Town Hall Ends Costly Battle Over Public Records Request

Citizens, Transparency, and the Price of Refusal

A Citizen’s Quest for Payroll Transparency

In a story that has sparked debate over government transparency and fiscal responsibility, a citizen’s simple request for a public payroll report set off a months-long and expensive conflict in Townsend. The town, rather than providing the requested records, engaged in a protracted legal struggle—costing taxpayers hundreds if not thousands of dollars in lawyer fees.

Initial Refusal and Fee Assessment

The ordeal began when the town imposed a fee on the requester for access to the public payroll records. This move was quickly challenged, and upon appeal, the Supervisor of Records in the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office ruled that the fee was not permissible under state law, effectively denying the town’s attempt to charge for the information.

Continued Resistance and State Intervention

Despite the ruling, the town persisted in its refusal to release the records. State authorities intervened multiple times, ordering the town to comply with the law and provide the requested documents. In response, the town eventually released a heavily redacted version of the payroll report.

Redactions and Renewed Appeals

The redacted document was promptly appealed, as none of the redactions appeared to be justified under state law. With legal pressure mounting and the threat of litigation looming, the town finally relented, delivering the complete payroll records to the requester.

The Cost to Taxpayers and Questions of Motive

The financial toll on Townsend’s taxpayers was significant. Many questioned whether the town’s refusal was an attempt to test the resolve of the requester or if it was a politically motivated strategy designed to discourage future public records requests. Given the town’s apparent awareness that their position would not hold up in court, the move seems more obstructionist than pragmatic.

Transparency Under Fire

The controversy did not end with the release of the records. The Select Board has been actively debating new ways to restrict the release of public documents, and some members have publicly criticized citizens who file requests. This stance has raised further concerns about the town’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Where Does Townsend Go From Here?

As the town faces more challenges over public records access, the battle lines over transparency are clearly drawn. The question remains: will Townsend’s resistance to releasing public records land it in court yet again? Based on recent events, such a scenario seems likely.

Conclusion

Townsend’s costly fight over a simple public records request highlights the tension between governmental transparency and institutional resistance. As citizens continue to push for openness and accountability, it remains to be seen whether the town will change its approach—or if taxpayers will see more of their dollars spent on unnecessary legal battles.

Townsend Town Clerk Expands Service Access – Creates User Friendly Website

The Townsend Town Clerk is committed to improving community engagement and making town services more accessible for residents.

This initiative is part of a broader movement in Townsend, where several town departments—including the Police, Fire, and Library—have launched their own user-friendly websites. 

Those efforts have extended beyond websites, as other departments have established social media sites to engage with the community on services and important announcements. These platforms allow for timely updates and foster more interactive communication between residents and town officials.

These sites are designed to streamline interactions between residents and local government, allowing people to access information, request services, and complete transactions online with ease. The Town Clerk’s office is the latest to join this digital transformation, reflecting a growing commitment across departments to better serve the community.

For years, Townsend’s official municipal website was a source of frustration, often criticized by both residents and town officials for its lack of functionality and accessibility. Recognizing these shortcomings, departments began independently developing and managing their own sites over a decade ago. This transition has accelerated recently, thanks to advancements in website management software that make creating and maintaining a site straightforward for anyone, regardless of technical expertise. As a result, more departments are embracing the shift, ensuring residents have reliable and efficient digital access to essential town services.

Harrison Mayotte, Townsend’s Town Clerk, ran for office with the promise of improving transparency. He continues to make good on that promise by prioritizing open communication and ensuring residents have direct access to information about town operations. Through ongoing efforts like the revamped website and expanded digital services, Mayotte demonstrates his commitment to building trust and fostering a more informed community.

The Town Clerk's website can be found here:

Townsend Town Clerk

Why Using Multiple Social Media Platforms Matters for Reaching Wide Audiences

In today’s digital environment, information no longer flows through a single channel. Instead, it circulates across networks, platforms, and communities at high speed. To reach wide and diverse audiences effectively, organizations and individuals must communicate across multiple social media sites rather than relying on a single website or traditional print media.

