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Date: 10/11/2023
WARE — In an abbreviated session, the Selectboard examined gun control and the influx of migrants and made several appointments. Vice Chair Joshua A. Kusnierz helmed the Oct. 3 sessions as board chair. Caitlin McCarthy was absent.
Selectman John Cascio filed a motion that a proclamation be sent to the state Legislature opposing HD4420. If approved, the 140-page bill would introduce sweeping gun-control laws in Massachusetts, easily the strictest in the nation.
Cascio described HD4420 as “anti-Second Amendment,” a view held by some in law enforcement and town officials. “It’s handcuffing [police] as well when they’re off duty,” he said.
The proclamation stated that police chiefs statewide oppose HD4420. The bill has drawn the ire of gun rights groups and sporting associations.
“Their concerns include punishing law-abiding citizens by restricting where license holders can carry rather than addressing the issue of these criminals being free on the streets and lenient sentencing in the court system,” Cascio read.
He concluded, “This bill seems more designed to invade the privacy and vandalize and confiscate the property of law-abiding citizens than it does protecting them.” The proclamation also supported law enforcement, hunters, sportsmen and women and “citizens lawfully enjoying their Second Amendment Rights.”
The board tabled the proclamation until the next meeting.
Cascio said a Coffee Hill Road resident complained of storm runoff from a neighboring property in another matter. During a recent storm, Town Administrator Stuart Beckley noted that water was coming from several directions and not necessarily the nearby dirt driveway.
Beckley said the town’s Highway Department noted large tanks installed underneath the road in 2004. “The assumption is that they’re very clogged at this point,” he said but expects a vacuuming of the catch basin in the coming weeks.
Board actions
The Selectboard approved a special permit for Ware Knights of Columbus “Halloween in the Park Drive-Thru” slated for Oct.. 27 from 5-8 p.m. at Grenville Park. The event has no rain date.
Paralee Smith was appointed as the new director of Planning and Community Development. The town administrator spoke highly of Smith’s credentials, who was present for the Oct. 3 session.
Smith comes to Ware with several years of planning experience, including time in North Carolina. She underwent two rounds of interviews with town officials. Her tenure with Ware begins Oct. 16.
The board also welcomed Robert Krasnecky to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee, becoming the sixth member approved. Another spot on the committee remains available.
A $255.04 sewer abatement was granted to the owners of 2 Park St. Workers discovered that hot water was leaking from the tank. The board issued a credit to the owner’s sewer bill account.
Town manager updates
Beckley spoke briefly about the potential that the commonwealth might direct migrants to Ware. Discussions are underway with the state and the town’s emergency manager. The Massachusetts National Guard viewed the armory as not suitable to house migrants.
“If this turns into a full state of emergency, we should be prepared,” Beckley said. A primary concern is school-age children among migrants. Beckley will meet with the school department and seek advice from nearby communities.
The Ware Board of Health hosted two hearings on ReSource Waste Services’ plans to expand operations, hours, and capacity at 198 East. St. The board has 45 days to decide whether to recommend proceeding with ReSource’s proposal.
The state permitted Ware to trap beavers atop Coy Hill, proceeding with emergency notices issued by the Board of Health and Conservation Commission. Besides the trapping, crews had to notch or remove beaver dams. “The trapping has been very successful,” Beckley said.
Beckley estimated the dam removals lowered the water levels by 50%. While flooding occurred after a recent rain event along Quarry Street, the dam removal lessened the damage. The town must seek approval from the Conservation Commission for future operations.
Finally, the town received a $95,000 state Small Town Planning Grant for a future infrastructure study.