By David Fassler, Community Reporter
Hudson – The Board of Selectmen approved the expenditure of $360,000, approved five business licenses and discussed matters related to infrastructure and mutual aid at its Sept. 12 meeting.
The board approved $156,000 to the C. N. Wood Company Inc. for the purchase of a street sweeper. It also approved $20,000 for the low-bid purchase from Arrow Fence Co. Inc. of Marlborough for fencing for the Sauta Cornfield Athletic Field.
A contract was approved for more than $183,000 to Tetra Tech Inc. for Phase I consulting services, including preparing bid and other documents necessary for the management and cleanup of the property at 173 Washington St. The board continued the town's acquisition of the property by accepting a Quitclaim Deed that was acquired by purchase August 12, as part of the Washington Street/Route 85 redevelopment plan.
A request to consider a transfer, pledge of license, and pledge of inventory of the All Alcohol Pouring License from Applebee's Restaurant North to Apple New England LLC at 222 Washington St. was approved.
The board also approved a one-day Alcohol License for “A Day for Nellie” fund-raiser at the Hudson Elks Pavilion Sept. 18. Licenses were approved for Peter Faulring and Christine Crue to drive for Sunshine Taxi, as well as a Hawker/Peddler License for Fredy Estrada doing business as Hot Dog Heaven.
In other matters, Selectmen Chair James Vereault brought up the topic of the statewide mutual aid law.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 section 4(k), known as “The Statewide Public Works Mutual Aid Law” was passed by the legislature to allow greater flexibility for towns to use resources.
Executive Assistant Paul Blazar explained that the law is similar to the public safety mutual aid agreement, and is an opt-in program in which participating municipalities could, under certain circumstances, call on the aid of public works equipment and manpower from surrounding communities.
“[The agreement] assumes any request would be honored,” Blazar said, “and the sending community would bear the cost.”
“I am in favor of this,” Vereault said. “I am going to vote for it, and I hope it is a well-meaning, well-written piece of legislation.”
The board approved supporting the measure, 4-0.
The board also ratified water betterments on Murphy and White Pond roads, and Parmenter and Hosmer streets, and sewer betterments on Forest Avenue, Woodrow Street and Birchwood Drive.
In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Santino Parente from the Economic Development Committee. A proclamation that recognizes Monday, Oct. 24, as United Nations Day was also approved.
