Open letter to the voters of Ward 3:
First of all, as Ollie and I walk the ward, I have noticed that a lot of you have cleared fire hydrants and storm drains, and I want to thank you all for having done so. This is important. Next, with all the pot holes, am thankful for all of you who are paying attention to the roads, and to others driving and walking. It is so very important that we pay attention as I have also noticed a lot going along as if the roads are perfect, especially going up Franklin St. It is dangerous and can be costly if you hit one. As well not hitting others trying to dodge them, or who are doing the right thing by driving cautiously to avoid them.
We are working on getting a different towing service as there have been complaints about the current. But, to seek bids we have to change what the bid contains.
There is a new bus stop on Elm St., replacing the ones that were on Main St. at Stop and Shop, and across the street. There is still a stop inside the Stop and Shop parking lot. I am a bit irked that PVTA did not leave signs indicating the new stop and put in the local papers.
While there was some rampant myth-information regarding these two, the next regarding the use of the city of land at Ponders Hollow really got carried away. I wish more people watched Ch. 15 to see our meetings, or attend our meetings but that may only reinforce the negatives you express to me when we talk. Anyway, the land is to replace part of the property used for the Cross St. School. A part of the property has a levee on it. As with the budget process we heard some really wild statements that it would cost $1.5 million to move the whole levee; we would need the Army Corps of Engineers to process our use, the Flood Commission, The Fire Commission, and a consultant firm… NO, the real facts are that if we want to put in all the ball fields we wanted we would have to take part of the levee and thus the process. But, the person who is responsible for the swap came in person, and said that there is adequate room for a park without using the levee, and that is an adequate amount of land for the swap. It amazes me that those who are always saying they want to save tax dollars have cost the tax payers hundreds of thousands dollars in delays on this project. Now we are paying to use the Town of Russell’s elementary school until the new school is built. A 21st century school equipped with the technology to provide your children with a 21st Century education.
Lastly, the discussion regarding the creation of the Consolidated DPW. OK, problem: earlier the Mayor requested amending an ordnance to make changes in Parks and Recreation(P&R). I guess without reading what the amendment was some jumped to conclusions about why amend the P&R. That must be illegal to add in the P&R to DPW! All the amendment was to do was to take out the youth sports programs from P&R and make it a separate entity as the purpose and focus of the new consolidated DPW was to merge our separate work forces and resources on maintenance and development; like street repair, park services, city building up keep etc. Then someone threw in what about the when we have to hire a replacement- is that covered? My point was to let it go through committee, pass the ordnance then amend it or not once out of committee. And, that first of all you can not amend an ordinance until you pass it. And, when Mr. Billips retires we just go through the normal hiring process.
By consolidating, we could do more in house and not go the more expensive and time consuming process of putting it out to bid from the private sector. Thus saving the tax payers money, and providing better improved service to residents of Westfield. But due to the confusion created, the motion was sent back to committee to be re-worked. Thus delaying the project till May giving Superintendent Billips only a month to develop a budget for this whole new expanded DPW. The results you read about; he resigned. But, luckily he was talked into staying on. He is a very talented guy doing the work of several and doing them very well.
You really need to watch these meetings on Ch. 15, or attend them. It is better than HBO with unfounded accusations of conspiracy! Intrigues and mystery whodunits. Catch me on my walks, or while shopping and I will fill you in. Or, E-mail me at [email protected]. And, just wish me luck trying to do what is important to you and in your interests. Your Ward 3 Brian Hoose, City Councilor
60 Arnold St.
Westfield, Ma. 01085
[email protected]
