Citizen Meeting Tonight .. 110 Westport Village Road 7:00pm

There will be a meeting held tonight to discuss the proposed asphalt plant and what can be done to stop it from being built and ruining the lives of nearby residents, of Swanzey and Winchester. We ask that everyone who is concerned about the health hazards this plant would subject us to and the increased noise and truck traffic to please attend and offer your support in our efforts to stop this venture from being built on the grounds of the old P&H sand and stone pit on Route 10 in the town of Winchester's protected Aquifer District. This proposed plant will severely impact residents of Winchester living along Route #10 and in the Combs Bridge/Old Westport Road area and also the Swanzey residents living in the Westport Village area and the Pine Grove mobile home park more than any other habitations with the release of toxic chemicals such as;

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S). ... Hydrogen sulfide is a poisonous, colorless gas that is associated with the characteristic smell of rotten eggs. Exposure tends to be a problem in communities located near certain types of industrial sites that release hydrogen sulfide. People who live near an industrial facility that emits hydrogen sulfide may be exposed to higher levels of hydrogen sulfide. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide occurs from breathing contaminated air or drinking contaminated water. Hydrogen sulfide remains in the air for about 18 hrs. after which it changes into sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid. Hydrogen sulfide may also be released as a liquid waste from an industrial facility. It is not known whether children are more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide than adults nor is it known if hydrogen sulfide causes birth defects (ToxFAQs for Hydrogen Sulfide, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, July 2006, CAS #7783-06-04.)
Exposures to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may result in respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, nervous system depression, neurobehavioral effects, tissue hypoxia, cardiovascular effects, unconsciousness and death. Exposure to lower concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can result in less severe neurological and respiratory effects such as incoordination, loss of smell, nasal symptoms, sore throat, cough, and dyspnea. Some evidence suggests that people with asthma may be overly sensitive to hydrogen sulfide, and impaired
function has been observed in people with asthma who were exposed to low levels of hydrogen sulfide.
One community exposure study found an increased prevalence of eye irritations in residents exposed to low levels of hydrogen sulfide. Numerous case reports suggest that high exposures to respiratory arrest and pulmonary edema can occur after a brief exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
Although most people recover after exposure to hydrogen sulfide many individuals report permanent or persistent neurological effects including headache, poor concentration ability and attention span, impaired short memory and motor function (Toxicological Profile for Hydrogen Sulfide,US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2006).

Benzene. ... Benzene, also known as benzol, is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Benzene is a known carcinogen or cancer-causing agent. Benzene enters the body through the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and across the skin. Brief exposure (5-10 minutes) to very high levels of benzene in air can result in death. Lower levels of exposure can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness. Continuous exposure to benzene can lead to anemia and excessive bleeding, and may be harmful to the immune system by increasing the chance for infection and perhaps lowering the body's defense against cancer.
Exposure to benzene has been associated with development of a particular type of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Department of Health and Human Services, the International Agency for Cancer Research and the EPA has determined that benzene causes cancer.
Exposure to benzene may be harmful to human reproductive organs. Benzene can pass from the mother's blood to a fetus, but it is not known what effects exposure to benzene might have on the developing fetus in pregnant women or on fertility in men. However, studies with pregnant animals show that breathing benzene has harmful effects on the developing fetus.
These effects include low birth weight, delayed bone formation, and bone marrow damage. Children can be affected by benzene exposure in the same ways as adults, and is not known if children are more susceptible to benzene poisoning than adults (Public Health Statement for Benzene, Draft for Public Comment, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, September 2005, CAS#: 71-43-2).

Chromium. ... Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, soil, and in volcanic dust and gases. Chromium cannot be tasted and has no odor. Chromium is present in the environment in several different forms. The most common forms are chromium(0), chromium(III), and chromium(VI), also known as hexavalent chromium. Chromium(VI) and chromium(0) are usually produced by industrial processes. Breathing high levels of chromium(VI) can cause irritation to the nose, such as runny nose, nosebleeds, and ulcers and holes in the nasal septum. Chromium(VI) at high levels can damage the nose and can cause cancer. Ingesting large amounts of chromium(VI) can cause stomach upsets and ulcers, convulsions, kidney and liver damage, and even death. Skin contact with certain chromium(VI) compounds can cause skin ulcers. Some people are extremely sensitive to chromium(VI) or chromium(III). Allergic reactions consisting of severe redness and swelling of the skin have been noted (ToxFAQs for Chromium, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, February 2001, CAS#: 7440-47-3).

Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a nearly colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor even at very low concentrations (below 1 ppm). Formaldehyde is a potent sensitizer and a probable human carcinogen or cancer-causing agent. Formaldehyde is an eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritant; inhalation of vapors can produce narrowing of the bronchi and accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
Children may be more susceptible than adults to the respiratory effects of formaldehyde. Even fairly low concentrations of formaldehyde can produce rapid onset of nose and throat irritation, causing cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Higher exposures can cause significant inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, resulting in swelling of the throat, inflammation of the windpipe and bronchi, narrowing of the bronchi, inflammation of the lungs,and accumulation of fluid in the lungs (Medical Management Guidelines for Formaldehyde, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, CAS#: 50-00-0, updated 11/02/06).

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS). ... Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, or other organic substances and found in coal tar, crude oil, creosote, and roofing tar. The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that some PAHs may reasonably be expected to cause cancer. Some people who have breathed or touched mixtures of PAHs and other chemicals for long periods of time have developed cancer.
Certain PAHs have caused cancer in laboratory animals when they breathed air containing them (lung cancer), ingested them in food (stomach cancer) or had them applied to their skin (skin cancer). PAHs are found in air attached to dust particles, and can enter water through discharges from industrial and wastewater treatment plants where they can move through soil to contaminate groundwater. The PAH contents of plants and animals may be much higher than PAH contents of soil or water in which they live (ToxFAQs for Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, September 1996).

Cadmium. ... Cadmium is an element that occurs naturally in the earth's crust. Pure cadmium is a soft, silver-white metal that attaches to small particles in the air. People who live near hazardous waste sites or factories that release cadmium into the air have the potential for exposure to cadmium in air.Breathing air with very high levels of cadmium can severely damage the lungs and may cause death. Breathing air with lower levels of cadmium over long periods of time (for years) may result kidney disease, lung damage and fragile bones. Data on human exposure to cadmium is limited, but studies show that rats that breathed in cadmium developed lung cancer, liver damage and changes in the immune system. Female rats and mice that breathed high levels of cadmium had fewer litters, babies with more birth defects than usual, reduced body weight, babies born with behavioral problems and learning disabilities. As a conservative approach, and based on the limited human data and the studies in rats, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that cadmium and cadmium compounds may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that cadmium is a carcinogenic to humans. The EPA has determined that cadmium is a probable human carcinogen by inhalation (Public Health Statement for Cadmium, Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry, July, 1999, CAS # 1306-19-0).

Arsenic. ... Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and minerals and it therefore may enter the air, water, and land from wind-blown dust and may get into water from runoff and leaching. Arsenic released from power plants and other combustion processes is usually attached to very small dust particles. These dust particles settle to the ground or are washed out of the air by rain. Arsenic attached to dust may stay in the air for many days and travel long distances. Ultimately, most arsenic ends up in the soil or sediment. Children may also be exposed to arsenic by eating dirt, skin contact with soil or water that contains arsenic, or through inhalation. If you breathe air that contains arsenic dust, particles of arsenic-contaminated dust may settle onto the lining of the lungs.
Inorganic arsenic is usually found in the environment combined with other elements such as oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. Arsenic combined with carbon and hydrogen is referred to as organic arsenic. Long-term oral exposure to inorganic arsenic can results in a pattern of skin changes called "corns" or "warts" on the palms, soles, and torso that may develop into skin cancer. Swallowing arsenic has also been reported to increase the risk of cancer in the liver, bladder, kidneys, prostate, and lungs. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that inorganic arsenic is known to cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that inorganic arsenic is carcinogenic to humans. The EPA also has classified inorganic arsenic as a known human carcinogen. Breathing high levels of inorganic arsenic will result in a sore throat, irritated lungs and the potential to develop lung cancer. This has been seen mostly in workers exposed to arsenic at smelters, mines, and chemical factories, but also in residents living near smelters and chemical factories. People who live near waste sites with arsenic may have an increased risk of lung cancer as well. High doses of an organic arsenic compound may result in nerve injury, stomach irritation or other effects. All health effects observed in adults are of potential concern in children. Children may be more susceptible to health effects from inorganic arsenic than adults, and there is evidence that suggests that long-term exposure to arsenic in children may result in lower IQ scores (Public Health Statement for Arsenic, Draft for Public Comment, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, September 2005, CAS#: 7440-38-2).

