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Date: 7/6/2021
SOUTHWICK – The Select Board met June 28 to discuss a joint meeting about Cowles Bridge with the Department of Transportation, vacancies on other boards and commissions, and to discuss FY22 road and infrastructure projects with the Department of Public Works (DPW).
Before public comment, Select Board member Russ Fox called for a moment of silence to mourn the passing of Open Space Committee member John P. Stadnicki.
“John was active on our Open Space Planning Committee. I had the pleasure of working with him these last couple of years. A true gentleman, and somebody who cares deeply about his community and open space,” said Fox.
Later in the meeting DPW Director Randy Brown discussed the College Highway water main upgrades that were approved in the most recent Town Meeting.
“This last piece would be to replace the transmission main that runs from our new pump station on Jarry Drive to our Springfield water connection,” said Brown.
He said the Water Commission voted on the project the previous week. The Select Board voted unanimously to approve the water main project.
The board then moved to discuss a joint meeting the MassDOT about the Cowles Bridge on Southwick Road in Westfield, which is under heavy construction and sits on a main artery between Westfield and Southwick.
Select Board Chair Joseph Deedy said that he and the rest of the board had been complaining about the state of the bridge for years. He said the damage and restrictions for the bridge has caused some traffic to go to Sunnyside Road to get around it.
As you watch, Sunnyside is caving in. We spent $40,000 or $50,000 two years ago to patch one side, caving in again,” said Deedy, “Originally we went screaming at them for money to see if they could pay to do that rollover.”
Deedy and Select Board member Douglas Moglin both said that the Cowles Bridge project is alleged to be expected to take four to five years.
“Last I spoke with the Ward 3 representative, he told me they are still on track for a 2025 opening of the Cowles Bridge,” said Moglin.
The board then moved to discuss vacancies on the Historical Commission and other boards and commissions.
Moglin said the Agricultural Commission, Economic Development Commission, Cultural Council, the new Master Plan Committee, and the School Committee have openings that he encouraged residents to try to fill.
Residents who are interested in filling any of the vacant positions on some of the boards and committees are encouraged to reach out to administrative assistant Robin Solek or the existing board members for more information on how to do so.
“I know there is a ton of openings. We would like to get more people involved,” said Fox.