Jeromy Grniet new police sergeant;
Lamountain praises Bay Path Vocational High School

By Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD--Most of the Oxford Board of Selectmen’s September 25^th meeting was taken up by public safety considerations. One of the first items on the agenda was a presentation by Fire Chief Sheri Bemis regarding public safety mutual aid, which allows Oxford to both send and receive public works mutual aid in the event of a public safety incident (emergency). As noted in DPW Director Sean Divoll’s memo to Chief Bemis “such emergencies include ice storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Instead of contracting for additional crews and equipment and incurring the associated expense, opting into the statewide mutual aid will allow Oxford to receive relief from other non-impacted communities at no cost.” It was also noted in Mr. Divoll’s memo that “Oxford would incur expenses when sending crews and equipment to neighboring communities in need, but the cost would be earned back as soon as the need for emergency assistance in Oxford arises.”  Chief Bemis also noted that Dudley had also opted into the mutual aid, but that Webster had not. The Board unanimously voted to “opt in” to the Public Safety Mutual Aid Agreement.

Jennifer Scott was then interviewed for a full-time Police Officer position. Ms. Scott was the only candidate for the position and had served as an intermittent officer. Board members Michael Voas and Henry Lamountain recused themselves from the interview and voting process and after much praise from Chairman John Saad and Board members Dennis Lamarche and Jennie Caissie, Ms. Scott was appointed to the position contingent upon medical and PATS tests. Mr. Lamarche stated “she has proven that she can do the job” while Ms. Caissie commented that “if I were going to Foxwoods tonight, I’d put all my money on you.”

Chairman Saad then directed the full Board to the Police Sergeant interview process. Three strong candidates presented themselves in Richard Bryn, Kevin Lebreton, and Jeromy Grniet. Mr. Saad noted that the Board’s decision would be based on multiple criteria, including civil service scores, background information, Police Chief’s recommendation, educational background, personal observations in the community, and on-the-job performance. After each Board member completed each candidate’s inquiry process, a vote was taken and the appointment was made for Mr. Jeromy Grniet.

The board also signed reappointment papers for Police Officer Jason Burdett to serve with the Oxford Police Dept., approved a change of name for Periwinkle’s Pub to J.Anthony’s Italian Grill, approved a Crop Walk request from the Oxford Ecumenical Council to be held on Sunday, 10/21/12 @ 1p.m., and approved the Tercentennial Committee’s request for a beer & wine pouring license for next July’s 300^th Anniversary Celebration as well as their request for an outside entertainment license for those same days. The Board also requested that courtesy letters be mailed out to local abutters regarding the 2-day activities.

Selectmen then discussed the closure of Sunny Farms of 233 Main Street and that a potential new owner, Bizmart, must come before the Board to request a transfer of the former store’s beer & wine license. The Board will also send a letter to the previous owner requiring a 30-day response as to the disposition of the beer & wine license.

Lastly, Town Manager Zeneski announced the Fall Bulk Item Drop-Off dates which will be held on Saturday, 10/27, for residents residing from Oxford Center to the north end of Town and Saturday, 11/3, for residents living south of Oxford Center. Drop-off times are from 8 a.m. -3p.m. at the Oxford Transfer Station. Drop-off dates will be strictly enforced; however, if anyone is unable to make their respective day, they are to phone the DPW (508) 987-6006 to make other arrangements before 10/25. All participants must have proof of Oxford residency.  Mr. Zeneski also noted that the October Special Town Meeting will be held next Wednesday, 10/3, at 7pm at Oxford High School. He noted that the agenda was short but would affect the Town’s tax rate and urged all voters to come out to the meeting.

