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Pittsfield to Test Sewage For COVID-19

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city will test sewage for COVID-19 at the wastewater treatment plant.
 
Mayor Linda Tyer announced in her weekly update Friday that the city will utilize a new method to monitor for the novel coronavirus: sewage testing. 
 
"Research indicates that sewage testing analyzes epidemiological trends. We will have an early warning by detecting the resurgence of the coronavirus in the city’s sewage," she said. "We will be able to anticipate and respond rapidly and effectively to any possible new outbreaks even before positive test cases are identified." 
 
She said the city is utilizing a Boston-based company called Biobot Analytics and have already conducted one of the two baseline tests.
 
In the fall and winter, it will test twice a month.
 
Tyer noted Richmond, Dalton, Hinsdale, Lenox, and Lanesborough also use the city’s plant.
 
The mayor also went through some quick updates and said since her last update there week before, there have been seven new COVID-19 cases in Pittsfield.
 
She reminded residents that although the public health data in the commonwealth is trending in the right direction, residents still need to adhere to state travel restrictions and guidance with cases spiking in many states.
 
She noted that the state is now in Phase 3 and will likely stay until in that phase for some time.
 
"We cannot afford to let our guard down," she said. "Phase 3 is expected to be with us for a while and phase 4 will not start until a vaccine to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is available or other proven forms of medical remediation is in place."
 
She did note residents and city businesses have adhered to state guidance. She said the Board of Health has been happy with people’s willingness to wear masks when unable to social distance.
 
During her videoed update the mayor also announced:
 
The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a "Make your own summer of fun" line up in city parks. A list of the Board of Health approved activities can be found here.
 
Residents are also encouraged to send photos of themselves finding safe ways to enjoy the summer. These photos may be featured on Downtown Pittsfield’s social media platforms.
 
"It is a small thing that has a big impact ... lets keep finding those moments of joy," the mayor said.
 
• Earlier in the week, the governor signed an election law bill that expands mail-in and early voting options. Early voting for the September primary begins Aug. 22 and ends the 28.
 
Early voting for the November general election begins Oct .17. 
 
All voters who want to cast an absentee ballot will be able to do so after filling out application that voters will receive by mail. These should be sent out on July 15.
 
•  That residents should be aware of the mosquito-borne equine encephalitis virus. The governor detailed the state’s effort to address this virus after EEE and other like viruses after a case was found in Franklin County.
 
More information can be found here
 

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 
 
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
 
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
 
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 
 
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 
 
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 
 
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
 
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