Websites as Landing Zones, Not Notification Systems

Websites remain essential. They serve as stable, centralized locations where detailed and authoritative information can live. However, websites are not designed to notify people when something new happens. Most users do not regularly check websites unless prompted to do so. As a result, websites function best as landing zones—places audiences arrive after being directed there from elsewhere.

Social media platforms fill this gap. They are built for discovery, sharing, and timely updates. Posts, notifications, and algorithmic feeds push information directly to users, making social media the primary entry point for engagement rather than the destination itself.

The Decline of Print Media as a Primary Information Source

For many people, print media is no longer a practical or accessible source of information. Newspapers, flyers, and printed newsletters have limited reach, slow distribution, and little interactivity. While print still has niche value, it no longer reflects how most people learn about events, services, or ideas.

In contrast, digital information moves quickly and adapts to audience behavior. Social media allows content to be updated instantly, shared widely, and discussed publicly, making it far more effective for modern communication needs.

Information Circulates Across the Internet

Information today does not stay confined to one platform. A message may originate on one social media site, be shared on another, discussed in online communities, and eventually lead users to a website for more details. This circulation means that visibility depends on being present in multiple spaces.

Relying on a single platform risks missing entire segments of an audience. Different groups prefer different platforms, and algorithms determine what content is seen. Using multiple social media sites increases the likelihood that information will reach people where they already are.

Benefits for Organizations and Communities

Communicating across multiple social media platforms is effective for a wide range of groups:

• Businesses can reach customers, build brand trust, and respond quickly to feedback.

• Government agencies can share timely updates, public safety information, and services more efficiently.

• Social groups and non-profits can mobilize supporters, raise awareness, and build engagement.

• Educational and cultural organizations can extend learning and participation beyond physical spaces.

Each platform offers different strengths, from short updates and visuals to longer discussions and live interactions.

Opportunities for Individuals to Create Community

Social media is not only a tool for institutions. Individuals also have the opportunity to create and sustain communities. By sharing information, engaging in dialogue, and connecting people with shared interests, individuals can build networks that inform, support, and inspire others.

Using multiple platforms allows individuals to reach beyond a single audience, adapt their message to different formats, and participate in broader conversations across the internet.

Conclusion

Effective communication in the modern world requires meeting audiences where they are. While websites provide essential structure and credibility, social media platforms are the primary launch points for information. By using multiple social media sites, organizations and individuals can extend their reach, increase engagement, and foster stronger, more connected communities in an increasingly digital society.

Public Hearing April 14th to Change Building Lot Size to 1-Acre

The Townsend Planning Board has a meeting scheduled for Monday April 14, 2025 at 6:30PM. There is a Public Hearing scheduled as part of that meeting at 7:10PM. There are Zoning By-Law amendments being discussed. One of them has garnered some debate amongst the public and some public officials.  The Planning Board is proposing that minimum size of a residential lot be reduced from 2-acres to 1-acre. The hearing is a step in the process for the final approval of the voters at the Annual Town Meeting on May 6th.

Housing Shortage

The change in lot size is needed to provide an opportunity to respond to a severe housing shortage in Townsend, Massachusetts, and the country. The change would also make a big dent in housing costs. The average cost of building a new home in Massachusetts is skyrocketing to well over $600,000. Part of that cost is the cost of land. Building a home on a 1-acre lot is much more affordable than a 2-acre lot.

Septic and Water Questions

Some opponents express concern that a 1-acre lot creates a problem for placing septic tanks and water quality. Townsend is 100% septic with no wastewater treatment plant. Supporters report that there is no public health issue on either point. There are many older homes along Main St. including in the Historic Districts and in the center that are less than half an acre and many less than a quarter acre. There are no concerns about septic on these properties. The Nashoba Board of Health and the Townsend Board of Health routinely work with property owners to design systems to take in consideration of many issues including conservation restrictions. Those involved with these issues on a daily basis also explain that passing this change would continue to protect both septic issues and aquifer concerns as building permits would not be approved with adequate protections. The laws already exist for these issues.

