Westwood Wire - December 2018 Edition

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Westwood Massachusetts

Westwood Wire - November  2018 Edition

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Letter from the Town Administrator

Residents,

For those that celebrate, Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to everyone.  Don't forget to join us on Monday, December 31st at 7:00pm at Westwood High School for our annual fireworks show sponsored by Roche Brothers. 

This is a reminder that the overnight parking ban during winter months is now in effect through March 31st. This means that there is no parking on any public streets between 2:00am and 5:00am. Please be sure to move vehicles off the roadway and into private driveways or public lots during those hours. 

I would like to also inform residents of emergency procedures the Town undertakes during major storms, including snow storms. In my role as Town Administrator, I will declare a snow and ice emergency when necessary per the Town Bylaws sec. 380-11.2 which means that during the emergency, parking on all town roads is prohibited through the duration of the storm. When this happens, the Town will post this information on the Town's website and, when possible, send through various media outlets, including the Westwood Wire distribution list.

Since today is the official first day of winter, I encourage residents to read this Wire as our Health Department has provided some great cold weather safety tips. December through March have historically been known to be our more severe winter months.  That said, residents should be aware that the Town, Public Safety Departments, DPW and Schools work closely to monitor storm impacts and provide the community with the best quality of services we can. If at any time, you have questions related to emergency responses related to winter storms, please contact my office at 781-326-4172 or the Department of Public Works at 781-320-1037. We will provide as much information as possible related to our responses through the Wire, social media outlets, the website and robo calls/emails. Be sure to sign up for the Town's robo call list so you can receive these important updates.

Finally, many boards and committees schedule meetings well in advance of the winter months.  As we have seen in the past on occasion, meetings may need to be canceled or rescheduled due to severe weather.  Make sure to check the Town's website or contact the Town Clerk's Office at 781-326-3964 to confirm the meeting you wish to attend is still being held, or if it has been rescheduled and the new date. 

Happy Holidays,

Mikes sig

Michael A. Jaillet
Town Administrator 

Save the Date

New Years Eve Fireworks 
December 31


Important Links

Quarterly Newsletter - Winter Edition

Sharps Container Information & Disposal Locations 

 

 


Westwood's Recycling Revamp

Town of Westwood staff visited the recycling processing plant for an audit recently.  Many items that are not allowed in recycling were present during the audit.  Contamination is a HUGE problem and it will cost the Town of Westwood more if we do not clean up our recycling stream.  Plastic bags are the main contaminant causing major issues at the plant.  For residents looking to reduce their household waste and become better recyclers and help Westwood reduce the cost of recycling, look no further than the Recycle Coach platform—now available in Westwood. 

“The Town of Westwood is excited to join the Recycle Coach network, which will transform how we communicate local collection, waste, and recycling information to our residents. Beyond that, the platform includes engagement and educational tools to help people manage and correctly dispose of their waste,” said Brendan Ryan, Assistant Director/Operations Manager at the Westwood DPW.

Residents can access Recycle Coach from their desktop computers, mobile devices, or through digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The platform makes it easy for people to get local disposal information for thousands of household items when they need it. And the best part: it’s absolutely free.

With Recycle Coach, residents can:

  • Stay organized with custom curbside collection and events calendars
  • Receive collection reminders and real-time updates on service disruptions
  • Become recycling experts with a comprehensive "What Goes Where?" search tool, including local disposal information and collection requirements for common and uncommon items
  • Take the “What Type of Recycler Are You?” quiz for useful recycling tips and tricks
  • Use the problem-reporting tool, equipped with geolocation, to notify municipal customer services about issues like missed collections

Ultimately, the service takes the guesswork out of recycling, empowering residents to make smarter disposal decisions and take an active approach to reducing household waste. For Westwood, the hope is that his will translate into higher recycling rates and less contamination in our recycling stream.

Become a better recycler today by downloading the Recycle Coach app for free at the iTunes Store and Google Play.

About Recycle Coach

Recycle Coach is a technology company with deep roots in public and private waste management services. The company develops a comprehensive digital solution that optimizes collection, waste, and recycling programs. It connects residents with local disposal information on desktop, mobile, or through digital assistants.

Serving over 3,000 communities across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Recycle Coach strives to make the world a greener place by making it easier for people to practice waste mindfulness.

More information can be found at www.westwoodrecycling.org.

