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Dalton, Massachusetts 2020 Annual Report About the Cover The Math Department in front of the New Wahconah Regional High School and the back cover is the New Wahconah Regional High School.
ANNUAL REPORTS O S OF THE TOWN OF DALTON MASSACHUSETTS FOR 2020 Population 2020 Census (As of December 31, 2020)....................................6,052 Number of Registered Voters.........................................................................4,617 Area............................................................................................... 21.83 Sq. Miles Latitude .................................................................................................... 42° - 30” Longitude ................................................................................................. 73° - 10” Miles of State Road..........................................................................................6.75 Miles of Town Road............................................................................................44 Tax Rate (Town)...........................................................................................$20.29 Tax Rate (Fire District) ....................................................................................$.94 Total Tax Assessed (Town-Includes Personal Property).....................$12,843,990 Total Tax Assessed (Fire District) ............................................................$595,040 Total Valuation ..................................................................................$633,020,677 ‘21 Town Meeting.............................................................May 3, 2021 (7:00 PM) ‘21 Town Election.......................................May 10, 2021 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM) ‘22 Town Meeting.............................................................May 2, 2022 (7:00 PM) ‘22 Town Election.........................................May 9, 2022 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM) All elections are held at the Dalton CRA located at 400 Main Street. Please bring this report with you to the May 3, 2021 Annual Town Meeting. Please note time is 7:00 p.m. for all Town Meetings. )RULQIRUPDWLRQUHJDUGLQJ7RZQVHUYLFHV&RPPXQLW\HYHQWVDQGWR¿QGDOLQNWR Dalton’s Town Meeting Calendar/Schedule, visit our website @ www.dalton-ma.gov g
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ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS 2I¿FHUVVHUYLQJDVRI0D\ Term Term Expires Expires Select Board Planning Board (Term 3 Years) (Term 3 Years) John F. Boyle, Vice Chairman........ 2023 Andrew G. Perenick,Chairman ...... 2022 Joseph A. Diver, Vice Chairman .... 2022 Zack R. McCain,III, V.Chair.......... 2023 Marc E. Strout,............................... 2022 -RVHSK¿VK...................................... 2023 Robert W. Bishop,Jr.,Chairman...... 2021 Donald E. Harris ............................ 2021 Daniel E. Esko ............................... 2023 Daniel Esko, Clerk ......................... 2022 7RZQ&OHUN Library Trustees (Term 3 Years) (Term 3 Years) Deborah J. Merry ........................... 2021 Fred J. Sears, Chair ........................ 2023 Judith L. Douville, V.Chair ............ 2021 Moderator Max Ehrlich ................................... 2023 (Term 1 Year) Mary E. Gingras............................. 2022 Anthony P. Doyle ........................... 2021 Barbara E. Kotelnicki..................... 2023 Thomas M.Condron ....................... 2022 Dalton Housing Authority Anne M. Ronayne .......................... 2022 (Term 5 Years) Joan M. Roy ................................... 2021 Kathleen M. Burke, Chair.............. 2021 Leonardo P. Quiles ......................... 2022 Alice Liebenow.............................. 2023 Thomas Snyder .............................. 2022 Finance Committee Robert R. Merry ............................. 2024 (Term 3 Years) Thomas J. Callahan, Jr. ................. 2021 Vacancy .......................................... 2022 (State Aptd) Vacancy .......................................... 2021 William A. Drosehn III,Chair ........ 2022 Cemetery Trustees Kira Smith...................................... 2023 (Term 3 Years) Michael W. Jerome......................... 2022 Judith L. Douville, Chair ............... 2023 David Boino ................................... 2023 John W. Bartels, Jr ......................... 2021 Jeffrey S. Noble.............................. 2022 Thomas R. Towne .......................... 2022 Karen J. Schmidt............................ 2021 Susan B. Carroll-Lombardi............ 2021 APPOINTED TOWN OFFICERS (Effective July 1, 2020 - Serving for one year unless stated otherwise) 7RZQ0DQDJHU 7RZQ7UHDVXUHU Kenneth E. Walto (2022) Dawn M. Fahey Sandra J. LaFrance, Asst. $GPLQLVWUDWLYH$VVLVWDQW Judith M. Wagner 3ROLFH&KLHI Anthony J. Riello 7RZQ$FFRXQWDQW (Interim Administrative Sandra J. Albano (2022) Police Chief) Alecia N. Herrick, Asst. 6XSHULQWHQGHQWRI6WUHHWV 7RZQ&ROOHFWRU 6HZHUV&HPHWHULHV 3DUNV Melissa A. Davis John W. Roughley Deborah M. Levesque, Asst. 4