Need for Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is another issue that would be improved with a smaller lot size. Due to the high cost of building a house, affordable housing remains unavailable. Developers are asked to build home to fit into the state's Affordable Housing guidelines. They are not coming forward to build homes that the current Townsend demographics need due to the cost. A 1-acre lot provides an incentive to build affordable homes for the residents of Townsend.

Townsend Character or Snob Zoning

Some people express concerns about changing the character of the town. Going back to the many homes and properties along Main St., the town is seen by those traveling through it from an historic lens with many older homes on smaller lots.

During the 1970’s and 1980’s many communities, including Townsend, enacted strict zoning laws to discourage development. Timberlee Park gave rise to scorn by many long-term Townsend residents leading to limited building in the decades that followed. Those communities that enacted these policies are paying the price today by experiencing housing shortages and prices that force many of those who fought for restricted development to leave the communities they loved. They can no longer afford to live there.

Theories and Myths

There were also theories that increasing development would put a burden on budgets, especially regarding schools and public safety. These have been proven to be myths. More development has been proven to reduce the burdens on existing taxpayers by adding to the tax base. Townsend’s population and new building has been stagnant for several years but still demonstrating pressure on the town’s budget. 

Good for the Town

Amending the Zoning By-Law to reduce the building lot size to 1-acre would be good for Townsend in multiple ways. Attend the Public Hearing on April 14th and vote at the Annual Town Meeting for this important zoning change to bring Townsend into the future.

Townsend Highway Wants Used Cooking and Motor Oil

Homeowners are Challenged to Properly Dispose of Oils

Many people change their own oil on their vehicles. They also change oil on lawnmowers, generators, and other gas powered equipment large and small. These same people struggle to find an appropriate way to dispose of the used oil. 

Disposal containers are sold at local retailers and for a fee they will dispose of used motor oil in the containers. A few people may decide to improperly dispose of the oil by dumping it. Neither one of these choices is necessary.

Used cooking oil is also a problem for disposal for those who enjoy fried food including in a deep fat fryer. This oil often finds it's way into the weekly trash. It is also poured down the drain leading to potential problems with septic systems. These choices are both messy and unnecessary for disposal of cooking oil. 

Win-Win Solution Available to Dispose of Cooking and Motor Oil

The Townsend Highway Department uses used oil, including motor oil and cooking oil, to fuel the heating system at the Highway garage. They collect used oil from residents on a quarterly basis. This helps to keep the heat on at the garage at reduced cost (saves the taxpayers money). It also reduces the amount of trash being disposed of, especially as all of this oil is inappropriate for disposal in residential trash. The acceptance of used motor oil saves residents the cost of commercial or retail disposal of the oil.

Used Oil Collection Schedule

The Highway Department has the following dates scheduled for acceptance of used oil:

    September 7th, 2024

    November 2nd, 2024

    January 4th, 2025

    March 1st, 2025

    May 3rd, 2025

The hours for the donations are from 8am to 12pm. The location is at the rear of the Highway garage at 177 Main St., Townsend. 

The Highway Department asks that the oil be brought down there in minimum one gallon containers which will be returned to the donor.

Upcoming Public Hearings Regarding Nashoba - THIS WEEK

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CONCERNING

Nashoba Valley Medical Center

200 Groton Road, Ayer, MA 01432

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (the “Department”) has received notification of Steward Health Care System’s intent to close Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, MA. The Department will conduct public hearings pursuant to 105 CMR 130.122(D) in-person and virtually by conference call in order to promote public access. These hearings will not be adjudicatory in nature, but rather public forums for the presentation of any comments which may be relevant to the Department’s consideration of the proposed change.

