To me it should be a priority to maintain a fire station in the most densely populated part of town on a full-time basis. I also understand that the townspeople would not support an override. This makes for a difficult situation. I would have to think that the town manager is reluctantly making this recommendation. What other options are there?

The town will get the degree of public safety they want to pay for. It's been said public safety is like an insurance policy, you pay for it reluctantly and hope you never need it, but if you do....your glad you paid your premiums. I'm no expert, but 3 manned fire stations is a must for a town of this size, ask an expert, not an accountant.

Override? Who said anything about an override when we're sitting on over $4,000,000? Get real jo

I understand closing a fire station if there isn't money available, but if funds are there, no matter where they come from, it is reckless not to use it for public safety. It is possible to explain to the resident who lost their house or loved one due to a lack of resources why it happened if the money was not there, but now it is there so there is no excuse. I would think the town manager and selectmen would see that and not want that kind of liability. If my house burns or my father dies of a heart attack and that station is closed with money to keep it open, watch out Mr. Montouri, Sokolove Law will be in touch. This town has exploded in recent years especially with all the senior housing. I have lived in this town for 36 years and know first hand that the fire department is stretched thinner than ever with an ever growing demand. I don't support an override, we don't need one, fund the fire department properly with the money available. I urge my neighbors to get active now because I also fear this town manager does not prioritize public safety. My family has utilized the Tewskbury fire department several times over the years and I have nothing but positive things to say. Listen to the people and ask them what they think is important. I think it would be overwhelmingly in support of a fully staffed fire department.

Welcome to the real world unions........take pay cuts across the board, allow them to earn additional income through private company details to supplement their cuts. How many firefighters does 350,000 hire....? Go volunteer with full benefits and you will see people lined up to take and pass ff test.

I don't understand how our neighboring town Wilmington gets along fine with one fire station but Tewksbury needs three? How does Wilmington do it? Are people dying in that town because of the one station? Could the writer of this letter please explain the difference between the two towns. Thankyou

I would not be in support of a volunteer fire department. Being a fire fighter is more than just taking a class and passing a test. These are professionals and replacing them with volunteers is an outrageous suggestion. How many volunteers would willingly suit up and respond to a hazmat call? When things like this happen I want trained paid and committed professionals to serve our community.

Having three stations in a town the size of Tewksbury cuts down the response time by minutes, when someone is having a medical emergency or their home is on fire, this can be the difference between life and death, also can you tell me why the Wilmington Fire Depts, fully funded, budget is hundreds of thousands dollars more than Tewksburys? The difference between the towns is geographically Tewksbury is larger and has roughly seven thousand more residence. On another note if the south station is closed do we residents get a tax credit? We're paying for it whether its open or closed.

There is a new fire house on the Malden and Revere city line.
The Malden and Revere fire depts. share the same building.
Why couldn`t Tewksbury and Wilmington share the building on South st.?

I'm disppointed to see a public union play on the fears of the community to further their collective barganing position. Overtime is not the way to fund a Fire station and the union know this.

There are ways to address this without bleeding the public dry in overrides or draining our rainy day fund (which by the way protects us from sudden drops in Stati aid which are coming!), or especially putting any of our good firefighters in a bad safety position. Its called two way negotiations. If the Police can do so can Fire...

I want the South Street fire station open and staffed year round, as well as the other two stations. With that said. if having this station open was OPTIONAL, meaning, having it closed was a risk the town manager/fire chief considered an option, then IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUILT. This is the newest station in the town and being closed even for a day is unacceptable. Why is it that station, the newest one, gets closed? Close the center station instead!

Co-locate the center station with the police station. Sell the land from the center fire station. Or get rid of the center station and just have the North Street and South Street stations as those buildings, from what I've read, don't need rehab like the center station. Park a fire truck at the police station.

I am sick of paying for buildings like this and see them sit empty. Does anyone even use the second story in the senior center?? But the South Street fire station sits collecting dust. I can't imagine anyone agreeing to allow an override for any other capital improvements in this town when this abuse of taxpayer trust is glaring at us on South Street. Again, if it wasn't a necessity, it should have never been sold to the taxpayers to fund in the first place. Now that you got us to build it STAFF IT.

Ok Im confused, maybe I missed something so someone please help me understand. The town manager is saying they dont have the money in the budget to keep the fire station open correct? Is he trying to insinuate that this building costs such an extreme amount of money to heat and light up with electricity? Are they eliminating part of the fire dept force when they close the South Street fire station or are these fire fighters just being moved to another location in town? Im sorry but something doesnt add up here. If we are not reducing the force during these months the SS fire station is closed, how are we saving that much money where it will actually made a difference? Im sorry but it doesnt cost $350k to heat or provide electricity to that building and if it does, sue the builder because clearly there is a problem with the wiring and insulation.

