As I set down to write this article, lots of things begin to run through my mind. Westfield is an exciting place to be. Things are occurring all around us. It may be easier to dwell on the negatives, and there are some, but looking for the positives is where I want to take this article.
Many thanks go out to Dave Billips and the DPW crews. The streets are plowed and are passable earlier than in years past. Not only the DPW employees but the vendors appear to be doing a better job. Thanks for a job well done. The trash and recycling employees also deserve a shout out. Even in some nasty conditions, the refuse is collected in a timely manner. I would like to thank the recycling crew for their patience during the educational process of switching to a single stream system. I had my doubts at first but I am now a believer. I am also impressed with the ease of this new system.
In spite of the weather, construction will again begin on the Gazebo. The windows and doors, both special orders, are in. The senior construction students are ready to begin installation next week. They are experiencing many different aspects of the construction industry especially dealing with adverse weather. I would also like to remind the public that the Tiger’s Pride Restaurant is open for lunch on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday starting at 11 a.m. Take the time to experience this hidden gem for lunch and witness the next generation of great chefs at work.
Just a quick reminder that next week is Vocational Educational Week. Westfield Vocational and Technical High School will be hosting events all week for the public. The Tiger’s Pride Restaurant will be open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for lunch. An open house will be held on Wednesday from 6-8p.m. I would like to encourage everyone to attend. Part of the equipment for the new aviation program will be on display.
I, along with several other city officials, took a tour of the new senior center. This is an impressive building in the raw state. I can only imagine how impressive and functional it will be once completed. Hats off to the building committee and to Forish Construction for the job that is being done. It is with great anticipation that everyone is waiting for the completion and grand OOpening this fall. It will truly be one of the highlights of turning 60. I was honored to co-sponsor the official name for the new senior center at last week’s city council meeting along with councilors Adams and Sullivan. I felt it appropriate to acknowledge all the work that councilors Adams and Sullivan have done to get this project to where it is today. Job well done.
I would like to thank councilors Harris and Sullivan for all they did last year to make the Personnel Action Committee run as smoothly as it did. We were able to accomplish an unbelievable amount of work in a very efficient manner. It was a pleasure to have been on the PAC with you. As we enter this year, I have been given a new responsibility. I am the chair of the Legislative and Ordinance Committee. Along with councilors Keefe and Van Heynigen we will be looking to keep items in committee moving so that the whole council can take action on the many items in committee. This is a responsibility the committee takes seriously. There will be a standing L & O Committee meeting the Tuesday before the Thursday council meeting. I would encourage anyone to attend and see what is going on.
I will begin having weekly office hours starting the first Tuesday in March. I will be at the senior center from 11 until noon. If you have an issue and cannot make it to the senior center, I can be reach by phone 568-9954 or by e-mail [email protected].
I hope everyone stays healthy and warm for the remainder of this winter season.
Ralph J. Figy
Ward 2 City Councilor
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
