Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Please visit our webpage at www.shrewsburyma.gov/coronavirus for health, town department and business info, press releases, confirmed cases in the Town of Shrewsbury and updates from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
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Email: Health@worcesterma.gov
Website: www.shrewsburyma.gov/coronavirus
Phone: 508-799-1019
Legislative Update from Rep Kane and Senator Moore
State Sen. Michael O. Moore and State Rep. Hannah E. Kane provided the Board with updates on the State budget and legislation. Bond bills that were secured for FY 21 include $62k for economic development, $112k for technology and security upgrades for the town, a transportation bond bill for $1.2 million for sidewalk improvements, planning design and construction of Route 140 north to I-290, and $20 million for Chapter 70, of which $50k would be allocated for COVID-19 related expenses. Rep Kane also announced that this is the first year implementation of the Child Opportunity Act in the amount of $30 per pupil.
Draft FY2022 Fiscal Projection One (The Budget)
Mr. Mizikar reviewed a presentation that detailed the revenue picture for this year by category, functional areas of the budget summary, and department budgets contained in Fiscal Projection One. Mr. Mizikar reviewed staffing plans and stated that the sewer rates were last increased in 2011 and a rate increase is being discussed to fund the account. The Board discussed various aspects of the projection and discussed specifics with Mr. Mizikar and thanked him for a through presentation.
Sharyn Thomas Appointed as Town Clerk
The Board had previously held an interview with Sharyn Thomas, former Assistant Town Clerk, following the retirement of Town Clerk Sandra Wright. The Board unanimously voted to appoint Ms. Thomas for a three year term pursuant to Article 4-M of the Town of Shrewsbury Bylaws. Sharyn is a long-time Shrewsbury resident and has worked in the Town Clerk's office since 2013, and served as Assistant Town Clerk since 2017. Sharyn was instrumental this past year navigating election law changes and working long hours to run a smooth and successful election and Town meeting. Sharyn has three children, 18, 15, & 12, and volunteers often for her children's boy & girl scout troops.
Department of Public Works Update
Mr. Howland, DPW Director, reviewed the unprecedented challenges of 2020 and changes made within the department. Mr. Howland and other members of the DPW Leadership Team reviewed various projects within their division including projects, accomplishments and operations in Water, Sewer, Parks & Rec, Engineering, Highway, Business Management and Public Facilities. Ms. Casavant commented on the impressive functionality of the new DPW app SeeClickFix. The Board asked various questions regarding DPW operations and updates and thanked all members of the DPW for their work and their time.
Lebeaux Appointed to Beal Building Committee
Mr. Kane previously announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the Board of Selectmen, therefore the Board needs to act on a replacement delegate to the Beal Building Committee. Mr. Lebeaux expressed interested in the position. The Beal Building Committee appointed Mr. Lebeaux as the Chair on February 23, 2021.
Prop 2 1/2 Operation Override for School Department Sparks Concern
The Board received a large amount of correspondence from concerned residents for the need of a Proposition 2 1/2 operational override to fund the School Departments budget needs that was discussed at a February 10, 2021 meeting of the School Committee. Ms. Casavant presented a statement to address the concerns of many residents. Ms. Casavant stated that the Board is always mindful of and focused on the budget and prioritizes school funding to the greatest extent possible. This topic will be further discussed at a joint meeting with the School Committee and Selectmen on March 16th at 7:30 pm.
FY22 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
Mr. Mizikar reviewed a presentation on the proposed FY22 budget. This presentation included data, projections, and analytics surrounding revenue, operating budgets, state aid, and proposed expenditures, an operating budget summary for each department, and department requests compared to proposals included in fiscal projection one. Mr. Mizikar reviewed the budget impact of opening Beal in the Public Buildings Division which would result in $281,542. In total, Mr. Mizikar recommended funding $936,677 less than what was proposed by departments to continue level service operations and reviewed requests that were unfunded due to budget limitations.
Police Station Building Committee Update
Mr. Pitney, Chair, introduced the members and reviewed work thus far of the Police Municipal Campus Building Committee. Proposals were recently received from CM-at-Risk firms. Members of the committee reviewed a presentation regarding the progress of the Police Station Building Committee and a progress update on the site plan, building layout and exterior design, engineering, and project schedule. Ms. Casavant thanked the committee, the Owners Project Manager and Architects for their attendance and presentation.
Board Sets date of Annual Town Meeting to Sat. May 22
Mr. Mehne, Town Moderator, appeared before the Board. Ms. Casavant suggested to hold the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday May 22 at 8:30 am. Mr. Mehne reviewed the statutory framework for changing the date of the Annual Town Meeting and the Board unanimously voted to change the date as proposed. Mr. Mehne suggested that some changes be incorporated into the bylaws to provide flexibility for the time and date of Town Meeting. Mr. Mehne reviewed the idea of a consent agenda for the Annual Town Meeting and suggested that it also be added for consideration for a potential bylaw. Ms. Casavant stated that she would work the manager to develop proposed articles for placement on the Annual Town Meeting warrant.
About Us
The Board of Selectmen acts as the Town's Chief Executive Body responsible for the community's general welfare following guidelines set forth in Operational Policies for the Board of Selectmen. Specific powers and responsibilities of the Board of Selectmen are set forth in Chapter 559 of the Acts of 1953 which is better known as the Town Manager Act and the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Email: selectmen@shrewsburyma.gov
Website: https://shrewsburyma.gov/535/Board-of-Selectmen
Location: 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA, USA
Phone: 508-841-8504
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShrewsburyMassachusetts
Twitter: @ShrewsburyMAGov