HADLEY — The Select Board voted to revive one committee and establish another to consider public safety issues Wednesday night at a meeting attended by both the police and fire chiefs.
Police Chief Michael A. Mason and Fire Chief Michael Spanknebel presented reports pointing to the need for increased staffing.
“Our staffing right now is based on the predictability of public safety, the predictability of policing,” said Mason. “It is a failure on multiple different levels.”
Mason and Spanknebel explained although their forces are supplemented by mutual aid from departments across western Massachusetts, they want to grow the town’s departments so personnel that are familiar with the community can respond quickly.
To expand the fire department staff, Spanknebel pointed to potential revenue from starting an ambulance program.
The town paid Amherst $135,000 during the year ending June 30 for ambulance services, according to Spanknebel. He said establishing an in-town ambulance service would provide additional revenue to hire and sustain more full-time staff. For example, he hopes to hire four full-time firefighters with a federal grant, which would then require town funding after two years.
The Select Board agreed the town needs to bolster public safety forces. The board voted to revive an ad-hoc committee to explore the possibility of establishing an ambulance program.
“The need is always going to be there, and it’s going to grow,” said Select Board member Joyce A. Chunglo.
The Select Board also voted to establish a site evaluation sub-committee to study the North Hadley substation and adjacent town-owned land.
The Fire Department uses the building, formerly the North Hadley Town Hall, to house equipment. If the building is sold, the department must find a new place to store the equipment.
Town Administrator David G. Nixon presented data about implementing a fee for groups seeking to use West Street Town Common.
Nixon said the total cost to the town is $2,400 for three-hour use of the common. He proposed implementing a $100 fee for use by nonprofits and $250 for for-profit groups.
The board postponed a decision so Nixon can research policies in other towns.
The Select Board approved borrowing $387,900 from Easthampton Savings Bank that will go toward Town Hall asbestos removal and roof maintenance, the Department of Public Works roof, a school bus, a police cruiser and public safety renovation.
A Go Green Committee proposed by Select Board member Donald Pipczynski to address green issues such plastic bags, Styrofoam and solar projects was put off to the next meeting, for further research.