WILMINGTON, MA — At their meeting this week, the Wilmington Board of Selectmen had a lengthy discussion on the town’s FY17 budget.
Each member was given an opportunity to highlight any concerns and priorities they’d like to see addressed in the next town budget, which Town Manager Jeff Hull has begun to formulate.
Fun on the Fourth Fireworks
Selectman Mike Newhouse recommended that the town consider picking up the cost associated with the Fun on the Fourth fireworks, if it ever became necessary.
“I’m very pleased to hear that it appears the fireworks display can move forward in the vicinity of the common area,” said Newhouse. “If, for any reason, there’s a funding issue down the road, I would just like the town to be prepared to address that.”
During the construction of the new high school, much of the Fun on the Fourth activities, including the fireworks and carnival, were relocated to the Shriners Auditorium.
The Fun on the Fourth’s carnival currently generates much of the funds needed to hold the firework display. While it appears the fireworks will be allowed to move back to the Town Common area, it’s unclear if the carnival will.
The Wilmington Board of Appeals will decide at its January 13th meeting whether or not to grant the Fourth of July Committee’s request for a special permit to run a carnival in the Fourth of July Building’s parking lot.
Supporting Victims of Substance Abuse
Several selectmen wanted to make sure substance abuse prevention, education and treatment were prioritized in the town’s next budget.
“If, as a town, we’re serious about trying to help and prevent things like substance abuse and mental illness, we have to tackle that in the schools,” said Selectman Mike Newhouse.
“I want to articulate my support for the what Superintendent, the School Department and the School Committee appear to be doing [relative to substance abuse prevention and education], continued Newhouse. “I hope, within the budgetary constraints that the Town Manager has outlined, that somehow, as the town-side of government, we can support [their efforts].”
Selectman Lou Cimaglia agreed with Newhouse, stressing that it is extremely important to provide assistance to those affected by substance abuse.
“We have to go at this heads on,” said Cimaglia, who praised Town Manager Hulll, who intends on making it a priority in the town’s FY17 budget.
“I am delighted that the town administration, in conjunction with the school administration, have earmarked and are focused on investing in [this issue],” agreed Selectman Chair Mike Champoux.
“I’m pleased to hear tonight that we’re adding a new dimension [to the budget] — social and emotional substance abuse issue — something that, for many years, people didn’t want to talk,” said Selectwoman O’Connell. “We’re going to have to spend some money on this and potentially add staffing at the school, public safety or health departments to take care of this.”
Other Priorities Noted
- Selectman Mike Champoux hoped the town would continue to be able to fund full-day kindergarten if, as rumored, state funding for it decreases.
- Selectman Champoux noted two particular areas in town that “don’t look as good as they should.” Champoux pointed to the area in North Wilmington, adjacent to Jefferson Road, near the train station. “It looks in disrepair. It doesn’t look as attractive as the town is.” Champoux also pointed to the area on Route 38, heading towards 62, near the train tracks and billboard. “The whole left side area where the track runs, in my opinion, has fallen in disrepair… It’s an eyesore.” Hull noted the state owns the land and the town has already been in contact with the MassDOT.
- Selectman Champoux asked Town Manager Hull to consider creating an “Economic Development Coordinator” position, as some other area towns have, to work with the existing local business community and reach out to businesses to set up shop here in Wilmington.
- Selectwoman O’Connell also noted that, while not in FY17, she also would like to see the town consider a new Central Administration building and a North Wilmington fire substation. They should be “on the radar screen” for future budget seasons.
- O’Connell also would like to see the town consider bringing more of its emergency response services in house in future years.
- While O’Connell could not discuss the Ristuccia Arena situation, due to pending litigation and potential negotiations, she made it clear that she’d like to see an ice rink for Wilmington residents to enjoy.
- O’Connell would also like to see the development of a dog park in the near future.
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