The in-person hearing is scheduled for: 

Date: Thursday, August 15th , 2024

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA 01434

 

The virtual hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 19th, 2024, 6:00 PM.

Members of the public and other interested parties may join the hearing by phone using the following information:

Date: Monday, August 19th , 2024

Time: 6:00pm

Phone Number: 800-593-9954

Passcode: 3281952

Written comments concerning this matter may be submitted to the Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification, Attn: Licensure Coordinator, 67 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 or by email  to HFLLicenseAction@Mass.Gov. Comments will be accepted up to midnight on August 19th. All written comments submitted to the Department may be posted on the Department’s website and released in response to a request for public records.

Tricare for Life Fraud Alert

 Tricare has announced that there is a phishing scam targeting military retirees who are Tricare for Life beneficiaries.

Tricare for Life is the insurance military retirees can sign up for when they become Medicare beneficiaries for their Part B claims.

The phishing scam sends emails telling beneficiaries they need to call a number because their benefits will be expiring due to nonpayment of their premium. 

It is easy enough for a retiree to fall for this scam as their is a payment associated with the insurance. The payment is deducted from the retiree's social security just like other Part B plans. The retiree could easily believe that there was a problem with the deduction and make the call risking getting cught up in a scam to provide their financial information.

Retirees and other Tricare for Life beneficiaries should NOT respond to these notices. They should follow the guidelines provided by Tricare.

Follow this link to the Tricare site --- Trocare for Life Scam. 

There are many scams out there targeting seniors. Stay safe and avoid emails advising you of an urgent financial matter. When unsure about a message, contact your referenced financial institution through a number you have for them. Do not use the number or link in the email. If there is a problem with a financial account, you can find out by calling them directly.

Kimball's Ice Cream Seeking New Crew to Finish the Season

 

Looking for a job? All Kimball's locations seeking new crew to fill in for those who are heading off to college. 

Check-in at any Kimball's or go to their website.

Greenville Rd Closure, Recycling Center Access and Hours Update

PLEASE NOTE: None of his information is available on the Townsend website. 

Many residents have gotten the word that there is bridge construction on Greenville Rd. requiring part of the road to be closed. The closure began on July 29, 2024.  There is no announced end date on the closure.

Those heading up to the Country Mile or towards Kimball's in New Ipswich will need to seek alternate routes.

The road up to the Recycling Center will be open at least on the days the Recycling Center is open. Here is the updated schedule for the Recycling Center for this calendar year:

BREAKING: Nashoba Valley Hospital Slated to Close by End of August

 Steward Healthcare, the embattled owner of multiple hospital systems in Massachusetts, has announced the closure of two of its facilities, Nashoba and Carney Hospitals.

Nashoba Hospital has provided healthcare to the Nashoba Valley for generations. The Governor's office stated that plans are in place to assist patients who are using these hospitals to transition their care to other facilities. Those who infrequently use the facility will need to plan to use other local hospitals such as Emerson, Leominster, or St Joe's in the future.

The closure comes as no surprise to many local residents who have listened to the news and rumors for many months. Many patients and healthcare providers had already moved on. 

The loss of Nashoba Valley Medical Center will be felt by locals for both their healthcare and employment. 

The financial outlook for healthcare has been dim in the healthcare industry. Hospital systems have been consolidating and regionalizing for many years. The business side of healthcare has been impacted by low insurance reimbursements and the need to keep healthcare affordable. Patients in rural areas have been traveling farther and farther for their healthcare needs.

BREAKING NEWS: Biden Drops Out and Endorses Harris

 President Joe Biden, who has steadfastly refused to drop out of the race for reelection, has decided to drop out. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Vice President was in Massachusetts yesterday campaigning for the Biden/Harris ticket, insisting the ticket was Biden/Harris. She was surrounded by strong supporters who traveled to Provincetown to great and support her and President Biden. She is reported to have raised over $2 million for their campaign. 

