Annual Reports of the Town Offices - Rutland MA |

ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE

TOWN OFFICES Rutland, Massachusetts

July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019

TOWN OF RUTLAND – NUMBERS TO KNOW

EMERGENCY: FIRE, POLICE, & AMBULANCE ....................................................................... 911

NON-EMERGENCY FIRE ................................................................................................ 508-886-4107

NON-EMERGENCY POLICE .......................................................................................... 508-886-4033

ANIMAL CONTROL ......................................................................................................... 508-886-2123

*PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR HOUSE NUMBERS ARE VISIBLE*

Town Department Contact Information Community Hall: 508-886-4100, option 3 See townofrutland.org for department hours Community Hall & Annex are closed Fridays Accounting . Administrator . Assessing . Assessments/Abatements Board of Health . Percolation Tests Board of Selectmen . Clerk . Dog Licenses Elections Licenses Voter Registration Vital Records Fire Chief 508-886-4107 Blasting & Burning Permits Oil Burner Inspections Smoke Detector Certificate Inspectional Services . Building Inspections Electrical Inspections Gas Inspections Plumbing Inspections Planning . Recreation . SafePlace . Treasurer/Tax Collector . Bills/Accounts Taxes & Payments Veterans Services 978-874-7461

Council on Aging: 508-886-4100, option 6 Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Meal Site 508-886-4119 Department of Public Works: 508-886-4100, option 4 Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Director .

Streets & Highways Water & Sewer Trees/Tree Warden

Library: 508-886-4100, option 5 Tuesday – Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Fridays 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Closed Saturdays: Memorial Day – Labor Day) Schools: CTMS Principal 508-886-0073 Glenwood Principal 508-886-0399 Naquag Principal 508-886-2901 High School (Holden) 508-829-6771 WRSD Superintendent 508-829-1670 Other Useful Numbers: Secretary of State 800-392-6069 Rep. Kim Ferguson 617-722-2263 State Sen. Anne Gobi 617-722-1540

Find all this information, Town news, meeting calendars and more on our Town website www.townofrutland.org

http://www.townofrutland.org/

ANNUAL REPORTS

OF THE

TOWN OFFICES

OF THE

TOWN OF RUTLAND

MASSACHUSETTS

For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019

Dedication of the Annual Town Report The 2019 Annual Town Report for Rutland is dedicated to Rutland resident Liam Dearden and his family – parents Paul and Leedan, and brother Connor. In 2019, Liam took on the restoration of the Town’s War Memorial as his service project to become an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting. The Dearden Family represents the very best of Rutland. In 2018, Liam, an impressive young man in his third year at Wachusett, came before the Select Board and presented a proposal for the design, fundraising, and restoration for the Town’s ailing war memorial. Along the way, Liam coordinated with town departments, veteran’s groups, and the American Legion Post 310. He engaged in a successful fundraising project, enabling the successful restoration without cost to the Town.

The end result was unveiled on November 11, 2019, Veteran’s Day, on the Rutland Town Common. The newly restored memorial included refreshed landscaping, a cobblestone brick walkway, granite benches, and plaque upgrades. As result of the project, and the lessons along the way, Liam Dearden earned his rank of Eagle Scout. During the 2019 Veteran’s Day ceremony, the Rutland Select Board recognized the Dearden Family, and presented Liam with the Keys to the Town for his work in the War Memorial restoration project. The Town of Rutland is pleased to dedicate the 2019 Annual Town Report to Eagle Scout Liam Dearden and his family.

Dedication of the Annual Town Report

Margaret Nartowicz Town Administrator (2015-2018)

Margaret Nartowicz served as the Town’s very first Town Administrator upon funding of the position in 2015. She worked closely with the Selectboard as the Town’s Chief Administrator Officer to assure proper administration of Town government, as well as act as the Board’s agent for all day-to-day affairs within the Town. The Board dedicates this report to Margaret in gratitude for her service.

Gary Kellaher, Superintendent Department of Public Works (2008 – 2018)

Gary Kellaher faithfully served the Town as Superintendent of Public Works from 2008 until his retirement in December of 2018. Gary often spent as much time in the field as he did overseeing administration of the public works department. The Board dedicates this report to Gary in gratitude for his service.

Table of Contents

General Government Town Clerk ...................................................... 3 Vital Statistics & Licenses ............................... 4 Elected Officers ................................................ 5 Selectboard ....................................................... 6 Appointed Officers ...................................... 7 Town Administrator ......................................... 10 Appointments .............................................. 11 Election Results & Town Meeting Minutes 09/04/2018 – State Primary ........................ 14 11/05/2018 – State Election ....................... 18 05/13/2019 – Annual Town Election ......... 21 11/19/2019 – Special Town Meeting ......... 23 05/11/2019 – Special Town Meeting ......... 33 05/11/2019 – Annual Town Meeting ......... 35 Public Safety Fire Department ............................................... 46 Police Department ............................................ 50 Regional Dispatch (RRECC) ........................... 54 Department of Public Works Department Overview ...................................... 62 Highway ........................................................... 64 Winter Operations ............................................ 66 Parks and Cemeteries ....................................... 66 Sewer ................................................................ 66 Water ................................................................ 67 Buildings .......................................................... 68 Planning, Development, & Zoning Planning and Community Development .......... 71 Planning Board ................................................. 73 Inspectional Services ........................................ 75 Conservation Commission ............................... 78 Zoning Board of Appeals ................................. 79 Health & Human Services Board of Health ................................................ 81 Council on Aging ............................................. 82 Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycle Center ................................................. 84 Veteran’s Services ............................................ 86

Culture & Recreation Rutland Free Public Library .............................. 88 Recreation Department ..................................... 89 4th of July Committee ........................................ 90 Cable Advisory Committee ............................... 91 Wachusett Greenways ....................................... 92 Financial Reports Town Accountant .............................................. 95 Treasurer/Collector ........................................... 116 Finance Committee ........................................... 123 Board of Assessors ............................................ 125 Capital Improvement Planning Committee ....... 126 Schools Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School ...................................... 140 Wachusett Regional School District ................. 141

Image: Paul Mattson

POPULATION 1990 4,669 (Federal) 2000 6,353 (Federal) 2010 7,973 (Federal) 2019 9,105 (Local as of June 30)

REGISTERED VOTERS 6,342

Democrat 1099 Republican 1007 Unenrolled 4149 Green Rainbow 4 Libertarian 25 Green Party USA 1 MA Independent Party 2 Inter 3rd Party 5 United Independent Party 44 Conservative 3 Pizza Party 1 Working Families 1 American Independent 1 Miles of Road: Square Miles: 35.42 Town and County 90.03 Miles State 9.20 99.23 Miles Acres: 22,246 Heights above Sea Level: Center 1,205 Standpipes (Rice Hill) 1,250 Top of Standpipes 1,340

Town Election: Second Monday of May Annual Town Meeting: Saturday preceding second Monday of May

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES United State Senators: Elizabeth A. Warren Democrat Edward J. Markey Democrat Congressman: Second Congressional District James P. McGovern Democrat State Senator: Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire & Middlesex District Anne M. Gobi Democrat State Representative: First Worcester District Kimberly N. Ferguson Republican

TOWN OF RUTLAND FOUNDED 1713 INCORPORATED 1722

Laura Paradise

General Government

Image: Mike Romano

TOWN CLERK fiscal year 2019

The tradition of the Boston Post Cane was revived with the help of the Rutland Historical Society in the fall of 2017. Duplicate canes were made by Bay Path High School students. The Cane is awarded to the oldest resident in Rutland Vivian Root was 99 years young when the cane was presented to her on September 23, 2017 by Town Clerk Anita Carlson. The current recipient of the cane is James Meagher, who was 98 when the cane was passed to him in a ceremony at the Historical Society on April 17, 2018.

Electronic polls pads were first used to check in early voters for the November State Election and fall town meeting attendees in 2018. They were well received by voters. The Poll Pads make the check-in process quicker, eliminate printed voter lists, and upload the voter information to our State Computer Voter Registration System the next day, saving hours of work following every election and meeting.

Early voting was popular during the November election. Walk-in early voting was held for a two-week period prior to the election. State regulations required that early voting be offered during all Town Clerk business hours. We also added two Friday early evening sessions and one Saturday session from 11 am to 5pm. Eight hundred six registered voters took advantage of walk-in early voting, approximately 20% of the total vote cast.

Our office began working with our website provider in February of 2019 on a new updated town website. Final approval was given to the new design in April and we are looking forward to the launch of the new site sometime in the beginning of the new fiscal year.

The Ad hoc By-law Committee was appointed and began meeting in February of 2019. The charge of the committee was to modernize and codify the existing General By-laws and the members were also tasked with writing the new By-law Committee By-law which was accepted at the May Annual Town Meeting.

My thanks go to Daymian Bartek, who keeps our office running efficiently and is a valued work partner. Daymian and I would also like to thank all the election workers who keep our elections running smoothly. There are over 35 people on our active list and we appreciate their willingness to help. We would like to single out a few who are willing to spend the often fifteen-hour day with us, namely election clerk Nancy Nichols, election warden Sean Miller and Ken Lowe, who has been a staple at the ballot box since 2002. A special thank you goes to Robin Tarani, Barbara Campbell, Jeanne Couture, Ted Purcell, Karen Greenwood, Alison Komenda, Carol Erickson, Louise Jordan, Bill Bailey and Joan Viner, all of whom we have been able to count on for over fifteen years. Respectfully submitted, Anita K. Carlson Town Clerk, CMMC

3

Laura Paradise

Report of the Town Clerk Vital Statistics July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 Births - 87 Deaths - 56 Marriages - 26

Our busy office is open to the public 36.5 hours per week and is staffed by a full time Town Clerk and a part time Assistant Town Clerk. The office issued 1463 dog licenses during the fiscal year, resulting in $17,007.00 in revenue. Application forms are mailed to all households in January with the annual census and owners may use the on-line payment option available on the Town website. In addition to fulfilling daily requests for Vital Records, we issued forty-one Business Certificates and seven Raffle Permits to non-profit organizations. All special permits issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board are also recorded with the Clerk’s office. There were three elections during fiscal 2019. The State Primary was held in September, the State Election in November and the Annual Town Election in May. In addition to the Annual Town Meeting, the year saw two special town meetings, one in May and one in November. One new General By-law amendment was passed in May. The new by-law establishes a By-law Committee whose responsibilities will be to write new General By-laws when needed and to periodically review the existing ones. The Zoning By-laws were amended in November with the acceptance of an article allowing Non-Medical Marijuana Establishments. At the May Annual Town Meeting a new by-law was approved entitled Development Rate Limitation By-law. Another article made technical corrections to the Zoning By-laws, The Clerk’s office submits all general and zoning by-law changes to the Attorney General’s office for review before they become effective. Once approval is received our office posts the public notices. Zoning By-law are effective retroactive to the date Town Meeting voted. General By-laws become effective on the posting date. The Zoning Board of Appeals held hearings for two variances, of which one was denied and one withdrawn. It is the duty of the Town Clerk to update the General and Zoning By-laws for publication. They are available on the Town Website and in our office. A project codifying the General By-laws began with the goal of organizing the by-laws into similar formats with consistent numbering. The Clerk’s office has participated in the Senior Tax Work Off Program since 2016. During FY 2019 we enlisted the assistance of three senior workers. Meeting agendas for all town boards and committees are posted on the town website: www.townofrutland.org By clicking on the “Connect” button on the homepage, residents may subscribe to email alerts for town news, specific department, board or committee updates, meeting minutes and agendas.

Vitals Comparison of Last Five Years

Fiscal Year 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Births 90 68 80 89 75 Deaths 58 51 39 50 53 Marriages 26 26 23 37 25

4

http://www.townofrutland.org/

Laura Paradise

REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS

FISCAL 2019 Moderator Term Expiration Randy E. Jordan 2020 Selectmen Jeffrey A. Stillings 2021 Leah M. Whiteman 2021 Sheila H. Dibb 2020 Wayne A. Walker 2020 Mitchell F. Ruscitti 2022 Assessors Jeffrey R. Gibbs 2021 Kevin A. Jarvi 2020 Robyn A. Tarani 2022 Town Clerk Anita K. Carlson 2021 Wachusett Regional School District Committee Rachel M. Dolan (resigned May 2019) 2021 Anthony P. Difonso 2021 Charles E. Witkes (resigned March 2019) 2022 Matthew Lavoie 2022 Southern Worc. County Reg. Voc. School Dist. Committee Michael S. Pantos (resigned February 2019) 2021 Ann Marie T. Pantos 2021 Joseph Becker 2022 Board of Health Scott M. Gilroy 2021 Elliott L. Nadeau, Jr. 2020 Karin M. Prucnal 2022 Planning Board Marilyn R. Sidoti 2023 Norman W. Anderson 2022 Shawn R. Moore 2021 Timothy A. Nahrwold 2020 Charles Richard Williams 2024 Library Trustees Jean M. Grant 2021 Daniel M. Keeney 2021 William G, Brazeau 2020 Edward G. Purcell (resigned May 2019) 2020 Ruth Ann Rovezzi 2022 Shelley A. Mitchell 2022

5

Laura Paradise

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FISCAL YEAR 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The Board of Selectmen is pleased to submit the Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report to the residents of Rutland. The Board of Selectmen is comprised of five members, each serving a three-year term, who are elected and entrusted with the responsibility of being the policy making body of the Town and whose duties are given in accordance with the state statutes and Town’s bylaws. During Fiscal Year 2019 the following members served on the Board: Sheila Dibb, Leroy “Skip” Clark, Wayne Walker, Leah Whiteman, and Jeffrey Stillings. The Board meets every other Monday, at 6:00 p.m., in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room of the Rutland Public Library, and on an as needed basis. The Board of Selectmen’s meetings are open to the public and televised live on Charter Cable channel 191. All meetings are posted on the town’s website, www.townofrutland.org. In May of 2019, Mitchell Ruscitti was elected to fill the seat of outgoing Board member Skip Clark. The Board thanks Skip for his many years of service. The Town of Rutland was designated by the Department of Energy Resources as a Green Community in December of 2018 and was awarded a $145,622.00 grant to be used toward energy-efficiency upgrades throughout the Town. The Board also accepted an annual gift from The Devereux School to fund the purchase of a motorcycle for the Town’s Police Department. As the local licensing authority, the Selectmen renewed and/or issued the following licenses concerning its licensed serving establishments: Annual Alcohol Renewals (10) Annual Innkeepers License (1) Class I, II, III Licenses (6) Entertainment License (1) The Board would like to express their appreciation to all employees, board and committee members for their continuous dedication and services to the residents of Rutland. Respectfully yours, Sheila Dibb Wayne Walker Leah Whiteman

Jeffrey Stillings Mitchell Ruscitti (elected 05/2019) Leroy “Skip” Clark (term ended 05/2019)

6

Appointed by the Selectboard July 2019

Department Heads

Town Administrator Michael J. Nicholson

Fire Chief Seth Knipe

Town Counsel KP LAW

Accountant

Scanlon & Associates, LLC

Boards and Commissions

Agriculture Commission Randy Jordan Glen Kauppila Debra Carlson Jesse Klayman Angela Rose Swayze C. Richard Williams, Alternate Gerald Kristoff, Alternate Kate Gervais, Alternate Mary Kauppila, Alternate Cable Advisory Committee Paul Mattson James Kelly Christian Santillo Peter Craine Capital Improvement Planning Committee Harry Sechman Joseph Becker Michael Ferguson Mitchell Ruscitti Daniel Gracey Conservation Commission Joseph Dell’Aquila Peter Craine Eric Bigelow Jared Gentilluci Willard Canon Melissa Danza Leroy “Skip” Clark

Council on Aging Committee Rose Anne Ferrandino Patricia Lachance Carolyn Semon June Wiley David Fish Cultural Council Suzanne Myer Smith Nancy Sechman Mildred Anderson Michele Almstrom Development and Industrial Commission Douglass Briggs Michele Van Reet Michael Sullivan C. Richard Williams Karen Greenwood Earthworks Board Glen Kauppilla, Agricultural Commission Peter Craine, Conservation Commission Norman Anderson, Planning Board Elliot Nadeau, Board of Health Kate Gervais, At-Large

7

Finance Committee Appointed by Town Moderator, Ratified by Selectboard Thomas Ruchala Karen Nahrwold Iain McKinlay David Lussier Carol Martens Peter O’Malley Edward Purcell Historical Commission Peter Pasierb Lynn Turcotte William Banks, Jr. Insurance Advisory Committee Rebecca Tuttle Donald Haapakoski Michael Gleason Neil Viner Kerry Remington Jason Citrynell Managed Growth Steering Committee Ron Barron Jeffrey Stillings Michael J. Nicholson David George Scott Gilroy Joseph Buckley C. Richard Williams Solar Committee Diane Peterson Norman Anderson Joseph Buckley Robert Donelson C. Richard Williams Michael J. Nicholson Zoning Board of Appeals Richard Surrette Christopher Senecal Robert Paulsen Associate Board of Appeals Arthur Wells Paul Kirrane Jacob Morris

Ad-Hoc Building Committee Sherry Roaf Dennis Pierce Kevin Jarvi Harry Sechman Michael J. Nicholson Joseph Buckley Marc Zenarro Seth Knipe New Senior Center Committee Carlisle Bindoo Gaile Arcouette June Willey Michael J. Nicholson Joseph Buckley William Cassanelli Seth Knipe Nancy Nichols 4th of July Committee Barbara Campbell John Fitzgerald Cynthia Purcell Deborah Barakian Zachary Palmer Carrie Mota Tina Greenfield Missy Puliafico Frank Jancura Beth Puize Tracy Saseville Jeremy Hayden 300th Anniversary Committee Zack Palmer Jacquelyn McGravey Christine Drolet Mark Campbell (Ex-officio) Barbara Campbell Memorial Day Committee John Byron William Bailey Philip Cannell William Critchley David Yeager

8

Liaisons, Representatives, Coordinators, and Professionals

Sealer of Weights and Measures Edward Seidler Veterans Graves Officer Philip Cannell ADA Coordinator Cindy Purcell Chief Procurement Officer Michael J. Nicholson Veterans Service Agent Vincent Chenevert Healthcare Benefits Consultant The Boyle Group Storm Water Advisory Committee Joseph Buckley Representative to Wachusett Earth Day Sheila Dibb

Ethics Commission Liaison Anita Carlson Municipal Hearing Officer Anita Carlson Central MA Regional Planning Committee C. Richard Williams

Appointed by Planning Board Shawn Moore

Appointed by Selectboard Records Access Officers Anita Carlson, Supervisor Daymian Bartek Seth Knipe Michael Moriarty Nicholas Monaco Jacqueline O’Brien

Constable Mark Moisio Richard Salls Ralph Anderson

9

Image: Michael Moriarty

Report of the Town Administrator The Administrator serves as the town’s chief administrative officer and the Board of Selectmen’s agent for all town affairs on a day-to-day basis, assuring the proper administration of town government. Duties include serving as chief procurement officer, personnel director, chief financial officer/budget director, and appointing authority for most employees under the Board’s jurisdiction. During 2019, the Town began to grow as the newly hired department heads began to take on their roles. Our new Town Planner, Mr. David George re-vamped the planning office to add a strong Community Development aspect to it. As part of this role, Mr. George created a Town Center working group, made up on individuals from a myriad of backgrounds working to see how they would like to see the Downtown area grow and improve. While this was happening, our new Director of Public Works, Mr. Joseph Buckley, worked to improve the Town’s long standing issues with its water and sewer utilities. As a result of this work, the Town approved a loan order to repair and replace a majority of the utility lines in Town and is working with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to further this progress. During this past year, the Town was also successfully able to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the RRECC Dispatcher MassCOP, Local 435, as well as signed new three year employment agreements with Treasurer Collector Rebecca Tuttle, Director Michael Moriarty of the Rutland Regional Emergency Communications Center, Chief Nicholas Monaco of the Rutland Police Department, and Chief Seth Knipe of the Rutland Fire Department. Employment agreements can be viewed on the town’s website. The centralization of personnel files, and updates to personnel policies, job descriptions, and the classification and compensation plan are ongoing. I was also able to receive official designation as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO), as part of my role as Town Administrator. The Town’s plan is to later send Director Moriarty of the RRECC and Director Buckley of the Rutland DPW to also receive this training to help improve our operations. Rutland’s team of dedicated, professional town employees and volunteers continue to make progress in many areas. Several grants and other funding were received from state and regional agencies in 2019, totally over $1.8 million. These grants were received for a variety of projects, including solar technical assistance, regional and local planning assistance, policy updates, public safety, elder services, and infrastructure initiatives. This funding is important to continue to assure the town’s ability to sustain its services to the community and plan for the future. While we made steps in working toward getting the Town out from under the structural deficit it has created in using Free Cash to supplement budgetary revenue for the past several years, more work must be done on this front. Until the Town is able to get to a place where it does not have to use “one-time” funding to fund its budgetary operations, the administration of the Town must and will continue to keep a watchful eye to ensure that this small financial bubble does not lead to a funding issue for the Town at some point in the near future. I continue to look forward to many new and exciting town-wide initiatives in the coming years that will strengthen the community and assure responsible, lasting progress. Respectfully submitted, Michael J. Nicholson Town Administrator

10

Position Current Appointment Expiration Building Commissioner William Cassenelli Annual Communications Director Michael Morriarty 7/1/2021Council on Aging Director Nancy Nichols Annual Director of Community Development and Planning David George Annual Director of Public Works Joseph Buckley 7/1/2021Police Chief Nicholas Monaco 7/1/2020Recreation Director Corrina Frohock Annual Safe Place Director Sarah Galvin Annual Town Accountant Scanlon & Associates, LLC Annual Treasurer/Collector Rebecca Tuttle 7/1/2020Veteran's Agent Vincent Chenevert Jr. Annual

Position Current Appointment Expiration Animal Control Officer Jennifer Ford Annual Assistant Treasurer/Collector Lisa Schiemann Annual Director of Information Technology CM Geeks, Inc. Annual Electrical Inspector Lester Grace Annual Executive Assistant Laura Paradise Annual Gas Inspector James Smith Annual Plumbing Inspector James Smith Annual

Position Current Appointment Expiration Collections Assistant Amy Moulton Annual Council on Aging Outreach Worker Catherine Corcoran Annual

Position Current Appointment Expiration Board of Health Admin. Asst. Lynn Miller Annual Building Department Admin. Asst. Lynn Miller Annual Conservation Commission Secretary Tomeca Murphy Annual Department of Public Works Admin Asst. Nancy Macaruso Annual Department of Public Works Clerk Donna Salis Annual Planning Board Secretary VACANT Annual RDIC Secretary Brianne Kriegel Annual Public Safety Administrative Assistant Jacquelyn O'Brien Annual Zoning Board of Appeals Secretary Tomeca Murphy Annual

Position Current Appointment Expiration Police Sergeant Ronald Friberg 3 year

Troy Chauvin 3 yearDiane Herzig 3 year

Dispatch Supervisor Phyllis Chartier 3 yearMichelle Sabourin 3 year

DPW Foreman Christopher Kolofsky 3 yearChief Water Operator Neil Viner 3 year

Town Administrator AppointmentsDepartment Head

Non-Union Direct and Supervisory Staff

Non-Union Staff Positions

Administrative Support Staff

Union Direct and Supervisory Staff

11

Laura Paradise

Position Current Appointment Expiration Patrol Officer Jason Citrynell 3 year

Brent Carpenter 3 yearMai Grover 3 yearDominic Walker 3 yearMatthew Fenuccio 3 yearCassandra DeSousa 3 yearRyan Matte 3 yearJesse Catino 3 year

Detective John Songy 3 yearWater Operator 1 VACANT Permanent Appt. Water Operator 2 Peter DeFlorio Permanent Appt. Sewer Operator Daniel Macaruso Permanent Appt.

James Stevens Permanent Appt. DPW Mechanic John Jankowski Permanent Appt.

Carl Christianson Permanent Appt. DPW Operator Erik Helle Permanent Appt.

Jon Brown Permanent Appt. Daniel French Permanent Appt. Marc Zenaro Permanent Appt. Daniel Macaruso Permanent Appt. James Stevens Permanent Appt.

