Archives: Government Branches

Business Certificates M.G.L. Chapter 110, Sec. 5 A Business Certificates (“DBA form”) must be filed by an unincorporated business located in Hamilton that is conducting business under a name other than one’s own. The fee for a Business Certificate is $25 and is valid for four years and is renewable. A Business Certificate only registers … Continued

Title 5 Inspection Reports NEW: Recent Title 5 Inspection Reports-  REVIEWED & APPROVED   Certificates of Compliance NEW: Recent Certificates of Compliance   Septic Regulations & Policies Septic Tanks and DEP Approved Effluent Filter Policy Acceptable Examples of Light Duty Access Covers & Riser Safety Grates Open Floor Plan Policy / Room Count and Bedroom … Continued

Retail Food Policies & Regulations BOH Food Manager Certification Regulation FDA 2013 Food Code Training -Cindy Rice, Eastern Food Safety, Sept. 2016 Food Allergy Awareness Regulation Food Establishment Re-Inspection Fees and Probationary Inspection Frequency – NEW POLICY (EFFECTIVE 7/1/17) Opening a Restaurant Policy REGULATION: MA 150 CMR 590 Food Code Annotated Merged Food Code Dec … Continued

NEW: The Town of Hamilton contracted with the Epilepsy Foundation of New England for textile recycling. Please review the following links: FAQ-Mattress & Textiles https://donateclothes.epilepsynewengland.org/pickup https://epilepsynewengland.org/donations-center Green Guide to Selling, Donating and Recycling Old Clothing https://www.lulus.com/blog/resources/selling-donating-and-recycling-old-clothing/

Below are documents that detail the Town of Hamilton’s health and dental insurance coverage: FY25   FY25 Open Enrollment Notice FY25 Rates Employee – Handout BCBS MIIA Enrollment Form Network-Blue-New-England-HMO Network-Blue-New-England Summary of Benefits Blue Care Elect – PPO Blue Care Elect – Summary of Benefits BCBS -E-Kit (Access to all Plans) Vision – Blue … Continued

Payroll & Benefits Forms I-9 Form W-4 Form 457 Plan Obra Mandatory Form Employee Record FSA Medical Claim Flexible Spend Deduction Form Family and Medical Leave Act ( Form WH-380-E) Retirement Retirement- Essex Regional Retirement New Member Checklist (Retirement) New Member Enrollment Form (Retirement) ERRS Beneficiary Selection (Retirement) Windfall Elimination Provision (Retirement) Metro Credit Union … Continued

  Historic District Commission Application Certificate of Appropriateness Application – Word Doc Certificate of Appropriateness Application – PDF Application for Appointment to a Town of Hamilton Board/Commission→

Overview These documents and charts provide resources for operating and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so that you stay safe: Keep Warm / Keep Safe Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide Carbon Monoxide Winter Warning Smoke Alarm Disposal AFR Smoke and CO Flow Detector Chart 2016 Consumer Guide to Smoke and CO Detectors 2016 Booklet House … Continued

Overview When you babysit, you are entrusted with a child’s life. Your primary responsibility is to care for the children’s needs and most of all: KEEP THEM SAFE You can prepare yourself for this important trust by following these guidelines: Have the following information written down and readily accessible in the event of an emergency: … Continued

Click here for GIS Website GIS For Hamilton The Town of Hamilton is publicly releasing its first GIS, provided by CAI Technologies. This new, easy-to-use GIS will increase the availability of public information such as assessors data and land use regulations for both town employees and the general public. What is GIS? A Geographic Information … Continued

Introduction This information is intended to help residential taxpayers understand how assessed values are determined. It explains the steps that you, as a single-family residential or condominium owner, may take if you are not sure that your assessment if fair or accurate. The information can help you begin to correct any problems you believe may … Continued

State Affordable Housing Law Chapter 40B MGL Chapter 40B the States Affordable Housing Law   Property Values & 40B Projects Chapter 40B – Is there an Adverse Impact on Home Values Fear of Affordable Housing – Perception vs. Reality On the Ground – 40B Developments Before and After Cost Benefit of New Housing NSHC Consolidated Plan … Continued

