Shutesbury Select Board Approves Police Union Contract, Discusses Lake Regulations

Overview: In a recent Shutesbury Select Board meeting, the approval of a new police union contract was a point of discussion. The contract between the town and the Teamsters Local 404, which encompasses adjustments in uniform allowance, hourly wages, and holiday additions, was approved following a motion. Officer Peter was promoted to Sergeant, with accolades for his leadership and growth within the department.

Shutesbury Library Board Advances with Construction Dynamics

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Shutesbury Library Board made progress on the town’s library project by discussing the award of a construction contract to Construction Dynamics for the new library building. The meeting touched on a range of topics, including the potential legislation mandating hybrid meetings, the success of a recent tax sale, and the new library building committee’s report.

Shutesbury Commission Acts on Emergency Dam Removal

Overview: In a focused gathering, the Shutesbury Conservation Commission addressed the emergency removal of the Yell Pond dam, a structure posing significant safety threats to downstream infrastructure. The urgency underscored by Stantec Engineering Design Company’s assessment that the dam’s current state presents a severe hazard prompted the Commission to deliberate on an emergency certification for its expedited removal. The commission also tackled a range of other conservation issues, including invasive species management, the proposal for a boardwalk on Ames Pond Pestal Land Trust property, and a variety of local construction projects.

Shutesbury Council on Aging Explores Community Health Initiatives

Overview: The Shutesbury Council on Aging’s latest meeting saw the discussion of new community health initiatives and the expansion of services. High on the agenda were plans for a summer safety series, a health and wellness fair, educational sessions open to all residents, and the introduction of Musepasses to cultural institutions. Moreover, the meeting addressed the state of the meeting room, the potential invitation to non-residents for local health services, and debated the use of funds for expanding broadband connectivity through postcard outreach.

Shutesbury Select Board Confronts Library Project Overrun

Overview: The Shutesbury Select Board’s recent meeting focused on the pressing financial concerns surrounding the new library construction project, with bids coming in over the estimated cost and the subsequent debate on funding strategies dominating the discussions. The lowest bid for the library project, placed by Construction Dynamics, amounted to $6,386,000—exceeding the anticipated $6,150,000 by $236,000. Additional unforeseen costs, such as a $22,000 well and $100,000 in landscaping, exacerbated the financial burden, leaving the committee with a considerable funding gap of $2,863,000 to bridge.