Library to consider taking over passport duties

Town Clerk Tracy Kenney will be meeting with library director Mark Lague to see if the library staff will be able to take over issuing passports now that the U.S. Department of State has ruled that town clerks’ offices can no longer handle the function.

Town Administrator Bill Friel explained to selectmen Tuesday night that the Homeland Security Office wants to establish a type of “firewall” between the town clerk’s office, which issues birth certificates, and the office that processes passport applications.

As of May 1, the town clerk’s office will no longer issue passports, and Friel said he is looking for another town office or department to pick up the additional responsibilities. He said the library is a good possibility due to its staff size and extended hours.

The town clerk’s office has processed passports since 2003 and has typically handled between 600 and 1,000 passports a year. Although many post offices handle passports, the Canton Post Office has notified Friel that it cannot handle the process, citing space requirements. Until a decision is made by town departments, those needing a passport after May 1 should log onto www.travel.state.gov to locate the nearest office.

In other news:

* The town has been informed that it will receive an additional $174,538 in state aid to be used on road repairs or DPW projects in the next fiscal year.

* Friel told selectmen that temporary speed bumps have been installed in the parking lot at Town Hall to slow down motorists and discourage them from using the parking lot as a “cut through” to avoid the traffic light at Washington and Sherman streets. Friel said the speed bumps can be removed at any time, but will remain in place for a year to measure their effectiveness. Friel said Canton police will also monitor the parking lot to discourage motorists from using it as a cut through.

* The water level at Forge Pond has been lowered so that construction can begin on a new DPW garage on Bolivar Street. The water will remain lowered for 30 days.

* Earlier this week, Celco Construction Co. began installing a section of water main opposite the former Cumberland Farms site at 777 Dedham Street. Work will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

* Amtrak will be performing work on the railroad tracks in the area of the Viaduct. The work is expected to last another two weeks and will take place Monday through Thursday.

* Selectmen approved the laying out of Cristen Way, located off Walpole Street. Developer Bob Crisleo said he built the 500-foot road with granite curbing and trees to support four homes. The article, supported by the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and the DPW, is up for a final vote at the April 25 town meeting.

* Selectmen postponed action on town meeting articles concerning the Stretch Energy Code, the local meals tax, and the Community Preservation Act until their next meeting on Tuesday, April 19, in deference to Selectman Bob Burr, who was absent from Tuesday’s meeting due to a business commitment.

* Friel told selectmen that portions of the Pine Street water pumping station are in disrepair, and the tank in the rear of the building will likely be demolished. Friel said the tank is obsolete. The remaining structure will likely be preserved because of its historical significance.

* Selectmen appointed Elizabeth Ryan as a member of the Canton Cultural Council.

* Selectmen acknowledged the recent passing of Joe Ronayne and former CHS Principal Joe Joyce.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Apr 14 2011. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.