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Town History

1980

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1980

UNDER ARTICLE 16:
Selectman Paul C. Hart moved that the Town vote to transfer from the Stabilization Fund the sum of $107,071.00 for the purchase of a new 1,000 gallon pumping engine for the Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen. Motion Carried, unanimously.

Report of the Fire Department

The major problem facing the Fire Department continues to be the energy crisis. Our records show a 31% increase in building fires, all of which were caused by burning wood.

The call for Medical Assistance has increased over 32% as more people are becoming aware of our service and ability in this field.

The Fire Department feels that 1981 could be a "trying" year with the implementation of Prop. 2 1/2. We hope that we will be able to continue the basic needs for the townspeople. With a new pumper engine to be delivered in the spring of "81" it will not be necessary to purchase any new equipment in the next fiscal year.

1981

Report of the Board of Selectmen

The month of February brought the spectacular North School fire. This fire, of suspicious origin, destroyed about 80 percent of the North School: only 6 classrooms and the Gym were left standing. The final insurance settlement on the fire was in excess of 1.7 million dollars. Also during February and March the paring of Town budgets continued to bring them in line with the mandates of Prop. 2 1/2.

Annual Town Meeting June 1, 1981

UNDER ARTICLE 47 Selectman Paul C. Hart moved that the Town vote to rescind the acceptance of the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 48, Section 42, or corresponding provisions of earlier laws, as accepted at the Annual Town Meeting 1954 establishing a fire department to be under the control of an officer to be known as the chief of the department, and to further vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 48, Section 42A, establishing a fire department under the direction of the Selectmen.

Selectman Ready spoke in favor of the article. The Finance Committee was against the article. A discussion followed. The Moderator made a point of order concerning reconsideration of an article. According to Article 35 of the Annual Town Meeting of April 28, 1980, once an article is voted, it may be brought back up on the Town Meeting floor for reconsideration more than once any time during the night of the meeting in question. A voice vote was taken on the article, Motion defeated.

Report of the School Committee

The Chelmsford School Department experienced many changes during 1981. The loss of the North School by a devastating fire has surely left a void in this community. This resulted in all the staff and students of the North School being re-assigned to the Harrington School. Both populations had to share facilities, materials and equipment for the remainder of the 1980-81 school year, and the Harrington School operated A.M. and P.M. sessions.

Report of the Fire Department

Fiscal "82" has been a very trying year for the Fire Department. We suffered one of our greatest losses in the history of the Town with the loss of the North School. Proposition 2 1/2 has given us some anxious moments, but with the cooperation of the Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen and voters at the Town Meeting we were able to cope with such without loss of manpower.

I would, at this time, like to thank the voters of the Town of Chelmsford for the tremendous support given the department in retaining its "Strong Chief" as chief administrator. The department has been operating successfully under this system since 1954.

We are proud that 40% of the department have achieved some degree of college credits with 10% of the department already having received Associates Degrees in Fire Science, Law Enforcement and Business Management. Education continues to play a major part in today's fire service.

1982

Annual Town Meeting April 26, 1982

UNDER ARTICLE 17 Selectman Ready, moved that the Town vote to appropriate and transfer from the Stabilization Fund the sum of $10,490 for the purchase of equipment for the Fire Department, such purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen, as follows:
   a. Six (6) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
   b. One Thousand (1000) feet of 2 1/2 inch hose
   c. One Portable Radio
The Finance Committee recommended the article, Motion carried, unanimously.

Report of the Fire Department

Fiscal "83" brought two serious fires to Chelmsford. There were heavy losses involving the Racquet Club and Comet Plastic Products. However, building fires have shown a sharp decrease in Chelmsford as well as surrounding areas and we feel a great deal of this is do to the Smoke Detector Laws.

During 1982 James A. Sousa was promoted to the permanent position of Deputy Fire Chief having topped a Civil Service examination.

In staying with our Capital Outlay Plan, we are not requesting fire apparatus for 1983.

1983

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 9, 1983

UNDER ARTICLE 18.
Selectman Claude Harvey moved that the Town vote to appropriate and transfer from the Stabilization Fund the sum of S28.000.00 for the purpose of completing the following repairs and replacements to Fire Department buildings and equipment, under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen:
   1. Roof repairs - Central Fire Station
   2. Replacement of fire alarm recorder with a digitized alarm box recorder
   3. Repair the body of Engine 3.
 The Finance Committee recommended the article, motion carried, unanimously.

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 23, 1983

UNDER ARTICLE 45.
Frederick H. Reid, Fire Chief, moved that the Town vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 148, Section 26G, an act further regulating the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.
The Finance Committee recommends the article. Motion carried.