After Mr. Zeneski’s final announcement regarding the October 4^th Special Election (with voting hours to be 12noon-8pm) for the Renovation Project of Bay Path Regional Vocational High School, an impassioned plea was made to voters by Selectman Lamountain in which he stated that the value of the trades offered at Bay Path were essential to the life of the local communities. “No longer is a vocational high school education looked upon negatively” he said.  “White collar jobs are no longer where the large incomes lie, it is in the essential trades like plumbing, electrical, metal fabrication, and all other important fields of study that Bay Path offers.” He further mentioned that the school was an extremely valuable asset to the area and that the hundreds of students who have successfully graduated and gone on to have businesses of their own are a testament to Bay Path’s value.  “Oxford currently has 143 students enrolled at Bay Path.  Get out and vote for the school’s success!” he declared.

By Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent

OXFORD -- The  Oxford School Committee began its meeting on Monday, September 24, with a discussion of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) Resolutions that are being put forward for a delegation vote.

Resolution one, proposes to provide greater access to students to visit vocational programs that are approved by Chapter 74.  Member Brenda Ennis voted that resolution one would pass, all three members present agreed.

Resolution three, submitted by the Brookline School Committee, requested that schools support the house bill requiring health insurance, not schools, to cover medical expenses for special education students who require such care as oxygen, special transportation, and other costs.  Medically necessary expenses would be covered by insurance companies, not the schools, while the students were “accessing their educations.”  Currently, schools are required to cover these costs, placing an undue burden on the school systems.  Allen Himmelberger, school superintendent, drew the line of distinction showing what costs were currently being covered.  All three members voted to approve the resolution.

Chairman Dan Coonan passed control of the meeting to the superintendent due to a conflict of interest on items four and five.  He participated due to the necessity for a quorum.

Resolution four aimed at streamlining the educator evaluation system.  The current requirements are too extensive to be considered and so time-consuming, as well as unfunded, therefore creating an unfair situation for teachers and evaluators, alike. Both Coonan and Susan Rivelli abstained, leaving Ennis the only vote, which was in the affirmative to pass.

The fifth resolution requests a change in how credible studies are performed to find the adequacy of and cost of education.    With two yes votes and an abstention, the motion carried.

The anti-bullying sub-committee met and has started “Empathy” as their theme.  They are working towards putting together a presentation for the school community next spring.

Superintendent Himmelberger reminded the board that next Wednesday is the special town meeting at the Oxford High School at 7 p.m.  Also, he noted that the vote for the Bay Path expansion is also next week on the 4^th.  Voting will be open from noon until 8pm.

Himmelberger announced that the roof of the middle school is finally complete.  Though the HVAC system still remains to be updated, as does the replacement of the windows and doors, he was thrilled to share the news of the roof.  He also stated that the town is waiting to see what waivers the AAB will allow in terms of handicap accessibility.  If the school were to be updated to complete compliance, the price of the updates would roughly equal the current value of the building itself.   Himmelberger noted that the students are doing very well in MCAS, but that the town isn’t still completely where they want it to be.  Due to a state waiver, there is no longer an AYP (adequate yearly progress) accountability.  There are, however, newer accountability standards.  Himmelberger stated that he is not satisfied where Oxford stands.  He has asked to have some data reassessed by the state, though he felt improvement is still necessary, no matter what.

Committee Member Ennis made an impassioned plea to the board to schedule,  promote and fund “meet the superintendent” nights at each of the schools in town.  The purpose of said meetings would be to introduce the board and superintendent, as parents, educators and leaders.  The evening would be a chance to tell parents of students in town what the board and he were responsible for deciding and putting into action.  Himmelberger agreed that it was a great idea.  He reiterated that there is a need to disseminate information in a way that parents can understand and get first hand.

Ennis reminded voters to get out and vote in the Bay Path special vote.  She reiterated that the school is in desperate need.  She punctuated the fact that the needed remodel was in reflection of a severe deficit that the school has, not just goodies that the school “wanted.”

support Bay Path building project,
reject public works mutual aid

By Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent

OXFORD – Selectmen began their September 11 meeting with Chairman John Saad's request to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the attacks in New York eleven years ago.

