Detective Named Officer of the Year

Detective Chad M. Howard was recognized last night before the Board of Selectmen as the Natick Police Department Officer of the Year.

Generally speaking, the officers in the Natick Police Department go about doing their job and protecting the people of Natick in a quiet way without ever receiving much credit. But last night, before the Board of Selectmen, one member of the Natick Police Department wasn't able to go unnoticed, as Detective Chad M. Howard was honored as the Natick Police Department Officer of the Year for the year 2013. "Detective Howard is a thorough and proactive investigator who employs methods and techniques available in ways not previously considered," Natick Chief of Police James Hicks said. Hicks also spoke about things other than Howard simply being good at professional skills. He talked about how Howard, who has been with the department since 2005…

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'Nuisance' Dog Owner Responds with Letter

The alleged inconsiderate dog owner wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen after several neighbors made complaints about their two dogs at a Selectmen's meeting on April 3.

Stating that she "could find others in the neighborhood who would dispute [the allegations] but we shall forgo that path and comply," the wife of Michael Dyer, the dog owner accused of allowing his dogs to run loose and "defecate and urinate throughout the neighborhood," wrote to the Board of Selectmen in a letter dated April 17. Bob Doherty, a resident in the same neighborhood, and three other neighbors appeared at the Selectmen's meeting on April 3, to voice their concerns about the dogs. Doherty told the Selectmen that the dogs often ran free through the neighborhood and did their business without it being picked up Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our …

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Nuisance Dog Owner Will Face Hearing

Neighbors of an alleged inconsiderate dog owner exhaled a sigh of relief after the Board of Selectmen voted to hold a Dog Hearing.

A six-month effort by a Rockland St. resident to get an “entitled, irresponsible dog owner” to stop allowing his two golden retrievers to run through the neighborhood unleashed proved that persistence does pay off, as the Natick Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to hold a Dog Hearing for Michael Dyer of 5 Presbrey Pl. Bob Doherty, the Rockland St. resident who spearheaded the campaign, was joined by three other area residents at the meeting to request the dog hearing. “The dogs run loose, they defecate on people’s lawns,” Doherty said. “I’ve probably placed 50 calls to the dog officer.” In his first letter to the Board of Selectmen, dated Sept. 24, Doherty wrote that the two dogs: defecate and urinate throughout the neighborhood, on …

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Selectmen Expected to Appoint New Police Officer Tonight

Natick Chief of Police James Hicks has recommended that the Board of Selectmen appoint Sean Taylor to the Natick Police Department when Officer Robert White retires in March.

According to the posted agenda on the Town of Natick's website, the Board of Selectmen will be asked to appoint a new officer to the Natick Police Department as part of the meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. Chief of Police James Hicks has recommended Sean Taylor, a 2005 graduate of Natick High School who holds a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice from Curry College. Taylor is currently employed by Framingham State University Public Safety. Taylor will replace Officer Robert White, who will retire on March 5.

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What You Missed At Last Night's Board of Selectmen Meeting

Selectmen voted on a ice cream store and some supplies for the Senior Center at last night's meeting.

You didn't miss the Board of Selectmen's meeting last night–did you? Just in case you did, Patch was there to give you a quick recap. Here are a few of the main points. 

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Selectmen Pleased with Town Administrator, But Challenges Ahead

The selectmen presented their annual review of Town Administrator Martha White on Monday night.

  Natick Town Administrator Martha White faced her annual review with the Board of Selectmen Monday night, highlighting successess in 2011 and areas that need improvement. Four of the selectmen weighed in on the review, rating White on a one to five scale, on her performancns, long-range planning, short-term response and project goals. White earned between a four and five (five being the highest score) in all categories, except for project goals, for which she earned an average of 3.7 from the four selectmen that contributed to the review. Selectman Nick Mabardy chose not to provide feedback as he was newly elected during the year under review. "In general, the board felt that the town administrator, in my opinion...is doing a good job," …

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Board of Selectmen Notes

6 Things You Missed at the Selectmen's Meeting

The Selectmen recognized Natick Comets Hockey and the Girl Scouts and acknowledged the town's receipt of $15,000 from the state to defray the costs of hosting the Vietnam Moving Wall.

  1. The Natick Board of Selectmen recognized the 11 and 12-year-old Natick Comets team, which was crowned Massachusetts State Champions after beating Andover 4-1 earlier this month. Congratulations! 2. Rep. David Linsky officially acknowledged the town's recent receipt of $15,000 from the state to help defray the costs of bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall memorial last  June. The town will transfer the money to the Natick Veterans Council. "This money will be put to good use," said Veterans Affairs Officer Paul Carew. 3. Selectman Carol Gloff recognized the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary celebration, which took place on the Natick Common earlier this month. Gloff noted that there are 42 troops in Natick alone, with more than 500 girl scouts…

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Q&A with Selectmen Candidate Joshua Ostroff

Joshua Ostroff is running for reelection to the Board of Selectmen, against Rick Jennett.

  Joshua Ostroff is a current member of the Board of Selectmen and is running for reelection against former Finance Committee Chairman Rick Jennett. For more information on Joshua Ostroff, visit Ostroff.net. The town election is March 27.   What motivates you to want to serve on the Natick Board of Selectmen? Natick itself is what motivates me to serve. It’s where Jeanne and I raised our son Jonah and where we have benefited from the schools, libraries, public safety, and other great town services. Most important, it’s where we’ve become friends with and grown to admire many, many Natick residents who care deeply about their families and our community. I strongly believe that government at all levels should be respectful, responsive, open …

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