ATHOL — At the Tuesday evening meeting of the Athol Select Board, Orange Police Chief Craig Lundgren agreed to temporarily assume duties as chief in Athol as well until the end of the fiscal year. Lundgren expressed his respect for the Athol Police Department. Having grown up in Orange, Lundgren said his 38 years in law enforcement included help along the way by numerous Athol Police officers. He looks forward to working with Athol officers. He stated officers have shown they are willing to go over and above their normal duties. An officer who demonstrated this, Scott Dubrule applied and received for the department a $20,000 grant to purchase mobile data units, which will be installed in five cruisers.
Frank Perullo from MassGrow requested a non-opposition letter from the Board to include medical marijuana at the 134 Chestnut Hill Avenue location. The request was granted with Rebecca Bialecki opposed. Perullo said phase one is in progress clearing out and reconstructing about 30,000 square feet. Utilizing local contractors, the job is expected to last six months. Tentatively, a job fair is scheduled for the January-February time frame, March hiring, and an opening in April. Phase two will be the demolition and reconstruction of an additional 60,000 square feet. Also, a purchase and sale agreement is being negotiated to buy the adjacent property. When questioned about security, Perullo said there is 24 x 7 coverage and will eventually include video coverage of the entire property.
The Vendor/Peddler license issued to Michael Kennedy, The Dawg Meister was reviewed and approved for nine months. He is currently setting up near the South Main Street bridge. His permit is for town-wide but he must notify the Board if his location changes. Town Counsel John Barrett pointed out that currently there are no zoning issues but could change if zoning by-laws were voted in.
Public safety complaints have been brought to Lee Chauvette regarding the crosswalk on Main Street near Subway and the fire station. The area is not well lit and has heavy traffic. Chauvette said he sat nearby and saw there is indeed a safety issue. It was decided to contact the Department of Public Works and ask for orange cones and crosswalk pedestrian signs be placed at both ends of the walkway. National Grid will also be contacted for a price on lighting the area.
Town Manager Shaun Suhoski attended a Route 2A Safety Meeting. Posted speed limits were discussed from the Phillipston line to South Main Street.
Suhoski reported that a grant for $105,000 will be used toward work being done on the former Pleasant Street School building. “Maker Space” is being created as part of the project that will include a community kitchen.
The Crescent Street bridge project is on hold as the Massachusetts Department of Transportation needs additional information about extended hours, double shifts, days of operation to send the job out to bid.
Rebecca Bialecki stated MART bus one-way senior fares of $1.50 were seen as prohibitive and will be reduced to $0.50. The projected loss of $3,877 revenue will be split with MART. Bialecki said she understands the frustrations of new businesses trying to open in town as there is not an up to date list of what licenses/permits/inspections have to be done. A list that had been created by former Town Manager David Ames will be updated.
Bialecki felt signage size needs to be addressed and placement on public property property addressed.
Veterans Day Services will be held by the Athol Veterans Council. Veterans will be honored at the Vietnam Memorial on Starrett Avenue 10 a.m., Uptown Common 10:15, across from the YMCA 10:30, and in Memorial Hall 11:00. Light refreshments will be served following by DAV Chapter 46.
A one year permit for Sidewalk Sales was issued to Just Stuff owner Michael Noonan. He agrees to leave at least 36 inches of sidewalk and handicap ramp to allow access.
Quabbin Valley Healthcare was granted a one day wine and malt license for a business cocktail party December 6.
Notification was sent to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission that the 2019 Seasonal Population Increase Estimate of Athol on July 10, 2019 will be 11,584.