Copyright berkshireeagle
GREAT BARRINGTON — The need for better communication was repeatedly mentioned as a key factor in making progress on the Select Board's most important issues, especially for Housatonic Water Works, infrastructure and supporting local businesses. During Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove's first Select Board meeting Monday night, the board went through its year-old list of priorities and elaborated on what success for each category would look like. With this information, Hartsgrove will report back to the board with a comprehensive priority list intended to help guide staff efforts and align the budget with the priorities of the board. The board’s top priority remains solving the long-standing problems of Housatonic Water Works. To the Select Board, success would mean providing clean and safe drinking water, enhancing communication between the company, the town and the residents, and facilitating residents' access to state funds. “The No. 1 priority is to provide clean, safe drinking water to the citizens of Housatonic,” chair Steve Bannon said. “And if that's by acquisition, so be it. If there's a better way that we find out, that's terrific.” The long-term goal is to explore taking over the private water company, improving the communication between the town and the water district, and providing filtered water sources. The board has been meeting in executive session for several weeks now to discuss the possible acquisition of the company. In the short term, board members said they want clearer communication about water system maintenance. That includes using the alert system to notify residents about water flushing, main breaks and hydrant issues to ensure people aren’t caught off guard. For one more year, the town has access to more than $100,000 in state-funded aid for those affected by the water crisis and plans not to return a penny. Currently, a household can get $600 from that fund, but the board is considering doubling that. “Making people very aware of these funds that we have, and getting it into their hands as easy as possible for filtration purposes and whatever it takes to upgrade their system so they're not suffering from brown water, smelly water, discolored water,” Ben Elliott said. The need for improved communication extends beyond Housatonic Water Works to better inform all citizens about what is going on, members say. The town hopes to do this across multiple departments, including better water system notifications, a completed and maintained website, clear business permitting information, enhanced emergency alerts and more transparent municipal processes. Infrastructure improvements — including bridges, sidewalks and streets — also remain a priority. The board would like to restart quarterly updates from Department of Public Works Superintendent Joe Aberdale on ongoing projects. Another goal is addressing elevator repairs, especially in Town Hall, which must be accessible to people with disabilities for public meetings to continue being held there. Regarding public safety, the board talked about the regionalization study for ambulance service, understanding the financial position of the Southern Berkshire Ambulance, and determining the town’s role in 911 coverage. Housing is also considered of tier one importance, revolving around supporting workforce housing for essential workers, including teachers, nurses and police officers, who currently can’t afford to live in the area, and to explore ways to encourage people to stay in their homes. They would also like to continue discussions about the downtown parking strategy and how that can help a vibrant downtown. The board also plans to review the sign bylaw to simplify and update it to make it enforceable. Other key items involve dealing with properties, including Reed’s Cleaners property, which the board would like to have ready for sale and potential redevelopment, and selling Cook’s Garage property, which is currently owned by the town. Among the tier two priorities is continuing updates on the community center as well as the Ramsdell Library project, along with a Fire Department study, traffic management and retaining public safety staff.
