Dalton Finalizes Town Manager Contract

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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Eric Anderson
DALTON, Mass. — Town Manager Eric Anderson will start in his new role Nov. 17. 
 
It was announced during the Select Board meeting on Monday that the town had successfully negotiated a three-year contract with Anderson. 
 
"The contract negotiations were as smooth as possibly one could imagine, and Eric Anderson was here yesterday for the signing of the contract,"  interim Town Manager Henry "Terry" Williams told iBerksires. 
 
"I met with him for a number of hours yesterday, and he and I are looking forward to his arrival, and it appears to me as though he's a perfect fit for the town going forward."
 
Earlier in October, Williams' contract was extended through Nov. 21 to aid in Anderson's onboarding to facilitate a smooth transition. 
 
Anderson's first year salary is set at $142,500, Williams said. During the search, the Select Board approved a salary range of $135,000 to $155,000 to attract more applicants in a competitive market for town managers in Western Massachusetts.
 
When Thomas Hutcheson announced his retirement as town manager earlier this year, the board planned ahead, establishing a flexible town manager budget to cover the interim town manager's compensation and onboarding for the new town manager, Williams said
 
If there are any shortages the town can cover it with reserve fund or interdepartmental transfers, he said. 
 
Anderson was hired for the town manager position in September, following interviews with the three finalists — Anderson, Lisa Blackmer, and Jonathan Elwell. 
 
The board emphasized that all the candidates were highly qualified; however, Anderson's well-researched answers and prior experience that aligned with the town's issues stood out.
 
Anderson has six years of experience as the town administrator of his hometown, Andover, Conn., which has a population of about 3,200 residents and a select board form of government. 
 
He said  he had experience dealing with circumstances similar to what Dalton is currently facing, including the concerns over Berkshire Concrete's mining operations and the discussions surrounding a new police facility stemming from the current facility's deteriorating condition. 
 
More information on Anderson here

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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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