime will increase during construction, but will increase precipitously ~ 3 years after casino opening. Stats and studies available, but additional studies are available from officials in communities in CT you need to review.
6. Decline of school performance -- Most of us are aware of home sales that have been lost because of the current school performance. Most of us are aware of those forced to withdraw their children from Middleboro's schools and pay private school tuition. The introduction of non-English speaking children will propel the decline because of the town's inability to absorb the costs.
7. SCHOOLS ***
This is a BIGGIE. Middleboro schools are near capacity. Any increase will necessitate NEW school construction that collides with the state's 5 year lead time that Rep. Calter addressed.
The communities surrounding Foxwoods teach + 30 different languages. The little town of Clark, CT went from 2 ESL teachers to 100.
8. OUTFLUX
Although Steve Spartaro's comments about GENTRIFICATION were mostly unintelligible, the concept is mostly correct.
Higher income, better educated residents will leave.
High wage casino workers DO NOT live near the casinos.
9. Degardation of neighborhoods
Single family homes in the Montville, CT (host of Mohegan Sun) have experienced major problems with HUT HOUSES. Those are single family homes within walking distance of the casino that provide overcrowded housing for low wage workers.
The Cape has experienced comparable problems that they term HOT BUNKING.
Guest workers fill overcrowded houses, owners have little interest in maintaining properties. Neighborhoods are no longer designed for families and the few remaining families flee.
10. Historical failure of Middleboro to address fiscal issues will have disasterous consequences that impede the town's ability to respond.
While some are rolling their eyes and dreading consideration of the DULL & BORING money issues, this is much the same issue dismissed by those sub-prime mortgage borrowers who deny that the 12% or 15% mortgage they pay is meaningless, while others pay 5%.
The BOS in the town's charter are charged as Auditors, but have failed to address issues raised in the DOR Report or the previous Auditors' Reports. (both are available on nemasket posted in docs or the sidebar to the right)
As you might figure, MR could write endlessly about poor fiscal management the BOS has failed to address, but will refrain.
While they might proclaim lack of revenues and sputter and whine to distract you from their failures, sort through the buzzwords. And pay attention to this year's proposed solutions.
On the laundry list of proposals presented by the interim Town Manager was the use of the FAM (Financial Assurance Mechanism) account of ~ $700,000 and the $3 Million landfill settlement to fund CURRENT expenses.
Shortly after the $3 Million landfill settlement was announced, the School Department presented a RESTORATION BUDGET that was ~ $3 Million. Coincidence? And other department heads expanded their wish lists. Do you wonder why?
Several of us posted words to the effect that the $3 Million would be USED for current expenses. Those words were met with disbelief. Nahhhh!
That $3 Million represents bond funding that should be repaid.
Middleboro is going to fund EXPENSES yet again with ONE TIME REVENUES.
This STUFF is important to the bond markets and banks. It should be important to those who pay the bills.
.
Middleboro Asessors: How Much Worse?
12/17/07 Selectmen's Meeting: Speculation and Incompetence
J. Powell
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Middleboro: Congratulations!
Although some are disappointed for a number of reasons, a great deal has been accomplished.
The change that all of those who participated have begun is truly impressive
and will continue to grow based on the issues and facts.
Voter turnout and participation has significantly increased and more
are focused on information.
More voters are watching and attending the Selectmen's Meetings and asking questions.
More voters are offering suggestions and building a COMMUNITY.
Change takes time, but what a difference all of you have made!
Thank you for being involved!
Jessie
Monday, April 7, 2008
Middleboro Selectmen's Agenda April 7, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Vote to assign a member to sign payroll/warrants.
A. SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
March 31, 2008
B. HEARINGS, MEETINGS, & LICENSES
7:05 PM Veterans’ Agent re Memorial Day Events
7:15 PM D. Boucher re Earth Removal Permit(s) Discussion
7:30 PM Department Heads re ATM/STM Warrant Articles Discussion
C. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss Process of Hiring New Fire Chief.
2. Request from Antiques, Etc. to use T. Hall front lawn/parking area re antique show.
3. Request from Verizon - policy clarification re newspaper public hearing notice.
4. YMCA Request to run a Road Race and Triathlon.
5. Request from Ann Marie Wells for Appeal of 3-17-08 dog decision.
6. Request from Town Planner re Planning Conference, Casino Planning Workshops.
7. Discussion & Vote to release Executive Session minutes.
D. OLD BUSINESS
1. Chapter 61 – Gibbs property
2. Follow up re Kevin Murphy – Question re Outstanding fees
E. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
F. SELECTMEN’S BILLS
G. OTHER
H. CORRESPONDENCE
I. EXECUTIVE SESSION
MEETING WILL BE HELD AT TOWN HALL
10 NICKERSON AVENUE
MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
Sunday, April 6, 2008
VOTE MIDDLEBORO
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead
Verizon: WAY TO GO!!!!!
You guys are sure impressive!
Each story and delay is new and creative!
That much innovation should not go unrewarded!
.
VERIZON
Friday, April 4, 2008
MIDDLEBORO TOWN ELECTION APRIL 5TH
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Middleboro: Central Fire Station Flaws
Middleboro: 'dodo' bird benefits?
Personnel Board chairman Kevin Cook criticizes the town’s “ridiculous benefits.”
....the House of Cards constructed by the failure of voters to pay attention, ask questions, participate and attend Town Meeting threatens to collapse.
A review of the STM Warrant discloses additional sick leave buybacks, yet the figures have never been calculated or accrued, the time never recorded. The IT Director recently stated that the Town wouldn't have the capacity to track that information until 10/1/07.
The recently hired Town Accountant has a comparable provision in his contract. He can accumulate up to 275 days sick leave. A salaried employee whose contract only requires a 4 day work week gets SICK PAY?