How Are We Doing? The Hamilton Police is committed to providing the best service possible.  Feedback from the public is essential if we are to succeed in this goal.  If you have questions or comments concerning our operational procedures, or recommendations on how we can improve our service, you may contact the police department and … Continued

Application for Appointment to a Town of Hamilton Board/Commission ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Zoning Bylaw – First adopted in 1954 pursuant to the Massachusetts Zoning Act M.G.L. CHAPTER 40A, as amended. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Salem News On-Line Portal for Public Hearing Notice Publication Orders _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ List of Application Fees _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Site Plan Review Application Special Permit Application & Instructions Form … Continued

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING Wicked Cool For Kids https://www.wickedcoolforkids.com/parent-resources Mad Science https://www.madsciencepromo.com/athomeexperiments Museum of Science at Home https://www.mos.org/MOSatHome New England Aquarium https://www.neaq.org/visit/at-home-events-and-activities/ Franklin Park Zoo https://www.facebook.com/franklinparkzoo Little Scholars https://www.littlescholarsllc.com/remotelearning/ Kid’s Test Kitchen https://www.americastestkitchen.com/kids/activities/kitchen-classroom https://www.hamiltonma.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/KTK-Video-1-Small.mov Sport and Exercise Mini Movers https://www.minimoversstudio.com/virtual-classes Skyhawks https://www.skyhawks.com/page/company/family-resources/ Adult Zumba with Christina Cain Click HERE for video    

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan DRAFT Click here to read the entire ADA SETP Hamilton Final Draft Packet  Guide to the sections within the Packet: Report: page 1 Building Audits: page 49 Outdoor Facilities Audits: page 104 Department Questionnaire: page 127 Website Audit: page 170 Public Input Survey Results: page 179 … Continued

Application for Appointment to a Town of Hamilton Board/Commission – Would you like to be a Board Member?  Appeal the Decision of the Building Inspector Form⇒ Comprehensive Permit Applications – How to Submit an Application→ Comprehensive Permit Rules Comprehensive Permit Application & Check List NEW 2024- ZBA How to Submit an Application & How the … Continued

Flexible Savings Account Below are the various FSA flyers including the enrollment form for the Town of Hamilton’s flexible savings account. FY25 FY25 FSA Forms Benny Blue Card Flyer FSA OTC-New Expenses FSA Store Flyer                            

Hamilton Retirees FY24 Medex 2 Rate Letter MIIA Fall 2023 Retiree Newsletter FY24 Retiree Enrollment Notice Non-Medicare FY24 Retiree Rates Non-Medicare Medex 2 Summary Of Benefits 2023 Summary Of Benefits Blue Medicare RX Medicare & You 2023 Handbook Medicare website FY22 Blue 20/20 Plan Overview (NEW PLAN) Blue 20/20 Enrollment Form  

Documents & Links Applications and Forms: Application for 10-Day Emergency Beaver or Muskrat Permit 30 Day Extension Permit Application Beaver Landowner Consent Form Information: A Citizen’s Guide to Address Beaver Conflicts Mass Wildlife – Beaver Information Beavers – Q & A Boards of Health Guidance Document for “Threats from Beaver and Muskrat Related Activities (Implementing … Continued

To view the 2023 Pool Information Guide please click HERE Registration opens on March 6th at www.hwrecreation.com  

SECTION IV : SUBMISSION AND ACTION A. Preliminary Plan: 1. Submission A Preliminary Plan of a subdivision may be submitted by the subdivider to the Board and through the Board to the Board of Health for discussion and tentative approval, modification, or disapproval by the Boards. The submission of such a Preliminary Plan will enable … Continued

There were two articles voted on at the November 14, 2020 Special Town Meeting related to the Town Hall project: ARTICLE 2020/11 2-7 Community Preservation – Town Hall Building Project ARTICLE 2020/11 2-8 Town Hall Building Project Please see below for the recommendation by the Finance and Advisory Committee on each article: ARTICLE 2020/11 2-7 … Continued

The mission of the Town Clerk’s Office is to register, record, issue and preserve vital records; provide records management, licensing, and permitting services and processes; review and certify various official documents to ensure that the town is compliant with various laws and requirements and to coordinate and administer elections.  The Clerk’s Office is accountable to … Continued

