Wiring inspection fees increasing

COLRAIN — Effective Oct. 15, electrical inspection fees have increased from $30 to $50.

Selectboard members agreed that an increase in fees is necessary to help cover Electrical Inspector James Slowinski’s rising costs and that a $20 increase is reasonable. The board unanimously approved the increase.

Boot drive rescheduled to Oct. 20

COLRAIN — The Colrain Firefighters’ Association’s boot drive, originally planned for Oct. 22, has been moved to Sunday, Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Colrain Central School. The rain date is Nov. 3.

The change was made due to a scheduling conflict, as the trunk-or-treat is being held at the school on Oct. 22.

Foot clinics moving to Town Offices

COLRAIN — The Council on Aging has a new home for its monthly foot clinics, at least temporarily. The lower level of the Town Offices at 55 Main Road will house the clinics until a better-suited location can be found.

In an update to the Selectboard on Oct. 8, Town Administrator Diana Parsons said that after conversations with the Council on Aging and the Board of Health, it has been determined that the Town Offices is a better location than the Fire Station’s kitchen and break room for the foot clinics. The Board of Health requested in August that the clinics no longer be held at the Fire Station, with members feeling the medical use of the space was not appropriate for a kitchen. Additionally, activities in the Fire Station could potentially inhibit firefighters’ use of the break room, even if the Council on Aging only occupies the space for a few hours each month.

As for a long-term solution, Parsons said she and the Council on Aging are exploring other possibilities and have begun conversations with the Senior Center in Shelburne Falls. The lower level of the Town Offices is not suitable as a permanent home for the foot clinics as it may be inaccessible to seniors with mobility impairments.

Fire Station weatherization project may begin soon

COLRAIN — Efforts to weatherize the Fire Station at 51 Main Road and to improve its heating and cooling system are in the works.

In 2018, Colrain was designated as a Green Community by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and received a $129,880 grant to fund projects that make the town more eco-friendly and energy-efficient.

Six years after receiving the grant, Town Administrator Diana Parsons said the town is ready to begin work and will be investing in mini splits that will allow the Fire Station to heat and cool rooms individually, rather than keep the whole building at one temperature. First, however, the town must weatherize the building by improving its insulation and air sealing.

There is no date yet for when work will begin, but Parsons is working with contractors and the Fire Department to finalize details.

Wood bank feedback sought

COLRAIN — Residents are invited to complete a survey to determine the need for a wood bank in Colrain.

Responses can be submitted to bit.ly/woodbanksurvey. Hard copies of the survey can be found and filled out at the Town Offices at 55 Main Road.