UNDER ARTICLE 46.
Deputy Chief James Sousa, of the Fire Department moved to have this article withdrawn. Presently there is new legislation with better wording, and the Fire Department would rather wait and adopt that particular law if passed. The Finance Committee supported this motion. Motion carried, unanimously.

Report of the Fire Department

Fiscal "83" was a "banner year" for the Fire Department in regard to fire losses which were at a minimum as compared to other years. We feel this was due to our Fire Prevention Program, In-Service Inspections and Smoke Detectors.

This year in keeping with our Capital Outlay Program, we are requesting a new 1000 GPM pumper to replace a 1957 Maxim. We are also requesting repair on the roofs at the south and north fire stations and requesting funds to implement phase two in updating the fire alarm equipment.

1984

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 7, 1984

UNDER ARTICLE 18.
Selectman Bonita Towle moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $34,325.00 for the purpose of completing the following repairs and replacements to Fire Department Buildings and equipment, under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen:
    1. Roof Repairs - North Fire Station
    2. Roof Repairs - South Fire Station
    3. A 12 circuit entrance cabinet with accessories to receive fire alarms
The Finance Committee supports the article. Deputy Chief James Sousa explained the article. A voice vote was taken, motion carried, unanimously.

UNDER ARTICLE 22.
Chief Reid of the Fire Department moved that the Town vote to transfer from the Stabilization Fund $125,000.00 for the purpose of purchasing a new 1,000 G.P.M. Pumping Engine for the Fire Department, said purchase to be made in accordance with Chapter 48, Section 42 of the General Laws.
The Finance Committee recommends the article. Motion carried.

The Moderator proceeded on with the next two articles, James Harrington, Town Counsel made a point of order. Due to article 22 being a transfer from the Stabilization Fund the vote needed to a 2/3's or unanimous vote.
The Moderator then asked the Town Meeting Body to vote on article 22 again. Motion carried, unanimously.

Report of the Fire Department

New roofs have been installed on the south and north fire stations. Funds for this project were appropriated at the last annual town meeting.

We are requesting a new pick-up truck with a new plow and a new radio this year. This will replace our present one.

1985

Report of the Board of Selectmen

October, 1985:
A spectacular 4-alarm fire in a warehouse at 100 Wotton Lane, North Chelmsford caused injuries to 4 firefighters and damage to the three firms using the facilities for storage.

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 6, 1985

UNDER ARTICLE 10.
Capital Budget approved for the Fire Department:

Ladder Truck $210.000
Service Truck 4 wheel drive pickup $15,609

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 13, 1985

UNDER ARTICLE 28.
Town Counsel James Harrington, moved to amend section F as recommended and voted unanimously, by the Planning Board, with the following wording: Adequate access to each structure for fire emergency and service equipment is provided. This shall mean that access shall be provided to all sides of the structure for emergency vehicles and fire lanes, as recommended by the Fire Department. The Moderator asked for a voice vote, motion carried, unanimously.
Chairman of the Planning Board. John McCarthy read the Board's recommendation: The Planning Board held a public hearing on April 3, 1985, and voted unanimously to approve this article which includes the amendment to section F.
The Moderator asked for a voice vote, motion carried unanimously.

Report of the Fire Department

The Fire Department was deeply saddened by the untimely death of Captain Thomas Curran. Tom was an outstanding and dedicated officer who loved the fire department. We miss him.

The department received a new 110 ft. Aerial ladder and a new 4-Wheel Drive Pick-up Truck. Both were authorized at the Annual Town Meeting.

Due to the tremendous industrial growth we are requesting four additional men for Engine 4 in east, and also one additional man to be assigned to Fire Prevention in order to comply with the new EPA Regulations and on hazardous materials-hazardous waste and for the other regulations which have been passed by State and Federal Agencies.

1986

Special Town Meeting January 27, 1986

UNDER ARTICLE 10.
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Dennis Ready, moved that the Town vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of one hundred forty-eight thousand six hundred sixty-one dollars ($148,661.00) to the appropriate salary line items to fund approved wage and salary increases and expense allocations in the following departmental accounts:
      Line Item 32 Fire Department Salary Account: $147,111.00
      Line Item 33 Fire Department Expense Account: $1,550.0

Selectman Ready spoke in favor of the article, stating that the Fire Department and the Board of Selectmen had negotiated in good faith, and felt that it was a fair contract. Chairman of the Finance Committee, Elizabeth Marshall, said that the Finance Committee was against the requested increase and gave a presentation explaining why. Harold Pierce President of the Firefighters Union, spoke in favor of the article. A lengthy discussion took place. George Gordon moved the question to stop debate. The Moderator asked if there was a need for further debate? Hearing none, he proceeded to ask for a vote on the article. Edward Hilliard moved to have the vote taken by silent ballot. The Moderator explained the procedure that would take place in order to have a vote taken by silent ballot. He asked for a voice vote on the motion for a silent ballot, motion defeated. He then asked for a voice vote on the main motion, motion defeated.