Harris has many years of experience in public service and politics. Nearly four years serving as Vice President being the most significant experience anyone could bring to the Presidency. She ran for President last time against Joe Biden in the Democratic Primary.

Vice President Harris has also been a US Senator representing her home state of California. She was also Attorney General for California and previously the District Attorney of San Francisco.

She has already broken many barriers. Should she be elected President, she will be the first woman to hold that office.

Information about Vice President Harris can be found at the White House website - https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-harris/

Old Brick Store Reopening Stymied by Lack of Tobacco License

The Old Brick Store in West Townsend has been closed for the better part of 4 years. They shut down operations during the COVID pandemic in 2000 and have not reopened. 

The property was put up for sale briefly a few years ago. There was an open house, and it was taken off the market shortly thereafter. It was not sold at that time.

Maintenance has not been kept up on the property. The formerly paved parking lot has mostly disintegrated into many pockets of hazardous potholes. Trees can be seen popping up in spots. Quite a bit of work may be needed if the store ever reopens.

The owner of “The Brick” applied to the Board of Health for a license to sell tobacco as part of a plan to reopen the business. The application never saw the light of day. He was denied administratively by the Health Administrator, Carla, due to a town cap on the number of Tobacco licenses available for the town.

The Board of Health met on Tuesday, June 25th. The Old Brick Store was not on the agenda, but the owner of the store was in attendance. At the end of the meeting the Chair, Jim LeCuyer, asked the owner how he could help. Carla informed Jim about the application and denial. Jim concurred that if there are no available licenses, there is nothing they could do. 

Townsend bylaw Chapter 160 covers Board of Health matters. Section 160-99 defines the process of Tobacco licenses. There is a limit of 10 licenses allowed in Townsend. It appears to be a dwindling authorization. In other words, when a license is retired or surrendered, it is not reissued, and the total available licenses drops. It does not appear that any new licenses are available or will be.

It is unclear whether the Old Brick Store will reopen without a license to sell tobacco products.

Townsend Recycling Center Update for June and July 2024

 This blog hasn't published in awhile. Hopefully that will change.....  Sorry for the absence.

The Townsend Recycling Center is usually posted as open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Holidays usually impact the schedule. The upcoming 4th of July weekend is no exception.

The Recycling Center will be open on Saturday June 29th.

It will be closed on July 6th.

Plan accordingly.

The Townsend website is still under reconstruction. The Recycling Center schedule is posted for 2023 only.

Press Release: FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION: DESIGNED TO FAIL

 Received by Reel News 4/30/24

Press Release

The Townsend Democratic Town Committee is pleased to

present the following talk to the public. Questions should be sent

to townsendmassdemocrats@gmail.com

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION: DESIGNED TO FAIL

Who is surprised that Congress designed the agency that

governs campaign finance to fail? Created in 1974 in the wake

of the campaign funding abuses uncovered during Watergate, the

FEC has six Commissioners. No more than three can be from

any one party, but it takes four Commissioners for the FEC to

take any formal action. As a result, the Commission rarely takes

action in controversial, but important cases. With, for example,

a billion dollars having poured into the 2020 election cycle,

what could possibly go wrong?

Atty. Abigail Shaine

Former Assistant General Counsel of the Federal Election

Commission

7pm, May 14, 2024

Room 2, Memorial Hall

Townsend, Mass

Bears are Back! Welcome to Bear Country - Adjust!

 Townsend is home to a growing black bear population. Seeing a black bear is not an emergency. There is no reason to panic. On the other hand, they are wild animals and very dangerous if they are threatened. 

Bears have learned to coexist with us, just stay away and learn how to avoid run-ins.

Those with security and trail cams will be posting videos of the bears walking through their yards on social media any day now. Enjoy them and learn.

Here is a video from Mass Wildlife that is quite informative how bears have reached every corner of Massachusetts and how we can best share their territory with them.

Coexisting with Black Bears

Basically, the advice from the experts is to take down bird feeders. Beekeepers and those with chickens need to secure their livestock or risk losing them. 

