MONSON – Repairs and renovations are on the horizon for the Maple Street Bridge after the town of Monson was awarded $100,000 for the design phase.

During the July 26 Select Board meeting, Town Administrator Jennifer Wolowicz explained that the town was a recipient of the Municipal Small Bridge Program Awards that is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). She added that the program allows for communities to apply for funding for bridge design.

“It’s a very competitive application,” said Wolowicz. She noted that they have received assistance from Fuss & O’Neill throughout the process.

“The state has already done the procurement of it for the design firms,” said Wolowicz. “They have seven design firms that they work with, and they will be assigning one to us. So, this is a great, great program that we were lucky to receive money from, from the state.”

With 351 communities across Massachusetts and the countless bridges in disrepair, Wolowicz expressed her excitement that Monson was one of the recipients.

Ben Murphy, highway surveyor, added on to Wolowicz’ point and said he was “surprised” to receive the funding.

During the meeting, Murphy shared that they were unaware of a timeline for the project and the initial cost. Nonetheless, he said, “At least we got our foot in the door.”

Route 32 Bridge

Murphy said that recent shutdowns have been made to the Route 32 Bridge over the Quaboag River. The bridge is expected to shut down again on Aug. 3 and remain closed through Oct. 19.

He explained that this will cause various detours. “We’re looking at 12 weeks at the least that we’re going to be without a bridge down here,” said Murphy.

Wolowicz assured that there will be ongoing communication with residents throughout the process. Updates will be posted on the town’s website.

Early Voting

Town Clerk Mary Watson discussed early voting for the September primary election.

She explained that the town is required to do early voting for six days beginning on Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting and registration will take place within the Town Office Building at 110 Main St.

Watson noted that Aug. 27 is also the last day to register to vote for the primary, which will take place on Sept. 6.
The remaining dates and times for early voting and registration is as follows:

• Aug. 29: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 30: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Aug. 31: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Sept. 1: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Sept. 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Watson said she will also be at the senior center on Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Board of Health

Patricia Oney, Select Board chair, explained that there are currently two vacancies on the Board of Health (BOH). To fill these seats, the board interviewed five applicants including Karrie Escoto, incumbent Larisa Krutov, Kathleen Nothe, Sarah Pedder and Joan Simmons.

The Select Board’s questions ranged from asking the applicants about their personal experiences to if they believe that COVID-19 is real.

All the applicants expressed that they do believe the coronavirus pandemic is real, however, their backgrounds and visions differ.

Krutov, who has been on the BOH for one year, said she reapplied because she wants to help her community. While she does not have a medical degree, Krutov shared that she has “good knowledge” on the new trash contract that is coming to town. During Summerfest, she said that she spoke to several residents on the changes coming and was able to answer their questions.
“I love talking to people, I love meeting new people and helping other people in the community,” said Krutov.

Nothe shared that COVID-19 has allowed her to focus more on the role of the BOH in town and how it’s being handled. “I do not have a background in health, but I think any board could benefit from someone who has business perspective. I’ve done a lot of things in my career, mostly in human resources and management positions,” she added. With a variety of skills, Nothe told the board that she would utilize them on the BOH.

Pedder, a mother to three kids in the Monson Public Schools, said she would like to see more collaboration between the School Committee and the BOH. She shared that she also has a passion for assisting people with substance abuse and would like to learn more on where the town stands on this issue.

Simmons explained that she has been a part of various boards and committees in Monson. If elected to the BOH, she said she would work on current objectives that are not published, before carrying out her own initiatives.

Escoto was not present during the Select Board meeting, as she interviewed for the position prior.

Following the interviews, Wolowicz read the BOH’s recommendations on who they think should be appointed. The BOH said that Krutov should be reappointed due to previous successes in her role, followed by a tie between Pedder and Simmons with two votes.

Mary Hull, vice-chair, made a motion to appoint Krutov to the BOH. The Select Board unanimously approved the appointment.
Hull then made another motion to appoint Pedder to the BOH. The motion was not seconded.

John Morrell, board member, made a motion to appoint Nothe to the BOH. The motion was seconded and passed with Morrell and Oney voting in favor. Hull was opposed.

Krutov and Nothe’s terms will expire June 30, 2025.

Appointments

Gary Horne was appointed to the Fire Station Building Assessment Committee. His term will go through June 30, 2025.

Autumn Bailey was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring June 30, 2025.

Sherri Roberson was appointed to the Tax Assistance Committee, ex officio. Her term will go through June 30, 2025.

Ronald Avery Sr. was appointed to the Tax Assistance Committee. His term will expire on June 30, 2025.