Town Notes
Published on March 14th, 2001
STONEHAM, MA -
Child Care Scare
Stoneham Community Day Care fired an employee last week for “inappropriate action,” according to Melrose YMCA President Richard Whitworth.
The Melrose YMCA runs the program located at 39 Pleasant Street in Stoneham. Whitworth said that a preliminary report from the Department of Youth Services (DYS) found no abuse.
DYS does not comment on ongoing investigations.
“The child was never in danger,” Whitworth said.
Whitworth could not give specific details because of the DYS investigation, but the child still attends the center.
“We don’t run away from incidents,” Whitworth said. “I’ve worked with the parents from the start. They’re OK with us.”
Whitworth was upset about a television news report which incorrectly reported child abuse.
“There was no abuse,” he said. The final report from DYS is due any day.
Department Budgets
The Board of Selectmen have asked two fire fighters, two superior police officers and two patrolman to retire.
“Even if they all retire, we may have to do more,” Selectmen Chairman Pat Jordan said. “Maybe with free cash in the fall...”
Jordan said that the Selectmen also plan to eliminate two vacant positions in Public Works.
The town departments begin their annual march before the Board this week as Stoneham works to balance the fiscal 2002 budget. Police and Fire lead the way, just like in any old parade.
Gould Street Update
The traffic study planned for the neighborhood is scheduled to start in April. Then results will be brought back for a discussion with neighbors before any action is taken.
Candidates Debate
The “Candidates’ Forum” hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce can be seen on public access cable television on Thursday, March 22, at 2 p.m.; Saturday, March 24, at noon; and Sunday, March 25, at 6 p.m.
The live date is March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 136 Elm St.
Town Administrator Search
The deadline has passed, and the town has 35 applications to sort through to find a new permanent Town Administrator.
The process usually takes around five months, but when the town last chose a TA, the search committee had more than 100 applications.
Snow Falls From Sky, But Not Money
Public Works Director Bob Grover said that the big storm last week cost the town $100,000, and that Friday’s small mess tacked on another $40,000.
Stoneham had exceeded its snow removal budget before the March 6 blizzard, and today the town is $165,000 in the hole with Spring only technically around the corner.
To lend a hand, citizens could shovel out snow-filled catch basins or buried fire hydrants, Grover added.
Town Hall Phone Trouble
Installation of a new phone system at Town Hall, beginning on March 16, may throw the Town Hall phones out of whack until March 19.
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