Below is the link for the May 6, 2008 Election.

• 2008 Town Election Results

The town manager has issued a revised fiscal estimate which was discussed with the Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen on May 8th.  Resulting from changes in the Town's health insurance program, the Group Health and Life Insurance budget can be level funded for FY 2009.  This will free up additional funds to be re-allocated among the several municipal and school departments.

• Fiscal Projection Three - FY 2009 05/08/2008

SELCO is now offering a “Money Match” program whereby eligible low-income SELCO customers can make a payment on their electric bill and SELCO will match the dollar amount paid as credit to their bill. This is an opportunity to increase the benefit of the federal tax rebate by essentially doubling its value.

To qualify for the 2008 SELCO Money Match program, the name of the customer of record on the account must meet one or more of the following eligibility requirements:

• Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
• Fuel Assistance – South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC)
• Supplemental Social Security Income (SSSI)
• 2008 SELCO Share The Warmth Recipient
• Food Stamp Program

Minimum/Maximum Contribution
Customers may request a match amount up to the total of their electric bills for the months of January, February and March but not less than $50 or more than $300.

Customers who meet eligibility requirements may be granted the match amount even though they do not have an outstanding balance due to their SELCO electric account. Some customers who are in dire financial need may pay SELCO bills on-time but continue to struggle in other ways.

SELCO Money Match credits will be given for eligible payments made from May 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008. All Money Match payments must be accompanied by a SELCO Money Match application form and proof of eligibility.

• 2008 Money Match Application Form

Return Money Match forms, payments and proof of eligibility by June 30, 2008 to:

SELCO Money Match
100 Maple Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA 01545

The Finance Committee report is available on line. This report made to the Town Meeting is the basis of action for the May 19th Annual Town Meeting.

• Fiscal Year 2009 Finance Committee Report and Warrant

In order to fund ongoing operation, maintenance and capital improvements of the water and sewer systems, new water and sewer rates have gone into effect.  These new rates will be reflected in bills issued in September of 2008, that will cover water and sewer service provided after April 30, 2008.

• New Water Rates

The Board of Selectmen, acting in cooperation with the Board of Library Trustees, will be accepting letters of interest to fill a one year term on the Board of Library Trustees created by a vacancy.   The term expires in May of 2009 at which time there will be an election to fill the seat.  Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, section 11 states that the Selectmen and Trustees shall meet and jointly select a replacement to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees.
 
Residents should submit a letter to the Board of Selectmen, 100 Maple Avenue, outlining their interest in the position.    The deadline for submittal is Friday, May 16th.

We send out a great big thank-you to the folks at Building 19 for agreeing to host our Abitibi Paper Recycling Bin.  They have agreed to let us place TWO bins on their property.  One is on Baker Avenue, just off of Rt.9, and the other is in the main parking lot, off Harrington Ave, next to the old School House. 

The bins are available for immediate use, so you can now resume recycling to support the Paton PTO!

Pedestrian Safety

During the construction on Route 9, pedestrians are asked to please use the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street during the reconstruction hours of the sidewalk and street for their own safety.

Thank you.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION – MAY 6, 2008

Absentee ballots are available at the town clerk’s office for voters who will be unable to vote at the polls on May 6, 2008.

Town Clerk's Office
(508)841-8507

Pursuant to Chapter 427 of the Acts of 2006, the Board of Selectmen has released information relative to the ballot question to be considered at the May 6, 2008, Annual Town Election.  This question seeks to add $1.5 Million to the levy limit for Fiscal Year 2009, which begins on July 1, 2008.  A copy of the information will be received by all voters of the Town on or about April 25th.

• Ballot Question Mailing FINAL 2008

ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
MAY 6, 2008

Last day to register to vote for the Annual Town Election is Wednesday, April 16, until 8:00 P.M. at the Town Clerk’s office at the Town Hall at 100 Maple Avenue.   Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by April 16.

Please contact the Town Clerk's office at (508) 841-8507 for more information.

The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at 8:00pm in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, to receive citizen comments on prohibiting motorized vehicles of any type on Town owned land off Seneca Street.

Residents of Shrewsbury are encouraged to attend this public hearing and to offer any written or oral comments.

Maurice M. DePalo
Chairman
Board of Selectmen

• Public Hearing - Town-Owned Land 4/7/2008

The town manager submitted to the Finance Committee a series of proposed reductions to bring the Fiscal Year 2009 spending plan into balance.  These proposals are made to assist the Finance Committee in forming its recommendations. 

The Finance Committee will begin its deliberations on what form its recommendations will take at their next meeting on March 27th which begins at 7:00 PM with a presentation by the School Committee. 

Mr. Morgado will then present his proposals along with warrant articles being submitted for consideration at the May 19th Annual Town Meeting.  A public hearing on the entire Fiscal Year 2009 spending plan including warrant articles will take place at 7:30 PM on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 7:300 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.

• Fiscal Year 2009 Budget 03/26/2008

On Thursday, April 17, 2008, at 7:00 PM in the Conference Room A,  the Finance Committee will continue the public hearing on the 2008 Annual Town Meeting Warrant which includes discussion of the Fiscal Year 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets.

