NOTICES
Annual Meeting Warrant
ANNUAL MEETING WARRANT
JUNE 09, 2020
ANNUAL ADAMS FIRE DISTRICT MEETING
FIRE DISTRICT WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
JUNE 09, 2020
ANNUAL ADAMS FIRE DISTRICT MEETING
FIRE DISTRICT WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Berkshire, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Adams,
GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Adams, qualified to vote in Fire District elections and Fire District affairs, to meet at the polling place in the Fire District Building at Three Columbia Street on Tuesday, the ninth day of June, two thousand twenty, at 11:45 A.M., for the following purposes to wit:
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said Meeting and all District Meetings until the next Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE 2. To choose by ballot the following officers:
One Prudential Committeeman for a term of three years
One Chief Engineer for a term of three years
One First Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
One Second Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
One Third Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
One Fourth Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
For these purposes, the polls shall be opened at 12:00 Noon and shall be
closed at 6:00 P.M.
And in the name of the Commonwealth, you are further directed to notify and warn the said inhabitants, qualified to vote in Fire District affairs, to meet at the Fire District Building at Three Columbia Street on Tuesday, May twelfth, two thousand twenty at 7:00 P.M. then and there to act upon the following articles to wit:
ARTICLE 3. To hear the report of the Prudential Committee and act thereon.
ARTICLE 4. To hear the report of any special committees and act thereon.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Fire District will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the Fire District, as provided by Section 108 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, as amended, and if any of said salary and compensation shall be increased:
Prudential Committee
Clerk and Treasurer
Chief Engineer
or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate, and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, such sum or sums of money as may be necessary to defray the ordinary expenses of the Fire District’s General Fund and Enterprise Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, and to pay interest and loans maturing during this period, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate, and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money to provide for extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures, to be known as the Reserve Fund, from which transfers may be made from time to time by vote of the Prudential Committee, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the District Office Building Roof Repair, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the Radio Read Meter Replacement, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the New Ford Ranger, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate, and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the Stabilization Fund, in accordance with provisions of Section 5B, Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as amended, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the Fire Department Floor Replacement, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Fire District will vote to authorize the Prudential Committee to sell timber, from time to time, upon such terms and conditions as the Prudential Committee deems advisable, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 14. To transact any other business that may legally come before said meeting.
You are to serve this warrant by posting in two or more public places, in said Town of Adams, within the territory of the Adams Fire District, true and attested copies thereof, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
HEREOF FAIL NOT and make due return to the Clerk of the Adams Fire District at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this twenty-seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord, two thousand twenty.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Adams,
GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Adams, qualified to vote in Fire District elections and Fire District affairs, to meet at the polling place in the Fire District Building at Three Columbia Street on Tuesday, the ninth day of June, two thousand twenty, at 11:45 A.M., for the following purposes to wit:
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said Meeting and all District Meetings until the next Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE 2. To choose by ballot the following officers:
One Prudential Committeeman for a term of three years
One Chief Engineer for a term of three years
One First Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
One Second Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
One Third Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
One Fourth Assistant Engineer for a term of three years
For these purposes, the polls shall be opened at 12:00 Noon and shall be
closed at 6:00 P.M.
And in the name of the Commonwealth, you are further directed to notify and warn the said inhabitants, qualified to vote in Fire District affairs, to meet at the Fire District Building at Three Columbia Street on Tuesday, May twelfth, two thousand twenty at 7:00 P.M. then and there to act upon the following articles to wit:
ARTICLE 3. To hear the report of the Prudential Committee and act thereon.
ARTICLE 4. To hear the report of any special committees and act thereon.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Fire District will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the Fire District, as provided by Section 108 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, as amended, and if any of said salary and compensation shall be increased:
Prudential Committee
Clerk and Treasurer
Chief Engineer
or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate, and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, such sum or sums of money as may be necessary to defray the ordinary expenses of the Fire District’s General Fund and Enterprise Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, and to pay interest and loans maturing during this period, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate, and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money to provide for extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures, to be known as the Reserve Fund, from which transfers may be made from time to time by vote of the Prudential Committee, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the District Office Building Roof Repair, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the Radio Read Meter Replacement, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the New Ford Ranger, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate, and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the Stabilization Fund, in accordance with provisions of Section 5B, Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as amended, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Fire District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or appropriate from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the Fire Department Floor Replacement, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Fire District will vote to authorize the Prudential Committee to sell timber, from time to time, upon such terms and conditions as the Prudential Committee deems advisable, or take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 14. To transact any other business that may legally come before said meeting.
