WHERE DO WE PUT IT ALL ???WHERE DO WE PUT IT ALL ???

If at first you don’t succeed ...ITRITR●1/28/11

JIM LANEJIM LANEruns for Selectmen

Friday afternoon Jim Lane took out nomination papers from the town offices

to begin his second run for the board of Selectmen.Lane ran for Selectmen in the fall but lost to Pat Wojtas in the town’s specialelection to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Sean Scanlon.☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆Why I am running for Board of SelectmanWhy I am running for Board of SelectmanI live on Old Westford Road with my wife, Deanna, and our 7-year-old twins, who attend the Byam School. I also have a 26-year old son. Deanna and I are proud to be from Chelmsford, andappreciate the abundance of opportunities that raising our family herehas given us.

I have been very involved in the community that has been so good tomyself and my family. During this time I have continuallybroadened my experience in town government. As an Elected Plan-ning Board Member, Chairman of the Master Plan Committee, Com-munity Preservation Committee Member, and an elected Town Meeting Representative I have continued to research the issues, ask tough questions and cast my vote based on the best interest of Chelmsford.

Most recently, I have participated in a 20 month comprehensive Mas-ter Plan review which looked at every aspect of the town. The MasterPlan sets the strategic vision for the next 10-15 years identifying is-sues, opportunities and recommendations which will guide futureboards, committees and policy makers for the town.

In my professional career, my current position is that of Regional Vice President & General Manager for EMCOR Facilities Serv-ices, a Fortune 500 leader in commercial real estate solutions for Facilities Management and Property Asset Management. Collectively I have over 25 years of experience in facility management, operations and maintenance, and other services, often at sites with highly technical requirements and mission-critical functions. My responsibilities include overseeing of a multimillion dollar budget and managing more than 300 employees. My experience offers a lengthy background negotiating and managing union contracts through collective bargaining.

Prior to EMCOR I was employed by Johnson Controls, Inc., This was an opportunity that broadened my experience and deep-ened my knowledge of how to manage buildings for maximum performance. During this time, I was responsible for the award-winning John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse. One of my most significant honors came when my projectteam was presented with the Presidential Leadership in Energy Conservation Award for reducing the governments total energycosts over 14 percent, resulting in savings of $600,000.

The past several years have brought tough financial challenges and continuing change for our community. Now more than ever we need experienced leadership to ensure that Chelmsford remains one of the finest towns in the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts. With my business acumen, proven leadership ability and town government background I can help the current board collectively and collaboratively make sensible, sound decisions in the best interest of Chelmsford.

Those who know me understand I will commit myself to ensuring the towns continued financial strength. With carefulfinancial planning, we need to continue to maintain our stabilization fund in order to meet the uncertainty of our state and nationaleconomy. We must also be mindful of our bond rating, which greatly impacts our cost of borrowing money for the many importantprojects in town, including our current sewer and school project. Finally, it is incumbent on all elected officials, to advocate for more aid from the state. Public safety and public education need to remain our top priorities as we continue to navigate through this unprecedented time of budget challenges.

Here is a sampling of the items I will pursue if elected as YOUR Selectman:1. Preserve & Protect open space and natural resources2. Utilize my financial and business experience to ensure our town remains financially solid moving into the future 3. Ensure that Green initiatives and Energy initiatives are instituted into our town bylaws 4. Reduce health care costs by pursuing more cost effective plans 5. Pursue additional revenue generating sources for the town6. Reduction of vacancy rates on existing commercial property7. Institute a Citizens’ suggestion box on the towns website8. Reinstitute the town wide public input sessions on a quarterly basis

I welcome the opportunity to bring my business experience, financial acumen and long range planning background to the Board of Selectmen, and respectfully ask for your vote (on Election Day, April 5th).

Jim LaneCandidate for Chelmsford Selectmanemail: jim@electjimlane.comphone: 978.256.5381

Ice Rink Opens for Winter FunAfter setbacks and storms, the Community Ice Project opened to thrilled skaters Sunday morning.

By Julia Gavin 1/24/2011

www.chelmsford.patch.com

The Community Ice Project made it through vandalism, melted ice, and storms to get here, butas of 10 a.m. on Sunday, it's up and running.

"We made it,"We made it," said John Smith, lead maintenance coor-dinator, " we're finally openwe're finally open."

Jay Taranto, who has been organizing the project whileits founder Phil Cohen is out of town on military duty,gave a short speech thanking the community, town, andvolunteers for all their hard work to get the rink on its feet.Jessica, Cohen's wife, cut the ribbon to open the ice forfun.

"Phil wishes he could be here,Phil wishes he could be here," Cohen said of herhusband who will likely be in town for a Winterfest eventat the rink. "We're happy that these guys picked itWe're happy that these guys picked it

up while he had to be away.up while he had to be away."

As volunteers and community members watched the firstskater, Alexandra Taranto, 12, of Chelmsford, take theice, there were many smiling faces set against the sunnybut cold morning.

"It's exciting,It's exciting," Taranto said of the rink. "It'll be fun to have.It'll be fun to have."

Many of the volunteers who have worked on the rink were on hand to watch the first skaters.

"It's been a lot of hard work,It's been a lot of hard work," Smith said. "I need some rest, but it's great to seeI need some rest, but it's great to see

people out there.people out there."

With so many hurdles beaten, the Community Ice Project volunteers and supporters are nowlooking forward to many ice skating sessions for the community.

"It's very exciting and has been a long time coming,It's very exciting and has been a long time coming, " Taranto said while watching hisdaughter skate. "Now we're just looking forward to people coming down and enjoyNow we're just looking forward to people coming down and enjoy--

ing the rinking the rink."

Next steps for the rink include the installation of night lights for evening activities and surveil-lance and a final hot water cover treatment after this week's storm.

For more information on the rink and to learn how to help through volunteering or making a do-nation, please visit their Web site Web site or call John Smith at (978) 580-0170.

Julie McDougall of Chelmsford said her daughter Anna didn't believe that she used to skate on ponds and is looking forward to using the outdoor rink frequently. Credit Julia Gavin

Finally...

OPENING DAYOPENING DAY

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE for Video footageof Opening Day

Photos byPhotos by

ScoopScoop

Tom ChristianoTom Christiano

Phil StanwayPhil Stanway

Electrically charged voteElectrically charged voteITRITR●1/20/11

On January 20th a demostration was held at the town offices of the electronic voting system thatTown Meeting will vote on in April.

The cost can range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on how high tech the system you buy is.

If approved, Chelmsford could be the first in the area to use the system in recording Town Meet-ing votes and being able to make every Town Rep’s voting record available to the residents whovote for them.

What are some of the Town Representatives thoughts on the subject?

Joanne Anderson Precinct 6 TM REP :

I think it is a good idea; however, I think a lot of people in town will find this to be money that should be spentelsewhere at this time. Especially with all the news of the teachers not having a contract for so long asthere's no money. I think we would look like hypocrites spending money where it does not need to be spenttoday. I realize teachers raises and this are in 2 totally different price tags, but can someone tell me wherethe money is coming from to pay for this and how much extra money will need to go into it in the future forupgrades, etc? I do think it would be helpful too for people to see who shows up and who doesn't. I was sur-prised looking at the In-Town Report how many people miss 1/2 the Town Meetings.

Debbie Derry Precinct 6 TM REP :

I am in favor of a system that not only would record our vote but also show the attendance of town meetingreps.

Matthew Cilento Precinct 6 TM REP :

I like the idea. This might even identify those that register as attending but happen to leave early...Is this a one time expense or are there ongoing 'operating costs' associated with it, or additional personnelrequired to manage it? While this is a Good Idea, we should be cautious of expenditures in light of these fis-cal times - and the public perception of such expenditures...

Jodi O’neill Precinct 7 TM REP :

My first thought ..no problem I have no problem with the idea of my voting record being public. Secondthought...$10,000 should be spent on something more important. I don't really see how this would improveservices to our town. I'll think about this one for a bit but overall I believe we have more important things tofocus on.

Peggy Dunn Precinct 1 TM REP :

This is the only really responsible and accountable way to go.

Art Carmen Precinct 9 TM REP :

How about public donation for $5K and matching appropriation for the other 5K. I'm more interested in theteachers getting a decent and affordable raise at this point after bogged down SC negotiations for close to 2 years now.

Jim Lane Precinct 7 TM REP :

I am VERY much in favor of bringing this technology toChelmsford. Accountability and transparency is always a positive and willallow the hard working taxpayers to see exactly how their elected reps arevoting and will provide a permanent record for the town clerk.Additional benefits the town would leverage

long term cost savings with less staff needed for hand countsInstant results posted on the power point screens or monitorsHistorical benchmarking data for the town to utilize for how certainprecincts vote on specific areas such as budgets, capital purchases,bylaw modifications, etc..Better accuracy on controversial votes....ie: billboardsPotential revenue generation. The town could look into renting thisequipment to other towns who may not want to purchase.

Realizing this technology is relatively a new concept in a local municipalgovernment I would recommend you initiate a testing of the system beforeany purchases are made. As I had mentioned previously, the town of Waylandhas tested this technology which I believe was done at no cost and was wellreceived by the public.Great idea and I am willing to help anyway you need to bring this into Chelmsford.

Colleen Stansfield Precinct 6 TM REP :

This might even identify those that register as attending but happen to leave early...

Hank Houle Precinct 4 TM REP :

Electronic voting, that is a great idea.

Sheila Pichette Precinct 4 TM REP :

Think it is a great idea but, is there any type of funding that we could receive from the state for the $10,000 to install - Ha!

On the recent Politically Incorrect show the topic of Electronic Voting at Town Meeting came up.

Listen in on what was said

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

Building Committee Presents Plans forBuilding Committee Presents Plans for

$9M Fire Station$9M Fire Station

The proposed new station would be built on either Wilson at Chelmsford StreetThe proposed new station would be built on either Wilson at Chelmsford Street

or Crosby Lane at North Road.or Crosby Lane at North Road.

By Krista Perry 1/25/11

www.chelmsford.patch.com

The Permanent Building Committee lastnight presented plans to selectmen for anew fire station to replace the one in thecenter of town, which has been deterioratingfor several years.

Committee Co-Chairman Pat Maloney pro-posed either a $9.1 million station on WilsonStreet and Chelmsford Street, or a $9.5 mil-lion station on North Road and Crosby Lane.

St. Mary's Church currently owns theNorth Road property. The church has of-fered to sell it to the town as they are rais-ing money to building a $3 million parishcenter. The difference in cost lies in theapproximately $400,000 the town bud-geted for buying the land.

"There are structural deficiencies,There are structural deficiencies,

there's no room for training (in the current station),there's no room for training (in the current station)," said Maloney. "The technolThe technol--

ogy is outdated, there's a lack of stroage. The living quarters are poorogy is outdated, there's a lack of stroage. The living quarters are poor."

That station was built in 1952 to serve the town's population of 10,000 people, said Maloney.

In 2009, the Permanent Building Committee proposed a $12 million fire station at Wilson Streetand Chelmsford Street, where the softball fields are now, but it failed at Town Meeting.

"We heard it was too much money and in wrong location,We heard it was too much money and in wrong location," said Maloney. The commit-tee discussed renovating the cur-rent station but decided it left noroom for expansion.

"We tried to squeeze downWe tried to squeeze down

program requirements,program requirements," saidMaloney. "We think we can doWe think we can do

19,000 square feet.19,000 square feet."

Relocating the softball fields is in-

Saint Mary Parish Center RenderingSaint Mary Parish Center Rendering

North Road RenderingNorth Road Rendering

Chelmsford Street and Wilson Street RenderingChelmsford Street and Wilson Street Rendering

cluded in the costfor a station at Wil-son Street andChelmsford Street,said Maloney.

