WEBSTER - The newly formed Webster Ca$h Mob's next event will take place Saturday, September 15, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. The group will descend on The Gift Gallery at 505 S. Main Street in their effort to patronize local businesses. Members. commit to spending $10 or more at a specially selected local business each month. In August, 35 customers "mobbed" the Booklovers' Gourmet, the Webster mob's first event. Following the shopping spree, mobsters will be invited to celebrate at a local restaurant, where they will be offered appetizers at half price. Founder of the local group is David O'Connor. More information is available on their open facebook page at www.facebook.com/#!/groups/webstercashmob/.

stormwater bylaws up for vote

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

A capacity crowd supporting Webster Lake boat restrictions  filed into Monday night’s Webster Board of Selectmen Meeting as one item on the agenda was still pending. Articles 9 and 10 from the December 5 Town Meeting were passed but the regulations were not binding, as the lake is state property and therefore governed by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Police rules and regulations.

The Massachusetts Attorney General sent a report to the town with a recommendation that if the town wishes to amend the rules and regulations for Webster Lake, they must petition the Department of Environmental Police.

Article 9: To see if the town will vote to amend Article 3 of the Webster Lake Rules And Regulations to add boat size restrictions to read, “Boat size restrictions for any vessel: No vessel shall operate on the lake which exceeds 40 feet in length.”

Article 10 was to rescind Article 16 of the October 16, 2011 meeting and replace it with, “No person shall operate a commercial vessel between sunset and sunrise…”

Back in May, a petition came before the Webster Board of Selectmen in regard to the above articles that were rejected by the Massachusetts Attorney General. In order for the town to pass such articles there would have to be a change in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations regarding such rules. Town Administrator John McAuliffe spoke to the crowd, explaining that there is a long process to change the Massachusetts regulations and town bylaws. Mr. McAuliffe also suggested that the group change the language of the petition.

The board approved a motion to start the process by holding a public hearing on November 5 and to make an official request, endorsed by the board, to change the Massachusetts regulations in regard to the articles presented above.

In other business, Director of Public Works, J.T. Gaucher proposed a two part Stormwater Bylaw to be voted on at the October 15 Town Meeting. Town Administrator John McAuliffe gave an overview of the ongoing process of stormwater management, stating that the Federal Government is in charge of the regulations and mandated testing, regulatory oversight, type of construction to be implemented and maintenance of these items called Best Management Practices, which have increased year after year.  Mr. McAuliffe stated, “We are not seeking to create something new here…this is something that is going to be a new obligation of the town.”

Unfortunately, the town may have to see the implementation of a stormwater enterprise fund needed to help maintain the operation. “There are other towns in Massachusetts that are looking at enterprise funds for stormwater and, again this is being driven by the standards we have to meet, and, sooner or later this will just be a reality in Webster like it is going to be a reality throughout Massachusetts. It's an issue...its time is coming quickly.” Mr. McAuliffe stated.

The first article presented by Mr. Gaucher for vote is called “The Stormwater Management and Erosion Control.” This addresses stormwater related construction projects and post construction stormwater from development and redevelopment. The second article addresses illicit discharges into the stormwater collection system, which is anything that is not stormwater related. A special public hearing scheduled for October 9. Webster is one of about 60 percent of the towns that is behind with compliance of the project. Having the bylaws in place would show that the town is working towards complying with the necessary procedures and deadlines.

The board read a proclamation recognizing October 24, 2012, as United Nations Day. A notice will be sent out to schools and other institutions for support of the day.

Ronald Mathieu was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The board accepted Kathleen Aberizk’s resignation form the Conservation Commission with regrets and Joseph Kunkel was reappointed to that commission.

Town Administrator John McAuliffe presented some line items for the town warrant. One of the articles is a district-wide vote for Bay Path School expansion and renovation. Previously an individual town vote was held and the project was shot down. According to Mr. McAuliffe, instead of a town vote, there is a mechanism in place where the leaders of the school project can use a total vote count. This could cause the town to have some form of debt exclusion to fund the project. Mr. McAuliffe stated that the whole issue became convoluted and is a bit unclear so the exact nature of the article is still unknown.      Vice Chair Deborah Keefe asked if a town meeting was needed for debt exclusion before going to ballot. Mr. McAuliffe explained that the issue could go directly to ballot. A town meeting would approve the appropriation for the ballot vote. The vote is regional and not restricted to the town as before. Again Mr. McAuliffe stated that the whole issue is still unclear in its nature. “If this gets a little clearer, I may have reason tonight that we sign the warrant to say why this makes sense to move forward with this, but it’s probably not because…there is a lot of moving parts, if you will, at the moment.” Mr. McAuliffe said.

