ATHOL – The freshly sworn in Fire Chief Joseph P. Guarnera was introduced to the Athol Select Board at their Tuesday meeting. Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said that the over 20 years of experience in law enforcement and fire and rescue in Revere, and most recently as Assistant Chief of Operations in Berlin, make Guarnera a good fit for the job. Guarnera thanked the board and said he has met his personnel and plans to meet with all, one-on-one. He said this is a new chapter, the next step for the department’s and his growth.
The board approved a one-day liquor permit requested by Ted Ledgard for the Rotary Club’s Annual Dinner and Auction on Nov. 14 at the Athol Town Hall. This year’s theme is “Once upon a time…”. The King Phillip Restaurant of Phillipston will be providing liquor and trained staff.
The board appointed Marc Freeman to the Alternate seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Superintendent of Public Works Douglas Walsh said extended hours may be requested for the construction of the Crescent Street bridge. Usual hours would be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anticipated completion with these hours would be two years. To expedite the completion of the project to 18 months would require extended work hours, possibly 3 to 11 p.m. and weekends. Rebecca Bialecki asked if this could be readdressed if problems or complaints arose. Suhoski will reach out to Mass Department of Transportation, which is the contracting agency.
Eric Smith, of the Planning Board, and Marc Dohan of New Vue spoke about the Liabilities to Assets Pilot. Under Massachusetts General Law 121A, New Vue Liabilities to Assets (NVLTA) of Fitchburg formed as a non-profit corporation to facilitate the redevelopment of primarily one and two family properties in five participating communities (Athol, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster) that will be or have been vacant for three years, are deteriorated or contribute to blight conditions, and have a negative impact on their surrounding neighborhoods. Initially 21 properties were identified in Athol. Subsequently, four properties have been removed. There are two clusters with five properties within a half mile radius. Jeff Parker is the Athol representative on New Vue. The Select Board wishes to continue with the pilot.
Smith also reported that public parking is an issue on the Downtown Initiative and said a parking management plan needs to be developed. Nelson and Nygard of Shelburne may be able to recommend one.
A warrant for the Nov. 6 election ballot was approved.
Town Clerk Nancy Burnham explained there are 3 ways to vote:
— absentee ballot (if not in area election day; physically disabled; or religious beliefs)
— early voting (Monday, Oct. 22 to Nov. 2 at the Athol Town Hall during regular business hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m to 8 p.m.; also 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 26 and 27, and Nov. 2. These ballots will be locked up and counted on Nov. 6)
— in person on Nov. 6. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. with all 3 precincts voting at the Senior Center.
Halloween Trick or Treat Hours will be October 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The 5:30 start is to allow people more time to get home.
Lee Chauvette said he has received complaints about the Main Street being dark. National Grid will be contacted to replace some of those not working. Eventually the lighting will be changed over to LED.
Stephen Raymond reported that the Salvation Army Kettle drive will begin on Nov. 18 and continue until the week before Christmas. There will be a kick-off breakfast on Nov. 17.
According to Suhoski, there is ongoing discussion with Orange about the possibility of sharing their police chief 50/50 with regard to time and cost.
Mass Grow continues to prepare the old UTD property while awaiting their license approval to sell marijuana including for medical purposes.
The recent Manufacturing Day at Starrett’s drew in over one hundred students from three or four tech schools. The company has over 1500 employees with about 600 here in Athol.