Maloney presentedgeneric floor plansfor each site, whichincluded four bays,operation supportspace, and fire-fighter space in-cluding a kitchen,showers andbunks.

A second floorwould have admin-istrative space and a training center for firefighters.

Demolition for the current station is also included in each figure. Maloney and Town ManagerPaul Cohen said ideally, the space in the center of town that will be demolished is perfect forthe Dutton House.

Finance Director John Sousa said the town would do a debt exclusion for the station and do a20-year bond on the property.

"There is no perfect site,There is no perfect site," said Maloney. "I think that’sI think that’s

where the community needs to come out very quickly.where the community needs to come out very quickly.

We need indication sooner rather than later.We need indication sooner rather than later."

Maloney said it will take about a year to build, and if all goes ac-cording to plan, construction would begin in October 2011 andthe station would open in October 2012.

"If anyone doesn’t believe we need a new fire station ...f anyone doesn’t believe we need a new fire station ...

go down there and look at the engineering reports. There are people out therego down there and look at the engineering reports. There are people out there

who do seem to think this is something the Fire Department or administrationwho do seem to think this is something the Fire Department or administration

has made uphas made up," he said. " ... We patched it up but it’s a short range fix.... We patched it up but it’s a short range fix."

Four out of five selectmen have to vote in favor of putting a question on a ballot for a debt ex-clusion. The measure must also pass at Town Meeting.

Cohen is hopeful spring Town Meeting will approve a new station and a question will be on theballot for April 5.

Selectmen will have to make a decision by the end of February which proposal they will chooseto put to the town.

Selectmen have a public input session next month and hope to hear opinions on the matter.

Attorney Doug Hausler, representing a homeowner on Crosby Lane, said his client's primaryconcern is diminishing home value.

The new fire station is the topicThe new fire station is the topic

of the latest of the latest

POLITICALLY INCOTTECTPOLITICALLY INCOTTECT

CLICK CLICK 

HEREHERE

"Our concern was not to get into litigation with the town, and to avoid it, and toOur concern was not to get into litigation with the town, and to avoid it, and to

try to mitigate potential damage claims like the 24-hour noises going on acrosstry to mitigate potential damage claims like the 24-hour noises going on across

the street,the street," he said.

Hausler suggested rezoning the Crosby Lane property to commercial, which would make hisclient's property more valuable.

Selectmen Chairman George Dixon said that was something the boardwould consider.

Peggy Dunn, however, spoke against rezoning the area.

"I would hope you don’t consider Mr. Hausler’s proposal.I would hope you don’t consider Mr. Hausler’s proposal.

(I've) fought to save North Road from spot zoning changes(I've) fought to save North Road from spot zoning changes,"she said. "How many more zoning changes are we going to doHow many more zoning changes are we going to do

on North Road before we totally destroy iton North Road before we totally destroy it?"

Mary Slattery, a North Road resident, said she was also concernedabout her property value dropping.

"We’re all shocked by this proposal,We’re all shocked by this proposal," she said. " ... I'm very upset by this. (Please)... I'm very upset by this. (Please)

cooperate with us. We all have our own interests at heart. I hope you’ll be faircooperate with us. We all have our own interests at heart. I hope you’ll be fair

about this … I am very concerned about my investment. I can't afford it to goabout this … I am very concerned about my investment. I can't afford it to go

down in value.down in value."

Tom Doyle, a Crosby Lane resident, agreed.

"We’ve all invested a considerable about of money and now as a direct abutter,We’ve all invested a considerable about of money and now as a direct abutter,

I'm confronted with fire engines rolling in and out. It's not something I bargainedI'm confronted with fire engines rolling in and out. It's not something I bargained

for when I bought this property,for when I bought this property," he said.

The Wilson Street site, said Doyle, does not involve land acquisition and would be less expen-sive.

"It makes no sense to me. You’ve heard from the fire chief, he has no prefert makes no sense to me. You’ve heard from the fire chief, he has no prefer--

enceence," he said. "You already own the land on Wilson Street. It's suitable for theYou already own the land on Wilson Street. It's suitable for the

building and with all due respect, that should be the site.building and with all due respect, that should be the site."

The House that I live inThe House that I live inDavid Hedison :Executive Director Chelmsford Housing Authoritygives an update to the In-Town Report on the latest ongoing projectsat the CHA

Here is a quick update on our developments in progress:

CHOICE CenterCHOICE Center: This is a 37 unit

elderly development for which we se-cured $9.6 million dollars. It is expectedto open April 15, 2011. The applicationdeadline is January 20th. So far, wehave over 100 eligible applicants for the37 units. It is clear from the responsethat there is a strong need for seniorhousing. The lottery will be conductedon February 4, 2011. We will have 37 ap-plicants that will be very happy and over70 that will be put onto the waiting list.Based upon the number of people thathave applied and the number of units,there will be over 70 applicants on thewaiting list and it will take over 7 yearsto offer all of them a unit there. CPCawarded this project $500,000.

Highland AveHighland Ave: This is a five unit family development consisting of two bedroom units. We have re-

ceived over $1.5 million for this development from a number of sources. $75,000 was awarded from CPC.We expect this development to be completed by late 2011 and construction to start in March of this year.

Manahan StreetManahan Street: This development is for veterans only. We have applied to the State in the Fall 2010

funding round and have not yet heard if the project will be funded. Because of the high number of appli-cants and the high competition, it will most likely go into the Spring 2011 funding round. We are confidentthat it will be funded in 2011. We are also working on raising additional private funds through grants andfoundations. Our goal is to raise $140,000 from private resources. This building has been named afterRichard P. O’Neil a local veteran who served our country and served the residents of Chelmsford Housingfor almost 30 years. Our goal is to have this building completed by late 2012.

Carlisle Road, WestfordCarlisle Road, Westford: This is a development for veterans only as well. We have applied to the

State in the Fall 2010 funding round and have not year heard if the project will be funded. Because of thehigh number of applicants and the high competition., it will most likely go into the Spring 2010 fundinground. We are also working on raising private funds in the amount of $200,000 for this project. This site willserve families that are veterans. Our goal is to have this building completed by late 2012.

These are the four developments in progress. We continue to work with the Town, the residents andthe community as a whole to develop projects that will meet the needs of the community.

I hope you and the community find this information helpful.

David Hedison, Executive DirectorChelmsford Housing Authority

Good Morning Roy: 1/25/11

Last night, I presented the plans for the CHA to work with the Town in the preservation of three buildings inChelmsford. The CHA Board voted to support the preservation of

1.) The Dutton House: The CHA is interested in pursuing a long term lease of the site where the current firestation is located if the Dutton House is moved there. A lower level would be part of the foundation to acco-modate the CHA offices. The CHA would fund the interior renovations of the building with our own fundswhile the Town would continue to investigate the use of the bequest made to the Adams Library for the re-lo-cation of the building and historic funds could be used for the exterior preservation. If the CHA offices aremoved to this location/building, 6 to 8 new senior units could be created at McFarlin Manor. This is the ren-dering of the building placed in Chelmsford Center.

2.) If the Chelmsford Board of Selectman approve the fire station at North Road and Crosby Lane on the St.Mary's parcel, the CHA Board voted to support the re-use/re-development of the two homes that currently siton the site. This option would require that the Town of Chelmsford purchase 26 North Road through CPCFunds and the buildings would be moved to the site. The CHA could create 14 new units of senior housing.The buildings would be funded through a combination of CHA funds and CPC funds for Community Housingand Historic Preservation. Below is the rendering of what the project may look like if it moved forward.

At this point, these are options that have been presented to the CHA Board, the Chelmsford Board of Se-

lectman and the CPC Committee. I wanted to share this information with you.

Take care

David J. HedisonChelmsford Housing Authority

ASK THE MANAGERASK THE MANAGERIn this issue a local resident takes the reigns and asks the managerIn this issue a local resident takes the reigns and asks the managerquestions that involve the newest fires station plan which would relocatequestions that involve the newest fires station plan which would relocatethe Dutton house and the Chelmsford Housing Authority officethe Dutton house and the Chelmsford Housing Authority office

Resident: Resident: I have a few questions that I would like to have answered concerning the I have a few questions that I would like to have answered concerning the Chelmsford Housing Authority that I'm sure Paul could answer.Chelmsford Housing Authority that I'm sure Paul could answer.How much rent does the Chelmsford Housing Authority pay for their current How much rent does the Chelmsford Housing Authority pay for their current

location?location?

Paul Cohen:Paul Cohen:

{I interpret the words "current location" to mean the current location of the {I interpret the words "current location" to mean the current location of the

Chelmsford Housing Authority's administrative offices which are located at the Chelmsford Housing Authority's administrative offices which are located at the

former McFarlin School building.} The Chelmsford Housing Authority (CHA) ownsformer McFarlin School building.} The Chelmsford Housing Authority (CHA) owns

the former McFarlin School building. Therefore, the CHA does not pay any rent tothe former McFarlin School building. Therefore, the CHA does not pay any rent to

the Town for the use of this location.the Town for the use of this location.

Resident: Resident:

How much rent will they pay if they use the Dutton house? Will they be required to pay all the utility bills?How much rent will they pay if they use the Dutton house? Will they be required to pay all the utility bills?

Paul Cohen:Paul Cohen:

I do not envision the CHA paying the Town any rent if it were to occupy the Dutton House. One of the goals of theI do not envision the CHA paying the Town any rent if it were to occupy the Dutton House. One of the goals of the

CHA's possible use of the Dutton House is to preserve an historic building that the Town could not give away forCHA's possible use of the Dutton House is to preserve an historic building that the Town could not give away for

free. A long-term lease agreement between the Town and the CHA may require the CHA to be responsible for thefree. A long-term lease agreement between the Town and the CHA may require the CHA to be responsible for the

maintenance and operating costs of the building.maintenance and operating costs of the building.

Resident: Resident: The Chelmsford Housing Authority is a state run program and how much are they going to pay for the The Chelmsford Housing Authority is a state run program and how much are they going to pay for the

relocation?relocation?

Paul Cohen:Paul Cohen:

The CHA may not pay any of the costs to relocate the Dutton House. The Library Trustees may pay for the costs toThe CHA may not pay any of the costs to relocate the Dutton House. The Library Trustees may pay for the costs to

relocate the building from the site of the Adams Library. The Library Trustees may use trust funds, not tax dollars, torelocate the building from the site of the Adams Library. The Library Trustees may use trust funds, not tax dollars, to

pay for this cost.pay for this cost.

Resident: Resident: I'm sure you are aware that the Chelmsford Housing Authority does not only represent the Town of Chelmsford but otherI'm sure you are aware that the Chelmsford Housing Authority does not only represent the Town of Chelmsford but othertowns in the area. WHY do we have to donate a HOUSE for Mr. Hedison? These are my tax dollars and I towns in the area. WHY do we have to donate a HOUSE for Mr. Hedison? These are my tax dollars and I resent us giving him a new home. Why are they talking about how the town needs more elderly housing when they areresent us giving him a new home. Why are they talking about how the town needs more elderly housing when they arenot providing more family housing? I guess you know where I'm coming from. We currently have one of the not providing more family housing? I guess you know where I'm coming from. We currently have one of the highest tax rates in the area and with that being said I would also like to know when is the South Fire Station going to behighest tax rates in the area and with that being said I would also like to know when is the South Fire Station going to bereopened? How can we ask the voters after spending $400,000 to shore up the floor to once again raise their taxes whenreopened? How can we ask the voters after spending $400,000 to shore up the floor to once again raise their taxes when

we still have a station closed?we still have a station closed?