Cutting into clay pipes, police station update

By Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent

The Webster Town Planning Board convened on Monday night for their regular monthly meeting.  Following the call to order, Leo Shenette addressed the board regarding the sewer and water cut-ins for the South Main Street.  Concerns were raised about the fact that new buildings are cutting into clay pipes that were laid in the 1800s.  Suggestions were made that all companies looking to tie into town water and sewer ought to be required to provide fiberglass sleeve linings in the water main and sewer lines prior to cutting into them.  The town has never updated the lines since Main Street was built, meaning that the lines are old and, if not ready to fall apart, in danger of degrading when they are disrupted and modified by new construction.

Chuck Ceppitelli stated that from here on out, he plans to insist that all new businesses be required to install sleeves when breaking into town lines.  He also questioned why the town hasn’t insisted on that for all businesses up until this point.  Agreement seemed to be unanimous that this was a smart stance to take.

Long Subaru

Long Subaru sent representatives looking to add on to the existing property.  The showroom would be built under the current roofline.  There would be no impact to the property other than the housing of cars would be indoors instead of outdoors.  The parking area would not be affected at all.  Not even the exterior lighting would change.  The request is being made due to the fact that the parent company has set requirements for square footage for interior building space to be at a certain building size.  The new plan would comply with Subaru’s requirements, expanding the showroom while not changing anything with regards to the building’s existing footprint.  The board unanimously agreed to the plan to allow expansion.

New Police Station

Once again JimmyNayfeh, of Jimmy’s Convenience Store, appeared before the board.  Brian Perry, chairman for the town’s Police Station Building Committee, and Salim Ayas, Neyfeh’s engineer, stated that the land swap was agreed to. Ayas presented plans with “significant changes” to the original plans from earlier this year.  The changes were necessary after the proposed land swap with the new police station.  Ceppetelli voiced concerns over the spacing around the back of the building.  The proposed plan would require that deliveries be made after hours, due to the tightness of the parking area.  He also brought up the fact that the current plans call for a gravel area behind the building.  This could possibly cause dusting, and with the new police station directly adjacent to the convenience store, the cruisers and the new building itself might suffer.   It was suggested by the board members that this area be paved or “oiled” with asphalt or at the very least “washed, crushed stones.”    Perry whole-heartedly showed the support of the police department building committee.  The site plan revision was approved unanimously.

Jeff Squire of the Berkshire Design Group spoke at length about the challenges that faced the building committee.  These challenges included taking the parcels of land which create the new site and developing a plan to include ample parking and much needed design features like a sally port and a community room.  Also required are things like generators and radio towers, all of which needed to be included in the plans.  Squire presented plans, showing the inclusion of an area that could be used for future expansions.  He mentioned possible municipal parking as well as a possible future river walk along the French River.

Rick Lawrence explained the current philosophies of public architecture.  He expounded on the fact that newer public buildings are designed to invite the public, which is why they have rooms like the community room.  Webster’s plan for the new police station is designed with this in mind.  Additionally, he noted that the plans his company is submitting takes into account, the historical buildings in downtown Webster.  He and his colleagues have incorporated many elements found in the buildings, built at the turn of the last century, which can be seen in town.

The new plans include a drive-in sally port that allows officers to safely and in a contained manor, transport prisoners in custody into a lock-up area.  They also include a maintenance and wash bay for the police vehicles.  The entire building is built with an immense amount of security.

Perry said that they are looking to bring a finalized and shovel-ready plan to the town.  A slight error in calculations was made with the land swap agreement.  Perry and his planning group will ask the town, via warrant item at town meeting, to give a very small piece of land to Jimmy’s Convenience.  The land was originally intended to be part of the land swap, but a drawing error caused the issue.  Both parties agree that the land at issue is so minute that it is inconsequential to either party’s plans.

The Planning Board will meet on October 9^th at 7:15 in order to hold a public hearing.

