WARE — The Ware Selectboard met to address various agenda items and community updates on June 18. The meeting commenced with the announcement of Lewis Iadarola’s retirement from the Zoning Board of Appeals after 21 years of service. The board thanked him for his significant contributions.
The DPW reported on its recent activities, including annual spring cleanup, street sweeping, and the start of crosswalk and line painting. Brush removal is also underway, and the department is looking to fill an operator/truck driver position.
Selectboard member John Desmond raised concerns about replacing a water pipe in town before any road paving to avoid future disruptions, such as breaks in the line that would necessitate digging up the newly paved road. Ongoing discussions will aim to address this issue proactively. Additionally, the search for a new DPW director has been ongoing. Town Manager Stuart Beckley indicated they are close to hiring a new director.
The Water/Sewer/Wastewater Department highlighted the completion of hydrant flushing in April and ongoing efforts to replace water meters, despite some residents’ hesitancy to allow access. Both Church Street and Anderson water tanks have been cleaned, with reports available online. The department is actively working on a hydrant replacement plan in coordination with the Fire Department.
The meeting then shifted to an update on Mary Lane Hospital. The Hospital Review Committee, working with Baystate and the attorney general, aims to determine the best use of trust funds for Ware and Gilbertville. Guidance from the attorney general is expected before October.
The committee, tasked with repurposing the land for economic development and healthcare services, received a grant to work with an architect on public opinion and concept creation. Despite a setback when Baystate’s developer withdrew, the architect presented three concepts: healthcare, commercial and residential uses. A public discussion on these concepts will take place soon.
The Selectboard appointed Derek Ames as acting police sergeant. Reappointments included Brandy Bruso to the Community Development Authority, Mark Swett to the Conservation Commission, Richard Fly to the Finance Committee, and Alice Atkinson-Bonasio and Elena Palladino to the Historical Commission.
Angela Panaccione from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission then presented the Muddy Brook Watershed Resiliency Master Plan. The plan, funded by a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant, aims to develop resiliency actions and strategies to address environmental, water supply, recreational, and public health concerns in the Muddy Brook watershed area, which provides most of the drinking water for Ware residents.
Covering the watershed’s introduction, risk assessment, resiliency strategies and recommendations for funding, the full presentation is available on the town’s website.
The meeting concluded with the town manager’s report. Beckley reported the completion of paving on Crescent Street and the commencement of work on Three Mile Bridge, with detours expected. Beckley also discussed the town’s progress in an EPA grant application for climate change initiatives, including a new pool and electric vehicle infrastructure. The town is a finalist and expects a decision in July.
Additional grant applications have been submitted for town hall restorations and Memorial Field restroom renovations. The Parks Commission is working on a grant to purchase land to connect Church Street Rail Trail to Grenville Park.
