SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a transfer of permits to the Park and Recreation Commission this week.
Commissioner Daniel Call asked for the transfer of five permits for Whalley Park, taken in the name of John Whalley, to be transferred to the town.
“Three are for restrooms, one is for a storage building and one is for the pavilion,” Call said. “I would like those transferred to the town, and ultimately to the Parks and Rec.”
Call said if the permits were not transferred, Whalley Park would “not be able to be used.”
Town inspectors need to have the permits updated to sign-off on work at the park, which includes structures from the ground up only.
Call said any permits needed in the future would be pulled in the name of the contractor doing the work.
During the discussion, resident Jack Sinico asked about the water bill issued to the commission.
Board Chairman Arthur Pinell said that was not the issue at hand.
“And one has nothing to do with the other,” said Selectwoman Tracy Cesan.
Sinico was referring to a $69,670.90 bill for 15.5 million gallons of water used at Whalley Park from April – October, 2012. The bill was sent to the Parks and Recreation Commission, which oversees the park since the town accepted it as a gift from John and Kathy Whalley at the October Town Meeting.
Parks Commissioners have said they do not believe they should have to pay the bill and do not have the funds to pay.
During a recent Water Commission meeting, Finance Committee member Robert Horacek asked how the issue could be resolved and asked commissioners what the water actually costs, without the electrical and other related costs that are part of the water rate.
Water Commission Chairman Luther Hosmer said “I think we can work something out, but I don’t see giving it to them.”
