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Volunteer Opportunities
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
One member
Duties: Facilitate and advocate farming and agriculture in Stow; promote agricultural-based economic opportunities; provide dispute resolution services; and work with Town officials and boards to promote and protect agricultural interests.
Qualifications: Registered voter of Stow or owner of agricultural business in Stow.
Term: Appointment by the Board of Selectmen to the remainder of a three-year term ending June 30, 2011.
Application: The Board of Selectmen will accept letters of application until the position is filled. Send applications to the Board of Selectmen, 380 Great Road, Stow MA 01775 or email the office at selectmen@stow-ma.gov.
Posted 8/07/09
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BOARD OF ASSESSORS
One member
Duties: To serve on the three-member Board of Assessors. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, the Board is responsible for establishing the fair cash value of all property, real and personal, within the Town of Stow. Based on the amount appropriated at Town Meeting along with other sources of income and expenses, the Board determines the tax rate to apply against the taxable property within the Town. The Board oversees an assessment system that enables an equitable treatment of all Stow taxpayers. The Board generally meets twice a month or as needed.
Qualifications: Registered voter of Stow. Must be willing to learn a fairly complex system, complete coursework required by the Dept. of Revenue, and allocate the time necessary to reach knowledgeable decisions on all matters before the Board of Assessors.
Term: To fill an unexpired three-year term until the May 2011 annual town election.
Application: Letters of application will be accepted by the Selectmen and/or Assessors until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to the Assessors’ Office at 978-897-4597.
Joint Meeting: The Board of Selectmen and current members of the Board of Assessors will meet to jointly fill the vacancy.
Posted 7/16/10
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FINANCE COMMITTEE
Two Associate Members for One Year
Duties: 1) Reviews budgets and warrant articles to be presented at Town Meeting in order to make recommendations to the voters, balances requests with the Town’s ability to pay, and 2) considers requests for transfers from the Reserve Fund.
Qualifications: Registered voter of Stow. Interest in and time to serve the Town. Willingness to attend other departmental meetings.
Term: One-year term, ending at the conclusion of the 2011 Annual Town Meeting.
Application: The Town Moderator will be accepting applications until the positions are filled. Send applications to David Walrath, Town Moderator 380 Great Road, Stow MA 01775 or email him at [Link]dave@readercon.org.
Posted 2/12/10
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HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Four members
The Stow Historical Commission is a five-member commission appointed by the Board of Selectmen. As defined by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8D, its mission is to preserve, protect, and develop the historical or archeological assets of Stow.
The Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for four members for terms as defined below.
Responsibilities include:
- Updating and maintaining a community-wide inventory of Stow’s historic buildings and landscapes
- Overseeing an archeological reconnaissance survey of the Town and cooperating with state archeologists who may conduct similar research and surveys
- Defining and sponsoring historical projects for Community Preservation funding
- Applying for state and federal grants for appropriate historical preservation projects
- Maintaining the Old West School building
- In coordination with the Cemetery Superintendent, furthering ongoing efforts to restore cemetery headstones
- Acquiring and maintaining other historical properties and artifacts as appropriate
- Managing an historic plaque program for eligible houses
- With the approval of the Board of Selectmen, making recommendations to the Massachusetts Historical Commission that specific places be certified as historical or archeological landmarks
- In cooperation with property owners, nominating buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts worthy of National Register of Historic Places designation, based on local and state surveys
- Sponsoring Town bylaws to promote the preservation and maintenance of historic buildings and places
- Protecting sensitive historical sites from degradation
- Conducting educational events and producing educational materials relating to the history of Stow and the Commission’s activities
- Responding to requests for information about historic areas in Stow
- Making appropriate suggestions to the Board of Selectmen and other Town Boards about protecting and preserving historic sites and areas of Stow
- Working in cooperation with other municipal agencies to insure that the goals of historic preservation are considered in planning for future development
- Coordinating activities with other historical organizations in Town
- Administrating annual budget approved by Town Meeting
Priorities for FY2011:
- Oversee the execution and completion of the historic inventory project--funded by Community Preservation funds-- according to the latest Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) standards
- Finalize an official location for displaying the “Stow musket” and its case
- Develop a plan for an archeological reconnaissance study
- Investigate a demolition delay bylaw to bring to the 2011 Annual Town Meeting
Qualifications:
- A sincere interest in the history of Stow
- A willingness to define, accept, and carry out assignments against priorities
- A commitment of time and attendance at regular meetings
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Team player with discipline and decisiveness
- A registered voter of Stow
- Experience as an historian, attorney, architect, business or project manager, or builder and knowledge of preservation are desired but not required
Term:
- One position for an unexpired three-year term, expiring June 30, 2011
- One position for an unexpired three-year term, expiring June 30, 2012
- Two positions for three-year terms, expiring June 30, 2013
Application:
Individuals interested in serving should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Board of Selectmen by 5:00 p.m. on September 7, 2010.
