▼

Public Works - Requests

Show All Answers

1. How do I find out what seasonal employment opportunities are available?

All employment opportunities are posted at City Hall and online.

2. How do I get a Driveway / Paving Permit?

Residential and commercial property owners have to apply for permits to pave driveways and parking lots. Pars of the application process is a review of the current Zoning Code as well as a Stormwater review. This permit applies even if you are repaving existing parking areas. To apply for this permit, you can come in to the Engineering office in City Hall or print a blank application from the Engineering Division website.

3. How do I get a Street Opening Permit?

The process begins at the Office of the City Engineer. The applicant needs to bring a sketch of the work to be performed. Contractors must have an up to date bond and insurance on file. Staff will help determine which signatures you will need for your particular project. You will take the application to get those signatures. The very last signature is the Commissioner of Public Works. At that point, you will turn in the application and pay for and receive your permit.

Permits are good for 60 days. After 60 days, you will need to apply for, and pay for, another permit.

(Note: this process will also cover dumpsters to be temporarily placed on the row, street closings for festivals, and temporary sidewalk closures. This permit also covers the Commonwealth's Trench Permit Regulations)

For detailed information, go to the Engineering Division website.

4. How do I get my street on the paving list?

The City currently uses a Pavement Management Program to create the list of streets to pave each year. The Pavement Management Program assigns a Pavement Condition index (PCI) to each street. The PCI ranges from 0-100 with higher numbers meaning better conditions.

5. How do I Report a Broken Trash Cart?

Click here to report a broken trash cart

6. How does my family purchase a burial space?

To purchase a burial space, the customer should call 978-674-1761 to make an appointment for a tour of the Cemetery and then to purchase their lot. The Cemetery Office accepts payment (checks, cash or money orders only), prepares the deed and provides directions to the monument dealer of their choice.

7. What do I do if I receive a higher than normal water bill?

Property owners who receive quarterly bills that are extremely high or inconsistent with prior bills regardless of the reason, should contact the Water Department at 978-970-4242 to request a check of their water meter or to request a hearing before the Water Board.

8. What is the Board of Parks and what is their function?

The Board of Parks is the regulatory board made up 5 members who comprise the permitting authority for the City's parks. They also set policy and determine rates, fees, charges, etc. They meet the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the DPD Conference Room in the JFK Civic Center, 2nd Floor.

9. What is the Cemetery Commission and what is its function?

The Cemetery Commission is a statutory board made up 5 members that sets policies and procedures for the City's cemeteries, determines rates, fees and charges, and oversees the Perpetual Care Trust Fund, sale of lots funds and perpetual interest funds. They meet the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the DPD Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the JFK Civic Center.

10. What is the eligibility for the elderly discount on water?

Applicants must be 65 years of age or older and own and reside at the property which must be a single family dwelling. If all of the foregoing requirements are met, the owner would be eligible for the discount and must provide the following documentation: copies of their birth certificate or passport and a copy of the deed to the property showing their ownership. there would also be a form in the event that the owner chooses not to accept the refuse discount that would be required to keep on file as the quarterly fee would remain at the higher rate.

11. What is the eligibility for the elderly discount on water?

Applicants must be 65 years of age or older and own and reside at the property which must be a single family dwelling. If all of the foregoing requirements are met, the owner would be eligible for the discount and must provide the following documentation: copies of their birth certificate or passport and a copy of the deed to the property showing their ownership. there would also be a form in the event that the owner chooses not to accept the refuse discount that would be required to keep on file as the quarterly fee would remain at the higher rate.

12. Where can I find a copy of the Cemetery policies and procedures?

All the lot owners receive the Cemetery hand book which is up dated on a yearly basis outlining the rules, regulations and fee schedule. Copies are available at the Cemetery Office located at 1375 Gorham Street.

13. Where do I get information on my sewer connection?

This information is kept on file in the Office of the City Engineer, City Hall, third floor.

14. Who do I call for sewerage back-up in house or plugged sewer lines?

Please contact the Wastewater Facility at 978-674-4248.

15. Who do I call if a catch basin is not taking water or has collapsed?

Notify the Wastewater Facility at 978-674-4248.

16. Who do I call if there is a cave in on the street or sidewalk?

During work hours, notify the Wastewater Facility at 978-674-4248. After hours contact the Department of Public Works Watchman at 978-674-1807.

17. Who do I call if water is coming out of a manhole cover?

Notify the Wastewater Facility at 978-674-4248.

18. Who do I call to report an odor?

Notify the Wastewater Facility at 978-674-4248.

19. Who do I notify if I have an address change?

Property owners are responsible to notify the Water Department of any ownership /billing changes. Written consent b the owner is required in order to change any billing information on an account. Owner's name will remain on all utility accounts, even if they want the bill sent to a management company. Change requests will be done in a timely manner to ensure owners receive their utility bills. However, some changes may take effect in the middle of a billing cycle. As a result, this may prevent the homeowner from receiving their quarterly bill as scheduled. Not receiving a bill does not negate your responsibility to pay them. Any penalties incurred will be the owner's responsibility. It is recommended, that any homeowner who does not receive a bill contact the Water Department to verify billing information is correct.

20. Who is responsible for the sewer services after it leaves the house?

The homeowner owns the sewer service to the City's main sewer.

21. Why was my property put into a flood plain?

Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) creates the flood maps for the entire country. The City does not participate in the creation of the flood maps. We have the latest digital maps and can provide some explanation. If you feel your property was incorrectly placed in a food zone, you will need to hire a surveyor to complete a Certificate of Elevation. You can submit that certificate to FEMA for their reconsideration.