William Dalton questioned the voice vote. The Moderator asked for the tellers to come forward and conduct a hand count. A 2/3's vote is required. Yes 195 No 236, the motion was defeated.

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1986

UNDER ARTICLE 13.
Capital Budget approved for the Fire Department:

Rescue truck $80,000
Auto, generator for station #01 $20,000
Portable foam $7,000
Hazardous waste materials equipment and training $20,000

UNDER ARTICLE 28.
Selectman, John P. Emerson Jr., moved that the Town vote to amend the General By-Laws Article VI Police Regulations, Section 19 Prohibition on leaving Motor Vehicles in Certain Private Ways, by deleting paragraph #2 in its entirety, and substituting the following in its place:

(In addition) Acting Fire Chief, James Sousa, moved to amend the article by deleting the words, "Board of Selectmen" and replace them with the words "Chief of the Fire Department", through out the article. The Finance recommended the amendment. The Board of Selectmen were in favor. James Sousa explained the reason for his motion to the Town Meeting body. A discussion took place. William Dalton moved the question, the Moderator asked for any need for further discussion. Hearing none he asked for a voice vote on the motion to amend, motion carried. He then asked for a voice vote on the main motion, as amended, motion carried, unanimously. The article reads as follows:

2. It shall be unlawful to obstruct or park a motor vehicle in any fire lane, such fire lane to be designated by the Chief of the Fire Department and shall be posted as such. Said fire lane to be NOT LESS THAN eighteen (18) Feet Wide for all buildings in any shopping center, bowling alley, theatre, nursing home, office building, or other public building. The establishment of fire lanes as set forth above shall be at the sole discretion of the Chief of the Fire Department and shall run from the wall of the building or any overhang of the building or any sidewalk adjacent thereto. Any fire lane in excess of eighteen (18) feet wide shall have the approval of the property owner or person in control of such property;

(a) The Chief of the Fire Department shall notify all record owners of the designation of Fire lanes.

Adjourned Special Town Meeting May 19, 1986

UNDER ARTICLE 37 Selectman John P. Emerson Jr. moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) and/or for the purpose of completing Architectural Design and securing all necessary plans and specification for the construction and/or reconstruction of the front portion of the fire station located on North Road, along with the performance all said all construction and/or reconstruction in conformity with said plans, all said contracts to be made under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department.

Acting Chief James Sousa stated that according to his information from former Fire Chief Reid, the Fire Department did not submit this article. Therefore he did not have any information concerning it. Richard Lahue stated that the Fire Department had purchased a new fire truck and when found that it would not fit in the station, a notch was formed in order for the truck to fit. The Fire Station falls within the Historic District, and the Board did not give any permission for any reconstruction to the station. He asked the Town Meeting Body to dismiss the article by voting to defeat it.

William Dalton moved to amend the article: to use the sum of $35,000.00 to reconstruct the upper portion of the center fire house. He said that more office space and a ladies room was needed, and that this is where the monies should be applied to. Town Counsel was asked if this motion was considered out of order. Town Counsel replied no because the warrant says with reconstruction as does the motion to amend. The Moderator asked for a voice vote on the motion to amend. Motion defeated. The Moderator asked for a voice vote on the main motion, motion defeated.

Special Town Meeting September 25, 1986

UNDER ARTICLE 15.
Selectman John Emerson, moved that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to engage engineers, appraisers, attorneys, architects, and other necessary consultants for the purpose of preparing and designing all documents required to design and construct repairs to the Center Fire Station for the Town of Chelmsford, and further I move that the town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to negotiate and execute all necessary and proper contracts and agreements thereto, and further I move that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of forty-five thousand dollars ($45,000.00) to defray all necessary costs, fees, and expenses.

A discussion took place. Harry Pierce moved the question to stop debate. The Moderator asked for a voice vote, motion carried, unanimously. The Moderator asked for a voice vote on the article, motion carried, unanimously.

UNDER ARTICLE 18.
Selectman John Emerson, moved that the Town vote to rescind the acceptance of the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 48, Section 42, or corresponding provisions of earlier laws, as accepted at the Annual Town Meeting in 1954 establishing a fire department to be under the control of officer to be known as the chief of the department, and I move that the town vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 48, Section 42A, establishing a fire department under the direction of the Selectman.

