1. Winter Weather-
As you know if you were local last weekend we all experienced brutal frigid temperatures here on Cape and across the northeast Friday into Saturday.
The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Warning to be in effect from Friday, February 3, 2023 at 10am until Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10am. and are forecasting dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 degrees below zero.
The Town did experience some power outages as well as fallen trees and limbs. Additionally, the Town had two pipes that burst in two separate town facilities. Fortunately, the pipes were fixed and we continue to address the water damage and will be working with our insurance carrier to determine if a claim will be approved.
I would like to thank our first responders, public safety and public works for all their efforts and energy in keeping the Dennis Community safe during the weather emergency conditions.
Winter Weather Reminders –
The Town will issue Code Reds via telephone if there is a significant hazard to public safety which was the case for this winter event. This information is cross posted on our website and on social media platforms as well. Please be sure to sign up for the Town Code Red announcements here Code Red Registration
Anyone who loses power and heat that needs to leave their home may call the Dennis Police Department at 508-394-1313, at which time they will be asked to come to the Dennis Police station where the Community Room will be opened as a temporary warming shelter. If there is enough demand for a larger warming shelter, per protocol the town will open the Dennis Council on Aging Center.
Citizens encountering fallen trees or wires should call the Police Department using the 911 system - if an emergency - or dialing 508-394-1313. Do not go near downed lines – they may be charged. Police or fire personnel will respond to these calls and notify appropriate utilities.
Contact Eversource (Electric Company) to report any power outages at 1-800-592-2000. Citizens are encouraged to use the Eversource phone system to report power outages – the system automatically tracks these calls and provides information to Eversource as to how many people are out in a given area. The system will also give the caller a call back to provide information as to when the power is expected to be turned back on.
Use 911 for emergencies only, for all other calls you can dial 508-394-1313.
2. Join the Team - Town of Dennis is Hiring!
Do you know someone looking for work? The Town of Dennis is hiring! Full and part time positions available. View current job openings here.
3. Transfer Station Fee Increases –
On January 10, 2023 during the Select board meeting, the Dennis Select Board voted to increase certain transfer station fees to adjust for market pricing. Fees were raised to cover direct costs in comparison to other communities and vendors. The new fees will be effective as of January 13, 2023.
The new fees are as followed:
- Mattresses and box springs: $30 EA Residential, $50 EA Commercial
- Brush: $8 Barrel MIN, Pick up/Trailer $60, & $70 per ton Commercial
- Asphalt, Brick, Concrete: $20 Per Ton
- Construction and Demolition: $10 MIN. $225 Per Ton
- Tires: $10 Per Passenger Tire/ $30 Per Truck Tire.
The Town of Dennis will no longer accept manure. No-cost options are available locally.
See the town website for a complete price list:
https://www.town.dennis.ma.us/department-public-works/solid-waste-recycling-division
4. 2023 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) –
The Select Board is underway with their review of Town Meeting Articles for placement on the Warrant, the Board will continue their review over the next several meetings. The Finance Committee will soon commence their review of Town Meeting articles. The Planning Board will be meeting on any proposed Zoning Articles. It is anticipated the Select Board will review the final 2023 Town Meeting Warrant at a meeting in early April. All Town Meeting Article/Warrant Review are held in meetings that are available for the public to attend in person or via zoom. Please see the Meeting Calendar on the Town website for dates/times/locations and meeting agendas.
Pursuant to the Code of the Town of Dennis, By-Law:
Chapter 40, § 1, the Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the Select Board Opened the Town Meeting Warrant at their meeting held on Tuesday January 10th.
Chapter 40, § 2 and under the MGL ch. 39, § 10, the Annual Town Meeting Warrant & Election Warrant will be posted no later than Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Chapter 40, § 8, Citizens Petitions are due to the Town Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 51, §§ 26, 28, the last day to register to vote at both the Annual Town Meeting and the Annual Town Election is Friday, April 21, 2023.
5. Annual Town Election –
The Town of Dennis will be conducting the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Polls will be open from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm. The last day to register to vote at both the Annual Town Meeting and the Annual Town Election is Friday, April 21, 2023 and the hours on this day will be from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.
Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s office and will need to be obtained by no later than Friday, March 17, 2023 at 4:30 pm and returned by Tuesday, March 21, 2023 by no later than 5:00 pm.
Vacancies for the Annual Town Election are as follows:
2 Select Board Member 3 years
1 Select Board Member 1 year
1 D/Y School Committee Member 3 years
2 OKHRHDC Member 4 years
1 Dennis Housing Authority Mem. 5 years
1 Water District Commissioner 3 years
For more information about the Nomination process, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (508) 760-6112.
Have a great week everyone!
Respectfully,
Elizabeth C. Sullivan, Town Administrator
