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The senior tax work off program and the South Spencer Road fire prompted discussion at the November 4 Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
Town Administrator Jeff Bridges said a “miscommunication” from his office resulted in participants in the senior tax work off program receiving $2,000 instead of $1,000. He noted the program for this year ends on November 15. Starting January 1, he suggested the board decide whether to go back to $1,000.
Selectman Gary Woodbury said the administrator was putting the board in a horrible position.
“The horse is out of the barn and now we’re trying to close it,” Woodbury said.
In answer to Woodbury’s questions, Bridges said seven seniors had reached the $2,000 maximum and several others had worked beyond the $1,000 mark.
Woodbury said seeing as though there was money to accommodate that, he preferred to have more seniors put in the program in the future.
He explained that the Council on Aging has a policy that after five years, a senior participant goes to the back of the line so other people get a chance to benefit. He said some people feel intimidated to apply because it seems to be the same people year after year participating.
It takes 133 hours to reach the $2,000 threshold, he said.
Woodbury noted the adult population in Spencer is 9,917 according to the 2024 census. Of that total, 34% are senior citizens.
Although the money comes from the overlay account (for exemptions and abatements), Woodbury said that is not the point.
“This is a big mistake whether you think so or not,” he said, noting it amounts to about $20,000.
He acknowledged they must to pay the bill but the issue “still requires a lot of discussion.”
Bridges said that the seniors fill in the gaps at Town Hall where departments are short-staffed.
One gentleman picks up trash alongside the roads, Bridges said.
He said between Jan 1 and March 31, the program is open to seniors meeting income criteria. After that, it is open to other seniors, Bridges said. The 20 available slots are never filled.
“I apologize for this happening but it’s benefitted people and it has benefitted the (town) departments,” the town administrator said.
After November 15, Woodbury asked Bridges to bring data back about what the amounts were and where the seniors worked.
Later in the meeting, Vice Chair Jared Grigg thanked the administrator for “owning,” up to his mistake.
Bridges and selectmen also acknowledged the efforts of the Spencer fire department in the wake of numerous brush fires including a large one on South Spencer Road, caused by someone burning trash (illegally) in their yard.
Hicks noted the large fire cost $60,000. Fifteen other communities provided assistance.
“What are you folks thinking?” he asked, referring to people still burning leaves and trash, (which is illegal) and especially dangerous given the very dry, windy conditions.
“This is serious business…You are affecting your fellow man,” Hicks said, noting resulting fires can cost lives, automobiles, homes, etc.
He added that until there is substantial rainfall, outside burning is not permitted including gas grills and power equipment like leaf blowers.
Hicks said he wanted to act through Town Meeting by imposing larger fines. However, it is left to the fire marshal, DA and courts to crack down on violators, Fire Chief Robert Parsons told the Spencer Journal earlier on Monday.
Woodbury echoed what a devasting effect fires can have on neighborhoods and noted firefighters are still battling a large fire in Monson, where Spencer has been providing aid.
Grigg, a firefighter in another community, noted brush fires are not easy work to extinguish because of their depth into the ground. He added, “we got lucky overall.”
(Shortly before the meeting, another illegal fire was burning on Cherry Road).
In other business, Selectmen were introduced to Jeff Stevens, highway crew leader, who will become the new department foreman following Eben Butler’s retirement next month. Stevens has worked in Spencer for approximately five years.
Board members also talked about a traffic incident when two cars exited Ernie’s and Big Y’s parking lots at the same time onto Meadow Road.
Hicks brought up the matter after a resident said she had to drive up on the curb, causing significant tire damage. He pointed out there is not a lot of room between exits and wondered if a stop sign would help.
Police Chief Michael Befford said he could monitor that area for crashes and report back early next year. He noted, however, that people need to yield when coming out of a driveway and “use common sense.”
Utilities and Facilities Superintendent Pete Boria said once a shared sidewalk is completely paved, it will take bikers off the roadway where it is narrower. If problems become a “reoccurring theme,” Boria said, “we can get creative.”
Some selectmen also expressed frustration over lack of audio on television for some board meetings following a complaint by a resident about lack of transparency for things like a Town Meeting preview and override workshops.
Bridges said the town gives Spencer Cable Access capital money to run the channel and it is their contractual obligation to do so.
Resident Carol Payne, who phoned in, said she loves to watch the meetings because it is difficult to attend in person. She emphasized there is the option of calling in to hear the audio. The meetings are also shown online at https://scatv.org/watch-live/ and on Facebook.
Hicks said he could not understand why the technical difficulties are taking so long to fix.
Grigg said he wanted General Manager Aaron Keyes to meet with them along with Cable Access board members if necessary.
“I am very upset. We can’t wait another year,” Hicks said.
“We were made aware of the audio issue last night just as the meeting was starting. It was addressed in real-time and is now working again. This was caused by an audio amp failure at the studio.” Keyes said. Keyes also asks viewers to report any issues as they happen rather than waiting for a Board of Selectmen meeting. Report any issues to info@scatv.org.