The Finance Committee was against the article. Selectman Ready spoke in favor of the article. Edward Quinn, former Deputy Chief, spoke against the article. He explained that the department's budget is controlled through the bid process, or union contract, which is done through the Board of Selectmen. He explained that a weak chief is subject to political pressures, and could in fact be fired at any point in time. Under the strong chief before the chief could be fired, he/she would be required to have a hearing, and told the reason for the firing. That way there is a little protection for the chief and avoids political pressure. Selectman Towle spoke in favor. Harold Pierce, stated that he has been a firefighter for twenty-five years with the Town, spoke against the article. The Moderator asked for a voice vote, motion defeated.

Report of the Fire Department

On May 1, 1986 Chief Frederick H. Reid retired. Chief Reid served on the department for 31 years; twenty-one as chief. He was a dedicated leader who always had service to his community as his top priority.

This has been a difficult year because several members of the department have served in temporary positions. All members of the department "rose to the occasion" and dispatched their duties in a commendable manner.

Due to ongoing growth in our community, and changes in regulations and laws, the Fire Department is in need of expanded staff and changes in our organizational structure.

Bids for the new Fire Department rescue truck and for the generator system for the Central Station have been received and implemented through Capital Planning.

1987

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 4, 1987

UNDER ARTICLE 13.
Capital Budget approved for the Fire Department:

New Car for Chief $13,000
Mini-Pumper/Brusher Truck $95,000
Engine 02 - Retrofit $60,000
Engine 04 & 05 Improvements $170,000
Engine 02 floor rehab work $100,000
Engine 01 office rehab work $22,000
2,000 ft. large diameter hose $40,000
Ladder work (new specs) $10,000

Special Town Meeting November 30, 1987

UNDER ARTICLE 4.
Chairman of the Capital Planning Committee, James Doukszewicz, moved that the Town vote to transfer and appropriate the sum of Sixty-Four Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($64,800.00) from the unexpended proceeds of the amount authorized by Article 10 of the Annual Town Meeting of 1985 and the amount of One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty-Two Dollars and Thirty-Nine Cents ($1,882.39) from the unexpended proceeds of the amount authorized by Article 43 of the Annual Town Meeting of 1984, for the following purposes:

 1. Purchase of a New Fire Alarm Truck $35,000.00
 2. Allocate additional funds for the construction of access road from upper level parking area at the Town Office Building $31,682.39

James Doukszewicz explained the article. The money can only be used for whatever is stated in the article. Plus only the amount of money stated is the only amount allowed. Bids were done in order to arrive at the exact amount listed. The Finance Committee supported the article. The Board of Selectmen also supported the article. Motion carried, unanimously.

Report of the Fire Department

Fiscal "87" proved to be a very progressive year in the fire service and we are happy to say fire loss was low. Due to the cooperation of the officers, firefighters and office staff, I feel that in my first year as Chief of the Department we have made great strides.

With today's demanding conditions, there is a need for upgrading in areas such as fire stations and fire equipment. The fire stations are in the process of being upgraded to coincide with an energy audit done by Massachusetts Electric. Through our capital planning program we have received and put in-service a "state of the art" rescue truck and new mini pumper which is being housed at Engine 5 in South.

The town voted a new fire alarm truck at the special town meeting last year. This will go into service this year. This will be a great help in meeting the demands of the fire alarm system throughout the town.

Although fire loss is on the down grade because of fire prevention, sprinklers and smoke detectors, today's hazardous liabilities are on the up-swing.

We lost three firefighters in "87". The untimely death of firefighter Harold J. Pierce, Jr., saddened the department. Captain Ronald J. Sawicki retired through disability and firefighter Donald Weber retired through superannuation. Due to this change four new men were appointed to the department, namely, Firefighters Kevin Clarke, Robert Villare, Arthur Rivard, Leslie Merrill and Jesse Foster.

1988

Annual Town Meeting April 25, 1988

UNDER ARTICLE 13.
Capital projects approved for the Fire Department:

