News

Government at a glance


Published: November 20, 2009

Merrimac Board of Selectmen

Monday, Nov. 16, 2009

APPROVED

The River Road rebuilding is prepared for advertising the project for construction, beginning on Nov. 21. A contract for the engineering portion of the rebuilding is expected by Monday for $105,000. Since the amount is known, the contract was approved for signing as soon as it is received.

Selectmen chose the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission to assist the town in developing the new Housing Production Plan, as the committee is already paid for by the town, meaning no additional cost, but was noted as being as effective as the other bidders.

The resignation of Deb Woodward from the Conservation Commission was "accepted with regret."

West Newbury's request for copies of town police, dispatcher and highway contracts, in preparation for their own negotiations.

DISCUSSED

A centralized procurement department was decided against again, although the previous plan to create a list of vendors for various departments is continuing forward, which has already shown some results.

Police Chief James Flynn gave his approval before the meeting to have the police dispatchers take over the animal control hot line directly.

The recent Pentucket Regional School District Financial Advisory Meeting, including the upcoming 2011 school budget. Selectmen are planning to put forward what the town can afford by the next Financial Advisory Meeting on Dec. 2.

Moving the town voting equipment from a storage room in the Town Hall, which is being converted to an office for the new Department of Public Works director, to the basement of the Merrimac Public Library, both for freeing space and making the equipment more convenient. A vote was delayed until Pat True, the town clerk, had a chance to see the space.

A Massachusetts Municipal Association resolution to oppose current and future unfunded local mandates, which was brought up as context for the current debate about the unfunded state ethics mandate requiring all town employees, both elected and appointed, to receive training and information on conflict-of-interest laws during work hours.

The Water Master Plan, sent in by John Riordan. The plan will be discussed with the current DPW director at the Nov. 30 meeting.