First on the agenda was Police Chief Michael Hassett, who requested permission to begin the process of hiring a new full-time sergeant in the wake of losing Officer Paul McCarthy in a transfer to the Marlboro Police Department last month.  The chief stated that three new officers have recently joined the force and he anticipates another one or two more down the road.  With that, there is a “sore need” for another (fourth) patrol sergeant to lead these officers.  He believes that this addition will help increase the professional accountability of the department.  Saad pointed out that there are a number of shifts presently that do not have an experienced supervisor on duty.  With the addition of a fourth sergeant, Chief Hassett stated that nearly eighty percent of shifts would be covered by a supervising sergeant.  Selectmen approved the request.

Chief Hassett made two additional requests of the board, both of which were approved.  The first was to request permission to appoint a full time officer from the list of the permanent intermittent list.  He also requested that the board approve a lateral transfer of Officer Jason Burdett from the Millbury Police Department back to Oxford.  He transferred to a higher paying job four months ago, but is anxious to return “home.” According to selectman Henry LaMountain, a transfer of this nature is proof that the officer will do a good job.  Knowing that he isn’t doing it for the money, rather, he wants to be in a town in which he feels at home. LaMountain commented that with the new additions, the Oxford Police Department will be at almost the force it was when he first took office nearly twelve years ago.

Bay Path Regional High School's superintendent, John Lafleche, was next on the agenda.  He reminded the selectmen of the special vote on October 4, at which all ten communities which participate in Bay Path will vote on the $78.3 million expansion project.  He told the selectmen that this project would make the school sustainable for the next fifty years or more.  Dennis E. Lamarche stated that the town would save an enormous amount of money by going forward at this time when the state will be funding a very large percent of the project through a grant.

LaMountain said that Lafleche provided documentation stating that this project would cost the taxpayers less than forty dollars a year over the next twenty years.  LaMountain also said that he wished Lafleche had brought more information about the cost of repairs, should the vote not pass.  LaMountain’s understanding was that, should it not pass, costly repairs would need to be made which would not be subsidized by the state and would cost taxpayers only two dollars less than would the project, which would expand the school and update it so repairs would not be necessary.  Selectman Jennie Cassie stated that the board was behind the project and that they (the board) had some work to do, convincing Oxford town residents to back this project.  Saad said he’d like to see this project go forward.  “Pay less now or more later. It’s as simple as that because eventually it’s going to cost us a lot more… and I hope people remember that when they go in to vote and not be shortsighted… If we don’t take advantage of the forty-six million that’s out there, somebody else will and it’ll end up costing us more in the long run…at least try to be informed before you go in to vote.”

Director of Public Works Sean Divoll spoke to the board about the two types of mutual aid available to the town: statewide public safety mutual aid and public works mutual aid.  Divoll requested that the board approve a move for the town to opt-in to the public works mutual aid.  It has two parts, one that supports non-emergency (such as sharing equipment, like a paving machine, between towns) and one that supports emergency needs. This gives the town low-cost or no-cost access to needed equipment and services.  LaMountain questioned if towns who don’t take care of their equipment as well as Oxford does would be taking advantage of towns like Oxford by not having a real motivation to purchase and care for equipment if they could just borrow from other “opted-in” towns.  He stated that he didn’t see any real benefit to it. After a great deal of back and forth, the board came to the consensus that opting in was not beneficial to the town and voted not to participate.

By Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent

OXFORD—Oxford High School’s Operation Graduation is now in full swing.  They had the first meeting of the year and though there was a moderately poor parent showing, those that did participate got lots of planning done.  Once of the first issues covered was the first of a handful of Operation Graduation-sponsored dances at the Oxford Middle School, with the first one held this past Friday.  O.G. parents volunteered as chaperones and they also sold drinks and snacks as a bit of an extra for the students, who were enjoying the evening.

This year’s homecoming is to be held on Saturday, September 22 , culminating at 7 p.m. with the Oxford football team.  Operation Graduation will be selling all kinds of amazing food goodies and will be running some really fun entertainment booths.  One is the very popular golf ball drop.  Tickets are now on sale, but will also be available at homecoming.  The drop will take place during the football game.  Plans are in the works for having a teacher dunk-tank.  With any luck, students will be able to sink their favorite teachers in the icy waters for some real home-coming fun!

