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Date: 3/10/2022
HAMPDEN – Hampden Fire Chief Ed Poulin informed the Board of Selectmen that the fire station’s generator has reached the end of its life. Repairs costing $1,500 were completed on the generator, which Board of Selectmen member John Flynn described as “a hand-me-down” from another town building. Unfortunately, the equipment broke again, and the necessary part may no longer be available.
In October 2021, Poulin had received a quote of more than $26,000 for a new generator, but the quote has expired. Additionally, the equipment that the quote was based on is more powerful than that needed by the station. Poulin said he hopes a quote for a more suitable generator will be less expensive. The generator replacement is eligible for funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
There is an estimated wait period of 40 to 50 weeks for a new generator to arrive. In the meantime, Flynn suggested the Fire Department tie into the town hall’s generator. Poulin said it is possible to do so, but also mentioned access to a portable generator which could power the station’s large bay doors.
Richard Green, a member of the board for the Eastern Hampden County Veterans’ Service District, updated that Board of Selectmen on the work done by Veteran’s Service Officer (VSO) Michell Barrett. Green said Barrett began working for the district in August 2021. Since then, he said she has taken providing veterans with service “in a whole new direction.” Her focus has been on outreach, such as coffee hours to encourage veterans to use the services to which they are entitled.
Because Barrett is certified to process Veteran’s Administration claims, something most VSOs are not, Green said veterans in Hampden, East Longmeadow and Wales are getting the most services they have ever had.
Highway Superintendent Mark Langone received his review, and Town Administrator Bob Markel said it was, “probably the most positive I’ve ever done.” Since Markel began as town administrator in 2019, he said, there had been no complaints from the public about Langone. He explained highway superintendents are often the subject of complaints because roadwork causes frustration. The board entered executive session to discuss Langone’s contract.
The board approved work to be done on by National Grid on Highland Circle near Hillside Lane. A pole will be erected to bring service to a lot that has not had it in the past. The road will need to be trenched, but the National Grid representative assured the board that repairs would be made after the work was finished. Abutters had been notified, and there were no objections during the public hearing.