Selectmen formally announce to state: We need a new Briggs
By Karen Mann

The regional school committee came one step closer to seeking funds from the state to renovate or construct a new J.R Briggs Elementary School on Aug. 7.

Ashburnham Selectmen passed a motion saying they approved of the school committee's plan to submit a statement of interest form to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). As part of new procedures put in place by the MSBA, a school district must submit this if they want to receive monetary reimbursements for school renovation projects. The form does not bind the school committee or the state to anything definite.

The state has placed a moratorium on reimbursement for any school building projects until July 2007.

School committee member Keith Glenny told selectmen they want to be prepared for when the moratorium is lifted.

"We want to have as much work done so we are right there when the moratorium is lifted," Glenny said. "We want to be at the head of the line."

Superintendent of Schools Michael Zapantis said the next step is having an environmental assessment of the land Briggs sits on. According to Zapantis, another requirement of the MSBA is that projects be done on a "clean site."

Town Administrator Kevin Paicos said he needed to find out what the MSBA wanted in terms of the study. He said there are two choices a 21E study or a less-costly environmental impact study.

Selectmen told Zapantis to prepare a Request for Quotes - which is the formal bidding process for a project that allows a town or school district to set specific requirements to be met - once Paicos found out which study is required.

In other business:

 The Public Safety Building Committee along with Paicos negotiated a reduction in fees with the architect working on the Public Safety Building project. Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Inc., the architect, lowered the price by $30,000.

Gagnon, who also serves on the committee, said the sealing of the construction site should be completed soon. Gagnon said the next step is waiting to receive an estimate on the cost schematic of the building.

 Selectmen did not take up the matter of the Stevens Memorial Building's (Piano Museum) lease at their Aug. 7 as scheduled because the appraisal for the property is not finished. Paicos said the appraisal would probably take another three to four weeks.

 Selectmen approved the appointment of the Mirrick O'Connell Law Firm from Worcester as special town counsel for labor matters. It will not replace the current town counsel.

 Selectmen appointed Laura Arsenault to be the Ashburnham/ Westminster representative to the Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. The council is a community action agency that serves North Central Massachusetts. It provides low-income individuals and families with tools and resources for bettering their lives. Selectmen in Westminster approved the one-year appointment last week.

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Karen Mann is a 2006 graduate of Emerson College, in Boston, where she studied journalism. She resides in Townsend with her parents.