DALTON, Mass. — The Public Safety Advisory Committee is down to three members. 

 

The five-member committee was established last June to examine all the options for a new police station or combined public safety facility, with the goal to have a recommendation to the Select Board by this December. 

 

The committee was established after Police Chief Deanna Strout demonstrated to the board the dire condition of the facility that is unable to meet state requirements. The condition of the facility has been worsening as the town explores its options. 

 

During a recent Select Board meeting, the deadline was pushed to April, following recent confusion on next steps. 

 

Craig Wilbur, former co-chair, put in his letter of resignation from the committee effective Dec. 31 and Anthony "Tony" Pagliarulo stepped down after being elected to the Select Board. 

 

During the last meeting, Wilbur stepped down from his role as co-chair following a heated discussion on next steps.

 

"As you know, during last evening's meeting the committee voted to extend its charge for an additional four months. While I fully respect and support the important work that lies ahead, I regret that due to other professional and personal commitments, I am unable to continue serving during this extended period," Wilbur said in his letter. 

 

"If the committee was to remain committed to a holistic report issued this month, I would absolutely help to see this through, however after last evening's meeting, I do not believe that is possible." 

 

The committee decided to have its consultant Brian Humes of Jacunski Humes Architects LLC of Berlin, Conn., conduct a feasibility assessment of the existing space in the basement of Town Hall. 

 

The report on the current facility will detail the requirements for bringing it up to code, identify what may be lost in a renovation compared to a new build, and outline necessary additions during renovation.

 

This is in addition to his work in developing a rendering of both a one-story and a two-story station on a "fictitious" parcel that resembles the lot next to the Senior Center. 

 

"It has been an honor to contribute to the committee's efforts and to work alongside such dedicated members in advancing public safety for our community. However, I do wish to note my concern that the committee's lack of interest in pursuing options beyond the construction of a new building is, in my view, somewhat myopic," Wilbur said in his resignation.

 

"This narrow focus does not fully offer the town the range of alternatives it deserves to consider in addressing public safety needs.

 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in these discussions and initiatives, and I remain confident that the Committee will continue to make meaningful progress in the months ahead." 

 

During previous meetings, Strout strongly questioned why the committee is considering exploring other options aside from a new facility, because there isn't enough space at the current facility to provide what the department "legally needs." 

 

Humes had toured the facility and created a space needs assessment which is not in alignment with the basement's existing conditions. 

 

Despite these concerns from the chief, the committee did vote in favor of having Humes do a report on the current facility in addition to the renderings of both a one-story and a two-story. 

 

Some members believed that having Humes do all three evaluations will provide voters the information they need to make an informed decision. 

 

During a Select Board meeting in November, the Select Board also approved crafting a request for proposals for a public safety facility site, to solicit potential private property sites for the proposed police station. 

 

The committee looked at several properties during this process, with four being ranked for the proposed police facility. 

 

Because of the high costs associated with purchasing the land and the discord surrounding the use of Senior Center land it might be advantageous to open the search up again, Pagliarulo said during a previous committee meeting.