Are You Dedicated To Winchendon?

Do You Want To Make A Difference?

Can You Volunteer One or Two Nights A Month?

PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING YOUR TOWN!

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

NOTICE OF VACANCIES – January 2012

As of January 2012, the Board of Selectmen acknowledges the following vacancies. If you are interested in serving on one of these Boards, please submit a letter of interest to the Board of Selectmen, 109 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Capital Planning Advisory Committee – 1 Vacancy

The Committee provides a format under which the Town’s current and future capital needs can be managed given due consideration to the fiscal realities facing the Town of Winchendon, identify and address issues that could/should be addressed to better our bond rating, remain mindful of the effect that any decisions would have on the tax rate and fees in the Town and to advise the Board of Selectmen & Town Manager with information about the capital needs of the Town.

Conservation Committee – 1 Vacancy

The Winchendon Conservation Commission is a seven-member board responsible for the local administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act (MGL, Chapter 131, Section 40). The Conservation Commission has also assumed the same responsibilities for the Town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw approved by voters at the 2007 Annual Town Meeting. The Town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw includes some stronger provisions over and above those found in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, primarily in the form of greater no-build and no-disturb setbacks from wetland resource areas.

Generally, the Conservation Commission’s regulatory authority is triggered when alteration or construction is proposed in a wetland or floodplain, within 100 feet of a wetland, or within 200 feet of a river, stream or brook that flows year round. Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Commission is required to issue decisions that provide for the following eight interests:

Protection of public and private water supply
Protection of groundwater supply
Flood control
Prevention of storm damage
Prevention of pollution
Protection of land containing shellfish
Protection of fisheries
Protection of wildlife habitat

The Conservation Commission generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month and as posted.

Cultural Council – Many Vacancies (Council can have up to 19 members – we currently have five)

The Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences annually. The program promotes the availability of rich cultural experiences for every Massachusetts citizen. Yearly the Council awards grants to cultural programs townwide. These include school field trips, afterschool programs, concerts, festivals, lectures, theater, dance, music, and film. LCC projects take place in schools, community centers, libraries, elder care facilities, town halls, parks, and wherever the community comes together.

Historical Commission/Historic District – 2 Vacancies

Briefly summarized, the Historical Commission is charged with the preservation, protection and development of the historical or archeological assets of the town. The Commission is authorized to conduct searches and surveys and to make recommendations concerning establishment of archeological or historical landmarks.

The Commission may hold hearings, and may enter into contracts with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the Commission’s programs. The Commission may also acquire, in the name of the Town, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise, lease or otherwise, the fee or lesser interest in real or personal property of significant historical value and may manage the same.

Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC) – 1 Vacancy

The purpose of the MJTC is to provide an open and broadly participatory transportation planning process with involvement on the part of local communities, officials and citizenry within the transportation planning area. Annually one representative is appointed by the Selectmen and one from the Planning Board.

Parks and Recreation Committee – 2 Student Vacancies

There is a Recreation Commission consisting of seven (7) members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. One member is a student in good standing from the Murdock Middle School, and one member is a student in good standing from the Murdock High School. Student members are appointed annually.

The Commission is responsible for the formulation of Town Recreation Policy which, at a minimum, addresses the following issues:

a. Facilities and Maintenance

b. Recreation Programs

c. Long Range Planning

The Commission is in charge of all playgrounds, parks, and other recreation facilities owned by the Town of Winchendon, which are not under the control of the School Department. The Commission and the School Department cooperate so that the optimum use may be made of all of the Town's recreation facilities. The Commission establishes such reasonable fees for use of any recreation facilities and programs as it deems to be consistent with established Recreation Policy.

Registrars of Voters – 1 Vacancies

Oversees census and voter registration data to assure compliance with state and federal election law. Also conducts recounts in disputed elections.

Zoning Board of Appeals – 2 Vacancies

The Board holds public hearings on applications, in the form of an Administrative Appeal, from persons aggrieved because they were unable to obtain a building permit or an enforcement action from the Building Inspector related to interpretation(s) of the Winchendon Zoning Bylaws. Public hearings are also held on applications for Special Permits as provided for in the Zoning Bylaws as well as requests for Variances from certain, clearly specified, provisions of the Bylaws. Hearings are held at regularly scheduled Board meetings on the first and third Wednesday evening of each month.

For a listing of meetings, please view the Town Calendar.