WEBSTER, Mass. – September 4, 2012 – Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard is gaining momentum on its breast cancer walk, to be held Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Webster campus (340 Thompson Road).

This year will mark the fifth annual event. The walk is meant to raise awareness for breast cancer, breast health and the importance of annual mammograms to the community. In each of the last five years, the event has seen a significant rise in participants. As in years past, the money raised from this year’s event will go toward cancer care and breast health support for the Harrington HealthCare System. In addition, a donation will be made to the American Cancer Society Making Strides for Breast Cancer Central Massachusetts Chapter.

Harrington has opted to be a Pink Ribbon Sponsor for the Central Massachusetts Breast Cancer Walk, held in October at Elm Park in Worcester.

The 3.2 mile course on September 30 loops participants around MacGovern Circle, down to Point Breeze Restaurant and around a small Webster lake neighborhood before returning to the campus.

The day will feature raffles and live music by Oldies 98.9 WORC-FM. There will also be a mini health fair for community members to become educated about proper nutrition, wound care and lymphedema.

Participants are encouraged to register online at www.harringtonhospital.org. A $10 registration fee is waived if the participant brings $50 or more in sponsorships on the day of the walk. New to the event this year is an Early Turn in Day: Those who registered are encouraged to come to the Webster campus Friday, Sept. 28 from 1-6 p.m. to hand in their donations and pick up their free t-shirt.

Harrington offers gold standard digital mammography – routine and diagnostic – at its Southbridge, Webster and Charlton locations. Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) work within Harrington's Diagnostic Imaging Department to provide advanced and comprehensive diagnostic imaging services in Harrington's three main locations, seven days a week.

MORE PHOTOS IN THE PHOTO GALLERIES

WEBSTER – The hydroplane races on Webster Lake this past weekend were a resounding success. Thousands of spectators crowded the shore at Memorial Beach to watch the two-day spectacle of colorful, high tech, high speed power boats competing in the sixth of seven American Canadian Hydroplane Association events in the 2012 season.

Local racer and event organizer Mike Grendell was enthusiastic about the crowds both days. “We're very happy with the turnout. It's much better than last year.”

Spectator Harold Marzik of Webster is a race fan and came last year as well. He's been to races in other states too, but said, “This is my lake. I think this is a good thing for Webster. It's revenue. And people are having a good time, there's a nice camaraderie.”

Bernie Gelineau, also of Webster, pointed at the people around him. “Look at the people interacting with each other,” he said. “This is the best thing that's happened to Webster in a long time. Thumbs up to the organizers.”

Millbury residents Bill Black, his girlfriend Angela Rubin, and friend Wayne Lucas were having a good time in the beer garden. They'd heard about the race and decided to come. “It's fantastic,” volunteered Angela, who said she had spent time on Webster Lake growing up. Bill said, “We're outside, we're in the sun, it's very comfortable here, it's all good.” Wayne added, “I love the smell of the fuel,” and, pointing to his glass of beer, “This fuel as well.”

Canadian spectator Silvie LeFebvre came from Quebec to cheer on her racing friends. This was her first time in Webster, and she was impressed with the venue. The Lake is beautiful, she said, and the view is very good.  One of the race announcers echoed that theme, noting that in his opinion Webster Lake is, if not the best, the second best site on the circuit.

Webster residents Kathleen Boss and daughter Jennifer Boss are committed to the boat races. “We're race fans,” said Kathleen, but noted they could only go to car races before. “We've never had anything like this in Webster. I'm happy the town let them come.” She also gets to gloat a little. “My son moved to Georgia, and he gets to see a lot of NASCAR. Now we finally have something on the Lake. It's a big draw, it's good for the town.” Commenting on the noise of the engines, Jennifer said, “It's loud, but it's only two days, and there's plenty of notice.”

In addition to the local spectators, seventy race teams with their crews and supporters descended on Webster and surrounding towns for the weekend, staying in local hotels and eating in local restaurants.

At Bistro Eighty Ates, Chef Todd Young said the event “definitely helped business over the weekend. We had race crews in here on Saturday night and again Sunday night.” They seemed to be the right kind of crowd, he said. He described them as super friendly, good people, not at all rowdy. Todd noted that the restaurant's website got a lot of hits from Canada in the weeks before the race. “They checked us out ahead of time.”

The event also supported local businesses working at the site, the crane operators, communications people, and the many vendors who sold products and food.

