The department has grown from eight workers about three years ago to its present size. In addition, state requirements for public works require more time and personnel, Klimoski. He also serves as tree warden and water superintendent. His workers are responsible for the maintenance of town buildings, vehicles, and road repairs. If there is a sewer problem, his department will help the Sewer Department.
Employees read water meters.
As new businesses come in, there are all kinds of requests to turn the water and off, Klimoski said, and as new subdivisions are built, there are new roads to maintain. While the board voted to appoint Russell to a permanent full-time position, Mieczkowski wants the board to compare the department with other towns' to see how they compare. Mieczkowski said the department should only have five employees, that it should contract out some of the construction work, and that it should focus on maintenance. He plans to find out about Belchertown, which has more than 150 miles of roads compared to Hadley's 66. And, according to the 1990 census, Belchertown has a population of 10,579 while Hadley has 4,231.