The Wrentham Times

No Changes to Madison Street Zoning

At a lengthy and well attended Town Meeting, the article to rezone nearly 50 acres of land on Madison St. was defeated. Town voters also approved an annual budget of over $35 million, agreed to borrow $800,000 to fund road and side walk repairs, as well as asbestos abatement and driveway reconstruction at the elementary schools. An article to add agricultural accessory uses to the zoning bylaws was postponed indefinitely. 

The Madison St. proposal needed two-thirds of town meeting voters to support it in order to pass. While most in attendance supported the amendment (247 to 178) it fell short of the two-thirds threshold. 

The meeting adjourned at around 11:50 p.m. and will reconvene Tuesday night, at King Philip Regional High School at 7:30 p.m. to address the remaining articles. A more detailed account of the meeting will be posted later today.

Clerk's Office Closed Thursday and Friday

The Wrentham Town Clerk’s office will be closed on Thursday, June 6th and Friday, June 7th, due to attendance at a training conference.

Voter Registration for Special Election

The Wrentham Town Clerk will hold a special voter registration on Wednesday, June 5th for the Special State Election of June 25, 2013. Registration will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town Clerk’s office in the Town Hall; and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Room of the Public Safety Building. Also, absentee ballots for the State Election are also now available. Please call the Town Clerk at 508-384-5415 with questions.

Rabies Clinic a Success

The Wrentham Board of Health ran a successful rabies clinic last month. At this week's Board of Health meeting, Debra Dunn, chair of the board said the clinic served 29 pets -- a mix of dogs and cats. "All pets were well behaved," she said. "It was well attended."

To watch the meeting in its entirety click "Wrentham Board of Health Meeting of May 13, 2013" to see the recording from Wrentham Cable Access.

Wrentham Town Government Study Committee to Make Second Public Presentation

The Wrentham Town Government Study Committee (TGSC) will provide its second formal public presentation on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 7 p.m. The presentation will be held in the Media Center at King Philip Regional High School, 201 Franklin St. All residents, board and committee members, and Town employees are invited to attend.

The purpose of the presentation is to review the TGSC’s recommendations that will be provided to the Board of Selectmen for their endorsement on May 21. In March 2012, the Wrentham Board of Selectmen established the TGSC and charged it to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the Town’s organizational structure and management systems and to report back to the BOS with any recommendations.

Over the past year, the TGSC has met with representatives from all of the Town’s boards, committees and departments as part of the study effort. In November the TGSC, with assistance from Clark University’s Masters in Public Administration program, conducted a survey with the Town’s residents to gain impressions and feedback on the quality of Town provided services.

In February 2013 the TGSC provided its first formal public presentation which reviewed the major themes and opportunities resulting from the data collected and the TGSC’s subsequent analysis. This presentation provided attendees the opportunity to address the context of the data collected, recommend adjustments, or provide additional specific information.

At the presentation on May 16, the TGSC will present four primary recommendations with implementation requirements for the BOS to consider and endorse. The final draft of the recommendations will be posted on the TGSC page on Wrentham’s web site prior to the presentation.

Botaish and Pratt Win

The voters of Wrentham re-elected Joseph Botaish and Gail Pratt to the Board of Selectmen. The two incumbents won by beating out Planning Board member George Smith. "I'm very happy," Botaish said.

The Board of Selectmen race was the only contested race. Turnout for the election was 23 % - higher than predicted and significantly higher than 2012 when the annual town election only saw a 11 % turnout. Town Clerk Carol Mollica, who was also re-elected, thought the turnout was impressive. "It was very good for today," she said. "I projected it to be lower."

Unofficial numbers are Botaish receiving 1,065 votes and Pratt garnering 945. Smith received 745 votes.

Hydrant Flushing to Resume Sunday

The Department of Public Works Water Division, will be flushing water mains and hydrants from Sunday, April 15th through Friday, April 19 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. The areas affected during the week will be East St. (Route 140) and side streets from the center of town to Winter St., Thurston St. and side streets from East St. to Route 1; Taunton St. and side streets from Common St. to 381 Taunton St., Madison St. and side streets from East St. to 369 Madison St., Dedham St. (Route 1/A) and side streets from the center of town to Winter Street and Winter Street and side streets. Any questions should be directed to the Water Division at (508) 384-5477.

Election Workers Needed

The Wrentham Town Clerk is looking for election workers to work at the Local Town Election/Special State Primary on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. If interested, please call 508-384-5415.

Meet the Candidates

Wrentham Citizens' Alliance will hold a candidates night on April 10th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fiske Public Library. This year there is a contested race for two selectmen seats. Incumbents Joe Botaish and Gail Pratt both seek reelection and Planning Board member George Smith is also running. The town election is on April 30th.

Dog License Deadline Approaching

Dog license fees are due to the Town Clerk no later than March 31th. If your dog is over 6 months old, it must be licensed in Wrentham. All dogs must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. After the March 31st there is a $50 fine added to the dog license fee. To learn more about the application for a dog license visit the Town Clerk's web site.

Town Clerk Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - 8 a.m. to 4 p/m/

Tuesday - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday - 8 a.m. to 12 noon