AYER — National Grid has reported that 221 customers in Ayer remained without power as of 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The utility also indicated it hoped to have most customers restored by 8 p.m., according to town administrator Shaun A. Suhoski.
“The Board of Selectmen would strongly encourage any resident that is still without heat and power to take advantage of heated shelter by calling 978-772-8200 and speaking with the town’s dispatch center,” he said. “Folks will be provided with a cot, blanket, water, rest facilities and food if needed.”
Also, to help residents deal with the substantial amount of downed tree limbs and debris generated by the storm, the town’s brush dump, located off Bishop Road, will be open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for residential use. For questions related to the brush dump please contact the Department of Public Works at 978-772-8240 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Suhoski praised the efforts of the town’s emergency personnel throughout the storm and power outage. “The Fire, Police and Emergency Management personnel were extremely professional and responsive during a period of high demand for services. The citizens should be proud of these departments.”
The town administrator also noted that there were some gaps in information during the event and stated that the departments and Board of Selectmen would debrief and debug the town’s response to the emergency in the coming weeks.
Due to the storm’s impact on priority operations, the Board of Selectmen have modified their meeting schedule by cancelling the regular session Tuesday and holding a special meeting on Thursday at 3 p.m. to discuss the potential sharing of the DPW Superintendent with the town of Harvard and to hear a staffing proposal for the planning and development office.
The board’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 23 commencing with the 6 p.m. Executive Session, followed by the regular meeting at approximately 7 p.m.
