Town Hall: Fallacies and Faults

(September 18, 2003) It’s terrific that the seat of government is moving into the new Town Hall by month’s end. The replacement of the old Green Facility has been a long time in the making and was the right decision. Many memories will be left behind and the names of those who served there would fill a novel. From the attic, which few had ever seen, perhaps mercifully so, to the lower level that once housed the police department, and prisoners, to the main level selectmen chambers, the scene of many political wars, the building served us well. The community sought to fund a new structure and to do so on land we already owned and at a site that forms the approximate center of town. The project, for a time was under budget, and the Building Committee did a reasonably good job. As always however, we should learn from our mistakes. While we continue to read puff pieces about the upcoming heralded event, let’s take a look at some of the matters you have never heard of.

Handicapped Access: June Ball-inger and Christina Willis must be wincing from above. It was discovered that the elevation of the ramp leading to the front door does not comply with ADA code. That will have to be addressed.

Storage Vaults: There are two scheduled for the new building. It was learned that neither were sufficient to meet the fire code ratings required in Massachusetts. Ooops, that matter is now being addressed. One needs vaults to preserve the town’s history, and to meet statutory requirements. While it may be ok with some, or even welcomed, the fire ratings are there for good reason.

The Driveway Pond: Who can forget the large pool of water that never seemed to go away. An engineering/architectural blunder of the first degree. Who ended up paying for that one? We did. The work was re-done by our own Highway Department. Superintendent Paul Basler tells us "It will work." We believe him, but why were others not held responsible?

Sewer Functionality: Brian Donahoe tells us that the Sewer Commissioners cannot guarantee the functionality of the Town Hall system. He said that no matter how often his Commission has requested it, he has yet to receive professional plans of the sewer connection. The company that did the connection was Crystal Construction, owned by Board of Health member Joe Casna. Casna had one of his employees do the connection, Selectman Richard Cretinon. Donahoe said that his Commission will no longer accept applications of any kind from either individual "since we no longer consider them separate." He said that Cretinon was signing paperwork on behalf of Casna. When the practice was questioned, Casna provided the Commissioners with a document authorizing Cretinon to sign for him. We question what type of work Casna may be applying for since his Health Board seat would preclude most involvement due to conflict of interest. Cretinon, as a Selectman cannot attain Special Employee status which would allow him to gain financially by doing work for the town he oversees as the highest elected public official.

Grinder vs. Gravity: Had the Town Hall been mounded a mere 12 inches higher, a gravity fed system would have been not only possible, but more practical and cost effective. Grinder pumps require maintenance, electrical costs and are prone to failure. A lousy call here!