Paul Cohen:Paul Cohen:

As I wrote above, the Town has tried to give this house away. The Dutton House building has sat vacant for over aAs I wrote above, the Town has tried to give this house away. The Dutton House building has sat vacant for over a

decade. The relocation of the Dutton House may enable the current CHA administrative office space at the formerdecade. The relocation of the Dutton House may enable the current CHA administrative office space at the former

McFarlin School building to be converted into six units of low income elderly housing. The CHA's waiting list demonMcFarlin School building to be converted into six units of low income elderly housing. The CHA's waiting list demon--

strates a need for additional elderly housing. There is also a need for additional low income family housing. Thestrates a need for additional elderly housing. There is also a need for additional low income family housing. The

Town's growth in its average single-family property tax bill has actually fallen over the past decade as compared toTown's growth in its average single-family property tax bill has actually fallen over the past decade as compared to

the rate of property tax growth of other Massachusetts communities. The re-opening of the South Fire Station the rate of property tax growth of other Massachusetts communities. The re-opening of the South Fire Station

remains a goal of the Town. However, the closure of this fire station can be attributed to the continuing loss of stateremains a goal of the Town. However, the closure of this fire station can be attributed to the continuing loss of state

aid, rather than the limited income that could be derived from the Dutton House. As for the cost to repair the aid, rather than the limited income that could be derived from the Dutton House. As for the cost to repair the

flooring at the center fire station, it was $40,000 not $400,000. If the repairs to that center fire station were notflooring at the center fire station, it was $40,000 not $400,000. If the repairs to that center fire station were not

made, it is likely that the center fire station would have had to have been closed. As it is, the center fire station made, it is likely that the center fire station would have had to have been closed. As it is, the center fire station

is in desperate need of replacement or major reconstruction. The floor repair was performed in order to provide is in desperate need of replacement or major reconstruction. The floor repair was performed in order to provide

the time to achieve a permanent solution to address the long-term needs of a center fire station.the time to achieve a permanent solution to address the long-term needs of a center fire station.

Resident: Resident: Why does the Town of Chelmsford needs to pay a pension fund hike for the Chelmsford Housing Authority? Why does the Town of Chelmsford needs to pay a pension fund hike for the Chelmsford Housing Authority? Chelmsford's share is increasing from $36,382 to $45,372 an increase of 24.7% as reported in the Lowel Sun. Chelmsford's share is increasing from $36,382 to $45,372 an increase of 24.7% as reported in the Lowel Sun.

I really didn't know that we were paying into a pension fund for the housing authority.I really didn't know that we were paying into a pension fund for the housing authority.

Paul Cohen:Paul Cohen:

The Chelmsford Housing Authority is a separate municipal established under state law. It is independent of theThe Chelmsford Housing Authority is a separate municipal established under state law. It is independent of the

Town of Chelmsford, just like the Chelmsford Water District, North Chelmsford Water District, and the East Town of Chelmsford, just like the Chelmsford Water District, North Chelmsford Water District, and the East

Chelmsford Water District. The Town does not pay any monies towards the Chelmsford Housing Authority's Chelmsford Water District. The Town does not pay any monies towards the Chelmsford Housing Authority's

pension assessment, just like we do not contribute to the water districts' pension assessments.pension assessment, just like we do not contribute to the water districts' pension assessments.

Politically IncorrectwithTom Christiano

Politically Incorrect 1/25/11Guests include:

Pat Maloney - Building Committee Maggie Marshall - Library trustee

Pam Armstrong - TM Rep &

Al Thomas - School Committee candidate. Topics:

The new Fire Station proposals, electronic voting,

the Old Town Hall renovations, the selectmen and sch. comm. races, etc.

CLICK HERECLICK HERE for Show

Chelmsford residents' electric bills to lighten upBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com

01/14/2011 www.lowellsun.com

CHELMSFORD -- Electric bills for Chelmsford residents just got brighter with state lawmakers agreeing to eliminate National Gridfees for underground utility work.

Legislators approved the town's home-rule petition Jan. 5, which will result in a 2 percent reduction on electric bills starting some-time this spring, according to Town Manager Paul Cohen.

"It's great news for residents because the law will allow the Board of Selectmen to suspend the 2 percent NaIt's great news for residents because the law will allow the Board of Selectmen to suspend the 2 percent Na--

tional Grid surcharge for the next several years or longertional Grid surcharge for the next several years or longer," Cohen said.

The petition, approved by Town Meeting in October 2009, began out of frustration, Cohen said.

About 10 years ago, the electric and telephone companies added a small fee to customers' bills to help cover the costs of in-stalling underground utility wires in Chelmsford Center.

Over the years, National Grid collected $5 million toward the project, but changes in telephone service kept Verizon's share atabout one-tenth that amount.

Because other telephone providers do not have to pay the surcharge, Verizon's account for the underground utility project isabout $500,000.

Town officials started to question whether National Grid's $5 million collected from surcharge fees was more money than the com-pany needed to cover the project's costs.

"It's a lot of money and none of it can be used on telephone wires,It's a lot of money and none of it can be used on telephone wires," Cohen said.

Before residents see any changes to their bills, the Board of Selectmen will first hold a public hearing to suspend the surcharge.

A hearing will be scheduled once the board receives the final forms of the petition from the House and Senate, Cohen said.

"It's a small savings,It's a small savings," Cohen said. "But it's still a savings. It's always nice to see a bill go down instead of up.But it's still a savings. It's always nice to see a bill go down instead of up."

_______________

Citizens appointed to Zoning Bylaw Review boardCitizens appointed to Zoning Bylaw Review boardKevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter • Thu, Jan 13, 2011

www.chelmsfordmassnews.com

The Planning Board appointed Jim Lane and Joanne Anderson as citizen represen-tatives to the new Zoning Bylaw Review Committee at its meeting Thursday night.

Five individuals applied for the two positions on the board that will meet to reviewthe town’s bylaws and offer suggestions for changes.

Along with Lane and Anderson, the other applicants included Peggy Dunn, NancyAraway and Dave McLachlan.Each candidate had an opportunity to explain why they each wanted to serve on thisnew committee.

Lane said he wanted to continue the work he and the Master Plan Committee recently completed after a 20-month period.

"One area of concentration was the bylaws,One area of concentration was the bylaws," said Lane. "There are areas where the bylaws are outdated orThere are areas where the bylaws are outdated or

don't meet the needs of the town.don't meet the needs of the town."

Currently a member of the Planning Board, Lane announced last fall he does not plan to seek re-election to that committee.As such, he would be a citizen representative to the Bylaw Review board and not another Planning Board member.

Anderson, who lives in the Westlands, said she first become interested in zoning issues when officials began discussing pos-sible changes to the Chelmsford Street business corridor.

"I'm asking to be part of that committee because you can't sit back and let things happen and then comI'm asking to be part of that committee because you can't sit back and let things happen and then com--

plain,plain," said Anderson.

Lane and Anderson will serve on the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee along with three Planning Board members, a memberof the Zoning Board of Appeals and the community development director.

The Planning Board also voted to appoint Sue Carter, Ed Roux and Colleen Stansfield to the Bylaw Review Committee.This committee will be responsible for prioritizing, researching, drafting and presenting potential zoning bylaw amendments inaccordance with the recently completed 2010 Master Plan.

Jim Jim

LaneLaneJoanne Joanne

AndersonAnderson

Pamela Davies appointed to library boardPamela Davies appointed to library boardKevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter • Tue, Jan 11, 2011

www.chelmsfordmassnews.com

Living across the street from the MacKay Library, Pamela Davies jokes she has to remember the North branch is not her

private reading room.

Davies, who has lived on Washington Street for about five years, will soon be spend-

ing even more time at the library after the Library Board of Trustees and the Board of

Selectmen appointed her to the library committee.

"We approached Pam Davies because she (represents) a constituency that has not

been represented on our board for quite a while," said Library Board of Trustees

Chairman Maggie Marshall.

Currently a stay-at-home mom with two young sons, Davies has a background in

fundraising and medical writing.

She applied to fill the vacancy left by retiring trustees Diane Severin as a "way to get

out of the house one night a month."

Peggy Dunn also applied but was encouraged to wait until the April election to run for

one of the seats up for re-election, said Marshall.

A combined vote by the selectmen and library boards approved Davies nomination as

trustee by a 9-0-1 vote.

Selectman Pat Wojtas abstained from casting a vote Monday night.

Davies will serve until the next election in April.

Davies, Dunn and Marshall have already pulled papers to run for the three full-terms that are up in April.

Tom Christiano pulled papers to run for the last year of Severin's original term.

Washington Street resident Pam Davies was appointed to the

Library Board of Trustees.

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Another round of coffee and chat was served up Another round of coffee and chat was served up

and to the locals at the Java Room on Janary 13thand to the locals at the Java Room on Janary 13th

PhotosbyKristaPerryandTC

Chelmsford resident calls 9 North Road Chelmsford resident calls 9 North Road too talltoo tallBy Monica Jimenez/staff writer

GateHouse News Servicewww.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford

Jan 11, 2011

Chelmsford —A request for an order to stop construction at 9 North Road in Chelmsford has been denied.

Chelmsford resident and attorney Richard McClure asked the Town Building Commissioner Scott Hammond for the order ina letter dated Jan. 11, in which he quoted Lowell engineer David Beati as saying the business complex underway at 9 NorthRoad violates a town regulation about the height of buildings.

The maximum allowed height for a three-story building in Chelmsford is 35 feet, said Beati, while the maximum for a four-story building is 45 feet. The 9 North Road building is more than 40 feet.

Beati also pointed out the building was approved as a two-story structure, but actually has a partial third floor.

“After reviewing the approved architectural plans, there exists an obvious discrepancy between the apAfter reviewing the approved architectural plans, there exists an obvious discrepancy between the ap--

proved building and that which is under construction,proved building and that which is under construction,” Beati said.

In light of this information, McClure concluded in the letter, work on 9 North Road must stop.

“I must respectfully demand that a ‘cease and desist’ order issue from your office suspending all conI must respectfully demand that a ‘cease and desist’ order issue from your office suspending all con--

struction at said site until the building is brought under compliance with the original plans and permits,struction at said site until the building is brought under compliance with the original plans and permits,”McClure wrote.

Hammond responded Jan. 11 with a succinct letter of his own.

“After reviewing the approved building plans stamped by a registered architect, planning board approvalAfter reviewing the approved building plans stamped by a registered architect, planning board approval

file and conducting a site visit on January 11, 2011, I respectfully disagree that there is an obvious disfile and conducting a site visit on January 11, 2011, I respectfully disagree that there is an obvious dis--

crepancy between the approved building and that which is under constructioncrepancy between the approved building and that which is under construction,” Hammond wrote to McClure.“Therefore your request for a cease and desist order is denied.Therefore your request for a cease and desist order is denied.”

Copyright 2011 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Controversy continues over 9 North RoadControversy continues over 9 North RoadBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com

01/12/2011 www.lowellsun.com

CHELMSFORD -- Richard McClure wants the town manager's resignation.

Town Manager Paul Cohen wants an apology.

After the testimony of an Eastern Bank senior vice president, one thing is clear --a tug-of-war continues over facts behind 9 North Road.

McClure, who has sued the town over its approval of the controversial Eliopoulosbuilding project, said the Board of Selectmen should demand that Cohen resignin the wake of Friday's deposition hearing at Latham Law Offices in Reading.

But Cohen sees a different version of the story.

"I think I'm owed an apology,I think I'm owed an apology," Cohen said. "What upsets me is that their original complaints were provenWhat upsets me is that their original complaints were proven

wrong. But there were no apologies, just new accusations.wrong. But there were no apologies, just new accusations."

