Cheshire Water Protection Bylaws Saved; Bridge Being Closed

The Selectmen will host an informational meeting next month on the proposed Kinder Morgan gas pipeline, with or without the company's participation.

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Cheshire will not lose its water protection zoning bylaws.

Selectwoman Carol Francesconi told her colleagues on Tuesday night that Attorney General Maura Healey had accepted water protection bylaws needed to protect an Adams drinking water supply that is located in Cheshire.

The Selectmen were told in January that the expansion of the Zone II area had been on hold since 2006 because of incomplete information. There was concern the AG would not accept the amended information.

"It's worth it to get this Zone II business over and done with," Francesconi said. "I am glad we are doing it right."

Town Administrator Mark Webber received a letter from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation requesting that the town immediately close the bridge on Sand Mill Road because of its deteriorating condition.

Highway Superintendent Peter LeFebvre said the bridge will be closed by the end of the week.

"I was hoping the ground would thaw out a little more so we can pound some signs down in, but we will get it detoured and blocked off," LeFebvre said.

How soon the bridge will be repaired depends on if the state is willing to fund the project; the board anticipates nearly $1 million in repairs.

Selectman Robert Ciskowski said Kinder Morgan representatives have failed to contact him and he will schedule an informational meeting in late April about the company's proposed natural gas line without them. Ciskowksi will contact opposition groups for the meeting and provide the Kinder Morgan perspective himself.

"I will go ahead and put together the most balanced presentation that I think we can provide," Ciskowski said. "I will put together some other presenters, and I will report back as soon as I have dates."

Francesconi said the town will still allow Kinder Morgan to present if the company ever responds to Cheshire.

"If they want to come, let them come," she said. "If they don't, it is their loss."

Webber said he has received letters from teachers and parents in support of the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District budget. The district may be faced with cutting 25 positions if the proposed budget — which asks for more money than the towns have offered to give — is rejected.

"There are valid concerns, and I agree with them," Francesconi said.

The letters advocated for more town support of the budget, revaluation of the district's contribution to the Berkshire Arts and Technology Public Charter School, and transportation reimbursement from the state that does not meet the district's needs.     

Webber also received a letter from a Cheshire Elementary School parent whose child fell during class and had to go untreated because there was no nurse on duty. Although the child was fine, the parent was concerned what would happen if the accident was more serious. Because of budget restraints a nurse must be split between schools in the district.

"We don't have a full-time nurse in any of our schools," Francesconi said. "They are covering everyone else."

Webber anticipated that the town budget will be ready for joint Advisory Board and Selectmen approval by April 28.

"I think that will give us plenty of time at the end of April to get everything together and review it," Webber said.

• The Planning Board will hold bylaw informational meetings April 9 and 20 and May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Community Center.

Chairman Charles Howard said the meeting will be focused on informing the public on zoning bylaw reorganization aimed to organize and update the current bylaws. The bylaw drafts can be found on the town's website.

•  The Selectmen received nine bids for a decommissioned 1976 Dodge Power Wagon once used by the Fire Department. The town agreed to sell the truck to the highest bidder, Village Trucking Sales, for $3,890. The lowest bid was $787. 

Cheshire Tag Sale and Bazaar