This is not a good thing for Winchester and Swanzey residents, it offers no benefits to either town and provides too many health risks to even be considered worthy of approval.

Please attend tonight's meeting at the home of Bud and Carol Keene, 110 Westport Village Road ( off Route #10 )  at 7:00pm. They can be reached at 352-6218 for directions. ( red house across from church )

Are Asphalt Plants Dangerous to our Health?

We have been asked to do some research on the dangers of having this plant so close to housing and the citizens in the area. Here is what we have found. You be the judge in deciding if this plant would be good for both the citizens of Winchester and Swanzey in close proximity to this proposed plant. There will be a joint meeting of the Winchester ZBA and Planning Board, October 7th to discuss this proposal.


According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, exposure to asphalt fumes can cause headaches, skin rashes, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation, and coughing. Asphalt paving workers, for example, have reported breathing problems, asthma, bronchitis, and skin irritation, according to OSHA, and studies have reported lung, stomach, and skin cancers following chronic exposures to asphalt fumes.
source: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asphaltfumes/index.html
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: asphalt fumes are considered potential occupational carcinogens.

	Asphalt plants mix gravel and sand with crude oil derivatives to make the asphalt used to pave roads, highways, and parking lots across the country. These plants release millions of pounds of chemicals to the air during production each year, including many cancer-causing toxic air pollutants such as arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, and cadmium. Other toxic chemicals are released into the air as the asphalt is loaded into trucks and hauled from the plant site, including volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and very fine condensed particulates.[EPA] Asphalt Fumes are Known Toxins. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states "Asphalt processing and asphalt roofing manufacturing facilities are major sources of hazardous air pollutants such as formaldehyde, hexane, phenol, polycyclic organic matter, and toluene. Exposure to these air toxics may cause cancer, central nervous system problems, liver damage, respiratory problems and skin irritation." [EPA]. According to one health agency, asphalt fumes contain substances known to cause cancer, can cause coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, severe irritation of the skin, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. [NJDHSS] Animal studies show PAHs affect reproduction, cause birth defects and are harmful to the immune system. [NJDHSS] The US Department of Health and Human Services has determined that PAHs may be carcinogenic to humans. [DHHS] Flawed Tests Underestimate Health Risks. In addition to smokestack emissions, large amounts of harmful "fugitive emissions" are released as the asphalt is moved around in trucks and conveyor belts, and is stored in stockpiles. A small asphalt plant producing 100 thousand tons of asphalt a year may release up to 50 tons of toxic fugitive emissions into the air. [Dr. R. Nadkarni] Stagnant air and local weather patterns often increase the level of exposure to local communities. In fact, most asphalt plants are not even tested for toxic emissions. The amounts of these pollutants that are released from a facility are estimated by computers and mathematical formulas rather than by actual stack testing, estimates that experts agree do not accurately predict the amount of toxic fugitive emissions released and the risks they pose. According to Dr. Luanne Williams, a North Carolina state toxicologist, 40% of the toxins from asphalt plant smokestacks even meet air quality standards and for the other 60% of these emissions, the state lacks sufficient data to determine safe levels. Even if an asphalt plant meets all air pollution standards, people living nearby are still exposed to cancer-causing substances that can cause long-term damage. These standards are based on the principle of "acceptable risk", and assume each state will enforce the standards, the plants will operate perfectly, and the owners can be trusted to operate on an honor system where they are expected to follow all the laws and regulations that apply to their facility without any government oversight. In the majority of cases, it is unknown whether the `theoretical' air emissions predicted by computer models and used by plant owners accurately reflect air emissions from a plant's daily operations. We must put safety first and shut down or overhaul the current system that fails to protect communities from the daily health hazards of asphalt plant pollution. This would seem an easy decision based on these facts and that this plant would be in our protected Aquifer District and forbidden by zoning laws. However the ZBA has already ignored our town's Code Enforcement officer and has overturned his denial based on information given by a board member. Our advice to all who will be affected by this plant is to show up and loudly voice your concerns, let the ZBA and Planning Board know this is not good for our town our health and our children's health and we won't have it here.

Town gears up for split * Winchester sets dates for vote on unit withdrawal *

The following article appeared in the Keene paper;

Published: Monday, September 20, 2010

WINCHESTER — The schedule is in place for Winchester voters to join the tide of school districts abandoning N.H. School Administrative Unit 38.