ADA Committee (1) Deborah J. Merry, Clerk (2021) (Five Members) Judith M. Wagner (2021) Deborah B. Horth Michele T. Blake (2021) Vacancy Nancy E. Persson Building Commissioner/(1) George D. White =RQLQJ(QIRUFHPHQW2I¿FHU Vacancy Brian Duval CB BC/ZEO Timothy X. Sears, Alt. BC/ZEO $QLPDO&RQWURO2I¿FHU Gregory M. Elser Building Superintendent/(1) Vacant Asst. 3XUFKDVLQJ$JHQW Patrick Pettit Assistant Town Clerk (3) Michele T. Blake (2021) Burial Agent (1) Deborah J. Merry BRPC Transportation Advisory (1) Jeffrey E. Coe, Alt. Committee Daniel D. Filiault, TAC &HQWUDO%HUNVKLUH7RZQ0XQLFLSDO Advisory Committee (1) BRPC (1) (2 members) Daniel Esko, Delegate Joseph A. Diver John F. Boyle, Alt. Vacant BRTA Advisory Board Commissioner of Trust Funds (3) John F. Boyle (3 members) J. Michael Hoffman (2021) Berkshire Retirement Advisory (1) Richard A. Lombardi (2022) Susan C. Vigeant (2023) Berkshire Retirement Advisory Board Conservation Commission (3) Dawn M. Fahey (7 members) Robert W. Bishop, Jr. (2022) Board of Appeals (3) Esther T. Balardini (2022) (3 members 2 alternates) Henry J. Rose (2021) Anthony P. Doyle, Chair (2022) Edward F. Gero (2023) Stephen J. Psutka, V. Chair (2022) John F. Burnham (2023) Edward F. Gero, Clerk (2023) Cheryl D. Rose, Chairman (2021) Caleb Darby, Assoc. (2021) Domenick F. Sacco, (2021) Vacancy, Assoc. (2021) Constables (1) Board of Assessors (1) Christopher J. Furlong (3 Members) Deanna L. Strout Vacant Geoffrey Powell Jean M. Boudreau Bustin M. Buzzella Heather K. DuRant, Clerk &RXQFLORQ$JLQJ'LUHFWRU Board of Health Agent Kelly Pizzi, Director (2021) Jayne Smith, Health Agent &RXQFLORQ$JLQJ Board of Health (1) (15 members max) (5 Members) Maureen M. Mitchell,Co-Chair (2022) Andrew G. Perenick Gordine A. Galusha (2022) Marc R. DelGrande Jean K. Poopor, (2022) Daniel M. Doyle, Chairman Yvonne D. Washburn,Asst Clerk(2023) Edward F. Gero David DiNicola (2022) Alyce M. Kendrick Robert R. Merry, Treasurer (2021) Vacancy,Co-Chair(2021) Board of Registrars (3) Vacant (2022) (4 Members) Andrea M. Lassor, Clerk (2023) Jean M. Gingras (2021) Linda C. Merry(2023) 5
Joyce F. Lacatell (2022) Michael J. Ferry (2021) Ralph W. Young, Alt. (2021) J. Michael Hoffman (2023) Donald R. Rochelo (2025) Senior Center Building/(1) Augustus J. Schnopp, Jr. (2023) Maintenance Committee Susan C. Vigeant (2025) (9 members) Isa F. Ali (2021) Maureen M. Mitchell Karen Schmidt (2021) Carol A. Morrison Andrew G. Perenick (2024) Kelly Pizzi Joseph F. Fish (2025) Irwin T. Renak Vacancy David DiNicola Vacancy Vacancy Vacancy Dalton Redevelopment Authority (5) Vacancy (5 members) Vacancy Vacant, Chair (2022) Charles J. Dooley, V. Chair (2024) Custodian of Tax Title Property (1) John F. Boyle (2025) Dawn M. Fahey Anthony P. Doyle (2023) State Nominee 'DOWRQ%HDXWL¿FDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ Susan C. Vigeant (2025) (3 Years)(10 members) Annmarie Cicchetti,Co-Chair.(2022) Dalton Emergency Management (1) Linda C. Merry, Treasurer (2023) Advisory Council Vacancy (2023) (13 Members) Robert R. Merry, Co-Chair (2021) Gerald J. Cahalan, Jr. Jean K. Poopor, Clerk (2023) Jayne Smith Peter Gonick (2022) Kelly Pizzi Tracy A.Cahalan Manning,V.Ch. (2023) Gabrielle Taglieri Pamela J. Turner (2022) 9 Vacancies Dalton Community Cable Dalton Historical Commission (3) Assoc. Rep (1) (7 members) Thomas J. Murray George D. White, Chairman (2022) Louisa M.Horth, Vice-Chairman (2021) Dalton Cable Advisory Comm. (1) Debora D.S. Kovacs (2022) (7 Members) Thomas J. Snyder (2021) J. Michael Hoffman,Chair Carolina S. Galliher (2022) John W. Bartels, Jr. Mary A. Walsh (2023) John W. Ostresh Ellen M. Chiacchiaretto (2023) VACANCY VACANCY Director of Communications (1) Richard H. White Gabrielle Taglieri Adelard J. Nadeau Emergency Management Dalton Cultural Council (3) Director & (1) (7 member, 1 alt.) Community Emergency Response Donald E. Harris,Co-Chair (2023) Coord. Vacancy (2023) Daniel D. Filiault Annie E. Pecor, Sec. (2021) Mary Ferrell (2021) Farm and Forestry Commission (3) Deborah A. White (2022) (7 members) Kathleen F. Harris (2022) Beth A. Salvatore-LeBeau, Kellie M. Harris-Porter,Treas(2021) V.Chair(2023) J. Dicken Crane (2023) Dalton Development/Industrial Comm. Vacant (15 members)(5) Peter J. Cachat (2022) John Boyle, Chair (2022) Dina L. LaBeau, Alt. (2021) Charles J. Dooley, V. Chair (2024) Vacancy John F. Boyle (2022) Vacancy Anthony P. Doyle (2023) 6
Fence Viewer (1) Memorial Day Committee (1) Vacant (9 members) Robert J. Dassat, Chair Forest Warden (1) Thomas J. Callahan, Jr. Gerald J. Cahalan, Jr. James Harris James D. Slater Green Dalton Committee (1) Corey A. White (7 Members) George D. White David Wasielewski, Chairman 3 Vacancies Joseph Diver Cheryl D. Rose Municipal ADA Coordinator (1) Jennifer S. Gitlitz Vacancy Wendy E. Brown Richard F. Hall Mobile Home Park Rent Amy L. Musante Control Board (5)(5 Years) Select Board Hazardous Waste Coordinator (1) Vacancy North Mountain Park Advisory Committee (3 yr) (8 Members) Housatonic River Restoration Gov. Marc E. Strout (2021) Council Rep (1) Gregory Barry (2021) Vacancy Matthew P. Morrison (2021) Eric J. Payson (2021) Inspector of Animals (State App’t.)(1) Dustin J. Belcher (2021) Michael L. McClay Rebecca L. Whitaker (2021) Glenn E. Lagerwall (2021) Inspector of Plumbing & Gas (1) Vacant (2021) James R. Rando Jason E, Dion, Sr. Alt. Open Space and Recreation Plan Richard A. DeGiorgis Alt. Advisory Committee (Committee will dissolve upon Inspector of Wiring (1) completion of updated plan) John M. Broderick Eric Payson John M. Broderick Jr., Asst. Matt Morrison Brian Smith, Alt. Gregory Barry John Roughly Insurance Advisory Committee Domenick Sacco (no terms of expiration) Cheryl Rose (9 members) Daniel Filiault Vacancy Rebecca Slick Vacancy Vacancy Parking Clerk (1) Victoria M. Sedgwick Rebecca L. Whitaker Vacancy 6DQGUD-$OEDQRH[RI¿FLR Parks Commission 'DZQ0)DKH\H[RI¿FLR Select Board Vacancy Vacancy Planning Board Associate (1) Caleb Darby Librarian (1) Robert J. DiFazio Playing Fields Prospective Needs Committee Licensing Board (Committee will serve until Select Board Completion of report) Marc Strout Local Census Liaison Glen Lagerwall Deborah J. Merry Dustin Belcher Mass Broadband Institute Vacancy 7