DPW Maintenance Nancy L. Nichols Permanent Appt. Jammie Bove Permanent Appt.

Position Current Appointment Expiration Police Officer Christopher Bailey Permanent Appt.

Brendan McShea Permanent Appt. John Foster Permanent Appt. Kevin Mailman Permanent Appt. Eric Scott Permanent Appt. Thomas Galvin Permanent Appt. Daniel Collinge Permanent Appt.

Assistant Animal Control Officer Brian Eovacious Permanent Appt. Holly Huard Permanent Appt. Kerry Bowles Permanent Appt.

Water Operator Steven Cannell Permanent Appt. Dispatcher DONE BY RRECC DIRECTOR

Position Current Appointment Expiration Special Police Officer Donald Haapakoski Annual Parking Matron Joan Viner Annual

Maxine Gleason Annual Michelle Sabourin Annual Kiana Toupin Annual

Per Diam Appointments

Part Time Union Positions

Full Time Union Positions

12

Laura Paradise

Election Results & Town Meeting Minutes

Image: Rutland Rail Trail, Maria Mercado

SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION

DEMOCRATIC PARTY Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Totals

Senator in CongressElizabeth A. Warren 129 137 146 412

write-ins 5 2 5 12blanks 18 16 18 52

152 155 169 476Governor

Jay M. Gonzalez 63 64 82 209Bob Massie 57 59 45 161

write-ins 6 4 2 12blanks 26 28 40 94

152 155 169 476Lieutenant Governor

Quentin Palfrey 74 65 84 223Jimmy Tingle 41 61 49 151

write-ins 3 0 0 3blanks 34 29 36 99

152 155 169 476 Attorney General

Maura Healey 129 139 154 422write-ins 3 1 0 4

blanks 20 15 15 50152 155 169 476

Secretary of StateWilliam Francis Galvin 113 113 129 355

Josh Zakim 33 35 35 103write-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 6 7 5 18152 155 169 476

TreasurerDeborah B. Goldberg 123 124 138 385


152 155 169 476Auditor

Suzanne M. Bump 126 122 134 382write-ins 2 0 0 2

blanks 24 33 35 92152 155 169 476

Rep. in CongressJames P. McGovern 131 144 158 433


152 155 169 476

14

Laura Paradise

CouncillorPaul M DePalo 114 120 128 362

write-ins 1 0 0 1blanks 37 35 41 113

152 155 169 476Senator in Gen Court

Anne M. Gobi 135 138 157 430write-ins 2 0 0 2

blanks 15 17 12 44152 155 169 476

Rep. in General Courtwrite-ins 21 15 19 55

blanks 131 140 150 421152 155 169 476

District AttorneyJoseph D. Early, Jr 130 134 148 412


152 155 169 476Clerk of Courts

Dennis P. McManus 125 129 139 393write-ins 2 0 0 2

blanks 25 26 30 81152 155 169 476

Register of ProbateKathryn A. Toomey 129 130 143 402


152 155 169 476

REPUBLICAN PARTY Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Totals

Senator in CongressGeoff Diehl 79 74 67 220

John Kingston 65 72 83 220Beth Joyce Lindstrom 53 47 48 149


207 205 210 622Governor

Charles D. Baker 160 139 160 459Scott D. Lively 45 65 48 157


207 205 210 622

15

Laura Paradise

Lieutenant GovernorKaryn E. Polito 184 170 177 531



James R. McMahon, III 106 120 107 333Daniel L. Shores 64 57 64 185

write-ins 0 0 0 0blanks 37 28 39 104

207 205 210 622Secretary of StateAnthony M. Amore 146 153 148 447

write-ins 1 1 0 2blanks 60 51 62 173

207 205 210 622Treasurer

Keiko M. Orrall 148 146 141 434write-ins 0 1 0 1

blanks 59 58 69 187207 205 210 622

AuditorHelen Brady 146 144 142 432

write-ins 0 0 0 0blanks 61 61 68 190

207 205 210 622Rep. in Congress

Tracy Lyn Lovvorn 111 113 113 337Kevin William Powers 69 66 64 199


207 205 210 622Councillor

Jeannie L. Caissie 153 159 162 474write-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 54 46 48 148207 205 210 622

Senator in Gen CourtSteven R. Hall 150 151 148 449

write-ins 0 0 0 0blanks 57 54 62 173

207 205 210 622Rep. in General CourtKimberly N. Ferguson 173 174 178 525


207 205 210 622

16

Laura Paradise

District Attorneywrite-ins 19 30 16 65

blanks 188 175 194 557207 205 210 622

Clerk of CourtsJoanne E. Powell 146 149 151 446

write-ins 0 0 0 0blanks 61 56 59 176

207 205 210 622Register of DeedsKate D. Campanale 153 158 151 462

Kevin J. Kuros 32 28 41 101write-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 22 19 18 59207 205 210 622

LIBERTARIAN PARTY Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Totals

Senator in Congresswrite-ins 0 1 0 1

blanks 0 3 0 30 4 0 4

Governorwrite-ins 0 3 0 3

blanks 0 1 0 10 4 0 4

Lieutenant Governorwrite-ins 0 1 0 1

blanks 0 3 0 30 4 0 4

Attorney Generalwrite-ins 0 2 0 2

blanks 0 2 0 20 4 0 4

Secretary of Statewrite-ins 0 1 0 1

blanks 0 3 0 30 4 0 4

Treasurerwrite-ins 0 1 0 1

blanks 0 3 0 30 4 0 4

AuditorDaniel Fishman 0 0 0 0


0 4 0 4

17

Laura Paradise

Rep. in Congresswrite-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 0 4 0 40 4 0 4

Councillorwrite-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 0 4 0 40 4 0 4

Senator in Gen Courtwrite-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 0 4 0 40 4 0 4

Rep. in General Courtwrite-ins 0 1 0 1

blanks 0 3 0 30 4 0 4

District Attorneywrite-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 0 4 0 40 4 0 4

Clerk of Courtswrite-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 0 4 0 40 4 0 4

Register of Deedswrite-ins 0 0 0 0

blanks 0 4 0 40 4 0 4

Total Democratic Ballots 153 155 168 476

Total Republican Ballots 207 205 210 622

Total Libertarian Ballots 0 4 0 4

Total Voters 360 364 378 1102

Active Registered Voters 5843Inactive Registered Voters 435Total Registered Voters 6278 Total Voter Turnout 17.55 %

November 5, 2018 State ElectionPrecinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Totals

18

Laura Paradise

Senator in CongressElizabeth A. Warren 555 589 580 1724

Geoff Diehl 750 737 666 2153Shiva Ayyadurai 65 75 57 197


1384 1421 1319 4124Governor

Baker and Polito 1064 1127 1032 3223Gonzalez and Palfrey 279 235 248 762

write-ins 11 9 4 24blanks 30 50 35 115


Maura Healey 697 748 704 2149James R. McMahon, III 658 637 585 1880


1384 1421 1319 4124Secretary of State

William Francis Galvin 749 817 742 2308Anthony M. Amore 552 527 496 1575Juan G. Sanchez, JR 44 30 48 122

write-ins 0 0 2 2blanks 39 47 31 117

1384 1421 1319 4124Treasurer

Deborah B. Goldberg 694 738 706 2138Keiko M. Orrall 580 567 511 1658

Jamie M. Guerin 49 42 52 143write-ins 0 2 2 4

blanks 61 72 48 1811384 1421 1319 4124

AuditorSuzanne M. Bump 602 664 615 1881

Helen Brady 625 588 553 1766Daniel Fishman 51 64 50 165

Edward J. Stamas 33 21 33 87write-ins 1 2 3 6

blanks 72 82 65 2191384 1421 1319 4124

Rep. in CongressJames P. McGovern 746 777 736 2259Tracy Lyn Lovvorn 612 608 557 1777


19

Laura Paradise

1384 1421 1319 4124Councillor

Jennie L. Caissie 819 849 761 2429Paul M DePalo 502 492 499 1493

write-ins 0 1 3 4blanks 63 79 56 198

1384 1421 1319 4124Senator in Gen Court

Anne M. Gobi 730 767 747 2244Steven R. Hall 604 598 523 1725

write-ins 0 1 2 3blanks 50 55 47 152

1384 1421 1319 4124Rep. in General CourtKimberly N. Ferguson 1031 1083 1004 3118

Matthew O. Moncreaff 258 240 214 712write-ins 1 3 5 9

blanks 94 95 96 2851384 1421 1319 4124

District AttorneyJoseph D. Early, Jr 746 804 781 2331

Blake J. Rubin 581 558 483 1622write-ins 0 0 1 1

blanks 57 59 54 1701384 1421 1319 4124

Clerk of CourtsDennis P. McManus 681 753 732 2166

Joanne E. Powell 630 583 521 1734write-ins 0 1 2 3

blanks 73 84 64 2211384 1421 1319 4124

Register of DeedsKate D. Campanale 769 751 702 2222Kathryn A. Toomey 553 591 559 1703

write-ins 1 1 2 4blanks 61 78 56 195

1384 1421 1319 4124

Question 1YES 431 469 390 1290NO 921 930 909 2760

blanks 32 22 20 741384 1421 1319 4124

Question 2YES 898 951 855 2704NO 449 435 426 1310

20

Laura Paradise

blanks 37 35 38 1101384 1421 1319 4124

Question 3YES 754 812 753 2319NO 614 581 541 1736

blanks 16 28 25 691384 1421 1319 4124

Active Voters 5972Inactive Voters 402

Total Registered Voters 6374 Total Voter Turnout 64.7 %

TOWN OF RUTLAND ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION May 13, 2019 # 1 # 2 # 3 Total

MODERATORRandy E. Jordan 228 238 189 655misc. write-ins 6 0 1 7blanks 30 29 24 83

264 267 214 745

SELECTMAN for 3 yrsMitchell F. Ruscitti 117 159 108 384Angela Rose Swayze 143 104 103 350misc. write -ins 0 0 0 0blanks 4 4 3 11

264 267 214 745

ASSESSORRobin Tarani - write in 29 23 18 70Arthur Lincoln -write in 6 2 2 10misc. write-ins 14 19 16 49blanks 215 223 178 616

264 267 214 745

BOARD OF HEALTHKarin M. Prucnal 212 219 169 600misc.write-ins 3 0 0 3blanks 49 48 45 142

264 267 214 745

PLANNING BOARD Charles R. Williams 215 209 162 586misc. write-ins 5 6 1 12blanks 44 52 51 147

264 267 214 745

21

Laura Paradise

LIBRARY TRUSTEE/2 for 3 yrShelley A. Mitchell 208 202 156 566Ruthann Rovezzi 211 193 144 548misc. write-ins 1 0 1 2blanks 108 139 127 374

528 534 428 1490

WRSD SCHOOL COMMMatthew Lavoie 202 197 155 554Sharri Haber - write in 17 13 21 51misc. write ins 7 7 2 16blanks 302 317 250 869

528 534 428 1490

SWCRVSD FOR 2 YRSAnn Marie T. Pantos 201 206 160 567misc. write-ins 3 2 1 6blanks 60 59 53 172

264 267 214 745

SWCRVSD FOR 3 YRSJoseph R. Becker 222 227 182 631misc. write-ins 2 0 1 3blanks 40 40 31 111

264 267 214 745

Capital Expenditure Exclusion Q # 1YES 173 153 139 465NO 83 108 69 260blanks 8 6 6 20

264 267 214 745

Total Registered Voters 6042 Total Ballots Cast 745

22

Laura Paradise

Town of Rutland Special Town Meeting

Monday, November 19, 2018 6:30 P.M.

Naquag Elementary School

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Moderator Randy Jordan. Town Clerk Anita Carlson read the posting

of the Warrant. Following a salute to the flag, the Moderator went over the rules of the evening and introduced Town

Counsel Mark Reich from K.P. Law and Interim Town Administrator Robert Reed. There were one hundred thirty-

one registered voters present.

.

ARTICLE 1: Finance Committee member Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $31,229.00 f rom Free Cash to the Town's OPEB Trust Fund. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended Favorably Following a quest ion, it was explained that OPEB stands for Other Post -Employment Benef its. Motion carried ARTICLE 2: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $31,229.00 f rom Free Cash to the Town's Stabilization Fund. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably Blueberry Lane resident Louis Cornacchioli asked how the amount was calculated . Selectboard chairman Sheila Dibb responded that there was a f inancial management policy in place to put 5% of available f ree cash into three savings accounts. Town Accountant Dan Haynes stated that the add itional amount would bring the total balance in the Stabilizat ion Fund to just over $931,000. Motion passed unanimously ARTICLE 3: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $31,229.00 f rom Free Cash to the Town's Capital Stabilization Fund. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably The add it ional amount will bring the fund to $118,000 Motion carried

23

Laura Paradise

ARTICLE 4A: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $84,293.12 f rom Free Cash to supplement the amounts appropriated under Art icle 8 of the May 12, 2018 Annual Town Meeting as specif ied in the handout ent itled "FY '19 Municipal B udget Restorat ion - Art icle 4A". Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably No d iscussion. Motion carried ARTICLE 4B: Karen Nahrowld moved that the Town vote to appropriate f rom Free Cash the sum of $58,014.00 to supplement the amounts appropriated under Art icle 8 of the May 12, 2018 Annual Town Meeting to defray the expenses of municipal departments for the f iscal year beginning July 1, 2018 as specif ied in the handout ent itled, "FY'19 Municipal Budget Supplement — Art icle 4B". Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably Mr. Cornacchioli asked for an explanation of item one in the handout request ing $15,000 to fund a plan to move off ices in the Annex to Community Hall. Sheila Dibb stated that Art icle 4A returned cuts made at the May Annual Town Meeting and that 4B added new items to the General Government Budget . She explained that due to the growth of Regional Dispatch and space constraints in the Public Safety Build ing options as to where to move were being considered , with the Annex a possibility. The $15,000 would fund a feasibility stud y to determine if off ices currently housed in the Annex could be relocated . Rachel Dolan, Ware Road resident , commented tha t lumping all sums together is not common pract ice in Town and creates an all or nothing situat ion taking away the ability of the voter to make informed choices on each. Motion carried ARTICLE 5: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate f rom Free Cash the sum of $69,000.00 for the purchase and equip of a Holder Tractor for the Highway Department. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably No d iscussion. Motion carried ARTICLE 6: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate f rom Free Cash the sum of $15,000.00 to fund legal and land court fees necessary for the foreclosure of parcels currently in tax t it le or such other parcels as may be in tax t it le f rom t ime to t ime. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably

24

Laura Paradise

In response to quest ions f rom Harry Sechman, 13 Beechwood Drive, Town Treasurer Rebecca Tutt le explained that currently there are 116 parcels in tax t it le with the total tax amount owed at $662,000. One of the largest delinquencies is currently in bankruptcy court which results in greater legal fees for the Town. Seventeen of the parcels require re-record ing to correct legal documents for those propert ies. Motion carried unanimously ARTICLE 7: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate f rom Free Cash the sum of $9,725.00 to replace fencing at the Memorial Playground, includ ing all incidental and related expenses. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably Jennifer Plant , 9 Jonathan Circle, inquired as to the number of est imates received . Sheila Dibb explained that one bid was received f rom a local vendor and that it is a three bid process. She also stated that while the fence was not required , t raff ic in the area is high. Motion carried ARTICLE 8: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate f rom Free Cash the sum of $5,200.00 for the purchase of a heater/AC unit for the Public Safety Building, including all incidental and related expenses. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably No d iscussion. Motion carried ARTICLE 9: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 f rom Free Cash to upgrade the Town's website, including all incidental and related expenses. Motion seconded . The Finance Committee recommended Favorably No d iscussion. Motion carried ARTICLE 10: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town appropriate f rom Free Cash the sum of $879.00 for the purchase of a fax/scanner/printer for the Library. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably No d iscussion. Motion carried

25

Laura Paradise

ARTICLE 11: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate f rom Free Cash the sum of $500.00 to bind and preserve Town Meeting Warrants and minutes, Town Reports and Street Lists, including all incidental and related expenses. Motion seconded . Finance Committee recommended Favorably No d iscussion. Motion carried ARTICLE 12: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $145,702.00 f rom Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings for the purposes set forth in the warrant under Art icle 12, with the omission of the Security Fence and the addition of the Pump House to the Closed Circuit Television Security System: ARTICLE 12: (Sponsor, Board of Selectmen) To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings for the following purposes, including all incidental and related expenses: A. Purchasing and installing closed circuit security cameras at the water treatment facility; B. Well investigation and water testing at 86 Maple Ave. Rutland, also known as Rutland Heights; C. Engineering and Design services for water line replacement for the so-called Colario Development located at Edson Ave; Sunnyside Ave; Laurelwood Rd: Inwood Rd; Birchwood Rd and Oakwood Rd. D. Design and Implementation of a leak detection survey; E. Complete water pump and motor rebuild; F. Medium for water filtration; G. Purchase and equip an enclosed cargo trailer; H. Purchase and install a water treatment security fence; I. Replace obsolete processor and necessary components and software; or take any action in relation thereto. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended Favorably In response to a question from Peter Pasierb, 20 Highland Park Road, it was stated the funds would be coming out of Water Enterprise Free Cash. Motion carried ARTICLE 13: Selectboard Chairman Sheila Dibb moved that the Town vote to pay certain bills of prior f iscal years and approve Article 13 as set forth in the warrant : ARTICLE 13: (Sponsor, Board of Selectmen) To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $16,436.62 from the amount appropriated under Article 15 of the May 6, 2017 Annual Town Meeting and the sum of $30,017.74 from Article 7 of the May 9, 2015 Special Town meeting for the purpose of paying bills of a prior fiscal year, as follows: FY 2018 - Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation - $42,340.09 FY 2018 - Massachusetts Water Resources Authority - $4,114.27

26

Laura Paradise

or take any action in relation thereto. Motion seconded . The Finance Committee recommended Favorably In response to a quest ion f rom Louis Cornacchioli, Sheila Dibb explained that the Town doesn’t get est imates f rom the DCR in t ime to set budget amounts for the May Town Meeting. The funds would be f rom Sewer Enterprise. Motion carried ARTICLE 14: Selectboard member Wayne Walker moved that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to negotiate and enter into a Tax Agreement or Agreements for payments in lieu of taxes pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.59, §38H(b) and G.L. c.164, §1, and any other enabling authority, on such t erms and cond itions and for such term, up to or in excess of 20 years, as may be negotiated by the Board of Selectmen, for personal and /or real property associated with solar renewable energy generation facilities to be installed and operated on the following:

(a) Town-owned property located on Wheeler Road, shown as Parcel 059-A-1 on the Rutland Assessors Maps, and on Central Tree Road, shown as Parcel 059 -A-12 on the Rutland Assessors Maps;

(b) Public property under the control of the Rutland Development and Indu strial Commission located on Maple Avenue, shown as Parcel 041-A-03 and Parcel 041-A-3.01 on the Rutland Assessors Maps;

and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute all documents and take all actions necessary to carry out the vote taken hereunder Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended Favorably Resident Louis Cornachiolli asked for an explanation of the article. Interim Town Administrator Bob Reed stated that the Town had issued an RFP and is in negotiation with a solar firm for both sites. Because the sites are Town owned property Town Meeting approval is needed. Darryn Unfricht ,14 Wheeler Road, asked to see a map of the proposed site, noting it was hard to expect people to vote without knowing where it is to be located. A map was not readily available. In answer to his second question, Sheila Dibb replied the parcel was not part of the Watershed. Mr. Unfricht made a motion to table the article. Motion to table seconded. Counters (Kevin Jarvi, John Santimore & Chris Senecal) were used. A 2/3 vote needed to table. Motion to table passed 76 to 31. Following Article 18, Chairman Sheila Dibb made a motion to take article 14 off the table in order to consider it more fully. Motion seconded. Counters were used. Vote to take off table passed 51 to 37.

27

Laura Paradise

Discussion of Article 14 resumed. Chairman Dibb apologized for the confusion and explained that the Town has been working with a professional solar consultant and town counsel on the two projects. It was suggested that the article could be amended to consider the projects separately. Mike Sullivan, Chairman of the RDIC, explained the article was very time sensitive based on the amount of revenue that could be realized. He noted the RDIC portion is roughly 23 acres that is unbuildable and could generate as much as $10,000,000 over 20 years for the Town. Norm Anderson, Planning Board & Solar Committee member, stated the Wheeler Road property is in back of the Town water tanks heading down to the Water Treatment Plan. An applicant would still have to apply for Site Plan Review. Mr. Unfricht expressed concerns with the location being in or adjacent to Muschopague Pond Watershed Protection District. Mike Sullivan made a motion to divide the question into 14A & 14B. Motion to divide seconded. Motion to divide carried. Per Moderator, 14A would be the Wheeler Road property and 14B would be the Maple Avenue property. Meeting body voted on divided question – 14A (Wheeler Road property) Counters were used Motion carried YES 44 NO 38 14B (Rutland Heights Maple Avenue property) Motion carried. ARTICLE 15: Selectboard member Leroy (Skip) Clark moved that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to lease for recreat ion purposes approximately eight acres of land located at 65 Glenwood Road, shown as Block A, Lot 15 on Rutland Assessors Map 15, for a term of ten years with an addit ional ten year term with authorization of Town Meeting and on such terms and cond itions as the Board of Selectmen deem appropriate and to execute instruments, includ ing leases and notices thereof and to take such act ions as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes o f this art icle. Motion seconded Finance Committee recommended Favorably A long d iscussion followed with concerns raised by many regard ing the land in quest ion being prime farmland . Other meeting members stressed the need for playing f ield s for growing populat ion. Motion carried ARTICLE 16 Selectboard member Leah Whiteman moved that the Town vote to accept as public ways Grizzly Drive, Clealand Circle, Horizon Drive, and Arrowhead Way and approve Art icle 16 as set forth in the warrant : ARTICLE 16: (Sponsor, Board of Selectmen) To see if the Town will vote to accept as public ways the following streets and/or portions thereof, as laid out by the Board of Selectmen, and shown on the plans referenced below and on file with the Town Clerk, and authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire, by gift, purchase, and/or eminent

28

Laura Paradise

domain, the fee to and/or easements in such ways as shown on the referenced plans for all purposes for which public ways are used in the Town of Rutland and any drainage, utility, access and/or other related easements, and, as may be necessary therefor, to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds a sum of money for such purposes: (a) Grizzly Drive: a portion of the roadway located in the Bear Hill Subdivision and shown as “Road ‘C’” on a plan of land entitled “Definitive Plan, Bear Hill, located in Rutland Massachusetts”, datedFebruary5, 2004, prepared by Norman Hill, P.L.S. & P.E. Engineer/Surveyor, recorded with said deeds in Plan Book 825, Plan 6 as altere d in a plan entitled “Definitive Plan, Brintnal Estates, Rutland, Massachusetts”, dated September 22, 2006, prepared by James B. Kalloch, P.L.S. & P.E., Engineer/Surveyor, recorded with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 866, Plan 60, from its beginning at Station 0+00, at the centerline of Clealand Circle, to its terminus at a point in the Brintnal Estates Subdivision at Station 24+60; b) Clealand Circle: the roadway located in the Bear Hill Subdivision and shown as “Road ‘A’” on a plan of land entitled “Definitive Plan Bear Hill, located in Rutland, Massachusetts”, dated February 5, 2004, prepared by Norman Hill, P.L.S. & P.E. Engineer/Surveyor, recorded with said Deeds in Plan Book 825, Plan 6, in its entirety (that is, from it beginning at Station 0+00, at the centerline of Vista Circle, a public way, to its terminus in a cul-de-sac at station 26+86.72) (c) Horizon Drive: the roadway located in the Bear Hill Subdivision and shown as “Road ‘B’” on a plan of land entitled “Definitive Plan Bear Hill, located in Rutland, Massachusetts”, dated February 5, 2004, prepared by Norman Hill, P.L.S. & P.E. Engineer/Surveyor, recorded with said Deeds in Plan Book 825, Plan 6, in its entirety (that is, from it beginning at Station 0+00, at the centerline of Clealand Circle, to its terminus in a cul-de-sac at station 4+47.00) (d) Arrowhead Way: a portion of the roadway located in the Bear Hill II Subdivision and shown as “Arrowhead Way” on a plan of land entitled, “Definitive Plan, Bear Hill II, Rutland, Massachusetts”, dated October 17, 2006, prepared by James B. Kalloch, P.L.S. & P.E., recorded with said Deeds in Plan Book 910, Plan 65, from its beginning at Station 17+82.68, at the centerline of Clealand Circle, to a point at Station 14+85.00 or, to take any action in relation thereto. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended Favorably No d iscussion Motion carried ARTICLE 17: Selectboard member Jeff rey Stilling moved that the Town vote to accept as a public way a port ion of Glenwood Place and approve Article 17 as set forth in the warrant: ARTICLE 17: (Sponsor, Board of Selectmen) To see if the Town will vote to accept a portion of Glenwood Place as a public way, as laid out by the Board of Selectmen, which portion is shown as “Proposed Extension of Glenwood Place 20,787.78 S.F. 0.48 Acres” on the plan entitled “Street Acceptance Plan, Located on Glenwood Place & Glenwood Place Extension, Rutland, MA 01543”, dated March 28, 2018, prepared by New England Environmental Design, LLC, on file with the Town Clerk, and authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire, by gift, purchase, and/or eminent domain, the fee to and/or easements in said portion as shown on the referenced plan for all purposes for which public ways are used in the Town of Rutland and any drainage, utility, access, and/or other related easements, and, as may be necessary therefore, to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money for such purposes, or take any other action in relation thereto.