Winchester officials are readying their withdrawal plan for a meeting with the state Board of Education on Oct. 13.

But district voters have the final say, regardless of whether the state board approves the plan, and will rule on Dec. 7. A deliberative session on the plan will be held Thursday, Oct. 28.

Districts are required to tell voters, on the ballot, whether the state board recommends or disapproves of the withdrawal plan; voters are free to disagree.

Unit 38 serves the Hinsdale, Monadnock Regional and Winchester school districts.

Until last month, it also included the Surry district, which left as a condition of a court settlement. Monadnock and Hinsdale district officials received approval last month from the state board to withdraw, and voters in those districts will decide next month.

David A. Crisafulli, Unit 38’s assistant superintendent in charge of the Winchester and Hinsdale districts, said he expects Winchester’s hearing with the state board to go smoothly.

When the state board considered the Hinsdale and Monadnock districts’ withdrawal plans in early August, much of the conversation focused on what will happen to Winchester, he said.

That gave Winchester officials a clear view of what concerns the state board would have, and they made sure to answer them in the plan, he said.

Crisafulli said current estimates show Winchester can form its own unit for about the same cost as its contributions to Unit 38 — about $253,000 for the 2010-11 school year.

Winchester and Hinsdale may still pool resources for some services, he said.

About a dozen people attended a public hearing on the plan last week, and were mostly supportive, Crisafulli said.

Sarah Palermo can be reached at 352-1234, extension 1436, or spalermo@keene sentinel.com

Proposed Asphalt Plant For Winchester

There has been an application filed for an asphalt mix plant to be built on the grounds of the P&H sand and gravel site on Route #10 in the northwest corridor of Winchester, the effects will impact the surrounding areas including our neighbors in Westport Village and the nearby trailer park in Swanzey on Route #10 more than any other habitations.

The application was for a variance in the zoning law and was first denied by our Code Enforcement Officer, stating that the asphalt is a toxic substance which is prohibited above a water aquifer. However the Winchester ZBA received an appeal of his ruling and then voted 4-1 to grant the variance, denying Leroy's ruling and declaring that asphalt is not a toxic substance. The use of gasoline and diesel were not considered part of the issue because Leroy did not include them in his ruling. Other issues, such as air and water pollution and resulting property values, should be considered by the Winchester Planning Board, which has scheduled a hearing on Monday night, Sept. 20th.

Some of the factors involved in these decisions are:
1) Some portions of the site are only 6 feet above the aquifer
2) The expertise relied on by the ZBA was supplied by an industrial insurance inspector and member of the ZBA and a person who works for the asphalt company ( can we all say conflict ? ) No one with scientific or chemical information was consulted.
3) Gasoline and diesel were not considered by the ZBA because they were not mentioned in the Code Enforcer's ruling and the Board was acting upon an appeal of that ruling. Wouldn't they be toxic if that got into the aquifer?
4) How will the various fumes created affect the nearby air quality? The prevailing winds will carry these fumes and any air pollution to many homes in the area and into Swanzey residences too. Won't this be creating a health hazard and also be devaluating property values. Isn't this going to impact the immediate area negatively and affect many people?
5) If toxic substances get into the aquifer, they will migrant into wells and the town's drinking water, creating other health hazard for everyone along the river and those who get their water from the town well on the highway.
6) Has the site been surveyed since it began operation as a sand pit and does the property extend into Swanzey and was that town notified of these impacts? Looking back, the Winchester ZBA didn't take into account many issues in making their decision. Let's not let the Planning Board make the same mistakes.


The application goes before the Planning Board this coming Monday night, those concerned about the health issues having this plant in town would create and the air quality problems it will present  to people not only in the immediate area who live in Winchester but also to our neighbors in the Westport Village area of Swanzey, please attend. We ask that everyone join together to help keep this proposal from being passed.

Complaint Filed With The BOS Over Sharra's Conduct At Recent Meeting

We received the following letter of complaint sent to the Board of Selectmen this past week in regards to the conduct of the Planning Board Chairperson; Margaret Sharra and were asked to publish it on the blog. Mr. Keenan does not have a computer and does not blog; however he has in the past submitted materials to be posted.



The following is his letter to the board.