Police Matrons (1) Veterans Agent (1) Rebecca L. Whitaker Steve Roy Betsy E. Balardini Veterans Burial Agent (1) Police Sargeant (3) Steve Roy Christopher J. Furlong (2022) 9HWHUDQV6HUYLFH2I¿FHU 3XEOLF6DIHW\2I¿FLDO Vacant Vacant Vacant, Alternate 5HFRUGV$FFHVV2I¿FHU Voluntary Web Master (1) Rebecca L. Whitaker William E. Chabot (2023) Right to Know Coordinator Vacancy Sealer of Weights & Measures (1) John W. Roughley Sewer Commission Select Board Stormwater Management Commission (3) (7 members) %ULDQ'XYDO&KDLUPDQH[RI¿FLR -RKQ:5RXJKOH\H[RI¿FLR Andrew Perenick (2023) Edward M. Fahey (2022) Edward F. Gero(2023) Alison Dixon,Vice Chair, HVAR Rep Melissa Provencher, BRPC Rep. Vacancy Vacancy Town Counsel (1) K P LAW, P.C. Town Planner (1) Rebecca Slick 7UDI¿F&RPPLVVLRQ (7 Members) Daniel D. Filiault, Chair Camillus B. Cachat, Jr. Gerald J. Cahalan, Jr. William A. Drosehn III Adelard J. Nadeau, Vice-Chair. John W. Roughley Vacant Tree Warden (1) 2 Vacancies 8
SELECT BOARD Robert W. Bishop, Jr., Chair In June, I was re-elected by the members of the Dalton Select Board to be its Chair. Joe Diver was also elected at this time to be Vice Chair. At that time, Edward Holub declined to seek reelection. I would like to thank Edward for all of his service to the town. Dan Esko was elected to the Board at the annual Town Election. John Boyle was re-appointed to be our BRTA representative. The projects and issues we dealt with were numerous and sometimes contentious. The Board was not always in agreement, but diversity of opinions enriched our discussions. I truly feel that no matter the outcome of our decisions, we always had the best interest of the town, and we always kept our Town’s future and quality of life in mind. In the next few paragraphs, I hope to outline the Select Board’s activities over the past year and the changes, which took place in our Town. The year 2020 was certainly one of the most interesting, challenging, demanding and surprising years ever. Zoom was and continues to be the main way we have had to communicate. Covid-19 prevented in-person meetings, forced our schools into remote learning, and caused many businesses to close or operate at reduced hours. The board felt sad that many of our youth were prevented from their traditional graduations, proms, performances, sports, etc. Our police and ¿UHGHSDUWPHQWVVWHSSHGXSDQGHDVHGWKHSDLQE\RUJDQL]LQJGULYHE\SDUDGHV The folks at the CRA and Arts committee really made Halloween and Christmas special for our youth given the circumstances. By the end July, our town would see some major changes: Our chief of police, -HII&RHDJUHHGWRDVHSDUDWLRQDJUHHPHQWDQRWKHUVHQLRURI¿FHUZDVWHUPLQDWHG as an outcome of internal investigation disciplinary action, and our long-time town manager, Ken Walto, retired after 19 years of service. I would like to thank Ken for his long service to Dalton. He will be missed. The Board appointed and contracted Sandra Albano as interim town manager. I cannot thank Sandy enough for taking on this enormous task, as she is also doing her town accountants job simultaneously. It is budget season as well, so Sandy has been stretched very thin with undertaking both roles. The Board also appointed and contracted retired police chief, Anthony Riello, to acting chief of Dalton. Tony came into the department with new ideas and WUDLQLQJZRUNVKRSV+HDOVRPDGHLWSRVVLEOHIRURXURI¿FHUVWREHLPPHUVHGLQ the community by interacting with people they met on the street and by utilizing Dalton Cable to educate the public with the series, “Behind the Badge”. The Board also appointed a Town Manager Search Committee, which EURXJKWIRUWK¿QDOLVWVWRWKH%RDUGIRULQWHUYLHZVWRDSSRLQWDQHZPDQDJHU7KLV Committee was chaired by Steve Sears, along with members Jeff Noble, Louisa Hourth, John Kelly and Sandra Albano. They worked vigorously and went through PDQ\UHVXPHV$IWHUWKH%RDUGLQWHUYLHZHGRXU¿QDOLVWVZHXQDQLPRXVO\FKRVH Thomas Hutcheson from the Town of Conway, Massachusetts. Tom will assume his role as town manager on May 3, 2021. The Board also appointed a Police Chief Search Committee, which was chaired by Joe Diver. Other members included Amy Aldrich, Andy Perenick, 9
0LNH+LQNOH\DQG2I¿FHU*HRII3RZHOO7KH&RPPLWWHHDOVRXVHG3XEOLF6DIHW\ LLC, a consultant company that assists with towns searching for chiefs. Wayne Sampson, who represented Public Safety, LLC, was a huge help in guiding the committee through the many resumes and interviews. The Committee also sent WKH %RDUG ¿QDOLVWV WR EH LQWHUYLHZHG WR VHOHFW D QHZ &KLHI:H XQDQLPRXVO\ FKRVH RXU RZQ 6HUJHDQW 'HDQQD 6WURXW7KLV ZDV D KLVWRULFDO ¿UVW IRU 'DOWRQ Deanna has spent 23 years on DPD. Chief Strout will be leading our PD to comply with the New Police reform Act. I cannot thank the 2 committees enough for all of the efforts in getting Dalton our two new key Employees. Another key appointment was Jane Smith, our new Health Agent. Jane, along with our Board of Health Committee, has kept the Town aware of the Coved -19 surges. In August, a major storm hit Dalton, stemming from Hurricane Isaias, which centered 20 miles west of Albany. Our Emergency Manager, Dan Filiault, and our SROLFHDQG¿UHGHSDUWPHQWVDQVZHUHGRYHUHPHUJHQF\FDOOV $QRWKHU¿UVWIRU'DOWRQZDVWKHZD\ZHYRWHG'HE0HUU\DQG0LFKDHO%ODNH set up early voting at the Town Hall, which included mail-in and regular voting at the CRA. This was an enormous undertaking, as there were a large number of mail-ins and early voters It goes without saying that dealing with so many different matters throughout the year could not have been done without the hard work of many people. Our Board worked many hours, not only at Select Board meetings, but with other associated committee meetings throughout the year. Thank you to Vice Chair, Joe Divers, members Marc Strout, John Boyle and Dan Esko for their efforts and