By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH – The Northborough Board of Selectmen met on Oct. 19 and shared updates and town news including welcoming new hires and a voting update.
New hires. Rebecca Meekins started her new role as Assistant Town Administrator.
“I am super excited to start with Northborough,” she said. “Your community has a great reputation particularly among its surrounding communities. You guys have lots of great projects going on that I am really excited to dig in and provide my expertise and services to the residents of Northborough.”
Also, three new Northborough firefighters/paramedics were introduced by Fire Chief David Parenti and officially sworn in by Town Clerk Andrew Dowd: Anthony Riccardo, Cameron Tracia, and Matthew Tufo. All three will start the fire academy in February with anticipated graduation in May.
“I have worked very hard to get to this point in my career,” said Tracia. “Northborough will definitely be a place where I can learn and grow and succeed as a firefighter and paramedic and am honored to be a part of it.”
Riccardo echoed the same sentiments.
“I am excited to get into the fire academy and start to absorb all those things and put it all to good use,” he said.
Tufo, who is a Navy veteran, is also looking forwarded to joining the Northborough Fire Department.
“I am excited for the opportunity to grow within the Department and to become a better fire fighter and paramedic.”
COVID-19 Response Grant: The Board of Selectmen accepted a grant in the amount of $5,335, which is part of a $250 million grant made available to election officials across the country and earmarked to assist with elections.
“We can spend it on any election related expense, which we have some significant ones this year given all the additional burdens placed on us,” said Dowd.
Voting update. Massachusetts residents have the opportunity to vote in person, vote early or vote by mail. Dowd said the process is going well thanks to volunteers and to the Assistant Town Clerk Karen Wilber.
Northborough has surpassed the 5,000 mark for mail-in ballot requests. The completed ballot can be dropped off at the Town Hall (63 Main Street) at the newly installed drive-up, drop box in front of the building. It can also be returned during the early voting hours or via the mail.
Early voting is being held at the Northborough Senior Center (119 Bearfoot Road) through Friday, October 30. View the town website for hours. The first three days saw 566 in-person voters.
Selectmen reports. Selectman Scott Rogers wanted to discuss the emergency response plan as winter approaches and as the town experienced power outages due to a windstorm recently.
Fire Chief David Parenti is the point person who also coordinates emergency efforts with Police Chief William Lyver and Public Works Director Scott Charpentier.
“We have this coordinated group that expands as needed depending on the severity and duration of the emergency,” said Town Administrator John Coderre. “Good plans, great staff and excellent execution is our method.”
Selectman Julianne Hirsch praised the Northborough Trails Committee.
“Since the pandemic started, it is wonderful to see the numbers of people using the trails,” she said. “They provided a safe activity for people during this time and think we are all grateful that in our town we have such a large number of well-maintained trails to use.”
Selectman Leslie Rutan mentioned that the newly donated pergola and the landscaping at the Town Common is beautiful and classy and thanked the Town Common Committee for their initiatives of the entire project.
Selectman Tim Kaelin said 19 applications for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee were received. Recommendations will be made at the Board’s first meeting in November.
Town information can be found at www.town.northborough.ma.us and the full meeting can be viewed on YouTube at Northborough Remote Meetings.