Date: 11 Sept. 2010

                             TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

RE: TOTALLY IMPROPER PURPOSEFUL CONDUCT OF PLANNING CHAIR SHARRA AT AUGUST PLANNING BD. MEETING. THE CONDUCT WAS IMPROPER, IS ACTIONABLE AND COULD MAKE THE MEETING ILLEGAL. IN NO WAY WAS IT AN ACCIDENT.

Under the penalties of perjury I affirm as follows:

1) I, John D. Keenan, came into the August Planning Board Meeting at about 8:20pm. They began discussing RVD (Robert Van Dyke's condominium complex of Route #10 ) at about 8:30pm. One Planning member brought up the eight (8) point plans ( conditions set by the board ) to deal with RVD of August 2009 which specifically included a requirement that RVD report to the PB every three months regarding his erosion controls on his site. He has never reported once.

2) In the slanted minutes put forth by Sharra, she then inserts a statement by a planning board member that never occurred --- NEVER HAPPENED.
The statement was " Kim Gordon made a motion to deny RVD"

3) On the agenda, totally controlled by Sharra, there is included PUBLIC COMMENT.
She refused to open the meeting for public comment which upon information I have received and do believe is illegal. - Therefore making the meeting illegal.

4) Also, she is being paid extra for taking the minutes although the board is a voluntary board and has an appointed secretary voted in by the majority of members. In additional CONFLICT OF INTEREST, she claims she is a quasi-official of the ZBA as it's secretary for which she is also paid extra. This I feel is not only not right; but illegal too.

                                                                               Very truly yours,
                                                                                John D. Keenan


Once again Sharra's conduct is a point of concern.

SITE PLAN REGULATIONS TO BE GUTTED !

There will be an open public meeting to discuss the proposed changes brought forth by several members of the Winchester Planning Board in an attempt to pave the way for businesses like Clean Power Development and asphalt plants, making it easier for them to get approvals to bring forth their operations in Winchester. These changes do not offer any protection for the town; nor are they necessary, they will eliminate existing guidelines that could provide obstacles under the current regulations for these businesses to get approval. This is not how the Planning Board should be acting. Their sole purpose is to enforce the regulations and make absolutely sure the town and it's citizen's are protected,  not make it easier for unwanted and detrimental businesses to be allowed to establish themselves in our community.

We urge all members of the community to attend and voice their
concerns over these proposed changes and ask why and who is behind
this move. The Planning Board will be meeting Sept. 20th at 7:30pm at the Town hall on the main floor. You can be sure those who will benefit from these changes will be there in full force. Without comments and opposition from the public you can be assured these changes will more than likely pass and leave Winchester a wide open town with no protections.



Third on the agenda is a project that is prohibited in the Aquifer, but earlier this month, the Zoning Board reversed Leroy Austin's ( our Code Enforcement Officer for those who don't know ) motion that this business/project is NOT allowed. 



Notice of Meeting

9-20-10



The Winchester Planning Board will be meeting on 9-20-10 at 6:30 pm on the Main Floor of the Town Hall for the following:



1.   the board will be reviewing the proposed impact fee schedule with Lisa Murphy of SWRPC

2.   The board will hold a public hearing on the proposed updates to the Site Plan Review Regulations

3.   The board will consult with Rob Snedecker, representing Rob Mitchell on a proposed asphalt mixing plant.

4.   The board will review the minutes of 8-16-10 for approval.

5.   Any old or new business.



Is this what you want?  There is too much APATHY in this town.  Stop relying on everyone else to protect your town.  SHOW UP!

Proof Positive We're Overtaxed .. More Wasteful Spending

MINUTES of the

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Wednesday

September 1, 2010

2^nd Order of Business: Other Business

Bob Gray informed the Board that the digital mapping services that Avitar provides for $3500 would have cost the Town $31,000 and $70,000 in past years.  Chad Roberge from Avitar made a presentation for the Board on the new digital maps available for the Town to purchase. If the Town were to purchase these digital maps and software, the tax maps could be made available on the Town website for residents and realtors to utilize. The digital map software has the capability to show many different layer options for zoning, wetlands, conservation land, water and sewer availability etc.  Margaret Sharra of the Planning Board came before the Board to inform them that these maps would be a very useful tool for the Planning and Zoning Boards. Selectman Fraser makes a motion to sign the contract with Avitar for their map services.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion. After a brief discussion Selectman Fraser amends the motion to be; to sign the $3500 contract with Avitar for their map services $1800 to be funded from the Property Records budget and the remainder of the funds will come from the Re-Valuation overage. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