dedication during the year. We worked well as a team. Additionally, I would thank our Acting Town Manager, Sandra Albano, for all she did for our Board and for me while I was Chair. I would also like to thank Chief Reillo for all his help getting with our police department. The position of Select Board Chair can be extremely challenging at times, and 2020 proved that. My appreciation goes to our Administrative Assistant, Judy Wagner, for her dependable efforts to NHHSRXURI¿FHUXQQLQJVPRRWKO\²WKDQN\RX6SHFLDOWKDQNVDUHH[WHQGHGWRRXU Recording Secretary, Brittany Miller. I would like to close with a huge thank you for all our residents and businesses that have seen our town face this Covid-19 monster that had led to the Dalton to be declared in a State of Emergency by Governor Baker. A huge shout out to our Board of Health, Jane Smith, our town Health Agent, Dr. Dan Doyle and the Select Board. I know it is hard, but we need people to stay home as much as possible. This has changed our everyday life from homeschooling to zoom meetings. Our businesses are taking a big hit as well as many people losing jobs. ,ZRXOGOLNHWRWKDQNDOORIRXU¿UVWUHVSRQGHUVRXWWKHUHDVZHOODVWKHVWDIIDW BMC. WE will see our way through this. Thank you, stay safe, stay strong and God Bless. DALTON STRONG. 10
TOWN MANAGER Two Thousand and Twenty was a year of uncertainty, and with the Covid19 SDQGHPLFZLWKWKHFORVLQJRIWKH7RZQ+DOO2I¿FHVDQG7RZQEXVLQHVVHV The Town lost a great gem with the retirement of our Town Manager Ken :DOWRUHWLULQJLQ$XJXVWRIZLWK\HDUVRIVHUYLFH&RQJUDWXODWLRQVRQD MREZHOOGRQH
TOWN OF DALTON DEPARTMENTAL GRANTS 2020 DEVELOPMENT & INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 5HEHFFD6OLFN7RZQ3ODQQHU The Development and Industrial Commission (DIC) is the town’s principal economic development agency. It was established at the 2002 Annual Town Meeting. Massachusetts law empowers the commission to “promote and develop the industrial resources of the town” and to “investigate and assist in the establishment of educational or commercial projects for the purpose of strengthening the local economy.” In June of 2009, the town approved the creation of the Dalton Redevelopment Authority (DRA), a special purpose economic development agency. Redevelopment Authorities have broad powers to undertake FRPPXQLW\UHQHZDOSURMHFWVLQFOXGLQJFOHDQXSRIVRFDOOHG%URZQ¿HOGVLWHV)LYH members of the DIC act as members of the DRA, one of which is the Governor’s appointment. 12
During the year, the Commission continued to participate in the Action Plans of the Dalton Master Plan. The Plan contains a section on the economy and economic development. Several important economic development objectives were outlined: Retain and encourage growth of Dalton’s existing businesses, Increase commercial industries in Town, Promote business development, Support small business startups, Promote the Town for new service oriented businesses, Maintain farming and agriculture, Increase tourism and recreation, Support the development of high-tech companies, Support the education of residents and Promote the quality of life in Dalton. Over the course of the year, the Commission endorsed the Community Development Block Grant and Open Space Plan with letters of support and received regular updates from Steve Sears, owner of the Stationery Factory, as part of the Commission’s effort to promote working relationships with businesses and agencies. The Commission also participated in efforts to support the new potential for North Mountain Park. The open space of the recently demolished Old Dalton High was also a topic of various meetings with the possible conversion to single family housing lots. DRA/DIC reviewed several special permit applications of the Board of Appeals and Planning Board, with economic development implications. The Commission is also looking at possible Business/ Industrial park areas in Town for greater economic development. Most recently the members worked together with Kyle Finn Dempsey of Trout and Coffee on a new marketing video via drone footage of the Town of Dalton that will hopefully be showcased in the Fall of 2021. We thank all of the commission members for their gift of time to the town. 7KHLUVHOÀHVVHIIRUWVZLOOKHOSWRLQVXUHWKHHFRQRPLFKHDOWKRIWKHFRPPXQLW\IRU years to come. Many thanks to Kenneth Walto, retired Town Manager for his 19 years of dedication to the Town of Dalton and his countless hours involved with the DRA and DIC. Members of the Commission: Isa Ali John F. Boyle* (Chairman, as of October) Charles J. Dooley, Vice-Chair* Attorney Tony Doyle - Gov. Appt. to DRA Michael J. Ferry J. Michael Hoffman Donald R. Rochelo Augustus J. Schnopp, Jr. Karen Schmidt Susan C. Vigeant* Joseph Fish Andrew Perenick Kenneth E. Walto, Chairman* (retired in August) *Members serving on Redevelopment Authority 13
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER & ANIMAL INSPECTOR 7KH$QLPDO&RQWURO2I¿FHU$QLPDO,QVSHFWRULVXQGHUVXSHUYLVLRQRIWKH&KLHI of Police. *UHJRU\0(OVHURI'DOWRQLVRXU$QLPDO&RQWURO2I¿FHUDQGRXU$QLPDO Inspector. He has served the Town of Dalton since September 2019. Regular scheduled hours for Animal Control are Monday and Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM and Wednesday 8:00AM- 12:00PM. ACO Elser is also on call and will respond to emergency calls by contacting dispatch at 684-0300. Emergency calls consist of an animal hit by a vehicle or aggressive dogs or wildlife. Barking dog complaints and loose dogs are not emergencies. If available 3ROLFH2I¿FHUVZLOOUHVSRQGWRFDOOVRIDQRQHPHUJHQF\QDWXUHDQGZLOOLQIRUP $&2(OVHURIWKHLU¿QGLQJVGXULQJQRQEXVLQHVVKRXUV,WLVLPSRUWDQWWRNHHSDOO dogs properly licensed so if found loose they can be quickly returned to the owner. ,IXQDEOHWRORFDWHRZQHUORRVHGRJVZLOOEHEURXJKWWRD6KHOWHULQ3LWWV¿HOGIRU UHXQL¿FDWLRQZLWKLWVRZQHUDQGWKHRZQHUPD\EHFKDUJHGDVWRUDJHIHHE\WKH shelter. The Town is not responsible for charges incurred as a result of a loose dog. The Animal Inspector is responsible for completing the State Barn Book which consists of inspections of barns, counting of livestock and ensuring animals are current on vaccinations. These reports are due by January and are usually completed each November. Rabies will continue to be monitored and all residents are reminded that all dogs over the age of 6 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed within Dalton. Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 140, Section 145B also requires all cats and ferrets over the age of 6 months must be vaccinated for rabies. 2020 Dogs licensed 1,147 Dogs License fees collected $23,625 Late Fees: 2,570 Failure to License Citations: 4,965 ACO Calls: 525 1. The licensing g pperiod d in Dalton is January 1ST to December 31ST of each calendar year. New residents to Dalton shall license their dogs upon taking up residency in Dalton even if the animal was licensed in the previous jurisdiction for rabies and tracking reasons per state law. 2. The ¿QHVFKHGXOH established for 2020 as follows: a. $20.00 for spayed/neutered dogs b. $25.00 without proof of spaying/neutering 3. Late Fees - February 1st - $10.00 each 4. Failure to License Citations - April 1 $50.00 each 5. Failure to Vaccinate for Rabies - April 1 $50.00 each 2XU$&2VWULFWO\HQIRUFHVWKHVHODZV)DLOXUHWROLFHQVH YDFFLQDWH \RXUGRJRQWLPHDQGRUIDLOXUHWRSD\¿QHVZLOOUHVXOWLQDKHDULQJLQGLVWULFW court. It is recommended that people in violation and who receive a notice after April 1st maintain communication with the ACO and the Town Clerk to resolve any issues and become compliant with the law. Doing this will help avoid being summonsed to court. ** A complete copy of The Town of Dalton Animal Control Bylaws can be found on the Town of Dalton website. www.dalton-ma.gov/dalton-animal- control-state-animal inspector/
DALTON BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Annmarie Cicchetti and Robert Merry, Co-Chairpersons 7KH'DOWRQ%HDXWL¿FDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQHVWDEOLVKHGLQKDVFUHDWHGDQQX- ally, in-ground gardens at the intersections at Main/ North, at Main/Orchard, at 707 Main Street and a mini garden at Main/South. Also, for the past 19 years, we KDYH SODQWHG ÀRZHU¿OOHG EDVNHWV GHFRUDWLQJ WKH %HQMDPLQ0XUDFD %ULGJH DQG at the steps fronting Dalton’s Public Library. With the onset of the Covid19 virus epidemic early in the 2020 year, DBC discussed the possibility of forgoing this DQQXDODFWLYLW\XQWLODPRUHRI¿FLDODVVHVVPHQWRIWKHSDQGHPLFVLWXDWLRQFRXOGEH made. The mandated guidelines for social isolation, quarantine [when necessary], no large public gatherings, etc. suggested that the annual creation of seasonal gar- dens in the public green spaces was more needed than ever. DBC’s usual in-person, spring business meeting was conducted electroni- cally via ZOOM, arranged/hosted by Co-chairperson Bob Merry. A plan, which would meet State mandated social distancing guidelines, mask wearing, small work groups etc., was adopted for the season 2020. Once the ground thawed, 2 ÀDWVRISDQVLHVZHUHSODQWHGDW'%&¶V6LWHEULQJLQJDQLQLWLDOWRXFKRIFKHHU- ful spring color, refreshment and a feeling of hope into the community after this uncertain winter. Necessary garden preparations: soil enhancement, garden design, plant selec- tion, then transportation of our summer annuals was completed. Just after Memo- rial Day, in-ground gardens were planted. Happily, weekly garden maintenance continued without pause throughout this unusual summer. Weather mostly, co- operated to produce abundant color until autumn’s cold temperatures brought the season to a close. Adequate water, a garden essential continues to be a serious problem. It is a labor-intensive activity. DBC volunteers depend on Mother Nature, with our members supplementing regularly, with hand watering and sprinkling our spaces. Many of our members are seniors so safety in the roadways while watering is a concern. The possibility of Dalton Fire Department, Highway and Water Depart- ment assistance would be helpful during very dry periods. Ideally, a permanent on-site water source would be a wonderful addition at the two largest gardens. DBC has discussed this assistance with the Town and the State. To date, no plan has emerged, due to budgetary constraints and complicated state/town site responsibility. We are thankful for the Beans and the Thompson’s for allowing us to access their outside faucets for our watering efforts. The Dalton Highway Department has been most generous in providing winter storage for our planter boxes/baskets and in springtime transporting them back WRRXUVLWHVIRUVHDVRQDOSODQWLQJ'DOWRQ3ROLFHDUHVXSSRUWLYHWRWUDI¿FFRQWURO ongoing when requested. Also, the DBC is very grateful to local businesses, who donate, or give at cost necessary materials: L.P. Adams, Holiday Farm, Superior Graphics. Additionally, Blossoming Acres, Jaeschke’s Fruits and Flowers provide discounted materials, supporting DBC efforts. 'DOWRQ%HDXWL¿FDWLRQYROXQWHHUVVXSSO\KRXUVRIFRPPXQLW\VHUYLFHWRWKH displays of colorful garden spaces, which bring the beauty of nature into the road- 15