29

Laura Paradise

Motion seconded The Finance Committee d id not recommend favorably Laurie Becker, Crestview Drive, asked why the Finance Committee d id not recommend the art icle. Karen Nahrwold replied that the Finance Committee felt art icle was not submitted in the typical way. Clealand Blair explained that the house lots were approved as ANRs rather than as part of a subd ivision plan, which was conf irmed by Town Counsel. 2/3 vote required Counters were used YES 68 NO 18 Moderator declared motion carried with 2/3 vote ARTICLE 18: Sheila Dibb moved that the Town vote to amend the Town of Rutland General Bylaws by add ing a new sect ion t itled "Stormwater Management", as set forth in a handout ent it led "November 19, 2018 Special Town Meeting — Art icle 18 Stormwater Management By-Law". Motion seconded Finance Committee recommended Favorably Clealand Blair, Heritage Hill Drive resident , asked for a brief explanation as to what has changed in regards to stormwater management and the cost to the Town. DPW Superintendent Gary Kellaher stated that new DEP standards apply. The Town was required to submit an NOI by October of 2018. The Bylaw is a requirement, not an option, and should have been done prior to the NOI process. Init ial est imate for year one is $92,000 – the cost of the ten year plan could exceed $1 million. His recommendation is that the Town consider creat ing an Enterprise Fund for Stormwater. Motion carried ARTICLE 19: Planning Board Chairman Norman Anderson moved that the Town vote to amend the Zoning Bylaws to prohibit marijuana establishments in the Town of Rutland and approve Article 19 as set forth in the warrant.

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town's Zoning Bylaw to prohibit all non-medical marijuana establishments in the Town of Rutland, and for such purposes, to delete the text and title of Article XII, Temporary Moratorium on Recreational Marijuana Establishments, and insert in place thereof a new Article XII, Marijuana Establishments, as follows:

Article XII, Marijuana Establishments Consistent with G.L. c.94G, § 3(a)(2), all types of non-medical "marijuana establishments" as defined in G.L. c.94G, §1, including marijuana cultivators, independent testing laboratories, marijuana product manufacturers, marijuana retailers or any other type of licensed marijuana-related business, shall be prohibited in the Town of Rutland.

and to authorize the Town Clerk to assign appropriate numbering to this by-law in order that it be in compliance with the numbering format of the Zoning Bylaws, or act in any other manner in relation thereto.

30

Laura Paradise

The Report and Recommendation of the Planning Board was referenced– the Board recommended consideration of the art icle. Motion seconded Finance Committee recommended Favorably In response to a quest ion f rom Hillside Road resident Kevin Jarvi, Sheila Dibb explained that the quest ion refers to non-med ical marijuana and that marijuana is not considered an agricultural product. Louie Cornacchioli, Blueberry Lane, stated that he felt it would be short sighted to vote to prohibit and that the Town should be open to f inancial growth. In response to a comment f rom Charnock Hill Road resid ent Michelle Van Reet , Mr. Anderson explained that the f ive d if ferent art icles relat ing to marijuana were designed to give voters a choice. Art icles 19, 20 and 22 are Zoning Amendments and require a 2/3 majority vote to pass. Art icle 23 is a General Bylaw amendment and would require a simple majority to pass. Per Town Counsel the best way to regulate is t hrough a Zoning Bylaw but if those failed , a General Bylaw would allow some ability to regulate. Planning Board Bylaw Subcommittee Chairman Marilyn Sidoti noted that there are eight categories of marijuana licenses. . Several residents, includ ing Kurt Munzner and Kyle Carpenter, spoke in favor of approving non-med ical marijuana establishments noting the Town would benef it f inancially. Peter Pasierb,20 Highland Park Road , spoke in favor of Art icle 19 and commented that allowing marijuana establishments could change the character of the Town and mentioned the issue of liability for the Town. Matt Fenuccio, Birchwood Road , spoke in favor of approving non-med ical marijuana and commented that un-regulated marijuana is sold by criminals and of ten contains other illegal d rugs . In answer to a quest ion f rom Beechwood Road resident Harry Sechman , Mr. Anderson said the number of establishments allowed is limited to 20% of the number of licenses issued for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages and that at no t ime can there be more than f ive special permits issued . Michael Sullivan, Crawford Road, asked why State regulat ions are not as good as what Rutland could enact . Answer was that Town regulat ions would limit the locat ion of such establishments to specif ic zones. Moderator explained a NO vote would be a full prohibit ion of non -med ical marijuana. Counters were used – Kevin Jarvi and Chris Senecal assisted Yes 22 No 67 Motion Failed ARTICLE 20: Norman Anderson moved that the Town vote to amend the Zoning Bylaws to regulate non-med ical marijuana establishments in the Town of Rutland and approve Art icle 20 as set forth in the warrant and to change any reference to the Rutla nd Economic Development Corporation in the handout ent itled “November 19, 2018 Special Town

31

Laura Paradise

meeting – Art icle 20, Regulation of Non-medical Marijuana Establishments” to the Rutland Development and Industrial Commission.

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaws to allow non-medical marijuana establishments, with certain types of establishments permitted in certain districts in the Town of Rutland, subject to special permit and site plan review, and for such purposes, to delete the text and title of Article XII, Temporary Moratorium on Recreational Marijuana Establishments, and insert in place thereof a new Article XII, Marijuana Establishments, all as set forth in a handout entitled, “November 19, 2018 Special Town Meeting – Article 20, Regulation of Non-medical Marijuana Establishments”, also on file with the Town Clerk, and to authorize the Town Clerk to assign appropriate numbering to this by-law in order that it be in compliance with the numbering format of the Zoning Bylaws, or act in any other manner in relation thereto. Motion seconded Finance Committee recommended Favorably The Report and Recommendation of the Planning Board was referenced – the Board recommended consideration of the art icle. Carol Martens, Pleasantdale Road, asked about the d if ference between Art icle 20 & Article 22. The answer was that the only d if ference is that retail sales would be allowed under Art icle 20. I t was noted that if Art icle 20 passes there would be no need to consider Art icles 22 and 23. Counters were used – Kevin Jarvi and Chris Senecal assisted . Yes 66 No 18 Moderator declared motion carried with 2/3 majority ARTICLE 21: Norman Anderson moved that the Town vote to accept the provisions of G.L. c.64N, § 3 to allow a 3% local tax on the sale or t ransfer of marijuana or marijuana products by a marijuana retailer operating within the Town of Rutland. Motion seconded Finance Committee recommended Favorably Motion carried Motion made and seconded to take NO ACTION on Articles 22 & 23 Motion for NO ACTION carried for Articles 22 and 23. Moderator called for motion to adjourn. Made and seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:24 PM Respectively submitted, Anita K. Carlson Town Clerk, CMMC

32

Laura Paradise

Town of Rutland Special Town Meeting Saturday, May 11, 2019

6:00 P.M. Glenwood Elementary School

Moderator Randy Jordan thanked those in attendance and called the meeting at order at 6:06 PM. Following a salute to the flag, the Town Clerk read the posting of the Warrant. The Moderator went over housekeeping rules. Two hundred twenty-two registered voters were checked in prior to and during the meeting. ARTICLE 1: Sheila Dibb moved that the Town vote to appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $84,051.99 to the DPW Snow and Ice Supplies Account (001-423-5400) for Fiscal Year 2019. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorable action. No discussion. Motion carried. ARTICLE 2: Jeffrey Stillings moved that the Town vote to transfer the sum of $7,973.70 from Water Retained Earnings to the Water Department Purchased Services Account for the payment of the 2019 Constellation Energy Electric Bills. Motion Seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion. Motion carried. ARTICLE 3: Leah Whiteman moved that the Town vote to appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $15,139.86 to the Police Cruiser Lease account (001-210-5850-000) to pay off the remaining lease payment on a 2017 Ford Explorer police cruiser. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion Motion carried. ARTICLE 4: Wayne Walker moved that the Town vote to appropriate from Free Cash the sum of $15,000.00 to the Highway Administrator Purchased Services Account (001-421-5200-000) for landscaping services. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended unfavorably. Louis Cornacchioli, 18 Blueberry Lane, spoke in favor of the article and Chris Senecal, 64 Glenwood Road asked the Town to support the new DPW Director. Joseph Becker, 18 Crestview Drive inquired why the unfavorable recommendation from the Finance Committee. Tom Ruchala, chairman, and member Lyndon Nichols, stated that they had requested a breakdown of where the money would be spent. In response to Mr. Becker’s question regarding Free Cash, Town Administrator Michael Nicholson stated if all the articles on the Special Town Meeting passed the balance of free cash would be reduced to $169,220.89. Tom Ruchala pointed out that an additional free cash appropriation of $150,000 was on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.

33

Laura Paradise

DPW Director Joseph Buckley explained that the amount requested was an estimate based on the State prepared contract rate for landscaping. Using volunteers and/or professional volunteers, and the issue of liability, for this and other Town projects was discussed following a question from Brintnal Drive resident Mitch Ruscitti. Motion carried. ARTICLE 5: Leroy (Skip) Clark moved to approve Article 5 as printed in the Warrant. ARTICLE 5: Solar PILOT Agreements To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to negotiate and enter into a Tax Agreement or Agreements for payments in lieu of taxes (”PILOT”) pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.59, §38H(b) and G.L. c.164, §1, and any other enabling authority, on such terms and conditions and for such term, up to or in excess of 20 years, as may be negotiated by the Board of Selectmen, for personal and/or real property associated with solar renewable energy generation facilities to be installed and operated on the following:

(a) Town-owned property located at 285 Main Street, shown as Parcel 041-A-1 on the Rutland Assessors Maps, and at 65 Glenwood Rd, shown as Parcel 043-A-15 on the Rutland Assessors Maps;

and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute all documents and take all actions necessary to carry out the vote taken hereunder, or take any action in relation thereto.

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion. Motion carried. Following the end of the articles, Jeffrey Stillings, Lord Lane resident, invited the community to a dedication ceremony in observance of National Peace Officer Memorial Day. The Rutland Select Board proclaimed Wed, May 15, 2019 as Peace Officer Memorial Day. The Town’s first Constable, Moses How, will be honored along with other Rutland Police Officers. Motion made and seconded to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 6:33 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita K. Carlson Town Clerk, CMMC

34

Laura Paradise

Town of Rutland Annual Town Meeting Saturday, May 11, 2019

7:00 P.M. Glenwood Elementary School

The meeting was opened at 7:34 pm by Moderator Randy Jordan . New Electronic Poll Pads allowed for the large number of voters to be processed quicker than with paper check-in lists. Town Clerk Anita Carlson read the posting of the Warrant. Father James Boland, Pastor of St. Patrick’s Church offered the invocation. Sarah Wozniak, an EMT with the Rutland Fire Department, sang the Star Spangled Banner. Followed by a salute to the flag, the Moderator introduced Select Board members Sheila Dibb, Jeffrey Stillings, Leah Whiteman, Wayne Walker, and Leroy (Skip) Clark. Skip Clark’s 12 years on the Select Board were acknowledged. Town Administrator Michael Nicholson, Town Counsel Lauren Goldberg of K.P. Law, Town Clerk Anita Carlson and Finance Committee members Tom Ruchala, Carol Martens, David Lussier, Karen Nahrwold and Lyndon Nichols were also introduced. Lyndon was recognized for his 12 years of service on the Finance Committee. The moderator pointed out the fire exits and went over housekeeping rules, limiting each person to ten minutes to speak as per Rutland’s General By -laws. Seven hundred thirty-five registered voters were present.

ARTICLE 1: Sheila Dibb, Select Board Chairman, moved that the Town vote to hear the Annual Reports of the Town Officers and Committees. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorable action. No Discussion.

Motion carried. ARTICLE 2: Thomas Ruchala, Finance Committee Chairman, moved that the Town vote to fix the salaries or compensation of elected Town Officials for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019, in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws with the sums as follows:

Moderator $ 75.00 Selectmen $ 3,000.00 (Members each $600.00) Town Clerk $ 67,062.40 Assessors $ 1,500.00 (Members each $500.00) Board of Health $ 750.00 (Members each $250.00) Planning Board $ 2,500.00 (Members each $500.00)

Motion seconded Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion.

Motion carried. ARTICLE 3: Marilyn Sidoti, Chairman of the Planning Board By-law Subcommittee, moved that the Town vote to amend the Town’s Zoning By-law by inserting a new Zoning By-law article entitled, “Development Rate Limitation Bylaw,” as set forth in the handout provided. Motion seconded.

35

Laura Paradise

Finance Committee recommended inaction on this article. Planning Board recommended that this by-law be referred back to the By-law Sub-committee.

Select Board recommended favorable, vote was 4 to 1. Two ten minute presentations followed. Michael Pantos, 19 Watson Lane, spoke first, adding that he was against the specific by-law being presented, not managed growth as a whole. Town Planner David George and Ron Barron of CMRPC, along with Sheila Dibb and Jeffrey Stillings, gave the second presentation. Ms. Dibb and Mr. Stillings spoke in favor of the proposed by-law. Discussion on the article followed. Timothy Nahrwold, 149 Pommogussett Road, moved to amend the main motion to instead refer the proposed by-law to the By-law Subcommittee for further review. Motion to amend seconded. Discussion on amendment ensued. Tim Nahrwold noted that he made the motion for further review as a citizen, not a Planning Board member, saying that the proposed by-law had only been submitted to the By-law Subcommittee two weeks prior and that wasn’t sufficient time for review. Clea Blair Jr., 8 Heritage Hill Drive, asked if vote on amendment was a majority vote – answer was yes. Motion to amend defeated. Discussion on original motion continued. Michele Van Reet, 230 Charnock Hill Road, made a motion that vote be taken by paper ballot. Motion for paper ballot seconded. Moderator explained the procedure for a paper vote. In response to a question from Mark Elbag Jr, the Moderator said it would probably take longer for the meeting body to vote by paper ballot than it had to check in. Moderator called for vote on motion for paper ballot. Majority vote required. Motion for paper ballot defeated. Discussion returned to original motion with those in attendance speaking both for and against the by-law. Mike Pantos Jr, 19 Watson Lane, made a motion to amend § 8 to insert a new sentence at the start – “This By-law shall be subject to review after one year by the Planning Board”. Motion on amendment seconded. Discussion on amendment. Moderator called for vote on amendment. Motion on amendment for one year review defeated. Discussion returned to original motion. David Danza, 9 Cameron Drive, made a motion to cut off debate. Motion seconded. Motion to move the question required a 2/3 majority. Moderator asked Meeting Body to allow him to make decision as to 2/3 vote. Motion made and seconded to allow Moderator to determine 2/3 vote. Motion for Moderator passed. Meeting Body voted on motion to eliminate debate. Moderator declared motion to cut off debate carried by required 2/3 majority. Returned to vote on original motion. Motion made and seconded to give Moderator ability to determine 2/3 majority if obvious on original motion.

36

Laura Paradise

Motion carried to allow Moderator to declare 2/3 vote on original motion. Meeting Body raised cards to vote on original motion. Moderator declared the need to count. He selected residents Douglas Briggs, Eric Bigelow, Scott Davis, Laurie Becker, Charles Laliberty & Jenny Bercume as counters. They worked in pairs, counting the “yes” votes first followed by the “no” votes. Moderator announced the results - 498 YES 236 NO Moderator declared original motion passed by 2/3 majority. Point of information was immediately brought forward by Louis Cornacchioli, Blueberry Lane resident. In answer to his question, the Moderator confirmed that the total vote count was 734 , with 498 in favor and 236 opposed. Motion passed by 13 votes, 249 votes were needed for article to fail. Mr. Cornacchioli called to divide the house. Moderator determined that there was no need to divide the house as vote had already been counted. Citing fairness, Peter Richards, Glenwood Road, urged a paper vote be taken. John Madeiros, 1 Pleasantdale Road, made a motion to reconsider. Motion to reconsider made and seconded. Point of order made by Bigelow Road resident Owen Sholes. He noted that a motion to reconsider must be made by someone who had voted in the affirmative. Per legal counsel that is only a recommendation. Mary Ressler, 5 East Hill Road, declared she had voted in the affirmative and made motion to reconsider. Motion to reconsider seconded. Motion to reconsider defeated. Motion made & seconded to take brief recess. Motion for recess passed. ARTICLE 4: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $549,916.00 to defray the expenses of the Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School Assessment for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019,

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion. Motion carried.

ARTICLE 5: Karen Nahrwold moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,226,608.00 to defray the expenses of the Wachusett Regional School District Minimum Local Contribution for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion.

Motion carried. ARTICLE 6:

37

Laura Paradise

Tom Ruchala moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $587,031.00 to defray the expenses of the Wachusett Regional School District Debt Service Assessment for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. Motion seconded Finance Committee recommended favorably.

Town Administrator Michael Nicholson noted that there was a scrivener’s error on the handout. Dollar amount read in motion is correct. Motion carried.

ARTICLE 7:

Tom Ruchala moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,090,756.00 to defray the expenses of the Wachusett Regional School District Transportation Assessment for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably to this article No discussion. Motion carried.

ARTICLE 8: Tom Ruchala moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,164,910.00, to defray the expenses of the Wachusett Regional School District Operations Assessment for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably.

Robin Farrington, 21 Cheryl Ann Drive, asked that the dollar amount in the motion be read again as the number was different on the handout. Mr. Ruchala reread number. The motion takes precedence per the Moderator.

Motion carried. (Article reconsidered – see below) ARTICLE 9:

Tom Ruchala moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,065,650.97, to defray the expenses of the Municipal Departments for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 for such purposes and in the amounts set forth in the fiscal year 2020 budget handout. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. Mike Sullivan, RDIC Chairman, moved to amend the article to read “raise and appropriate an additional $550.00 to line item 001-182 and change the totals to reflect that”. Motion to amend seconded.

Discussion on amendment ensued. Mr. Sullivan explained the additional amount was to help fund a secretarial position for the RDIC. Karen Nahrwold questioned why that request was not brought to the Finance Committee.

Vote on amendment carried. Vote on original motion with the additional amended amount carried.

38

Laura Paradise

Following Article 9, Sheila Dibb made a motion to reconsider Article 8 due to updated information

Motion to reconsider Article 8 made & seconded. Motion to reconsider passed. Motion made & seconded to amend amount to $3,614,910.00 No discussion.

Motion carried ARTICLE 10: Tom Ruchala moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,233,580.63, to defray the expenses of Debt Service for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. Finance Committee recommended favorably.

Answering a question from Harry Sechman, Beechwood Drive resident, Rebecca Tuttle, Town Treasurer noted that there was a 48.41% decrease due to a large school debt coming off. The net reduction amounted to $292,000. Motion carried. ARTICLE 11: Thomas Ruchala moved to accept the provisions of G.L. c. 44, § 53F ½ for the purpose of creating a combined Sewer and Water Enterprise Fund effective July 1, 2019; and further to authorize the Select Board to seek assistance from appropriate State officials, including the filing of a Home Rule Petition, to access the balances in such existing Enterprise Funds as soon as possible to pay outstanding City of Worcester bills. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. Lengthy discussion ensued. Mike Nicholson, Town Administrator, noted that this is a change in accounting method. Linda Willet, Glenwood Road resident, and others expressed the concerns of those only connected to town water and not sewer. There are approximately 100 water-only users. George Johnson, Glenwood Road, asked why town would take funds from the water account to pay sewer costs. He commented that if something is not done soon homeowners will be paying more for water and sewer than real estate taxes. Chris Senecal, Glenwood Road, commented that a plan needs to be in place to replace the funds and urged a NO vote. Joseph Becker, Crestview Drive, commented that those on water-only have a legitimate question. The Water Enterprise has a current balance of $700, 000 in retained earnings and the Sewer Enterprise balance is $20,000 with an outstanding sewer bill due of $593,074.10. He pointed out that sewer rates should have been increased over the years to keep pace with sewer deficits. A resident asked about the impact of a no vote to taxpayers who are not on water/sewer, noting that it looked like there might be a plan to take money out of Free Cash if article didn’t pass. Mike Nicholson said the impact is unclear because there are certain avenues that the Board of Water Sewer Commissions could take. If rates aren’t drastically increased, there could be a surcharge on all residents’ property tax bills if article fails because DOR could step in. Motion made and seconded to close debate and move the question. Moderator declared motion to move the question carried with a 2/3 vote. Vote on original motion took place.

39

Laura Paradise

Moderator declared a majority in favor of article. Motion passed ARTICLE 12: Tom Ruchala moved that the Town vote to raise from Water & Sewer Department receipts the sum of $740,111.49, to defray the expenses of the Water Department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 with $214,215.75 for salaries and $525, 895.74 for expenses, including $20,650 for indirect expenses. Motion Seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. Joe Becker, Crestview Drive, asked for clarification of the indirect charges. Mike Nicholson confirmed that the indirect expenses were part of the $740,111.49 total. The motion was read again. Motion carried.

ARTICLE 13: Tom Ruchala moved that the Town vote to raise from Water &Sewer Department receipts the sum of $1,447,717.57, to defray the expenses of the Sewer Department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019, with $42,867.35 for salaries and $1,404,850.22 for expenses, including $20, 650 for indirect expenses. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion. Motion carried.

ARTICLE 14: Paul Mattson, Cable Advisory Committee Chairman, moved that the Town appropriate the sum of $65,000.00 from the PEG Access and Cable Fund to fund PEG access and cable related operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019, and to authorize the Cable Advisory Committee to expend such appropriation and to revert all unspent funds at the close of such fiscal year back to the PEG Access and Cable Related Fund. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably No discussion

Motion carried. ARTICLE 15: Jeffrey Stillings moved that the Town approve the Capital Items listed under Article 15 in the 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Information Packet, with action on the first two items to constitute a recommendation only, and, further, to approve the acquisition and equipping of a brush truck for the Fire Department and authorize the Board of Selectmen, to the extent necessary, to apply for, accept and expend any grant funds or donations that may be made available for such purposes,

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorable action. CIPC recommended article per Joe Becker.

Motion carried. ARTICLE 16: Leah Whiteman moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the total sum of $148,266 to purchase and equip certain items for the Department of Public Works, for the purposes and in the amounts set forth in the 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Information Packet, including all incidental and related expenses, provided, however, that the vote taken hereunder shall be

40

Laura Paradise

expressly contingent upon approval by the voters of the Town of a Proposition 2 ½, so-called capital expenditure exclusion question, in accordance with the provisions of MGL c.59, §21C(i ½) and (m). Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably.

Motion carried. ARTICLE 17: Wayne Walker moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $18,300 from Water Department Retained Earnings for the purpose of funding an Algae Bloom Study for Muschopauge Pond, as recommended by the Capital Improvement Planning Committee.


