Blandford Select Board Tackles Water Department Governance and Infrastructure Challenges

The Blandford Select Board meeting was dominated by discussions on clarifying the authority and responsibilities of the water commissioners, addressing infrastructure issues, and reviewing the protocols for handling grant and operational funds. The board also dealt with personnel matters and the management of road maintenance projects.

05:28The most notable topic was the governance structure of the water department. The board, alongside legal advisor Mark Rich, delved into the roles and responsibilities of the water commissioners in relation to the Select Board. Concerns were raised about the commissioners’ involvement in personnel decisions, such as hiring and firing, which are under the purview of the Select Board. Rich clarified that while the water commissioners can recommend candidates for employment, the Select Board must approve hires. The board also clarified the procedure for handling resignations, emphasizing that once a resignation is submitted, it takes effect without formal acceptance.

28:28Operational dynamics within the water department were scrutinized, particularly the process of bill approval. Questions were raised about the Select Board’s ability to pull water department-approved bills, leading to payment delays. The board emphasized the necessity of streamlining these processes to prevent confusion and ensure timely payments to contractors. The discussion extended to the management of grant funds, with a reiterated need for the Select Board’s approval prior to any expenditure. This protocol, grounded in Chapter 44, Section 53A, ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with grant conditions. The dialogue underscored the importance of clear communication between the water commissioners and the Select Board to prevent financial mismanagement.

47:23Infrastructure and personnel issues were also pivotal in the meeting. The board explored the challenges of hiring a new water superintendent, noting that the current salary offer of $90,000 was insufficient to attract qualified candidates. There was consideration about transitioning the position from part-time to full-time to improve the appeal to potential applicants. The interim management of the water department was discussed, with the assistant superintendent temporarily handling operations while nearing the required licensing.

01:22:18Concerns over road maintenance were highlighted, particularly regarding the allocation of Chapter 90 funds. Discussions centered on the necessity of prudent budgeting to avoid depleting resources, especially in anticipation of unforeseen emergencies like major road washouts. The board recognized the need to address existing infrastructure issues, such as sinkholes and catch basins, while balancing future project plans with fiscal responsibility.

01:33:28Additional discussions included the management of employee benefits and payroll, focusing on the complexities of sick time tracking and FMLA regulations. The board acknowledged the lack of a formal system for managing donated sick time and emphasized the need for accurate payroll management to prevent discrepancies. Infrastructure updates featured prominently, with planned utility pole relocations and ongoing paving projects aimed at improving road conditions.

01:55:44Issues with water flow on Gibbs Road were addressed, with a resident reporting successful arrangements to manage the beaver population contributing to flooding. This measure involved obtaining permits and hiring a trapper, allowing town resources to be redirected toward more concerns. The board also tackled ongoing issues with vendor payments, acknowledging delays and promising expedited processing to resolve outstanding accounts.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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