ways of our lovely town. In 2020, 278 hours were donated by the DBC. We encourage any interested persons to consider giving 1 or 2 hours per week, during the growing season, May through October, to assist in making Dalton an even more beautiful community. 'DOWRQ %HDXWL¿FDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ PHPEHUV DUH $QQPDULH &LFFKHWWL >&R chair], who founded the commission and has served tirelessly since 2001, Tracy Manning [Vice-chair], Jean Poopor [Secretary], Peter Gonick, Linda Merry [Trea- surer], Robert Merry[Co-chair] and Pam Turner. Other volunteers include Mau- reen Maxon and David Warren [our newest volunteer]. Thanks to Judy and Tom Condron for faithfully watering our South Street Mini-garden. 'DOWRQ%HDXWL¿FDWLRQJLYHVVSHFLDOWKDQNVWRDJUHDW'%&IULHQG.DWKOHHQ Desmarias, for her many years of faithful service. Kathleen retired at the end of the 2020 season. BOARD OF APPEALS Anthony P. Doyle, Chairman The Dalton Board of Appeals (also known as the ZBA) is created by authority of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A section 12. Board members are not elected. The Select board appoints regular members for three-year terms. The terms are staggered so that the term of one member expires each year. Two alter- nate members may be appointed annually to one-year terms. Dalton has a three-member board, which requires that all favorable decisions must be unanimous otherwise they are considered denied. Two alternate members are available to sit on the board, in place of a regular member, who may be absent RUKDYHDFRQÀLFWRILQWHUHVWZLWKDFDVHEHIRUHWKHERDUG Current Board members are: Anthony P. Doyle Chairman Stephen Psutka Vice-chair Edward Gero Clerk Caleb Darby Alternate The Recording Secretaries are Debra Goddeau and Brittany Miller The Town Planner, who assists the board, is Rebecca Slick By statutory authority the board is: 1. To hear and decide appeals based on inability to obtain a permit or en- IRUFHPHQWDFWLRQIURPDQ\DGPLQLVWUDWLYHRI¿FHUXQGHUWKHSURYLVLRQRI0*/$ chapter 40A, by the regional planning agency, or by any person including an of- f ¿FHURUERDUGRIWKHWRZQDJJULHYHGE\DQRUGHURUGHFLVLRQRIWKHLQVSHFWRURI EXLOGLQJVRURWKHUDGPLQLVWUDWLYHRI¿FLDO 2. To hear and decide applications for special permits upon which the board is empowered to act under the town’s Zoning by-laws. 3. To hear and decide petitions for variances as set forth in MGLA chapter 40A section10. 16
4. To hear and decide appeals from decisions of a zoning administrator, in accordance with MGLA chapter 40A section 13. During the 2020 calendar year the Board held eight regular meetings. There were six public hearings, four of which were special permits and two were admin- istrative appeals. 7KHERDUGJHQHUDOO\PHHWVDWSPRQWKH¿UVW7XHVGD\RIHYHU\PRQWK Starting in October the board changed their meeting time to 7:00 pm. Occasion- ally, a special meeting is held to accommodate scheduling problems. Notices of all the board meetings, and agendas, are posted in town hall and the town web site. All meetings are open to the public. Due to the pandemic, starting in April, all meeting were held via zoom. PLUMBING & GAS INSPECTOR -LP5DQGR,QVSHFWRU5LFN'H*LRUJLV$OWHUQDWH,QVSHFWRU Plumbing: Gas: 17
BOARD OF ASSESSORS Heather Durant, Jean Boudreau Little did anyone realize last year, how upside down our world was about to be- come… and continue to be. Although town hall has been closed to the public for just over the past year due to the Covid crisis- through all of this, the work goes on. Permit visits, cyclical and personal property inspections have continued, but at this time with the provision that due to the Coronavirus no interior real estate inspections would take place. Exterior measurements were checked or taken on the home as well as any outbuildings and yard items. Photos were taken, where applicable. Letters continued to be mailed advising of inspections and many of \RXWRRNWKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRFDOOLQWRWKHRI¿FHWRFRQ¿UPWKHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQ- tained on your property record cards. Your cooperation in this endeavor is much appreciated. As the seasons progress, we will keep you informed should interior inspections resume. Photos are also taken of all properties throughout town and appear on each property record card. The opportunity to check over your property record card is an invaluable tool to ensure that all assessments are not only com- plete but also correct. As always, we appreciate your cooperation in helping us to complete our job. All property record cards are available for review and printing on our web page as well as copies of our tax maps. These are both updated annu- ally at the start of the year. It is interesting to note that while most things either slowed down and many things came to a screeching halt, sales within town continued to climb well above current assessed values. And as a result, this year’s Interim Adjustment, as re- quired annually by the Department of Revenue, produced an increase in home values across the board from a minimum of 5% up to 18%. This value increase when combined with the additional monies raised at the Annual Town Meeting produced much confusion to taxpayers because they both were included in the third quarter billing for the year which is due by February 1st. It should be explained that quarterly tax billing in a town produces what we call two “preliminary” tax bills that are based on 50% of the total tax paid in the prior year. New assessed values are unknown, as is the new tax rate until after the Interim Adjustment and the submission and approval of the tax recapitulation forms. These things do not happen until the fall. The third and fourth quarter bills, which are both mailed at the end of January in any given year and are due on Feb- UXDU\VWDQGRQ0D\VWUHVSHFWLYHO\UHÀHFWDQ\LQFUHDVHVLQYDOXHDVZHOODVLQ town spending for the entire year. Rather than taking the increase to the last two payments and dividing the difference by four, many people mistakenly multiply the increase which results in not only confusion, but in some cases panic at not be DEOHWRSD\WKHELOOV$TXLFNFDOOWRWKHDVVHVVRUV¶RI¿FHFDQJLYHDQH[SODQDWLRQ of what has happened with your bill, as well as your assessment, should it have changed. 18
