HAMILTON — The selectmen invited Town Clerk Jane Wetson to their meeting this week to review the recent recount of the school override vote.
"It was a learning process for all of us," Wetson said, adding that everything went smoothly, all in all. "I'm very happy to have this behind us."
She's probably not alone with that sentiment.
In the end, the $1.9 million Proposition 21/2 override to boost the school budget was upheld, but by a margin of 34 votes, rather than the original 37 announced May 15.
The heat is on
Board members voted unanimously to award the contract to update the heating system at Town Hall to Ambient Temperature Corp. of Middleton. The total cost of $97,000 is coming from Community Preservation Act funds approved for this purpose by Town Meeting.
Rumors
Selectman Bill Bowler threw out a juicy tidbit and then said he didn't mean to start rumors.
The board was discussing the reuse of the old library, which some have suggested could be torn down and the land sold to a commercial developer.
Selectman Dave Carey noted that all the companies approached so far about the idea has said the property is too small to be profitable.
Bowler noted that might change after the school district completes an upcoming study of its building needs.
"They may close a school," Bowler said, and adding that might be the library's neighbor, Winthrop School, which at the very least is in need of extensive and expensive repairs and upgrades. "You could make the whole area a common zone."
Resident Peter Clark was on hand and questioned whether a zoning change would even be approved by the town's land use boards, let alone by residents.
Wonder what school supporters, who have proclaimed their intention to find additional revenue sources and avoid yearly override battles, think about an office park in the center of town?
Help, they need somebody
A couple of town boards are a member or two short of a full deck. The Finance and Advisory Committee needs one more member, and if you're interested, send your resume Bruce Ramsey, Town Moderator, Hamilton Town Hall, 577 Bay Road.
Also needing bodies is the Hamilton Foundation, which works to meet the unexpected, urgent, short-term needs of residents caused by losing a job, death, divorce or catastrophic illness. Send a letter of interest to Heather Ford at Town Hall.
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