Gary Puffer came before the Board to discuss an estimate in the amount of  $45,000 to replace 1000 feet of water main and 2 fire hydrants on Old Scotland Road.  This amount is not including 15% for engineering fees or contingencies. Any residents on that main would have to hook into the main at their own cost. Selectman Sepe feels strongly that the Town should replace the water main. The Chairman asked the public if they had any comment. Mr. Melillo and other residents of Old Scotland Road would like to see this water main replaced as there has been a lot of water lost and frequent spaghetti line repairs already.  Ted Whippie a resident was concerned as to where the funds would be coming from to cover this replacement.  Selectman Sepe clarified that funds would be used from the Capital Reserve account, as its purpose is to fund maintaining and upgrading items like this. Billie Jo Knoll a resident came before the Board, she stated that she does not have Town Water or Sewer and she feels the Town should replace this water main even though she would receive no benefit from this.  After some discussion Selectman Sepe would like to send this project out for bids. Gary Puffer informed the Board that it would have to go to an engineer first to be designed so that companies would have the drawings to base their bids on. Selectman Fraser makes a motion to hire Hoyle & Tanner to do the engineering work for this water main replacement project.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

Previously, water and sewer abatement had submitted for the Ashuelot Fire Station. This abatement was tabled for the next meeting, as the Board needed more information from Gary Puffer. The Board asked Gary Puffer why there was a bill for the Ashuelot Fire Station when the water there is shut off.  Garry explained that there were problems with the meter reading equipment.  The water department had to read over 900 meters in 2 weeks, so occasionally there is an error made. After a brief discussion Selectman Tedford makes a motion to abate the water and sewer bills for the Ashuelot Fire Station.  Selectman Fraser seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

A purchase requisition in the amount of  $3000 to have Renaud Brothers, Inc. clean the 2 covered bridges was submitted for authorization. This was the only bid submitted as the only other two specialized companies in that field; Barns and Bridges would not respond, and 3 G Construction refused to submit a bid. Selectman Fraser makes a motion to have Renaud Brothers, Inc. Clean the covered bridges.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries  4-1.

A concerned citizen informed the Town that the State had cleared a culvert, and dug a large rectangular hole that is now filled with water at the edge of the Russell property located on Rt. 119. And the railing that runs along the head of the culvert it is rotted which may pose a safety hazard to children walking by. Also discussed was whether or not the highway Department should clear the drainage ditch to allow the standing water to drain.  The ditch is on private property and the equipment would tear up the yard.  Selectman Sepe will speak to the landowner and report back to the Board on it next week.  After some discussion Selectman Tedford  makes a motion to have the Highway department repair the railing.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries  5-0.  Why isn't the State doing this?

Bob Gray presents the Board with a quote to upgrade the Town Hall Server.  The current server is 7 years old with only 1 GB of RAM memory and it is slowing down. Bob Gray received a quote in the amount of  $5,656 .  This quote includes a firewall update, a new server with a 3-year service warranty, and new software for the server, and a battery backup upgrade.  The funds for this upgrade would come from the Capital Reserve Fund established under Article 7 in 2009 for future upgrades to the Town’s computer and networking system. Selectman Ruth makes a motion to upgrade the server in an amount of up to $6000.00.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries  4-1.

In regards to the Avitar software; this is the same software they admit has problems and is responsible for the errors and wide variations in taxation across the town.

Why can't our Highway Department work with our Water Dept. to dig up and replace the broken leaking piping and replace it with new without spending thousands of dollars on unneeded engineers and other unwarranted costs. Are they that incompetent that they can't replace piping and install a couple of hydrants and if so shouldn't we demand they be replaced with people who know what to do and how to do it without costing us thousands in taxpayer's dollars every time there is an issue? Course with our Water Dept. Head billing a place where the water has been shut off for years kinda gives us an answer to our question now doesn't it? Wonder how many times this has been done in the past?

Shouldn't the engineering work also go out to bid? Why was it that Selectman Fraser was so quick to recommend Hoyle and Tanner for this job?

Is there something going on behind the scenes that two different businesses wouldn't even put in a bid to do work in our town when the economy is so bad?  Did they have a bad experience in a previous dealing with the town? 

