Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 CONSENSUS | FROM PAGE 1 Article 11 authorized the Board of Selectmen to acquire title to the land and building located at 481-483 Lincoln Ave. Article 12 seeks the appropriation of $775,000 to buy the property. “Even if we don’t use it right away, it will set the stage [for future revitalization of Cliftondale],” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said. Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member William Brown recalled how eff orts to revitalize Cliftondale over the years have failed. He recalled how his family owned a hardware store in the area back in the 70s and early 80s. “This is the fi rst time I’ve seen a positive step,” he said. Town Meeting members wholeheartedly supported the article for the purchase of the property, even though they don’t think that parking is the best use. “In general, parking is not a problem,” said Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Peter Rossetti, Jr., who has lived in Cliftondale for 70 years and whose family has owned an insurance business there for decades. “The reason parking is not a problem is there is not a lot to attract people to the square,” he said. Even selectmen spoke in support of the town buying the vacant Lincoln Avenue building last used as a loan center. Selectman Corinne Riley, who lives in Cliftondale, said she remembers when Cliftondale “was hopping.” Acquiring the property would be “a great opportunity” to end the days of Cliftondale being “tired and old.” Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Chris Riley said there is considerable interest and support around town for the revitalization of Cliftondale, noting “Cliftondale is all over the Master Plan.” Other articles passed include the following: • • • HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC: Town Moderator Stephen H. Doherty (right) led a show of appreciation toward a special Color Guard of Nurses — Gina Bingham, Darlene Bowe, Katie McDermott and Linda Robson — at the Town Meeting opening ceremony on Monday. Doherty called nurses true heroes of the pandemic and “One group that was truly on the front lines.” “I thought it was only appropriate, for our fi rst face-to-face meeting back together again, that presenting our colors this evening we have four local nurses,” he said. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Article 4 seeks authorization for the town to borrow $325,000 for new town vehicles: $275,000 for four police cruisers and $50,000 for a car for the Engineering Department. Crabtree said the purchase of the police cruisers is part of an ongoing program. “We try to bring on four to fi ve cruisers each year,” the town manager said. Article 5 requests an appropriation of $2.1 million for the Fire Department to purchase a new Aerial Ladder Truck to replace Ladder 1, including all of the required equipment carried on the apparatus. Crabtree said the current ladder truck has gone through several major repairs in recent years, including an engine rebuild to keep it serviceable for emergency responses. Article 6 requests $950,000 for the Fire Department to buy a new pumper truck to replace the existing pumper. Article 7 seeks $500,000 to complete public safety radio and communications infrastructure upgrades. The overall costs of enhancing the public safety system is estimated at $2 million. The town recently received $1 million through a Congressional Directed Spending federal funding request. Article 8 seeks $54,000 to match a Green Communities Grant for the completion of several energy-saving projects. They include heating and ventilation equipment motors at the Public Safety Building, Saugus Public Library and the Belmonte STEAM Academy, replacing failing boilers and insulation at the Youth & Recreation Building and installing refrigerant controls at the Veterans Early Learning Center. Article 9 seeks $2.9 million in capital improvements to Town of Saugus—owned buildings. The Town, in collaboration with the Director of Facilities Engineer, has created a multiyear capital improvement plan of Town-owned buildings. The plan lists various capital projects and prioritizes them over the next fi ve years. “This is to prevent emergencies and protect investments in the town and schools,” Crabtree said. Article 10 seeks $150,000 for the repair/replacement of the overhead doors at the Hamilton Street Fire Station. The doors were installed when the building was built as part of a capital improvement program in 1995. “These doors haven’t worked since 2001,” Crabtree said. “We’ve been repairing them since I’ve been here,” he said. Crabtree said there have been instances when the doors would not open mechanically and had to be opened manually in order for fi retrucks to exit during an emergency call. Article 13 seeks $150,000 to be transferred to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust. The balance in the fund was $1.3 million as of March 31 last year.
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