by Frank Schroth
The board received updates on a variety of topics. They included a DPW report, the new Animal Shelter, a general condo article, and the status of the Ulin rink.
First up was DPW Director Joe Lynch. His update included but was not limited to the following:
Commentary by Frank Schroth
At the risk of walking onto thin ice, here are some thoughts on moving forward with the Ulin rink which is more than a bit of a sticky wicket for the town. This dramatic municipal miniseries has a long cast of characters (DCR, Town Planner Bill Clark, Friends of Ulin rink, Selectman Tom Hurley, Curry College, Senator Joyce, Representative Tiimilty) and a plot laced with suspicion. But there are no bad guys. . . there’s just no money.
by Frank Schroth
At last week’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen the board received an update from Rick Sullivan, CFO of Curry College regarding the Ulin rink. Curry College manages the rink on behalf of the town. The town has a permit from the DCR which expires at the end of April as does the town’s agreement with Curry. The town has been granted a 1 year extension on their permit from the DCR and it is possible that town will do the same with Curry.
by Frank Schroth
As reported here, on the town web site, and in yesterday’s Globe, the Ulin Rink was closed recently by DCR that deemed it unsafe until snow was removed from the roof. Curry College removed that snow and completed the work in time to have the rink reopened in time for the scheduled MIAA tournament game between MHS Girls and Medway/Ashland.
Notice from Town Hall
Due to public safety concerns, Ulin Rink will remain closed. A snow-slide off the roof could cause damage to the lobby and locker room, and potentially injure anyone inside. Crews have been working since last Thursday to remove snow, which is 3-4 feet deep on the center portion of the roof.
Town Hall Notice rec’d 10:26PM 2/21
DUE TO SNOW ON THE ROOF, ULIN RINK IS CLOSED. SNOW REMOVAL WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW.
by Frank Schroth
The recent weather is fraying nerves and creating some stress. Some of that erupted at Citizens Speak last Wednesday night when Town Meeting Member Sheryl Fleitman presented a series of complaints about snow clearing operations in the area of Essex and Crown streets. She said the DPW director was “vindictive” and “untrustworthy” at which point Chair Conlon cut her off and said personal attacks would not be allowed.
by Frank Schroth
It appears that annual Town Meeting will have a full plate. At last week’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen the members reviewed 17 articles that will be included in the warrant in addition to the budget articles. There were some surprises. Following are some highlights of articles to be voted on in May.
by Frank Schroth
At last Tueday’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting they discussed the the ongoing management and status of operations of the Ulin rink with representatives of Curry College and reviewed another draft of the process for handling property owners who have been receiving free sewer service with DPW director Joe Lynch and Town Counsel John Flynn.
by Frank Schroth
The deadline to appeal the FAA’s decision to change the flights coming off runway 33L is August 3rd. In the opinion of John Flynn, Town Counsel and David Godine, Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) representative, do not advise that course of action. Godine told them that we “should give up the battle and fight the war”.