MEETING MATTERS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN AUG. 6, 2007
Compiled By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

Top News:

The Selectmen took a look at a number of foreclosed properties on Monday that are being considered for auction to raise money for the town and to get the properties back on the tax rolls.

Selectmen are reviewing the properties to determine if any can be used by the town for a potential site for the Department of Public Works, used as recreation or conservation areas, or should be donated to the Rails for Trails project or other community organizations.

"One of our priorities is anything that can be used as a town beach," Board Chairman Mark Carlisle said.

The properties being considered have already been taken by the town because the owners have failed to pay their taxes and the town has been through the legal process to take the land.

The Conservation Commission has been through the list of properties and listed a number of them they would like to retain for conservation proposes.

Selectman Jonathan Dennehy said he would like the commission to go through and rank the property and the both groups should meet to further discuss the properties.

"We have to judge what level of interest the Conservation Commission has then judge the level of the conservation value versus the tax roll issues," he said.

Other News:

• The board took two proposed policies under consideration at the meeting. One of the policies is from the Fire Department on whose property they will pump out during storms and the other is a computer use policy proposed by Interim Town Administrator Paul Bouschell. The Fire Department's proposed policy would have them pump out a person's basement if a person's health is in danger or if the house's burner could be extinguished. The computer use policy states the computers are the property of the town and should only be used for town business. The board plans to vote on both of these policies at their next meeting.

• Selectmen approved the donation of old police radios and communication devices to Mount Wachusett Community College.

• Selectmen voted to appoint Dorothy J. Monroe to the Historical Commission to fill a vacant seat.