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Selectboard Meeting - Aug. 26th, 2024

When:
Mon August 26th 2024 at 05:00 PM
Where:
Ketchum Memorial Meeting Room @ Town Hall
111 River Rd.
Clarksburg MA, 01247 Directions

Agenda

  1. Open meeting
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Review and/or approve minutes
  4. Library tree issues
  5. Upcoming Digital Equity event September 14th (Saturday) at Community Center
  6. School Lift update
  7. Audit update
  8. Open positions (Bd of Assessors/Bd of Health/ADA Commission)
  9. Police Chief update
  10. North Houghton St update
  11. Review and/or sign warrants
  12. Public Comment
  13. Interview PC Candidate
  14. Adjourn

Minutes

Chair Robert Norcross opened the meeting at 5pm.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Present selectboard members Dan Haskins and Colton Andrews, Carl, Pete Gentile of Northern Berkshire Community Television, James Fitzgerald, Chief, Natasha & Peter Kirchman and Tammy Daniels of Iberkshires.

A mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus at the Clarksburg Town Field.  The Town has not been advised as to what to do yet. Residents with questions may call the Town Hall.

James Fitzgerald was introduced to the board for his interview for Police Chief.  He was previously a fitness trainer.  He currently resides in Shelburne, MA.  He was raised in a military family.  He is currently employed in Deerfield.  Robert spoke of Chief being police for 30+ years.  The board thought they were going to have to rely on State Police.  Clarksburg borders North Adams, and it is not a quiet little town. Robert asked if the distance of the commute would be an issue.  James has discussed with his wife the option of possibly renting in an area closer to Clarksburg while he is working.  James has completed the Bridge Academy.  Dan asked what sparked his interest.  James informed the board he prefers leadership positions.  He was in the Academy with 56 others.  His current Chief believes he would do a fantastic job.  Colton asked James what questions he had for the board.  James spoke of the emergency management part of the position and what the Town would expect.  He feels he is energized & willing to full fill the responsibilities the position requires.  He asked the board about the demographics of the town. 1/3 of the Town is over 60.  The town needs a Chief for the 1st shift & then would have to rely on State Police which could have a delayed arrival time. James recognizes the distance of the State Police can be challenging and tries to bridge the gap with coverage.  Chief Williams explained the mutual aid agreement. Chief Williams asked if James has had any experience with investigations.  James has investigated hit & run, thefts and fraud scams. He has not had to write out a search warrant yet.  The Chief asked if he has experience in handling the budget.  James has owned his own restaurant previously and has experience in budgeting.  James informed the board wife would not entertain moving to the area permanently.  The Chief asked what his views on community policing.  James likes to meet people in the community.  He said to live his oath encompasses everything, keeping the neighborhood safe & keeping the standard they must meet with trust.  Robert asked what his intentions are as to taking on a new job.  James believes he has 10-15 good working years left.  His intention is to not work in a big town.

Dan spoke with Lieutenant Gamari.  The State police have a mutual aid agreement with North Adams.

The library trees that boarder Debbie Buas house require attention.  If National Grid does not remove them Carl will get a quote. 

The Digital Equity Event is Sat Sept. 14th at the Senior Center.  Residents were mailed post cards and asked to RSVP.  It will be an informational session regarding the internet. 

The School Lift is complete.  Carl met with the State & Vendor.  The lift has been inspected.  Carl thanked Tom Bona for all his time he put into the project. 

The audit is almost finished for 2023 and will be moving on to 2024.

There are open positions for the board of Assessors, BOH and ADA if residents are willing to volunteer.  Anyone interested may call the Town Hall.  There is one more applicant for the police chief position to interview.

The traffic counter is currently on North Houghton St. Chief Williams, Carl & Kyle set it up for the grant writing.  Robert wanted to let residents know about the current detours due to the replacement of the gas lines.

Robert motioned to adjourn at 5:37pm.  Motion carried.

 

A TRUE RECORD ATTEST,

Rachelle Bleau

Administrative Assistant

 

SELECTBOARD,

 

________________________________     _____________________________    __________________________

     Robert Norcross, Chair                                      Dan Haskins                                      Colton Andrews