Cohen was responding to charges raised against him last year regarding his role in the development of 9 North Road.

A July mailing that landed in thousands of Chelmsford mailboxes railed the town manager for allegedly turning down landthat was owned by Eastern Bank and offered at no cost to the town.

The letter, penned by Roland Van Liew of Better Not Bigger Alliance, stated that Cohen not only refused the bank's offer, but

that he also failed to notify the Board of Selectmen and the Community Preservation Committee about his decision. TheBetter Not Bigger Alliance is an organization that advocates sustainable growth.

Cohen said the allegations are false and at no time was he offered free land from the bank.

On Friday, Thomas Dunn, Eastern Bank's senior vice president of corporate operations, was questioned for several hoursabout his conversations with Cohen.

Cohen told town officials during Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting that the deposition transcripts, printed in full on thetown's website, prove that no conversation about free land or dealings behind the backs of selectmen took place.

Pointing to page 153 of the transcript, Cohen referred to McClure asking Dunn why he would contact the town of Chelms-ford if the bank was negotiating with the Eliopoulos family.

Dunn's response was, "to see if I could get a better price.to see if I could get a better price."

When McClure asked what Dunn was offering, Dunn said, "I wasn't offering, I was asking if they had interest.I wasn't offering, I was asking if they had interest."

In light of the transcripts, McClure said if Cohen "is waiting for an apology from me, tell him not to hold hisis waiting for an apology from me, tell him not to hold his

breath.breath."

McClure said the parcel in question was clearly a top site marked under consideration for a new Center Fire Station.

"Paul Cohen was offered the entire parcel but he purposely didn't act on it because he knew the EliopouPaul Cohen was offered the entire parcel but he purposely didn't act on it because he knew the Eliopou--

los family was interested,los family was interested," McClure said. "It just doesn't pass the sniff testIt just doesn't pass the sniff test."

At the time, Philip Eliopoulos, Michael Eliopoulos' son, was a member of the Board of Selectmen.

Cohen said he first heard about the bank's interest in selling the 9 North Road property from Hank Houle, a Chelmsford fire-fighter who was also on the Fire Station/DPW Search Committee.

Houle told Cohen that bank representatives were speaking with Mike Eliopoulos, Cohen said.

Cohen said he then called Dunn to inquire whether the bank was negotiating a sale.

"We didn't talk about price, but I knew what the assessed value of the land was,We didn't talk about price, but I knew what the assessed value of the land was," Cohen said. "He said theHe said the

parcel was for sale. I said I'd get it back to the Board and I did.parcel was for sale. I said I'd get it back to the Board and I did."

Cohen said during an executive session, which followed a Board of Selectmen work session, the issue was discussed withselectmen when Philip Eliopoulos was not there. However, there are no recorded meeting minutes of the conversation,Cohen said.

Selectman Pat Wojtas said yesterday she vaguely recalled a brief discussion about the issue.

"Paul told us that Phil's father was interested in purchasing the entire parcel, but there was no, 'Oh whatPaul told us that Phil's father was interested in purchasing the entire parcel, but there was no, 'Oh what

do we now?,'do we now?,' " Wojtas said. "During that time we were going through quite a few (state aid) cuts and thereDuring that time we were going through quite a few (state aid) cuts and there

were many layoffs. Publicly, we weren't really that interested in it at the time. If the timing was differentwere many layoffs. Publicly, we weren't really that interested in it at the time. If the timing was different

maybe the outcome would have been different.maybe the outcome would have been different."

The parcel, purchased by Michael Eliopoulos from Eastern Bank, for $400,000 will eventually house medical, dental and lawoffices owned and operated by his children and other family members.

The two-story, 15,494-square-foot office building being built on the parcel first spurred lawsuits from local dentist MichaelSargent, whose practice abuts the property.

Sargent filed suit with three town boards over an alleged violation of a 1978 preservation restriction, which he said was cre-ated to retain the two-acre parcel as open space. Former Selectmen John Carson, Paul Hart and Joe Shanahan, whohelped author the preservation restriction more than 30 years ago, spoke before town officials last year to confirm the intentof the bylaw was to keep the land as open space.

Following a packed public hearing last August, selectmen agreed that the project didn't violate the preservation restrictionand Sargent dropped his lawsuit. But McClure picked up where Sargent left off.

Despite several lawsuits, the project was given a green light by a state land court judge last year.

McClure, who filed his suit last summer, said he plans to call more town officials in for questioning.

To view a .pdf document of the complete deposition, visit www.townof chelmsford.us/whats- happening.cfm.

Chelmsford office park lawsuitsgenerate more subpoenas

By Monica Jimenez/staff writerGateHouse News Service

Jan 18, 2011 www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford

Chelmsford —The depositions of six Chelmsford officials have been suspended pending a public hearing on whether or not they should be ques-tioned.

The officials were subpoenaed in relation to a lawsuit filed several months ago by Chelmsford resident and attorney Richard McClureto stop construction on an office park at 9 North Road, being built by Epsilon, LLC.

The town reacted quickly to the subpoenas, filing a 100-page motion to quash the depositions and another motion to dismiss them.The public hearings on these motions will be held Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. in Boston.

According to Chelmsford resident and attorney Richard McClure the following officials have been issued a subpoena: Board of Select-men Chairman George Dixon, Selectman Eric Dahlberg, former Selectman Clare Jeannotte, Planning Board members Jim Lane andGeorge Zaharoolis and Permanent Building Committee Co-Chairman Pat Maloney.

In an email sent Thursday, Jan. 13 to McClure and town officials, Attorney Megan Bayer of town counsel Kopelman and Paige saidshe will file motions tomorrow to stop the six depositions. She plans to request a hearing on the motions for Tuesday, Jan. 18 at thelatest.

“What are they trying to hide?What are they trying to hide?” McClure asked, referring to the town.

Bayer has also told McClure that by taking depositions in his office on Westford Street, he would be in violation of a town bylaw re-stricting work activity in the home.

“They know full well I don’t operate a home office and that I specifically requested to have depositions They know full well I don’t operate a home office and that I specifically requested to have depositions

at either their attorney’s office or the town offices and any claims of zoning bylaw violations are simplyat either their attorney’s office or the town offices and any claims of zoning bylaw violations are simply

petty, retaliatory and malicious prosecution,petty, retaliatory and malicious prosecution,” McClure said.

He added if the town had been so concerned about zoning bylaw violations when it came to 9 North Road, he never would have hadto pursue these depositions.

No rulingNo ruling on 9 North on 9 North means means no depositionsno depositions

Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter • Thu, Jan 27, 2011

www.chelmsfordmassnews.com

Although Massachusetts Land Court Judge Gordon Piper did not issue a ruling on the latest 9North Road complaint, both sides agreed not to move forward until he decides one way or theother.

Attorney Richard McClure said the judge held a 90-minute hearing Thursday afternoon in whichhe "beat up on both sides equallybeat up on both sides equally."

McClure and Epsilon Group LLC's attorneys Mark Bobrowski and Adam Costa presented their arguments.

"He took it under advisement,He took it under advisement," said McClure. "I expect a decision within a week.I expect a decision within a week."

Piper also maintained a stay on McClure's request to take depositions from town officials including Selectman George Dixon, Planning Board members Jim Lane and George Zaharoolis, Permanent Building Committee co-chairman Pat Maloney and former Selectman Clare Jeannotte

Timeline of 9 North RoadTimeline of 9 North Road

· Dec. 1978 – The Board of Selectmen sign a preservation restriction for the land at 9 North Road.

· June 2009 – The Epsilon Group purchases the land at 9 North Road from Eastern Bank.

· Oct. 2009 –Epsilon Group first comes before the Planning Board requesting a site plan approval and five special permits; former SelectmanPeter Lawlor sends a letter to the Planning Board asking them to refer to the Board of Selectmen on whether the project is in compliance with therestriction.

· Nov. 2009 – Town Counsel Pat Cantor sends an e-mail to Town Manager Paul Cohen and Community Development Director Evan Belansky, in-forming them that in her opinion the preservation restriction does not ban all future development. Cantor said based on the terms of the restriction,the application and the design plans, the Planning Board can approve the special permit.

· Dec. 2009 – The Historic District Commission files its Certificate of Appropriateness with the Town Clerk’s office for the construction of a two-story office building; Lawlor files an appeal of the Historic District Commission’s approval in the Lowell Superior Court on behalf of Michael Sar-gent, who owns property neighboring the project.

· March 2010 – The Planning Board votes 5-2 to approve the site plan and four special permits for 9 North Road.

· April 2010 – Lawlor files a lawsuit in the state Land Court against the Planning Board; the Planning Board approves three additional special per-mits for landscaping, parking at the Emerson House and construction in an aquifer protection district.

· May 2010 – Lawlor files a lawsuit in the Land Court over the Planning Board’s approval of the additional permits.

· June 2010 – Lawlor files an emergency injunction to stop site work for the project; Land Court Judge Gordon Piper denies Lawlor’s injunction;the Epsilon Group files an application for a building permit.

· July 2010 – The Building Inspector’s office issues a building permit for the foundation.

·Aug. 2010 – Lawlor, Cantor and the Epsilon Group’s attorney’s file a joint dismissal of the pending litigation in the state Land Court; Board of Se-lectmen hold a public hearing on the project and rule that it complies with the preservation restriction. Selectmen George Dixon and Matt Hansonvoted in favor, while Jon Kurland voted against it. Selectman Eric Dahlberg previously recused himself from all matters pertaining to the project

after Eliopolous held a political fundraiser for his bid for state Senate.

Copyright 2011 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Boards open hearing on new DPW facility

Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter • Thu, Jan 27, 2011www.chelmsfordmassnews.com

Weston & Sampson engineer Jeff Alberti presented the proposal for an Alpha Road DPW facility to a jointsession of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Thursday night.

Plans to turn the 92,000-square-foot Old Mother Hubbard building into a Municipal Department of PublicWorks facility at 9 Alpha Road require a ZBA variance, about a half dozen Planning Board special permitsand an order of condition from the Conservation Commission for work within 100 feet of a bordering vege-tated wetland.

"The goal is to develop the project and avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts to regulatoryThe goal is to develop the project and avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts to regulatory

areas,areas," said Alberti.

The 17-acre site, which includes the Old Mother Hubbard building and two adjacent parcels, is located on thecorner of Alpha and Tracy roads.

As proposed, the building renovation includes proposed office and employee facilities, a workshop that sup-ports operations, a vehicle maintenance area as well as room for vehicle storage.

"The goal is to get the vehicles indoors to protect vehicles and to protect the environment,The goal is to get the vehicles indoors to protect vehicles and to protect the environment," said Alberti.

Plans also call for the construction of an 11,000-square-foot salt shed, which will allow delivery trucks to driveinto the building before dumping the salt.

The shed requires the ZBA variance. As designed, the structure is 40 feet from the property line, which is re-quired under the bylaw.

However, because the abutting property is residential, the setback requirement jumps up to 100 feet.

To place the shed at 100 feet would put it into the wetland's buffer zone.

"At 40 feet the entire salt shed structure would be outside the wetlands buffer zonesAt 40 feet the entire salt shed structure would be outside the wetlands buffer zones," said Alberti.

The salt shed, and a second outbuilding to be used as a vehicle wash facility, prompts the need for a specialpermit related to accessory buildings with a foot print greater than 900 square feet and a building height in ex-cess of 20 feet.

Other special permits would address issues related to storing of de-icing chemicals, having more than 15 per-cent impervious surfaces, reducing minimum parking spaces requirements and allowing vehicle repair facility.

