CUMMINGTON — Three months into the job, Police Chief William “Billy” Bissell is settling in, and said some department improvements are in the pipeline, including purchasing a new cruiser and hiring another full-time officer.
On Tuesday afternoon, between taking calls and going through paperwork, Bissell talked about his experience as chief after having served for years as the town’s only full-time cop. He says the new job has him in the office more, rather than out on patrol.
“I want to be out and about. I like being around, being visible, and this job takes a lot more than just that,” Bissell said. “I end up being in the office a lot more than what it used to be.”
Bissell hopes residents will approve two requests to bolster the Police Department when they gather for annual Town Meeting on May 11. In addition to a new cruiser, the chief is asking for money to hire a new full-time officer who would be paid in the range of $60,000.
The town currently has three cruisers. One is used only for details, a Tahoe which Bissell uses, and a 2009 cruiser that would be replaced with voter approval.
Bissell said things have been quiet in town, which has given him the time to catch up around the office and ensure that license-to-carry permits are being processed correctly. The latter issue became a problem under former chief Michael Perkins, who was not filing the permits with the state. Before hiring Bissell, the town brought in an interim chief to clean up negligence.
Looking to the future, Bissell said he will continue getting things in order and learning.
“I’m just trying to catch up. It’s a learning curve — definitely a learning curve. Like I said, it’s a lot of computers and emails,” he said. “I’m getting used to it.”
Chesterfield reviewing meeting protocols
CHESTERFIELD — “Anonymous Michael” is prompting the Chesterfield Select Board to review its public meeting policies.
During the latest meeting on Tuesday, a “Michael” joined the meeting via Zoom. Once let in, he never responded to Chair Roger Fuller, who requested at least 10 times for the man to provide his full name or whether he want to speak during public comment.
“Michael. Michael you’re muted. If we could just get your name for our minutes, because we need records as to who’s here, that’s all,” said Fuller, repeatedly asking for a response over the course of a few minutes.
The meeting briefly devolved into confusion as board members did not want to cut the person from the meeting and violate Open Meeting Law. However, the board was also nervous because they did not know the intentions of the person, or if they were recording the meeting without having notified the board.
Eventually the board did cut Michael off, under the condition they would let him back in if he tried to reenter. He never did try.
“If he had something important to say, he could have said it,” said Fuller.
Given the incident, the board will review their meeting policies, which may include things about how to be recognized by the chair, reminding people that they cannot record without permission and putting in place other guardrails for public meetings.
The board will pick up the discussion at their next meeting on May 4.
Volunteer, job fair Saturday
CHESTERFIELD — A cornucopia of businesses will come together Saturday to give people the chance to shop around for part-time work or volunteer opportunities, as well as to seek out resources from local organizations, like Veterans Affairs, transportation, tech help or health care.
From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the New Hingham Regional Elementary School, 30 Smith Rd. in Chesterfield, approximately 20 local businesses and organizations will be present.
Participating organizations include ServiceNet, Hilltown CDC, Trinity Health, TechConnect, SHINE, the seven Hilltown Councils on Aging and various fire departments, the New England Wound Center, the Foothills Health District, the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Western MA, Highland Valley Elder Services, the Consumer Protection Unit from the Northwest district attorney’s office and the Chesterfield Fourth of July Parade Committee.
Organizers say there is something for everyone to find at the fair, regardless of age.