Stay safe and welcome to bear country.

Learn the Basics about Grant Writing

 Government agencies and nonprofits live or die by grants. Millions of dollars are available from all levels of government as well as from private foundations.

Knowing how to write a grant application is an important skill. Grants are competitive. Even the most skilled and experienced grant writer does not get every grant they apply for. 

Learning how to write a grant is relatively easy. There are many sources of training for this important skill. Some sources are expensive and detailed. Other sources are free and provide the basic knowledge to get started. 

Today, March 14, 2024, at 1PM, Score is offering a free online workshop for grant writing. 

Here's the link to sign up --- 

Grant Writing Workshop

Not Available at 1PM? That's ok. Sign up anyway and you will get a link to watch the workshop later.

Survey for Identifying Internet Access Needs

 Here's a survey from Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech. They are seeking community input to identify needs to improve access to the internet. There are many people who have difficulty accessing the internet for important life tasks. Here's an opportunity to have a voice.

This link will take you to the MRPC website page dedicated to the survey.

MRPC internet survey page

Townsend Sets Special Town Meeting for Override Vote - March 19

 Townsend Selectmen have scheduled a Special Town Meeting for March 19th tor the voters to consider an override to Prop 2 1/2 in order to fund both North Middlesex Regional School District (NMRSD) AND Nashoba Tech.

The NMRSD budget in up nearly 7 % over last year without any changes. That's the cost of level funding. Nashoba Tech's budget for Townsend is up significantly over last year because Townsend increased their student enrollment to 20, the highest ever.

The Townsend BOS announced this at their meeting on February 6. They did not mention any cuts to the basic budget.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Town Election Voting Restrictions Established by Townsend Selectmen

Voters have become accustomed to being able to vote early in person at Town Hall or to vote by mail for all elections since the early days of COVID. 

This important right has come to an end for all municipal elections in Townsend. The Board of Selectmen voted to end early voting and vote by mail during their meeting on January 23rd. The vote of the Board of Selectmen was not unanimous. Theresa Morse voted against this change.

The request initiated from the Town Clerks office, Kathleen Spofford, cited the cost of mailing ballots as prohibitive. The Town Administrator advised that they expect to have multiple special municipal elections this year, including one for an override. 

Voting in municipal elections in Townsend has been historically low. Those who expect to be able to vote by mail or to participate in early voting may miss their chance to vote. Getting the word out to voters may be difficult which was acknowledged by the Selectmen. Morse expressed concern that some voters will be expecting a ballot in the mail since post cards have already been returned by voters requesting them. 

Absentee voting is still available to voters. This comes with restrictions of its own. Voting absentee requires that the voter is out of town for the entire time that the polls are open or that the voter is medically unable to go to the polls. 

The next municipal election in Townsend is April 22. Those who plan on voting in that election should plan to go to the polls at Town Hall on that date.

Nashoba Valley Medical Center Slated for Closure

The owner of Nashoba Hospital, Steward Health Care, owns several hospitals throughout the region. They have announced that they are in a financial crisis and as a result plans on closing or selling several facilities.

Steward Health Care has been having financial difficulties for the last few years and reports they are over $50 million behind in rent. They are unable to continue operations at full capacity as a result.

Nashoba, Norwood, Holy Family, and St Elizabeths are on the list of hospitals Steward wants to close. Steward has not announced a timeline when this will occur.

The situation is dire and changes daily. Those who depend on Nashoba Valley Medical Center for any part of their healthcare should remain vigilant and be prepared to get needed care elsewhere. Patients should keep in touch with their healthcare providers for updated information regarding access to care related to their personal situation.

Currently, Nashoba is fully operational. Their Emergency Room is still open.

Other area hospitals not owned by Steward include:

Leominster Hospital

Emerson Hospital, Concord

St Joseph, Nashua

Southern New Hampshire, Nashua

Stay tuned for more information on this rapidly changing issue.