Chairwoman, Nicki Davis, is also running a volleyball tournament.  Teams are now being formed.  Save the date: September 29^th.  This is a rain or shine event at Greenbriar Park.  All ages are welcome to this non-competitive day of fun.  Teams can register for $100.  Contact Nicki at:  508-494-9445 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it There will be teams of 13-15 year olds, 16-18 year olds and 19 plus.

Operation Graduation information can be viewed through the link on the Oxford Schools website:  www.oxps.org.

By Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent

OXFORD—Oxford School Committee Chairman, Daniel Coonan opened Monday night’s meeting by discussing the responsibilities of the school committee and superintendent.  He mentioned that parents may complain to the school committee about teachers, but it is the superintendent, and he alone, who employs the teachers, whereas the superintendent is employed by the school committee.

Neil Trahan, the technology coordinator for the district, started the meeting agenda by updating the committee on the fact that there is an excess of technology which needs to be retired from service.  On the list are televisions, computers, and monitors.  Many of the items date back to the year when the high school opened in 2002.  Others were older equipment that previously resided in the middle school.  Printers and laptops also appeared on the list.  None of them are “worth” fixing or repairing.

The school will remove all the usable parts (including hard drives) and the units are all given to a local recycling company.  Trahan noted that the school doesn’t get paid for the items, but neither are they required to pay any disposal fees.  He also noted that computers are purchased with a five-year life planned.   All of the items which are slated for retirement have been out of service for some time now.  Susan Rivelli, committee member, worried that the retirement might leave teachers or students lacking.  Trahan reassured her that these items would not be missed.

Committee member Brenda Ennis raised the question of what it would cost to bring technology to each student in the district.  Trahan spoke to this by stating that he has looked into it and he is interested in forming a committee to gather information regarding one-to-one technology for all Oxford students.  As it stands, he has been able to provide iPad carts for students in both the middle and high schools.  The benefit of one-to-one initiatives includes the ability to purchase eBooks at a better price than a traditional text book.

Coonan brought the discussion back to the disposal issue.  He inquired as to why the school only scheduled computers to be used for five years.  He worried that families used computers that were over five years old without issues. Trahan retorted that the high volume, multi-user use of these machines, along with upgraded programs, and the like, made it necessary for newer technology. Upon hearing these explanations, the board approved the retirement of the items presented by Trahan.

The next item, brought by Richard Mathieu, the School Business Manager, was to have the board approve Lincoln Investments as an additional 403B vendor for school employees. This would not be a replacement of the currently available plans, but only an addition.  Rivelli asked what the cost would be to the town, and Mathieu replied there would be no cost at all.  With that, the motion passed unanimously.

RE/MAX Acclaim donated twenty backpacks full of school supplies.  They were dispersed to the neediest of students within the district.  Allen Himmelberger, superintendent, gave his thanks to the RE/MAX office.

Student representative Zachary Tremblay welcomed all of the seven new teachers.  He also said that school had started off on a great foot.  He noted that there seems to be a new and improved “feeling” in the halls of the high school.  He asked the advice of the committee regarding fund raising, including the possibility of selling prime parking spots at the high school to raise money for the student council.  Coonan suggested the student council meet with the principal and student council advisor.

Michael’s Law, named for Mike Ellsessar, has gone into effect within the state.  The law, which requires all schools to have defibrillators available by September 4^th of this year, was named for the Oxford football player who died of heart failure while playing.  Himmelberger was proud to announce that all Oxford schools are now equipped with defibrillators.  There is a plan being finished by Friday that will lay out all of the guidelines for their use.  Ennis noted that former school committee Chairperson Peterson and his family donated two of the units.

In addition to having these devices available, the school system offers CPR and First Aid training to all teachers within the district during professional development.  All coaches are required to have certification in both trainings prior to taking on the role of coach.

Himmelberger gave thanks to the two long-time bus drivers of the “big yellows” who retired this year, Beverly Marrier and Shirley DeLuca. He joked that between the two of them, their years of service were more years than he is old.

