Marlborough’s Town Charter is the key document that defines the organization, powers, functions and essential procedures of our town’s government. The Charter is, therefore, the most important legal document of Marlborough. Originally adopted almost 40 years ago, and despite two Charter Revision Commissions being seated and charged with revising the document, the efforts in 1997 and 2002 resulted in no changes being adopted by the Town.

In mid-May of 2017, the Board of Selectmen committed to another effort towards a partial Charter review and revision, and we seated a nine-member Commission who worked together for four months to address a few key portions of the Charter. The resulting recommendations included instituting a referendum which allows for all-day voting and the use of absentee ballots to vote on the annual budget, and also requires a full review of the Charter at least every ten years. The voters of Marlborough overwhelmingly approved the recommended changes, and in May of 2018, we were able to vote on the budget at referendum!

However, we have still have more to do to update the Charter to reflect the societal and economic changes that have happened over the past 40 years, to adjust for inflation, and to make our procedures less ambiguous and compliant with state statutes. Recognizing the need for such changes, the Selectmen and I have again committed to support a full review of the Town Charter. As the first step, we engaged Mark Pellegrini as a facilitator to hold interviews with personnel, Board and Commission members, and the public to help define which portions of the Charter would benefit most from careful review and possible revision. Mr. Pellegrini’s report, which was presented to the Board of Selectmen at our meeting on April 16th, click here to view report in its entirety. 

If, after our discussion, the Board of Selectmen determines that a full Charter review is warranted, we will follow the state statutes to seat a balanced and objective Commission. We are fully committed to support the necessary discussions and deliberations that will improve how the Town of Marlborough functions in the years ahead. We intend to minimize the political “noise” that so often accompanies change in a small town, to allow for public participation, and to keep citizens informed as we move forward through this challenging, but worthwhile process.

https://www.marlboroughct.net/index.php/boards-commissions/departments/town-clerk for any employment opportunities we have available.

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Be Bear Aware Sign for Hiking Trails (PDF)

Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut as the population continues to grow and expand. Reports of bear sightings, even in heavily populated residential areas, have been on the rise. The Wildlife Division has also seen an increase in the number of reported problems with black bears. The primary contributing factor to bear nuisance problems is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses. Fed bears can become habituated and lose their fear of humans. Bears should NEVER be fed, either intentionally or accidentally. Connecticut residents should take the following simple steps to avoid conflicts and problems with black bears:

Gerald Cloutier, Animal Control Officer
860-455-8126
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State DEEP
860-424-3011

DEEP Black Bear Sighting Report Form 

CT Guide to Emergency Preparedeness http://www.marlboroughct.net/images/stories/PDF/emer_prep_guide_final.pdf

To View the Ultimate Guide to Disaster Preparedness click, https://couponfollow.com/research/disaster-preparedness-on-a-budget

What to do? Who to call ? Click here

“Every six minutes in the US, someone damages an underground utility line because of digging without calling 8-1-1 first,” said Vice President of Safety Bob Coates. “Striking a single line can cause serious injuries, as well as outages. Accidental dig-ins can happen anywhere utility lines are buried, from a backyard to a major construction site.”

Call Before You Dig (CBYD) governs safe digging practices in Connecticut, and Dig Safe governs safe digging practices in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Both offer a one-call system to locate and mark underground facilities that are near proposed excavation areas. By calling 8-1-1, homeowners and contractors are connected with CBYD or Dig Safe, which notify local utilities of any scheduled digging activities. Professionals then visit the property to mark utility-owned underground lines with flags and/or spray paint to indicate areas to be avoided.

For more information about Call Before You Dig, click www.cbyd.com.

Pavers for State Veterans Memorial to Honor Your Veteran

Connecticut’s first statewide veterans’ memorial pays tribute to the state’s past heroes and heroines, honors today’s veterans, and demonstrates the appreciation for their service for generations to come. It is a welcoming place for personal reflection, as well as a gathering place where groups can honor Connecticut veterans for their commitment and sacrifices. The impressive granite memorial is located in Hartford’s Minuteman Park on Capitol Ave. and Broad St., across from the William A. O’Neill State Armory and the Legislative Office Building. The outdoor memorial is open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and there is no admission fee.

Hundreds of 6” x 12” granite engraved pavers are important elements of the memorial, offering state residents a meaningful way to honor or memorialize a special veteran, and the funds raised have supported the memorial’s development.  Only 150 of these 6” x 12” walkway pavers remain for engraving and installation.  Each paver costs $200 and can be engraved with the name of a U.S. veteran, with his or her rank, branch of the military, and the specific years of service and conflict, if desired.  For more information on purchasing a paver to honor your veteran, please visit www.CTHonorsVets.org