Selectmen's Notes

Town Birthday

As the town's 375th birthday weekend nears, Town Manager Chris Whelan reported that about 20 people attended a public forum on the various celebrations, including a parade, a ball, music festival and fireworks display.

Whelan said the parade is projected to be almost two miles long with 95 floats and other marchers. He said some roads will be closed off for a portion of the day on Saturday, Sept. 11 in the center of Concord.

Ball organizer Pam D'Ambrosio said ticket sales are going "very well" for the Saturday night dance at the Concord Armory. There are a few tables left, but more individual tickets. She said 34 tables have been reserved already. The Armory holds 800 people, but with tables, 475 is the approximate number of people that can be accommodated. Tickewts are $40 per person.

The selectmen approved a one-day all alcohol license for the ball.

Anyone wanting tickets can call D'Ambrosio at 978 371-0292.

Solar project

Town Manager Chris Whelan said 20 vendors have sent in applications to supply solar panels to the town on a site to be determined. Town Meeting approved two potential sites: a five-acre plot of the so-called Ammendolia land on Old Bedford Road, and a similar-size plot at the wastewater treatment plant.

Whelan said bids would be opened on Sept. 10.

Attorney General's certification

Whelan said the Attorney General's office sent the town a 10-page letter in response to Town Meeting articles that passed but needed state review. Whelan said most of the articles passed muster, except the right to dry bylaw that was denied. Whelan said the bylaw as worded did not serve a community need or purpose and could cause inter-neighborhood issues.

Whelan said residents should continue to observe the no-watering restriction even though it has rained. He said the amount of rain over the last days is not enough to replenish depleted reserves.

Whelan said the water main that broke on Route 2A at the Concord Rotary last week dated from 1909. "It served its time," he said of the break that shut down traffic for a 12 hour period. He said no cause for the rupture could be determined.