The middle school is slated to have the entire HVAC system replaced next summer, along with all exterior windows and doors.  The job will go out to bid soon, with the hopes that the entire project can be finished within the eleven weeks of the summer break.  By the time the roof is replaced and all these repairs are made to the HVAC, the building should be, according to Himmelberger, very eco-friendly and energy efficient.

State audit of ARRA grant

Himmelberger also addressed the recent state audit of the Oxford school system with reference to the federal grant that Oxford had received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  The findings stated that the town had not sufficiently documented how funds were distributed.  The notification from the state auditor said that Oxford had a lack of controls.  The superintendent claimed that, indeed, Oxford does have internal, existing controls, but they are not specific to the grants.  This caused the minor discrepancy that was cited. The town’s finance director will be making sure that there will be, in the future, specific guidelines to disperse any and all funds from grant money.  Of major note is the fact that the amount of money the auditors showed concern over was extremely small in terms of the overall grant.  The full amount was for $459,249.00.  The amount of money at issue was roughly $2700.00 and it was not misappropriated, but rather was sitting in a town account, untouched because the professional development for which it was intended did not get used.

Additionally noted was that the town’s auditing firm did not agree that Oxford needed to implement a risk assessment due to the fact that it was the DESE, which received the funds, not the town itself.  Despite this initial belief, the town will provide a risk assessment now that they are aware of the need to do so Himmelberger stated that an audit is not necessarily a bad thing.  It provides the opportunity to correct mistakes and make sure that funds are dispersed in a most efficient way.  One of the audit findings was that Oxford had federal monies sitting dormant.  This is not allowed.  The town had not requested the particular amount until after a particular date, so it was not prepared to spend it at the time it was dispersed.  The town is in the process of rectifying the situation.  “We will comply,” was the basic response by Himmelberger.  “We are very comfortable with where we stand.  I am very proud of the way in which we handle the town’s finances.”

Coonan voiced his confusion over the “three-day window in which to return funds.” He stated that when towns return unused money, even if it is later needed, it usually is not returned back again to the schools.

Himmelberger believes that receiving “Race to the Top” money was worth the effort, including the efforts that are now necessary, following the audit.  The funding helped to defray many costs that might have further eroded the education in the town as well as to help the town keep many municipal services like fire and police.  Overall, for Oxford, and many other districts, the monies, though highly scrutinized, were essential in keeping services at an acceptable level within the towns.

Ennis took issue with the auditors, stating that the ways in which the auditors conducted themselves was deserving of an investigation by Martha Coakley.  Donna Foley, according to Ennis, stated that the audit was a “clean” audit.  The only real issue was over only a fraction of the monies dispersed, only just over $2000.  Himmelberger stated that Oxford goes out of its way to comply with any and all requirements.  He also commented that the findings were quite minor in terms of infractions.  Had they been “major,” the town would’ve heard a lot sooner. Coonan is “very well satisfied” with the response to the audit.

Mathieu spoke in reference to classifying roads with regards to student pedestrian travel and safety issues regarding the bus routes.  He also thanked the many town custodians who had prepared the schools so well for the start of the new year.  Alice Walker remarked about the excitement she feels over the fact that the town is in a fairly decent place, especially with regards to the finances.  She also remarked about the beautiful state in which the schools can now be found.  Rivelli remarked that by Tuesday night, the search committee for a special education director ought to have some very strong candidates.  She also voiced concerns about the lack of signage for the Superintendent’s office.  Ennis requested to do some kind of recognition for Judy Hodgerney, who has taught in the school system for 43 years.  She isn’t retiring, but she has been a “moving force” in our community, according to Walker.  Ennis also requested some form of recognition for the retiring bus drivers.  Additionally, she addressed the issue of having school committee members and employees follow all rules, most especially the no-smoking rules.

The Oxford LIONS Club will host the town’s Annual Fall Festival Saturday, September 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the town common on Route 12 where the bandstand is located.