SECTION VI : REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS All streets within a subdivision shall be constructed at least to the requirements set forth unless the Planning Board authorizes a waiver therefrom in a particular instance. A. General Rules 1. All streets, street drains, catch basins, sidewalks, street trees and appurtenances thereto shall be installed without expense to the … Continued

The Hamilton Communications Center Until 1960, when the “dial tone” came to Hamilton and Wenham, all telephone calls were handled by telephone operators. This included emergency and non-emergency police and fire assistance calls.  The telephone office was located on Railroad Avenue at the current site of Hamilton Dentistry. Once a resident called for assistance, the … Continued

The Town of Hamilton’s Town Hall Building Committee is interested in residents’ thoughts on the Hamilton Town Hall Renovation project. Please review the following background information and then take the survey to share your thoughts. Please click here to access the Town Hall Renovation Project Survey. Overview The Hamilton Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on … Continued

DATES for Application Submissions Thursday, January 2, 2025      Deadline to submit Eligibility Applications for consideration for Annual Town Meeting Thursday, January 9, 2025      CPC Meeting to review Eligibility Applications Thursday, February 6, 2025     Deadline to submit Funding Applications for consideration for Annual Town Meeting Thursday, February 13, 2025   CPC Meeting … Continued

  The Select Board extends warm wishes to all our residents and visitors. Hamilton is a great town, steeped in history with generous opens spaces, great schools, library, recreation and senior services. We are in excellent financial condition, with an AAA bond rating. As a small town, we regionalize much of our services – all … Continued

Dog Licenses M.G.L. Chapter 140, Sec. 137 and 137A Per Massachusetts state law, all dogs six months of age and older must be licensed in the town in which they reside. In Hamilton, the annual licensing period is April 1 – March 31.  For your convenience and ours, an application form is mailed in early … Continued

SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS Hamilton Planning Board Before making any division of land in Hamilton, the subdivider is required by law to secure from the Hamilton Planning Board approval, or endorsement as “approval not required”, of the plan for the proposed division. The regulations set out below, indicate the requirements to be met and the procedure to … Continued

First Adopted – July 1955 Revised Fully – May 1965 Reprinted – Sept. 1971 Amended – May 1980 Amended – Feb. 1981 Amended – Aug. 1982 Amended – Nov. 1984 Amended – Jan. 1985 Amended – Feb. 1989 Amended – Jan. 1990 Amended – June 1990 Amended – Aug. 1999 Amended – Sept. 2001 Amended … Continued

Register to Vote for Town Meeting and All Elections You may register to vote in person at the Town Clerk’s Office or through the Secretary of State’s office online at REGISTERTOVOTEMA.COM You can check your voter registration status CHECKSTATUS Hours and Location for Voting Polls are open on Election Day from 7 am to 8 pm.   … Continued

Overview All people who marry in Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued in Massachusetts. An out-of-state license cannot be used.    All state law information about marriage licenses can be found on mass.gov’s website; click here. APPOINTMENT REQUIRED:  To ensure that the Town Clerk’s Office is available to assist you with the filing of … Continued

Signals of a Heart Attack Persistent chest pain or discomfort: Victim may have persistent pressure, squeezing, or crushing type pain in the chest that is not relieved by resting, changing positions, or medication. Pain may spread to jaw, neck, or arms Difficulty breathing: Victim may feel short of breath or is breathing faster than normal. … Continued

Overview: Hamilton was designated as a Green Community by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in 2010. In order to achieve designation, the Town had to meet five criteria: Provide as-of-right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative energy generation, research & development, or manufacturing facilities. Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right … Continued

COVID-19  (Click Links for more information) State of Massachusetts (mass.gov) : Covid-19 Updates & Information  https://www.mass.gov/applying-for-rental-assistance-in-massachusetts-to-avoid-eviction Mass. Department of Public Health (MDPH) – Coronavirus Resource Page Center for Disease Control (CDC) – Coronavirus Resource Page World Health Organization – Coronavirus Resource Page COVID-19: How to be Safe and Resilient   CDC suggests handwashing as one of … Continued

Housing State Sanitary Code & Regulations Housing Inspection Form-Minimum Requirements Housing Inspection Form-Comprehensive Tenant, Landlord Rights and Responsibilities Legal Remedies for Tenants of Residential Housing  “Are you struggling with rent or mortgage payments because of Covid 19?” Help is available. What is the requirement for temperature in a rental apartment? Housing & Shelter Programs Flooding/Storm … Continued

