Posted by Dennis Herrick on January 22, 2010 at 08:29:48:
Town officials want to hear from Unitil on tree-trimming
By Dan Magazu, dmagazu@sentinelandenterprise.com
Posted: 01/22/2010 06:34:51 AM EST
LUNENBURG -- Members of the Board of Selectmen have expressed frustration recently that they've been unable to get an official from Unitil to come before them and provide details of the company's townwide tree trimming plan.
"It's been a few months now that we've been waiting to hear from them," said Tom Alonzo, chairman of the Board of Selectmen. "We have not ever met with anyone from senior management."
Officials from Unitil announced plans in July for an enhanced tree-trimming plan that involves clearing trees and branches that are within eight feet of major power lines.
The plan, which is well under way, calls for addressing seven miles of road, including portions of Reservoir, Leominster and Sunnyhill roads.
But town officials said they are still waiting to hear the company's tree-trimming plans for the remainder of town.
"During the recent open house at the Fire Department, I made clear to all four Unitil representatives in attendance exactly what we are looking for," Alonzo said. "I would like a senior member from Unitil to explain to us what their plan is. We still haven't received that."
Wes Eberle, a spokesman for Unitil, said Thursday company employees are in the process of hiring a private firm to come in and review its comprehensive tree trimming plan for the Massachusetts coverage area, which also includes Fitchburg, Ashby and Townsend.
"This will be a robust review of the company's complete vegetative control plan in the Massachusetts territory," Eberle said. "The goal here is to develop best practices and procedures and allow the company to serve the communities in the most effective way."
The company issued a Request for Proposals document on Dec. 21, and all bids are due in today. The firm hired will have until the end of April to complete its analysis and report, Eberle said. The company will then brief officials from the state Department of Public Utilities on the plan and present it to officials in all four communities.
"That will probably happen some time in May," Eberle said. "In the meantime, we are continually in contact with local officials, including members of the (Department of Public Works)."