ARTICLE 18: Skip Clark moved that the Town vote to approve Article 18 as printed in the warrant.

“To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, accept and expend any grants or donations from State or Federal governments or private agencies, individuals or institutions; or take any action in relation thereto.”


ARTICLE 19: Sheila Dibb moved that the Town vote to approve article 19 as printed in the Warrant. “To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into contracts for goods and services with duration in excess of three (3) years under the provisions of G.L. c.30B, §12(b); or take any action in relation thereto.” Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. No discussion. Motion carried. ARTICLE 20: Jeff Stillings moved that the Town vote to approve Article 20 as printed in the warrant.

“To see if the Town will vote to appropriate all funds which become available in the fiscal year 2020 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Highways, Chapter 90 Bond Issue proceeds, to be used by the DPW for the repair and maintenance of Town roads in conformance with Massachusetts General Laws and further that the Town vote to raise said appropriation by borrowing and authorize the Town Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Selectmen, to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefore, in anticipation of the receipt of said State Aid; or take any action in relation thereto.”

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably.

41

Laura Paradise

Motion carried. ARTICLE 21: Leah Whiteman moved that the Town vote to approve Article 21 as printed in the warrant.

“To see if the Town will vote pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.44, §53E½, as most recently amended, to establish fiscal year 2020 spending limits for the revolving funds listed in Section 6 of the bylaw of the same name, all as set forth below, with such expenditure limits to be applicable for each fiscal year until such time as Town Meeting votes, prior to July 1 in any year, to change the same for the ensuing fiscal year; provided, however, that at the request of the entity authorized to expend such funds, the Board of Selectmen, with the approval of the Finance Committee, may increase such limit, for that fiscal year only, all as set forth below:

Revolving Fund Fiscal Year Spending Limit

Safe Place For school year programs including but not limited to the Safe Place Programs

$215,000

Board of Health $60,000

Planning Board $25,000

Recreation Department $180,000

Animal Control Department $6,000

Tax Title $5,000

Or take any action in relation thereto.” Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably No discussion. Motion carried.

ARTICLE 22: Wayne Walker moved that the Town vote to approve Article 22 as printed in the warrant.

“To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the General Court for special legislation in the form set forth below; provided, however, that the General Court shall be authorized to make changes of form only unless approved by the Board of Selectmen, and further that the Board of Selectmen shall be authorized to approve changes that are consistent with the public purposes of this petition, or take any other action in relation thereto.

An Act Relative to the Deputy Fire Chief of the Town of Rutland

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, David Williams, deputy chief of the fire department of the town of Rutland, may continue to serve in that position until December 31, 2021, until the date of his retirement or until the date he is relieved of his duties by the board of selectmen, whichever first occurs; provided,

42

Laura Paradise

however, that he is mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of his office. The board of selectmen, at its own expense, may require that David Williams be examined by an impartial physician designated by the board to determine his capability.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage”

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably, No discussion. Motion carried. ARTICLE 23:

Skip Clark moved that the Town vote to approve Article 23 as printed in the warrant. “To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to make technical corrections to bring it into accord with the official Zoning Map, and, for such purposes, to delete text referring to the “Industrial District,” and to the “Multifamily Residential District”, as on file with the Town Clerk, and to authorize the Town Clerk to assign appropriate numbering to this bylaw in order that it be in compliance with the numbering format of the Zoning Bylaw, or take any action in relation thereto.” Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. Planning Board recommended favorably. No discussion Moderator declared motion passed unanimously and by necessary 2/3 majority.

ARTICLE 24: Peter Craine, Ad Hoc By-law Committee Chairman, moved to amend the General By-laws of the Town by inserting a new by-law, entitled, “By-law Committee, as set forth in the handout provided. In answer to questions it was noted that the committee would be non-paid and appointed by the Select Board. Zoning By-laws would not fall under review of new committee. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. Motion carried. Prior to Article 25, the Moderator announced he was a member of the Agricultural Commission and would continue to preside over meeting if there were no objections from the body. ARTICLE 25: Sheila Dibb moved that the Town vote to approve Article 25 as printed in the warrant. “To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to G.L. c.40, §5B to establish a new stabilization fund, to be known as the Open Space Preservation Stabilization Fund, to be used for the acquisition of underdeveloped or lightly developed properties within the Town of Rutland that contain a majority of forest, agricultural, or passive recreational lands, to be maintained as open space for the use of the citizens of Rutland, and for maintenance and repairs of existing structures and facilities on property acquired under this article, or take any action in relation thereto.”

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably.

43

Laura Paradise

Question was asked regarding the difference between this fund and current Conservation Fund. Chairman Dibb explained that creating this fund was just a beginning and complements the Conservation Fund. During the discussion the Moderator stepped down to address the body. Assistant Moderator Scott Davis took control of the meeting. Randy Jordan, Muschopauge Rd resident and Ag Commission member, explained that the Agricultural Commission had brought forth this proposal which is similar to what the Town of Holden recently adopted. It affords more power to purchase land on a quicker turnaround and would open up more grant opportunities.

The meeting body voted to take Legal Counsel’s determination that the correct MGL reference is G.L c 40 § 8L instead of §5B. Motion before body is to establish new fund pursuant to G.L c 40 §8L.

Assistant Moderator declared majority vote on article.

ARTICLE 26: Jeffrey Stillings moved that the Town vote to transfer the sum of $500 from Free Cash to the Open Space Preservation Fund.

Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. Motion carried.

ARTICLE 27: Leah Whiteman moved to choose all necessary Town Officers and Committees. Motion seconded. Finance Committee recommended favorably. Moderator Randy Jordan reappointed current Finance Committee members Carol Martens and David Lussier to new terms. Peter O’Malley, 143 Campbell Street, and Edward Purcell, 15 Sassawanna Road, were appointed to three year terms each. Motion to adjourn made and seconded. Adjourned to Annual Town Election on Monday, May 13, 2019. Moderator wished all a Happy Mother’s Day and a reminder to vote Monday Meeting adjourned at 11:03 pm. Respectively submitted, Anita K. Carlson Town Clerk, CMMC

44

Laura Paradise

Public Safety

Image: Michael J. Nicholson

RUTLAND FIRE - AMBULANCE

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

2019 Annual Report

Emergency and Service Calls

The Rutland Fire Department consists of eight fulltime personnel including the fire chief as well as fifty on-call, volunteer and per diem firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Department personnel responded to a total of 1,266 incidents (calls for service) in calendar year 2019. The department responded to a variety of incidents including but not limited to; alarm investigations, brush fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, structure fires and public service calls. Additional personnel hours were spent conducting training and providing work details that support emergency response and storm related standbys, as well as provide blasting, firework and special events detail coverage.

During the year we had 15 fires within a dwelling that resulted in damage and/or loss of use. Some of the major incidents where; 210 Barre Paxton Road, 2 Ivy Lane and 6 Vanessa Cir. Total fire losses for buildings and contents for 2019 totaled $428,000 in damages.

Permits and Inspections

The Fire Department issued 386 permits in 2019 and performed numerous site inspections. Inspection types include; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, oil burners, oil tanks, LP gas tanks, tank removals, blasting and fire suppression systems. Many of them require a minimum of one site visit to confirm that the work has been done properly, and installed per fire and life safety codes, and that the equipment operates safely. We continued to see an increase in open burning fires with a total of 373 permit activations between January 15th and May 1st. In addition to daily permit inspections, annual inspections are conducted at commercial and industrial sites as well as annual liquor license inspections, completed in conjunction with the building inspector. Any questions regarding permits, fees or for scheduling an inspection call the fire department business line or access the information on-line on our website.

Fire Prevention and Public Safety Education

With strong support of the pre-schools and elementary schools in Rutland, fire prevention and public safety education continues to be a large priority of the department. In 2019 these efforts continued to be coordinated by Firefighter Alexandra Harrington. The department conducted several educational programs including the S.A.F.E. (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program which is a major component. The department is fortunate to receive annual grant money to support the educational needs of our students. In addition to the educational programs conducted in the elementary and pre-schools the department also provides station tours, site visits, public safety day and we host the annual Public Safety Open House at the Fire Station. The Open House includes representatives from the Police Department, RRECC, ACO, Council on Aging, Board of Health and Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.).

46

Not Every Hero Wears A Cape June 3, 2019 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape™!” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2019. This year’s campaign recognizes the everyday people who motivate their households to develop and practice a home fire escape plan; these seemingly basic behaviors can have life-saving impact. “This year’s campaign works to celebrate people of all ages who learn about home fire escape planning and practice, bring that information home, and spur their families to action,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “From young students who learn about the campaign at school to parents who attend a community event like a fire station open house - all of them truly are heroes because they’re taking steps to make their households much, much safer from fire.” “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” also focuses on what a home escape plan entails and the value of practicing it. These messages are more important than ever, particularly because today’s homes burn faster than ever. Carli notes that synthetic fibers used in modern home furnishings, along with the fact that newer homes tend to be built with more open spaces and unprotected lightweight construction, are contributing factors to the increased burn rate. “People tend to underestimate their risk to fire, particularly at home. That over-confidence lends itself to a complacency toward home escape planning and practice,” said Carli. “But in a fire situation, we’ve seen time and again that advance planning can make a potentially life-saving difference.” A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) that’s a safe distance from the home. Home escape plans should be practiced twice a year by all members of the household.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” along with a wealth of resources to help promote the campaign locally, visit fpw.org. Emergency Management

Emergency Management continues to play a vital role in town. Often times our emergency management functions are governed by the weather. Whether it is sandbagging operations to divert water or preparing shelter activities due to impending blizzards or ice storms, Rutland’s Emergency Management is the liaison to the State and Federal agencies that will provide assistance to our community such as with the December 2008 Ice Storm. One of our most active

47

forces within emergency management is our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are made up of a group of volunteer citizens including; students, teachers, retirees, former military, engineers and business professionals. The team is trained on a regional level along with volunteers from surrounding communities. If you would like to join this team please contact the fire department business line.

Closing Narrative

In closing, I would like to thank the members of the Rutland Fire Department for their tireless commitment and dedication to the community. Our Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians are second to none and the citizens of Rutland should be proud of all of them. I also want to thank their families for the love and support that is afforded to them for always having to run out to an incident or training. On behalf of the entire department, I would like to thank the residents of Rutland for their incredible support of the fire department and its mission. Because of this support we are able to maintain the apparatus that is critical to our response, and the equipment that is worn by the firefighters and emergency medical technicians for their health and safety. It has always been evident in my tenure as Chief as to the important role that public safety plays to all of the citizens of Rutland. We also remain diligent in applying and receiving grant money to help offset some of the burden to the town. Please feel free to visit our website at www.rutlandfire.com to learn more about the Rutland Fire Department, our history, our equipment or as a reference to fire codes and regulations. The Rutland Fire Department, located at 240 Main Street in the center of town is staffed daily 24/7. Wishing everyone a safe and healthy 2020.

Respectfully Submitted,

Seth Knipe Fire Chief

48

RUTLAND FIRE - AMBULANCE

CALL FOR SERVICE

Incident Type Category 2017 2018 2019 [100-199] Fire/Explosion 23 22 17 [200-299] Overpressure Rupture 1 3 0 [300-399] Rescue Call 919 799 868 [400-499] Hazardous Condition 34 23 22 [500-599] Service Call 104 107 181 [600-699] Good Intent Call 80 67 85 [700-799] False Call 89 98 87 [800-899] Severe Weather / Natural Disaster

3 0 4

[900-999] Special Type / Complaint 2 4 2 Undetermined 0 0 0 TOTAL 1255 1123 1266

Image: Drone photo by Eric Hollis

49

2019 Annual Report

The Rutland Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the Town of Rutland, responsible for the safety of all persons in the Town through the enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, proactive patrols, criminal investigations, emergency response and the development of community partnerships. In 2019, Rutland PD continued to cover every single shift, 24/7, with at least two uniformed police officers. This level of service is absolutely essential to the safety of our community, and the numbers will show that we experienced an increase in both calls for service and arrests this year. Also, adequate staffing allows our department to be more proactive, with both patrol and community relations, leading to increased productivity and improved relations with the community. 2019 was our first full year with a K-9 unit. Officer Fenuccio and his K-9 partner, Cooney, were involved in several life-saving tracks, criminal apprehensions and the recovery of an unlawfully possessed firearm. Furthermore, the K-9 team is always making public appearances and doing demonstrations, further strengthening the relationship between the community and the police department. In August of this year, Officer Fenuccio and K-9 Cooney were involved in a head-on collision with a fleeing criminal, which almost cost them their lives. We were very fortunate that Matt and Cooney were able to come back to full duty. This year also marked the acquisition of Rutland PD’s first police motorcycle, which was leased with funding donated by the Devereux Foundation. Officers Carpenter and Collinge successfully completed the rigorous motor officer training course. I am pleased to report that we saw a 3% reduction in traffic crashes this year, which follows a 13% reduction from 2017 to 2018. It is my firm belief that improvements in staffing, grant funding, and additions like the motor unit have greatly enhanced traffic safety and enforcement. Most importantly, our officers continue to prioritize community partnerships as part of our policing philosophy, and our officers participated in more events and programs this year than there is room to mention in this one page letter. I encourage you to visit our website at www.rutlandpd.us or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rutlandmapolice to get a better look at all the great things our officers are doing in the community. I would like to thank the people of Rutland and our town officials for their continued support of the police department, and for working with us to maintain the high quality of life that we have come to expect in our community. Please see the attached statistics. Respectfully,

Chief of Police Nicholas A. Monaco Rutland Police Department

50

http://www.rutlandpd.us/

http://www.facebook.com/rutlandmapolice

Total Calls for Service* 22,926 Traffic Crashes 126 Total Arrests 135 Motor Vehicle Stops 2,931 Criminal Summons 174 Total Citations Issued 1,436 Total Incident Reports Completed 553 *Includes calls through dispatch, as well as officer-initiated calls.

51

52

53

ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rrecc.us

Tel: 508-886-4033

Rutland, MA 01543

Rutland Regional Emergency Communication Center

54

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

State Grant Awards _______________________________________________________ 3

911 Statistics ____________________________________________________________ 4

CAD Statistics ___________________________________________________________ 4

Looking Ahead ___________________________________________________________ 4

Department Statement____________________________________________ 5 Department Personnel ____________________________________________ 6 Contact Information ______________________________________________ 7 Department Information ___________________________________________ 7

Department Overview ____________________________________________ 3

55

3

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Department Description We provide critical, emergency call-taking and dispatching services for Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control

and Public Works for the following towns: Barre, Hubbardston, Oakham, Rutland & Warren. Our service

area is comprised of 145 square miles of rough, New England terrain. The Rutland RECC processes

approximately 67,000 calls for service annually for a combined population of 24,938 making us one of the

busiest local regional centers in the area.

The Rutland RECC is comprised of (1) Director of Communications, (3) Dispatch Shift Supervisors, (7)

Full-time Telecommunicators, and (2) Part-time Telecommunicators. The Dispatch center is always

staffed with a minimum of 2-3 Telecommunicators and will occasionally staff up to 3 Telecommunicators

during severe inclement weather and special events.

All dispatchers with the RRECC are proficient in the use of the IMC Cad system, and are certified in E911,

Leaps/NCIC, CPR, EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch), and APCO Basic Telecommunications.

Dispatchers have a firm knowledge of the communities supported by the RRECC, and all public services,

both emergency and non-emergency. The Rutland RECC strives to be a team-oriented work center, with

all dispatchers operating proficiently and professionally. All employees are expected to further their

education and skills, by attending in house and approved vendor continuing education training.

State 911 Grants The Rutland RECC has been awarded 3 Grants from the Massachusetts State 911 Department.

1) Training Grant and EMD/Regulatory Compliance Grant $25,000

This grant is to provide funding for the training and certification of enhanced 911telecommunicators, including

emergency medical dispatch programs and quality assurance of emergency medical dispatch programs.

2) Support & Incentive Grant $274,892

This grant provides funding to assist the Rutland RECC in providing enhanced 911 services, this grant is used for

personnel wages and Verizon Air Cards in cruisers and apparatus throughout the 4 communities.

3) Wireless 911 Direct $25,000

This additional funding is supplied to the Rutland RECC for participating in receiving Wireless 911 calls directly into

the center instead of having the calls go to the State Police and then transferred to the Rutland RECC. This allows the

center to provide emergency services more quickly to the public and obtain more essential information that may have

been missed before.

56

4

E911 Statistics Total Wireline Calls Received 4,239

Total Wireless Calls Received 3,855

Total 911 Transfers Completed 817

Total Text-to-911 Received 20

CAD Statistics In 2109 the Regional Dispatch Center entered 62,753 calls into the agency’s records management

system.

Looking Ahead As the Rutland RECC looks ahead, we are currently planning and coordinator a full communication

review of the Warren Police & Fire Radio Infrastructure. The Rutland RECC will be applying for grant

funding to replace all mobile & portable radios throughout the five communities to provide a more

reliable system. The current radios are past the end of life cycle and technology changes have been made

since the purchase of the last set of radios.

TEXT-To-911 is now available in Massachusetts. Call if you can, Text if you can’t!

57

5

DEPARTMENT STATEMENT

We need to continue to stress that 9 -1-1 is for EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY. All

business cal ls should be made on our non -emergency lines. When you dial 9 -1-1 with

an emergency, be prepared to answer al l the quest ions that the dispatcher may ask.

The dispatcher is responsible with supplying first responders with the most accurate

information possible. All dispatchers are trained in Eme rgency Medical Dispatch,

which requires them to ask you a series of quest ions that will assist the EMS personnel

responding to your call . Please l isten to the dispatcher as they may give you important

pre-arrival instructions unti l help arr ives. If you or a family member has a disabil ity ,

please come to the Communicat ions Center and we will assist you with f il l ing out a

disability form and submit it to the State 9 -1-1 Department. This information is

confidential and will ult imately assist us when and if you should require emergency

services.

The Rutland RECC will continue to str ive to provide exceptional quality of service to

the communit ies we serve. The department wil l continue to explore the possibi lity of

adding additional towns to the Center which wil l reduce the yearly cost for each town.

If you have any quest ions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at the

Rutland Regional Emergency Communicat ion Center and we will do everything in our

power to resolve that concern or answer your questio n.

The Rutland Regional Emergency Communicat ion Center thanks you for your

continued support

58

6

DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

The Rutland RECC Emergency Telecommunicators are required by the state to at tend

24 hours of continuing educat ion and 1 hour of medical continuing education every

fiscal year. This is an increase in hours from the previous year which was 16 hours.

This a llows them to attend training c lasses for topics that they do not handle on a

regular basis. The Rutland RECC has three cert if ied Communications Training

Officers that work with new employees and administer the Rutland RECC 242 -hour

training program. All new employees must complete 330 hours of internal and external

departmental training before they are released from training.

Management Team

x Michael Moriarty, Communications Director x Phyllis Chartier, Communications Supervisor x Michelle Sabourin, Communications Supervisor x Patrick Sullivan, Communications Supervisor

Full-Time Communications Dispatchers

x Christopher Wilder x Lisa Pensinger x Elizabeth Defosse x Rachel Crompton x Keri Kirby x Andrew Finneran x Robert Holmes

Part-Time Communications Dispatchers

x Peter Dziergas x Sarah Kuzio

59

7

DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

Contacts Michael Moriarty

Communications Director

508-886-4033, Extension 700

Phyllis Chartier

Communications Supervisor (7am-3pm)

508-886-4033, Extension 701

Michelle Sabourin

Communications Supervisor (3pm-11pm)

508-886-4033, Extension 702

Patrick Sullivan

Communications Supervisor (11pm-7am)

508-886-4033, Extension 703

Department Contact Information Mailing Address: P.O Box 669

Physical Address: 242 Main Street, Rutland, MA 01543

Phone: 508-886-4033

Fax: 508-886-4125


Website: www.rrecc.us

60

mailto:[email protected]

Department of Public Works

Image: Michael Moriarty

DPW Department Review

The Town of Rutland Department of Public Works, Rutland DPW, DPW or Highway as it is often called here in town takes care of town roads, buildings, parks and fields, the drinking water supply system, the wastewater collection system and the town garage. Our goal is to provide consistent service for the residents and visitors to Rutland. This summary is meant to inventory the department and the associated operations and provide a simple review of the major tasks completed this year (FY 2019). The Department consists of roughly five divisions, Administration, Machinery Maintenance and Repair, Building Maintenance, Water Operations, Sewer Operations and Highway which includes, Parks, Cemeteries and Forestry. Winter operations draws staff from all divisions and is managed as a Highway operation. DPW also has a Stormwater Management Program which also draws from several divisions.

FY 2019 DPW Staffing: (19 people, one funded vacancy)

Director (1)

Foreman/Operations Supervisor (1)

Mechanic (2)

Motor Equipment Laborer (6)

Chief Water Operator (1)

Water Operator II (1)

Water Operator, part-time (1)

Custodian (2)

Administrative Assistant (1)

Clerk, part-time (1)

Water operations has full time staff, Sewer Operations, Parks/Grounds, Forestry and Buildings currently rely on Highway staff assigned on an as needed basis.

The DPW fleet consists of approximately forty pieces of equipment. A detailed list was prepared during the Town Capital Budget process and for purposes of this report a basic list of resources consists of the following:

FY 2019 Major Equipment (40 pieces including trailers & specialized pieces)

Five-ton Dump Truck with sander and plows (6)

Front-End Loader with plow assembly (3)

Road Grader (1)

62

Backhoe (new) (1)

Ten-wheel Dump with sander and plow (1)

Large pick-up with Sander and Plow (2)

Sidewalk Maintenance machine, Holder (1)

Sewer Vacuum Flusher (1)

Skidstear (Bobcat style unit with attachments) (1)

Water Crew/Service truck (1)

Staff Pickups (2)

DPW also has a 18,100 square feet facility and associated grounds, the facility allows for the majority of DPW equipment to be stored indoors. There is also space at this location to work on DPW equipment, store hand tools and stock, and house DPW offices.

DPW manages the following to assist in providing town services; including providing drinking water to approximately 5,100 residents through 1,540 water service connections. Wastewater collection service is also provided at approximately 1,450 locations in town.

FY 2019 Town Infrastructure (basic list of what we look after)

Town Buildings (8)

School parking lots and Field locations (3)

Parks/Common/Field/Playground locations (6)

Approximately 90 Miles of Town Roads and many additional privates during winter

Approximately 26.5 miles of water mains 4-16 inches in diameter

A 1.5 million gallon per day Water treatment plant

Two, million-gallon Water storage tanks

Approximately 24 miles of sewer mains from 4 to 16 inches in diameter

Four sewer pumping stations

Over 1,000 catch basins

Several roadway cross culverts, inventory is ongoing

Drainage pipe network, inventory is ongoing

63

General Highway

If not involved in a weather-related event like snow, water main break, sewer back up or some similar emergency, DPW is doing something roadway related. We patch potholes in both paved and gravel roadways, fix drainage structures and repair/replace street signs. The Town’s gravel roads, which measure approximately ten miles, were graded and shaped. Gravel was added on an as-needed basis. DPW Highway staff were involved in an emergency culvert repair/replacement on Turkey Hill Road this past year and the road was closed for about a week while the existing approximately 36-inch culvert was removed and replaced with three smaller culverts.

Turkey Hill Road, removed failed culvert pipe

64

Turkey Hill Road, replacement Culverts installed

Also, the engineering and design process was begun for the replacement of the Moulton Mill Dam. That cost is also being funded by available Chapter 90 Funds. We have also been continuing with the TIP process intended for the rehabilitation of Pommogussett Road which could begin as early as 2021.

65

Winter Operations Keeping Town roads and facilities open and safe during winter weather is a critical task completed by DPW staff. Plowing operations is an all hands-on-deck type event. Snow Operations account for as much as 30% of the Department budget and can require additional funding at the end of the season as winter severity is not predictable. During Fiscal Year 2019, there were several snow and ice events that involved crews being sent out to plow and/or treat roads. Roads were treated or sanded with a salt/sand mix 42 times in FY19. All Town roads were plowed nine times. Total snowfall was about 51.5 inches. Approximately 4,100 tons of sodium chloride and 1,825 tons of washed sand were purchased to treat roads.