Any questions or concerns you may contact the Department of Public Works:

781-326-8661


New Years Eve Fireworks 2018

Fireworks

For more information, please contact the Westwood Recreation Department.


Health Department- Cold Weather Safety Tips

Cold

When your body temperature gets very low you can suffer from Hypothermia. For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, and liver damage. Here are some cold weather safety tips to follow.

  • Set your heat to at least 68–70°F. Keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.
  • Make sure your house isn't losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
  • Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
  • Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you don't eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you stay warm.
  • Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat, so drink in moderation.
  • Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.

You may be tempted to warm your room with a space heater. However, some space heaters are fire hazards, and others can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to use with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual to make sure you are using it correctly.


The Great New England Hurricane

Hurricane Flyer

Holiday Recycling Pick Up

Cardboard Only Dumpster:

Westwood Department of Public Works will once again offer a holiday dumpster to dispose of extra cardboard.  The cardboard ONLY dumpster will be available for use:

December 26th to December 28th 2018 (7:00AM – 3:00PM)

December 31, 2018 (7:00AM - 11:30AM)

January 1st, 2019 (CLOSED)

January 2nd to January 4th, 2019 (7:00AM - 3:00PM)

Cardboard ONLY- no trash, wrapping paper or Styrofoam

 

Christmas Tree Pickup: January 7, 2019- January 18, 2019

Westwood Department of Public Works will be picking up Christmas trees January 7th through January 18th. Please have your Christmas trees out at your curbside by 7:00 am on your regularly scheduled trash pickup day. All trees must be free of plastic bags, stands, ornaments, and other materials to be acceptable for collection.

If you have any questions, please call the Department of Public Works at 781-251-2587.

XMas Tree

Westwood's Thomas Philbin Among "Leading By Example" Recipients at Twelfth annual awards given by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to recognize clean energy initiatives

Thomas Philbin, Westwood's Energy Manager, was honored at the Massachusetts State House on December 6, 2018 with a Public Sector Individual Award in the 12th annual Leading by Example (LBE) awards. These awards, given by the Baker-Polito administration, recognize those who promote clean energy and sustainable initiatives. Additionally, Philbin was awarded congratulatory citations on the LBE award by the Massachusetts State Senate and Legislature.

Philbin received this honor for introducing   numerous   clean energy initiatives and encouraging broad stakeholder collaboration across the Town of Westwood. Initially Philbin’s position was funded by a DOER Green Communities Energy Manager two year grant award. Since that time, the town has enthusiastically continued funding the Energy Manager position based on Philbin’s early accomplishments which include  efforts advancing the installation of 780 kW of solar in the town, extensive energy efficiency projects, initiating efforts for DOER Green Community designation, and planning for future "near zero energy” buildings.

"DOER is proud to partner with state and local agencies through our Leading by Example Program to provide them with the tools they need to remain on the cutting edge of clean energy innovation", said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. "These investments mean real savings – not only in emissions and energy use, but also in operational costs for municipalities, colleges and facilities."

"We are pleased to recognize the efforts of today's awardees and the many public agencies that work hard to fulfill the Commonwealth's commitment to energy sustainability," said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Carol Gladstone.

Over an extensive career in the energy field, Philbin has been involved in numerous   power projects throughout the world and specifically in Energy Efficiency efforts for over 20 years. Philbin is a resident of Westwood and has served as Westwood's Energy Manager since 2013. The award and congratulatory citations were presented to Philbin by Nick Connors, the Green Communities Director. The Westwood Board of Selectmen will also be honoring Philbin at their meeting on December 17, 2018 at 7:30 PM in the Westwood Police Station community room.

Philbin is an alumnus of the Manhattan College with a BS in Physics and the University of Michigan with a Masters and PhD in Environmental Health Sciences.

For Further information, please contact: Patricia Healey Town of Westwood. 50 Carby Street;

781-251-2587


Give the Gift of Recreation

Recreation

News From the Clerks Office

Dog licensing will begin for 2019 January 1, 2019  through March 31, 2019. 

  • You may license your dog online, in person, or, by mail, provided you include a copy of a current rabies certificate and a self-addressed stamped envelope.  If you are licensing your dog for the first time, proof of spay or neutering is also required.
  • Licenses will be valid from January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2019.
  • You must license your dog on an annual basis.
  • If you own more than 4 dogs this is considered a “Personal Kennel” per MGL c. 140 §136A.
  • You must go through a special permit application process through the Zoning Board of Appeals to license a kennel.  
  • Failure to license your dog on or before March 31, 2017 may result in a fine of $25.00, per town bylaws §184-10,B.(1).

