EASTHAMPTON — In a short meeting on Oct. 23, the Easthampton City Council approved $60,000 in funds for improving working and storage facilities for the city’s parks and recreation department.
Roughly half will go toward a study to look at long-term solutions for both working locations and storage. The rest will go toward temporary working and storage facilities as well as the removal of a building.
Councilor Thomas Peake, who serves as the chair of the finance committee, described the current working conditions as substandard.
John Mason, director of the parks and recreation department explained that the funds would mean the department could acquire two storage units, one of which would be purchased and used permanently with the highway department also having access. He noted the rental and purchase costs were roughly the same.
The council also voted to increase the amount senior citizens can work off in the tax abatement program from $1,500 to $2,000. The amount available will be determined by the city’s budget each year, but the vote gives the mayor the opportunity to offer that amount to seniors. The program allows seniors to essentially work off their tax bills instead of paying them upfront.
Councilor Koni Denham called the move “an affirmation” of the value that senior citizens bring to the community.
The council also set a public hearing for Nov. 6 at 6:15 p.m. to discuss election signage and the definition of surveyor.
