THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 5 Year in Review: 2020 A monthly breakdown of the top stories in The Saugus Advocate during 2020 By Mark E. Vogler January Local artist Kelly Slater begins 2020 with an artist residency, free workshop and exhibit at DCR Breakheart. For the third time in two years, the state Attorney’s Offi ce of Open Government cites the former School Committee for an Open Meeting Law violation – this time for holding an improper executive session to discuss privatizing school custodians. Saugus mourns the death of longtime Building Maintenance Supervisor Ralph Materese. The Board of Health votes to create a Subcommittee to set date and plans for closing Wheelabrator’s ash landfi ll. The Selectmen schedule a workshop to target various projects and key issues for the 2020 agenda. Saugus Fire Lt. William E. Cross says it’s time for action on the West Side fi re station project. The Selectmen approve a special permit for George Foreman III’s personal fi tness establishment at the Route 1 Hilltop site. The Selectmen say Craber to take action in response to complaints about slippery crosswalks. The Selectmen set numerous conditions on light industrial property near the Wheelabrator plant. The Police arrest a knife-wielding Saugus man for attempted murder. February Eric Brown and his two daughters return from an Antarctica adventure with some great stories to tell. The School Committee releases minutes of a May 2019 Executive Session that the Attorney General determined was illegal and violated Open Meeting Law. MassDEP’s decision on Wheelabrator’s emission control plan irks state Rep. RoseLee Vincent and the Saugus selectmen. Veteran Police Offi cer Kevin Nichols seeks the town’s support so he can work up to age 70. The School Committee seeks a public forum to discuss the future configuration of grades using Belmonte Middle School and Veterans Memorial Elementary School. The Baker-Polito Administraderly uncle. A Report shows a major spike in police response to overdose calls during 2019, with six fatalities. Town Manager Scott Crabtree unveils his spending plan, with caution. Revere City Councillor-at-large Jessica Giannino announces her candidacy for state Rep. Vincent’s seat. The West Side fi re station tops the “to do” list selectmen receive during a citizen input session; selectmen hear testimony REVIEW 2020 | SEE PAGE 9 SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net ZOOMED OUT: Saugus residents will remember 2020 for many government meetings held by “Zoom” videoconferencing. Meetings, like this Board of Selectmen’s session in April, seem to some like watching the old “Hollywood Squares” game show. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) tree needs to get a compensation study to show how Saugus compares to other towns in paying department heads; offi cials discuss the challenge of fi lling key job vacancies. Preliminary talks about “Wheelabrator” committee reveal a potential clash of agendas. The Selectmen are optimistic that a light industrial project could benefi t East Saugus. Precinct 10 Town Meeting members express concerns about the mission of a future “Wheelabrator” committee. The Selectmen issue a special permit to Hilco Redevelopment Partners to allow light industrial use on Salem Turnpike. The Selectmen vote for the town managtion announces that construction on the remaining sections of the Northern Strand Community Trail will begin as a $13.7 million contract is awarded. An Everett man kills his brother-inlaw at a Saugus gas station on Cliftondale Square before killing himself in an Everett cemetery. The Decareaus refl ect on 67 years of love, marriage and family in Saugus. State Rep. RoseLee Vincent announces she will not seek reelection to the Mass. House of Representatives. The Selectmen will hold a citizen input session for ideas to improve the town. A Saugus woman is indicted for allegedly stealing $400,000 from her el
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