Conway Selectboard Sets New Uniform Policy and Advances Public Safety Building Project
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Conway Selectboard meeting, members approved a new uniform policy for Transfer Station Attendants while also discussing progress on the town’s public safety building project. The board also addressed the appointment of a new Open Space Committee member and considered ongoing concerns about parking during roadworks.
The board’s decision to implement a new uniform policy for Transfer Station Attendants (TSAs) arose from concerns about inappropriate slogans on shirts worn by town employees. A consensus emerged that TSAs should wear Conway-issued attire to avoid any display of logos or words, except potentially for town branding. This decision followed a suggestion for a straightforward solution: “no logo, no words.” The board agreed that uniforms should be provided to ensure staff have sufficient attire for all conditions, particularly during the summer when spills might occur. The motion to reinforce this policy passed unanimously.
Progress on the public safety building project was another focal point of the meeting. The Town Administrator provided updates on the exterior work, including the installation of siding and windows. Attention was also directed toward the need for heating work, which depends on the tech school’s schedule, and plans to pour concrete for the remaining bays of the building.
Conway’s fiscal year 26 fire department roster received unanimous approval, with members expressing appreciation for the long-standing service of many individuals on the volunteer fire department. The roster includes familiar names such as Chief Robert Baker, Deputy Chief Chris Herman, and Captains Joseph Param and Nicholas Vanderheld. The board emphasized the importance of recruiting additional volunteers to bolster the department’s capacity.
Brian Allen’s appointment to the Open Space Committee marked another significant decision. Although some members were not familiar with Allen, there was general agreement on the value of his willingness to serve, leading to unanimous approval of his appointment for a term ending June 30, 2028.
In addition to these main topics, the meeting covered updates on the transition to a new cloud-based system, Quest and SharePoint, designed to enhance accessibility and organization for town personnel. The onboarding process is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The board also discussed the town’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process, with eight responses received. The RFP involves evaluating non-price proposals before assessing price proposals.
The transfer station was another area of interest, with updates on ongoing site developments. The old Conway Mall has been demolished, paving the way for parking preparations. An additional quote for the foundation of a new shed, including fill work for $800, was discussed, with installation anticipated within the next few weeks. The board explored the need for electrical hookups and volunteer coordination, proposing the involvement of seniors in a tax write-off program to assist with organization.
Financial management was addressed through a review conducted by the Division of Local Services, the first since 2012. Insights from the review are anticipated to provide valuable recommendations for the town. The board also received a draft audit, with a final report and management letter expected soon.
The national fitness campaign was revisited, with discussions on the potential costs and feasibility of implementing fitness stations in Conway. The proposed project costs range higher than the grant of $30,000 to $50,000, with total costs estimated between $150,000 and $270,000. Members raised concerns about the aesthetics of the fitness stations, likening them to a “prison yard,” and suggested inspecting an existing installation in Lee for comparison.
Véronique Blanchard
City Council Officials:
Christopher Waldo, Erica Goleman, Philip Kantor
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/14/2025
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Recording Published:
07/16/2025
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Duration:
26 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Franklin County
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Towns:
Conway
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