All aspects of the race went well, said Mike. “There were no incidents, everyone was well behaved. We're very happy.”

Leanna Richards, 16, will be driving the "little" Steeler this weekend at the second annual hydroplane racing event on Webster Lake

Hydroplane race set for this weekend

By Patriot Staff

Webster – Last Friday Huey Newport was driving from Cincinnati, where he lives, to Ogdensburg, New York, where he stores his Grand Prix class power boat, to pick it up and bring it to Webster for the sixth race in the American Canadian Hydroplane Association (ACHA) seven-race 2012 season this weekend. His hydroplane, Steeler GP-777, is first in the point standings so far this year, thanks to his driver Bert Henderson's expertise.

Webster Lake is one of just two racing venues in the Northeast, the other being Syracuse. “Webster Lake is a very nice course for the high speed races,” he said.

Newport has been on the Grand Prix power boat circuit for 40 years. He started in the early 70s, he said, building race engines and selling race parts in his shop in Cincinnati. The grand prix class boats, the most powerful in the series, are 24 feet long and 12 feet wide, which makes them wider than allowed on the road. The boats are tilted on the trailers designed to haul them, and once at their destination, are placed in the water with cranes.

These boats have 468 cubic-inch, big-block Chevrolet engines with superchargers, rated at 1300 horsepower. They are fast. On Webster Lake you'll see speeds of up to 140 mph, Newport said. The speed record is 180.621 mph, clocked on a straightaway in California. The engines burn methanol, and easily go through 30 gallons in a typical heat. Newport's Steeler weighs 2,850 pounds.

What's it cost to own a boat like this? Newport said the basic boat, made out of fiberglass and carbon fiber and some wood in the frame, costs $90,000. Engines are $30,000. Then add the support vehicles, truck and trailer, along with an extra engine, and you've got a $200,000 to $250,000 investment.

Newport described Grand Prix racing this way: “It's a good hobby, a lot of fun. But it's very expensive. I didn't do the other man cave things in my life, like golf or cars.” He's hoping that this year will bring him the ACHA championship, after three years of coming in second.

Thirteen of the Grand Prix boats are expected to compete in the Webster Lake races this weekend.

At the other end of the size and power spectrum is the 1.5 liter stock (T) class. Their length is between  13 feet 6 inches and 17 feet 6 inches, weight 750 pounds minimum, and relative speed  95 mph. Most interesting, though, is the fact that the minimum driver age is just 14.

Leanna Richards won the final in this class last year at the Webster Lake race, when she was 15, and she'll be competing again this year. She'll be driving the “little” Steeler, owned by her dad Jeff Richards. Last year Leanna earned the title of ACHA  Rookie of the Year for her outstanding performance and second high point score. This year, after five ACHA races, she's just seven points out of first place.

The Richards live in Ogdensburg, a town on the St. Lawrence River, just an hour and half drive south of Montreal and once a hub for boat racing. Most ACHA races are in Canada, so this is a great location to keep boats between races and off-season. Jeff Richard's boat shop is just a block from the river.

Leanna grew up around racing power boats, her father and grandfather both raced, so it was natural for Leanna to want to race too as soon as the age restriction allowed. She started at 14. How does she like racing? “She likes it quite a bit,” said Jeff,. “and she's surprised at how well she's doing.” He himself stopped racing some time ago. “I'm 52 now,” he said, but  he still goes to the races.”I do the radios.”

Leanna will be competing with a dozen other T-class contenders this weekend.

Local racer Mike Grendell, founder of the Webster Lake Hydroplane Racing Association and organizer of the event, said he's hoping that lots of townspeople will come out to watch the more than 70 racers compete. He said the town selectmen and officials have been very supportive of the event, and now for it to be successful, local people have to turn out.

There will be lots of activity at the park, with apparel vendors, food vendors, a beer tent, and activities for kids. “We've tried to make this an affordable, family friendly event,” Grendell said.

On Saturday, there will be three qualifying heats for each of the classes of boats. Qualifying heats continue on Sunday, with the high point scorers going into the final race for the championship Sunday afternoon.

Racing begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Beach Park. Price for adults is $10, kids under 16 is $5, kids under 3 free. On-site parking is $5 and pit access is $10. A meet and greet with drivers at Point Breeze at 6:00 p.m. Friday is free.

