27 October, 2011
In today's formal session, the Senate passed a number of bills centered on local matters, three of which are for towns represented by Senator Karen Spilka.
The first will give the town of Natick greater flexibility when hiring a Fire Chief by exempting this position from civil service law. This will allow the Town to provide its own hiring process for these positions tailored to the specific needs of the town.
The second will allow the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire four parcels of land in the town of Hopkinton in order to repair the Route 85 Bridge over the Sudbury River between Hopkinton and Southborough. This will help accelerate the project which, once complete, will increase the volume of traffic the bridge can accommodate, expand pedestrian walkways, and enhance safety for travelers. The Town is in support of the legislation, which will benefit not only Hopkinton residents, but residents across the Commonwealth who utilize this bridge.
The third will provide the town of Franklin with an expedited procedure under which the Town may accept plans for the construction of subdivision roads. The Town's Planning Board would be required to certify with the Registry of Deeds that the subdivision road has been constructed in accordance with all regulations. At this time a public hearing would take place and if it is determined that the construction is in the public interest, the Town Council may approve the plan by a two-thirds vote. This bill will help increase efficiency and improve the rate of development within Franklin while ensuring a deliberate process for approval.
