BOARD OF SELECTMEN
2006 TOWN REPORT
Greetings to the Citizens of
East Longmeadow,
2006
was a busy year for the Board of Selectmen. The Board convened over 30 times
for regular and special meetings and deliberated on hundreds of matters on
behalf of the town. Board members also met individually as members of several
town boards and commissions. The Annual Town Meeting was held on May 1; and a Special
Town Meetings was held on October 23rd.
The
make-up Board of Selectmen underwent change in 2006. James Driscoll presided
as Chairman. Joe Townshend was elected to the Board of Selectmen in April. He
earned the spot that was vacated when Selectman John Claffey decided not to run
for a second term. Selectman Gary DeLisle, a Board member for four and a half
years, resigned from the Board of Selectmen in November. Both Selectmen stated
that it had been a privilege and an honor to serve the town. The Board of
Selectmen finished 2006 with two members. A special election for the vacancy
was set for January, 2007.
The
Board of Selectmen is privileged to work on behalf of the citizens of East
Longmeadow. The Board of Selectmen is the main policy making body of town
government and exercises budgetary and oversight responsibility for the
following town departments: Police; Fire; Clerk/Treasurer/Collector;
Information Technology; Council on Aging; Building; Veterans’ Services and Town
Accountant. The Board of Selectmen also serves as the Board of Health.
Some
of the boards and commissions that the Board of Selectmen participated and were
represented on included: the Regional Boards of Selectmen, Personnel Policy
Board, Information Technology Committee, the East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Chamber
of Commerce, the Senior Center Study Committee, the School Building Committee,
and the Scantic Valley Regional Health Trust.
The
Board of Selectmen hired a new Recreation Director in 2005. John Whalen
retired after a distinguished 30 year career. Carolyn Porter came to the town
from the City of Holyoke, where she had been serving in a similar capacity.
Carolyn brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the department. The
Board of Selectmen also continued its steadfast support of public safety.
Police Officer Jeffrey Dalessio was promoted to Sergeant. Reserve-Intermittent
Officers Daniel Manley and Jeffrey Niznik were offered full-time positions, and
began their academy training in November. The Board of Selectmen was pleased
to promote call firefighter Christopher Raschilla to full-time status. The
Board of Selectmen was very fortunate to have outstanding candidates from which
to appoint.
The
Board of Selectmen is appreciative of the input given to them by the citizens
of East Longmeadow. Your suggestions and concerns are given thoughtful
consideration and are acted on as soon as possible. The Board of Selectmen
encourages any citizen to call or visit its office whenever in need of
assistance. The Board of Selectmen is located in Town Hall, 60 Center Square.
The telephone number to the office is (413) 525-5400 ext. 420. The Board of
Selectmen can also be reached via email to the Executive Secretary at: nbreault@eastlongmeadow.org.