You are to serve this warrant by posting in two or more public places, in said Town of Adams, within the territory of the Adams Fire District, true and attested copies thereof, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
HEREOF FAIL NOT and make due return to the Clerk of the Adams Fire District at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this twenty-seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord, two thousand twenty.
Annual District Election and Meeting Postponed to June 9, 2020
In response to the State of Emergency and concerns about COVID-19 and its implications on election administration, the Governor signed a law authorizing the Prudential Committee to vote to postpone the Annual Election and Meeting which was scheduled for May 12, 2020. A copy of the law may be viewed here. At the April 27, 2020 Prudential Committee Meeting, the Committee voted to reschedule the Annual Election and Meeting to June 9, 2020. Member Meczywor made a MOTION, seconded by Vice-Chairman Schutz that, in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020, the Adams Fire District postpone the District Election & Meeting scheduled for May 12, 2020 to June 9, 2020. Roll call vote: Chairman Satko – yes; Vice-Chairman Schutz-yes; Member Meczywor-yes. Motion approved 3-0.
The law requires the District to post public notice of the postponed Annual Election & Meeting and the rescheduled election date on its website and to broadly publicize the postponement and rescheduling. The District is posting this notice on the website and will provide additional notice through social media and issue a press release to the Berkshire Eagle.
In light of widespread practice of social distancing, the law provides the following alternative to voting in person:
The law allows any person taking precaution related to COVID-19 to vote by absentee ballot. All applications for an absentee ballot must be received by the District Clerk before 4:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2020, the last business day before the election. Any person may apply for an absentee ballot by sending a signed request to the District Clerk’s office or by filling out the absentee ballot application available here.
The law does NOT make any other changes to elections or the election process. It does NOT, for example, change the number of signatures or the submission deadline for candidates for office.
April 27, 2020
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The law requires the District to post public notice of the postponed Annual Election & Meeting and the rescheduled election date on its website and to broadly publicize the postponement and rescheduling. The District is posting this notice on the website and will provide additional notice through social media and issue a press release to the Berkshire Eagle.
In light of widespread practice of social distancing, the law provides the following alternative to voting in person:
The law allows any person taking precaution related to COVID-19 to vote by absentee ballot. All applications for an absentee ballot must be received by the District Clerk before 4:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2020, the last business day before the election. Any person may apply for an absentee ballot by sending a signed request to the District Clerk’s office or by filling out the absentee ballot application available here.
The law does NOT make any other changes to elections or the election process. It does NOT, for example, change the number of signatures or the submission deadline for candidates for office.
April 27, 2020
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Hydrant Flushing
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The Adams Fire District Water Department will be flushing hydrants during the spring of 2020. This is done to remove any sediment buildup within the distribution system, aiding in the conveyance of quality water to our customers. It also identifies hydrants in need of maintenance and repair.
If you encounter discolored water due to flushing, please run the cold water in your bathtub for a few minutes until the water clears. For more information regarding flushing, see the following Fact Sheet. |
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Thank you for your patience in this matter.
John Barrett
Superintendent
April 17, 2020
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John Barrett
Superintendent
April 17, 2020
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Covid-19 Update
Update on Adams Fire District Services
Changes and Reduction in Services during COVID-19 Pandemic.
The District’s top priority is to supply continuous and reliable delivery of safe drinking water and fire protection/emergency services, which are critical to daily life and the public health system. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Adams Fire District is implementing several precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of essential staff. These actions are intended to mitigate potential exposure to our employees and customers and maintain continuity of operations.
In-person and Non-Essential Services Suspended
Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the following non-essential services will be suspended until further notice:
During public health crises, the supply of clean potable water is critical. In fairness to all customers, water meters will continue to be read and quarterly District bills will continue to be generated and delivered.
Drinking Water Operations
All operations related to drinking water treatment and distribution will continue. Customers can be assured that their drinking water is safe and can be consumed and used as normal. In order to reduce potential exposure to essential staff, business visitors and deliveries to all our facilities will be prohibited or curtailed as much as possible, until further notice.
