Town Administrator Patrice Garvin announced that Assistant Town Administrator and Finance Director Jennifer Hewitt has resigned.
According to Garvin, Hewitt has been in Belmont for three years.
Hewitt has taken a role at the state’s Group Insurance Commission. Her last day is Sept. 5.
Town Hall Changes
Garvin also outlined recent shuffling at Town Hall. The Recreation Department is now at Beech Street Center, and the Department of Public Works has moved into the old Recreation Department space. The Assessors will relocate to a space near the other finance teams, while the Retirement Board will move to Town Hall. The town agreed to a memorandum of understanding with the Retirement Board later Monday night.
Fire Department Welcomes Three
Three probationary firefighters were welcomed to town with a pinning ceremony Monday night.
The three are:
- Kyle Forrester, a Burlington High School graduate, Marine and Army veteran
- Ryan O’Neil, a Central Catholic High School and UMass Lowell graduate
- Daniel Keenan, a Hanover High School graduate and a Plymouth State graduate. Keenan is also a registered nurse.
Chenery Contract
The town awarded a contract to install rooftop units at Chenery Upper Elementary to Marlborough-based Guardian Energy Management Solutions.
Facilities Director David Blazon said new boilers are being installed now, and the building will be reroofed in 2027.
Porchfest road closures
The Select Board approved a series of road closures for Porchfest on Saturday, Sept. 6.
According to organizer Mary Bradley, the closures were requested by hosts with large crowds last year:
- Newcastle Road will be closed from Hoitt to Statler from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. with performances from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Albert Avenue will be closed from Brighton to Tobey from 2:45 to 5:15 p.m. with performances from 3 to 5 p.m.
- Broad Street will be closed from Cross to Chilton from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. with performances from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Claflin Street from Dean to Monroe will be closed from 12:45 to 6 p.m. with performances from 1 to 5:45 p.m.
- Washington Street from Carleton to Garden will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with performances from 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (Youth Stage)
- Park Road from Belmont to Unity will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with performances from 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Town Day
The Select Board approved moving Town Day to Sunday, Sept. 14. According to organizer Deran Muckjian, nothing substantial has changed from the original date in May, which was postponed because of rain.
Town Day begins at 10 a.m. Leonard Street will be closed for the day to accommodate setup and cleanup.
Worship Services Approved
The Select Board approved a request from the First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist, to use Town Green for worship services on Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon and again on Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon.
According to Select Board member Elizabeth Dionne, any denomination can request use of the Town Green.
Fire Chief Earns Merit Increase
The Select Board reviewed the performance of Fire Chief David Destefano. The chief received rave reviews from board members, who cited his adaptability, professionalism, and aptitude among other qualities.
They awarded the chief a 2% merit increase and extended his contract by a year, which now runs through 2028.
“You’ve provided great support to me and the department,” Destefano said. “Anything we accomplish within the department is a team effort…I want to acknowledge them for the service they provide every day.”
