Volume 21, Number 22
www.berlincitizen.com
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Train station fire probe in ‘holding pattern’
Berlin resumes search for new town manager By Ashley Kus Citizen staff
The search for a new town manager is starting up again after the search committee, consisting of the Town Council and Human Resources Director Denise Parsons, decided to keep looking after only five people applied earlier this year.
More than six months after a fire destroyed Berlin’s historic train depot, the investigation is again on hold. Fire Marshal Steve Waznia said last week he was waiting for paperwork and cleanup procedures because the site is contaminated with lead paint and other hazards. “We were hoping to get in there a few weeks ago,” he said. “We’re just in a holding pattern. “In all my years of investigating fires, this is taking a lot longer than
A crowd attended the historical society’s Train Station Story Share presentation at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library on Wednesday, July 12. | Ashley Kus, The Berlin Citizen
normal,” Waznia added.
13 there was no start date to access the site.
He said a private investigator was hired from Engineering, Fire and Environmental Services out of Massachusetts. The investigator informed Waznia Thursday, July
The station was deemed a total loss after the fire on Dec. 21, 2016. The See Investigation, A4
Baseball field reconstruction under consideration By Ashley Kus Citizen staff
Zipadelli Field at Sage Park may soon be getting a facelift after the Town Council agreed to hold a public hearing at the end of the
month for a $98,000 reconstruction project. “The kids could get hurt so it’s time to do this,” said interim Town Manager Jack Healy, who also serves as public works director. The infield has not been redone for close to 20 years, Healy said,
adding there are some overall safety concerns, including uneven surfaces and drainage issues. Both would be addressed by the proposal. The field is used by the high school baseball team. The entire infield would be ren-
“We’re looking for the whole package,” said Mayor Mark Kaczynski. “All of us have to feel comfortable.” Since the council approved a separation agreement in January with former Town Manager Denise McNair, the search committee has interviewed three candidates. Under the terms of the separation agreement, the town paid McNair $65,686, six months of her annual salary. McNair was also paid for unused vacation time. Kaczynski said five people applied and two decided to withdraw before the interview process. “I think it’s unfortunate that this process has taken as long as it has,” said town councilor Rachel Rochette. Jack Healy, public works director and town engineer, has been the interim town manager since May. He is receiving a monthly stipend in addition to
See Field, A2
See Search, A8
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