About the Cover - Town of Dalton

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About the Cover - Town of Dalton
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.
About the Cover - Town of Dalton
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.

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Dalton’s Town Meeting Calendar/Schedule, visit our website @ www.dalton-ma.gov
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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2
3
ELECTED TOWN OFFICERS
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                                            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.
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          Judith M. Wagner                                           3ROLFH&KLHI 
                                                                    Anthony J. Riello
           7RZQ$FFRXQWDQW                                     (Interim Administrative
          Sandra J. Albano (2022)                                      Police Chief)
          Alecia N. Herrick, Asst.
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          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
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       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)
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          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
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              (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
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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,
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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
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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
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Committee was chaired by Steve Sears, along with members Jeff Noble, Louisa
Hourth, John Kelly and Sandra Albano. They worked vigorously and went through
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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
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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
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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
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     $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
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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.
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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
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     The Town lost a great gem with the retirement of our Town Manager Ken
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TOWN OF DALTON DEPARTMENTAL GRANTS 2020

      DEVELOPMENT & INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
          & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
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     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
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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¿OHGVLJQDWXUHPDWFKHGWRYRWHU
UHJLVWUDWLRQVRUZHZLOOQRWVHQG\RXDEDOORW2QFHZHDUHUHDG\WRVHQG\RXD
EDOORWWKHGDWHWKHEDOORWZDVVHQWDQGKRZLWZDVVHQWDUHGXO\QRWHG8SRQUHFHLSW
RIWKHUHWXUQHGEDOORWZHPXVWVWDPSLQZKHQZHUHFHLYHGLWQRWHWKHGDWHLWZDV
UHFHLYHGDQGKRZLWZDVUHFHLYHGDJDLQPDWFKLQJVLJQDWXUHWRYRWHUUHJLVWUDWLRQV
DQGWKHQVDIHO\VWRUHLWLQRXUYDXOWXQWLOHOHFWLRQGD\ZKHQLWFRXOGEHFDVW7KHUH
LVQRZD\WKDWDYRWHUFDQUHFHLYHWZREDOORWVRUYRWHE\PDLODQGLQSHUVRQ
     $OOLQDOOLWWXUQHGRXWZHOO,EHOLHYHWKHYRWHUVZHUHKDSS\WRQRWEHUHTXLUHG
WRVKRZXSRQWKHRI¿FLDO(OHFWLRQ'D\WRFDVWKLVRUKHUEDOORWLQSHUVRQ+RZHYHU
WKHUHZHUHPDQ\YRWHUVZKRGLGWXUQRXWRQHOHFWLRQGD\WRYRWH7KH*HQHUDO
(OHFWLRQEURXJKWRXWDERXWRIRXU5HJLVWHUHG9RWHUVWRFDVWDYRWH,ZDV
H[WUHPHO\SOHDVHGDERXWWKHWXUQRXWZKLFK,GRQ¶WEHOLHYHZHKDYHVHHQLQ'DOWRQ
LQGHFDGHV6R7KDQN\RXDOOIRUFRPLQJRXWLQRQHZD\RUDQRWKHUWRFDVW\RXU
EDOORWDQGKDYH\RXUYRLFHEHKHDUG7KDWLVZKDWPDNHVRXU&RXQWU\VRJUHDW
     ,QZHFRQGXFWHG6SHFLDO5HJLVWUDWLRQ6HVVLRQVSULRUWRWKH-XQH$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
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links to the meetings posted on www.mytowngovernment.org. The members of the
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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
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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
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     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.

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