The Fiscal Year 2021 Tax Recapitulation breakdown follows: Local Expenditures: p Appropriations $ 19,192,801.00 Cherry Sheet Offsets 13,700.00 6WDWH &RXQW\&KHUU\6KHHW&KDUJHV Assessors’ Overlay 80,786.42 , Gross Amount to be Raised $ 19,323,607.42 Estimated Receipts p and Available Funds: Cherry Sheet Estimated Receipts $ 1,619,421.00 Local Estimated Receipts 1,000,000.00 Offset Receipts 1,214,415.00 Free Cash appropriated for particular purposes 794,587.00 Other Available Funds 348,733.00 Free Cash appropriated to reduce the tax rate 200,000.00 , Total Estimated Receipts & Available Funds $ 5,177,156.00 Gross Amount to be Raised $ 19,323,607.42 Total Estimated Receipts & Available Funds - 5,177,156.00 , , Net Amount to be Raised $ 14,146,451.42 ____________________________________________________________ Real Property Values $ 628,982,382.00 Personal Property Values 28,686,210.00 Total $ 657,668,592.00 Fiscal Year 2021 tax rate is $21.51 per thousand of valuation, an increase of $1.22 from last year. With the Covid restrictions still in place, we welcome you to call us with any questions or concerns that you might have. You can also contact us through email. 9RLFHPDLOLVDYDLODEOH,WVKRXOGDOVREHQRWHGWKDWRXURI¿FHKRXUVKDYHFKDQJHG to: Monday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Hopefully with the continuation of vaccinations, we will be able to meet in person soon. In the meantime, please stay safe and well. 19
BOARD OF REGISTRARS Members: Jean M. Gingras Deborah J. Merry, Town Clerk Michele T. Blake Elections Administrator Judith M. Wagner Supervisor, Board of Registrars 7KH%RDUGRI5HJLVWUDUVDQGWKH7RZQ&OHUN¶VRI¿FHKDGWKHPRVWH[FLWLQJDQG H[WUHPHO\EXV\\HDULQ%HWZHHQWKH&RYLG3DQGHPLFZKLFKOHGXVWR QRWRQO\OLPLWHGKRXUVDQG7RZQ+DOOEHLQJFORVHGWRWKHSXEOLFEXWWRYRWLQJE\ PDLOQRWRQO\IRUWKH3ULPDU\RQ6HSWHPEHUEXWIRUWKH*HQHUDO(OHFWLRQRQ 1RYHPEHU7KHRI¿FHZDVEX]]LQJZLWKHOHFWLRQSUHSDUDWLRQIRUPRQWKV ,QLWLDOO\UHFHLYLQJDQGSURFHVVLQJVHYHUDOWKRXVDQGDSSOLFDWLRQVIRUYRWHE\PDLO EXWDOVRUHDG\LQJPDLOLQJDQGWUDFNLQJEDOORWVWRDOODSSOLFDQWVDQGWKHQ¿QDOO\ UHFHLYLQJWKHPEDFNFKHFNLQJWKHPLQRSHQLQJRXWHUHQYHORSHVDQGUHDG\LQJWKHP WREHFDVWDWWKHUHVSHFWLYHHOHFWLRQ1HZODZVVXUURXQGLQJWKHSDQGHPLFOHIWRXU KHDGVVSLQQLQJZLWKQHZUXOHVODZVDQGUHTXLUHPHQWVWREHDGKHUHGWR )RUDOO\RXYRWHUVZKRZRUU\DERXWWKHVDIHW\DQGLQWHJULW\RIYRWLQJE\PDLO UHVWDVVXUHGWKDWDQDSSOLFDWLRQPXVWKDYHEHHQ¿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¿FLDO(OHFWLRQ'D\WRFDVWKLVRUKHUEDOORWLQSHUVRQ+RZHYHU WKHUHZHUHPDQ\YRWHUVZKRGLGWXUQRXWRQHOHFWLRQGD\WRYRWH7KH*HQHUDO (OHFWLRQEURXJKWRXWDERXWRIRXU5HJLVWHUHG9RWHUVWRFDVWDYRWH,ZDV H[WUHPHO\SOHDVHGDERXWWKHWXUQRXWZKLFK,GRQ¶WEHOLHYHZHKDYHVHHQLQ'DOWRQ LQGHFDGHV6R7KDQN\RXDOOIRUFRPLQJRXWLQRQHZD\RUDQRWKHUWRFDVW\RXU EDOORWDQGKDYH\RXUYRLFHEHKHDUG7KDWLVZKDWPDNHVRXU&RXQWU\VRJUHDW ,QZHFRQGXFWHG6SHFLDO5HJLVWUDWLRQ6HVVLRQVSULRUWRWKH-XQH$Q QXDO7RZQ0HHWLQJDQGWKH-XQH$QQXDO7RZQ(OHFWLRQ6FKHGXOHG6SHFLDO 5HJLVWUDWLRQ6HVVLRQVDUHKHOGIURPDPXQWLOSPLQWKHRI¿FHRIWKH 7RZQ&OHUN$GGLWLRQDO6SHFLDO5HJLVWUDWLRQ6HVVLRQVZHUHVFKHGXOHGDVUHTXLUHG IRUERWKWKH3ULPDU\DQG6WDWH(OHFWLRQV7KHSODFHRIYRWLQJZLOOUHPDLQDWWKH &RPPXQLW\+RXVHIRUERWKSUHFLQFWV7KHUHLVDUDPSDQGKDQGLFDSSDUNLQJORFDWHG DWWKHUHDURIWKHEXLOGLQJ 7KH%RDUGSURFHVVHGQHZYRWHUUHJLVWUDWLRQVSOXVQDPHDGGUHVVDQGSDUW\ FKDQJHVRQH[LVWLQJDFWLYHDQGLQDFWLYHYRWHUVFKHFNHGVHYHUDOWKRXVDQGVLJQD WXUHV IRU FHUWL¿FDWLRQ RQ WKH PDQ\ ,QLWLDWLYH 3HWLWLRQV3XEOLF 3ROLF\ 4XHVWLRQV DQG 1RPLQDWLRQ 3DSHUV LQ FLUFXODWLRQ LQ DQG GHOHWHG LQDFWLYH PRYHG RU GHFHDVHG YRWHUV2XUFRPSXWHUL]HGSURJUDPHQDEOHGXVWRFRPSOHWHWKLVDUGXRXV WDVNLQDWLPHO\DQGHI¿FLHQWPDQQHUWUDQVPLWWLQJWRWDOVWRWKH6HFUHWDU\RI6WDWH DXWRPDWLFDOO\ ,ZRXOGOLNHWRWDNHWKLVRSSRUWXQLW\WRUHPLQGUHVLGHQWVWKDWZKHQVLJQLQJ 20
nomination papers or petitions, be sure to: 1. Sign only if you are a registered voter. 2. Sign your name and your residential address as listed on our census records (no SRVWRI¿FHER[HVDUHDOORZHG ,I\RXKDYHSRRUSHQPDQVKLSSULQW\RXUQDPH in the same box with your signature, as an undistinguishable signature cannot be FHUWL¿HG'RQRWVLJQ\RXUVSRXVH¶VQDPHRUDQ\QDPHRWKHUWKDQ\RXURZQ Also, if you move, please inform the Town Clerk so that we will change our records and notify you of any precinct changes. If any of your family members are not registered to vote, please encourage them to do so. We are currently online with the Secretary of State, the Registry of Motor Ve- hicles, and all cities and towns in Massachusetts as part of a computerized Central 9RWHU5HJLVWU\WKH¿UVWLQWKHQDWLRQ6LQFHZHKDYHXVHG95,6H[FOXVLYHO\ for both census and voter registration functions. Mail-in voter registration forms DUHDYDLODEOHDWWKH3RVW2I¿FHWKH/LEUDU\:DKFRQDK5HJLRQDO+LJK6FKRROWKH Council on Aging, On-line at The Secretary of State web site at www.sec.state. ma.usDVZHOODVDWWKH7RZQ&OHUN¶VRI¿FH We thank Dalton residents for their excellent response in returning the local census forms mailed late December/early January of each year. The majority of citizens return in a prompt and cooperative manner which we greatly appreciate, allowing us to achieve the highest possible level of accuracy. RESIDENT’S VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx 21
