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Selectboard debates response after VAST trail stakes were removed; members weigh apology vs. police referral
Summary
Selectboard members said a vote had authorized working with VAST but that stakes marking a proposed trail were removed by an individual. The board discussed seeking an apology to mend relations, while some members said the action may have been unlawful and could be shared with law enforcement.
The Westford Selectboard spent a large portion of its Jan. 22 meeting discussing the removal of stakes placed to mark a proposed VAST (snowmobile) trail and what the town’s next steps should be.
Several board members said the Selectboard previously voted to work with VAST on the route and that an individual’s removal of pre‑stakes interfered with that decision. Julia Andrews said she “personally struggles with the idea that the VAST trail is not happening because somebody took inappropriate action to stop it and did not work within the process of discussion and discovery that the board goes through.” The board referenced emails from the public and discussed whether the act was unlawful; Nick Nichols said it “sounds like something illegal occurred.”
Board members discussed two paths: pursue reconciliation first or involve law enforcement. Pat Haller and others favored seeking amends and reopening discussions with VAST; J. Andrews said she would prefer attempts at reconciliation, including asking the involved parties to apologize to VAST, before escalating. Deb Jorschick noted the board had voted unanimously to work with VAST and said she would like to mend the town’s relationship with VAST and with Andy (the VAST contact) so he does not feel Westford is hostile.
Several residents spoke during public comment and the VAST follow‑up. Paul Birnholz said he was disturbed that a prior question about who authorized the trail staking did not receive an answer; Barb Peck repeatedly asked who had authorized the trail route and whether the Town Administrator had acted independently. Town Administrator Tommy O’Connor said he met with Andy after the stakes were installed to assess clearance for the groomer and that his actions followed the direction he had been given to work with VAST.
The board agreed to attempt conciliatory outreach to VAST and to consider further steps later in the year, including reopening discussion of Winterfest and the town’s relationship to the event. The meeting record shows no formal vote to refer the matter to police at this meeting; board members said they had received at least one email from an involved individual apologizing to the board.
