Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 12/29/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – During their final meeting of 2021, the West Springfield Town Council voted to approve the purchasing of a fire truck, along with multiple utility petitions.
With an 8-0 vote on Dec. 20, the council approved the supplemental appropriation of $985,000 for the purchase of a fire truck. Council President Brian Griffin told Reminder Publishing that this money will come from free cash, money left over from previous years’ budgets. Griffin said the town has a little over $11 million in the account.
The fire truck “is a much-used apparatus,” said Griffin. “We always want to support our first responders. Public safety is always on [our] minds.”
Griffin expressed his gratitude and appreciation for both the Fire Department and Police Department in West Side, especially since the start of the pandemic. As call volume has increased “dramatically,” Griffin believes this purchase was a necessary one.
Next, the Town Council unanimously approved three utility petitions. This included two Eversource Gas main replacements on Second Street and Greenleaf Avenue. Griffin explained that these two replacements are much needed “maintenance.”
The third utility petition was a Verizon utility pole placement at 137 Kings Highway. “The existing pole is attached to a tree that is dead,” said Griffin. “The new pole will replace [this].”
Veterans board appointed
Several new members were appointed to the Veterans Advisory Board, including John Ladue, Norman Burns, Richard Barcomb and Dan Maldanado, with a term that began on Dec. 21 and will expire Dec. 20, 2023.
Additional members include Jeff Zalesky, Mustafa Thompson and Tracy Taylor, whose term also began Dec. 21 and will end on Dec. 20, 2022.
Bech, Kelly recognized
The Town Council presented plaques to councilors Nathan Bech and George Kelly, who both chose not to run for re-election in 2021, and will not return when the new council term begins next month.
After serving four terms on the council, Bech is leaving elected office – and West Springfield, altogether. He will be deployed to Africa as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.
Kelly presented Bech with his plaque.
Next, Griffin selected Councilor Daniel O’Brien to present Kelly with his plaque, as the two are dear friends.
After serving 19 years on the Town Council, Kelly has decided to retire and enjoy time with his companion, Donna. Griffin shared that in January, Kelly will be moving to Florida.
Both Bech and Kelly thanked their colleagues for their kind words and well wishes for their future endeavors.
The next Town Council meeting is set to take place on Jan. 3.