Parks and Cemeteries During the growing season, approximately 20 acres of Town lawns and ball fields, fields at Naquag Elementary, Central Tree Middle, Glenwood School, and 6+ acres of cemeteries were mowed and trimmed at least once a week. Forestry Rutland is a host community for an intermunicipal co-op that shares a forestry truck and chipper. This equipment is frequently used when it is here for a couple months a year. Although there remains tree work in Town that exceeds the limitations of this equipment and current staff, much work is completed with departmental resources, ultimately saving the Town money.

WATER Rutland’s Water Treatment Plant continues to perform as designed providing water to residents with water that meets all EPA and DEP standards. Rutland’s water supply, other than private wells, comes from Muschopauge Pond which is our most precious resource. We have made subtle changes to help protect our supply as it is our only supply. Due to security concerns we keep close tabs on our water supply as we are susceptible to contamination. Our pond is constantly monitored, and samples taken to ensure that no contaminants have entered our supply.

66

WATER WITHDRAWAL FROM MUSCHOPAUGE POND Water Level (in inches) MONTH GALLONS Below High-Water Mark July 14,125,500 8.50 August 12,875,200 7.50 September 11,964,900 4.00 October 10,314,300 2.50 above November 9,352,500 2.75 above December 10,147,300 2.00 above January 9,990,000 2.25 above February 9,200,500 1.25 above March 10,414,100 3.00 above April 10,104,400 3.50 above May 11,619,200 0.00 June 11,742,200 .25 TOTAL: 131,850,100 Average Daily Use: 361,233.15 GPD Water Operations staff also inspect new water connections, regularly test water quality throughout the distribution system, read water meters and check for and manage system leaks or losses. Water operations staff hope to continue a more aggressive watermain flushing program and begin a gate exercising program in the coming year. The Town has also recently voted favorably to borrow funds for a five-year Water Capital Improvement Plan and water main replacement construction is scheduled to start in the Inwood Road area in the Summer of 2020. SEWER All pump stations are checked daily and general maintenance is done in the buildings and on the grounds of the stations. Sewer operations staff also respond to sewer related complaints like odors or basement back-ups. The Town saw a very wet Fall in 2018; these rains led to a high ground water table which ultimately caused water to leak into the Town sewers. The industry reference for water leaking into the sewers is infiltration and inflow or I/I. The problem with I/I is having to pay to pump and treat it. Paying to pump and treat this additional water in the sewers was passed on to the rate payers. In addition to the increased flows that we could not justify downstream, vendors that both transport our wastewater and treat it responsibly raised

67

their rates over the past couple years, faster than the town had. High rain driven flows and increasing transportation and treatment costs led to rate increases in excess of fifty percent. The below listed chart shows the increase in flows. The individual Water and Sewer Enterprise accounts were closed at the end of June of 2019. With guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (MADOR) some funds were combined and restructured to ensure operational liquidity. Effective July 1, 2019 we have a single combined Water and Sewer Enterprise account.

The Town has also recently voted favorably to borrow funds for a five-year Sewer Capital Improvement Plan and I/I mitigation and construction is scheduled to start in the Spring of 2020.

BUILDINGS DPW staff clean and maintain Town buildings daily. Town buildings have been maintained and kept tidy throughout Fiscal Year 2019. DPW staff also maintain the grounds associated with these locations including landscaping, plowing and general site maintenance. We respond to everything from no heat to blocked toilets.

0.00

5,000.00

10,000.00

15,000.00

20,000.00

25,000.00

30,000.00

35,000.00

40,000.00

4/1/2012 8/14/2013 12/27/2014 5/10/2016 9/22/2017 2/4/2019 6/18/2020

CCF

TOWN OF RUTLAND MONTHLY WASTEWATER FLOWS

68

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Stormwater management is an unfunded Federal Mandate, to target non-point sources of pollution in rainwater runoff and snow melt that can pollute local water bodies. Much of the focus of the program is the investigation and management of the infrastructure that carries this water: roads, storm drains, drain-pipes and end of pipe structures like detention ponds. Because of its size Rutland was combined with several other communities in the Commonwealth and given a permit to operate our stormwater system. The permit was issued by USEPA and MADEP. There are several investigative, potential repair and reporting requirements. DPW sent out its first annual report this year, it is posted on the Town website. As part of our stormwater management program the Town’s 42,000 linear feet of paved roads were swept. This operation is performed with town equipment and staff and must be done once the winter operation is over. Most of this clean-up is attributed to the use of sand/salt mix for snow and ice operations. Street sweeping combined with catch basin cleaning can lower the quantity silt laden pollutants reaching ponds and streams in Town, the merit behind stormwater management. Ongoing stormwater management program compliance has been planned for next year. TOWN GARAGE DPW mechanics maintain all Town vehicles including police cruisers and fire apparatus. This work is both cost effective and keeps units needed to provide Town services out there getting this work done. Repair and maintenance of these cars and trucks have been successfully accomplished throughout Fiscal Year 2019.

Respectfully submitted, Joseph Buckley, P.E. Director

69

Planning, Development, & Zoning

Image: Maria Mercado

OFFICE OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Report of the Office of Planning and Community Development – FY 2019

Role: The Office of Planning and Community Development provides customer assistance to town residents and other interested parties regarding land use questions. The Office works with applicants during the permitting process for land use matters. Also, the Office manages the Interdepartmental Review Team process, which is used to review specific projects and large scale development in the Town of Rutland. And, the Office provides technical and administrative staff support to the Planning Board. Also, the Office supports the Town Administrator, Zoning Board, the Rutland Development and Industrial Committee, the Planning Board Bylaw Subcommittee, and the Ad Hoc Growth Management Steering Committee. The Office works with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and other entities on long and short term planning initiatives. Accomplishments for the fiscal year include, but are not limited to: x Provided customer assistance to residents,

developers, and others on the permitting for several Approval Not Required (ANR) of the Subdivision Control Act, Site Plan Review, and Special Permit matters. See Planning Board FY 2019 report.

x Supported the Planning Board and the

Planning Board Bylaw subcommittee on the development of the Marijuana Establishments (Regulation of

Non-medical Marijuana Establishments) zoning bylaw.

x Worked with the Town Administration,

Growth Management Steering Committee

and the Planning Board and the Planning Board Bylaw subcommittee on the Development Rate Limitation Bylaw Zoning Bylaw.

x Coordinated with the Planning Board and

the Planning Board Bylaw subcommittee the drafting and review of Technical Corrections relative to the Industrial and Multifamily Zoning Bylaw sections.

x Drafted all applicable Planning Board

decisions and reviewed the decisions with the Planning Board. See Planning Board FY 2019 report.

x Facilitated Interdepartmental Review of

several projects, including the Spruce Hill 34-unit senior living housing development, Maple Hill Estates 6 lot open space subdivision, and Food Truck Festival.

x Worked with Senior Work Program

participant to inventory and move archival Planning Board documents stored in Community Hall to Community Hall Annex, as part of plan to consolidate Planning Board records.

x Managed Viewpoint implementation of the

e-permitting software system for the Inspectional Services Department (Building, Electrical, and Plumbing Departments), Fire Department, and Department of Public Works.

x Worked with the University of

Massachusetts Collins Center on the

71

development of a draft Permitting Guidebook.

x Worked with the Rutland Development and

Industrial Commission and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission to obtain District Local Technical Assistance grant funding to develop a website and other marketing materials to support development of the Heights’ site.

x Provided assistance to the Town

Administrator’s Office and Rutland Development and Industrial Commission and on the development of a Request for Proposals for the Heights’ site.

x Advised the Town Administrator’s Office

and Town Counsel on the site plan requirements for solar projects as part of Green Communities Grant program.

x Worked with Planning Board and the

applicant on the following street acceptance requests: Bear Hill subdivision streets— Clealand Circle, Horizon Road, and Grizzly Drive and the Bear Hill II subdivision street— a portion of Arrowhead Drive and a portion of Glenwood Place.

x Worked with the Applicant on the pre-

permitting process for 259-264 Main St. Dunkin Donuts site to support consolidation of 2-lots and construction of new 2,700 sq. ft. fast food use with drive through.

x Started draft of Street Acceptance

Procedure.

x Updated the Planning Board Special Permit application.

x Started research and related for proposed

Accessory Agriculture Zoning Bylaw. x Worked with the Central Massachusetts

Regional Planning Commission and CAI Axis Gis to update the zoning map layer.

x Met with Rutland Heights’ proponent to review a large scale solar application and to review the permitting process.

x Met with Wheeler Road proponent to

review a large scale solar application and to review the permitting process.

x Provided pre-permitting assistance to the

applicant for a proposed 43,000 sq. ft. self-storage facility at 191 East County Road.

x Provided pre-permitting assistance to the

applicant for a proposed 6-lot Open Space Design Option Subdivision known as Maple Hill Estates.

x Assisted the Town Administrator’s Office

and the Worcester Food Truck Alliance in presenting the Town’s first annual Summer Food Truck Festival.

x Worked with the Planning Board to start

review of the Board’s subdivision Rules and Regulations.

x Started research and related for proposed

Housing Production and Master Plans. x Reviewed several building permit

applications for new construction.

x Provided customer assistance on several zoning questions related to residential and commercial uses.

Staff: The Office of Planning and Community

Development is staffed by David L. George, Town Planner and Community Development Coordinator.

Contact: The Office may be reached by phone

at (508) 886-4100 x 3001 or by email at: [email protected].

The Office of Planning and Community Development is located at:

Community Hall Annex 246 Main Street Rutland, MA 01543

72


Report of the Rutland Planning Board – FY 2019 Role: The Planning Board is involved with both short- and long- term planning processes, including the development of planning studies related to land use issues affecting the Town of Rutland. Other major responsibilities of the Board include administration of the Subdivision Control Law, conducting site plan review, and evaluating special permit applications. Also, the Board considers, develops, and makes recommendations for zoning amendments and makes recommend-dations for street acceptance. The Board also plays a role in several other land use aspects. Membership Planning Board: The Planning Board consists of the following 5 members elected by Rutland residents for a five year term to expire on the listed date: Norman W. Anderson, Chair, 2022; Marilyn Sidoti, 2023; Charles Richard Williams, 2024; Shawn R. Moore, 2021; and Timothy Nahrwold, 2020. Membership Bylaw Subcommittee: The Bylaw subcommittee reviews, drafts, and sponsors zoning bylaw amendments. The subcommittee consists of all the Planning Board members and members appointed at large. The at-large member is Bonnie Besse. Related Committee/Commission Membership: Dick Williams— Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) Planning Board delegate, CMPRC Transportation Planning Committee, CMRPC Executive Committee, and Growth Management Steering Committee, Planning Board member. Shawn Moore— CMRPC Select Board alternate delegate. Earthwork’s Board— Norm Anderson, Planning Board member. Approval Not Required Plan Endorsements: 194 Maple Avenue

7-9 Prospect Street

258 East County Road

254 East County Road

70 Ridge Road

0 Brintnal Drive (Parcel ID 044-B-3)

0 Brintnal Drive (Parcel ID 044-B-3, 3.05, 3.06)

0 Brintnal Drive (Parcel ID 044-B-3, 3.07)

64 Charnock Hill Road

0 Main Street (Parcel ID 029B-B-39)

0 Glenwood Place (Parcel ID 066-A-6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13)

0 Main Street/Miles Road (Parcel ID 029-A- 10.06)

0 Campbell Court (Parcel ID 054-A-03)

203 Main Street

Site Plan Approval: 0 Glenwood Place (large-scale ground mounted solar) 309 East County Rd. (large-scale ground mounted solar)

0 Campbell St. (large-scale ground mounted solar)

147 and 157 Intervale Rd. (two-lot common driveway)

199 Glenwood Rd. (large-scale ground mounted solar)

90 Bushy Ln. (large-scale ground mounted solar)

258 East County Rd. (large-scale ground mounted solar)

101 Glenwood Place Extension (large-scale ground mounted solar)

73



Special Permit: 0 Main Street, 34-unit senior housing development

Subdivision Administration Ongoing: The Board continued its ongoing administration and technical review of the Brice Lemon Estates, Bear Hill, and Bear Hill II subdivisions. Subdivision Administration Other: The Board granted an extension of the special permit and subdivision final action deadline for McAllister Estates and a bond reduction for Moose Crossing. Street Acceptance: The Board recommended acceptance of the Bear Hill subdivision streets: Clealand Circle, Horizon Road, and Grizzly Drive and the Bear Hill II subdivision street: a portion of Arrowhead Drive. The Board also recommended acceptance of a portion of Glenwood Place. Town Meeting approved these road acceptance requests on November 19, 2018. 2018 Special Fall Town Meeting Article: The following article passed the 2018 Special Fall Town Meeting: Marijuana Establishments (Regulation of Non-medical Marijuana Establishments), Article 20 2019 Annual Town Meeting Articles: The following articles passed the 2019 Annual Town Meeting: Zoning Bylaw Technical Corrections relative to the Industrial and Multifamily Zoning Districts, Article 23 Development Rate Limitation Bylaw, Art. 3 Board Other: The Board reviewed and made recommendations to the Central Mass Regional

Planning Commission (CMRPC) on the Southern Worcester County Comprehensive Economic Development Study. The Board also reviewed and made recommendations for the Rutland Residential Development Impact Analysis and advised the CMRPC of areas the Board would like to pursue under a future grant. The Board started review of the Subdivision Regulations. The Board reviewed all submissions of projects made to the Zoning Board. Bylaw Subcommittee: The Bylaw Subcommittee working with the CMRPC wrote the Marijuana Establishments and reviewed and commented on the Bylaw Technical Corrections and the Development Rate Limitation Bylaw. Staff: The Planning Board is staffed by the Office of Planning and Community Development, which consist of David L. George, Town Planner and Community Development Coordinator and part-time administrative staff— Laurie Becker (7/19 to 1/19, Abby Benoit (1/19 to 4/19), Brie Kriegel (5/19 to 6/19), and Tomeca Murphy (7/19). Meetings: The Planning Board meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday. Contact: The Planning Board may be contacted through the Office of Planning and Community Development by phone at (508) 886-7720 or by email at: [email protected]. The Planning Board Office is located at: Community Hall Annex 246 Main Street Rutland, MA 01543 Board Information: The Subdivision Regulations, Site Plan Regulations, and Board packets for upcoming meetings may be accessed at: https://www.townofrutland.org/planning-board. Submitted by the Rutland Planning Board.

74


https://www.townofrutland.org/planning-board

https://www.townofrutland.org/planning-board

FISCAL YEAR 2019 REPORT OF THE BUILDING/ZONING OFFICER

During Fiscal Year 2019, the Building Department issued 58 Single Family Home

permits. The estimated cost of construction was $14,918,800. The total fees

collected for these permits was $49,648.00. There were 232 inspections

conducted for these new homes.

The total fees collected for the Fiscal Year for all building permits was

$114,750.11. Over 700 Inspections were conducted by the Building Commissioner

including 70 yearly inspections.

Respectfully submitted,

William C. Cassanelli

Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer

75

FY 2019 REPORT OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

Total number of permits issued 224

Total number of regular electrical inspections 350

Total number of solar inspections 46

Total number of inspections 396

Total amount of fees collected: $52,063.42


Lester J. Grace, Jr.

Electrical Inspector

REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR


Total number of inspections:

Underground 15

Rough 78

Final 89

182 Total



James M. Smith

Plumbing Inspector

76

*************************************************************

REPORT OF THE GAS INSPECTOR


Total number of inspections:

Underground 40

Rough 68

Final 78

186 Total



James M. Smith

Gas Inspector

77

Report of the Conservation Commission The Conservation Commission serves the community in regulatory and conservation capacities. These responsibilities were assigned to the Commission by the Wetlands Protection Act (GL c. 131 §40), the Conservation Commission Act (GL c. 40 §8C), and regulations created by the Commonwealth’s Department of Environmental protection (310 CMR 10). Commissions across the Commonwealth process over ten thousand applications every year for permits to do work in and near wetlands, flood plains, banks, riverfront areas, beaches and surface waters. The Commission has adopted and utilizes M.G.L. Ch. 44 §53G, which allows the Commission to impose reasonable fees for the employment of outside consultants, engaged by the Conservation Commission, for specific expert services. These services are used whenever the Commission deems necessary to arrive at a final decision on an application. The Rutland Conservation Commission underwent membership changes this year. Long-time member Shawn Moore was replaced by Jared Gentilucci; “Skip” Clark took over a vacant seat. The Commission now consists of the following members: Eric Bigelow, Willard Cannon, Leroy “Skip” Clark, Peter Craine (Chair), Joseph Dell’Aquila (Vice Chair), Melissa Danza, and Jared Gentilucci. The Commission’s secretary is Tomeca Murphy. The Commission issued the following between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019:

x 24 Orders of Conditions; x 10 Certificates of Compliance; x 2 Determinations of Applicability; and, x 1 Order of Conditions extension.

We would like to give special thanks to all who support the Commission in what we do. Respectfully Submitted, The Conservation Commission

78

RUTLAND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 Pursuant to Rutland’s Zoning By-Law and Massachusetts General Laws chapter 40A, the Zoning Board of Appeals (the “Board”) performs the following functions:

(1) Acts upon requests for Variances from the requirements of the Town’s Zoning By-law

(2) Acts upon requests for Special Permits as authorized by the Town’s Zoning By-Law

(3) Acts upon requests for Site Plan Approval with respect to alterations or modifications of structures or uses within business or industrial districts

(4) Acts upon appeals by persons aggrieved by reason of their inability to obtain a permit from any administrative official, board, or the building inspector.

The Board meets as required/dictated by the volume of petitions, applications or appeals filed with the Town. The Board functions in accordance with its specific authority granted by the Town’s Zoning By-Law, M.G.L. c40A and its own procedural rules. In accordance with those rules, fees are charged to cover administrative costs of conducting required public hearings.

The Rutland Zoning Board of Appeals works within Town structure to grant as many applications as possible to assist in the cautious, flexible growth of the Town.

The Board reviewed the following applications in Fiscal Year July 1, 2018- June 30, 2019 from Town By-Laws and voted as follows:

1 Application for Variance: 1 application withdrawn

2 Applications for Special Permit: 2 applications withdrawn


Richard Surrette, Chairman

Chris Senecal, Vice-Chairman

Robert Paulsen, Member

Paul Kirrane, Associate Member

Arthur Wells, Associate Member

Jacob Morris, Associate Member

Tomeca Murphy, Administrative Assistant

79

Health & Human Services

Image: Maria Mercado

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH FISCAL YEAR 2019

The Board met regularly at least one Monday of each month. Scott Gilroy was elected

Chairman of the Board, with Karin Prucnal as Vice-Chairperson and Elliott Nadeau as Clerk. Health Agent, Richard Stevens conducted the following inspections throughout the year: over 20 perc tests and over 200 inspections and he reviewed over 40 septic system designs. Town of Sutton Board of Health nurse was employed for nursing services for the community.

The Board sponsored a Seasonal Public Flu Clinic vaccinating over 100 individuals with the assistance of the Volunteer Nurses of the Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps and Walgreens. The vaccine was supplied through the Department of Public Health and funding available as distributed by the Massachusetts Region 2 Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition and Walgreens. The Board plans to continue yearly flu clinics.

The Board has investigated various health code violations and overseen well and septic system

installations, repairs, and improvements. There are areas of special concern within the Town that consume much of the Board’s time and energy throughout the year.

The Board monitored the town’s contracts for waste removal with hauler’s and with

Wheelabrator in order to maintain the proper level to protect the town’s rate. The Board consulted with the State Department of Environmental Protection on issues of

special concern and regarding variances to the State and Town regulations.

The Board renewed a contract for an eighth year for the preparation of a site-specific environmental monitoring and maintenance plan with Mark W. Popham, R.S. of the closing of the Charnock Hill Road Landfill. This is required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

During the fiscal year 2019, the Town Treasurer received over $200,000 collected for various fees including tipping/surcharges charged by the Board of Health. The Board’s budget paid $2,850.00 for nursing, physical therapy and home health visits.

Respectfully Submitted, Board of Health Scott Gilroy Karin Prucnal Elliott Nadeau Chairman Vice-Chairperson Clerk

81

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE RUTLAND COUNCIL ON AGING Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019

The Board of Directors for the Council on Aging wishes to thank all of the members for their service. The group worked diligently to ensure the best services for all seniors and ascertain that the council maintains fiscal responsibility and transparency. Staffing included Nancy Nichols as Director; Cathy Corcoran as Outreach Coordinator; and Suzanne Tatro as Dining Site Manager. The Friends of the COA continue to support a variety of ongoing activities and programs for the Council, including funding for in-town Elderbus services and the mailing of the monthly newsletter to every senior household. The group manages a fund to assist seniors in need of help with fuel assistance and also provides funds for various supplies and program expenses. They are a hard-working group, invaluable to the success of our COA, and we thank them for all they do. The COA provided a variety of services, programs, activities and events to over 1,600 seniors and their families/caregivers this past year. In addition to “Living Your Life Well in Rutland, Massachusetts,” the council’s monthly newsletter, information about the COA’s activities and services was provided through our local Cable TV, The Holden Landmark, the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, and the Rutland Town Web Site, www.townofrutland.org. Services offered to seniors included AARP tax assistance, Visiting Nurse Association flu clinic, CVS flu clinics and blood pressure clinics, Worcester Community Action Council fuel assistance, Farmer’s Market food assistance, legal consultation through Mass Bar Association and Community Legal Aid, related presentations by Fallon Senior Plan, Fallon Navicare, Summit Elder Care, Bue Cross/Blue Sheild and other senior service provider organizations. Many other vendors also participated in our annual Health and Wellness Fair, bringing information and expertise directly to the center. Many thanks to our outside businesses that come to the center and provide services, such as Dr. Matthew Moreno of Holden Hearing Aid Center, Inc. We also thank our many instructors of exercise, arts, and music. SCM Elderbus provided transportation for medical appointments, shopping and in-town services. Other trips were coordinated with Holden Council on Aging and sponsored by Fox Tours and Elderbus. Collette Travel offers presentations and trips each year. A big thank you to the FRIENDS group, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the town for providing the budgets that enable this program to exist. Elder Services of Worcester continued a congregate meal program, offered weekdays under the direction of Sue Tatro and volunteers; Carolyn Semon, Sandra Robertson, Josephine Cummings, Laura Roberge, Sharron Darrah, and many others who stepped-up to help when needed. Meals are delivered daily to homebound seniors and are supplied via the Meals on Wheels program. We are grateful for the continued efforts of our volunteer drivers who make this program possible. Birthday cake is provided monthly by Elder Services and also by Fallon Navicare. A variety of other programs were offered with the assistance of Fallon Summit Elder Care, SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders), Oriol Health Care, Walgreens, Fallon NAVICARE, Fallon Senior Care, Rutland LIONS Club, Worcester County Sheriff’s Department, Gardner Rehabilitation, and the WRHS Leaf Raking assistance group. Other notable events this year included trips to local venues, Sheriff’s summer picnic, musical performances, Intergenerational Dinner, Thanksgiving and Holiday Luncheons, Bemis Farm classes, annual Central Tree Middle School holiday breakfast, LIONS Club senior dinner, Valentine celebration, Honky Tonk music program, National Food Days, Brown Bag Auction, WRHS Senior Prom, Rutland Police, Fire, and Dispatch Spaghetti Dinner and Summer Barbeque. The Rutland Cultural Council awarded a grant for a musical presentation and a Bemis

