ATHOL – A proposal by Selectboard member Stephen Raymond to hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser over the course of several months led to a facility use policy discussion at the board’s most recent meeting.
Raymond suggested the breakfasts, which would raise funds for a specialized washer/dryer set for the Fire Department, be held at Athol’s Senior Center. The event would take place on the third Saturday of the month, starting in September and running through May. Raymond said the goal is to raise $11,000 of the approximately $15,000 needed for the equipment.
Board Chair Rebecca Bialecki asked Cathy Savoy, Executive Director of the Council on Aging, to discuss policies related to the use of the center. “We did locate a use policy that was developed, I believe, back in 2013,” said Bialecki. “There were a few things that were out of date because (the center) is no longer under construction.
She asked whether a food caterers policy and procedures for the kitchen and grand room use, adopted by the COA board of directors on June 18, 2013, is still an accurate use guide.
“It is as it stands today,” said Savoy. “We’ve pulled it back to review and make any necessary updates. I do agree there are some updates that need to take place.”
“I have heard from some seniors,” Bialecki said, “that some of their concern is with ensuring the care of the property at the Senior Center. I think it’s wonderful that we have a lot of seniors who feel a lot of ownership over this space. But I wonder if there’s not a way we could allay some of their concerns and still allow for a town function like this to happen.”
Bialecki suggested that a policy be written specific to the handling of tables in the facilities – that they be moved in such a way as to avoid damage to both tables and the floor – and that a damage deposit also be instituted.
“I also think there needs to be an agreement as far as having someone sit out front,” the Chair continued, because the design of the space doesn’t allow for a separate entry to just the kitchen and the hall. You have to have people cut through the building. So, the idea would be to have someone stationed at a table throughout the event to show people where to go and make sure people are not wandering throughout the building.”
Bialecki suggested that she and Raymond meet with the Council to develop a use policy that satisfies the needs of both the town and its seniors.
“My first question is,” said board member Holly Young, “is this a town building? And whose jurisdiction does it fall under?”
Town Manager Shaun Suhoski replied that it is indeed a town building and that it falls under his jurisdiction and that of the Selectboard.
Young then wanted to know why another entity, in this case the COA, would develop a policy for a building under the jurisdiction of the board.
“We were asked to develop the policy for its use,” said Savoy. “We need to work together to come up with a good plan of action. I’d also like to include the seniors in the delivery of this (policy) relative to this town function.”
The board voted unanimously to approve the fundraising breakfasts, adding that a new use policy should be developed soon to cover future town-related events at the center.