Water Emergencies
The District’s priority is to maintain the continuous and reliable operation of the drinking water distribution system for the general population. District personnel will continue to respond to any water emergencies (water main breaks, etc.) that arise in our system as normal.
Water emergencies on private properties will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, in as far as crews are able to address from the outside or by referring the customer to private contractors. District personnel will not enter privately owned homes, buildings, or facilities to make repairs until further notice.
For water emergencies, customers and contractors can call 24/7 at (413) 743-1212
Customer Service
Customer service for billing/account inquiries and field services will continue to be available by telephone. Customers can contact the District at 743-0978 or 743-0179. If your call is not answered, please leave a message. We will respond in a timely manner, however, be prepared for longer call response times. Water emergencies will be prioritized.
Drinking Water Supply and COVID-19
According to a technical brief issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 3, 2020, COVID-19 has not been shown to be transmitted via treated drinking water. The drinking water system will remain safe and operational amid any local outbreak.
Mitigation Efforts
The District will continue to update customers on any further changes in services due to COVID-19. Customers may visit the District website at www.adamsfiredistrict.com
Thank you,
Adams Fire District Superintendent
John C. Barrett
Adams Fire Department
During this crisis, we continue to monitor response recommendations from many agencies. The members of the Department have also voiced their concerns. Maintaining a ready and healthy department is my number one priority. We will continue to respond to calls as we always have, with adjustments.
Response Modifications
Medical Response:
Adams Fire Department responds on medical calls when Adams Ambulance is unavailable. If the dispatch involves any of the signs and symptoms for the COVID-19, we will knock on the door and ask questions before entering. If necessary, we will put on the proper protective clothing and enter the residence. We will also ask the patient to put a mask on or have you put one on them. There will be times when the ambulance is close enough that we will wait for their arrival and they will enter. This is to limit the number of people exposed and minimize the amount of PPE used.
Alarm and Odor Responses
We will be responding as normal to all alarms and odor complaints. We may take extra time to put on a mask before entering your home. We will also limit the number of members entering the building for investigative purposes.
Other Changes:
In order to maintain social distancing of 6ft, we have canceled our training until further notice.
What can you do to assist us?
If you have a known exposure, or have any of the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
Together we can get thru this, we just need to maintain social distancing and wash our hands, avoid crowds, and please support your local business.
Sincerely
John M. Pansecchi
Chief Engineer
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Be well and stay safe.
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For further information regarding Covid-19, please visit the following site:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html
Changes and Reduction in Services during COVID-19 Pandemic.
The District’s top priority is to supply continuous and reliable delivery of safe drinking water and fire protection/emergency services, which are critical to daily life and the public health system. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Adams Fire District is implementing several precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of essential staff. These actions are intended to mitigate potential exposure to our employees and customers and maintain continuity of operations.
In-person and Non-Essential Services Suspended
Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the following non-essential services will be suspended until further notice:
- In-person payments of any kind at our Columbia Street office.(a drop box is attached to the building)
- In-home or on-site routine inspections, repairs, installations, maintenance and assistance.
During public health crises, the supply of clean potable water is critical. In fairness to all customers, water meters will continue to be read and quarterly District bills will continue to be generated and delivered.
Drinking Water Operations
All operations related to drinking water treatment and distribution will continue. Customers can be assured that their drinking water is safe and can be consumed and used as normal. In order to reduce potential exposure to essential staff, business visitors and deliveries to all our facilities will be prohibited or curtailed as much as possible, until further notice.
Water Emergencies
The District’s priority is to maintain the continuous and reliable operation of the drinking water distribution system for the general population. District personnel will continue to respond to any water emergencies (water main breaks, etc.) that arise in our system as normal.
Water emergencies on private properties will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, in as far as crews are able to address from the outside or by referring the customer to private contractors. District personnel will not enter privately owned homes, buildings, or facilities to make repairs until further notice.
For water emergencies, customers and contractors can call 24/7 at (413) 743-1212
Customer Service
Customer service for billing/account inquiries and field services will continue to be available by telephone. Customers can contact the District at 743-0978 or 743-0179. If your call is not answered, please leave a message. We will respond in a timely manner, however, be prepared for longer call response times. Water emergencies will be prioritized.
