The debt exclusion question that just passed at town meeting is for 4 million dollars and it is on the ballot for state election. there was no 1.2 - 2-million-dollar debt exclusion question. I would suggest calling the assessor's office of Templeton at 978-894-2760 and ask what $1.00 on the tax rate raises and then ask how 4 million would increase current tax rate. Keep in mind there still needs to be a tax classification hearing in front of the select board and the tax recap sheet still needs to be approved by state DOR. Remember, the tax rate can go down while your tax bill can still go up, due in large part to the revaluation process and the greatest increase in valuations in Templeton have been residential real estate, mostly because that is where the most sales have been happening. Financial history shows over the past 10 years to date, the greatest increase in taxes has been residential, no matter what the percentage increase may have been in this revaluation year, which happens every 5 years now. Again, simply call the assessors before you are told the sky is falling and an override is coming with it

 https://www.mma.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/MMA-webinar-FirstAmendmentAudit-10.22.24.pdf

 Thank You to Templeton resident Robert May, he came to town meeting informed and prepared. That is how the legislative body needs to be when assembling for town meeting.

Thank You to those who attended.

A written report from advisory committee explaining each article with the pros and cons of each article would be helpful. Advisory budget has $760.00 in it for office supplies. A report does not have to be fancy and can be had for less than 100 bucks.

 https://www.atholdailynews.com/Board-votes-to-enact-sign-ban-on-town-property-57510063

 Good afternoon,

 

I hope everyone is doing well. I am pleased to be reaching out with the news that Templeton has been awarded in the FY25 round of the Community One Stop for Growth Grant Program. For context, this past June I submitted an application specifically to the Rural Development Fund for all costs associated with the design and engineering of the rehabilitation of all 3.9 miles of Barre Road. As shown in the attached award letter, we were lucky enough to be awarded $290,000 through the program, which will cover approximately 96% of Tighe & Bond’s proposed costs.

 

Currently, I am working with the Town Administrator as well as the Office of Rural Affair to iron out any and all project specifics prior to executing the grant contract. By the time my next quarterly report comes around, which I believe will be on the 11/6/24 Select Board Meeting, I should have a more substantial update on the project’s status and hopefully even more good new to share.

 

Thank you all for your support, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments.

 

Thank you,

 

Gracelyn P. Currie

Gracelyn P. Currie

Grant Writer Administrator

 Northern Tier Rail Line:

Good morning Jeff, 

I hope all is well with you! Thank you very much for the update and for your help with this, I really do appreciate it! I'll be sure to let the group know that Templeton is very interested in this project and would like to be considered for a stop as well. I appreciate all of the information you sent over and will be sure it gets where it needs to go. Should there be anything else needed for any reason, I'll be in touch and we can go from there.

Thanks again and I hope you have a great weekend!

Best,

-Nolan

Nolan King

Legislative Aide

State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik

2nd Worcester District

Ashburnham, Gardner, Templeton, Winchendon (Precincts 2 & 3)

 https://www.templetonma.gov/town-administrator/files/fall-town-meeting-warrant-2024.

 I am going to try and find some stuff from days gone by that should clarify. why I feel the way I do about lawyers and responses to residents.

 

Many years ago, I asked Templeton BOS for resume of conservation commission agent, I got a 2-page letter from town lawyer telling me how I could not have it even as secretary of state told me it was public record. I replied to letter and got a second one from lawyer.

I did some looking and found the same employee was employed in same position in another town, Winchendon, as a part time con com agent with same town lawyer, I asked them for resume and got it in 2 minutes. I went to Templeton bos meeting and asked why I could get the resume from one town but not Templeton? I got a line of bs, in my opinion and I have never forgotten that. That my is why I have the attitude I have concerning board responding to residents by way of lawyers. They deserve answers and help, not legal opinions. Most, if not all of their questions are easy and simple to answer and the only reason, they turn into long going issues and complaints, is because, in my opinion, they do not feel the people they elect for them are looking out for them. If a resident is wrong, I will tell them so, when they are seeking help, I will try to help them, ask the people on Laurel View Road or the people on Stephen's Way. end of story.

 What the lawyer said:

Regarding (1), Section 71-3 requires that the Annual Report be “made available to the residents . . . for distribution . . . at Town Hall in the Board’s office.” If Ms. Toth’s allegation that there were no copies of the Annual Report for distribution at Town Hall by the last Tuesday of April is true, then this requirement was likely violated. Going forward, the Board should ensure that copies are available for distribution at Town Hall as required by the Bylaw.

 Rotary in east Templeton.

from MADOT, due to addition of Templeton water main work at the beginning of the project, a time extension was given, July 5, 2025. All curb installation is expected to be complete prior to winter. Final paving, lighting and some sidewalk work expected to fall into the spring.

 What happened with the infield groomer town meeting approved?

Select Board meeting of July 25, 2018.

John Caplis chairman.

g. Action RE: Lawn Tractor, Infield Groomer & Associated Retrofits~

 Fortes requested this item be taken first as Mr. May had a comment on it. This item was taken before item A. Morrison asked when and how the item came to be changed. Carter explained that the company had no recollection of giving the original quote as it had been so long, and they had him come out to give a new quote. Rick Moulton from NRSD was in attendance and gave his professional opinion on the machine quoted. Carter said he believes this is the same machine that NRSD uses on their fields. Haley Brooks asked Scott Dill of the Rec Committee to come forward and explain what was discussed. Scott explained that this equipment will work well for the purpose it is needed for and right now they do not have equipment to use for grooming the fields. Mr. May made a comment and cursed then Caplis interrupted him and stated that he heard him loud and clear and understood what his point was. Much discussion regarding whether the Capital Planning Committee should review this. Haley Brooks moved to approve the purchase of a John Deere tractor with attachments as proposed with the extended warranty at the cost of approximately $16,500.00; as seconded by Morrison. Fortes abstained. Motion carries 3-0.

One example of selectmen overriding town meeting vote.

 Zoning is the way a community regulates the use of land. Zoning regulations allow a community to control where different uses occur and under what circumstances. Zoning groups land uses according to their compatibility and separates them to protect the health, safety and general well being of the community. Police Power of zoning allows government, in protecting the public interest, to apply certain limitations to the use and development of private land without the need to compensate for the owner’s loss due to the limitations. However, if the limitations are so restrictive that the land loses its development possibility then the government must pay reasonable compensation.