Onset Fire District annual meeting, election upcoming
The Onset Fire District will hold its annual district meeting on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. and will elect district officers on Tuesday, May 22.
In addition to routine financial business that will be conducted at the annual meeting, voters will be asked to consider:
- Whether to transfer $225,000 to the district's "stabilization fund," a type of savings account that can be drawn upon when, for example, funding is needed for new projects or repairs.
- If $40,800 should be used to toward the purchase of three thermal imaging cameras for the Onset Fire Department.
- Whether to accept the donation of a Lancier 28" hydraulic rescue spreader — a "Jaws of Life" tool used by the fire department in car accident rescues.
- Whether to transfer $50,000 to an account that the Onset Water Department will use as part of its water meter "revitalization" program.
- If $8,000 should be used for the maintenance on two of the Water Department's wells.
The district's annual election will take place on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dudley L. Brown VFW, located on Gibbs Ball Park Road off of Onset Avenue in Onset.
On the election ballot will be one three-year seat on the Prudential Committee, a three-year term on the Board of Water Commissioners, and a one-year term for moderator.
Prudential Committee member Robert Maxim retired in December, leaving a vacant seat on that board. Charles Klueber of Onset Avenue and Dianne Vance of Pleasant Avenue have thrown their hats into the ring for the position.
Charles Klueber, who retired after spending 36 years on the Bourne Fire Department -- the last seven years as chief -- said he is hoping to bring his expertise in managing budgets and knowledge of water-department workings to the Prudential Committee.
"It's kind of a perfect fit," said Klueber, who has lived in Onset for more than 40 years. "I certainly have some experience in the types of activities that the water district and the fire departments get involved in."
It is Klueber's first run for elected office. He currently serves on the town's Planning Board and Capital Planning Committee.
Dianne Vance, who has lived in Onset for nine years, is also running for her first seat in elected office.
"I just want to bring some new blood to Onset and do some things to make changes," Vance said. She said she wants to "work with the Prudential Committee, make the water system better and try to get some things rolling in the right direction."
Vance is involved with the Onset Bay Association and currently chairs the OBA's Blues Festival Committee. She also volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club.
Incumbent James Moran is running uncontested for the Water Commissioners seat. Moran currently chairs the board.
There is no one running for the position of moderator.
All registered voters living in the Onset Fire District are eligible to vote at the annual meeting and cast a ballot in the election.
Due to the district's bylaws, Onset Fire District officials had to schedule their annual meeting on May 21. A town-wide Special Town Meeting will also be held that same date, beginning at 8 p.m. in the Wareham Middle School auditorium. A quorum of 150 voters is necessary for the Special Town Meeting to occur. If a quorum cannot be obtained, it will be rescheduled to the following Wednesday.
