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Date: 8/29/2023
MONSON — At the Aug. 22 Monson Select Board meeting, key topics included revising the town’s code of conduct, Main Street parking concerns, affordable transportation options and bylaws review update.
Parking on Main Street
Ben Murphy of the Highway Department addressed parking issues, especially along Main Street. Murphy informed the board that a 100% design mark for revamping Main Street wouldn’t occur for several years.
Murphy expects the design to reach 25% in 2024. “Realistically, three to four years,” he told the board. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reviews worthy projects when they get certain design phases. Twenty-five percent is the initial milestone.
Board Chair Patricia A. Oney worried about taking away parking spots near the Main Street Tavern.
Member John R. Morrell said a parking spot was eliminated on the north side near the tavern, allowing for a safer crossing route. The Highway Department also installed crossing signs that light up along the way.
He urged waiting for the engineers to present designs before moving ahead.
Murphy added that improving parking along Main Street would attract new businesses. He said the traffic increases around the Christmas Shop on Main Street in November and December.
Police Chief Stephen Kozloski said a lack of signage makes parking enforcement harder. Oney recommended adding more ‘No Parking’ signs on Main Street to bolster enforcement. Kosloski noted that the current town regulations do not address portions of Main Street.
The Select Board plans to review all parking regulations and determine the affected areas before the Sept. 12 meeting.
Code of Conduct revision
The board addressed revising the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) Code of Conduct. MIIA, a nonprofit, provides insurance services to municipalities and similar entities in the commonwealth.
The revision targets officials speaking at public meetings. Oney said the new language reflects a recent court case. Oney said the updated MIIA guidelines did not match Monson’s Code of Conduct for public meetings.
MIIA suggested limiting public speakers to a maximum of three minutes, a minute more than Monson’s. Morrell said that despite the three-minute limit, Monson’s Code of Conduct aligned with MIIA’s.
Oney said the two-minute limit has been practical and could not recall any past issues. Morrell said three minutes offers flexibility. The Select Board chair can provide more time when appropriate.
The board kept the Monson language intact, including the two-minute speaking directive.
In addition, the board also approved a $2,000 American Rescue Plant Act request for the Parks and Recreation Department. The money will be used for mulching at Veterans Field. The remaining ARPA balance stands at $21,000.
Quaboag Connector
Jen Healy of the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation spoke about the Quaboag Connector, a partnership between the town of Ware and the QVCDC. The Quaboag Connector serves rural communities that need more public transportation options.
Healy said the initiative also examined access to medical care and economic development, particularly for residents who couldn’t find transportation to area employers. In January 2017, the Quaboag Connector was launched.
Healy described the connector as a demand-response service whereby the rider is picked up and taken to their destination. “It works great in a rural area because you don’t need to wait three hours for the next bus if you miss it,” she said, “or refrigerated groceries that are melting.”
The connector serves 10 towns, including Monson, Palmer, Belchertown, Ware and Warren. The service charges riders $2 each way or offers solutions if money is a barrier. Reduced fares are available for people over 60 or disabled.
The Quaboag Connector assumed senior transportation service in Ware last year. Healy said Ware seniors visit Monson for work or shopping.
The organization also contracted with the Baystate Health Connector to drive patients for free to Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer. The non-emergency van operates in all 10 locations. The van also helps riders pick up prescriptions at nearby pharmacies.
Collaborating with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, a separate offering serves the Route 9 sector from Worcester to the UMass-Amherst campus. Veterans ride the Quaboag Connector for free.
Monson residents took 1,997 rides with the connector in the past two years. “Since we started, we’ve given 60,000 rides in six or seven years,” Healy said, with 82% of rides bringing people to and from work.
Reliable transportation improves socioeconomic and health outcomes. Around 11% of riders use the service for medical appointments. The Quaboag Connector runs 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Visit www.rideconnector.org for more information or to schedule a ride.
Bylaw Review Committee update
A committee was tasked in 2022 to review Monson’s bylaws, excluding zoning ordinances. The committee meets twice weekly to study the town’s 34 general bylaws. The committee has worked with town department heads and board chairs throughout the process, who offered insight.
The Town Clerk’s Office provided information on when a bylaw was implemented or altered over the years. The process also includes drafting more precise language for the statutes rather than convoluted subchapters.
The bylaws tied to the Treasurer-Tax Collectors are on hold as they await approval from the state Legislature. A separate committee is working on bylaws associated with house numbering. Dog regulations are also undergoing revision.
The Select Board must host a final vote on the updated bylaws.
Community event
The Monson Fire and Police departments will host the Third Annual Public Safety Night at Veterans Field on Sept. 14 from 4-7 p.m. The event allows residents to mingle with first responders in a relaxed setting.
Fire Chief Brian Harris and Kozloski requested the use of the field for the night, which includes a barbecue and family fun activities. Outside vendors and agencies will participate in the free event.
Harris requested $4,000 from the Select Board for Public Safety Night. The board quickly approved the request. The local Cultural Council kicked in $1,500. Both chiefs expect local fire and police departments to be on hand.