Billerica Town Manager’s Newsletter January 2024

On Monday December 18^th the Town and Leftfield interviewed three designers for the North Billerica Fire Station project; TGAS, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, and SOCOTEC AE Consulting. The Town went with TGAS based on their work history and familiarity with public safety buildings, knowledge of Fire Service programmatic factors and considerable/recent history of Fire Station design. A kickoff meeting will take place later in January.

COA and Recreation

The Town and architectural firm, Abacus, have been reviewing the design with the COA Director and Recreation Director to ensure that all of their needs are satisfied. In addition, Abacus is going over all the comments made at the last Capital Facilities Committee meeting to capture as much as possible. Abacus and the Town will be back before the Capital Facilities Committee later this month to review any changes. 

Aggregate Energy Program

The Town’s new aggregation rates for its Power Supply program go into effect this month, January 2024. The Town’s new aggregation rates are for a 24 month term as follows: 

Standard – $0.14011 per kWh
Optional Green – $0.14152 per kWh

All accounts currently enrolled in the Town’s Program will be automatically switched to the new rate and electricity supplier, Dynegy Energy Services as of the January 2024 meter reads. This change will be noted on the January bill, under electricity supplier. If you are interested in opting in to the program or learning more click here; https://colonialpowergroup.com/billerica/

Dog License

By Law, all dogs three months or older must be licensed. The fee for licensing a male or female dog is $10.00 and for a spayed female or neutered male it is $6.00. All dogs being licensed must have a valid rabies certificate. If licensing a spayed or neutered dog for the first time, you must show a spaying/neutering certificate.

Applications are being enclosed in the Census mailings. Just complete the application, include the necessary documentation, a check made payable to the TOWN of BILLERICA and a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your census form, and the License and 2023 tag will be sent to you. For information, call 978-671-0924. License before March 10th to avoid a late fee. 

Open Space and Recreation Public Forums

Want more open space around Billerica for recreational activities? Come share your thoughts at the Open Space and Recreation Committees second Public Forum on January 17th at 6:30PM in the Town Hall Auditorium. If you can’t make it in person, take a few minutes to fill out this survey; https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KM8BR63 and let the committee know what you want! 

Community Funds Grant

The Community funds grants deadline has been extended to January 31st! The Application and Criteria can be found here; https://www.billerica.gov/361/Community-Funds
Please review the Criteria to make sure your organization qualifies for the Grant. Please reach out to the Select Board’s Office in Town Hall with any questions, 978-671-0939!

Helpsy

Looking to get rid of those old textiles, T-shirts, pants, old winter sweaters? The Town participates in a free textile recycling program with Helpsy. Contact Helpsy to schedule a pickup it takes less than a minute at www.helpsy.co/billericama

Christmas Tree Disposal

Christmas Tree drop off will take place this year from December 26, 2023 – January 27, 2024, at the Highway department, 250 Boston Road.

Christmas tree collection will be January 8,2024 – January 12, 2024, on your scheduled trash pickup day.  Notice of this service will be posted on Town Social Media venues.

Winter Parking BanThe Town Manager and Chief of Police have issued this years Winter Parking Ban. It will take effect November 15, 2023 and expire March 15, 2024. Vehicles found parked in the roadway longer than two (2) hours between Midnight and 6:00 AM during the above dates will be tagged. Upon declaration of a snow emergency by the Town Manager, parking on all public ways will be prohibited. 

Click here for the 2023 Winter Parking Ban!

Select Board: January 8 & 22
Planning Board: January 9
Board of Health: January 8
Zoning: January 17
Conservation: January 10 & 24
Historic Districts Commission: January 9

Get involved, click Below!
Volunteer Opportunities 

This newsletter is intended to provide timely information to the Billerica community regarding its Town government. Publications will be issued as needed, but no less than a monthly basis. Please feel free to provide suggestions and comments to cmain@billerica.gov

Clancy Main, Acting Town Manager