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New Ashford board hears MLP internet update, OKs snowblower and furnace filters, and discusses recycling options
Summary
At its Dec. 15 meeting the New Ashford Select Board received an MLP service update about DNS-related speed problems and scheduled equipment work, authorized a snowblower purchase up to $2,000 and replacement furnace filters, and heard that the town received a $5,000 ADA ramp grant.
The New Ashford Select Board on Dec. 15 heard updates on municipal broadband operations, approved several small purchases, and discussed recycling logistics at the transfer station.
Ken McInerney, MLP Manager, said he met with Andrew Short of Whip City to investigate recent speed problems. McInerney said the issues appear linked to DNS settings and Cloudflare; he plans a follow-up meeting with Whip City. He also said one fiber outage affects New Ashford and nearby Alford, that the town’s internet portal currently lacks a power backup, and that service calls were down to two in the prior month. McInerney reported Local Linx plans to replace equipment in Town Hall either Jan. 5–8 or Jan. 12–15; Jason Jayko, the board chair, will schedule the work once impact information is provided.
On transfer-station operations, Linda Cernik of the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste District advised the board that state rules require the town to offer recycling but that the recycling depot does not need to be located within New Ashford’s borders; she said she is meeting with Lanesboro officials and Casella to explore options. Road Commissioner Keith Lacasse noted space constraints for plowing between recycling containers and urged that placement consider plow access.
The board approved two purchase authorizations. Mark Phelps said he located a 24-inch electric snowblower at Ace Hardware for about $1,900 and moved to authorize payment by the town credit card up to $2,000; Ken McInerney seconded and the motion passed. The snowblower will be stored on the basement landing at Town Hall. Later, Phelps moved and McInerney seconded authorization for the town treasurer to purchase replacement furnace filters for Town Hall; that motion passed as well.
The board also noted the town received a $5,000 ADA grant to repair the Town Hall ramp; Ken McInerney said paperwork is expected soon. Helen Majchrowski said she will invite the Berkshire Health Alliance to the next meeting to discuss Board of Health inspection support and training costs. The warrant was reviewed and signed and the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. The Select Board set its next meeting for Jan. 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes (Dec. 1, 2025): motion by Mark Phelps, seconded by Ken McInerney — approved unanimously. - Authorize snowblower purchase (up to $2,000 on town card): motion by Mark Phelps, seconded by Ken McInerney — approved. - Authorize purchase of furnace filters by town treasurer: motion by Mark Phelps, seconded by Ken McInerney — approved.
Why it matters: The MLP update identifies technical and reliability issues that affect internet service in town and indicates scheduled equipment work. The purchase authorizations affect town operations and maintenance.