82

Farms Nursery project. The COA would also like to thank the Rutland Fire Department/EMT’s for a breakfast and educational presentation; and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for house numbering and File of Life programs, and for all of their continued support throughout the year. Ongoing activities include Wii bowling, watercolor, chair caning, Pitch, Cribbage, manicures/pedicures, dominos, No Cooking on Thursday group, book club, Bingo, knitting, piano lessons, a senior fitness class sponsored by Oriol Health Care of Holden, a balance exercise class. We also continue with the satellite library; durable medical equipment lending with the Rutland LIONS Club; and SHINE counseling. We offer on site audiology services, jewelry repair, on a monthly basis, and other services on a one time occasion. The COA continues to reach out to our senior population by coordinating services/activities/programs, making scheduled home visits, and providing assistance to caregivers. This year we fulfilled a need for legal, medical, and other referral need based services, bereavement, and caregiver assistance by providing programs and presentations by community organizations. We are continuing to provide informational programs on medical topics of concern as well as referral information. The FRIENDS group supports performances and presentations to support social activities within the senior population. We continue to operate Pat’s Pantry available to all Rutland seniors. Many thanks to all who supported this effort; a special thank you to Worcester County Sheriff’s Department who supplied fresh vegetables, Rutland Police and Fire Departments, and all of the wonderful people, especially those who often stock piled our inventory, in the community who donated items. Community support was extended by our annual Pancake Breakfast, Health Fair, and Craft Fair. We participated in the Senior Tax Work Off program again this year and are happy to provide a basis for which the senior participants can earn credit towards their yearly property taxes. We wish to extend a sincere thank you to all of the volunteers who so generously offer their time, talents, donations and efforts to support our senior population throughout the year. Thank you to the many advertisers who support our center by their commitment to advertise in our monthly newsletters. Their generosity makes it possible to provide important information to the older adults in our community. We had the opportunity to employ three Rutland seniors through the Senior Tax Work-Off program. We thank them for their time and dedication to the Council on Aging. Also, many thanks to all of the community businesses who donate to our center and support its programs. Many thanks to the town departments and committees who continue to offer their services and support. Board meetings are held at the Rutland Library on the last Monday of each month at 7:00 pm, excluding December, July, and August. Respectfully submitted,

COUNCIL ON AGING

Board of Directors

Rose Anne Ferrandino, Chairperson June Willey Rev. David Fish Patricia LaChance, Secretary Carolyn Semon Staff Nancy Nichols, Director Cathy Corcoran, Outreach Coordinator

83

2019 ANNUAL REPORT Wachusett Earthday Inc

Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center Wachusett Earthday Inc (WEI), a seven town collaborative effort founded to provide a local and environmentally responsible solution to the disposal of difficult items and hazardous substances, operates at the Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center at 131 Raymond Huntington Highway in West Boylston on property owned by the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Funded in part by the seven towns of Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling & West Boylston, and supported by the MA Department of Environmental Protection, WEI provides, as well, a place to share gently used but still serviceable household items. The facility is staffed almost exclusively by a large number of dedicated volunteers from numerous member and surrounding towns. The past year again saw an increase in site usage during our open hours of Tues (9-11), Wed (2:30-4:30), Thurs (5-7) and every third Sat (8-11). WEI continued to close Thursday evenings for the months of December, January & February (opening on the first Saturdays of those months). A total of 146 collections was held in calendar 2019 with 31,521 vehicles coming through the site (an increase of 3,814 over 2018’s total); total gallons of HHP collected increased from 8,968 in 2018 to 9,198. In addition 1,261 gallons of latex paint was diverted for recycling. Mattress/box spring recycling continues to be successful – over 1200 mattresses were sent for recycling versus landfill or incineration in 2019. The on-site solar array defrays some of the cost of our electricity and WEI has sold several hundred dollars of SREC’s on the solar market. In 2019, fencing to protect the solar array was installed. The remainder of the site also was paved using road millings (at a reduced cost over traditional paving), easing the work of the DCR plows as well as reducing dust and debris tracked into the building and keeping WEI’s costs to a minimum. WEI began working with a styrofoam recycler to take clean packing styrofoam collected onsite for reuse. We have been able to recycle 160 cubic yds of styrofoam over the last 6 months of 2019. Wachusett Earthday continues to partner with multiple local social service and charitable organizations such as More Than Words, Fresh Start Furniture Bank, NuDay Syria – a more comprehensive list will be added to our website in 2020. Our small retail department continues to grow in popularity as well as providing a financial boost to the center in general, helping to offset the rising costs of recycling. We continue to sell composters at discounted rates. Six HHP (household hazardous products) collections were planned for 2019 and five were held. Three free document shredding days were held. The site closed for both the Christmas and New Year’s weeks to give our volunteers some time off. Document shredding will be offered again in 2020 and, as of this writing, we do not yet have dates for HHP collections. The focus of 2020, in addition to continuing collections along the current schedule, will be on education. Continued increases in materials disposed/discarded indicates that people are not yet changing their purchasing habits. With increased outreach and community contact in person and on social media, we hope to encourage people to make wise decisions when making purchases, disposing of waste and utilizing our natural and manufactured resources. We plan to

84

attend as many town-sponsored events as possible to share information and suggestions for responsible disposal, reuse, recycling and general waste reduction. In 2020, holiday closings will be January 1st and the weeks of Christmas and New Years. 2019 Members of the Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center Town Representatives: Boylston: April Steward/Allison Mack Rutland: Sheila Dibb/Michael Nicholson Holden: Pam Harding/Wendy Brouillette Sterling: Ross Perry/Paul Lyons Paxton: Carol Riches/Sheryl Lombardi W Boylston: Nancy Lucier Princeton: Art Allen WEI: Helen Townsend/Mark Koslowske/Norma Chanis MA DCR: John Scannell 2019 Board of Directors: Connie Burr, Norma Chanis (Clerk), William Cronin, Susan Farr, Tim Harrington (Treasurer), Michael Kacprzicki, Mark Koslowske (VP & Operations Manager), Patt Popple, Vanya Seiss, Helen Townsend (President) New Board Members in 2019: Morgen Frye, Ronaldo Lu Retired Board Members in 2019: Robert Troy Respectfully submitted, Helen Townsend 1/22/2020

85

Town of Rutland

Department of Veterans’ Services

By Appointment, Call: (508) 886-4100


The Veteran’s Services Officer (VSO) is dedicated to helping veterans learn about, apply for, and in some cases receive benefits. Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for Massachusetts and Federal benefits. The Department of Veteran Services (DVS) is a state agency that is directed and funded under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws. This should not be confused with the Veterans Administration (VA), a federal program which may offer additional services.

The veteran must be discharged under Honorable Conditions, must have served a minimum of 90 days active duty, and meet the established income criteria. Some benefits offered for eligible veterans and their dependents include, but are not limited to:

x Housing x Employment x Heating assistance x Rental assistance x Medical expense reimbursement x VA Service Connection Claim assistance x Funeral Expenses x ‘Welcome Home Bonus’ programs x Educational benefits x Lost service record retrieval x Replacement medals

The Town of Rutland is proud to support the sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country. From aging veterans that may need continued assistance and support, to younger veterans struggling to transition to civilian life, it is with honor that the VSO assist you with benefits that you have earned. Please contact your VSO to learn more.

86


Culture & Recreation

Image:Corinna Frohock

Report of the Librarian

The library is open from 10 am- 8 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; 10am -1pm Friday; and 10am – 2pm Saturday. Serves the needs of the community through lending materials, free Wi-Fi, printing and copy needs, meeting space, programs, and online content.

Aislinn Lewis (Children’s Librarian) was able to increase our hours by adding Friday mornings from 10am-1pm adding a “Mother Goose Story Time” for infants to 18months old. We were able to offer this to the community with funds received from a grant offered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The library is currently open for 37 hours each week.

Library meeting space enhances the value of the library by hosting several organizations meetings and group events. The library hosted 535 meetings. Many of these meetings are held when the library is closed, making the building a very valuable commodity. The historical society continues to host the “Festival of Trees” in December; the Board of Health hosts a flu clinic each fall; the American Red Cross holds a blood drive 6 times a year. The space occupied by the Cable Advisory Committee host 10 meetings each month.

The library offers many historical maps, books and documents, many of these have been digitized with the help of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Please have a look at the collection on line when you have a chance. https://archive.org/details/rutlandfreepubliclibrary

We are members of an online network called MASSCAT. This network provides the opportunity to share our resources with all libraries within the network. A benefit of our membership is access to e-content through a platform called overdrive by Libby. Please come in and we can help you set up an account allowing you access to an online catalog. You can download audios and eBooks anytime you like.

The Friends of the Rutland Library continue to support us by providing the funds needed to

deliver great programs for the entire family, story time materials, museum passes to local attractions. If you haven’t joined our “Friends” please consider doing so; they are always looking for members and support. Many volunteer opportunities are available at the library. Please ask if interested.

The library had a new roof installed in December. We wish to thank the town for their continued support providing funding and resources within the community. Respectfully submitted Kerry Remington

88

https://archive.org/details/rutlandfreepubliclibrary

Rutland Recreation Department

Annual Report FY Ending June 2019 Rutland Recreation continues to offer the residents of Rutland a wide variety of activities. The department wishes to thank everyone who supports our offered programming.

This fiscal year, Sarah Galvin continued on as Director of Safe Place Programs, and Corinna Frohock continued as the Program Coordinator for the Recreation Department.

The summer was a busy time for Recreation with many programs being offered. The Doll and Bike Parade during the July 4th festivities was a success with many children participating in the event. The town pool offers a refreshing break from the summer heat, with many children participating in swim lessons, and many families celebrating with private pool parties. At the Summer Fun program based at Naquag, children in grades k-6 participated in arts and crafts, sports, games, swimming, and many other fun activities. Youth in grades 7-9 learned valuable skills volunteering as Leaders-In-Training and Counselors-In-Training. The Recreation Department employed many local teens in summer jobs including counselors, lifeguards, and Snack Shack staff.

Under The Learning Tree after-school enrichment programs at Naquag and Glenwood Elementary Schools provided after-school fun throughout the year with Dodgeball, Floor Hockey, Art, and Zumba/Yoga classes.

In partnership with Paxton Recreation, Winter Youth Basketball was well attended by nearly 400 boys and girls in grades k-12. The Men’s Over-30 league had another successful year with six teams competing.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt included pictures with the Easter Bunny, hunting for Easter Eggs, spring crafts and games, Early Bird pool pass sales, and Summer Fun registrations.

Adult Fitness programming continues to offer a local exercise option with Zumba classes, a Sweat, Strength, and Stamina class, and a Circuit Training class.

The Safe Place Program at Naquag Elementary and the Club House Program at Glenwood Elementary are the Recreation Department’s before- and after-school childcare programs licensed through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. These programs provided safe, accessible care to 183 Rutland children over the course of the 2018-2019 school year. Participants enjoy a variety of fun program options including crafts, games, gym time, outdoor play, special visitors, and events under the supervision of a highly qualified staff team.

Recreation programs continue to grow with the number of young families increasing each year. Many programs fill and have waiting lists due to space constraints, and providing recreation opportunities for middle- and high-school youth continue to be a challenge for this same reason. Rutland Recreation remains committed to our community members of all ages. We believe that recreation opportunities are an integral part of family life and community involvement and we will continue to respond to the needs and desires of Rutland residents by adding, increasing, or altering community programs as indicated by the voices of our community.

Rutland Recreation Department 250 Main Street Rutland, MA 01543

Telephone: 508-886-0048 Email: [email protected]

89

Image: Michael J. Nicholson

Report of the 4th of July Committee

In 2019 we celebrated the 71th annual 4th of July activities with the theme – 4th on Film, Rutland Goes Hollywood. We were honored to have The Udder Group as Grand Marshals who entertained Rutland with their creative floats for over 20 years inspiring other families to join the ranks of float builders.

We had 32 floats and car entries in the parade along with many bands, fire trucks and horses. The grand prize went to Suchocki Family and Friends. In addition to the parade we celebrated with Junior Olympics, volleyball tournament, bike and doll carriage parade, a road race, lip sync, chicken barbeque, strawberry festival, band concert, pancake breakfast and the ever popular fireworks. None of this would have happened without the volunteers and groups who donated their time to make this event a huge success in conjunction with the town employees from the Town Hall, Fire and Police Departments and the Department of Public Works. Thank you to the Rutland Recreation, Rutland Lions Club, Cub Scout Pack #141 and #306, Kerrie and Brenda Ward, The Briggs Family, Rutland Fire Brigade, Frank the Music Man and the Friends of the Council on Aging for either running an event or serving food. Additional food was sold over the three days by Rutland non-profits. We appreciated the tasty treats prepared the Cub Scout Pack #141, Boy Scout Troop #141, The First Congregational Church of Rutland, Girl Scout Troop 30320 and Central Tree Middle School PTO . As part of our fundraiser efforts these non-profits donated 20% of their profits. Fundraising is an integral part of making these events the success they are. Rutland residents and business from the Wachusett area have generously donated to make these events free to all those who attend. This also includes those houses that took part in the town wide yard sale. It costs approximately $25,000.00 to do the events. We do have a website that you can keep track of what is going on or how to donate – www.rutlandma-4thofjuly.org


Missy Puliafico Chairman

90

http://www.rutlandma-4thofjuly.org/

Town of Rutland

Cable Advisory Committee

2018 was an extremely busy year for the Cable Committee We migrated to a new transmission and editing system which improved picture clarity as well as our ability to better enhance the local programming on our local channels 191 and 192. Also as a result of this migration we enhanced our ability to exchange programs with other local PEG channels. With this new system we were able to add video steaming in addition to YouTube programming. All of this was made possible with the dedicated work of Peter Craine, Corrinne Palmer, Christian Santillo and Jim Kelly. Their timely efforts in bringing all this to reality was an act of appreciation by all concerned and I publicly say a huge Thank You to all. Also we increased our coverage of local committee meetings to better inform our public as to the timely issues that affect all of us. As always we welcome new volunteers and fresh ideas and encourage those interested, or who like to produce a show of their own, to contact us at [email protected] or call 508-886-4730. Interested in learning to run cameras and editing video programs you can also contact us at the above email or phone number. Paul Mattson Chairman

Committee Members: Paul Mattson Peter Craine Christian Santillo James Kelley

91


Wachusett Greenways 2019 Annual Report 25 Years of Partnerships to Connect our Communities Wachusett Greenways (WG) thanks the partners who have brought us to 25 years of connecting our communities with trails and greenways. Thank you to every WG member, donor and volunteer, eight central Massachusetts Towns, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Mass Office of Travel and Tourism, Worcester County Sheriff’s Department Community Service Program, each legislator, many local foundations, several regional schools and colleges, several non-profit organizations, and businesses. Each of Eight Towns Participate All eight partner towns--Barre, Holden, Oakham, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling and West Boylston--contributed toward Wachusett Greenways operating expenses and care of the Mass Central Rail Trail in FY 20. Wachusett Greenways is deeply grateful to the citizens, select board members, town administrators and manager each town for their encouragement and for their enthusiasm for the Mass Central Rail Trail. Reached the Goal of 1000 Wachusett Greenways Donors A record number of 1002 donors contributed to WG in 2019 including 160 new members. Donors came from 126 different towns and 24 different states. 513 of the WG donors made gifts to Wachusett Greenways’ MCRT Construction Fund. Nearly 200 volunteers of all ages help each year. Stretching Across the Commonwealth Twenty miles of the treasured Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) are open and being cared for by WG and our partners. Now we are working to complete the remaining ten miles of the central 30 mile section of this prized multi-use trail for recreation, transportation and health. Year round neighbors and visitors benefit from the MCRT between Sterling and Barre. To the east and to the west of our region, the Commonwealth and others are constructing new sections of the MCRT along the 104-mile corridor between Northampton and Boston. MCRT Construction and Restoration Progress Mass Central Rail Trail construction projects advanced in 2019 through the DCR Recreational Trails Program and the new MassTrails Program grants with Wachusett Greenways match included are:

1. Phase II to restore the section in West Boylston at Thomas Street to I-190. 2. Phase II of new construction of the 0.8 mile section in West Boylston along old Pleasant Street between

Route 140/Beaman Street and Prescott Street. 3. Phase I of reconstruction adding an accessible-grade bypass for the connector section in Holden between

River St. and Manning Street. 4. Phase I--temporary deck repair of the bridge in Sterling at the Quag/West Washacum in preparation for

renovation or replacement of the bridge. 5. Phase I planning for reconstruction of the trail for accessibility at Whitehall Road in Rutland. 6. Phase I of design for new construction of the 1.9 mile section in Holden from Mill Street to Princeton

Street.

92

The DCR solicited design and engineering for the new bridge connection at the Route 140/ Beaman Street causeway in West Boylston in 2019. Progress was interrupted when anticipated design cost exceeded the funds allocated. The Commonwealth and Wachusett Greenways will continue to seek an effective plan for completing this key MCRT connection. Projects which WG is working to advance in 2020 include a MassTrails grant proposal to reconstruct the MCRT in Holden between Manning Street and Route 31 at Mill Street with accessible grades and the MCRT connection in Rutland at Miles Road. Gratitude for MCRT Stewards Wachusett town Departments of Public Works and WG volunteers mowed trail shoulders to maintain the MCRT. WG trail patrollers removed parking lot litter, checked portable toilets, and removed downed branches. WG trail volunteers removed dead trees and cleaned drainage ditches. WG also hired snowplowing for the River Street, Holden, parking lot. Reaching Out WG volunteers participated in the Moving Together Mass DOT conference in Boston, the biannual MassTrails conference in Leominster, and the annual Mass Land Trust Conference in Worcester. WG also participated in UMass Med School’s Earthday Celebration, Sterling Celebrates!, and Holden Days. Greenways directors continued to collaborate with other Commonwealth groups working on rail trails. Greenways held hospitality days at the MCRT, welcoming new members and volunteers. 21 Miles Road Rutland Greenways kept tools here for trail maintenance and tended the vegetable garden shared by volunteers and visitors. Doug Hagman Landscaping generously donated mowing and leaf removal. Sentry Oil contributed heating oil. Outdoor Events WG provided outdoor events each month. Volunteers led walks, bicycling, canoeing and other outdoor adventures. Saying Goodbye Two amazing Greenways friends passed away in 2019. On February 19, Ruth Spaulding passed away. Ruth was the Springdale Mill Committee Chairman who led the annual September celebration at the mill site, and rallied her whole family to help. She offered warmth and hospitality to all, and she is greatly missed. On December 12, Ed Yaglou passed away. Ed led the way to connecting our community with trails for more than two decades. He envisioned the Mass Central Rail Trail, led the MCRT Task Force and created the MCRT logo now being used across the state. Ed encouraged others to serve and to lead. The Edward P. Yaglou MCRT Stewardship Fund is now established in honor of his special way of helping to sustain a community. Every Member and Volunteer Counts! You are invited to contribute at www.wachusettgreenways.org or by mail at Wachusett Greenways, P.O. Box 121, Holden 01520. A gift in any amount counts you as a member, and you will receive the Wachusett Greenways guide, which includes a map for the regions’ trails and greenways. Volunteers welcome. Wachusett Greenways Board of Directors: Colleen Abrams, Chair Troy Milliken, Treasurer Christy Barnes Michael Peckar, Secretary Richard Barry Christopher Ryan Stephen Chanis

93

http://www.wachusettgreenways.org/

Financial Reports

Image: Mike Romano

95

Laura Paradise

96

Laura Paradise

97

98

99

100

Laura Paradise

101

Laura Paradise

102

Laura Paradise

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

REPORTS OF THE TREASURER/COLLECTOR FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2019

As your Treasurer/Collector, I respectfully submit the following to you as my annual report: First and most importantly, I would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of the office staff, consisting of Lisa Schiemann and Amy Moulton. Amy worked in the office as our part time assistant from April, 2018 until October 31, 2019. She was a great addition to our staff and will be missed. Lisa has been in the office full time since December 2014. She is a Certified Massachusetts Municipal Assistant Collector and is working towards her certification as an Assistant Treasurer, as well. She is a tremendous asset to this office and the Town. Without their help and dedication we wouldn’t be able to accomplish all of the things we do during the fiscal year. Thank you! DEPOSITS AND INVESTMENTS The town’s cash and investments are held in five local banking institutions and totaled $5,395,714 as of June 30, 2019. All cash and investments held are in compliance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44 Sections 54 and 55, related to the deposit and investment of public funds. Our critical liquid assets are invested to insure our three main objectives of safety, liquidity and yield are obtained. Our Investment portfolio for Trust Funds, including Stabilization, Capital Stabilization and the Other Post-Employment Benefits irrevocable trust, is managed by Bartholomew & Company, Inc. These prudently invested assets totaled $1,742,447 as of June 30, 2019. RECEIVABLES Tax collections, including real estate, personal property, meals and motor vehicle excise taxes accounted for $17,797,545 or 81.36% of our general fund revenues in fiscal 2019. Real Estate, Personal Property & Tax Title receipts accounted for $16,316,114 of the total tax collections in 2019. The three year percentage of net tax levy collected in the year of levy was as follows: Fiscal 2019 98.13% Fiscal 2018 98.37% Fiscal 2017 98.14% DEBT The Town continues to pay down the debt in order to reach the guidelines and goals that have been set forth in our overall Financial Management Policy. The Town is committed to a debt service budget equal to 5% of the Town’s current annual budget, exclusive of Enterprise funded debt and debt service excluded from Proposition 2½. The total debt outstanding as of June 30, 2019 was $11,213,690, and the amount outstanding as of June 30, 2018 was $13,057,348, representing an overall debt reduction of $1,843,658. These amounts include, General fund, Enterprise and Temporary debt as of the end of each fiscal year. Respectfully Submitted, Rebecca L. Tuttle, CMMT & CMMC Treasurer/Collector

116

TOW

N O

F R

UTL

AND

SCH

EDU

LE O

F C

ASH

AN

D IN

VEST

MEN

TSFO

R T

HE

YEAR

EN

DED

JU

NE

30, 2

019

20

19B

ank

and

Inve

stm

ent A

ccou

nts

Bal

ance

s

Cas

h an

d Eq

uiva

lent

s: C

ash

on H

and

50.0

0

Uni

bank

1,

156,

525.

02

Fid

elity

Ban

k2,

036,

500.

22

Eas

tern

Ban

k28

,269

.59

Cor

ners

tone

Ban

k37

4,69

0.11

GFA

Cre

dit U

nion

57,2

32.6

5

T

otal

Cas

h an

d Eq

uiva

lent

s3,

653,

267.

59

Inve

stm

ents

: B

arth

olom

ew -

Com

mon

wea

lth F

inan

cial

Net

wor

k - T

rust

Fun

ds1,

452,

847.

80

Bar

thol

omew

- C

omm

onw

ealth

Fin

anci

al N

etw

ork

- OPE

B28

9,59

8.70

T

otal

Inve

stm

ents

1,74

2,44

6.50

T

otal

Cas

h an

d In

vest

men

ts5,

395,

714.

09

117

TOW

N O

F R

UTL

AND

SC

HED

ULE

OF

TAXE

S R

ECEI

VAB

LE-G

ENER

AL F

UN

DFO

R T

HE

YEAR

EN

DED

JU

NE

30, 2

019

(Les

s)U

ncol

lect

edAb

atem

ents

&Tr

ansf

ers

toU

ncol

lect

ed

Des

crip

tion

July

1, 2

018

Com

mitm

ents

Ref

unds

Adju

stm

ents

Tax

Title

Col

lect

ions

June

30,

201

9

Rea

l Est

ate

20

19-

15,8

38,5

71.4

6

23

,545

.26

(97,

197.

54)

(15,

535,

163.

68)

229,

755.

50

20

1824

3,91

9.59

19,2

29.7

8

(2

0,39

6.78

)

(5

6,84

3.12

)

(1

47,7

97.4

8)

38,1

11.9

9

20

1766

,037

.95

(15,

060.

61)

(44,

074.

38)

6,90

2.96

20

162,

367.

50

(1,1

89.8

4)

1,17

7.66

20

157,

566.

95

(1,1

22.5

4)

6,44

4.41

20

143,

842.

17

(1,0

89.9

1)

(1,5

92.7

4)

1,15

9.52

20

132,

070.

84

(1,0

32.9

2)

1,03

7.92

20

121,

026.

63

(1,0

26.6

3)

-

32

6,83

1.63

15,8

38,5

71.4

6

42

,775

.04

(117

,594

.32)

(7

7,36

5.57

)

(1

5,72

8,62

8.28

)

28

4,58

9.96

Pers

onal

Pro

pert

y20

19-

571,

723.

71

77

.79

(2

54.7

9)

(5

69,0

56.3

6)

2,49

0.35

20

1880

7.11

(160

.28)

646.