North Main Street bridge to be closed.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -  “Nobody was more surprised than me when I got a call in the morning saying they wanted to close the Webster-Dudley Memorial Bridge, the bridge on North Main Street, while they did some construction work for the new Southwest Oxford sewer project that is coming into town.”

This was the first statement by Department of Public Works Director J.T. Gaucher during the Webster Board of Selectmen Meeting on Monday in regard to the temporary closing of the North Main Street bridge. The bridge will be closed from August 27-31 while excavation for the pipeline is performed. Due to the nature and size of the pipe, the whole bridge must be closed for this period. Detour signs will be posted in the appropriate places for vehicles to follow. The detours will also be posted on the website and the local television channel.

Grove Construction will be putting up three signs in Webster and two in Dudley. One sign will be at Slater Street and North Main Street, directing motorists up Bigelow Road; the others will be at Bigelow Road and Old Worcester Road, and one that will redirect traffic around Main Street eventually to Bigelow Road.

The Webster lake Association received a proclamation for its ten years of service to the lake and the town. The association has raised funds over the years for testing and treating the lake. This process, according to association President Gloria Ricker, costs about $65,000 to $70,000 a year. Grants and fundraisers have helped pay the expenses for the upkeep of the lake.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Donald Bourque told the association, “On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, there is no more active group that is such a large group of volunteers as yourself that does such a great service to the town of Webster… We couldn’t have such a pristine lake…I can see all the hard work you guys do… and I can’t thank you enough for everything…”

Chairman Bourque read the proclamation, once again thanking them for their ten years of dedicated service to the lake, before awarding the plaque to the association. Many of the members of the lake association were on hand to applaud the reception of the award.

Mike Horan was appointed to the Cultural Arts Council. There are a few appointments that expire in October and appointees must wait one year between expired terms and reappointment.  During the meeting Linda Littleton came forth and asked to be appointed to the council as well. The board approved her appointment. Linda served with the Milford Cultural Arts council for ten years and has served on other commissions in Webster. The council is in need of more members to fill the vacancies.

Mike Grendell received a Special Entertainment License for a concert on the beach after the Thunder on Webster Lake races. Vice Chair Deborah Keefe made the stipulation that the speakers and band must face away from the beach.

Charlotte “Ginger” Costen was appointed to the Trustees of the Soldier’s Monument.

There are no more lifeguards on duty at the town beach.

A reminder that the town meeting warrant closes on September 6 at 3 p.m.

Another Octoberfest is scheduled for October 27.

Marine Corporal Kevin A. Dabrowski, 24, of Camp Lejeune, NC, died Saturday, August 11, 2012 in South Carolina from injuries sustained in a tragic car accident while he was returning home with his beloved son for a two-week visit.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 22 at 11:00 AM in the Webster Town Hall, Main Street. Members of the United States Marine Corps will provide full military honors. Calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, August 21, at Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Indian Ranch annual event
will feature Changes in Latitudes
September 2, 2012 

(Webster, MA; August 14, 2012)—Indian Ranch is turning its annual summer beach party with Changes in Latitudes into a benefit for Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard in Webster. In March, Harrington HealthCare launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild and expand the Emergency Department at its Webster campus. Every $15 ticket purchased to the September 2nd party at Indian Ranch will result in a $20 contribution to the campaign, thanks to a $4 million matching grant.

Changes in Latitudes is the country's premier tribute show to singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, the master of the tropical life style. Every summer Changes in Latitudes transforms Indian Ranch for one afternoon into the ultimate beach party, musically transporting the audience to that ultimate tropical paradise, Margaritaville.

“Harrington HealthCare’s Webster facility plays such an important role in our community,” said Suzette Raun, president of Indian Ranch. “We are thrilled to use our annual party at Indian Ranch as a way to raise funds for the capital campaign and we are certainly looking forward to the time when this town and the surrounding communities has a state-of-the-art modern Emergency Department.”

“We are so heartened by the generosity of Indian Ranch,” said Pamela Zouranjian Connor, Site Administrator for Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard. “By contributing to our Capital Campaign for the Emergency Department, Indian Ranch, and all who attend the Changes in Latitudes event, will help us save countless lives in the years to come.”