Mike Callahan, original poster of the open letter, please respond!! How exactly is Tewksbury different from Wilmington. I believe you grew up in Wilmington, please tell us how they get by and at what cost? Don't just stoke the fires and run! What would happen if the fire dept chose to staff in 8 hour shifts, like everybody else on earth? Wouldn't that help this situation? And all the extra overtime $ spent on one for one staffinf. If we had those $ back, its probably enough to keep South St open.If one firefighter calls in sick in this town, another is called at time and a half to replace him. Baloney!!!

John Smith;
The Malden Revere co-station is not two buildings it is one.
If, as you say it won`t solve anything why did Malden and Revere do it?.
Wilmington certainly does need the So. Tewksbury station for mutual aid.
What`s wrong with both Towns sharing the utility bill?

To the selectmen and Town Manager.....I want my South St. Fire Station Open!!!

WILMINGTON has a Population of 21,363+ and is 17.2 sq miles
TEWKSBURY has a Population of 28,851 + and is 21.1 sq miles

Wilmington and Tewksbury can't be compared

I believe the firefighter union is the only union in town that has not settled their contract. Why is this?

I am a south Tewksbury resident who happens to be a firefighter in another city. Before that, I was a teacher so I am a fairly educated individual. I hope I can possibly shed some light as an outsider looking in.
There is an organization called the NFPA who sets standards from everything to response times to materials FF gear should be constructed of. The crux of this matter is adequate staffing to protect property against fire. Each engine company at minimum should have an officer to command and two firefighters. This crew in a fire is essential,one FF operates the pump while the officer and other FF begin interior operations. These operations begin with life safety, search and rescue. The second crew secures water supply then joins search and rescue and suppression. The third and additional companies begin ventilation of building to allow heat to escape and prevent a flashover. (ever see backdraft? Just like that when room hits ignition point). These companies will also provide protection of exposures, ie your neighbors house. In south Tewksbury, we are all pretty tightly packed in....that stations response means the difference between my neighbors house burning, or theirs, mine, and maybe more.
http://www.nfpa.org/publicColumn.asp?categoryID=2058&itemID=47745&src=NFPAJournal&cookie%5Ftest=1
This is not about unions, contracts, or overtime. This is about staffing our station and protecting our lives!

I have been a South Tewksbury resident all my life. My house burned this past summer and IF the South St. Fire station was closed I would not have been able to save what the fire Fighters were able to save because by the time a truck from the Ctr got there all would have been lost. It's just crazy, having spent the money on a new fire station and wanting to close it...again. Not to be redundant, but with out the South St. fire station I would have lost my complete structure. I just hope those that want to close the station never, ever have ANY type of an emergency and assistance is delayed because the closest fire station is no longer open. Please rethink the closing, even if it is closed for a few months. Don't do it. Our Firefighters, many lives and homes depend on it staying open.

Could we staff 5 stations?

All of the stations are indeed fully staffed.

This is concerning vacation coverage and overtime.

Which by the way is why it comes to light during the summer months.

Tewksbury, 160-170 Million in current and owed debt. Real Estate Taxes up by something like 43%. Second highest water sewer rates in Massachusetts.

And our good Governor wants to put in place the largest tax and fee hike in Massachusetts history.

And yet....we have no money....anyone ever wonder why?

Anyone care?

http://www.boston.com/businessupdates/2013/02/13/block-boston-makes-list-the-most-taxed-cities-america/x9q3XVBRI6bTZEUWwl1L5I/story.html

No fire stations should be closed. The south is a very congested part of the town.
The north is separated by the railroad tracks. Time is of the essence during a fire or emergency. I have asked this question many times, what amount of money does it take to maintain this building?. We still have to pay personnel. So what are we saving, and is it worth it? We are dealing with human life. Why is it that when a town needs cutbacks, it is the emergency services like fire, police and edcuation are the first to be sacrificed? Why are other departments not required to cut back? Shouldn't department heads curtail raises for a couple of years?.
If elected, I have no intention of taking a salary.

Is the Tewksbury Fire Department fully staffed or not?

http://tewksbury.patch.com/articles/selectmen-s-notebook-new-firefighters-hired-introduced

Thank you, so is the specific issue;

A. The Town doesn't have any overtime monies to cover vacations?
or
B. The Town doesn't have enough Firefighters interested in Overtime so the station falls below minimum manning?

