EASTHAMPTON — The city has launched an Ad Hoc Senior Center Building Committee that will meet for the next year before a future building committee is formed to advance plans for a new senior center.

The ad hoc committee will review collected material from other communities and suggest potential senior center models for Easthampton, describe the process for a design/architect request for proposal and engage with the senior center community.

Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said the goal is to “create a welcoming and inclusive environment for the city’s senior citizens, providing a space that caters to their unique needs and interests.”

The center is currently housed in a 1933 converted post office building. In 2022, a building improvement feasibility study was conducted by EDM Architecture & Engineering, which found that “it is in the best interest of the city to explore alternative solutions to a renovation of the existing site and building.”

The Council on Aging board consequently voted to pursue a new building rather than renovating the existing site.

“Committee members’ contributions will play a vital role in shaping the future of our senior community,” said LaChapelle. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our senior citizens, providing them with a dedicated space that enhances their quality of life.”

Town administrator search continues

SOUTHAMPTON — Town Administrator Ed Gibson, who planned to retire at the end of December, will remain in the role until Feb. 29.

The Select Board voted on Jan. 2 to extend his term as town administrator and on the Public Safety Building Committee, Senior Center Building Committee, FRTA Advisory Committee, Chief Procurement Officer, Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Committee, Cost Efficiencies Ad Hoc Committee and Grant Search Ad Hoc Committee until that date, as the town continues its search for a new town administrator.

Select Board Chair Christine Fowles said at the meeting that she had no further updates on the town administrator search and hopes to have someone in place soon “so that there can be some overlap.”

City Council appoints committee chairs

EASTHAMPTON — Committee chairs and clerks for the 2024-2025 term were appointed by city councilors last week, following the Jan. 2 inauguration.

After longtime chair of the Finance Committee Dan Rist did not seek reelection this term, former clerk Tom Peake will chair the committee and Jason Tirrel will serve as clerk.

The Public Safety Committee will once again be chaired by Owen Zaret, with Brad Riley as clerk; Riley will chair the Appointments Committee for another term and Homar Gomez will clerk; Koni Denham will chair the Ordinance Committee and Tamara Smith will clerk; the Property Committee will be chaired by Zaret and Peake will clerk; and the Rules and Government Relations Committee will be chaired by JP Kwiecinski with Tirrel as clerk.

Municipal Leadership Academy

EASTHAMPTON — There is still time for those interested in the city’s Municipal Leadership Academy to apply.

The academy — a collaborative effort of the mayor’s office, City Councilor Koni Denham and City Council President Homar Gomez — is an opportunity for residents to better understand the inner workings of the city’s budget process.

Over the course of 10 sessions beginning on Thursday, Jan. 11, participants will hear from department heads and representatives on the budget preparation process and challenges.

“The Municipal Leadership Academy offers an incredible opportunity for residents to learn about Easthampton city governance, engage with department leaders and dialogue with other residents about departmental responsibility and finances,” said Councilor Denham.

“It is a great opportunity for participants to learn about boards, commissions and committees they can serve on to put their commitment to the city into action,” she said.

Those interested can fill out an application at https://easthamptonma.gov/767/Municipal-Leadership-Academy.

New transportation option for seniors

WESTHAMPTON — Seniors ages 60 and older now have a new transportation option in Westhampton: the Hilltown Driver Pool.

Funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, the program provides occasional transportation to medical or professional appointments for seniors. Through the program, Hilltown Community Development coordinates rides from members of the community, who use their own vehicles and are reimbursed for time and mileage.

Destinations are limited to a 40-mile distance from the rider’s home, and donations are encouraged to help cover costs.

The service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and participants must preregister 48 hours in advance by calling 413-296-4232 or emailing ride@hilltowncdc.org.

Winter parking regulations

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Police Department reminds residents of city bylaws that prohibit vehicle parking on public ways between 1-6 a.m. from Nov. 1 to April 1.

During a declared parking ban during winter storm, no on-street parking at all is allowed, and vehicles in violation will be ticketed and may be towed at the owner’s expense. The city also prohibits parking in municipal lots between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. during a declared parking ban.

The department asks that drivers make arrangements to park their vehicle off the street during the winter months.