Children try out the new ADA-compliant picnic table installed at the Dalton Public Library. There is no fourth seat to allow for people using mobility devices.
Six of the seven tables have been installed; the seventh is planned for the Pine Grove Park pavilion. The tables were purchased through a grant.
DALTON, Mass. — The Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant picnic tables have been installed at Greenridge, Pinegrove and Chamberland parks and at the library.
During the ADA Committee meeting last week, ADA coordinator Alyssa Maschino informed the committee that the seven ADA picnic tables from Massachusetts Correctional Industries had been installed.
They were purchased using a $6,414.31 Municipal ADA Improvement Grant.
The round metal tables have three seats with one open spot for wheelchair and mobility device users. There are two at Greenridge Park, two at Chamberland Park and one at the library.
One table has been installed at Pine Grove in the play area. After anti-theft measures have been implemented, another one will be installed under the pavilion.
The application for the fiscal 2025 Municipal ADA Improvement Grant has been submitted so the town can invest in ADA-accessible counters for the assessors, clerk, and tax collectors' offices in Town Hall.
The committee will know if it has been approved for the grant in September or October. If the grant is approved the deadline to complete the project is close to the Massachusetts Correctional Industries program's 35-week queue.
Committee members agreed to reserve a spot in the queue before being approved for the grant to ensure the counters arrive before the deadline.
The cost of the counters does not include the installation. However, committee Chair Patrick Pettit said he and committee member John Curro know a local carpenter who may be able to install them.
To cover the cost of the installation, the committee would have to utilize some funds from the building and grounds budget. Building Grounds Superintendent Jeff Burch is aware of this, Maschino said.
Massachusetts Correctional Industries sent plans for the counters, which were slightly off but could be resolved by moving the counter back. Pettit said this won't affect the price.
The committee originally proposed including ADA buttons for the assessors, clerk, and tax collectors' offices in the grant application, but the town did not receive a quote in time.
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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis.
Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report.
During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report.
"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions. As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday.
"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements."
He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report.
"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote.
Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.
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