Our featured performance will be Michael Anthony’s tribute to Neil Diamond.  He takes us back to 1979 and was so well received at last years’ festival, the Oxford LIONS Club asked him to return and entertain us again.  You do not want to miss this act.

This annual family friendly event will include great food and quality products from area nonprofits, crafters and artisans as well as exhibits from many local companies.  Plenty of entertainment and activities are scheduled including performances from area studios, including dance and martial arts.  There is a moonwalk, Clarity the Clown, a petting zoo as well as the traditional musical chairs competition hosted by DJ Derek Moison, our Master of Ceremonies.The Oxford LIONS Club will host the town’s Annual Fall Festival Saturday, September 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the town common on Route 12 where the bandstand is located.

Oxford Public School District is among three

BOSTON, MA —State Auditor Suzanne Bump today issued three audits of local school districts (Oxford, Hudson, and Marshfield), each finding the school systems’ lacked documented policies to ensure federal grant money is being spent properly and safeguarded from loss, theft, and misuse.

From the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, all three schools were awarded between $400,000 and $1.2 million in federal funds by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Under federal guidelines for the administration of ARRA funds, school districts and other government agencies are responsible for establishing a documented system of internal controls specific to the ARRA grants. When auditors reviewed each school’s management of ARRA funds, neither Oxford, Hudson, or Marshfield had formalized such policies.

The three school districts were awarded the following ARRA funds: Oxford Public School District $459,249;  Hudson Public School District $694,946;  Marshfield Public School District $1,071,225.

Auditor Bump has called on the Oxford, Hudson, and Marshfield school districts to update their policies to comply with ARRA guidelines. Each school district has responded positively to the findings and is pursuing implementation of Auditor Bump’s recommendations.

Normally, the Office of the State Auditor’s (OSA) does not audit local school districts, but as a full partner in state government’s oversight of ARRA funds, the OSA has been conducting school district audits specific to their management of the federal grants. ###

approves EPG solar energy project

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - With a light agenda for its Tuesday, August 21, meeting, the Oxford Board of Selectmen began its meeting with a question and answer period involving the Town’s EPG Solar Energy project. Mr. Michael Borkowski, EPG Solar LLC’s co-owner, was present and fielded questions from the board regarding the solar farm’s site preparation, permits, etc.  Once the solar panels are up and running, Oxford’s municipal electric billings would be reduced by approximately 37% according to Town Manager Joseph Zeneski. Details brought out, at the request of Selectwoman Jennie Caissie, were that EPG required a local agent in Massachusetts who would be represented by Mr. Borkowski and that EPG would provide an insurance policy with the Town of Oxford as beneficiary, as well as a bankruptcy provision. The board voted unanimously to proceed with the lease agreement with a two-year option after EPG’s site review as well as the power purchase agreement and the assignment and assumption agreement. EPG would pay Oxford a $5,000 monthly rent on the proposed solar farm land, beginning immediately, until the net metering credits kick in.

Board reports included Ms. Caissie’s comments regarding a recent political fundraiser held at the Webster 200 Sportsman’s Club by a candidate running for State Representative, Donald Bourque. Apparently Mr. Bourque’s staff had phoned local fire and safety departments, including Oxford Fire Chief Sheri Bemis, advising them that an “appreciation day” was to be held at the club for local towns’ fire and safety departments. It was later learned that this was a political fundraising function for Mr. Bourque as well as a photo opportunity event for local newspapers. Ms. Caissie quoted state law indicating that “a candidate cannot use Town equipment at such an event and that this was a political stunt, a stupid mistake.” She further stated that Fire Chief Bemis would never have sent fire department equipment to the rally if she had known it was a political gathering. The fire chief felt she had been deceived. The board voted unanimously to send a letter to the Bourque campaign making it clear that town resources cannot be used for a political event and that future requests should not be made. A formal apology would be requested.  “Do not deceive our public safety personnel,” Ms. Caissie stated.