Alberti is also seeking waivers from the wetlands bylaws in the areas that were previously disturbed such asthe spot on Alpha Road which served as a truck parking area.

During the question and answer period, some board members stressed the applicant would need to justify itsrequests for variances and special permits.

Conservation Commissioner Beth Logan, however, urged the three boards to figure out how to make re-quests that are not at odds with each other.

"We need to come up with a way to not create an undue burden on the applicant,We need to come up with a way to not create an undue burden on the applicant," she said.

The Planning Board voted to continue the hearing to its Feb. 9 meeting. Conservation Commissioners willcontinue its hearing on Feb. 15. The ZBA continued its hearing until Feb. 17.

Alcohol Tax Repeal Brings Hopefor Liquor Stores

Chelmsford liquor stores hope for more revenue with the repeal of the state alcohol tax.Chelmsford liquor stores hope for more revenue with the repeal of the state alcohol tax.

By Robert Moreau1/18/11

www.chelmsford.patch.com

Almost immediately after the creation of Massachusetts’ former alcohol sales tax, John DaSilva of The Wine Rack noticed asharp drop in the amount of customers buying from his store as they chose to shop in New Hampshire.

“I lost about 25 percent of my business just after they put the tax onI lost about 25 percent of my business just after they put the tax on,” he said.

Today, DaSilva and other liquor store owners in Chelmsford are excited about the repeal of the tax with the beginning of thenew year, but say it is still too early to tell what the impact will be.

Massachusetts originally passed through a 6.25 percent tax on liquor in 2009, with the goal of using its revenue to fund anti-substance abuse programs. Due to the success of Question 1 on the state ballot last November, it was repealed as of Jan. 1.

Liquor store owners were against the tax due to the border issue as well as an excise tax already existing. John Harringtonof Harrington Wine & Liquors, who helped lead the drive to put Question 1 on the ballot, said it was a double tax that unfairlyhurt liquor stores in the state.

“We’re pleased that the voters realized this is a double taxation and voted it out,We’re pleased that the voters realized this is a double taxation and voted it out,” said Harrington.

Not all stores experienced a sales loss as significant as The Wine Rack. Harrington said his store lost about eight to ten per-cent of its revenue. Jim Donahue, manager at Drum Hill Liquors, said there was a noticeable decline in the amount of cus-tomers at his store but did not have an exact number.

'(It) just barely seemed to have a major impact (for us),(It) just barely seemed to have a major impact (for us),” said Donahue.

Harrington, who described his business as a destination store, said his higher-end customers were well aware of the changeheading into the New Year.

“I’ve...had customers say II’ve...had customers say I

want a case of wine but Iwant a case of wine but I

want to pick it up afterwant to pick it up after

Jan. 1,Jan. 1,” said Harrington.

DaSilva and Donahue, how-ever, said as it is a slow time ofthe year for alcohol purchases,it will take time for the impact ofthe sales tax’s repeal to be felt.

“You might get a betterYou might get a better

read five (to) six monthsread five (to) six months

into it…give it some time,into it…give it some time,”said Donahue.

DaSilva said he is optimistic,and hopes by summertime hisbusiness can see a return to itspre-tax levels.

“I’ve seen seeing a lot ofI’ve seen seeing a lot of

faces (now) I haven’t seenfaces (now) I haven’t seen

in some time…hopefullyin some time…hopefully

customers will come back,customers will come back,

and that will be great,and that will be great,” hesaid.

John Harrington, owner of Harrington Wine & Liquors,help lead the effort to repeal the tax. Harrington saidsome of his customers have been very aware of thechangeover. Credit Robert Moreau

Chelmsford teachers,Chelmsford teachers,

School Committee School Committee reach tentative contractreach tentative contract

agreementagreement

By Evan Lips, elips@lowellsun.com01/22/2011

www.lowellsun.com

CHELMSFORD -- After more than 21 months of icy negotiations, the School Committee and the teachers' union have finallyreached a tentative agreement on a new contract.

But committee Chairwoman Kathy Duffett said yesterday there is "still a ways to gostill a ways to go" before anything is finalized.

"There's more work to do, but we're really pleased to have this part of the process completed,There's more work to do, but we're really pleased to have this part of the process completed," she said.

Duffett said a negotiating subcommittee that includes Town Manager Paul Cohen met Thursday night with Chelmsford Feder-ation of Teachers President Kathryn Chamberlain and other union members. Duffett added that no details about the contractcan be revealed until it is ratified.

Chamberlain said she is not sure how long it will take to put the contract in writing and have it ratified by the teachers."But I doubt it will take a tremendous amount of time,But I doubt it will take a tremendous amount of time," she said.

Cohen said that "when all is said and done, it will be a fair agreement.when all is said and done, it will be a fair agreement."

Cohen has asked the School Committee to produce a flat budget for fiscal 2012. This year's budget is $45 million, but hesaid yesterday that fixed expenses would not be required to stay level.

Contracted teacher salaries are classified as fixed expenses.

"Next year's budget will certainly go up,Next year's budget will certainly go up," he said. "But at the end of the day, the goal is to keep level servBut at the end of the day, the goal is to keep level serv--

ices. In prior negotiations the School Committee has been mindful of that.ices. In prior negotiations the School Committee has been mindful of that."

The informal agreement between the teachers' union and the School Committee comes a little more than a month after offi-cials said negotiations were at a standstill.

On Nov. 30, about 70 teachers and union supporters filled a School Committee meeting room, holding picket signs that read:"Chelmsford Teachers Get It Done! Fair Contract Now."

Earlier that month, Duffett blamed the stalled negotiations on the CFT's unreasonable demand for a 15 percent pay increaseover three years in addition to step increases. In response, the union cut student and parent access to class assignments on-line.

On the same day that a tentative agreement was reached, Chelmsford residents received a leaflet in the mail sent by theCFT.

The leaflets, titled "Financial Report: Can't a Fair Contract Be Settled?" charged that the town is paying teachers far less thanwhat neighboring communities pay and questioned whether Chelmsford is "the town that cried wolf."

Currently, the average teacher's salary in Massachusetts is $67,577. In Chelmsford, the average teacher makes $64,915, ac-cording to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Despite not being part of Thursday night's negotiations, School Committee member Angelo Taranto said he is happy to havereached a potential resolution.

"I want to see this end so we can move on and have everybody in a good frame of mind,"I want to see this end so we can move on and have everybody in a good frame of mind," he said.

School Committee member Evelyn Thoren, who along with Duffett and Cohen is a voting member of the negotiation subcom-mittee, cautioned that tentative agreements are subject to change.

"Our hope is that the agreement is signed by the teachers' union and that all parties involved are satisOur hope is that the agreement is signed by the teachers' union and that all parties involved are satis--

fied,"fied," she said.

The School Committee will meet again on Feb. 1.

Chelmsford preschool opening to the publicChelmsford preschool opening to the publicBy Monica Jimenez/staff writer

GateHouse News ServiceJan 14, 2011

www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford

The Lions Pride Preschool at the Community Education Center will open to the public in the fall.

It was originally established for the children of Chelmsford teachers, who had been asking the Community Education office for a childcare center.When Community Education moved from the old town hall to the Westlands School, there was finally enough space.

Childcare Supervisor and Teacher Robyn Adams, who had taught at her own school in Westford for some time, was excited to start at the LionsPride Preschool.

“We started high with our standards because these were teachers’ kids,We started high with our standards because these were teachers’ kids,” Adams said. “Parents always expect a lot for theirParents always expect a lot for their

children, but teachers expect the most.children, but teachers expect the most.”

Adams was so ready to begin that when she learned she’d have to wait for the walls to be painted, she volunteered to do it herself. The walls arenow a color Adams calls a soothing teal. Others might call it a sky blue. Either way, she said the job took her weeks – Westlands’ walls are madefrom brick that absorbs paint.

Adams’ energy and persistence served her well when the Lions’ Pride Preschool opened in September 2009. Although they borrowed some poli-cies from the district’s Extended Day Program, which lets students spend time in the Community Education Center before and after regular schoolhours, other policies had to be written as they went.

Together with Director of Community Education Connie Silvia, Adams quickly learned what to do if children’s parents couldn’t pick them up, or if ayoungster’s behavior became a problem. They adapted to state policies, like one requiring them to offer tooth-brushing time.

According to Adams, Chelmsford’s teachers appreciated the hard work that went into the program even more because they worked with kidsthemselves.

“Parents will see us washing off the boots and the snow pants and there’s mud all over the floor,Parents will see us washing off the boots and the snow pants and there’s mud all over the floor,” Adams said. “They’ll tellThey’ll tell

us, ‘I work with middle-schoolers and it’s hard enough. I could never do what you do.us, ‘I work with middle-schoolers and it’s hard enough. I could never do what you do.’”

The result of all this effort was a program Chelmsford parents have been eager to scope out for their kids. More and more parents visit the pre-school and receive the tour.

The children are dropped off between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and the grown-ups chat while the kids have choice time – they’re free to roam around theroom, entertaining themselves at different stations.

At 9 a.m., the children split into the Cozy Cubs and Lions Pride and head off to separate rooms. The Cozy Cubs, a subset of the Lions Pride ledby Adams, consist of children aged 18 months to almost three years. Kids older than that are part of the Lions Pride group, which accepts up tokindergarten-aged children. Childcare Teacher Lori Langell is in charge of these kids.

Both groups participate in structured, themed activities during the first part of the day. For example, at this time of year kids can choose to pastebuttons on a snowman, or balance North Pole animal toys on Styrofoam “floes” in a basin of water. The games are designed to teach them toread, write and count as they play.

The activities are fun for the kids, and Adams and Langell seem to have just as much fun thinking them up. They’ve done everything from growingplants in pots and butterflies in cocoons to painting with watercolors, corn syrup and even grape jelly.

“Sometimes the activities are… messy,Sometimes the activities are… messy,” said Silvia, sounding like a bemused parent.

Adams beamed like one of her toddlers.

“The stickier, the better,The stickier, the better,” she said.

After structured activities comes half an hour outside, followed by snack time and naptime. Not all preschools send the kids outside or allot timefor naps, Adams said, but she believes it’s necessary to exercise and rest them before sending them home.

The early afternoon is reserved for independent play and children again have the chance to pick their activity. The most popular station seems tobe the writing table, Adams said, where children color drawings, play with envelopes and cut out shapes. But the kids are free to do what theywant until their parents come for them.

It’s this balance between structured and free play, Adams said, that makes Lions Pride Preschool different from other childcare centers and giveskids what they need.

“There are the parents who like to keep their kids at home,There are the parents who like to keep their kids at home,” Adams said. “Then there are the parents who want their kids to dohen there are the parents who want their kids to do

everything. They feel this pressure, like if their kids aren’t doing music now they’ll never get into the band when they’reeverything. They feel this pressure, like if their kids aren’t doing music now they’ll never get into the band when they’re

older, or if they aren’t playing baseball they won’t make the high school teamolder, or if they aren’t playing baseball they won’t make the high school team.”

But if you give children some structure as well as some freedom, Adams said, they’ll soon feel comfortable expressing themselves.

And express themselves they do – Adams is fascinated by her students’ personalities. One assertive little girl likes to try new toys ahead of every-one else, meaning Adams has to step in and gently ask her to wait. Two other children seem attached at the hip, to the point where they must benudged to play with anyone else. One girl is obsessed with her toy lamb; one boy is obsessed with vacuum cleaners.

A final little boy makes Adams smile when she talks about him. Preoccupied with keeping himself clean, the boy didn’t like to touch anythingsticky. When the class worked with glue, the boy would have Adams paste his pieces of construction paper together, laying his small palm on topof her hand as she pressed down.