Posted 7/21/10
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STOW HOUSING AUTHORITY
One member
Duties:. Study the housing needs of Stow and provide programs to make available housing for families of low income. Have such other powers and duties as are given to local housing authorities, under Mass General Law Chapter 121B.
Qualifications: Registered voter of Stow. Applicants should have an interest in short- and long-term affordable housing in Stow.
Term: Joint appointment by the Stow Housing Authority and the Board of Selectmen, to fill two years of an unexpired five-year term.
This is an elected position, pursuant to Town of Stow Charter Article 3, Section 9. The vacancy was not filled in the May 2010 Town election thus requiring a joint appointment by the two boards.
Application: The Board of Selectmen will accept letters of application until the position is filled by appointment or until the May 2011 election, whichever comes sooner.
If you are interested, please contact the Selectmen’s Office to see if the position is still vacant: selectmen@stow-ma.gov or 978-897-4515.
Posted June 11, 2010
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MULTI-USE RECREATION PATH COMMITTEE
5 members
This is a new committee.
Duties: To develop a plan for multi-use paths within and through Stow, including Track Road and connections with the Maynard Rail Trail and the White Pond Road trail in the Assabet National Wildlife Refuge, and to explore construction of an additional path along Sudbury Road.
Major Activities:
- Conduct public forums and other outreach activities to determine the level of support for multi-use recreation paths.
- Prepare a recommendation on the type of surface (paved, stone, etc.) and width for multi-use recreation paths.
- Prepare a plan and a recommendation for Town Meeting regarding Track Road, including leaving it in its natural state vs. possible paving/widening, funding sources, and governance (who will maintain the path and projected cost).
- Work with officials at the Assabet National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to improve the path surface at the north end of White Pond Road, and to obtain agreement on use of the ANWR path for biking and other recreational uses.
- Coordinate with the Pedestrian Walkway Subcommittee to identify possible opportunities for joint projects.
- Evaluate the feasibility and cost of constructing a path on the east side of Sudbury Road along the fence by the ANWR. This activity should also include contact with those planning the Central Mass Rail Trail to explore a possible connection with a Sudbury Road path.
Qualifications:
- Registered voter of Stow.
- Interest in providing additional recreational opportunities for Stow residents.
- Prior experience with rail trail projects preferred.
Term: Appointment by the Board of Selectmen for staggered three-year terms.
Application: The Board of Selectmen will accept letters of application until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Town Building, 380 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775 and selectmen@stow-ma.gov.
Posted 7/21/10
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MUNICIPAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST
One member
Duties: Create and preserve affordable housing in Stow for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households, pursuant to MGL Chapter 44, section 55c and Chapter 109 of the Acts of 2006. Accept, invest and spend funds in the Trust’s care; buy sell, hold, and manage real property.
Qualifications:
Registered voter of Stow.
Applicants should share a commitment to the long-term welfare of the town and desire to increase the housing choices in Stow for its past, current, and future residents and employees.
Possess some of the following requisite skills and background: 1) financial and investment management; 2) law, especially real estate or municipal; 3) business or project management; 4) property or facilities management; 5) real estate transaction experience.
