Policing Devens
Police Chief Ed Denmark is preparing to respond to a request for proposal (RFP) from MassDevelopment to provide police coverage at Devens, similar to Harvard’s contract to provide schooling for Devens youngsters. Denmark came to the selectmen this week to get approval to submit an application and to participate in the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, which is an RFP requirement.
The selectmen approved both requests unanimously.
Asked for a timeline, Denmark said he expects to have the proposal finished by the selectmen’s June 4 meeting, well before the June 29 application deadline. MassDevelopment will notify finalists on August 9 and will award the contract in September, Denmark said. In the meantime, Denmark is seeking input from Devens residents about what kind of services they want and said he is looking for a “long-term relationship” with the Devens community. He cited Harvard’s participation in the new Devens regional dispatch center as a “huge step” in that direction. The Harvard proposal will offer several options for coverage, Denmark said.
At the present time, Devens law enforcement is provided by the State Police.
Town Hall Building Committee appointment
The selectmen needed no introduction to the person they appointed this week to fill a vacancy on the Town Hall Building Committee: former selectman Tim Clark, who has long been active in planning for a new Town Hall. In response to questions from his former colleague Ron Ricci, Clark acknowledged ongoing issues with the still-evolving plan, and tensions with the architect, but said Town Administrator Tim Bragan has been instrumental in working out “accommodations” to satisfy the various interests. The Town Hall Building Committee is scheduled to present a status report to the selectmen on June 18.