Eventually, Adams said, she coaxed him into handling the paper and glue by himself. At first he carried a paper towel around and constantly wipedhis hands. But like some children leave their security blankets behind, one day the boy finally stopped needing his brown paper square.

Days like this are even more rewarding, Adams said, because it gives her perspective on her own role as a parent. She has two children of herown.

“I love my job,I love my job,” Adams said. “I get to play during the day, and then I get to go home and see my own kidsI get to play during the day, and then I get to go home and see my own kids.”

Copyright 2011 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Tow firm rips board for ending contractTow firm rips board for ending contract

By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com01/11/2011

www.lowellsun.com

CHELMSFORD -- Blasting town officials for not having all the facts before severing a contract with Ferreira's Towing, a lawyer askedselectmen to reconsider Town Manager Paul Cohen's decision.

Handing a thick report over to the board last night, Ferreira's attorney, Doug Hausler, said Police ChiefJames Murphy had "a lot of misinformation" in his memo that called for pulling Ferreira's as the town's pri-mary tow operator.

From failed vehicle inspection reports to two citations for allegedly conducting fraudulent commercial vehi-cle inspections, the reasons behind the canceled contract were grossly misinterpreted and have tarnishedFerreira's excellent business reputation, Hausler said.

"There has never been a fraudulent commercial inspection performed by There has never been a fraudulent commercial inspection performed by

Ferreira's TowingFerreira's Towing," Hausler said. "That is a fact.That is a fact."

Pointing to the exhibits in his information packet, Hausler worked to blow holes in the reasons cited for con-tract termination.

The first was a Dec. 14 state hearing based on the alleged improper inspections. After the hearing, Ferreira's was given a warningonly. That's because the issue, said Hausler, came down to a Ferreira's employee plugging in results all at once from several inspec-tions after they had occurred.

It was not the actual time taken to conduct each inspection, Hausler said.

The safety issues cited were minor, Hausler argued, including one where a boom was higher by a few inches than permitted.

After the citation was issued, the driver lowered the boom and the vehicle immediately passed, Hausler said.

But then the town lowered the boom, canceling the contract with Ferreira's on Jan. 4.

Hausler, who said Cohen never made a real effort to get his client's side of the story, also questioned the town manager's right to can-cel the contract. Hausler believed that is under the Board of Selectmen's authority.

Cohen called Hausler's argument a "mischaracterizationmischaracterization" of facts.

After Ferreira's second round of violations found by State Police, Cohen said he offered to meet informally with Hausler, representa-tives from Ferreira's and a selectman. But Hausler didn't respond, Cohen said, adding that he gave Ferreira's an opportunity to with-draw from the contract, but that offer was declined.

Cohen said he is disappointed by any accusations that he or anyone else was looking for a reason to terminate the contract.

"I find it mystifying,I find it mystifying," Cohen said. "If I was looking for ways to terminate the contract, I would have done it twoIf I was looking for ways to terminate the contract, I would have done it two

months ago.months ago."

Ferreira's was ordered a 60-day suspension from town towing operations after an accident Oct. 24 in which a Ferreira truck crashedinto a wall at the Best Western Hotel and ruptured a gas line.

The State Police truck team investigated Ferreira's fleet after that crash and found all of the vehicles had equipment and registrationviolations. At that time, Cohen said he didn't believe the incident warranted termination of the company's three-year contract.

Then, on Dec. 29, a follow-up inspection revealed more violations, many of which were not correctedfrom the previous inspection, Murphy said. Some of the violations included problems with the brakesand drive shaft, fuel/oil tank leaks and a defective tire.

Last night, Murphy said Hausler left out some facts in his interpretation of the inspection reports.

Selectman Jon Kurland, who had reservations about awarding the contract in May, said he was uncom-fortable with the company's $90.25 bid. Kurland felt the unprecedented amount -- 25 cents more thatwhat the state requires company's to charge per tow -- seemed as though it would come at the expenseof something else, like overcharging in other areas or maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

"It seems it was the latter,It seems it was the latter," Kurland said.

Kurland was also in favor of terminating the contract after the crash, saying that was hardly a minorsafety issue.

"But for the grace of providence, we did not have a holocaust,But for the grace of providence, we did not have a holocaust," Kurland said. "I'm not concerned about the allegedI'm not concerned about the alleged

violations of inspections. My concern is the public safety of the members of our communityviolations of inspections. My concern is the public safety of the members of our community."

Hausler told selectmen the town would lose about $75,000 in revenue from tows for terminating a contract in a way that was "unpro-fessional and improper."

Cohen said it wasn't about the dollars, but more about keeping the public safe.

Christopher's towing has been appointed to carry out the remainder of the contract for $50.01 per tow.

The Board of Selectmen said it will read over the new information and take up the issue at its next meeting on Jan. 24.

DougDoug

HauslerHausler

Jon Jon

KurlandKurland

Judge upholds tow firm's firing Says Chelmsford had just causeBy Lisa Redmond, lredmond@lowellsun.com

01/25/2011

www.lowellsun.comWOBURN -- A Superior Court judge yesterday rejected a request by Ferreira's Towing Inc. for a preliminary injunction that would have forcedChelmsford officials to reinstate the company's lucrative tow contract with the town.

In her decision, Middlesex Superior Court Judge Nancy Holtz compared the recent public-safety concerns surrounding the state Parole Boardwith an accident last October in which a Ferreira's truck with faulty brakes crashed into a wall at the Best Western Hotel on Chelmsford Street andruptured a gas line.

Ferreira received a 60-day suspension from towing after that accident on Oct. 24, 2010 accident.

"It may seem harsh to your client,It may seem harsh to your client,'' Holtz told Ferreira's attorney, Douglas Hausler, adding that it would not seem harsh if someone is hit bya Ferreira's tow truck as it "hurtles down the street'' and it is discovered that the town let the company work despite knowing there had been aproblem.

"The recent tragedies with the Parole Board underline the importance of public safety,The recent tragedies with the Parole Board underline the importance of public safety," Holtz said.

Holtz was referring to the release of Dominic Cinelli, a career criminal, who was released on parole and allegedly killed Woburn police OfficerJohn Maguire during a botched robbery last month.

Attorney Richard Holland, representing Chelmsford, argued that the town can terminate the contract with or without cause.

Given the Oct. 24 accident, Holland said, "We were lucky. ... Do we have to take that chance again?We were lucky. ... Do we have to take that chance again?"

Holland added, "It would be irresponsible for the town to continue to use this company. ... The town did the right thing to terIt would be irresponsible for the town to continue to use this company. ... The town did the right thing to ter--

minate the contract.minate the contract.''Ferreira's filed a lawsuit after a decision earlier this month by Town Manager Paul Cohen to terminate the remaining 2 1/2 years of the company'sthree-year towing contract with the town after a second round of failed safety checks by State Police and allegations of fraudulent motor-vehicleinspections.

Hausler responded that the allegations of fraudulent inspections are "absolute nonsenseabsolute nonsense.'' He said the Registry of Motor Vehicles cited Fer-reira's for doing eight inspections in 33 minutes when the technician simply input all the inspections at one time instead of after each inspection.

As for the failed safety checks, Hausler maintains they were for minor issues.

Hausler described the town's termination of the contract as a "knee-jerk reaction.knee-jerk reaction.''

Ferreira's was the town's towing company for 35 years until it lost the contract three years ago to Christopher's Towing, only to regain the contractlast May.

Christopher's Towing, an alternate bidder on the contract, has replaced Ferreira's, Cohen said.

Hausler argued that his client would suffer "irreparable harm'' without an injunction, losing out on revenues of $90.25 per tow, as well as storagefees and body work done on damaged cars at the company's repair shop.

But Holtz said a judge or jury could calculate the damages if, or when, the case goes to trial.

At their meeting last night, selectmen voted unanimously to support Cohen's decision, and while board members said they did not feel theyneeded to vote, they did so to clarify their position and show their solidarity with Cohen.

"I don't think we need to vote on it,I don't think we need to vote on it," Selectman Jon Kurland said. "However, I am certainly open to a public vote to clarify theHowever, I am certainly open to a public vote to clarify the

Board of Selectmen's position.Board of Selectmen's position."

Selectman Patricia Wojtas took it a step further, saying, "I would like to vote on itI would like to vote on it."

Correspondent Ed Hannan contributed to this article.

Town terminates contract with towing providerTown terminates contract with towing providerMonica Jimenez/staff writerGateHouse News Service

Jan 25, 2011

www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford

Chelmsford —The Chelmsford Board of Selectmen supported Town Manager Paul Cohen’s decision to terminate the town’s contract with Ferreira Towing attheir meeting Monday, Jan. 24. The remainder of the contract will go to Chelmsford’s backup provider, Christopher’s Towing.

Cohen and Police Chief Jim Murphy recommended ending Ferreira’s service with the town Jan. 10 after several Ferreira trucks failed a state in-spection. The contract had been suspended since early November, when a first state inspection revealed fleet-wide mechanical problems andregistration violations.

That inspection took place after following an incident the week before in which a Ferreira truck collided with Chelmsford’s Best Western Hotel andits parking brake, headlights and license-plate lights were found to be defective.

At the selectman’s Jan. 10 meeting, Ferreira counsel Doug Hausler said the state inspections were unfair – they deemed minor violations safetyhazards and included trucks that towed commercial vehicles, which were irrelevant to Ferreira’s contract with the town. Hausler questionedCohen’s authority to unilaterally terminate the towing contract and urged the selectmen to do their duty to the town and take this decision intotheir own hands.

But after taking two weeks to review Hausler’s arguments, the selectmen made it clear on Jan. 24 they stand behind the Town Manager. Select-men Jon Kurland and Pat Wojtas said Cohen was clearly within his rights to end the contract with Ferreira.

“We affirm our support of the Town Manager’s decision and award the alternate provider, Christopher’s, with the remainderWe affirm our support of the Town Manager’s decision and award the alternate provider, Christopher’s, with the remainder

of the duration of the contractof the duration of the contract,” said Selectman Eric Dahlberg.

Copyright 2011 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Chelmsford evolving to meet standards for Chelmsford evolving to meet standards for disabled residents disabled residents

By Monica Jimenez/staff writerGateHouse News Service

Jan 22, 2011 www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news

Ralph Hickey is a clearly qualified champion for the disabled. In1983, he suffered an industrial accident, smashing his right heeland leaving him with a steel plate in his leg. He walks laboriously,aided by a cane.

The accident had one positive outcome: Inspired by his physicaltherapists, Hickey left Massachusetts General Hospital deter-mined to follow their example.

He ended up working part-time on Beacon Hill in the Office onDisability as a handicapped-access specialist. He reviewed build-ings around the state and helped train Community Access Moni-tors, the eyes and ears of the disability department. Instead,Hickey chose to bring his passion and experience home toChelmsford, where he became chairman of the Disability Commis-sion and the town’s Americans With Disabilities Act coordinator.He was a pioneer, working on the frontier of rights for the disabledas he argued for handicapped parking spaces, clear pathways from parking lots to front doors and fromdoors to bathrooms and signs at every step of the way.

Hickey still remembers the first time he brought up ADA requirements with Chelmsford businesses. As soonas he walked in, written speech in hand, business owners pelted him with questions and arguments.

“They thought we were going to come in and tear down the wallsThey thought we were going to come in and tear down the walls,” Hickey said.

Tearing up his speech, Hickey spoke from the heart. He told the business owners he would personally visiteach establishment and work with them to come up with the best way to meet requirements.

“The first of them came back saying, ‘This isn’t so badThe first of them came back saying, ‘This isn’t so bad,’” Hickey remembered. “After that, peoAfter that, peo--

ple were more acceptingple were more accepting.”

