Selectmen Discuss Post Snowstorm Brush Removal

The Foxborough Selectmen’s meeting opened on Tuesday with an impromptu discussion on the town dealing with fallen trees and limbs from the

Foxborough resident Debbie Stewart began the discussion by asking if there is an update on National Grid’s plan for future snowstorms. 

Town Manager Kevin Paicos said, “I haven’t heard a word,” and added, “I’m not naïve enough to think I will."

Paicos said the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has begun their investigation into National Grid’s response to both Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm. He believes the investigation is, “not gonna lead to anything all that dramatic."

Paicos said he was told by National Grid in September that they will have a new program in place for their storm response.  He said it is now two months later and they have done nothing.  “I don’t have a lot of faith or hope that they’re going to do anything."

Chair of the Board of Selectmen Larry Harrington said Foxboro Cable Access Executive Director Mike Webber, “has been fantastic." Harrington said Webber is cutting together a YouTube video of Foxborough residents explaining their hardship throughout the last two storms.  Along with the video there will be a website with a petition pleading for the state government’s help.

Harrington asked that once it is done, people should sign the petition and e-mail their local senators and representatives to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. 

“When they hear the impact of the stories, maybe we can get them to do something,” Harrington said.  

Harrington also noted there are still limbs and brush along the streets of Foxborough. Paicos suggested that the town, with the help of the Council on Aging, pick up the brush in front the houses of senior citizens who cannot afford to hire contractors to pick it up. 

Harrington said the local boy scouts have been helping residents to clean up, but they don't have the resources the town does. 

He said those senior citizens would have to call the Council on Aging and the town would pick up the brush that was put on the curb.  They will not go onto the resident’s property to pick up the brush, he said.  It would cause too much of a liability issue. 

Paicos added, “some people who are not seniors will be upset,” with this proposal, but he is looking for the backing of the board. 

Paicos said that it is a resident’s “civic responsibility” to clean the brush and tree limbs that fell on their property.  If they just put it on the curb to be picked up, it won’t, and will likely be pushed back onto their property during a winter storm when the plows come by, which could cause a liability issue.

Selectmen Mark Sullivan asked if they could do it for the whole town.  Paicos said the cost would be over $25,000 and the town would need to vote on it. 

Selectmen Lynda Walsh noted that some residents have cut up the trees and limbs that blocked the street in front of their homes. 

Selectmen Lorraine Brue suggested that the town share equipment, such as wood chippers, with other towns to lighten the load. 

The board did give Paicos the backing he was looking for to work with the seniors and the Council on Aging.

Foxborough seniors who need assistance with trees/limbs should call the Council On Aging and register with them.

For questions and concerns, contact Town Hall at 543-1208 or the Council On Aging at (508) 543-1252.