Selectman Dennis Lamarche indicated that he wanted to get the facts out about the roof leak at the Oxford Middle School. He confirmed that there had been a roof leak but it was handled professionally and was 100% resolved and paid for by the building contracto,r including all time spent by fire, police, and building personnel. School would start on time without any further concerns.

The board also reviewed and approved their meeting minutes from July 24, 2012; appointed Carl Feraco as a Precinct IV Election Worker to serve until 8/15/13; exercised their Right of First Refusal concerning a property purchase located at 62 Old Southbridge Road; granted two more yard sale permits to Ms. Evelyn Auger of 151 Main Street; and voted to hold a spot on the Oct. 3rd Special Town Meeting Warrant for acceptance of Jasmine Road as a public way. Selectmen Lamarche and Michael Voas made it a point to state that the road acceptance is very much dependent upon resolution of any septic problems, road conditions, drainage issues, and proper roadway layout. Town Manager Zeneski then commented that “if the road is not laid out properly there will be no consideration.”

Town Manager Zeneski read into the record notices for the Oct. 4th Special Election for the building improvements to Bay Path Regional Vocational High School with voting hours to be held from 12 noon – 8 p.m. (according to State Law); an invitation from the Historical Commission and the Huguenot Memorial Society of Oxford to attend their annual picnic at the Huguenot Fort on Sunday, Sept. 16th at 12 noon with special emphasis on requesting volunteers to participate in a re-enactment of “The First Settlement;” and a Conservation Commission advisory that McKinstry Pond will be treated for excess water lily growth on Tuesday, Aug. 28th (rain date Aug. 31st). The pond will be closed to all uses including swimming, boating, fishing, etc. on the day of treatment. Mr. Zeneski also provided reminders that the Warrant for the October 3rd Special Town Meeting will close on Tues., Aug. 28th at 4:30pm and the State Primary will be held on Thurs., Sept. 6th, from 7am – 8pm.

Selectmen also revisited their review of local constables and their right to carry firearms in the performance of their duties. Selectwoman Caissie indicated that she had been advised by the police chief that firearms “can be carried discreetly and concealed as long as the constable has a permit to do so.” Board Chairman John Saad noted that there would be a town insurance liability and also wanted proper firearm training requirements to be the same as those employed by the Oxford Police Department. The board agreed to these changes.

Defers solar decision

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

Oxford - Board Chairman John Saad began the August 7 selectmen meeting by asking for moments of silence for the victims of the recent terrible family tragedy in Oxford as well as for Mr. John P. Brassard, a former town employee who had been Deputy Director of Operations for the Civil Defense Dept.

Town Treasurer Claire Wilson and Clark Rowell from Unibank Advisory Services gave a presentation regarding long-term borrowing for the Middle School roof, resulting in the board voting to accept the summary of borrowing for the bonds and signing off on them. Ms. Wilson and Mr. Rowell noted that due to early payoff of the last bond, a savings of $850,000 was passed on to property owners through the tax levy. Mr. Rowell further stated that the town’s Moody rating was AA3. Oxford voters had authorized the $2,506,300.22 cost for the Oxford Middle School renovation project at the May 4, 2011 Town Meeting.  The total 2012 bonds of the town were awarded to BOSC, Inc. in the amount of $3,931,532.25.  Board members present were: John Saad, Chairman; Dennis Lamarche; Michael Voas, and Jennie Caissie. Henry Lamountain was absent.

Robert Babcock of EPG Solar, LLC then came before the board to present a solar farm leasing option to the town. He explained the advantages of having a solar-panel farm for Oxford, including the reduction of electric utility bills through the use of net metering credits. These credits are sold back to National Grid at a direct savings which are in turn used to reduce electric billings. Town Manager Joseph Zeneski stated that up to $200,000 could be saved annually if the system were up and running at full capacity. EPG would lease a town-owned parcel of land in the industrial park, install and maintain the solar-panel equipment, and then sell the net metering credits created by solar energy back to National Grid on the town’s behalf.  The equipment would also be real-time monitored by National Grid, ensuring the system’s security. Mr. Babcock had been in close contact with Mr. Zeneski and Oxford town counsel prior to tonight’s meeting, refining and amending the initial agreement which was for an “option to lease” the land available. This one-year option would allow time for the permitting process, design, construction, and feasibility of the solar project.