People were also more accepting after sitting in wheelchairs themselves and attempting to go up or downramps that were not ADA-compliant.

“They jumped right back up,They jumped right back up,” Hickey laughed. “They were afraid for their livesThey were afraid for their lives.”

As the law marks two decades since its passage, people have become more willing to comply with ADA re-quirements. Chelmsford’s town officials have been helpful, Hickey said, particularly Building Inspector ScottHammond, who takes every complaint seriously. This is the ideal situation, said Hickey. In some towns, it isnecessary to go straight to Beacon Hill.

“We don’t go running to BostonWe don’t go running to Boston,” Hickey said. “Not in Chelmsford.Not in Chelmsford.”

ADA Solutions

Local pride may help resolve some complaints, but it sometimesproves sticking point for ADA compliance, according to Sales Ex-ecutive Joe Dunnigan of Chelmsford-based ADA Solutions. Hesaid many residents are protective of a town’s historical image andshun his company’s modern-looking ramps and brightly coloredroad warning surfaces.

Boston, for example, is just as reluctant to change its historicalaesthetic with the yellow warning surfaces. Some New Englandcommunities, covered in snow and ice for a good part of the year,have also not welcomed change.

“Some cities were reluctant and got sued constantly,Some cities were reluctant and got sued constantly,”Dunnigan said. “These are not always welcome productsThese are not always welcome products.”

Ralph HickeyRalph Hickey

Chelmsford Public Library and the ways theyhave made it easier for those with disabilities,such as the ramp leading to the front entrance.Independent Staff Photo by Ann Ringwood

But they are necessary ones, according to Dunnigan. If a ramp does not meet ADA standards, people inback-heavy electric wheelchairs may tip forward. Surfaces like brick orcobblestone are more aesthetically pleasing, but much more difficult forwheelchairs to navigate.

“Most of the people who complain [about ADA compliance]Most of the people who complain [about ADA compliance]

see fine and walk fine,see fine and walk fine,” Dunnigan said.

To answer those concerns, ADA Solutions has tailored its approach todifferent states. In New York, the garish “federal yellow” of warning roadsurfaces has been changed to gray which still meets the 70 percentcontrast regulation without standing out. In other states, street warningsurfaces are a brick-like red.

These changes have helped make ADA compliance more widespread, Dunnigan said.

“More people are doing the right thing,” Dunnigan said. “Ten or 11 years ago, when you first startedTen or 11 years ago, when you first started

to see handicapped signs, there would be one or two of them in parking lots here andto see handicapped signs, there would be one or two of them in parking lots here and

there. Now they’re everywhere you go. They’re commonthere. Now they’re everywhere you go. They’re common.”

The same thing has happened with ADA Solution’s products, he added.

“If you’d talked to me in 2002, you’d have thought I was crazy,If you’d talked to me in 2002, you’d have thought I was crazy,” he said. “Most people hadn’tMost people hadn’t

seen these things. Now, you’re going to see more and more of them. It means we did ourseen these things. Now, you’re going to see more and more of them. It means we did our

jobjob.”

Work continues

Hickey estimates 90 percent of Chelmsford is ADA-compliant. He has hiseye on Jessie’s Place, whose staff and ambience he loves, but whose in-accessible design frustrates. He has suggested the town raise the side-walk 12 inches and install ramps.

Meanwhile, the Chelmsford Disability Commission is looking into gettingwhistles installed at traffic lights so people with poor vision know not tocross. Such technology will mean even more possibilities for the handi-capped, Hickey said. A division of the state Disabilities Office is studyingthe latest research, looking for solutions, he said.

According to Dunnigan, ADA Solutions is doing the same,

“We always look to products on the horizon,We always look to products on the horizon,” he said.

It’s an important business. Hickey pointed out the ADA has boosted independent living and quality of life forsenior citizens and others with handicaps or disabilities. Before, he said, those with limited mobility wereoften housebound and hesitated to speak up for their rights.

Dunnigan agreed.

“Often these people don’t speak for themselvesOften these people don’t speak for themselves,” Dunnigan said. “The visually impaired, theThe visually impaired, the

blind – many don’t like bringing attention to themselvesblind – many don’t like bringing attention to themselves.”

But now that ramps and signs have transformed town centers and public buildings from obstacle coursesinto accessible venues, those with wheelchairs, canes, walking sticks and seeing-eye dogs can enjoydowntown window-shopping and nights out like anybody else.

This includes Hickey himself, who sometimes goes out to eat with his wife, Barbara. And when Hickeystarts pointing out any accessibility issues that happen to catch his eye, management rarely fails to offer asympathetic ear.

“My wife tells me to eat first, then complainMy wife tells me to eat first, then complain,” Hickey laughed.

Thanks to the ADA, he’s able to do both.

“It’s given people freedom,It’s given people freedom,” Hickey said. “You can never take that awayYou can never take that away.”

Copyright 2011 Chelmsford Independent. Some rights reserved

Large print books are in their own section ofthe library. Independent Staff Photo by Ann Ringwood

In the large print section of the library is acomputer with large type software and akeyboard with large type. IIndependentStaff Photo by Ann Ringwood

Around the RotaryAround the RotaryPresident Catherine Fobes presented Denise

Marcaurelle with a Paul Harris Award at the

Chelmsford Rotary Club's meeting on Monday.

The award is made to Rotarians for excep-

tional support of International Rotary's Foun-

dation. The foundation supports Rotary

projects throughout the world. The major proj-

ect in recent years has been the eradication of

polio. Extensive emergency relief was also

provided after the earthquake in Haiti. Many

projects involved digging wells and pure water

storage facilities, establishing health clinics

and building generators for electrical power.

Pictured - Leonard Dollan (L) and Tim Vaal (R)

The American Red Cross Massachusets Region Blood Services awarded the Rotary Club of

Chelmsford their "Volunteer Organization of the Year - 2010" at the club's meeting on Monday at

the Radisson Hotel. The award was presented by District Manager Tim Vaal. Also in attendance

was Joseph Scurio, Account Manager. Leonard Doolan and Charles Keen provide club leader-

ship at local bloodmobiles with support from club members.

Chelmsford WINTERFEST 2011Chelmsford WINTERFEST 2011February 2011February 2011

Schedule of EventsSchedule of Events

Friday, February 4, 2011

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Friday Night Lights: Night Snow Shoeing at Russell Mill Forest5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Friday Night Lights: Night Snow Shoeing at Russell Mill Forest

Join The Chelmsford Open Space Stewards and New England Mountain Bike Association for a special edi-tion of "Friday Night Lights." We meet at the main parking lot of Russell Mill Soccer Fields at 5:30 p.m. andexplore the 6-plus miles of snowshoe trails on the 120 acres of town conservation land along Russell MillPond. Groups are broken up by ability - from slow enjoyable walks to ones that will give even the best ath-letes a challenge. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be waiting in the parking lot when groups return. Youneed to bring your own snowshoes and a night headlamp. Like all Chelmsford Open Space events, its is freeand family-friendly.

7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - WinterFest Social at the Chelmsford Library: "Let the Games Begin"7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - WinterFest Social at the Chelmsford Library: "Let the Games Begin"

This annual WinterFest Social is also the kick-off for One Book Chelmsford community reading campaign.This year area restaurants and bakeries will provide delicious sweet and savory finger foods. Harrington'sWines & Liquors will offer dessert wines for tastings. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase andcoffee, tea and soft drinks will be served. $10 per person donation. Please purchase your tickets in advanceat the Library. Click here to see the list of particpating restaurants and stores:http://www.chelmsfordlibrary.org/onebook/

Saturday, February 5, 2011

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Central Co-Op Nursery School Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Central Co-Op Nursery School Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction

This annual event will be held at the Central Congregational Church at 1 Worthen Street. Come one and allfor great pancakes, eggs, bacon and lots more!

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Outdoor Activities at Roberts Field9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Outdoor Activities at Roberts Field

Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing and hot refreshments sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 77.

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Winter Rest at First Parish Church9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Winter Rest at First Parish Church

At the First Parish Church folks can warm up and fill up with bagels and muffins in the early hours (We'rehoping to have First Parish's famous homemade "holy donuts" - hot out of the oil). Lunch will be served from11:30 until 2:00. We will serve soups and sandwiches, as well as hot dogs and chili. Hot and cold drinks willbe offered throughout the day. We will have live music and possibly Karaoke. We are planning a crafts cor-ner to make Valentine cards to help TheWish Projects' Valentines Day Cheer-up (for homebound senior citi-zens). Proceeds will benefit The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Chelmsford's Steeple RepairFund. Warm up at this annual retreat, fortify yourself from the cold and satisfy yourself with hot drinks, food,

live music and lots of fun!

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Chelmsford Cultural Council's Photo Exhibit at the CCA at Center Town11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Chelmsford Cultural Council's Photo Exhibit at the CCA at Center TownHallHall

View the entries to the Chelmsford Cultural Council's annual photography contest. To submit an entry, visitthe Council's webpage at ChelmsfordCulturalCouncil.com and download an application. (Deadline for sub-missions: Friday, Jan. 22, 2011.)

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Community Ice Rink & WROR Radio11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Community Ice Rink & WROR Radio

Please join the volunteers of the Community Ice Project and WROR radio for music and fun at the new Com-munity Ice Rink on Chelmsford Street. Free Public Skating from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Frosty the Snowmanwill be paying a visit from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. along with samples from 3-Every-Day and Wild Harvest.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Malt Shop at Central Baptist Church11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Malt Shop at Central Baptist Church

Take a break from the outdoor festivities with this beloved annual tradition at Chelmsford’s Winter Fest. ThePink Ladies Malt Shop will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on February 5th at the Central Baptist Church, 9Academy Street, in Chelmsford, MA. Get ready for the return of poodle skirts, hula hoops, and doo-wop! Thetasty menu will include grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream sundaes, frappes, and root beerfloats. Retro games and trivia will keep all the customers entertained as the Girl Scouts from ChelmsfordTroop 215 dish up service with a smile! Sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 215.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Outdoor Activities at Varney Playground11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Outdoor Activities at Varney Playground

Snow Painting, Storytelling, Lollipop Dig, Snow Games and Sledding for all ages. Cookies and Hot Choco-late will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Friends and Neighbors of Varney Playground and theVPRC, Inc.

2:00 p.m. - "Popular Music of the Gaslight Era" (1890-1920) with John Root at the Chelmsford2:00 p.m. - "Popular Music of the Gaslight Era" (1890-1920) with John Root at the ChelmsfordCenter for the Arts (CCA) Center for the Arts (CCA)

This performance features a delightful repertoire of instrumental and vocal musical styles from the turn of theprevious century. Everyone is invited to sing along and to experience the range of feelings evoked by thismusic.

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Art Reception at the Chelmsford Library-Two Exhibits of Abstracts2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Art Reception at the Chelmsford Library-Two Exhibits of Abstracts

The February art exhibits at the Library feature abstract art by photographer Wendy Kump and painter RitaOverhulser. Please join us on Saturday, Feb 5th for our opening reception. Music by pianists Kevin Kong,David Chen and Jeffrey Rong and refreshments.

12 noon - 5:00 p.m. - Chowder Fest, Free Family Fun and Entertainment at the Senior Center12 noon - 5:00 p.m. - Chowder Fest, Free Family Fun and Entertainment at the Senior Center

Come out of the cold and enjoy some hot, delicious food, entertainment and great FAMILY FUN! Free kidsgames and prizes, balloon twister, juggling sticks, magician, and caricature artist. Lots of give-a-ways!Dancers from Planet Dance, Zumba demo, Pete the Magician, Hula Dancing, and a Jazz Ensemble. ForSale: Clam, Corn and Fish Chowder, hot dogs & pizza, apple crisp, ice-cream, baked goods, popcorn andcandy!

