Real estate tax bills distributed; snow-removal fines reviewed

Town Administrator John McAuliffe reported at the Jan. 7 meeting of selectmen that the new Webster Police Station hopes to become one of the state’s newest state-of-the-art regional police dispatch centers.

“The state is committed to regional dispatch centers, and has a dedicated funding source for high-tech equipment for the centers,” said Mr. McAuliffe. “The funding is aggressive and is one of the plum projects of the Gov. Patrick administration.”

A two-town community setup is in the works, with three towns as the eventual goal.

In addition, real estate tax bills and license renewals have gone out on time. Mr. McAuliffe praised the extra effort put forth by Courtney Friedland, executive secretary to selectmen. He said she had pulled paperwork together from all town departments in a timely and efficient manner. Board members thanked Ms. Friedland for her determination.

Selectwoman Deborah Keefe brought up the need for snow removal from sidewalks and safety concerns. In particular, a section of sidewalk in front of  the U.S. Post Office on Main Street had not been cleared, making the area hazardous. Ms. Keefe suggested sending a letter to the Webster Postmaster about snow removal.

The board reviewed the $50 fines to be levied upon businesses and homeowners who do not clear their sidewalks of snow.

Ms. Keefe said she “doesn’t want to penalize anyone, but there is no excuse for any business not to clear their sidewalks.”

Board members also discussed finalizing the town meeting schedule and opened the meeting warrant. The town meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Bartlett High School Auditorium, with a selectmen’s meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Selectmen reviewed the need for a printing deadline for Memorial Beach windshield stickers as the summer season is approaching, and then voted on the cover picture for the town report. They chose the new Perryville Bridge.

Ms. Keefe also noted that the town compost facility on Cudworth Road will accept Christmas trees through Jan. 11. The facility’s hours are 7:30a.m. to 2:30p.m.