Highlights From Town Manager Richard Montuori's Live Chat On Patch

was this week's guest in our "Lunch With ..." series. Residents had some excellent questions for the town's chief executive.

Here are some of the Q&A highlights from a very interesting chat.

Wayne Knight: Mr. Montuori, it does not seem like many residents support this charter change. It only appears that town officials support it. Are you personally in favor of becoming a city? 

Richard Montuori: Hi Wayne, I do not have an opinion either way. I will work with what ever form of Government the residents choose. All forms of government that were reviewed by the SACC have wroked well in other communities.

Regina: I was there (at the public hearing), it was a very tense situation for all involved, people are fearful to speak their minds. The folks on the SACC are very intimidating. Not all town Officials are for this change. Did you listen?

Richard Montuori: Hi Regina, I did listen and I would hope residents do not feel intimidated to ask questions of their public officials. The Board of Selectmen and SACC are very approachable and people should feel very comfortable asking questions.

Christian: Kudos to the team working on the new polling places! Any updates on the town offices moving to the Senior Center in the next year? When is the construction due to start on town hall?

Richard Montuori: Christian, The Town Hall renovations ran into some problems. We need to hire an new Architect to finish the design and prepare the project to be bid. I would say we are 6 months to a year away from construction.

Paul: I heard rumors about a Chunky's going in to the old Rite-Aid building, any news on that building?

Richard Montuori: Hi Paul, I have not heard anything about that move.

Wayne Knight: Mr. Montuori, the town has a habit of finding money. If you came across an excess million dollars for the upcoming budget, what would be your spending priorities?

Richard Montuori: Wayne, obviously the Schools are in need of aditional funds to address their needs but on the Town side funds would be used to increase staffing in the Police and fire Departments as well as overtime to help address rising crime and to open the the South Fire Station year round. The DPW is need of additonal staff and funds to maintain the towns infrastructure. Finally we need to invest in our facilities.

Andrew: Mr. Montuori, No one has asked you bout water & sewer rates yet. Any relief in sight for homeowners & small businesses?

Richard Montuori: Andrew, there are (no) plans for relief to water and sewer rates residents and businesses should expect an increase in FY13 to both water and sewer. I am working on that issue and hope to present to the Board on February 14.

Brian D: What are the expected costs for running the new High School. How much do we spend now.

Richard Montuori: Brian, I believe the cost of running the new High School is in the range of an additional $300,000 - $400,000 which is in the FY13 Budget.

Neighbor From The South: Is Mr. Montuori interested in applying for the Town Manager position in Wilmington when it becomes available this fall?

Richard Montuori: I am not interested in applying to any job in Fall I am very happy working in Tewksbury. I have great Department Heads and Board of Selectmen.

Tewksbury Patch: Now, I know you are a hardcore football fan, so I'd be remiss if I let you go without asking for a Super Bowl prediction ... winner and score.

Richard Montuori: Of course the Patriots will win but it will be a tough game, close game but they have a focus this year that was missing in previous years.

Upcoming "Lunch With ..." guests:

Feb. 8, 12 p.m. -- Selectman David Gay, chairman of the Economic Development Commission.

Feb. 15, 12 p.m. -- School Committee Chairwoman Krissy Polimeno and School Superintendent Dr. John O'Connor.