7:00 p.m. WinterFest Talent Show at the CCA7:00 p.m. WinterFest Talent Show at the CCA

Tom Christiano will be hosting a WINTERFEST TALENT SHOW at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA)on Saturday, February 5th, starting at 7 p.m. This will be a free performance to showcase all of the talent wehave right here in Chelmsford. There won't be any auditions or rehearsals at the CCA...you would just giveTom your name and talent ahead of time and then you'll perform...very simple, but – hopefully -- very enter-taining. Everyone is welcome to perform at this talent show, even those just starting out as an entertainer.Each performance should be about seven minutes or less.Please send Tom an email at: tchristiano@comcast.net if you'd like to perform at the WINTERFEST TALENTSHOW at the CCA on FEB 5th. Please send Tom your name, contact information, and your type of talent(singer, dancer, musician, juggler, magician, etc.). There will probably be a single mic set up at the CCA thatnight. Everyone is invited to stop by the CCA on February 5th, at 7:00 p.m., to enjoy the many talented per-formers and to show your support for all of the entertainers.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Outdoor Activities at Roberts Field:9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Outdoor Activities at Roberts Field:

Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing at Roberts Field. Boy Scout Troop 77 will be serving up hotrefreshments

12 noon - 1:15 p.m. - Snow Shoeing at the Lime Quarry12 noon - 1:15 p.m. - Snow Shoeing at the Lime Quarry

Sponsored by the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship and the Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust. TheLime Quarry Snow Shoe trail is 1.5 miles long and designed for the sport (lots of ups and downs). Bring yourown Snow Shoes and a smile. If no snow, we will offer a winter walk at the site. For information on TheQuarry and The Stewardship visit www.theChelmsfordian.com.

1:30 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. - Free Public Skate at the Chelmsford Forum1:30 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. - Free Public Skate at the Chelmsford Forum

The Chelmsford Forum is located at 2 Brick Kiln Road, North Billerica, MA.

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. -Reception for Chelmsford Cultural Council's Photo Exhibit at the CCA at2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. -Reception for Chelmsford Cultural Council's Photo Exhibit at the CCA atCenter Town Hall (1A North Road)Center Town Hall (1A North Road)

Music by the Double Necks Duo. Refreshments. View the entries and awards to the Cultural Council’s annualWinterFest photo contest. To submit an entry, visit the Council’s webpage at www.ChelmsfordCulturalCoun-cil.com and download an application. (Deadline for submissions: Friday, Jan. 22, 2011.)

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Winter Nature Walk2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Winter Nature Walk

The Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust will be sponsoring a Winter Nature Walk at the Archer Meadow-brook Reservation at the dead end on Fenwick Drive (off Route 4). At the end of the walk there will be a bon-fire and s'mores at Skunk Island. Bring all the children you can find! Organizers respectfully request that youleave your dog at home.

WinterFest Events MapWinterFest Events Map

CLICK HERECLICK HERE View Chelmsford Winterfest 2011 in a larger map

Sponsor a

“Spare the Violence” Bowl-a-thon

To benefit Alternative House and local Domestic Violence Awareness Programs

DATE: SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2011 1 PM – 3 PM

AT: THE BRUNSWICK BOWLING LANES Lowell, MA

REGISTRATION DATE: FEBRUARY 26, 2011 (PRE REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

** FUN ** DOOR PRIZES ** RAFFLES **PRIZES (for qualifying Individuals/Team)

TEAM REGISTRATION FEE: $55.00

INCLUDES: 3 GAMES OF BOWLING AND SHOES FOR EACH OF YOUR 5 BOWLERS

SPONSORSHIP PACKETS WILL BE SENT TO BOWLERS UPON REGISTRATION TEAM MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO SOLICIT A MINIMUM OF $250 PER TEAM OR $50 PER BOWLER IN SPONSORSHIPS. WE PREFER FLAT RATE PLEDGES (EXAMPLE $5.00, $10.00, ETC.). SPONSOR SHEETS AND PLEDGES WILL BE COLLECTED AT THE EVENT FROM 12:30-1:00 PM. BOWLING WILL BEGIN AT 1:00PM. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RECEIVE A REGISTRATION FORM AND SPONSOR

SHEETS CALL KATHY 978-256-8592, EMAIL ADDRESS cobch@mawt.org

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.cwotma.org .

EXTRA EXTRAS

Linda Desrosiers, Food Service Manager, Chelmsford Senior Center is shown here plan-

ning the delicious homemade clam and fish chowderdelicious homemade clam and fish chowder for the 16th year that

the Senior Center will offer a delicious meal to the public during Chelmsford's popularWinterfest.

The hours that the folks at the senior center at 75 Groton Road, Chelmsford, MA will beserving this homemade menu will be on Saturday, February 5, 2011, from 12 noon until5p.m.

Lots of free entertainment will alo be going on during the dinner. Face painting, carica-tures, Planet Dance will be on hand, zumba demonstrations, Indian Hill Music.

The dinner will consist of

A bowl of either fish or clam chowder - home made for $3.50

A single size home made pizza for $1.75

Applecrisp single serving for $1.50,

add icecream to it and it will be $2.00

An 8 oz. cup of icecream will cost only $1.00

All proceeds benefit the senior center of Chelmsford, MA.

We hope you will come out of the cold and join usfor a fun afternoon of activities and a delicious home made hot meal.

If you have any questions, you may contact the Chelmsford Senior Center, at 978-251-0533

ASK NOT WHAT YOUR TOWN CAN DO FOR YOU, ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR TOWNASK NOT WHAT YOUR TOWN CAN DO FOR YOU, ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR TOWN

THE TOWN MEETING REP CANDIDATES AS IT CURRENTLY STANDS AS OF JANUARY 28th

6 openings per Precinct and also some unexpired terms need to be filled

PREC 1 TOWN MTG

REPS 3 YR (6)

Timothy S. McIlvenna*11 Brook Street

Karen I. Kowalski*18 Carter Drive

Patricia E. Dzuris*104 Warren Avenue

Michael N. Raisbeck85 High Street

Nancy K. Araway65 Littleton Rd

Ann B. McGuigan *5 Ann’s Way

Steven D. Mitchell*20 Summit Avenue

PREC 1 TOWN MTG REPUnexp 2 YR (1 opening)

PREC 1 TOWN MTG REPUnexp 1 YR (1 opening)

PREC 2 TOWN MTG

REPS 3 YR (6)

George L. Merrill *108 Dunstable Road

David w. Morey*18 Ripley Street

Mary Jo Welch*31 Kennedy Drive

Laura A. Lee*9 Washington Street

PREC 2 TOWN MTG REPUnexp 1 YR (1 opening)

PREC 3 TOWN MTG

REPS 3 YR (6)

Leonard A. Olenchak*8 Jordan Street

Michael F. Curran*58 Crooked Spring Road

Thomas E. Moran*19 Dennison Road

Pamela L. Armstrong*C6 Scotty Hollow Drive

Michael F. McCall*151 Main Street

PREC 4 TOWN MTG

REPS 3 YRS (6)

Brian P. Latina*15 Jessie Road

Stephen J. Maffetone *13 Jessie Road

Elizabeth M. Ripsom *33 Porter Road

Kirk D. Marshall *38 Moore Street

PREC 5 TOWN MTG REPS 3 YR (6)

Jon H. Kurland*17 Mansfield Drive

Edwin P. Eriksen*291 Acton Road

Evelyn S. Thoren*18 Pinewood Road

Cheryl M. Perkins *10 Warwick Drive

Matthew J. Hanson*16 Wedgewood Drive

PREC 6 TOWN MTG REPS 3 YR (6)

Roy W. Earley *184 Chelmsford St

Mary E. Frantz *34 Miland Avenue

Joshua J. Abbott222 Dalton Road

PREC 6 TOWN MTG REPUnexp 1 YR (1 opening)

PREC 7 TOWN MTG REPS 3 YR (6)

Stratos G. Dukakis*10 Galloway Road

Paul F. Gleason*30 Pine Hill Road

Paul J. Rigazio*25 Clover Hill Road

Clare L. Jeannotte*3 Hawthorne Lane

Gail C. Kruglak17 Bentley Ln

Alexander E. Buck*6 Livery Road

PREC 8 TOWN MTG REPS 3 YR (6)

Angelo J. Taranto*8 Charlemont Court

Dennis J. Ready*16 Parkhurst Road

Walter A. Cleven*4 Arbutus Avenue

Bruce I. Mandel*255 North Road #62

PREC 9 TOWN MTG

REPS 3 YR (6)

William P. Griffin*9 Bishop Street

Curtis B. Barton15 State Street

Leighann P. Sciacca*1 Green Way

PREC 9 TOWN MTG REPUnexp 2 YR (1 opening)

PREC 9 TOWN MTG REPUnexp 1 YR (1 opening)

IF YOU THINK YOU CAN’T MAKE A IF YOU THINK YOU CAN’T MAKE A 

DIFFERENCE,THEN YOU WON’TDIFFERENCE,THEN YOU WON’T

IF YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE A IF YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE A 

DIFFERENCE, THEN YOU WILLDIFFERENCE, THEN YOU WILL

STAND UP AND BE COUNTEDSTAND UP AND BE COUNTED

LET THE PEOPLE SPEAKLET THE PEOPLE SPEAK

BECOME A TOWN MEETING REPBECOME A TOWN MEETING REP

CANDIDATE INSTRUCTIONSCANDIDATE INSTRUCTIONS

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

WIR SHOW e A

Tom Christiano will be hosting the WINTERFEST WINTERFEST

TALENT SHOWTALENT SHOW at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts(CCA) on Saturday, February 5th, starting at 7 PM.

This will be a free performance to showcase all of thetalent we have right here in Chelmsford. There won't beany auditions or rehearsals at the CCA...you would justgive Tom your name and talent ahead of time and thenyou'll perform...very simple, but – hopefully -- very entertaining.

Everyone is welcome to perform at this talent show.

Each performance should be about seven minutes or less.

The “Chelmsford Women of Today” & the “Red Hat Mammas” have generously agreed to donate free refreshments to everyone who attends the show.

The Chelmsford Open Space Stewards are helping with the sound system andthe CCA set up.

Please send Tom an email at: tchristiano@comcast.nettchristiano@comcast.net if you'd like to per-form at the WINTERFEST TALENT SHOW at the CCA on FEB 5th.

Please send Tom your name, contact information, and your type of talent(singer, dancer, musician, juggler, magician, etc.).

There will be a single mic set up at the CCA that night. A piano player will alsobe there that night.

You are welcome to ask him if he can accompany you as you perform.

Everyone is invited to stop by the CCA on February 5th, at 7:00 PM, to enjoy the many talented performers and to show your support for all of theentertainers.

The CCA doors open at 6:30 PM. If we have the time during the show, we willalso accommodate those who sign up on the night of the show as well.

We plan to end the show at around 9:00 PM.

Tom Christiano

QUOTES  OF  THE  WEEK:Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.~Victor Hugo~Victor Hugo

Winter is nature's way of saying, Up yours."  

~Robert Byrne

Jim laNe prepares

for battle after

pulliNg papers for

selectmaN from the

farside of farside of

chelmsfordchelmsford

Next week Jim you have aN

appoiNtmeNt to be fitted for

your New flak Jacket

If you have any comments on the If you have any comments on the In-Town Report In-Town Report drop me a line atdrop me a line at

intownreport@gmail.comintownreport@gmail.com

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