And wouldn't it be much cheaper to add more RAM ( Random Access Memory ) to our current server and put files worth saving to disc and free up space without spending thousands on something new?  Adding another firewall to the one provided by the internet service provider is unnecessary and could cause connectivity issues. This could all be done for less than $500 ( high end ) yet here we go again, blowing money to keep up with the Jones. Why don't we have someone with enough computer savy working for the town to manage the system proficiently without constantly spending money every year to update by buying new toys for people who obviously don't have a clue how to do what's necessary to keep things running without spending thousands of dollars year after year having someone else do it.

Just more wasted tax payer dollars ..

Looking for answers ...

Looking for answers said...

Just wondering you seem to be against any and all businesses coming to town with Tax dollars and employment oppratunity's. if you keep this up these pieces of property on 119 will end up with more trailer parks and low income housing, In my opinion this is why Winchester is in the mess we are, Not selectman or town spending but the fact we do not have good revenue from businesses or property coming in, What do you think the Tax revenue from a trailer park with 50-100 trailers is? well with town services and lots of kids in our school its a loss. someone asked you earlier if you guys had any answers or is it only finger pointing and complaining that this site intends on doing over and over again. Impress me.....lets talk about some answers

Didn't know that we are against any and all businesses coming to town or employment opportunities. We just provide information and sometimes our personal opinions. We attempt to provide all of the facts, both sides to the story and bring to light what some town officials would rather see kept secret.

You on the other hand seem to blame all of Winchester's problems on people who speak out against injustice and corruption and put the onus squarely on citizen's who live in trailer parks as the town's main problems. So Ed, tell me, what would you propose for Winchester to make it a thriving town for all and one that surrounding towns would envy and speak highly of?  How do we remedy all of these issues you speak of?

How would shutting down this blog, stifling information and going back to a cloud of secrecy like before or getting rid of the people who either prefer or can only afford to live in these parks you speak of, who by the way pay taxes and contribute, unlike some people we know, make this town a better place?  Would it surprise you to see how many highly paid town employees are behind in their taxes? Don't blame everything on people who eek out a living and hurt no one doing it.

Do you think that perhaps the people you've voted into office term after term might have something to do with the fact that there is no viable employment opportunities in Winchester, that these same people pop up on all of the boards and all of the committees time and time again, make all of the decisions as to what businesses come here, how the town is run and the rules and regulations we all have to abide by? Why don't you ask them why there's no Wal-Mart, or a super market chain,  or any high tech industries? Ask them why these kinds of businesses have not showed an interest to come here? How about a large motel or hotel chain for all of these tourists we keep hearing about that come here, why don't they show an interest either?

Surely it isn't the location or the conditions of our roadways and highways, lack of water or sewer, what do you think the real reasons are?

Officer Jette Suspended and Turns In Resignation

 We received the following information from a concerned citizen this morning.

ATTENTION!!!ATTENTION!!!ATTENTION!!!

To all the citizens of Winchester...

Officer Nathan Jette was suspended and he ultimately resigned from the Winchester Police Department on Monday @ 10:30 am. On Wednesday a special department meeting was held and those in attendance were told of Jette's resignation. Jette has also resigned from the Richmond Police Department.

Let this be the begining of the fall of the rest of the Bozos who are leading the department. Phillips, Roberts & Fisher.

Whatever Jette was suspended for (rumor has it that the female officer may have filed a complaint against Jette) Phillips and Roberts are just as responsible for Jette's actions as Jette was. Why wasn't he suspended before this for the Danny Black tazering incident and the upcoming lawsuit against the town?

Hmmm... What was Jette's comment to Rafael Rivera when Rivera congratulated Jette on his promotion to Sergeant..." I had a great teacher". Jeeze Jette,. What bull crap loyalty this turned out to be. It is safe to say... what goes around, does coms around.

Hopefully this will prompt the town leaders to scrutinize Phillips and Roberts, especially Roberts , since he recommended Jette for the Sergeant's position and hopefully Phillips and Roberts will get their just desserts
and ger their butts canned too.

Let see...Theresa Sepe is elected as a selectwoman and within months Jette resigns after he is suspended. Could it be that Sepe has more fortitude than her male counterparts?

If Sepe had anything to do with Jette's resignation then she deserves appropriate recognition for doing what was right and just.

For Jette's sake, let this be a lesson learned, that everyone should be treatd equally, fairly and without retalliation and revenge which he did all too often.

How will Jette explain this to his wife and kids?

Looks like the cookie is crumbling folks

submitted by It's about time