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Date: 10/8/2021
SOUTH HADLEY – The South Hadley Selectboard met to discuss resignations from boards and committees and host a round of tri-annual interviews on Oct. 5.
To begin the meeting, the Selectboard approved a one-day beer and wine license to Willits Hallowell for Oct. 15. This is for an event that will be hosted outside in a parking area from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
The Selectboard then moved into discussing resignations. They approved the resignation of Peter McAvoy from the Municipal Light Board at the South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD) and Pamela Peck from the Bike/Walk Committee. Both resignations were effective immediately.
Anne Awad also resigned from the Municipal Light Board and Bylaw Review Committee, effective on Oct. 31. Selectboard member Sarah Etelman took the time to thank Awad for her service.
“I thank everybody, but in particular Anne Awad who served as the chair of SHELD through some really difficult times, kept the board together, kept things moving forward and I think she should be applauded for that and thanked,” said Etelman.
According to Town Administrator Mike Sullivan, both SHELD positions will be posted for 30 days. The Selectboard will have the opportunity to make appointments to these positions at a meeting in November.
The Selectboard then listened to remarks from candidates during tri-annual interviews. This gave candidates an opportunity to talk about themselves and why they want to serve the committee they are running for.
Jim Bosman is hoping to join the Council on Aging. He said that providing services such as the Senior Center is crucial to elderly residents in these times.
“I think those services and needs are going to continue to grow. I think people living on fixed incomes are going to face increased costs in food, housing, transportation, healthcare and I think the Council is a critical resource for those needing help or support,” said Bosman. “It’s always been important to me to advocate for those who are often under-represented and I think, oftentimes, seniors can be under-represented.
Caroline Martin expressed interest in joining the Bike/Walk Committee, Cultural Council, Tree Committee and Historical Committee.
“I was just eager to help South Hadley, so I just clicked the boxes that sounded most interesting,” said Martin.
She said she would be most interested in being a part of the Bike/Walk Committee. She said that she uses the trails in town often and is committed to being an active community member.
“I just felt like it was my time to help those trails,” she said.
Selectboard member Sarah Etelman said that they would be happy to consider her for multiple positions, especially for the Cultural Council.
“We would be more than happy to consider you for more than one,” she said.
M.P. Chevrette is interested in joining the Bylaw Review Committee. He said that he has legal training and is interested in parliamentary procedure.
“I think I’m an effective speaker and also my skills are very good in terms of looking at something and understanding it,” said Chevrette. “A strong interest or ability of mine has always been parliamentary procedure and rules and how things are run.”
The Selectboard did not appoint any positions, as they have more interviews at their next meeting on Oct. 19.
The meeting ended by discussing the FY23 budget.
Those interested in viewing the South Hadley Selectboard Meeting are encouraged to visit the South Hadley Community Television page.