By Janet Stoica

With a quorum of 102 Webster residents, the town meeting kicked off with Randy Becker being nominated as temporary Town Moderator in the absence of Ted Avlas. The meeting was held at the Webster Middle School. Article 1 referred to the transferring of $3,056.63 to pay unpaid invoices, passing by a vote count of 91 to 1.  Article 2 involved a free cash transfer of $33,000 to fund projected police appropriations and town capital projects passing by 83 to 8. Article 3 involved National Grid’s land easements and passed by the required 2/3 majority of 92 to 0.

Article 4 requested a $62,921.40 appropriation for the remainder of the Bartlett High School feasibility study and passed by a vote of 85 to 10. Article 5 involved an appropriation/transfer of $500,000 for the purpose of a bio-solids dewatering study for the Water/Sewer Commission passing with a vote of 93 to 10. (See Yankee Xpress’ September article about bio-solids for greater explanation.)

Article 6 concerned the leasing of the Town Hall Auditorium for renovation and restoration by Chris Roberts, a local town resident and town benefactor/supporter. The article was a non-binding vote allowing the Webster Select Board to negotiate a lease and its terms. Town Administrator Rick LaFond stated that town interests would be of primary importance. He stated that he hoped the project would revitalize the downtown area. A resident inquired if the town would be involved with any ongoing costs of the maintenance, building use, traffic impact, etc.  LaFond replied and indicated that all cost factors would have to be addressed during the negotiation process and it is too soon to determine what the final costs would entail. He further indicated that the town is not interested in increasing any taxpayer costs and that the town is cognizant of these types of questions as the process goes forward. 

Roberts indicated that 80 percent of funding would be raised and that he hoped a performing arts program could go forward. He personally committed to a $4 million sum. He likened the Webster Town Hall to the size of Worcester’s Mechanics Hall and that his goal would be recovery of all of the ongoing costs of the operations. The ultimate goal is revenue neutral and to enhance the experience of such a performing arts program. The non-binding vote passed by 83 to 18.