TOWN OF NATICK 2013 Annual Report Cover Photography: Town of Natick Automated Recycling Truck The Department of Public Works switched to in-house curbside recycling collection in August, 2013. This initiative will result in an estimated annual savings of over $105,000 when comparing the cost of the previously provided contract service to the cost of the in-house service, accounting for salaries and benefits for the 2 new employees, capital costs for the 3 new automated “packers,” fuel, and all other costs associated with this new service. In addition, we have negotiated a contract through which the Town will receive a minimum of $2.00 for every ton of recyclable materials; by way of comparison, we pay $75.95 in disposal fees for every ton of trash. We strongly encourage residents to recycle whenever possible. Automated collection is a technologically advanced system of recycling collection. The system is called “automated” because a special truck, equipped with a mechanical arm, automatically lifts and empties special recycling containers without the driver ever leaving the cab of the truck. This is a system designed to improve efficiency and safety in the DPW Sanitation & Recycling Division. A special recycling container was provided to every eligible residential property in the size of their choosing – 96, 64 or 35 gallon. The program makes the task of putting out recycling easier and cleaner for the resident, improves the appearance of the Town, and greatly reduces the injury potential for Town employees because the mechanical arm performs the lifting. We are currently exploring opportunities to provide recycling collection service to properties that are currently not eligible (those with over multi-unit dwelling units or commercial properties); such properties would be charged a fee for this ser- vice. This program is but one example of the Town’s creativity and commitment to evaluating existing services and programs, with an eye to improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of our service to residents. The 2013 Natick Town Report is dedicated to Bruce S. Weisberg The 2013 Natick Town Report is dedicated to longtime volunteer and community leader Bruce S. Weisberg. Bruce has been an inspiring and tireless champion of Natick for many years, both in Town government and with many community organizations. With his long service on the Friends of the 4th Committee, Natick Days Committee, Natick Center Associates, Kids Connect and the Community Organic Farm, Bruce has shown the knack for making things happen and motivating people to do their best. Countless programs have been well run, with positive results for many kids and families, because of his purposeful and positive contributions. As a member of many town committees, including the Recreation and Parks Commission, Community Development Advisory Committee and the Affordable Housing Trust, Bruce has demonstrated his knowledge of housing and finance, and his love for the entire community, to make a difference. As Senior Vice President and Real Property Manager at Middlesex Savings Bank, Bruce has spearheaded the bank’s community outreach and has set a high standard for corporate citizenship. He has also served on the MetroWest ESL Fundraising Committee, Greater Boston Business Council, the Greater Boston Banker’s Association, and Leadership MetroWest. A longtime observer has shared the view that meetings and events just run better with Bruce, people do better work, and more gets done thanks to his positive, team-first attitude and wise counsel. For his inspired leadership and many contributions to our community’s quality of life, the Town proudly dedicates the 2013 Town Report to Bruce S. Weisberg. 234th Annual Report of the Town of Natick Massachusetts Year Ending December 31, 2013 Table of Contents Retirees Calendar Year 2013 ............................................................................................................................10 General Statistics ........................................................................................................................................... 11 Elected Town Officials ................................................................................................................................... 13 Committees Appointed by Board of Selectmen ................................................................................................14 Committees Appointed by the Town Administrator ........................................................................................ 19 Miscellaneous Boards & Committees ...............................................................................................................20 Committees Appointed by the Moderator ........................................................................................................20 Officials Appointed by Selectmen ....................................................................................................................20 Officers Appointed by the Town Administrator .............................................................................................. 21 SECTION I, ANNUAL REPORTS GENERAL GOVERNMENT Board of Selectmen & Town Administrator .....................................................................................................25 Personnel Department.....................................................................................................................................30 Town Counsel ..................................................................................................................................................32 Town Clerk ......................................................................................................................................................34 Board of Registrars .........................................................................................................................................35 Information Technology ...................................................................................................................................... 36 Community Development Department ............................................................................................................39 Building Department ......................................................................................................................................41 Conservation Commission & Environmental Compliance ................................................................................42 Planning Board ...............................................................................................................................................45 Zoning Board of Appeals .................................................................................................................................46 Sealer of Weights and Measures .......................................................................................................................48 FINANCE DEPARTMENTS Board of Assessors .........................................................................................................................................49 Comptroller .....................................................................................................................................................50 Treasurer/Collector ..........................................................................................................................................51 Board of Retirement .......................................................................................................................................53 HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Board of Health ..............................................................................................................................................55 Community Services Department ....................................................................................................................57 Recreation and Parks Commission .................................................................................................................. 59 Human Services & Council on Aging ...............................................................................................................62 Veterans’ Services ............................................................................................................................................64 Natick Community Organic Farm ...................................................................................................................66 Sassamon Trace Golf Course Oversight Committee ..........................................................................................68 EDUCATION & LEARNING Superintendent of Schools and School Committee ...........................................................................................70 NATICK HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2013 ....................................................................................................78 Joseph P. Keefe Regional Vocational Technical School .....................................................................................82 Morse Institute Library ...................................................................................................................................89 Bacon Free Library .........................................................................................................................................91 PUBLIC SAFETY Fire Department .............................................................................................................................................93