83

20

1745

0.60

450.

60

20

1639

4.26

394.

26

20

1551

3.60

513.

60

2,

165.

57

571,

723.

71

77

.79

(2

54.7

9)

-

(569

,216

.64)

4,

495.

64

Mot

or V

ehic

le E

xcis

e20

19-

1,31

2,60

2.59

15

,931

.78

(26,

263.

82)

(1,1

89,2

79.4

9)

11

2,99

1.06

2018

105,

756.

31

17

0,33

0.11

16,1

17.4

7

(1

9,43

2.33

)

(2

50,5

11.7

5)

22,2

59.8

1

20

1720

,069

.89

126.

25

2,

324.

20

(2,3

62.3

3)

(11,

979.

01)

8,17

9.00

20

166,

817.

42

1,97

2.14

(1

,972

.14)

(2

,279

.06)

4,

538.

36

2015

3,31

0.54

(4

50.0

0)

2,

860.

54

2014

7,64

4.39

(5

82.1

9)

7,

062.

20

143,

598.

55

1,

483,

058.

95

36,3

45.5

9

(5

0,03

0.62

)

-

(1,4

55,0

81.5

0)

15

7,89

0.97

Tax

Lien

s71

7,64

0.93

(92,

881.

39)

73,2

33.0

1

(6

1,02

6.93

)

63

6,96

5.62

Tax

Poss

essi

ons

29,8

84.0

1

97

,144

.53

127,

028.

54

118

TOW

N O

F R

UTL

AND

SCH

EDU

LE O

F TA

XES

REC

EIVA

BLE

-EN

TER

PRIS

EFO

R T

HE

YEAR

EN

DED

JU

NE

30, 2

019

(Les

s)U

ncol

lect

edAb

atem

ents

&Tr

ansf

ers

toU

ncol

lect

ed

Des

crip

tion

July

1, 2

018

Com

mitm

ents

Ref

unds

Adju

stm

ents

Lien

sC

olle

ctio

nsJu

ne 3

0, 2

019

Wat

er C

harg

es

2019

-

52

3,39

6.81

(481

,842

.88)

41

,553

.93

2018

42,0

68.3

6

(2

2,76

8.69

)

(1

9,29

9.67

)

-

2017

733.

26

(7

33.2

6)

-

2016

220.

11

(2

20.1

1)

-

43,0

21.7

3

52

3,39

6.81

-

-

(22,

768.

69)

(502

,095

.92)

41

,553

.93

Wat

er L

iens 20

19-

31,1

30.8

6

(2

9,94

9.28

)

1,

181.

58

2018

1,75

0.14

(7

24.5

7)

(1

,025

.57)

-

2017

1,81

2.07

(1

,552

.67)

(2

59.4

0)

-

3,56

2.21

31

,130

.86

-

-

(2,2

77.2

4)

(31,

234.

25)

1,18

1.58

Wat

er T

ank

Cha

rges

2019

-

13

3,26

9.74

(16.

15)

(125

,324

.77)

7,

928.

82

2018

8,01

1.60

(5

,062

.69)

(2

,948

.91)

-

2017

258.

40

(2

58.4

0)

-

2016

64.6

0

(64.

60)

-

8,

334.

60

133,

269.

74

-

(16.

15)

(5,0

62.6

9)

(128

,596

.68)

7,

928.

82

119

TOW

N O

F R

UTL

AND

SC

HED

ULE

OF

TAXE

S R

ECEI

VAB

LE-S

EWER

FU

ND

FOR

TH

E YE

AR

EN

DED

JU

NE

30, 2

019

(Les

s)U

ncol

lect

edAb

atem

ents

&Tr

ansf

ers

toU

ncol

lect

ed

Des

crip

tion

July

1, 2

018

Com

mitm

ents

Ref

unds

Adju

stm

ents

Lien

s/TT

Col

lect

ions

June

30,

201

9

Sew

er U

se

2019

-

72

4,63

4.94

(6,8

67.9

4)

(660

,146

.30)

57

,620

.70

2018

59,0

78.8

9

13

2.43

(132

.43)

(31,

591.

91)

(27,

486.

98)

-

20

171,

011.

50

134.

62

(1

34.6

2)

(1

,011

.50)

-

2016

289.

48

(2

89.4

8)

-

60,3

79.8

7

72

4,63

4.94

267.

05

(7

,134

.99)

(3

1,59

1.91

)

(6

88,9

34.2

6)

57,6

20.7

0

Sew

er In

flow

/Infil

trat

ion

Cha

rges

20

19-

258,

152.

94

(6

6.50

)

(2

41,2

73.6

0)

16,8

12.8

4

20

1818

,949

.65

133.

00

(1

33.0

0)

(9

,452

.92)

(9

,496

.73)

-

2017

532.

00

13

3.00

(133

.00)

(532

.00)

-

20

1613

3.00

(133

.00)

-

19

,614

.65

258,

152.

94

26

6.00

(332

.50)

(9,4

52.9

2)

(251

,435

.33)

16

,812

.84

Sew

er R

epai

rs20

19-

100,

932.

00

70

0.62

(26.

00)

(98,

135.

10)

3,47

1.52

20

184,

936.

21

52.0

0

(52.

00)

(3,7

95.6

9)

(1,1

40.5

2)

0.00

20

1721

7.56

52.0

0

(52.

00)

(9.5

6)

(208

.00)

-

20

1652

.00

(5

2.00

)

-

5,20

5.77

10

0,93

2.00

804.

62

(1

30.0

0)

(3

,805

.25)

(9

9,53

5.62

)

3,

471.

52

Sew

er L

iens 20

19-

56,9

83.4

2

(5

5,40

3.82

)

1,

579.

60

2018

2,94

8.66

(1

05.7

1)

(2

,501

.39)

34

1.56

2017

2,51

7.07

(1

,958

.15)

(5

58.9

2)

-

2016

-

-

5,46

5.73

-

-

-

(2,0

63.8

6)

(3,0

60.3

1)

341.

56

Fore

st H

ill S

ewer

Bet

term

ents

2018

& p

rior

28,2

21.7

3

75

.00

(9

,258

.25)

19

,038

.48

28,2

21.7

30.

000.

0075

.00

0.00

(9,2

58.2

5)19

,038

.48

Title

V S

eptic

2018

& p

rior

13,4

31.4

7

(3

,155

.57)

10

,275

.90

13,4

31.4

70.

000.

000.

000.

00(3

,155

.57)

10,2

75.9

0

120

TOW

N O

F R

UTL

AN

D

SCH

EDU

LE O

F O

UTS

TAN

DIN

G D

EBT

- GEN

ERA

L FU

ND

FOR

TH

E FI

SCA

L YE

AR

EN

DED

JU

NE

30, 2

019

Prin

cipa

lM

atur

ities

Fina

lTr

ue

Orig

inal

Pa

ymen

t/In

tere

stLo

an

Ref

undi

ngB

alan

ceFu

nds

Prin

cipa

l D

ebt

Bal

ance

Inte

rest

Des

crip

tion

Cos

tD

ate

Dat

eJu

ly 1

, 201

8B

orro

wed

Paym

ents

Ref

undi

ngJu

ne 3

0, 2

019

Paid

FY 2

020

Acc

ount

Gro

up-G

ener

al L

ong

Term

Deb

t

Sch

ool C

onst

ruct

ion-

Cen

tral T

ree

3.14

%2/

15/2

008

2/14

/201

91,

172,

000

(1,1

72,0

00)

-

36,8

01

P

-

I

-

S

choo

l Con

stru

ctio

n-E

lem

enta

ry3.

35%

9/1/

2015

10/1

5/20

253,

445,

000

(440

,000

)

3,00

5,00

0

11

2,91

2

P44

0,00

0

I95

,313

S

choo

l-Lan

d E

lem

enta

ry4.

00%

9/1/

2015

10/1

5/20

2321

5,00

0

(40,

000)

17

5,00

0

7,80

0

P

35,0

00

I6,

300

Sch

ool-N

aqua

g G

reen

Rep

air

2.11

%2/

1/20

129/

1/20

2124

0,00

0

(60,

000)

18

0,00

0

4,35

0

P

60,0

00

I3,

150

Bui

ldin

g R

enov

atio

n3.

38%

9/1/

2015

10/1

5/20

2526

0,00

0

(35,

000)

22

5,00

0

8,53

8

P

35,0

00

I7,

138

Lib

rary

3.21

%9/

8/20

1510

/15/

2035

2,06

5,00

0

(8

5,00

0)

1,98

0,00

0

65

,956

P85

,000

I

62,5

56

Pub

lic S

afet

y B

uild

ing

4.38

%4/

22/2

004

4/22

/204

22,

188,

904

(53,

375)

2,

135,

529

95,7

64

P

55,7

10

I93

,429

D

PW

Bui

ldin

g4.

38%

4/22

/200

44/

22/2

042

1,24

6,65

0

(3

0,61

7)

1,21

6,03

3

53

,884

P31

,941

I

52,5

60

Am

bula

nce

2.08

%7/

16/2

014

7/16

/201

998

,000

(49,

000)

49

,000

1,43

3

P

49,0

00

I47

8

Rut

land

Hei

ghts

Hos

pita

l - R

efun

ding

Deb

t2.

55%

11/1

8/20

1111

/7/2

019

424,

000

39

4,00

0

(424

,000

)

394,

000

5,

385

P32

,000

I

10,0

47

Am

bula

nce

& P

olic

e C

ruis

er -

Ref

undi

ng D

ebt

2.55

%11

/7/2

018

11/7

/201

9-

30

8,71

0

-

308,

710

-

P

68,0

00

I7,

872

MW

PA

T Ti

tle V

0.00

%11

/23/

2004

8/1/

2024

17,7

94

(2

,376

)

15

,418

830

P

2,37

6

I71

2

T

otal

Gen

eral

Lon

g-Te

rm D

ebt

11,3

72,3

48$

70

2,71

0$

(2,3

91,3

68)

$

-$

9,

683,

690

$

393,

652.

80

P89

4,02

6I

339,

555

Les

s Ti

tle V

Fun

ding

and

MW

PA

T S

ubsi

dy2,

376

(830

)(7

12)

I33

8,84

3

T

otal

Gen

eral

Prin

cipa

l & In

tere

st P

aid

(2,3

88,9

92)

$

392,

823

$

121

TOW

N O

F R

UTL

AND

SC

HED

ULE

OF

OU

TSTA

ND

ING

DEB

T - E

NTE

RPR

ISE

FUN

DFO

R T

HE

FISC

AL Y

EAR

EN

DED

JU

NE

30, 2

019

Prin

cipa

lM

atur

ities

Fina

lTr

ue

Orig

inal

Pa

ymen

t/In

tere

stLo

an

Ref

undi

ngB

alan

ceFu

nds

Prin

cipa

l D

ebt

Bal

ance

Inte

rest

Des

crip

tion

Cos

tD

ate

Dat

eJu

ly 1

, 201

8B

orro

wed

Paym

ents

Ref

undi

ngJu

ne 3

0, 2

019

Paid

2020

Prop

rieta

ry F

und-

Ente

rpris

e(W

ater

)

Wat

er T

ank

2.00

%2/

1/20

129/

1/20

311,

325,

000

(75,

000)

1,25

0,00

0

33

,125

P

75,0

00

I

31,6

25

T

otal

Wat

er F

und

Deb

t1,

325,

000

1,25

0,00

0

33

,125

P

75,0

00

I

31,6

25

Prop

rieta

ry F

und-

Ente

rpris

e(Se

wer

)

Sew

er R

epai

rs -

Ref

undi

ng4.

00%

9/8/

2015

10/1

5/20

2320

0,00

0

(40,

000)

160,

000

7,

200

P40

,000

I5,

600

Sew

er R

epai

rs -

Des

ign

& C

onst

ruct

ion

2.00

%2/

1/20

129/

1/20

2116

0,00

0

(40,

000)

120,

000

2,

900

P40

,000

I2,

100

T

otal

Sew

er F

und

Deb

t36

0,00

0

-

(80,

000)

-

280,

000

10

,100

P

80,0

00

I

7,70

0

T

otal

Ent

erpr

ise

Deb

t1,

685,

000

-

(80,

000)

-

1,53

0,00

0

43

,225

P

155,

000

I

39,3

25

122

Fiscal Year 2019 Report of the Finance Committee

To the Citizens of Rutland: The Finance Committee is comprised of seven town residents of the Town of Rutland being appointed by the Town Moderator to serve for a period of three years. The Committee makes recommendations to the Town Meeting after considering the needs of the community and the financial impact of all town meeting articles presented. This encompasses the annual operating budget, as well as other financial matters such as finical management, financial policy, and financial planning. The Finance Committee is charged by the Town of Rutland bylaws to review budget requests from all departments as well as elected and appointed boards in order to submit and recommend a balanced budget to the town. The Finance Committee’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Recommendation was developed during Fiscal Year 2018 and voted on by the Town in May of 2018. During the development of the original FY 2019 budget, the Finance Committee balanced the needs of each town department with the financial resources for the town. These resources included:

x Levy Limit = $13,793,222.00. This figure represents estate taxes levied by the town including revenues generated from new construction, $400,000; and a 2 ½ % increase over the levy limit (Prop 2 ½), $344,830.55.

x Approved Debt Exclusions = $2,465,725.66. This figure represents additional real estate taxes levied with voter approval over and above the levy limit to pay the debt incurred for specific capital projects. These projects include the WRHS renovation project, the elementary school construction, ambulance, Rutland Heights, Naquag Green repairs, Bay Path renovations, and Central Tree/Naquag Construction.

x Estimated Receipts (after charges) = $5,171,314.90. This includes state “Cherry Sheet” funds, Local receipts, and state reimbursement amounts.

In total, after local, state and county charges, the Finance Committee forecasted that the Town of Rutland has approximately $21.5 million to raise and appropriate for the FY 2019 operating budget. Please note the Committee was able to recommend additions to the stabilization fund. During the FY19 budget planning process, revenue projections were made based on prior year actual receipts. The summaries of budget changes from FY 2018 to FY 2019 are as follows: General Government: 14.38% increase Public Safety: 6.12% increase Department of Public Works: 1.98% increase Human Services: 3.39% decrease Library & Culture: 3.84% increase Municipal Debt Service: 0.74% decrease Benefits & Insurance: 7.97% increase Wachusett Regional Schools: 4.82% increase Vocational Schools: 13.39% increase

123

The Finance Committee has the responsibility to review and approve/disapprove requests from the Reserve Fund. Town Departments request transfers from the Reserve Fund for unforeseen and unexpected expenses. This saves time and the expense of calling a special town meeting for small needs. “DOR has expressed its opinion that reserve fund transfers are appropriate: to provide for urgent or unforeseen expenditures that could not have been anticipated before town meeting; and/or; to allow immediate expenditures of funds in the event of an emergency (threat to public safety or health) when the delay of having to call a special town meeting could be potentially harmful.” In either case, the Finance Committee must approve/disapprove all proposed transfers from the Reserve Fund. Transfers are made from this fund by a vote of the Finance Committee when they conform to the requirements of the law, and can only be used for the purpose which they were specifically transferred. Funds were allocated during the year to various departments as detailed below: Reserve Fund Transfers to FY 2019 Budget Reserve Fund Beginning Balance $25,000.00 Date Account Department Amount Purpose 06/20/2019 001-192-5200 Fire $5,000.00 Nexamp Invoice 06/20/2019 001-421-5200 DPW $2,000.00 Turkey Hill Road culvert repair Total Transfers $7,000.00 Reserve Fund Ending Balance $18,000.00 The Finance Committee is committed to funding the stabilization fund and improving the town’s bond rating. The Town has made progress in strengthening fiscal stability by committing to financially responsible strategies, but budget growth in excess of revenues continues to strain town services. The Finance Committee will continue to work closely with the Town Administrator, all departments and committees to develop responsible budgets that maintain public safety and services to the best of their ability. Town officials approved the Town of Rutland Overall Financial Management Policies: These principles provide a broad framework for overall fiscal planning and management of the Town of Rutland's resources. In addition, these principles address both current activities and long-term planning. The principles are intended to be advisory in nature and serve as a point of reference for all policy-makers, administrators and advisors. It is fully understood that Town Meeting retains the full right to appropriate funds and incur debt at levels the taxpayer deems appropriate, subject, of course, to statutory limits such as Proposition 2½. Respectfully, Your Fiscal Year 19 Finance Committee,

Thomas Ruchala Thomas Ruchala, Chair Karen Nahrwold, Secretary Iain McKinlay Carol Martens Lyndon Nichols (term ended 05/2019)

Sheryl Vernon, Vice Chair (resigned 12/2018) Brian Stidsen (term ended 05/2019) David Lussier (appointed 01/2019) Edward Purcell (appointed 05/2019) Peter O’Malley (appointed 05/2019)

124

Report of the Board of Assessors July 1, 2018 –June 30, 2019

Assessing Staff Harald Scheid, Regional Assessor, Regional Resource Group, Inc. Heather Cheney, Associate Assessor, Regional Resource Group, Inc. Iris Rivera, Administrative Assessor, Town of Rutland Elected Board Members Term Expires Kevin Jarvi, Chairman 2020 Jeffrey Gibbs, Member 2021 Robin Tarani, Member 2022 Assessed Valuation of the Town of Rutland for Fiscal Year 2019 Real Estate 93.98% $857,355,659.00 Commercial 2.16% $19,733,141.00 Industrial 0.43% $3,944,800.00 Personal Property 3.43% $31,225,324.00 Total 100% $912,258,924.00 Exempt Property (Town and State owned) $77,945,400.00 Tax Rate Summary Total amount to be raised $24,620,387.47 Total estimated receipts and other revenues $8,300,075.32 Tax Levy $16,320,312.15 The fiscal year 2019 tax rate of $17.89 decreased $0.24 per thousand of value from fiscal year 2018 with a tax rate of $18.13. Tax Rate History FY 2019 - $17.89 FY 2018 - $18.13 FY 2017 - $18.32 FY 2016 - $17.37 FY 2015 - $17.65 Average Single-Family Residence History Fiscal Year Average Single-Family Residence Average Tax Bill Tax Rate FY 2019 $287,682.56 $5,146.64 $17.89 FY 2018 $269,918.30 $4,893.62 $18.13 FY 2017 $261,737.96 $4,795.04 $18.32 FY 2016 $255,349.15 $4,435.41 $17.37 FY 2015 $239,954.38 $4,235.19 $17.65 The Town of Rutland has hired an Administrative Assessor which is a shared service with the Town of Hubbardston. The Rutland Assessor’s Office hours are Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and closed on Friday.

125

Page - 1 - of 14

TOWN OF RUTLAND

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

For

FISCAL YEARS 2019-2024

To The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee

Under the direction of the Capital Improvement Planning Committee

April 5, 2018

126

Laura Paradise

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Capital Improvement Planning Overview and Process Debt Structure Overview Previously Approved Projects Waiting Approval

Projects Submitted But Not Being Recommended By CIPC Summaries and Details of Changes ADDEMDUM: Capital Asset Inventory

127

128

131

132

133FY2019 Capital Plan

134

135

136

Laura Paradise

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING OVERVIEW AND PROCESS The Capital investments are the physical foundation of government service delivery, including water and sewer systems, roads, and buildings to house government services, police and fire stations, parks and recreation facilities, health, social service and community programs. Decisions about capital investments affect the availability and quality of most government services. This infrastructure is often taken for granted, yet is a cornerstone of the implications for health, safety and quality of life. The Town of Rutland Board of Selectmen, in 2008, established a Capital Improvement Planning Committee (CIPC) to help guide the Town over the ensuing years. The purpose of the Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan is to anticipate present and future needs of a growing community. This document is the result of an on-going annual process of constructive feedback from the various departments, boards, agencies and commissions of the Town and Region.

The preparation of the Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan represents a major effort by the Town of Rutland, to improve its methods of fiscal control and stability. The compilation of this report is intended for use as a financial tool for making decisions concerning future public improvement projects and should serve as a guideline and information source when formulating the towns’ budgets. OVERVIEW OF THE CIP PROCESS

Developing a five year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is the first step in developing the annual Operating Budget, in accordance with the Town’s Financial Policies. The committee will develop a capital budget for fiscal year 2018 as well as a capital plan for fiscal years 2019 through 2024.

It should be noted that in many instances the accomplishment of a specific improvement project is often contingent upon the approval of federal and state assistance and the availability of such funds. This program will be updated annually at which time, revisions, adjustments, additions and deletions may be made.

The Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan is essentially a schedule of public improvement projects for a six year period of time. This schedule is prepared annually from lists of projects and improvements submitted by the operating departments of the town. Individual project data is recorded on special forms distributed by the Capital Improvement Planning Committee to every participating department each year. Information requested on these special forms includes the assignment of priority by each department, estimate of project cost and proposed method of financing each project. Along with all the necessary information concerning the projects, the department must also indicate the relative importance of each project in terms of the department's overall program. In September of each year, forms are circulated to all town departments and agencies for the purpose of initiating the annual revision of the Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Instructions state that any department expecting financial support from the Town for capital outlay projects during the Fiscal Year must file requests on prescribed forms no later than October 31.

128

Laura Paradise

Public Improvement projects were defined as those projects which: 1. Require an expenditure of Capital Outlay funds amounting to more than $10,000.00 and having a useful life expectance of not less than (5) years.

2. Consist of real property acquisition, construction, capital asset improvements, long-life capital equipment, or major maintenance/repair of an existing capital item, as distinguished from a normal operating expenditure.

3. Are single projects, or groups of single homogeneous projects to be constructed or provided as single units of funding support.

Capital improvement projects may be replacement items, but do not include maintenance. These would include all "in-place" costs including installation, engineering and architectural fees. Projects of long life but of relatively low cost are included if they are similar enough to be grouped together as one large capital project.

Persons submitting forms assigned priorities to each project.

The fundamental purposes of the Capital Improvement Planning process are as follows:

1. To consolidate and coordinate the various departmental requests with the hope of reducing delays and coordinating individual improvement programs;

2. To establish a system of procedures and priorities by which each proposal can be evaluated in terms of the public need, the comprehensive plans of the Town, and the interrelationships of projects and cost requirements; and,

3. To schedule the proposals over a five year period according to their priority evaluation. The process of developing a CIP separate from, but tied into, the Operating Budget is advantageous for numerous reasons, including:

¾ The town is better prepared to coordinate projects between departments and with other agencies such as Wachusett Regional School District, thereby providing for equitable distribution of capital projects.

¾ The extensive CIP process increases the Town’s and the general public’s understanding

of the Town’s capital needs and capabilities, attempting to insure that the most essential improvements are provided first.

¾ A separate process to consider capital projects encourages exploration and use of

alternative means to fund projects, gaining maximum benefit from available public funds.

¾ There is more time to allow greater resident involvement in the CIP. Residents are

therefore better able to understand and react to the suggested policies and practices a CIP outlines. With a CIP development process separate from consideration of the Operating Budget, the CIP can be considered and discussed on its own merits, without the pressures of other Operating Budget concerns.

¾ There is more time to assure that projects coincide with the Town’s adopted master

plans and related policies, coordinating physical infrastructure with financial planning.

129

Laura Paradise

The CIP process includes consideration of how projects will affect the Town’s Operating Budget after the project is completed. For example, if a new building is built, funds will need to be added to the Operating Budget for maintenance of that building.

After the Capital Improvement Budget and Plan for 2018 is finalized, the projects that are approved and designated to be funded in 2018 are for inclusion in the Town’s 2018 Operating Budget. The consideration given to these projects separate from other Operating Budget concerns should help the Town to develop adequate financial policies, anticipate any financing problems that may arise and use taxpayers’ money wisely. There are several reasons why a five year outlook is important. Many of these projects have long-term implications—they will have impacts on the Operating Budget or they are connected to other projects planned in the Town. Residents and the Board of Selectmen will usually find it useful to discuss and consider projects, and their operational and funding impacts in the context of more than one year. A five-year outlook also gives the public and the Board an idea of what infrastructure needs will be in the near future. If the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee anticipates that certain expensive projects will be necessary in the next four to five years, they can begin planning and budgeting for them now, rather than being caught by surprise when the project is desperately needed and time is limited to consider other possible options.

