By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The City Council discussed a communication from Mayor Arthur Vigeant at its Jan. 23 meeting, a request that $100,000 be transferred from other accounts into a fund to pay for unexpected water treatments needed after last year's excessive rainfall.
The matter will be one of several issues discussed at a Finance Committee meeting held Jan. 30.
The city buys water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and purifies it at the city-owned plant off Millham Street. Both Millham Reservoir and Lake Williams are currently overflowing their respective spillways.
Lawmakers also learned at the council meeting that the state has denied a grant to upgrade Memorial Beach. They referred the matter to the Finance Committee for a discussion on alternatives before delaying the project. Renovations would include improvements to the parking area and pathways to the beach.
The mayor has also asked for $154,000 in transfers to fund overtime costs in the Police Department due to several officers being out with injuries. Injured officers are paid from the city's self-insured Worker's Compensation Fund.
A tentative budget report for the Assabet Valley Regional Technical School (AVRTS) repair-renovation project was received by the council and placed on file. The AVRTS School Committee will set community assessments next month after Gov. Deval Patrick's budget is released. The committee is also waiting to see what the state will determine regarding spending requirements and Chapter 70 aid, according to AVRTS School Superintendent Mary Jo Nawrocki.
In other business, the council discussed a communication from Zoning Enforcement Officer Stephen Reid, regarding a special permit request from Marlborough Savings Bank to increase the hours of the ATM at 81 Granger Blvd. to 24 hours a day. The council referred the matter back to Reid and asked him to schedule a public hearing. Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Elder said he represents abutters in the area and feels they should be allowed to voice their opinions.
Councilors accepted a communication from the mayor announcing the retirement of Principal Assessor Anthony R. Trodella. Councilor-at-Large Mark Oram thanked Trodella for his services through the years.
“The city of Marlborough benefited tremendously from his outstanding dedication,” he said.
Assistant Principal Assessor Dan Brogie is currently managing the assessor's office.
