Dalton Public Safety Panel Talks Facilities Fund

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — Public Safety Advisory Committee members have discussed a proposal to establish a public facilities stabilization fund. 
 
The town does not have a stabilization fund dedicated to future public facility projects, including potential needs for construction and renovation of town buildings. 
 
This fund would be a way for the town to proactively save money for construction or renovation projects of public buildings, said Finance Committee member Thomas Irwin. 
 
A fund like this would save up funds to address unexpected repair needs or new construction without depending on temporary funding such as from the American Rescue Plan Act and relieve some additional funding obstacles. 
 
The town does have a capital stabilization fund and a general stabilization fund. 
 
The capital stabilization fund can be used for future capital expenditures such as building repairs or infrastructure projects. 
 
The general stabilization fund has a broader purpose so can be used to handle unexpected emergencies or other things that are not considered capital projects. 
 
There is about $2 million between the capital and general stabilization funds, Town Manager Tom Hutcheson said. 
 
To establish the fund they would first have to present the idea to the finance committee chair to determine if it is feasible, Irwin said. 
 
After the Finance Committee's discussion on the idea, the proposal would have to be made to the town manager and Select Board, he said. 
 
Finally it would have to be added to a town meeting warrant and approved by voters, Irwin said. 

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'Enough Abuse' Pitches Services to Pittsfield Amid PHS Scandal

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Ward facilitated the presentation.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Department is considering a nonprofit's assistance to safeguard children from sexual abuse.

"This is not just your problem," Executive Director of Enough Abuse Jetta Bernier told the School Committee and the City Council on Wednesday.

While awaiting the findings of an investigation on the Pittsfield High School staffing scandal, officials heard how Enough Abuse can help strengthen policies and provide education to protect students in the Pittsfield Public Schools.

"I think for those that have felt almost frozen in terms of 'What do we do? How do we act?' Parents, teachers, administrators, folks within the school, this kind of starts to help the brain figure out next steps," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said.

"And also, for those that are not familiar with how to prevent abuse, to help them think about what they should be expecting from our school system."

Bernier outlined five goals for the district and avenues for achieving them, including educating all PPS employees to identify and respond to adult interactions with children that might be precursors to sexual misconduct or abuse, educating students and parents, strengthening PPS policies and practices, and engaging the community.

Courses cost $20 per learner and Bernier offered technical assistance for $125 an hour.

"Money will not get in the way of this getting done. I can tell you, we are a nonprofit. We work hard to raise money like you all do for your school but this is just too important," she said.

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