Blandford Select Board approves appointments, joins expanded opioid litigation

BLANDFORD — May 13, 2024 — Blandford Select Board receives $2.59 million culvert cost estimate and advances town administrator search. Highway Superintendent Dave presented preliminary replacement estimates of $1.16 million for a box culvert on Gibbs Road and $1.43 million on Shepard Road, with grants identified as the only realistic funding path — though Dave cautioned that competing applications from the water department reduce the town's odds in any given cycle. The board approved a dozen municipal appointments, including Nathan Falzik as assistant electrical inspector to succeed the resigning John Van Hennigan, and Jennifer Girard to a volunteer risk management role. Members voted unanimously to authorize the town's participation in expanded national opioid litigation targeting pharmacy benefit managers. Select Board member Steve reported three to four strong candidates in the town administrator search, with a six-member selection committee conducting reference checks before the application deadline closes.