Deputy Chief Post Needs Legislative Vote

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

The Town Council voted to petition the Legislature to make the position of deputy police chief exempt from civil service law. Police Chief Terence Delehanty asked the council for the creation of the position in order to have a stronger structure in the police department. Under the plan being formulated, the chief will have someone working closely with him who will be able to take over in the event he is not present.

The idea was accepted by Town’s Rules and Ordinance Committee and now will go to the Legislature. There is no word yet on when the position will be created.

In other business:

• Fire Chief Paul Flanagan gave a preparedness update on Hurricane Matthew in the event it comes to New England. He said winds over 73 mph make it a hurricane and winds of 39-72 mph make it a tropical storm. He suggested people stay tuned to the news and that this morning (Thursday) there would be another official update for Boston. The harbormaster is encouraging people to the their boats out of the water.
• Several transfers of funds were approved. The amount of $55,000 was transferred for the fiscal year climate change assessment. Another $5,000 was transferred to the the Health Department and $13,750 for the police department.
• The Town Manager is preparing a fee schedule for renting the gym at the old middle/high school on Pauline Street. Non-profits and athletic groups have expressed an interest. The fees will be announced at a later date.
• The Council approved the following people to serve on the Miller Field/Lewis Lake Committee: Councilor James Letterie, School Committee member Ron Vecchia, Principal Matt Serino, DPW head Steve Calla, Karin Chavis, Dave Girard, Tom Chibina, Conservation Commission member Norm Hyatt and Vin Crossman. Non-voting members will be Rich Cifuni, Jim Evans, and Bob Flavin. Ex-officio members are Superintendent of Schools John Macero, Council President Robert Driscoll, Town Manager James McKenna, and town CFO Michael Perez.
• The Town Council’s Fall Forum will be held on October 18 at the DeLeo Senior Center at 7 p.m. Emergency Management Planning will be one of the major topics.
• White Cane Day will be held at the State House on October 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Great Hall of Flags at the State House.