Harrington’s Webster Emergency Department is the focal point of healthcare in Webster, Dudley, Oxford, Douglas, Thompson and surrounding communities in South Central Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. The Emergency Department in Webster sees more than 12,000 patient visits a year, but has not had a substantial overhaul since it was constructed in 1955.

The $8.8 million Strengthening Our Future campaign will enable Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard to continue to deliver the highest quality care to its patients. Notable changes to the facility will include an expansion from 3,000 to 10,000 square feet, and a new ambulance entrance, registration area, and lobby, as well as the installation of the modern state-of-the-art equipment.

Indian Ranch offers music lovers a chance to see some of the greatest country, roots rock, classic rock and pop bands steps from the sandy shore of the legendary Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. Nestled between pine trees, the amphitheater offers the ability to see the stage from anywhere in the audience. In 2012, Indian Ranch has already hosted a star studded calendar of concerts including shows from Scotty McCreery, Chris Isaak, Gretchen Wilson, Travis Tritt, Little Feat, Gavin DeGraw and more. Still on the schedule are shows from Kellie Pickler, Montgomery Gentry and Bret Michaels.

Tickets for the Summer Beach Bash featuring Changes in Latitudes on September 2 at Indian Ranch are available at www.indianranch.com, at the Indian Ranch Box Office or by calling the Harrington Volunteer office at 1-508-765-6472. Indian Ranch, less than an hour's drive from Boston, Providence and Springfield, is located at 200 Gore Road in Webster, MA. For more information, visit www.indianranch.com

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A firefighter ventilates the roof to allow heat and combustible fire gasses to escape.
More photos follow

Date: Sunday August 12, 2012
Location: 31 Prospect Street, Webster

by Patriot staff

Particulars: On Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:30 PM, Webster firefighters received a call of smoke coming from a building located at 31 Prospect Street. All available Webster firefighters responded to the scene to find a fire burning in the attic of the two and a half story wood dwelling located at the address.

Firefighters had little trouble in subduing the flames, but warm temperatures and oppressive humidity did take their toll. Many jakes could be seen after exiting the building, shedding their protective clothing and trying to re-hydrate and find some shade to rehabilitate. All of the firefighters’ underlying clothing was completely soaked with sweat. The weather condition necessitated Webster Fire Chief Brian Hickey to call the neighboring Dudley and Oxford fire departments to the scene to relieve his spent crews in the laborious task of overhaul, the systematic removal of inner walls and ceilings in a search for hidden embers.

The fire, which appears to be accidental in nature, displaced 19 residents from the multiple family dwelling until repairs can be made. Firefighters had to cut a hole in the roof to alleviate high heat and combustible fire gasses before they could enter the attic space to fight the fire. No firefighters or occupants were injured in the late afternoon fire. Several pets were also displaced by the blaze. The American Red Cross was called in to assist those occupants who lived in the building.

A Webster firefighter stretches a hoseline into
the dwelling located at 31 Prospect Street.

Firefighters appear on the 2nd floor porch to relay to Chief Hickey
the fire has been brought under control. These firefighters had
to be rotated out of the building due to the oppressive humidity.

light hearted humor wraps it up.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -   If you thought that your town officials have no sense of humor, you should have attended the Webster Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday, August 13. The meeting actually started on a serious note with a dog hearing regarding two dogs that got into a fight at the town beach. One of the owners was allegedly bitten during the melee while trying to stop the two dogs from fighting.

On July 5, it is alleged that one dog, “Blackie,” a previous problem in the area, was at the beach with one of its owners, Ashley Bullard.  William Dew was walking his dog “Chance” near the beach. It was alleged that when Blackie saw Chance, he began to charge after him. Mr. Dew removed his pet from his leash and according to witnesses yelled for his dog to attack. It was when Ms. Bullard attempted to separate the two dogs that she was allegedly bitten. Officer James Young Jr. was called to the scene around 6 p.m. Dew was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. Both William Dew and his wife Joan claim that Blackie has attacked their dog several times, including once when Chance was a puppy. Town Administrator John McAuliffe felt Mr. Dew’s actions in this particular situation were not that of a reasonable person.

The board and Mr. McAuliffe also felt that there was no reason to continue the hearing as they were only receiving one side of the story due to the Dew’s legal advice  of silence on the case. The case had to be continued until after September 11 as Mr. Dew, by request of his legal counsel could not divulge any information until after the pre-trial hearing. The board also voted to table any action against the owner of Blackie until the after the pretrial as well. This is the third time this year that a problem with the pet has come before the board.

