Blandford Select Board approves salt shed repairs, advances library consultant contract

BLANDFORD — December 2, 2024 — Blandford Select Board approves nearly $5,900 salt shed electrical contract and advances library consultant hire. The board unanimously approved a $5,889 quote from Zenetti Electric to restore lighting and outlets at the town's salt shed, charging the cost to the winter and snow budget, while also ratifying the interim appointment of Robert Holmes as part-time highway laborer through June 30, 2025. Chair Jacqueline Coury briefed members on a prospective CPA, Kelly Pontbrion, who was recommended by the town's auditor and is expected to start January 1 pending her review of a draft contract prepared by town counsel. Library Trustees presented findings from a 90-minute interview process that unanimously selected consultant Patricia Bassler — estimated at $2,000 to $3,000 total — to lead the library building planning process funded through a state planning grant; the formal contract vote was deferred pending legal review. The board also approved two financial warrants while tabling a payroll warrant that had not yet been processed.