Coordinator Report

September 13, 2012

I submitted our request to add our MBI funded WiMax equipment, which
consists of four access points, to DCR in October of 2011. By the end of
December it seemed everything was on track. Checking back with DCR in
mid-winter I learned the proposal was essentially lost and we were
starting over. Moreover, due to their lack of funding for consultants
who help them with technical matters our request had to be put off until
7/1, the new fiscal year. It is now some seventy some days into the new
fiscal year and we don't have a renewed contract and therefor no ability
to proceed. Our extension with MBI may lapse first. It is time to gently
nudge their overworked and understaffed legal department to get this on
the top of the pile. I have asked Ms. Lemon to undertake this advocacy.
Maybe we will be really lucky and the contracts will be executed by DCR
by Monday's meeting. To summarize, this instrument consists of the
agreement between DCR and the Town and incorporates our renewed
contracts with our three resellers under contract to provision their own
out-of-town customers on our network.

I noticed S&S sprinkler the evening of the most recent meeting saying
the additional work is authorized, contingent upon the Town's receipt of
the fire marshal's written order. To date we have not received a copy of
the order.  My opinion is that an enforcement order must be in writing. 
I am sure the order exists in writing and will continue our efforts to
get a copy of it.

Our building inspector has requested that the Selectboard appoint an
alternate BI as he will be away for a few weeks next month and feels it
a good practice to have backup. The cost will be covered under the
existing budget. Brian Gale who is both a Town resident and BI in the
Town of Orange is willing to serve. I recommend the board appoint him.

We have the contracts for the Conservation Restrictions for the Jay and
Manring projects. They were reviewed and their form approved by Town
Counsel. Now acceptable appraisals have been obtained and the actual
grant amounts determined.  The structure of this activity is that the
state is making a grant to the Town and we will act as the pass through
and holder of the CR in each case. Paul from Mount Grace Land Trust will
attend the meeting.

In the past week the operation of the town owned sand pit which is
adjacent to the old landfill has been subject of some on-line
discussion. I put the matter on the agenda.  Currently and for a long
time the Town has sold this fill material to local contractors for $1 /
cubic yard. Selectboard need to consider pricing and whether sale of
this resource makes sense. Keith Ross has indicated we need a
reclamation plan. Ted Cady wants to see better utilization of the trees
that are currently uprooted and pushed over the side. Tim Kilhart
reports that this material is not used by the highway department because
it is of unsuitable shape for road sand, (too fine and with no angles)
and not useful even to backfill around a culvert because it won't stay
in place.  Tim will send a letter to this effect in time for the
meeting. Members of the Forest Committee have been invited and several
have indicated that they are unable to attend. In that case we may want
to hear from those present and then hold the matter over for another
meeting.

The EEE mosquitoes borne health threat has been much in the news. The
chair of the Warwick BOH has consulted the Recreation Committee and
their recommendation concurs with that of the Franklin Co Public Health
Leaders who through FRCOG and our 911 dispatch have issued an Eastern
Equine Encephalitis Advisory.  CREW is the order of the day until we
experience a killing frost. This means:  Curtail outdoor activities;
Repel mosquitos through use of insect repellant; Empty standing water;
Wear long sleeve clothing.  Folks are advised to end outdoor activities
before dusk. Events scheduled for evening hours should be moved indoors
or rescheduled for earlier in the day.  More information is available on
Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus by going to

http://mass.gov/dph/wnv

The recreation committee has agreed to host twice weekly ZUMBA classes.
These will be held on Tuesday and Sunday mornings at the Town Hall. 
There will be a charge involved to cover the cost of the instructor. As
more information becomes available I will publicize.  Seniors continue
to meet on Tuesday mornings prior to senior lunch to do Tai Chi.  I
think these kinds of activities for adults are important. To date we are
better serving our youth. There is a vacancy on the Recreation
Committee.  We should consider filling it with somebody whose primary
interest is adult fitness and recreation.  I personally am thinking of
organizing an adult indoor badminton ladder competition during the
winter.

Jim McCray has volunteered to host a monthly "open mike" at Town hall on
the last Saturday of each month.  These will be free events and begin on
the evening of 9/29. This was conceived to be part of the 250th
celebration and we are starting this event early.

Kenny Hubbard will drive his team of horses and wagon at the Bernardston
250th on Saturday September 22, 2012 for our entry. Be at the staging
area / parade start no later than 10 a.m. Warwick's entry is E#12. There
are about 100 entries and 7 divisions.

Access Plus, out provider of Internet to the Town system, will be
replacing the radio link from Mt Grace to Springfield early in the week.
We will be out of service for 1/2 hour and hope our speed will improve
as a result.