"This essentially almost funds, let's say 99 percent, of all the funds that we need to finally build out what the master vision is of the glen," said Town Administrator Jay Green at Wednesday's Board of Selectmen meeting. 

 

The money will specifically be used for the potable drinking water system at the glen, with construction for the project expected to begin sometime in late June. Green congratulated special projects coordinator and former Community Development Director Donna Cesan, who has been working on the project since it began well more than a decade ago. 

 

"Essentially, we can breathe a little easier knowing that we have the money to finally complete the infrastructure work up there. ... We're attempting to arrange to have Congressman [Richard] Neal and the governor here. In order to do that, we're thinking right now that they can synch their schedules up for some time in July," he said. 

 

The town is the developer for the 54-acre glen, part of the Mount Greylock State Reservation, and the state has committed $7.3 million to the construction of the outdoor center. 

 

In other business, Administrative Assistant Deborah Dunlap will be leaving the position on June 3. Green thanked Dunlap for her work with the town. 

 

Selectman Joseph Nowak said he will miss Dunlap's hard-working attitude as a town employee. 

 

"You can always replace a person, but I think it's going to be difficult to replace someone of Deb's caliber, who gave it her all under really difficult conditions," he said. 

 

• The board approved the Council on Aging state formula grant. The 10-year grant is based on 2010 Census data and will award the COA $26,160. 

 

• The board approved a one-day entertainment license for the Berkshire Mountain Fairie Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 18 at Bowe Field. This year will be the first time the festival has operated since 2019. 

 

"We're moving forward. We've got some younger people involved. We've got some people who are more theatrical, I'll say. So that's really exciting," said Gail Sellers, one of the event's organizers. 

 

• The board ratified the hire of a Council on Aging per diem van driver Charles Gebauer. Gebauer, a Savoy resident, had been a driver for the COA in the past.