2020 DALTON BOARD OF HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT The year 2020 was unlike any other in recent history as the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) upended normal life. Starting in mid-March, the initial response of the COVID-19 pandemic was to close schools, childcare centers, indoor dining, and businesses. Restrictions were set on gatherings, both inside and out, and mask mandates and social distancing guidelines became the norm. After an initial VXUJHLQ%HUNVKLUH&RXQW\LQWKHVSULQJZHZHUHDEOHWR³ÀDWWHQWKHFXUYH´WKURXJK the summer and begin the process of reopening, that is, until holiday events at the tail end of 2020 set the stage for a second, much larger, surge of cases. Dalton’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic response was a three-pronged approach that served both the Town and Berkshire County. Board of Health Board of Health Chair, Dan Doyle, MD acted as Dalton’s BOH Chair as well as the Medical Director for the Berkshire Public Health Alliance (BPHA). As Chair of the Dalton BOH, Dr. Doyle guided a local declaration of emergency, assisted in the decision to close town parks and town hall, and signed a mandatory mask mandate for multi-family housing units. In his capacity with the BPHA, Dr. Doyle hosted a weekly call open to all the Boards of Health in Berkshire County where he would present trends in cases, hospitalizations and hospital capacity. He also provided on- going support to CBRSD and other school districts countywide by providing these metrics and providing a medical perspective to decision making. Dr. Doyle also as- sisted with the operations of the COVID-19 vaccination clinics held at the Berkshire Community College. Public Health Nurse The Dalton BOH contracts with the Berkshire Public Health Alliance to pro- vide public health nursing services. In a normal year, the public health nurse(s) ZRXOGPRQLWRUUHSRUWDEOHGLVHDVHVLQIHFWLQJ7RZQUHVLGHQWVSURYLGHDVHULHVRIÀX clinics and offer a variety of local classes to either seniors (matter of balance) or the restaurant community (chokesaver). This role greatly expanded in 2020 as our public health nurse, Dalton resident Leslie Drager, RN, conducted or assigned case management to the 132 known cases of COVID-19 in Dalton alone. This was in DGGLWLRQWRRUJDQL]LQJPXOWLSOHÀXFOLQLFVHVSHFLDOO\IRUWKHVFKRROZKRVHVWXGHQWV were mandated to be vaccinated by the Governor in 2020. This all was in addition to organizing the vaccine clinic at Berkshire Community College. Dalton Board of Health Agent The year started out with the resignation of long-time Health Agent Ed Fahey, 56DWWKHHQGRI)HEUXDU\-D\QH6PLWK56FDPHLQWRFRYHUWKHSRVLWLRQ¿UVWDVD consultant and then an employee. In this roll, Jayne oversaw the Town’s response to the pandemic, including review of safety plans for public activities and sports, assisting CBRSD with planning and assessment of their learning model and precau- tions, informing residents and businesses with understanding isolation/quarantine, enforcing mask mandates, assisting with public communication and more. This was 22
in addition to the normal business of the BOH, which includes licensure and inspec- tion of food establishments, camps, tobacco, and public swimming pools; follow up on housing and public nuisances; and reviewing designs for the construction and repair of septic systems and private wells. The Dalton Board of Health consists of four appointed volunteer members. 3XEOLFPHHWLQJVDUHW\SLFDOO\KHOGDWSPRQWKH¿UVW0RQGD\RIHDFKPRQWK In most years, meetings are held in the Callahan Room at Town Hall, however, the %2+ DGRSWHG YLUWXDO PHHWLQJV RYHU WKH =220 SODWIRUP IRU PRVW RI ZLWK links to the meetings posted on www.mytowngovernment.org. The members of the %RDUGRI+HDOWKLQLQFOXGHG&KDLUPDQ'DQLHO'R\OH0'0DUF'HO*UDQGH (G*HUR$O\FH.HQGULFNDQG$QGUHZ3HUHQHN 2I¿FHKRXUVIRUWKH%RDUGRI+HDOWKDUHVHWDW7XHVGD\DQG7KXUVGD\IURP a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The BOH agent can be contacted at 413- 684-6111x20 or boh@ dalton-ma.gov. 23
COMMUNICATION CENTER Gabrielle Taglieri The Dalton Communication Center has completed its 11th year at the Police Station. During this past year, we have logged 18,738 calls. 1,665 of those calls were 911 and 523 were walk-ins to the Dalton Police Station. The Communications Center again received a MA State 911 grant (Support ,QFHQWLYH*UDQW LQ)LVFDO
CULTURAL COUNCIL Donald Harris, Chair The Dalton Cultural Council’s mission is to promote access, excellence, education and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all residents. The Massachusetts Cultural Council has overseen the Local Cultural Council Program since 1990. MCC receives funding from an annual state appropriation. Each year, the MCC distributes funds to LCCs; in turn, LCCs make grants to schools, organizations, and individuals in their communities. These funds are paid to successful applicants on a reimbursement basis. Distributions to each LCC are based on a local aid formula devised by the state. The formula considers population and property values, and is weighted to give larger distributions to poorer communities. In November of 2020, our cultural council received 21 applications requesting support for a wide variety of projects. The following fourteen applicants were approved for funding in an amount totaling $8,023 for FY 2021: FY 2021 GRANTS: Art Close to Home $500 Berkshire Music School $500 Bernice Lewis $700 Dalton Community Recreation Assoc. (CRA) $800 Grow Dalton $650 Hilltown Families $123 IS 183 Art School of the Berkshires $300 Kirk Whipple $750 Mass Audubon Berkshire Sanctuaries $300 New Stage Performing Art Center, Inc $2000 3LWWV¿HOG6KDNHVSHDUHLQWKH3DUN Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center $350 W. Scott Rogers $300 WAM Theatre $250 The current members of the Dalton Cultural Council are Donald Harris – Chair, Kellie Harris-Porter - Treasurer, Mary Ferrell - Clerk, Kathleen Harris, Annie Pecor, and Debbie White. The cultural council thanks Martha Dominguez for her years of service. We are now looking for one new member. Thank you for your continued support of cultural programs in our community. 25
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