Have no appearance of or actual incompatible interest with the business of the Trust, such as a connection to current or proposed residential development in Stow.
Term: Appointment by Board of Selectmen to a two-year term ending June 30, 2011.
Application: The Board of Selectmen will accept letters of application until the position is filled. Send applications to the Board of Selectmen, 380 Great Road, Stow MA 01775 or email the office at selectmen@stow-ma.gov.
Posted 11/13/09
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NASHOBA REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
One member
Duties: The Audit Advisory Committee is made up of four individuals: one each selected to represent each town and one representative appointed by the School Committee. The Stow representative shall sit on the District Audit Advisory Committee, which oversees the annual audit of the School District and provide sufficient oversight to safe guard to the interests of the Town of Stow. Meets with the Superintendent and staff before and after the Audit to discuss results. The Committee is also responsible for recommending the audit firm to be used on a contractual basis.
Qualifications: Registered voter of Stow. Willingness to volunteer time to set scope of audit, meet and discuss the report, findings and recommendations. Appointee will also help follow up on the implementation of audit findings and recommendations. Meet with School Committee to report findings and recommendations. Experience with municipal finance, finance committee, and/or non-profit finance a plus.
Term: Appointment jointly by the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee for a one-year term.
Application: The Board of Selectmen will accept letters of application until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
Posted August 11, 2010
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VETERAN'S GRAVES COMMITTEE
One Member
Duties: Ordering of supplies, including metal Veterans’ Grave markers annually as required for new Veterans’ graves, appropriate size flags for annual replacement at all Veterans’ graves in the three town cemeteries, and other flags to be handed out at the Memorial Day Parade; coordinating annual replacement of all flags at Veterans’ graves and on soldiers’ monuments in both town cemeteries; and supporting Memorial Day Parade planning as required, including attending planning meetings, usually two (2) per year. Must be able to see duties through to completion and manage to a budget.
Qualifications: Registered voter and veteran of Stow.
Term: Appointment by Board of Selectmen for one year.
Application: Letters of application will be accepted by the Selectmen until 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
Posted August 11, 2010
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ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Two members
Duties: The Zoning Board of Appeals is a quasi-judicial board as established by state law and has specific duties and responsibilities including:
- Hear appeals from parties aggrieved by the decision of an administration official concerning zoning issues.
- Hear and decide applications for certain special permits as provided by the zoning bylaws.
- Hear and decide petitions to vary specific requirements of the zoning bylaws.
- Hear and decide applications for comprehensive permits.
Qualifications: Registered voter of Stow. Sound independent judgment, a sense of fairness and an ability to act on the evidence (and information) as determined with reference to the applicable sections of the Town of Stow's zoning bylaws and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, The Zoning Act.
Term: One member to complete an unexpired five-year term expiring June 30, 2012, and one member to complete an unexpired five-year term expiring June 30, 2014, upon appointment by the Board of Selectmen.
Application: The Selectmen will accept letters of application until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Posted August 11, 2010
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NOTICE OF VACANCY
Pedestrian Walkway Planning Sub-Committee
One (1) Member-At-Large
Duties:
The Pedestrian Walkway Planning Sub-Committee, working under the direction of the Planning Board, is responsible for preparation of a Draft Pedestrian Walkway Master Plan to enhance the town’s sidewalk network in keeping with Stow’s rural character.
Qualifications:
- Resident of Stow. ~
- Applicants should share a commitment to the long-term welfare of the town and desire to accomplish the dual goals of physical fitness and preservation of Stow’s rural character by creating a pedestrian link between neighborhoods throughout the Town.
Term: ~Appointment by the Planning Board to remainder of a two-year term, ending June 30, 2011.
Application: The Planning Board will accept letters of application until the position is filled. Send applications to the Stow Planning Board, 380 Great Road, Stow MA 01775 or email the office at planning@stow-ma.gov
Posted: July 15, 2010
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Paid Positions
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None at this time.
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