Each week, City Manager Tom Aspell posts hundreds of photos from his mobile phone. There's a shot of the delicious French fries he ate for lunch. There's Aspell in a tricked-out limousine with a disco ball on his way to a rock concert. And is that Tom with Condoleezza Rice? Wow! No matter what kind of crazy photos he uploads, we look forward to none more than his weekly shot of the city memo. We've transcribed it here.
'Tis the season?
Gifts galore
It is Christmas in August at the Human Services Department, Aspell writes. Who wants some egg nog?
It started with a generous donation of 16 backpacks filled with school supplies provided by Barbara Noyes of the Women of the Moose. The department is grateful, Aspell writes, with school right around the corner and some families having difficulty affording these essential school supplies.
Then, city employee Paul Garland, of the parking pision, dropped off a food donation and a supply of bags for the food pantry. Hopefully he found a prime parking spot. Garland always keeps the Department on his radar, Aspell writes, and helps out with donations of food, toys and other needed items.
And, last, but not least, the mail arrived and included a brand-new leopard-print Snuggie (Tom wishes!) and a most generous donation from the South Congregational Relief Society to help Human Services purchase bus tickets, which many of its clients need to get to work, appointments and grocery shopping. This is especially helpful, as the cost of gas has become an issue, Aspell writes.
winter is coming
New tractors arrive
The General Services Department recently took delivery of two new municipal tractors, Aspell writes. The primary function of these tractors is to remove snow from city sidewalks during the winter. In the off-season, they can pull double duty and be used for other activities such as roadside mowing and high-speed tractor bumper-car battles. Twenty-four employees received operator training on these new tractors.
D'oh!
Construction hiccup
Due to unforeseen circumstances, base paving on North State Street did not occur last week as hoped, Aspell writes. Due to those same unforeseen circumstances, the anticipated improvement in your commute didn't transpire, either.
The revised paving schedule on North State Street included fine grading Aug. 27 and placement of the base course pavement Aug. 28. Following the paving operation, a curbing subcontractor will mobilize and begin granite curb installations in the base-paved section. Construction of new sidewalks will follow the curbing. Sidewalks are expected to be installed sometime before 2018.
Major impacts to traffic are to be expected this week, from Palm Street to Call Street. Also, the sky is blue.
But wait – there's more! A drainage crew will begin installation of new storm sewer infrastructure from Rumford Street to Call Street this week and delays should be expected in this area, as well.
The public is encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible. We ask that drivers please be courteous to residents and businesses when waiting in traffic delays by refraining from blocking driveway access or blasting Air Supply from their car stereos. Aspell wants to thank the public for their continued patience and understanding during this major corridor reconstruction project.
getting board
Gym floor renewed
The public properties pision of the General Services Department has begun its yearly resurfacing of the gym floor at the Green Street Community Center, Aspell writes. Staff will remove damaged sections of the hardwood floor and prepare the entire surface for the trophy finish, giving the sports teams a safe, smooth and durable surface that they can damage ahead of next year's resurfacing efforts.
