Blackstone Selectmen approve appointments, accept gifts and recognize fire promotions

At their Sept. 10 meeting, the Town of Blackstone Selectmen approved several routine but notable items, accepted park donations and recognized firefighters during a brief ceremony.

Motions approved by voice vote included authorization for the town administrator to negotiate with Attorney Jeremy Dan Doyle regarding the property at 6 Mill Street (to continue an arrangement with the Polish American Citizens Club); appointment of a selectman to the Capital Outlay Committee (one-year term through June 30, 2025); appointment of Lucinda Belayers as an alternate to the Historical Commission (three-year term to June 30, 2027); and appointment of Joe Padarella to the Conservation Commission to fill an unexpired term through June 30, 2026. The board also accepted donated bike racks for Roosevelt and Turbisi parks from the Blackstone Heritage Quarter.

Before the business agenda, the board paused for a pinning and swearing-in ceremony for Brian Gartland, sworn as deputy chief of the Blackstone Fire Department and pinned by his son Dylan Garland, and for Lieutenant Greg Kalbo, who was pinned by his mother. A staff member from Representative Soder’s office read a House citation signed by Speaker Ronald Mariano and Representative Mike Sellers congratulating both officers.

Chair (unnamed) praised the Polish American Citizens Club as a long-time steward of the property and the board approved the negotiation authorization unanimously. Payroll and vendor warrants were approved and a part-time municipal secretary position was designated a special municipal employee to permit hiring.