• Public Hearing April 10, 2008 FY09 Budget

The Board of Selectmen has issued the signed Annual Town Meeting Warrant which encompasses both the Annual Town Election on May 6, 2006 and the Annual Town Meeting on May 19, 2006. The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the warrant on April 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.

• Final Warrant Posted 03/20/2008

The town manager has begun the process to fill the vacancy that will be created with the June 1st retirement of Fire Chief Gerald LaFlamme who has served as fire chief for the past eight years.  A vacancy announcement has been released and will be published in various newspapers seeking to create a large applicant pool.  The town manager expects to have a new chief selected by the end of April.

• Fire Chief Vacancy March 2008

At a March 5th meeting of the School Committee that was attended by the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee, the town manager outlined his revised fiscal projection for FY 2009.  There will be ongoing discussion of the Town's fiscal picture at a joint meeting of the Board and Finance Committee on March 6th at 7:00 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.

• Fiscal Projection Two - FY 2009

Shrewsbury residents have shown they want to recycle more. Using larger recycling containers is now acceptable.

In addition to 14 gallon recycling bins residents may use plastic trash barrels up to 32 gallons in size or other plastic containers for recycling cans, bottles and jars. Residents are asked to affix a recycling decal to the barrels.  The decals are available free of charge in the Health Department. The recycling containers brought to the curb must weigh no more than 30 lbs each.

In May, the Health Department will have 18 and 22 gallon recycling bins for sale in addition to the 14 gallon bins. Residents may also use clear plastic bags for their cans, bottles and jars. 

Paper and cardboard should be set out in paper bags or lightly tied with string. Shredded paper should be in paper bags. Use a staple at the top if the bag is very full. Be sure to ask for a paper bag or two when you shop. Cans, bottles and jars must be separated from the papers.

As part of a trial project resident who want to recycle light weight plastic bags may put all their plastic bags inside one bag and place that bag in the recycling bin.  Unwanted paper bags should be recycled with the papers.
   
Please recycle. A little effort can make a big difference.

The town manager has filed with the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee the proposed operational budget for Fiscal Year 2009. The Finance Committee will commence hearings on the proposed budget on February 2nd at 9:00 AM and continue on February 9th also at 9:00 AM. Copies of the budget are available for public inspection in the Offices of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk and the Public Library during normal business hours.

• Budget Message & Financial Workshop Materials

The Board of Selectmen has updated its budget calendar showing important dates leading up to the Annual Town Meeting on May 19th and setting forth an aggressive meeting and hearing schedule of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee. 

The town manager's budget filing will be released on January 25th which will be immediately followed by the traditional twin Saturday day long budget hearings before the Finance Committee that will start at 9:00 AM on February 2nd.

• Revised Meeting Schedule

The Finance Committee will begin its deliberation on the Fiscal Year 2009 budget on Saturday, February 2nd starting at 9:00 AM.  The format will consist of individual department heads appearing before the Finance Committee on a set schedule throughout the day.  The hearing times are approximate and time allotments will be expanded upon as necessary.  The hearings can also be view live on SMC - Channel 30.  The second round of hearings will also begin at 9:00 AM on February 9th.

• Budget Hearing Schedule FY 2009

The Finance Committee has announced its meeting and hearing schedule for the FY 2009 budget season.  The Committee will meet for a minimum of ten times between now and the May 19, 2008, Annual Town Meeting as it works in developing its recommendations.  The work of the Committee will begin at the traditional Saturday budget hearings on February 2 and 9, 2008, starting at 9:00 AM and continuing throughout the day.

• Finance Committee Meeting Schedule

The Town of Shrewsbury has teamed up with The New England Rain Barrel Company to offer discounted rain barrels to residents. Rain barrels help conserve water and save money, and can be used for outdoor watering or car washing.

Rain barrels are available to Shrewsbury residents at the discounted price of $66.50 (regular retail price $89). The Town has also been awarded a grant from the MassDEP that provides an additional $10 discount for the first 40 barrels purchased (grant price $56.50 - limit one grant per household).

New England Rain Barrels are made from recycled 55 gallon food-grade plastic drums and come equipped with a 5 ft. hose and shutoff valve.

Orders may be placed through April 25th. Rain barrel pick-up day is Saturday May 3rd, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Shrewsbury Town Hall.

Rain Barrel Fast Facts
Conserve water, save money, and reduce your impact on the local environment.

• Collection of rooftop runoff provides an ample supply of free “soft water” containing no chlorine, lime or calcium.
• Rain water is ideal for biodynamic and organic vegetable gardens, planter beds, indoor plants, automobile washing and cleaning windows.
• Rain barrels reduce demand for tap water and save money by lowering quarterly water bills. 
• Using stored rain water instead of treated tap water from a garden hose helps the Town conserve electricity that would have been used during the drinking water treatment process.
• Rain water diversion decreases the burden on municipal drainage systems during storms. 
• Rain barrels prevent gutter runoff from washing chemicals and contaminates from lawns and driveways into the storm sewer system.  This helps improve the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. 
• Rain barrels keep gardens green and lush all summer long... even when the Town implements mandatory outdoor water use restrictions.  
• Just 1/4" of rain on an average size roof will fill a 55 gallon New England rain barrel.

Call 1-877-977-3135 to place your order with The New England Rain Barrel Company or visit www.nerainbarrel.com.
The Water Dept. will not take rain barrel orders!