Town Manager Delivers National Grid Update
Paicos presented the latest National Grid updates to selectmen Tuesday night.
Town Manger Kevin Paicos is suggesting that Foxborough becomes more proactive in regards to keeping the power on.
Paicos presented the latest National Grid updates to selectmen Tuesday night. Paicos recently reached out to Marcy Reed, President of National Grid Massachusetts, inviting her to a future board meeting. He stated that Reed would most likely not be making an appearance anytime soon at town hall and instead provided a letter to the board.
Paicos noted that it was his belief that Reed's reluctance to appear in Foxborough is due in part to the ongoing investigation by DPU.
"Pending reaching a conclusion, she does not want to be in a public form," he said, continuing, "so I think that’s why you don’t see her here in person."
The letter from Reed stated the following:
- DPU is continuing their investigation
- National Grid has been in town for the past 4-5 weeks removing hangers
- National Grid is conducting inspections of the network, making the required repairs
- Crews are currently working on the union loop
- National Grid recently had a review of new procedures
Paicos followed up the letter items by saying, "best your going to get until DPU makes their decision."
The current town budget draft includes a request for a 70-foot bucket truck and the hiring of two new workers. Paicos concluded that the recommendation of buying a truck and hiring new workers "is a reflection of the fact that National Grid will not do the job."
"We can take the bull by the horns and we can do part of the job ourselves," he said. "They will have crews here [but] we cannot count on them. It is a darn shame that the tax payers have to do that."
Selectman James DeVellis believes National Grid should come to the table and is something the town should not have to pay for. Members suggested subbing out for work instead of hiring full time as one possible solution.
Steve
8:32 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Is it me or is Mr. Paicos trying to swell the rank and file of our town employees at every turn?? It has taken me quite some time, after being a Paicos supporter, to begin to question some of his actions and proposals. Do we need tree work done around the power lines, YES. Should we, as taxpayers, foot the bill, NO. Two additional town employees and a new, bigger, bucket truck to accomplish this National Grid chore is outrageous and premature. First we must exhaust every avenue to make National Grid DO THEIR JOB. Even going as far as legally challenging them in court before we pay to do work that we are already paying for every month in our electric bill. And if by chance this is our responsibility, I am sure a private contractor would do a better and cost effective job then two highway department workers could do. Maybe we should hire an intern to do the research.
George F. Leonard
1:56 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Steve, I can't agree more. I did speak out at the last Selectmen's meeting indicating that as a liason to the Highway Department from the Advisory Committee, I had spoken to Roger Hill a month ago to do as you have indicated. I requested he talk, at least, with Arthur, the owner of Tree Tech.
Tree Tech is becoming more involved with the Town on leaf and grass disposal. Again, I have not heard if that contract with the town has been awarded to him. Thge town citizens would have FREE dumping per their proposal.
Roger Hill indicated he would look into this suggestion and get back to me. As of today, I have not heard back from him. As capital investment, we are talking about 100,000.00 to 125,000.00 to buy a new 70 foot bucket truck. We do own a 50 foot one to do the majority of the neccaryt work. The town can nopt do the Union Loop which I feel would not be a waste of town's time to stay on the back of National Grid.
So, why not go with an outside contract for the work and save labor, benefits, etc of two people costing about 65,000.00 plus 40,000.00? in benefits annually. Total, not including gas, oil and maintenance of 105,000.00 let alone the one time purchase cost of the 125,000.00 truck would be saved annually.
How many years would it takre the town spend the savings? Remember Tree Tech are trained experts. The tree department just has to control what, where and when to do the cutting work.
Steve
2:15 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
The owner of Tree Tech is Andy and he is very good to the town, just go back a few weeks and there is a picture of him hanging lights on the common on his own time. Having said that, Tree Tech isn't the only tree company, it would go out to bid but before we do that we should insist NG do their job! If they refuse maybe Foxboro should file suit to recoup any and all monies spent cleaning up after the two previous storms. Maybe a class action suit with some surrounding towns.
George F. Leonard
2:34 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thanks, Steve. Yes Andy. I am sorry but point is made.