Oxford BOS: honors, awards, events

Janet Stoica 
Patriot Correspondent

Oxford selectmen began their March 27 meeting with a moment of silence in honor of Captain Paul Masterson (USNR retired), who had recently passed away. Mr. Masterson had served in several town positions, including library trustee, police officer/civil defense, and town manager.

The selectmen then honored the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. The Honor Guard participates in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other memorial exercises that honor veterans, and the town was grateful to have them be an important part of the community. Certificates of Appreciation were distributed to members: Sgt. Raymond Bembenek; Sgt. Alan Berthiaume; Sgt. Andrew Boyle; Sgt. Arthur Bouley; Sgt. John Burton, Jr.; Sgt. Leon Cahill; Sgt. Terrence Cummings; Sgt. Albert Dubois; Captain Ronald Fisher; Sgt. James Hines; Lt. David Knight; Sgt. Karl Mitchell; Sgt. Donald Morin; Sgt. Albert Pinard; Sgt. William Potter; Sgt. Walter Powell, Jr.; Sgt. Peter Stanley, Jr.; Sgt. William Stevens; Warrant Officer Alphonse Vigeant; Michael Vigeant; Sgt. James Walker; Sgt. Alan Wright; and Sgt. Steven Yankus.

National Telecommunicators Week was then declared by the board as they presented Certificates of Appreciation to all the Town’s dispatchers: Kristina Anderson; Joseph Clem; Johnna Cox; Joel Daoust; Kimberly Jo Fontaine; Ricci Hall, Jr.; Alan Jeskey; Karen Mahota; Ryan Mastromatteo; Kyle Morrissey; Rebecca Prefontaine; Jo-Ann Somers; and Amanda Stone. The dispatchers were thanked for their devotion to public safety, consistent excellence in customer service, and their continued pursuit of protecting life and property.

The Young Heroes Award was presented to Michael and Arthur Tremblay and their caregiver, Rebecca Shelton, who had notified their elderly neighbor and safeguarded her during a fire in the duplex they shared. They had used their recent knowledge from the SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) education program to ensure the fire was isolated and everyone got out safely. The two young men and young lady were commended for their bravery and heroism.

Police Chief Michael Hassett came before the Board to request three full-time police officers from the active permanent-intermittent list. His request was made as a result of the current personnel shortage as well as the forthcoming departure of a full-time officer. Chief Hassett noted that the salary difference between a first-year officer and the departing officer was $22,800. The Chief also requested the commencement of the review process for positions in order to send recruits to the next local Academy training session beginning July 16.

The Board then reviewed a debt exclusion on the May 15 local election ballot for the annual cost of borrowing for the air conditioning equipment at the Middle and High Schools. Selectman Henry LaMountain questioned whether this might be reimbursable under the 57.4% state building guidelines and Town Manager Joseph Zeneski advised that he would look into the matter further.

The ABCC decision regarding Days End Tavern’s alcohol serving offense was denied with the approval of Selectmen LaMountain, Lamarche, and Saad. Selectman Caissie abstained.

The Board unanimously approved the Cultural Council appointment of Rebecca Gaddis with a term to expire on May 1, 2015, and also unanimously approved signing & sending appreciation letters to three members of the Council: Grace Flynn, Heidi Peterson, and Betty Scotti. All three members will have completed two consecutive terms on the Council as of May 15, 2012, which is the maximum allowed by state law.

Dates for the Spring Bulk Item Drop-Off were announced as follows: Saturday, April 28, for residents residing from Oxford Center (north of Charlton St/Sutton Ave) to the north end of Town and Saturday, May 5, for residents residing from Oxford Center (south of Charlton St/Sutton Ave) to the south end of Town. Drop-off dates will be strictly enforced. If anyone is unable to make their respective day they MUST call the DPW at (508) 987-6006 before April 27 to make other arrangements. Times for both Saturdays will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oxford Transfer Station, 200 Leicester St. (Rt. 56), North Oxford. Residents must have proof of residency.

The Board received an invitation from the Historical Commission to participate in the memorial to commemorate Clara Barton’s 100th Anniversary of burial on April 15. Events begin at 8 a.m. on the Middle School grounds and will include the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry’s encampment, a Red Cross blood drive, historical presentations, parade to the grave site with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Public reminders were then given regarding the Annual Town Meeting Warrant being published in the newspaper on April 25, 2012; the last day to register to vote at the Annual Town Meeting/Election is Thursday, April 12; Annual Town Meeting will be held on May 2; and the Annual Town Elections will be held on May 15.

Selectmen then discussed two crosswalk designations in the areas of Fairlawn Avenue and Holbrook Street as well as preparation of the Town’s soccer fields.

Board members present were: Jennie Caissie; Henry LaMountain, Sr.; Dennis Lamarche; and John Saad. Absent: Michael Voas.