Around Town: DPW fills in while Elsasser's out of town

By Scott Merzbach
Staff Writer

Published on July 25, 2008

Residents who have helped to keep the downtown clean and flower boxes watered are being thanked by Select Board Chairman Gerry Weiss.

Weiss said he appreciates the work people have done so far this summer while flower tender Bill Elsasser is out of town. "Anything you can do to help while he's gone," Weiss said.

Elsasser, who was formerly homeless, came up with the idea of installing flower pots to beautify the downtown last year. Weiss thanked the Department of Public Works for its help in keeping the flowers fresh.

"For that, I'm deeply grateful," Weiss said.

Despite helping to clear litter, Weiss said not all of the work that Elsasser does can be replicated, especially when it comes to smaller debris.

"There is an amazing amount of cigarette butts all over the streets," Weiss said.

Planning Department

Jeffrey Bagg is the new senior planner in the town's Planning Department.

Bagg, who most recently worked as an environmental and planning consultant on Long Island, was introduced to members of the Planning Board at a recent meeting.

Bagg grew up in Easthampton, graduated from the University of Massachusetts and is now returning to the area.

Meanwhile, the Planning Board continues to have issues with getting a quorum in place for their 7 p.m. starts. Board member Richard Howland joked that the board might have to start levying fines to its members who aren't on time.

When Susan Pynchon arrived in the town room at 7:10 p.m., Howland said, "You were fined $25 for being late." Another 10 minutes elapsed before members Kathleen Anderson and Eduardo Suarez filled their seats.

Committee volunteers needed

The town's Nyeri, Kenya, Sister City Committee is seeking volunteers.

Select Board member Anne Awad said the committee, which was formed at Town Meeting last year at her request and to which she acts as liaison, needs three new members.

Any residents interested in being on the committee are encouraged to fill out citizen activity forms.

Meetings

MONDAY: Select Board, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.

TUESDAY: 250th Anniversary Arts and Literature Committee, 10:30 a.m., First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall.

WEDNESDAY: 250th Anniversary Marketing Committee, 1:30 p.m., LSSE conference room Bangs Center; 250th Anniversary Steering Committee, 3 p.m., First Floor Meeting Room, Town Hall.

THURSDAY: Facilitation of the Community Choices, 9 a.m., Town Room, Town Hall.