Following a successful outcome of the option lease period, a 20-year contract would then be reviewed and acted upon. During the option segment, Oxford would receive a $5,000/monthly lease payment. Chairman Saad stated that he “felt comfortable acting upon the lease option based on Mr. Zeneski’s research and town counsel’s review. Let’s save the town money,” he said. Selectmen Voas and  Lamarche concurred; however, Selectwoman Caissie voiced her opinion of “not wanting to sign the option lease without a personal review of same.” She wanted to hold off until the next meeting, in two weeks. Chairman Saad replied that he was in agreement and the Board decided upon further review.  Mr. Babcock then professed his disappointment and held a check in the air stating: “I was ready to hand you this $5,000 check tonight. My company is having a meeting tomorrow that was based on a successful outcome of tonight’s presentation.” The Board then agreed that they looked positively upon the EPG project but further lease option review was needed.

After board agreement, Mr. Zeneski confirmed that he would have a “favorable expected outcome” letter for Mr. Babcock ready by the next morning if that would help Mr. Babcock at his meeting.  The board was then thanked by Mr. Babcock, who departed the meeting room. A short time later, at meeting’s end, Mr. Babcock returned to address the board, was allowed to speak, and then notified the board that he was just informed his next-day meeting was cancelled as its basis was predicated upon the Oxford lease option signing. The board stood together on their need for further review and Mr. Babcock departed a second time.

In other business, the board  allowed the chairman to sign transfer paperwork for the resignation of Police Officer Paul McCarthy from Oxford to Marlborough, allowed the chairman to sign a Civil Service requisition for appointment of one or more full-time police officers, reappointed Ms. Diane Kaminski as an Election Worker in Precinct II due to her new address, and granted an outdoor business permit request (with fee to be waived) to the Police Department’s Outdoor Flea Market to be held on Sat., 9/15, (rain date: Sat., 9/22) from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. adjacent to the Police Department at 503 Main Street. The board also took under advisement a request to allow participation in Public Works Mutual Aid, which entails the sending/receiving of equipment and/or manpower to other participating cities and towns in times of need. Mr. Zeneski will contact towns who have committed to the participation and return to the board with his findings.

Manager Zeneski then advised the Board regarding a Proclamation for the Bandstand’s 25th Anniversary 2012 Concert Schedule and made public announcements about the Audio Journal, Inc. now being the voice-over on local cable access Channel 12 (Audio Journal is a non-profit radio/cable/online broadcast service that speaks printed material to those who are blind or visually impaired), and also announced a reminder about the State Primary to be held on Thurs., 9/6, with polls open from 7am-8pm. Additionally, it was noted that Thurs., 10/4, was voting day for the Bay Path Building Renovation Product with polls open from 7am-8pm.

An announcement was also made by Selectman Voas regarding the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the 300th Oxford Anniversary and Selectwoman Caissie praised the Oxford Little League for their great sports abilities allowing them to make the playoff trip to New Jersey this year.

2012 concert season starts August 5

OXFORD - The Jolly Kopperschumedts will kick off the 25^th year of free concerts on the Oxford Bandstand on Sunday, August 5, at 4:30 p.m., at Joslin Park on Main Street. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. There will be food concessions available.

The bandstand was founded 25 years ago by Joyce Sirard and Loretta Johnson, and Ms. Sirard continues to spearhead the annual summer concerts. The bandstand was built with the support of many Oxford residents and businesses, and was dedicated in 1987.

Next weekend Saturday will be Children's Day at the bandstand with day long events for kids, including games, performers, and music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday night will be Teen Night at the bandstand, with three performing bands, Scan the Sky, Locria, and What Makes a Hero, starting at 6:30.

The Sunday concert schedule continues on August 12, 19 and 26 at 4:30 p.m..