The following individuals served on the Board of Selectmen during the year 1996: Dawn L. Rand, William E. Henries, Edward K. Davidian, Frederick A. George and Stephen W. Kellicker. In June, William Henries was elected to serve as Chairperson, Edward Davidian as ViceChairperson and Frederick A. George as Clerk.

   The Board of Selectmen meet regularly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The meetings are recorded live and are presented publicly on Northborough's Channel 12. We continue to encourage public participation in local government. Participation includes attending any of the various board meetings within the community, visiting the Town Hall or volunteering one's services by becoming a member of a Committee, Board or Commission. If you are interested in volunteering your services, please contact Diane Wackell at 393- 5040 for more information. The volunteers in this community make a very significant and important contribution to the future of the Town of Northborough. Again, any form of participation is strongly encouraged throughout the year.

   During 1996, the Board updated the following Selectmen's policies in the Northborough Code: Chapter 183-54.1 "Employee Assistance Policy"; Chapter 183-65E "Snow Removal"; Chapter 183-53 "Sexual Harassment"; Chapter 217-3 "Library Trustees".

    The Board of Selectmen is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Revenue certified the Town's "Free Cash" as of June 30, 1996 at $2,314,741. Again, this would not have been possible without the cooperation of the department heads, and town employees.

   In 1996, all employees of the Town of Northborough attended a "Sexual Harassment" orientation training with regards to the revised policy specifically, their right to contact State and Federal enforcement agencies in connection with claims, and the designations of Jack Perreault, Town Engineer and Stacia Smith, Assistant Town Administrator as Sexual Harassment Grievance Officers.

   The Board approved the Town-wide goals set by the updated Community Action Statement. In addition, a 15- member Master Plan Committee was created and consists of members from Planning, Conservation, Board of Health, Board of Selectmen, Industrial Development Commission and Community members.

   In July, the Board sent a letter to the State in support of the proposed expansion to Grangers Nursing Home, and began informal discussions on pursuing the prospect of having a cellular telephone antenna on Mount Assabet. Also at this time, the Selectmen discussed the question of whether to purchase and renovate the Oxford Academy for use as a Town of Northborough school building. A Special Town Meeting was called in September regarding raising the necessary funds for the purchase of 33 Howard Street. The motion was overwhelmingly approved.

   In the Fall, the Board began the process of interviewing candidates for the Town Administrator's position. On November 18, Barry M. Brenner was appointed, to assume responsibilities in February 1997.

   In continuing their efforts to improve delivery of Town- wide services, the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Team recommended that the service hours at Town Hall be altered to improve customer access. The changes will take effect in early 1997 and will be as follows: Monday 8 am.-4 p.m.; Tuesday 8 am.-7 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday 7 am.- 12 noon.

   The Community Affairs Committee became active, once again in 1996, and was looking forward to continuing the Northborough tradition of hosting the Winter Ball in January 1997.

   In closing, we are very thankful for the many conscientious citizens and Volunteers who serve on our many Boards, Committees and Commissions. We are also grateful for the dedicated employees who work diligently to make Northborough a great community, especially the administrative staff in our office during 1996 - Charles Kellner, Stacia Smith, Diane Wackell, Teresa Kelly and Intern Sheila Kelly.