Replace mobile radios $10,000.00
Replace service truck $20,000.00

UNDER ARTICLE 16.
Under the Fire Department Robert Hughes, Fire Chief, moved to amend the budget's total figure to read $2,635,777.00, by adding $180,000.00 to line item #63 Salary. This is the amount needed in order to keep six men who are slated to be cut as of July 1st. Chief Hughes explained that the need is there and these men shouldn't be cut. It would not be for the best interest of the Town. Public safety should be a priority and not cut back. Henry Sullivan spoke in favor of the motion to amend. He stated that as a retired state trooper he saw many examples of firemen's duties other than fires. They are always at accidents with the jaws of life trying to rescue people from vehicles, before or during a fire. Any type of emergency calls pertaining to health a fireman could be present with oxygen, or performing CPR before an ambulance arrives. Anytime a human life is involved a price shouldn't be put on the value. William Dalton of the local Fireman Union spoke in favor. He explained that the department is already below the required recommended amount of personnel to have on hand to maintain equipment/shifts. The budget is already down to the minimum before any of these cuts are performed. He asked for support of the amendment. The Finance Committee spoke against the motion to amend. If this motion passes the Town would be faced with an unbalanced budget. Selectman Henrick Johnson spoke against the motion, unfortunately the Selectmen had no choice but to recommend the cut. A lengthy discussion took place. Michael Anthony moved to amend the amendment. After viewing the motion the Moderator declared the motion out of order. More discussion took place. Barry Balan moved the question. Voice vote taken, motion carried unanimously. The Moderator asked for a voice vote on the motion to amend the Fire Department budget by increasing it $180,000.00. This vote left the chair in doubt, the Moderator asked for a show of hands, motion carried.

Report of the Fire Department

We have worked hard this past year complying with new rules and regulations, modernizing the stations with what funds we had to work with. All five (5) stations have been painted in and out and all the lighting has been changed to energy efficient lights. We have put in service a new fire alarm truck to take care of the elaborate fire alarm system that this day and age demands.

We have purchased a small amount of hazmat equipment and put it in service. Our equipment is a small beginning but we are hoping eventually this will be implemented on a regional basis because of the cost of compliance.

We had a few changes this year within our department. Firefighter Gerald Tonks, a member of the department since 1966 retired through superannuation. Mary Ann Koulas, our department assistant also retired after 20 years service with the Fire Department. Robert Villare, a firefighter transferred to the Police Department. James Durkin and John Robinson were appointed as permanent firefighters.

1989

Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 24 and May 1, 1989

UNDER ARTICLE 10.
Chairman of the Capital Planning Committee James Doukszewicz, and Selectman Henrick Johnson moved that the Town vote to borrow the sum of $1,546,823. for the following capital projects (including):
      New pumping engine $195,000.00
      Improvements to station 03 building $10,000.00
The Moderator asked for a voice vote on the article, motion carried, unanimously.

Special Town Meeting October 12, 1989

UNDER ARTICLE 1 Selectman Towle moved that the Town vote to transfer and appropriate from free cash in the treasury the sum of $250,000 to Line Item 59 Fire Department Salary.

Selectman Johnson explained that this was the ratification of the Fire Department's union contract. After many months of arbitration, both sides felt that it was in the best interest of the town to ratify the contract and avoid any additional months of further arbitration. He explained the language of the contract the first year is a 5% raise broken down 3% the first 6 months and 2% the next six months. The second year is 2% the first 6 months and 3% the second six months. The third year is a 4% raise.

The Finance Committee supported the article. The Moderator asked for any discussion. James Doukszewicz asked if the figure shown was the full amount of the contract or is this the amount after the deductions? Town Manager, Bernard Lynch said it was the full amount of the contract. Harry Foster precinct 2, asked for the actual breakdown of the figures. Town Manager Bernard Lunch explained $130,000 of the figure is the amount needed for the retro-active pay for the last fiscal year that there was a contract. The remaining $120,000 is for the end of this fiscal year of June 30th. A question was raised on where the funding was going to come from for this article and the next article? Mr. Lynch explained that there is $996,000 in free cash already raised, the money will come from there. For the future years the money will have to be raised and appropriated. The Moderator asked for a voice vote. George Merrill precinct 2 asked for a point of order. He wanted all votes taken on warrant articles to be by roll call, due to people being in the hall are not all voting representatives. The Moderator explained that when a voice vote is taken he will determine if a hand count is needed. The body also has the privilege of questioning his judgment as long as seven other members question his call. The Moderator asked for a voice vote on the article. Motion carried unanimously.

Report of the Fire Department

During Fiscal 1989, Captain Charles Galloway a 24 year veteran of the Fire Department was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations and Firefighter Michael Burke a 13 year veteran was promoted to Captain assigned to Fire Prevention under the direction of Deputy Chief James Sousa. Fire preventions continued expansion is a necessity in this day and age. Some of our top priorities are upgrading SARA III, in-service inspections and training. This was a small part of implementing a professional study that was requested by the officials of the Town of Chelmsford.

Despite the fact that when times get severe this departments services increase, our aim is to continue to protect the life and property of the townspeople as well as we can under the budget restraints that we are facing. Because of our fire station locations, our response time and fire loss was again kept at a minimum while medical calls and all other responses increased over last year.