WHO DEVELOPS THE CIP? The Town’s departments are asked to update their inventory of current facilities/equipment and any strategic plans; identify the projects to be considered in the CIP; complete the project forms describing the projects and detailing the costs; coordinate with each other on projects that involve more than one department or division; and coordinate with other agencies, if applicable. The CIP Committee is a group of individuals who live in the town and volunteer their time to oversee the CIP process. The Committee administers and conducts the review and selection process through which projects are selected for funding. The Committee goal is to develop a proposed CIP that is fiscally sound and meets the Town’s adopted goals and policies. COORDINATION OF THE CIP PROCESS Finally, the CIP Committee coordinates the annual CIP process. Duties include: CIP forms; preparing the initial rankings for all projects; updating fund statements of each funding source; providing information to citizens, outside agencies, registered neighborhood groups and the media; assembling, preparing and distributing all documents and materials; monitoring project expenses; and preparing any amendments.

The Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan have proved an extremely beneficial process in other cities and towns, since it urges department heads to anticipate major expenditures which might not otherwise be expected. However, not all departments respond with a need for these major project requests.

The CIP is first and foremost a planning tool to identify the Town’s capital needs and priorities. It is subject to change—none of it is carved in stone and unalterable. As the CIP is

130

Laura Paradise

developed and after it has been adopted by the Board of Selectmen, there are procedures to amend the CIP so that it reflects the Town’s current priorities. The document is meant to help citizens and the Board of Selectmen focus on the general direction in which the Town is developing and to plan accordingly. It also shows what needs remain and allows the community to begin making long-term plans to meet those needs in a fair and equitable manner. The committee would like to offer our sincere gratitude to all of the departments and staff for their support and cooperation in developing the Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.

DEBT STRUCTURE OVERVIEW When evaluating the financing of capital projects through debt service the committee first looks at the current debt structure and the impact new proposed capital projects (from whatever department, committee, or town obligation) will have. There are three types of debt service that can be evaluated for a capital project. They are water debt, sewer debt, and general obligation debt. Projects that entail water infrastructure would be evaluated against water debt service, projects that entail sewer infrastructure would be evaluated against sewer debt service, and any other type of capital would be evaluated against general obligation debt service.

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024Year

Year Over Year Projected Long Term Debt Analysis

Special Revenue Fund-Sewer Rutland Heights Property Prch 11/07/2016

School Construction-Central Tree 2019 Refd School construction-Elementary 2025 Refnd

School-Land Elementary 2023 Building Renevation 2023

Ambulance 2019 Library 2040 Refnd

Public Safety Building 2042 DPW Building 2042

Proprietary Fund-Enterprises (Water)

TOWN OF RUTLANDCapital Improvement Planning Committee-CAPITAL STRUCTURE

The above chart is a reflection of the various town capital assets programs that have been completed and are currently being paid down under its respective long term debt payback. As of this report the long term equipment/infrastructure debt of the town is decreasing. This should allow the committee to better review and recommend vital capital assets that will improve the infrastructure of the town while continuing to keep the debt under control.

131

Laura Paradise

The below chart reflects the overall expected annual debt from the Four major sources that comprise the largest expenditures the town will be responsible for over the time period shown. The Capital Improvement Planning Committee views this as a means of understanding how these expenditures fit into the available funds that can be used for town capital needs in conjunction with the annual infrastructure debt obligation. This chart does not include items that have been recommended by the committee (list shown below graph) but have not been approved by the town.

$0$2,000,000$4,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000

$10,000,000$12,000,000$14,000,000

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

General Government (Est. after 2017) Employee Benefits and Insurance(Est after 2017)

Non-Operational General Long Term Debt Public Safety (Est. after 2017)

Wachusett Area Education Liability(Est after 2017)

PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PROJECTS In order to fully evaluate the recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year capital budget it is necessary to outline the previously recommended projects or capital equipment outlays from past years that have not been approved and funded by the town. These include: DPW: Mill and Pave Town Parking Lots-This item was originally requested in 2014, was

recommended in 2016 and is awaiting town approval. The estimated cost presented for the project was $106,000.00

Holder C992-This item was originally requested in 2014, was recommended in 2016 and is awaiting town approval. The estimated cost presented for the machine was $69,500.00 for a used machine.

FIRE:

Ambulance 2 to replace the current model year 2008 ambulance was originally requested for FY2018 and it was recommended in the FY2018 Capital Plan. It is currently pending funding and town approval. The estimated cost presented for the vehicle was $250,000.

132

Laura Paradise

FINAL FY 2019 CAPITAL PLAN Part 1: Recommendation for Building and/or Large Renovation Requests: Over the past several years, the CIPC has received multiple large scale building and/or renovation project requests. These requests are listed below. In its FY2018 report, the CIPC recommended that the Board of Selectmen create a Town Building Review Committee. The CIPC continues to make this recommendation in FY2019. We recommend that this committee be charged with the task of exploring all town building needs, make recommendations on what work is needed to each building and prioritize the order in which the buildings need to be addressed. With this information we recommend that the Town address each project one at a time by appointing a building committee for each particular project in the order of priority determined. The specific building committees would then be responsible for working with the Board of Selectmen in order to seek out feasibility and engineering/design cost estimates and ultimately establishing a construction cost estimate for the project. The information the CIPC has received on the below listed large scale projects is not nearly complete enough to include in a capital plan at this time. We believe the above outlined steps will allow the appropriate information, data and cost estimates to be collected so that a recommendation(s) can be made in the future.

x Town Hall Renovation / Addition / Elevator x Senior Center Building on the old Primary School site x Fire Station Remodel / Build-out Project x Emergency Dispatch Center Remodel / Build-out Project x Community Center Upgrades

Part 2: Recommended Items to be included in the Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Budget:

x Library Roof Repairs -- This was a new request for FY2019 and the committee voted to include it in this year’s capital budget. There are currently several areas of the roof that are leaking and/or damaged. If the roof is not repaired, there is a high risk that more damage will be caused to the structure resulting in more repair costs in the future. The estimated cost of $82,000 and is expected to be funded from free cash allocated for capital needs as well as other available free cash.

x Fire Station / Public Safety Building Roof Repairs -- This was a new request for

FY2019 and the committee voted to include it in this year’s capital budget. There are currently several areas of the roof that are leaking and/or damaged. If the roof is not repaired, there is a high risk that more damage will be caused to the structure resulting in more repair costs in the future. The estimated cost of $83,000 and is expected to be funded from free cash allocated for capital needs as well as other available free cash. Additionally, it is the recommendation of the CIPC that the Dispatch portion of the repair work be proportionally split among the four Regional Dispatch Towns

x Historical Society Roof Repairs -- This was a new request for FY2019 and the committee voted to include it in this year’s capital budget. There are currently several areas of the roof that are leaking and/or damaged. If the roof is not repaired, there is a high risk that more damage will be caused to the structure resulting in more repair costs

133

Laura Paradise

in the future. The estimated cost of $23,000 and is expected to be funded from free cash allocated for capital needs as well as other available free cash. Additionally, it is the recommendation of the CIPC that the Historical Society make efforts to contribute to the repairs.

x Water Plant Filtration and Media Rehabilitation – This was a new request for FY2019 and the committee voted to include it in this year’s capital budget due to the public health nature of the request. This work will include containment around the tanks, sandblasting of the tanks, cleaning of the spent tank media, application of series 1 zinc to the blasted steel, and the application of a coating system for potable water. The estimated cost of $46,700 and is expected to be funded from Water Enterprise free cash.

x Fire Department Car 1 Replacement – The Fire Chief has previously requested this vehicle with the intent to incorporate it within the FY2020 Capital Plan. However, the Chief notified the CIPC that a grant is available in FY2019. This grant is expected to cover 100% of the vehicle purchase price. This vehicle will replace the current model year 2010 Fire Chief / Command vehicle. CIPC is recommending the purchase of this vehicle subject to the grant being approved and funding 100% of the cost.

x WRSD Jefferson Early Development Center Parking Lot Rehab -- This was a new request for FY2019 and the committee voted to include it in this year’s capital budget. The request includes paving and drainage repairs to the parking lot. The project cost is to be allocated to each district member town according to the WRSD agreement. Rutland’s share of the project cost is estimated to be $11,525. The CIPC recommends the funds come from available free cash.

Part 3: Projects submitted but not being recommended by the CIPC at this time (the number in parenthesis indicates the number of years the project has been submitted)

x Community Hall Elevator (4) x Community Hall Remodel/Update (2) x Senior Center Remodel/Rebuild (1) x DPW John Deere Backhoe (2) x Fire Station and Emergency Command Center Build-out/Renovation Design (2) x Fire Forestry /Squad #1 Vehicle (1) x Electronic Town Sign (3) x Community Center Upgrades (1) x DPW Stump Cutter (1) x WRSD Air Conditioning Units (Glenwood, Central Tree, Naquag) (1) x Library Carpet Repairs (1) x Library Exterior Painting (1) x WRSD High School Artificial Turf Field (1)

134

Laura Paradise

CIP PROJECT BUDGET SUMMARIES AND DETAILS OF CHANGE The projected budget and plan summaries shown only reflect the current capital plan. However the CIP committee is also evaluating future fiscal years beyond the current plan in determining the capital asset needs of the town. This future year’s evaluation is being done to provide an equitable, balanced and monetarily achievable plan for the critical infrastructure needs of Rutland. A copy of this report may be obtained from the Capital Improvement Planning Committee. Respectfully submitted, Harry Sechman, Chair Joseph Becker, Vice Chair Michael Ferguson, Secretary

135

Laura Paradise

ADDENDUM: CAPITAL ASSET INVENTORY

One of the processes of the CIP is to compile and maintain the listing of all capital assets in the town. This is to provide a framework with which to evaluate and prioritize the infrastructure replacement under the CIP. During the first year the inventory assessment was nearly completed. This is a credit to all town departments/committees. A capital asset could only be inventoried on the committee list if the replacement value was $10,000 or more and had a useful life of at least 5 years. The following list of capital assets is as current as information is available. This is an ongoing list and is revised annually based on available information.

Building Number

Description Address Line 1 Building Value Contents Value

1 Public Safety Building 240 Main Street $2,282,886.96 $51,000.00

2 Old Fire Station (Leased out) 286 Main Street $274,406.53 $0.00 3 Muschopauge/Wachusett Street Pump

Station Muschopauge/Wachusett Street Pump Station

$295,645.44 $204,016.67

4 DPW Garage 17 Pommogusett Road $1,105,747.80 $68,581.64 5 Pool House Pommogusett Road $94,255.28 $10,200.00 6 Salt Shed 17 Pommogusett Road $118,561.78 $510.00 7 Landfill Storage Shed Charnock Hill Road $25,146.60 $15,300.00 8 Pool Pommogusett Road $91,216.96 $10,200.00 9 Water Tower Wheeler Road $1,732,757.40 $510.00

10 Community Center 53 Glenwood Road $822,529.27 $25,500.00 11 Watson Estate Pump Station Bernard Road $57,151.37 $40,005.96 12 Pump Station Valley View Circle $57,151.37 $40,005.96 13 Pump Station Millbrook Street $57,151.37 $40,005.96 14 The Wood Studio 232 Main Street $81,600.00 $510.00 15 Steel Communications Tower 242 Main Street $332,847.89 $510.00 16 Steel Communications Tower 178 Barre Road,

Oakham $332,847.89 $510.00

17 Water Tower #2 Water Tower #2 $1,731,891.46 $510.00 18 Barre Communications Tower 860 Pleasant Street $350,198.64 $510.00 19 Town Hall 250 Main Street $702,077.83 $45,900.00 20 Town Hall Annex 246 Main Street $321,105.11 $25,500.00 21 Woodhouse Historical Society (Leased

out) Main Street $41,837.87 $0.00

22 Rutland Free Public Library 280 Main Street $1,774,437.97 $255,000.00 23 Muschopauge/Wachusett Water

Treatment Plant Muschopauge/Wachusett Water Treatment Plant

$898,996.11 $1,143,027.39

136

Laura Paradise

Town of Rutland Fire Department

CAPITAL FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT INVENTORY [

Equipment or

Facilities

Year Built Or Acquired

Last Major Improveme

nt

Condition (1)

Extent of Use (2)

Target Date Rebuilding Expansion

Replacement Cost

ENGINE 1 2008 2016 Fair Moderate 2033 $508,330 ENGINE 2 2012 n/a Good Moderate 2037 $500,000 LADDER 1999 2014/16 Fair Moderate 2024 $1,100,000 TANKER 2006 2017 Excellent Light 2036 $350,000 AMBULANCE 1 2013 n/a Good Heavy 2023 $250,000 AMBULANCE 2 2008 2012/14 Poor Moderate 2018 $250,000 SQUAD 1 1995 2012 Poor Moderate 2018 $145,000 CAR 1 2010 n/a Good Heavy 2020 $40,000 SCBA UNITS – 28 2013 n/a Excellent Moderate 2028 $280,000 LP-15 CARDIAC MONITORS – 2

2016 n/a Excellent Heavy 2026 $60,000

BREATHING AIR COMPRESSOR

1999 n/a Good Moderate 2024 $55,000

HYDRAULIC RESCUE TOOLS

2013 n/a Excellent Moderate 2028 $80,000

RESCUE BOAT 2006 2016 Good Light 2036 $20,000 LUCAS CPR MACHINE 2013 n/a Excellent Moderate 2023 $13,000 STATION 1975 2003 Fair Heavy 2025 TBD

137

Laura Paradise

DPW EQUIPMENT LIST Replacement

Schedule Cost new 1974 Ford Tractor c408076 $10,000 1988 Brush Chipper 2270 $16,000 1989 Grader 730a1773921938889 $80,000 1995 volvo L70b L70bv11010 $90,000 1995 Ford L8000 1fdyr82exsza23996 GVW 40,000 $60,000 1998 int, 2554 1htgbadr6wh534964 $90,000 1998 John Deere 410 E T 0410EX849380 $65,000 1998 Trackless MT MT5T1444 $60,000 1999 Sweeper s8689s $90,000 2000 Dump Truck 1htgbadr1yh274668 15-20 yr $100,000 2000 Utility Trailer 747fr2000 $26,000 2000 Deere Tractor LV5410s342298 GVW 12,300 $9,200 2002 Ingersoll Air Comp 331860OHM295 GVW 2,130 $7,050

2002 Int. Dump 1HTGBADR32H507568 GVW 37,000 15-20 yr $12,000

2003 Int 7400 1HYWDAAR93J074133 $113,231 2003 Const. Mixer 2EP211111x1101201 GVW 500 $1,795 2004 GMC Savanna 1gtgg25v641900525 $14,270 2004 GMC Van 1gtgg25v241900554 10 yr $15,515

2004 Int. Dump 1htwdadr04j088161 GVW 37,000 15-20 yr $32,000

2005 Ford F550 Dump 1fdaf57p95ea33877 15-20 yr $40,766

2005 Ford F550 Dump 1fdaf57px5eb37746 GVW 16,500 15-20 yr $46,182

2005 Volvo L70E Loader L70EV60895 GVW 29,070 $116,442 2006 Fod F350 1FTWF31P46EC83424 10 yr $32,820 2006 Mack Dump 1M2AG11C06M028991 15-20 yr $112,600 2006 Ford F250 1FTNE24W16DA73235 10 yr $17,230 2009 Ford Escape 1fmcu93g99kb77142 10 yr $30,000

2011 Skid Steer 1T0320DMKBG207095 GVW 8,200 $33,999

2012 7400 Dump 1HTWDAAR6CJ558079 GVW 41,120 15-20 yr $115,859

2012 Carmate Trailer 5A3c612s1cL000745 GVW 2,900 $5,700

2012 Cam Utility Trailer 5JPBU1729cp030920 GVW 11,960 $5,550

2012 Trail Utility Trailer 4t9bc1629c1074412 $30,000 2014 brush chipper 1vry11192e1020562 GVW 4,610 $50,000

2015 F450 Dump 1fduf4hy7feb55251 GVW 16,500 15-20 yr $50,000

2015 Freightliner Tr 1fvacydtxfhgl4948 GVW 35000 $156,931

2015 Loader 1DW544kzjfe666955 GVW 32,500 $175,000

2017 Ford F 350 1FT8X3B62HED61052 10 yr

138

Laura Paradise

Schools

Image: Dan Paradise

AUBURN • CHARLTON • DUDLEY • NORTH BROOKFIELD • OXFORD PAXTON • RUTLAND • SOUTHBRIDGE • SPENCER • WEBSTER

Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District BAY PATH REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

57 OLD MUGGETT HILL ROAD CHARLTON MASSACHUSETTS

(508)248-5971 – (508)987-0326 FAX (508)248-4747

RUTLAND 2019 Annual Report

Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School graduated a class of 268 students in June of 2019, and accepted a class of 315 freshmen in September of 2019. Our current enrollment has reached 1,145 students. Of the 7 Rutland seniors who graduated 4 are now gainfully employed in an occupation related to their training and 2 are attending now attending college. Currently, 49 students from Rutland are enrolled in one of our 22 vocational areas for the 2019-2020 school year. Sixteen Rutland students are receiving extra services from our Special Education Department. Whenever possible, we have continued our practice of utilizing our occupational programs to provide requested services to municipalities, non-profit organizations and residents from any of our ten district towns. During the 2018-2019 school year, our 22 vocational programs completed 894 work orders, of which, 23 were for residents of the Town of Rutland.

Our Hilltop Restaurant and Minuteman Shoppe are opened to the public Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Our cosmetology program is also open to the general public. Appointments for cosmetology services must be made in advance by calling the school. Residents of the Bay Path district are encouraged to take advantage of the services provided by our students. These learning opportunities benefit not only the students but provide useful services at reasonable costs to in-district residents. We will continue this type of work whenever possible, keeping in mind that the projects must be of educational value for our students.

Our Evening School Program continues to serve the adult needs of our 10-town district, as well as an additional 20 surrounding towns. Our Spring and Fall programs had a combined enrollment of 1,858, in programs ranging from Business & Finance, Career/ Licensing; Computers; Cooking; Entertainment; Health & Fitness; Hobbies & Crafts; Home & Job; Language & Art; and Sports & Leisure. The program also offered a wide variety of over 400 online courses, including career certificate programs and courses to satisfy professional development requirements for teachers.

This year, the only “Out of District” students that have been accepted are students who began their high school education at Bay Path while residing in one of the Districts ten member towns and then subsequently moved out of the District before completing their high school education. It is important to note that the town where the students now reside must pay an out of district tuition for each student ranging in cost between $16,393 and $18,386. Those towns also pay the transportation costs for those students. The Wachusett Regional School System continues to provide excellent cooperation for our recruiting program and we are thankful for their efforts. I believe that they share our feeling that all students must be given the right, the information, and the opportunity to make an informed school choice. We, at Bay Path, will continue to serve Rutland with the finest vocational education programs available for high school students and adults, and will, when at all possible, use our skills and facilities to further town projects as they add to our students' education. Respectfully submitted,

John A. Lafleche Superintendent-Director

140

Wachusett Regional School District

January 2020 Dear Residents of Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, and Sterling, As we embark upon the third decade of the twenty-first century, it is important for us to remember that our district was the very first regional school district in Massachusetts. Over the years, our schools have become the center of our communities, with families moving to Central Massachusetts specifically to be part of the Wachusett Regional School District. Our five towns continue to work together to provide our children with schools that offer meaningful educational experiences and opportunities afforded by dedicated educators and support staff. As we have done over the past several years, the District and Member Town officials held the annual Budget Roundtable at the Holden Senior Center in early November. This meeting is the opportunity to discuss budget issues associated with the upcoming fiscal year. As always, the meeting was well attended by town representatives, officials from the state, members of the Wachusett Regional School District Committee, and community members interested in learning more about the budget process. State representatives voiced their support of the recently signed Student Opportunity Act that will provide more state funding for many of the outdated dollar amounts used in the Chapter 70 formula calculation. We would like to thank our state representatives for their continued support of increased funding for all schools in the commonwealth. The 2019-2020 school year has been a milestone year for the Wachusett Regional School District. For the first time in the history of our shared communities, the WRSD is now able to offer free full-day kindergarten to students from our towns. Although the District has offered tuition-based full-day kindergarten for many years, tuition-free kindergarten equals the playing field for all students so that the educational experiences of some of our youngest students are equitable from classroom to classroom, school to school, and town to town. This transformative educational endeavor will now provide benefits to all of our students when they enter our elementary schools. This was also the first year when all of the students at our high school were issued a Chromebook to be used at school and at home. Over 2,000 Chromebooks are being utilized at WRHS on a daily basis as our students and staff use these important tools of technology to further enhance and support the learning experience. These two endeavors are representative of the educational advancements our communities continue to make through their investment in education and the future. For the second consecutive year, the five towns that comprise the Wachusett District supported a budget that has permitted us the opportunity to increase support for our students. We anticipate the continuation of the forward progress made this past year as we look to create a budget that supports the Strategic Plan and focuses on the social and emotional health of our students. I would like to thank all parents/guardians, teachers, staff, and community members for their continued support and dedication to the education of the children in the Wachusett Regional School District. Working together, we will provide our students with a quality education that will prepare them for success in the future. Sincerely, Darryll McCall, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DM:rlp

141

INDEX

REPORT OF: PAGE 4th of July Committee .................................................................................... 90 Annual and Special Town Meetings ............................................................. 23 Assessors .......................................................................................................125 Board of Appeals .......................................................................................... 79 Board of Health ............................................................................................. 81 Building Commissioner/Inspector ................................................................ 75 Cable Advisory Committee ........................................................................... 91 Capital Improvement Planning Committee.....................................................126 Conservation Commission ............................................................................ 78 Council on Aging .......................................................................................... 82 Department of Public Works ......................................................................... 62 Election Results............................................................................................... 14 Electrical Inspector ....................................................................................... 76 Finance Committee .......................................................................................123 Fire Department .............................................................................................. 46 Gas Inspector ................................................................................................. 77 Librarian ........................................................................................................ 88 Officers Appointed by Selectboard ............................................................... 7 Planning Board .............................................................................................. 73 Plumbing Inspector ....................................................................................... 76 Police Department ......................................................................................... 50 Recreation Department ................................................................................. 89 Rutland Regional Emergency Communications Center................................. 54 Selectboard .................................................................................................... 6 Superintendent – Bay Path Regional ............................................................140 Superintendent – Wachusett Regional ..........................................................141 Town Accountant .......................................................................................... 95 Town Administrator ...................................................................................... 10 Town Clerk ................................................................................................... 3 Town Planner .................................................................................................. 71 Treasurer/Collector .......................................................................................116 Town Officers Elected .................................................................................. 5 Veterans’ Services ......................................................................................... 86 Vital Statistics/Licenses ................................................................................ 4 Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycle Center ........................................... 84 Wachusett Greenways ................................................................................... 92

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULES

Board of Appeals ..................................... Meetings are scheduled as needed Board of Assessors ................................... Schedules are posted Online Board of Health ....................................... One Monday per Month Board of Selectmen .................................. Every Other Monday, 6 p.m. Conservation Commission ....................... 1st & 3rd Tuesday per month, 7 p.m. Council on Aging ..................................... Third Wednesday, 7 p.m. Finance Committee .................................. Thursday as needed, 7 p.m. Library Trustees ....................................... Fourth Monday, 7p.m. Planning Board ......................................... Second and Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. WRSD Committee ................................... Second and Forth Monday, 7:30 p.m. Boards meet in Community Hall, Community Hall Annex and Rutland Library as posted. Please note that meeting dates are subject to change, please check with the Town Clerk’s Office or visit

the Town website to confirm meeting schedules, www.townofrutland.org.

TOWN OFFICE HOURS Community Hall and Annex are closed Fridays

Assessor ............................................................. Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – Noon Selectmen ........................................................... Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Board of Health ................................................... Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Building Inspector ............................................... Monday – Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Treasurer/Collector ............................................. Monday – Thursday 8:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Town Clerk ......................................................... Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fire ....................................................................... Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Police ................................................................... Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Library ............................................................... Tuesday Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Closed Memorial Day – Labor Day)

Annual Reports of the Town Offices - Rutland MA |

Documents