Sheffield selectmen approve appointments, contracts and accept town administrator’s retirement notice

The Sheffield Board of Selectmen on Aug. 5 approved a slate of routine and personnel actions, accepted a resignation from the Board of Health and acknowledged the town administrator’s planned retirement.

The board confirmed three appointments: Robert Kilmer to the Agricultural Commission, Bob Pascalina to the Ashley Falls Historic District Commission and David O. to a fire-related appointment as presented by the board. Motions to appoint were made, seconded and approved.

The board also accepted a resignation letter from Scott Smith indicating he would not accept reappointment to the Board of Health; members voted to accept the resignation and begin accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancy.

Rhonda, the town administrator, provided a written retirement notice. The letter reads in part, “it is with joy and sadness I’m writing to notify you of my plans to retire as per my contract… my retirement date will be December 1st, 2024 but would be willing to stay until January of 25 if that works for the town.” The board moved to accept Rhonda’s letter and thanked her for 13 years of service.

On regional business, the board approved Selectman Lee as Sheffield’s representative to a Brookshire Metropolitan Planning Organization caucus on Aug. 21 to prioritize projects on the TIP (transportation improvement program).

On traffic safety, the board authorized execution of a two-year agreement with MassDOT for a battery-powered speed-feedback sign to be used in Ashley Falls. The agreement requires permit compliance when placed on state property, data sharing with MassDOT, and minimum periodic use; if the town complies the sign becomes the town’s property after two years. Selectman Naine was authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the board.

The board approved a mobile food vendor application from Chad Feathers (CJ’s Hot Dogs) to vend at the Sheffield Fair on Sept. 7, pending any final health approvals.

Rhonda presented three proposed contracts with Casella for municipal solid waste, recyclables/paper (including bulky rigid plastics) and scrap metal. Each contract includes a 5% cost increase in years two and three. The board voted to accept all three contracts; staff said the increases are aimed at addressing an enterprise-fund deficit and restoring a break-even operating position.

Officials also reminded residents that transfer-station stickers must be current by Aug. 15 to avoid higher fees; the town will post staff at the gate and coordinate occasional police patrols to enforce compliance.

No votes in this set of actions included formal roll-call tallies in the transcript; motions were made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Approve minutes (June 10, July 11, July 15): motion approved by voice vote. - Appoint Robert Kilmer to Agricultural Commission: approved. - Appoint Bob Pascalina to Ashley Falls Historic District Commission: approved. - Appoint David O. (fire appointment as presented): approved. - Accept Scott Smith’s resignation (Board of Health): approved. - Appoint Selectman Lee as MPO/TIP caucus representative (Aug. 21): approved. - Authorize Selectman Naine to sign MassDOT speed-feedback sign agreement: approved. - Approve CJ’s Hot Dogs vendor for Sheffield Fair (Sept. 7): approved. - Approve three Casella contracts for waste, recycling and scrap metal (3-year terms with 5% increases in years 2–3): approved. - Accept Town Administrator Rhonda’s retirement letter (effective Dec. 1, 2024): approved.

The board will begin transition planning for the town-administrator role and will accept letters of interest for the open Board of Health seat. Several routine administrative and procurement items were completed without further substantive debate.