Licensing Fees are as follows:

  • Dogs not Neutered or Spayed: $15.00
  • Dogs Neutered or Spayed :     $10.00
  • Residents ages 70 or older the fee is waived for one dog per household
  • Kennel fees-please contact the Town Clerk’s office

Please be sure to include the correct licensing fee.  If you are unsure, Please contact the Town Clerks office at 781 326-3964. 

Annual Rabies Clinic:

Saturday, January 12, 2019, 9am-12pm

Carby Street Municipal Office Building

50 Carby Street

Westwood MA, 02090

You may also license your dog(s) at the Rabies Clinic.

 
The Annual Town Census will be sent to each household the first week in January, 2019. It is extremely important that you fill this out and return it within 10 days of its receipt.  You may also scan and email it to census@townhall.westwood.ma.us provided you have filled it out and signed it.  Failure to return the Census may cause a voter to be designated as inactive on the voting list (M.G.L, Ch.51, § 4). Also please note that you may not register to vote or change parties via a census form.

  • The Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2019
  • Nomination papers will be available on Tuesday, January 15, 2018 for those registered Westwood voters who wish to run for Town positions.

 The following elected offices will appear on the Ballot:

  • Board of Assessors - 1 Seat - 3 Year Term
  • Housing Authority-1 Seat- 5 Year Term
  • Housing Authority-1 Seat-2 year Term(to fill a vacancy)
  • Library Trustee - 2 Seats - 3 Year Terms
  • Moderator - 1 Seat - 1 Year Term
  • Planning Board - 2 Seats - 3 Year Terms
  • School Committee - 2 Seats -3 Year Terms
  • Selectman - 1 Seat - 3 Year Term
  • Sewer Commission - 1 Seat - 3 Year Term

Basketball Holiday Tournament

Bball

Winter Holiday Fire Safety

Decorating for the holidays is fun, but holiday decorations can increase your risk of a home fire. As you get ready to celebrate keep these safety tips in mind. If you have a cut tree in your home make sure you water it every day and keep it away from all sources of heat. Dried out trees are dangerous because they can catch on fire easily. Artificial trees should have a fire retardant label. Before hanging lights make sure that there are no frayed wires or broken plugs and never overload outlets. Use no more than 3 strands of lights on a single extension cord. When you leave the house or retire for the night make sure to unplug all of your holiday lights.

If you’re decorating with candles this holiday season consider using battery-operated, flameless candles. They look, feel and smell just like real candles but are much safer. If you decide to use lit candles keep them on a stable holder and place them in an area where they won’t be knocked over. Never leave lit candles unattended and never put them on or near your tree or other flammable decorations.


Westwood Library

The Westwood Public Library is taking a deep dive into the 1919 Boston Molasses Flood. Come join the events they have planned or check out their selection on this piece of Boston's history.

Molasses Flood

Open Space and Recreation Plan Update

In the fall of 2017, Westwood began the process of updating its Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP) by appointing an Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee comprised of representatives from several town boards and committees, local organizations, and at-large resident representatives.  The Committee worked with a consultant in 2018 to update data and propose new goals based on community input.  In November 2018, the Committee forwarded a draft plan to the Planning Board.  The Planning Board received the draft plan in early December 2018 and will hold a continued public hearing on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 7:00 pm at 50 Carby Street.  The Plan looks at Westwood’s current land, demographics, current trends, and sets goals, strategies, and makes recommendations to protect open space and recreation resources in Westwood.  Completing an Open Space & Recreation Plan every several years provides a guide for future Town decisions pertaining to open space and recreation and makes the Town eligible for grants to purchase land for open space and develop recreation facilities.  The Planning Board will review and finalize the Open Space and Recreation Plan before forwarding the Plan to the Board of Selectmen for consideration of endorsement by Town Meeting.  Please review the plan, attend the public hearing, and provide comments to the Planning Board.  You may attend the hearing or send comments in writing to the Town Planner at amccabe@townhall.westwood.ma.us

 

The complete Plan is available for viewing on the Planning Board’s Current Application Page and on the Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee’s page.  Find it here:  www.westwoodpermit.org


Westwood Youth & Family Services

SPG