High School Reporters November 7, 2017
Lights, Camera, Action!
Ayer Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 7, 2017
Writer: Michele Woodland, ASRHS Correspondent
During the Ayer Board of Selectmen Meeting on November 7, 2017, DPW Superintendent Mark Wetzel discussed the LED streetlight conversion currently in progress. It is predicted that these lights will save the town $50,000 a year. The streetlights were bought from National Grid in March for $1.00. Installation will begin in January of 2018.
Chief William A. Murray addressed the issue of adding cameras to streetlights as suggested by Selectman Christopher Hillman in certain areas throughout the town. A recent robbery facilitated the discussion as it was asked whether or not cameras could have helped catch the culprit. This idea was previously brought up but not pursued due to cost issues regarding the storage of the film, but according to Chief Murray, “It is a great idea and worthy of further investigation.”
Ross Gatta, the CEO of Nasoya, made a long-awaited appearance at this week to personally address the odor concerns of residents. Gatta apologized on behalf of Nasoya for the inconvenience caused and said the “continuing issues of odor are unacceptable.” He made it clear that the company is “working to find a solution as rapidly as possible.”
Nasoya signed a consent agreement with the DEP and was forced to pay a financial penalty of $27,000. Nasoya must now meet specific deadlines as they put various reforms into place to fix the issue. One problem that is being addressed is the hotline for complaints. An independent 24/7 complaint monitoring service has been put into place. After a complaint is made, someone will report to the area in under thirty minutes and a report will be made within twenty-four hours. The new hotline number was expected to be released by the end of that week.
Nasoya is currently working on six short-term initiatives that they want to put in place by the end of November. A permanent solution is to be proposed by November 23. Ayer resident Don Osmer asked the burning question, “What do we do in the meantime?” Vice chairman of the Board, Jannice Livingston, made it clear that “just because the winter months are coming and our windows will be closed doesn’t mean that this should be allowed.” Gatta urged citizens to be patient and reassured everyone that Nasoya is working hard to find a solution to this long-lasting issue.