Drinking Water Supply and COVID-19
According to a technical brief issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 3, 2020, COVID-19 has not been shown to be transmitted via treated drinking water. The drinking water system will remain safe and operational amid any local outbreak.
Mitigation Efforts
The District will continue to update customers on any further changes in services due to COVID-19. Customers may visit the District website at www.adamsfiredistrict.com
Thank you,
Adams Fire District Superintendent
John C. Barrett
Adams Fire Department
During this crisis, we continue to monitor response recommendations from many agencies. The members of the Department have also voiced their concerns. Maintaining a ready and healthy department is my number one priority. We will continue to respond to calls as we always have, with adjustments.
Response Modifications
Medical Response:
Adams Fire Department responds on medical calls when Adams Ambulance is unavailable. If the dispatch involves any of the signs and symptoms for the COVID-19, we will knock on the door and ask questions before entering. If necessary, we will put on the proper protective clothing and enter the residence. We will also ask the patient to put a mask on or have you put one on them. There will be times when the ambulance is close enough that we will wait for their arrival and they will enter. This is to limit the number of people exposed and minimize the amount of PPE used.
Alarm and Odor Responses
We will be responding as normal to all alarms and odor complaints. We may take extra time to put on a mask before entering your home. We will also limit the number of members entering the building for investigative purposes.
Other Changes:
In order to maintain social distancing of 6ft, we have canceled our training until further notice.
What can you do to assist us?
If you have a known exposure, or have any of the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
- Please notify the dispatcher when calling 911.
- Please meet us at the door or outside, if you are able to.
- If you have a mask, please put it on before our arrival.
- Keep 6ft between us whenever possible.
- Cover your mouth when you cough.
Together we can get thru this, we just need to maintain social distancing and wash our hands, avoid crowds, and please support your local business.
Sincerely
John M. Pansecchi
Chief Engineer
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Be well and stay safe.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further information regarding Covid-19, please visit the following site:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html
March 20, 2020
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Annual Election
The Adams Fire District Annual Election will be held at the Fire Station
on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 p.m.
Nomination papers for the following District offices may be picked up at the Adams Fire District Office:
3 Columbia Street, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Prudential Committee Member
3 year term
Chief Engineer
3 year term
First Assistant Engineer
3 year term
Second Assistant Engineer
3 year term
Third Assistant Engineer
3 year term
Fourth Assistant Engineer
3 year term
If you have any questions you may contact Clerk & Treasurer Kathleen Fletcher at (413) 743-0179, ext. 12.
on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 p.m.
Nomination papers for the following District offices may be picked up at the Adams Fire District Office:
3 Columbia Street, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Prudential Committee Member
3 year term
Chief Engineer
3 year term
First Assistant Engineer
3 year term
Second Assistant Engineer
3 year term
Third Assistant Engineer
3 year term
Fourth Assistant Engineer
3 year term
If you have any questions you may contact Clerk & Treasurer Kathleen Fletcher at (413) 743-0179, ext. 12.
Kathleen A. Fletcher
Clerk & Treasurer
January 30, 2020
Clerk & Treasurer
January 30, 2020
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To Receive Emergency Notices
Residents should update their contact information
(home phone, cell phone, and email) with Reverse 911: Go to the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office website, https://bcsoma.onthealert.com or Go to the Town of Adams website, http://town.adams.ma.us/Public_Documents/index, click on "Reverse 911 - Get it Now" (this will bring you to the same website as above) Follow Instructions |
Meter Replacements
Adams Fire District would like to inform the District’s residents that the Water Department will be replacing water meters. If you have any questions please call the District Superintendent @ 743-0978 ext.13.
April 2, 2018 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emergency Calls
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TIPS
3 Ways to Connect to
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Carbon Water FiltersAs per MassDEP Rules and Regulations, the District adds chlorine to the water system to provide protection against disease-causing pathogens; such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoans, that commonly grow in water supply reservoirs, on the walls of water mains and in storage tanks. Chlorine will be added to the system year-round, on a permanent basis.
Chlorine can be removed from the water used in your home by installing a whole house carbon water filter. These filters can be purchased at most hardware stores, including the local Walmart. Contact me at (413) 743-0978 ext.13 with any questions regarding this matter. John C. Barrett Superintendent July 18, 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |