Rock Meadow
The clever prankster posting signs at Rock Meadow taking shots at Belmont’s extreme Covid lockdown approach is back. The latest creation is “Do Not Greet Strangers, better safe than sorry, Use Social Media instead”.
Belmont Trivia:
Always being compared to the smarter more athletic BHS class of 1986 still haunts many members of the BHS class of 1985. However, there was one thing that the class of 1985 had that 1986 could not claim. What was it? Hint (it involved singing).
Select Board Shocker?
The Belmont Select Board will be discussing and possibly ratifying Town Administrator Patrice Garvin’s contract this week? Garvin was awarded a new three-year contract in 2021 that expires January of 2024 so what contract are they referring to is not known at this point. Two fire and one police unit have been without contracts for well over two years… so there are some questions to be asked for sure. No worries… you can bet I will be on this call ascertaining what the heck could possibly drive a new contract given the failure to negotiate a deal with our first responders for so long.
Concord Ave renamed Devil Strip.
“A ‘devil strip’ is railroad slang for the strip of land between two sets of railroad tracks. In Belmont it is the area between drivers opening their car doors and vehicles passing them on Concord Ave. Will see if it sticks and maybe we can get the Rock Meadow artist to make up a sign.
The Skip Viglirolo Rink
While the YES campaign self-described ‘imminent fire danger” library remains open… the Skip is closed. Problems with making and keeping the ice useable have forced Belmont High Hockey tryouts to go over the hill to Watertown. The school budget will be taking the hit for the ice rental. None of this should be surprising. The alternative to a new rink was no rink. Hoping the committee comes back with a pared down rink only debt exclusion and soon or the top 3 hockey program in the State will be homeless.
Belmont High issues…
My phone and email lit up this week over concerns for safety at Belmont High. No, I am not talking about the restroom being closed due to vaping or the newly installed sign in/out sheet at one of the restrooms.
I am talking about multiple fights among students resulting in a short shelter in place event. I think a deep breath is needed at this point. The specific details are disturbing to many parents and students, but the focus should be on policy. In the BHS student handbook, pages 16-20 refer to the “code of conduct”. The punishment is left up to the administrator and when a serious offense or continuum of offenses occurs, In/Out of school suspension and even expulsion can be considered.
The discipline is a matter for the Administrator or staff member to apply. Parents or Students that feel the “code of conduct” policy is ineffective can address this at a School Committee meeting. Not the specific event but the policy as privacy should be respected when students are involved.
TT mentioned safety issues at BHS in a prior article. The code of conduct feels reasonable to me, but it does put the pressure on the Administrator to find the right balance or risk losing control of the school. We are living through contentious times and high school students are not immune from the same feelings of anger and hopelessness that many in the community are feeling. Not excusing the behavior just pointing out the school should be very careful in how they proceed to maintain a safe learning environment while also acknowledging not every kid in Belmont has the same support system that many take for granted.
Funny moments at Town Meeting
We won’t name names involved in these funny moments at the recently concluded TM.
The equivalence of an accidental “reply all” email occurred when a raised Zoom attendee hand led to a conversation between parties unaware that the rest of TM was in on the conversation. Let’s just say that the term morons was used and it made for a great laugh.
The second moment came during the leaf blower discussion. According to one concerned member, gas leaf blowers spread dried animal feces through the air. This would now explain all the people walking around Town by themselves wearing masks. I thought it was Covid theater but clearly, they knew about the dried animal feces particulates. Guess the last laugh is on us.
Belmont in the news part #1.
Apparently, a journalist was concerned, that the BHS Hockey tryout form asked for Parent #1 and Parent #2. Why was he concerned wasn’t worth me subscribing to find out. Anyways… I did love the response of a Townie and ‘85er who said Parent #1 is whoever fills out the form.
Belmont in the news part #2
A Belmont resident is being charged in NH with a single count of “wrongful voting fraud” which is a felony. The Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program identified the man as having voted in MA and NH. Moral of the story is to check with your Town Clerk before voting if you have residences in multiple States. The penalty is up to 7 years in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Politically Incorrect humor.
What goes clip clop, clip clop, bang bang?
Library vote repercussions loom.
Town meeting approved the $34.5m tax levy appropriation but not without pushback. Many voters assumed Town Meetings responsibility was to rubber stamp the vote, Town meeting is supposed to be much more deliberative and consider the Town’s overall finances. This was confirmed by Town Meeting Moderator Michael Widmer after a point of order challenging the discussion of Belmont’s fiscal woes. All TMM’s were aware of their responsibility prior to voting. Multiple TM members rose to point out the Town’s $8m structural deficit and the fact that some police and fire units are without contracts to no avail. The majority of TM wanted the new building now and looked past the concerns. The library expenditure represents about the equivalent of a $2.2m override or as my blogger friend would say 26 or so FTE’s. If the eventual override fails… the consequences of layoffs can be traced to our excessive spending on oversized projects like the new BHS/MS and Library. As the Led Zeppelin song goes…
If it keeps on rainin’, levee’s goin’ to break
If it keeps on rainin’, levee’s goin’ to break
When the levee breaks, I’ll have no place to stay………….
Cryin’ won’t help you, prayin’ won’t do you no good
No, cryin’ won’t help you, prayin’ won’t do you no good
When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move, ooh
Leaf Blowers
It was amazing how much time we spent on this issue. I raised a simple question as to how many complaints the Town receives annually on this issue. SB member Epstein said dozens of dozens. Another TM member replied that there have been 22 official complaints since 2010. I don’t know how many of those are repeat offender calls… the person who doesn’t like their neighbor etc. Townie Stevie Rosales raised the issue of enforcement by the Belmont Police (did I mention BPD is understaffed already by three, having trouble finding people who want to come to Belmont, and current morale is low). Chief MacIsaac gave a refreshing and honest answer.
The result is the ban passed but it’s not an immediate ban and its complicated. So, expect to hear gas blowers for a few more years especially early Spring and late Fall and eventually being replaced with a little less noisy electric blower.
BHS Class of ’87 and ’92
Both held their reunions in the area last week. Happy to report no arrests were reported.
Humor Answer
An Amish drive by.
Trivia Answer
While the class of 1986 included Michael Bivins (legendary singer with New Edition and Bel, Biv, Devoe), students from the class of 1985 performed “Were Four” which aired on local CBS affiliate WBZ in the lates 70’s. Bivs successful singer, rapper, manager, actor, and producer career is just another classic 86 over achiever resume.