In the regular meeting, Officer Rodney Budrow was sworn in as Deputy Chief. Mr. Budrow gave a heartfelt speech on his gratitude in serving on what he termed as the best police department in the Commonwealth. His wife Lou Ann and cousin Kelley Ford were present for the ceremony.

The board also recognized the Webster Fire Department in regard to a letter sent by the Town of Charlton. Fire fighters from Webster were called in to help with a mill fire in Charlton and were graciously thanked for their selfless service.

In regard to the Phase II Stormwater Management regulation, the board reluctantly approved the signing of  paperwork to receive funds from the State Revolving Fund in regard to a loan for the project. The total sum of the project is $434, 231. DPW Director J.T. Gaucher addressed the board in regard to the loan. The board, knowing this, is still leery of having to spend so much money on the necessary project. Selectman Mark Dowgiewicz stated, “So, $434,231 is going to tell us where our rain water is going.” Later he said, “God forbid, how did we survive all these years?”

The board then joked with Mr. Gaucher, “This is what you get for your bright ideas.”

Vice Chair Deborah Keefe also added in humor, “Please don’t take our enthusiasm personally, we appreciate what you did.”

The board and Highway Department Superintendent Kenneth Pizzetti applauded Mr. Gaucher for being among the first to comply with the federal and state regulations.  Mr. Pizzetti stated the loans will soon run out and other municipalities will be “scrambling” to raise the funds necessary for the mandatory compliance.

East Main Street merger

Also addressed was the East Main Street merger, coming from Rt. 16 through the stop sign and continuing west. A study showed that the merger seems to be working as designed. The board exchanged some light-hearted humor over the situation. Traffic bottlenecks into one lane 400 feet from the intersection and people speed up to get ahead of the vehicle in front of them. Board Secretary Jeffery Duggan joked that there could be lines painted in the right lane to direct traffic into local businesses. Other jokes were to have a sign that says Merge, Don’t Merge, arrows everywhere to confuse people so they slow down, and alternate speed limits in lanes. In the end, it comes down to driver courtesy and education. The lane ending cedes to the continuing lane.

Water main breaks

In relation to the two water main breaks in the town, the DPW has ordered extra emergency stock of pipe and couplings for quick response and repairs. An in-depth study of the water system will be conducted in order to locate any more potential trouble spots. The pipes that broke, although clean and corrosion free on the inside were placed in the ground around 1914. The breaks took place on Rawson Road and Perryville Road on August 3 and August 5 respectively.

The Fiscal year 2011 Audit showed the town had a positive variance of $51, 746. There was a debate about tax delinquencies dating back several years. Town Administrator John McAuliffe and Tax Assessor Marc Becker are working on a program for collecting delinquent taxes. “This is a clean audit, so we have a lot to feel good about.” Mr. McAuliffe stated.

The audit was performed by Borgatti Harrison & Co.

Licenses and approvals

A request to extend outdoor deck hours for Tal’s Place was approved. This request was in an effort to keep people from smoking and “hanging out” on the handicapped ramp later in the evening.

The board also approved the license for the 11^th Annual Killdeer Island Block party to take place on September 8.

An Application for the Conservation Commission was also approved. Marissa McCann has a degree in Environmental Science and will be sworn in by the town clerk for the position.

Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church also received a one-day liquor license, as did the French River Connection.

Waterfront Mary’s Outdoor entertainment license was also extended with prior restrictions until the end of the license period.

Beach matters

Vice Chair Deborah Keefe addressed the board in regard to the beach. She has received letters as to what some of the residents would like to see done to the beach. One of those requests was to replace the faucet and showerheads in the beach house. A report on what has been improved and where the revenue was spent was also written. The board addressed concerns that it does not include the time town employees spent at the facility. The percentage of time in regard to their salary should also be reflected in the report. Seats, benches, electrical, plumbing, sand and the boat ramp were among the issues addressed at the beach this past fiscal year, costing about $27,000.

The Negus Street Reconstruction Contract was awarded to Freitas Construction Inc. of Ludlow for the sum of $663,446.50

The opening of the Town Meeting Warrant until September 6, at 3 p.m. was also voted and approved.