Dighton Board of Selectmen Appoints New Public Safety Dispatchers Amid Staffing Challenges
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent Dighton Board of Selectmen meeting, the primary focus was on the appointment of new personnel to address staffing challenges in the town’s public safety communications division. Police Chief Nicholls presented the need for part-time 911 communications dispatchers due to previous appointees leaving for full-time positions. Utilizing a Facebook recruitment effort, the department identified three qualified candidates: Julia Duzan from Middleboro, Hana Martina Silva from Bridgewater, and Jake Lant from Taunton. Chief Nicholls emphasized the importance of completing state-mandated training and certification for these roles, cautioning that failure to do so would result in the withdrawal of their employment offers. The board approved the appointments unanimously after engaging with the candidates and expressing appreciation for their willingness to serve.
The meeting also covered appointments within town departments. Jason Lawrence was appointed to the Conservation Commission. Lawrence, who moved to Dighton in 2014, shared his enthusiasm for contributing to the commission. He expressed a commitment to help residents navigate regulations rather than impose restrictions, stating, “If you do the right thing then they’ll actually help you do it.” The board commended his approach and optimism, approving his appointment without opposition.
In another significant appointment, Ashley Dagno was named department manager for inspectional services. Dagno’s previous contributions to the Board of Health and her two-and-a-half years of service with the town were recognized by the board, which expressed confidence in her capabilities. The appointment was passed unanimously.
Heather Napora was appointed as the department manager for the sewer department, succeeding Diane Curtis. Napora’s extensive experience within the highway department was cited as excellent preparation for her new role. A board member praised her work ethic, expressing confidence in her ability to elevate the sewer department. This appointment was also approved unanimously.
The board also addressed the right of first refusal for the property at Zero William Street, designated as Chapter 61 for recreational or agricultural use. The property had received an offer of $1.35 million. After reviewing recommendations from the planning, conservation, and assessing departments, the board agreed to waive the right of first refusal. There was a brief discussion about the potential residential zoning of the property, but ultimately, the decision to waive the right passed without opposition.
In financial matters, the board reviewed several warrants, detailing payments across multiple categories, which were approved unanimously. Additionally, a letter from the fire chief regarding the appointment of six new members to the call personnel ranks was presented. The new recruits, including individuals certified as EMT basics, were highlighted for their future contributions. There was a discussion about the costs of training, with clarification that the state typically funds such expenses.
The meeting also included an announcement about the Dighton Lions Cow Chip Festival, scheduled from May 29 to 31, with various community activities planned. The festival’s details, including event hours and ticket prices, were shared to promote community engagement. Other announcements included upcoming events by the Dighton Historical Society, encouraging residents to participate in the historic home and garden tour and the annual strawberry festival.
The town administrator provided a brief report on the upcoming annual town meeting scheduled for June 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of community participation in voting on the budget. The administrator urged residents to attend, stating, “This is your town… it’s your obligation to go and vote and choose the way you want your money to be spent,” highlighting the significance of civic engagement in the town’s decision-making process.
Michael P. Mullen, Jr.
City Council Officials:
Peter D. Caron, Nicole Mello, Leonard E. Hull, Jr., Karin Brady (Executive Assistant/ HR Coordinator), Leeanne Kerwin (Administrative Assistant)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/27/2026
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Recording Published:
05/28/2026
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Duration:
35 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Dighton
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