N.A. Council Delays House Hearing, Thanks Longtime Cameraman
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The City Council on Tuesday night postponed a public hearing on the house at 129 North St. after owner Edward Burdick had made progress on the property.
The matter had been referred to Mayor John Barrett III's office last month after complaints from neighbors brought it to the Public Safety Committee's attention. Both the health and building inspectors asked for council backing in pushing Burdick to do repairs on the building.
Burdick has said a basement fire last February delayed progress on the residence, which is unoccupied. However, complaints about the property date back years, including failure to obtain permits for exterior and driveway work. Neighbors have also complained about piles of construction debris and trash and animals getting into the the open building.
The Public Safety Committee recommended calling a public hearing to have the property declared a public nuisance as a way to force Burdick to clean the area. The hearing had been set for Tuesday.
After a couple city councilors spoke with Burdick on Tuesday, it was decided to postpone the hearing. Councilor Ronald Boucher, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said progress has been made at the property.
"He said he will have everything up to snuff in 60 days," said Boucher.
Scenic Byway Preparations
The council did hold a public hearing on the relocation of nine utility poles along Reservoir Road. Eight of the poles will be moved back approximately 6 feet from the road and the ninth moved across the street in anticipation of road reconstruction.
Slightly more than a half-mile of the road will be widened and a scenic outlook constructed, as part of the Mount Greylock Scenic Byway. MassHighway has requested the utilities move the poles.
 Councilor Marie Harpin gives Christmas gifts to longtime council cameraman Bill Patrie. |
The hearing was closed but a vote on granting permission for the relocation to begin was delayed until January because of the wording of the order, which mentions only one pole, not nine. A new order will be drafted to reflect the actual work.
"I'd like to make it more specific in case anyone questions it," said Councilor Richard Alcombright.
Through the Lens
Bill Patrie can't remember exactly how long he's been taping City Council meetings for local cable access, but it's certainly been longer than some councilors have served. "Oh, a long time," he said.
"I remember when we were in that little space at Adelphia [Cable Co.]," said Patrie on Tuesday night after being presented with gifts from the council for his service. "Then we moved to [Western Gateway Heritage State Park] and it was enormous."
When he first started taping he had to use a big, bulky, "ancient" camera, he said. "Dave [Fabiano] had to come and adjust it all the time."
Fabiano, executive director of Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp., said Patrie's been covering the City Council since at least the late 1980s. For two decades he's been a staple at City Council meetings, appearing twice a month like clockwork.
"I don't think you've ever missed a single meeting in all this time," said Council President Alan Marden to Patrie.
Councilor Marie Harpin said Patrie had a missed a couple — but only because he was in the hospital.
"This is a thank-you for all you do," said Harpin, as she and Councilor Lisa Blackmer handed Patrie two big brightly wrapped packages (of winter wear). Councilor Gailanne Cariddi manned the camera, putting the focus on Patrie for a change.
Patrie said his devotion to duty is simple: "It's so the ones on the outside can see what's going on."