Lay them off, I get tired of the bullying mentallity of UNIONS first it's the teachers. Well I have a message for you get a job in the private sector or work two jobs like everyone else has to....No Sympathy here quit whining instead of picking pockets of the over taxed and please no response from their bleeding heart family members...they can get another job too, so get off the soapbox blame the incompentency of the town!

What the town officials don't lack is ineptitude!

As a resident who is served by the South St. station, I find it APPALLING to have it closed for whatever reason they give. If we have stabilization funds, we need to stabilize. However, this doesn't resolve future year's budget shortfalls. We can't keep going into reserve funds to bandaid the issue. Tough times call for tough measures. What "luxuries" are we funding that need to be cut? Sure, it will NOT make department heads happy to have their budgets slashed, but Mr. Montori's job isn't to make the department heads happy - it's to make US happy (and safe)!

Mr. Menard

With all due respect, I'm concerned that you sound more like a Firefighter here versus a Candidate for office. I respect that you are a Firefighter but I'm concerned that you don't sound like someone who has an open mind on the current subject.
"You fear that the Town manager"
"Reprehensible"

Action words and certainly used in all cases where one has already made up their minds........

Have you already made up your mind Mr. Menard?

Have you already been in a position to see the Town's Financial Documents to allow you to sound so certain that the monies are there for the Overtime?

If so, how the heck were you allowed to see it?

And if not, should you not wait until elected, and have had a chance to review all expenditures before coming down on one side or the other?

Unless, of course you are already biased.....perhaps?

Should you even be making such statements at this point?

People who have biased agendas are politicians.

People who have an open mind and are willing to consider what’s best for all...are Leaders..

Bid difference between the two.

Will you be able to separate yourself as a Firefighter to be able to represent all the citizens of Tewksbury?

Your posts have me wondering....

Who Me,
Thank you for your feedback, as a first time candidate I appreciate any criticisms from the town as it will make me be a better leader. Knowing that I hear your voices and take them into account while serving should help in making your choices in April.

I know that I have used strong words in this regard because it is a cause that I feel passionate about. I have the unique perspective of being in a burning building searching for victims. I chose what I feel is one of the noblest professions and sacrifice family time, holidays, and lack of salary (my education should garner me more than my $50,000 a year for a family of 5) because I feel that I am doing work that truly makes a difference.
Living in South Tewksbury without Fire protection is reckless and our town leaders may not realize it, but they are gambling with lives. I am not trying to scare anybody, just educate because of my knowledge in the field. If a health expert told me I needed to dig up radon in my house because it causes cancer and my family is at risk, I would listen. I would prioritize my spending to keep my family safe. I am asking that the town do the same.
I have already made up my mind, public safety is a priority that I am willing to stand on. I am also willing to stand up for the police if staffing were being threatened and for teachers is classrooms became over crowded, neither are the case at the moment. (continued)

Thanks for your feed-back Mr. Menard.
Not sure your response address any of my questions but simply becomes a metaphor for mu original post. At least you responded and I'll give you that.

Do you have any inkling that the Town's financial debt is quite significant?

Are you concerned that Tewksbury has the second highest water/sewer rates in the State of Massachusetts?

Are you concerned that Tewksbury is listed here?
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/2013/01/27/top-property-tax-increases-eastern-massachusetts/gE3H4ycxPMt9f1X0DnSoEI/story.html

Do you believe the above costs are keeping Tewksbury from obtaining and holding onto tax paying businesses?

Do you believe that the Taxpayers of Tewksbury are "taxed' out?

The problems that face Tewksbury are significant and serious. I salute you for your service and beliefs. However, a one issue candidate may short change the needs of the whole Town.

If we don't get a handle on spending then the issue of keeping the South Tewksbury Fire Station open in the summer will morph into the Town's inability to keep any Fire Station open at all.

Hoping you, and all the other Candidates, realize that.

As for being in a position to see private documents, I have not been in such a place. I have seen the Public proposed FY14 budget that is at the library, senior center, and town hall, also by the link to the patch article here: http://tewksbury.patch.com/articles/montuori-unveils-88-2-million-budget-for-fy2014
I am not a town employee, other than a part time substitute teacher, so the only access I have is as a tax paying resident.
I do have a biased opinion because this matter directly effects my family. If I'm not willing to stand up for causes I believe in, causes that could mean my children's lives, then what type of leader would I be? What type of man wouldn't stand up, put his name on the line and hold true to his convictions?
I will not sit by idly while decisions are being made that put me, as a South Tewksbury Resident in jeopardy.
There are times to compromise and times to hold fast, this issue is the latter of the two.
I truly hope that nobody ever need call 911, but I am not willing to risk there being a delay in help if they ever do. Please follow the previous links I have posted to see the empirical data from the NFPA. As I have stated, I'm a Tewksbury resident who happens to be a firefighter, I was a teacher before that so I am also passionate about educational issues as well. Wanna talk MCAS scores? Level 3 threshold makes me uneasy as does the amount of $ we send to the Tech. Student retention is another focus I have if elected. see my site for more.