Burning Permits Burning Season starts January 15th and runs through May 1. Permits may only be purchased and activated daily online via the City Hall Systems webpage beginning January 1st. Burning can only take place between 10AM and 4PM. Only one address is allowed per permit. If you plan to burn in more than one … Continued

Operational Audit Operational Audit RFP Blue Ribbon Committee Report (Exhibit A) Blue Ribbon Committee Data Analysis Blue Ribbon Committee Summary Report and Recommendations Blue Ribbon Committee Cohort Summary Dataset Blue Ribbon Committee School Comparison Dataset Request for Design Services CFA (Exhibit B) Space Needs Study dated October 23, 2008 (Exhibit C) Town Meeting Warrant Article … Continued

All meeting notices (agendas) must be posted at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.  Please submit agendas to the Town Clerk’s Office in advance of the 48 hour rule. Note that MA General Law (M.G.L.) does not allow Saturdays, Sundays and holidays to be counted as part of the required 48 hours — … Continued

Career Opportunities Secondary Treatment Operator for the Water Department – Fulltime/Benefited Planning and CPA Coordinator – Fulltime/Benefited Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable Coordinator – Treasurer/Collector and Finance Office – Fulltime/Benefited Regional Public Health Nurse/ Towns of Hamilton, Essex, Wenham, and Rockport – Fulltime/Benefited WATER TRUCK DRIVER/LABORER – Full-time/Benefited DPW Truck Driver/Laborer – Full-time/Benefited Secondary Treatment Operator for … Continued

Hamilton was the first community in Massachusetts to implement a town-wide composting program 🙂  We did it for many reasons, here are two: The compostable portion of our waste accounts for about 25% of the weight. And since we pay by the ton, every pound of compost we take to Brick Ends Farm is money … Continued

Overview The Town has the Single Stream recycling method also known as ‘No Sort’ recycling. Now residents have the convenience to commingle recyclable paper and mixed containers, such as glass, cans, and plastics in one container for easier collection. Residents can use any container up to 35 gallons (a regular trash barrel) clearly labeled “Recycling” and … Continued

Overview Fire kills more people every year than all of the natural disasters in the United States combined ! Earthquakes, floods, tornados and hurricanes do not even come close to matching the destructive power of fire. Approximately 5,500 people die from fire every year in this country. The real tragedy is that most of these … Continued

Overview Anyone who wishes to solicit or canvas for himself, for any other person, firm or corporation and travels from house to house, or from street to street, taking or attempting to lease or take orders for retail sale of goods, ware merchandise, services, including without limiting, the selling, distributing, exposing for sale or soliciting … Continued

Download MV Abatement Application    What is Excise Tax? It is an annual tax for the privilege of registration.  Every motor vehicle and trailer registered in Massachusetts is subject to excise tax unless expressly exempted.  Registering a motor vehicle automatically triggers an excise tax.  The city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged levies … Continued

  Job Postings Paid Call Firefighters Position Opening(s) Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age Must have a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License Must live within a 10 minute response time to the Hamilton Fire Station (Decision on distance/time to respond up to the sole discretion of the Chief). Must not have a medical … Continued

This is a useful link for questions on Personal Property tax. http://www.mass.gov/dor/local-officials/municipal-finance-law/frequently-asked-questions-personal-property.html   Download Form of List    Personal Property Personal property generally includes tangible items that are not firmly attached to land or buildings and are not specially designed for or of such a size and bulk to be considered part of the real … Continued

Appointments to Multiple-member Bodies Policy Banner & Sign Policy Buy Recycled Policy Capital Committee – February 25, 2019 Complete Streets Policy – January 22, 2019 Comprehensive Permit Policy – March 2004 Designer Selection Procedure – April 18, 2017 Display of Flags on Town Property, Amended – September 19, 2019 Environmental Impact Committee Charter – August … Continued

Eligibility for Senior Tax Deferral Clause 41A Property Tax Deferral The applicant must be 65 years of age by July 1st of the tax year. The applicant must have owned and occupied the property as a domicile for at least 5 consecutive years and must have had a domicile or legal home in Massachusetts for 10 … Continued