Sorry about the break between posts. I just looked at the Globe page and trust me, I am very aware of the tax increases. As I said, very meager income in the Menard house and even worse during those times of increasing taxes when my wife was laid off and we nearly lost the house we are upside down in. I am not advocating to raise taxes, I think we are burdened enough. In fact I am proposing ways through debt extention and student retention that will help keep costs down. If elected I want to investigate many issues surrounding our town budget, such as the item listed as software on page 7 for $164,000. That is one of the items I would be willing to compromise if the use of it saves the Town money in the long run, but not at the cost of essential services.

Welcome to the world of politics Candidate Menard. I admire you for taking a strong position on an issue that is obviously important to you. As for your being a firefighter I would think that your opinion on safety is well informed. I agree with your position on the South Tewksbury fire station being essential. My original post on this subject was aimed at having individuals identify priorities or perhaps alternative ways to keep the fire station open year round. I do not have the answers, but feel that responsible individuals can work to arrive at some solution or compromise. I do respect you for stating your position clearly and not waffling on the issue when challenged. Perhaps the other candidates may want to share their opinions, since you publicly addressed the matter. Good Luck in your campaign.

I appriciate that Richard Menard is not backing away from answering questions on here...a difficult forum to say the least. But i have had the pleasure of knowing him, and he is concerned deeply about the whole future of tewksbury. He has knowledge of the schools, his kids are attending them and he is also a substitute teacher. He is a hard worker, willing to make sacrifisies, to better the town. I for one would trust someone who works hard trying to support a family with the towns future, than someone who grew up in a priviledged house...He can count on me for a vote. He is willing to stand up and talk to anyone about the issues. Sorry bout my spelling, just venting...thank you.

As a resident of south tewksbury for over twenty years I feel it is imperative that this station remains open

My wife and I have a lot of family and friends in south Tewksbury, KEEP the south station open...

I feel like there is more than meets the eye here with this issue. Fear mongering is never a good place to start, and I feel like this issue could be more openly and transparently worked through. I think it is a stretch for anyone to imply Town Manager Montouri is being negligent with this issue as he has been very productive and competent since he got here. Perhaps he sees something with how the department is being managed that we arent aware of. I still dont have an answer as to why the Firefighters contract is not settled yet when every other union signed last year. There has to be more to this but I am sure the answer to keeping the fire station open is not just handing over whatever money is asked for.

Actually Simon if transparency is important to you then this letter has done just that. Had this firefighter not written this letter and posted it, the residents would not know the station is going to close again this year. The firefighters are making the residents aware of the situation before the closed signs are out and maybe active residents can prevent it.

Like many of the posters on this blog, I am very concerned that the Town officials, especially the three Selectmen who live in the vicinity, would continue to kick this can down the proverbially road again.

The people of South Tewksbury deserve better safety measures than waiting for a timely response from the center fire station in an emergency.

We all know the traffic issues of traveling down Route 38 on a busy day and more importantly during bad weather like the recent blizzard.

Like one poster said God forbid that our first responders don't respond quickly because of a staffing issue. Try to explain that to anyone who's safety is at stake here.

I agree with another poster that if the budget is really the issue then we need to find other budget savings to keep the station open at least for ambulance service.

Also, why can't we contract with a private ambulance service to cover this area of Town during the closure?

There are solutions to this problem but we need taxpayers to voice and vote their concerns to the Selectmen and Town boards and fix the problem permanently.

I'm pleased that candidate Menard is making this a priority if elected to the BOS in April.

Thanks to all of you voicing your support of my candidacy, but most importantly, your support of keeping the South Station open. Please know that I appreciate anyones feedback, be it positive or negative. I paraphrase Thomas Jefferson who said, Though I disagree wholeheartedly with your opinion, I will fight til my dying breath for your right to voice it. This is just one topic that I feel passionate about which is why the Professional Firefighters of our Commonwealth have endorsed me in this election. This is not about opening the Town Coffers and paying the guys a kings ransom, this is about working within the parameters of their contract to keep our staffing at levels safe enough to protect the Taxpayers. I will be away from my computer alot this week with kids and work but will check emails from my device. If you want to show support or get details on my views, check out my site at www.RichardMenard.org. You can also drop me a comment from there or email MenardforTewksbury@gmail.com. Let your voice be heard on April 6th.
Thanks,
-Rick