Kingston Appoints New Veterans Agent Amid Certification Changes

Lisa Eriksson to start Aug. 26 following retirements and new VA requirements

KINGSTON, MA - August 19 - The Town of Kingston has appointed Lisa Eriksson as its new veterans agent, addressing recent retirements and new certification requirements from the Veterans Administration.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved Eriksson's appointment during their Aug. 19 meeting. She is set to begin her role on Aug. 26, 2024.

Town Administrator Keith Hickey explained the circumstances leading to the appointment. "We had our two veterans admins decide to retire," he said. "Shortly after, we found out the Veterans Administration had added a certification necessary for veterans agents to submit documents for reimbursement to the VA."

This change prompted the town to upgrade the position from administrative to agent level. The new requirements also affected Kingston's arrangement with the town of Plymouth, which had been providing veterans agent services.

"Plymouth was unable to provide and complete the paperwork that was necessary," Hickey stated. "They were no longer going to be able to provide the support to submit claims to the VA."

Eriksson, a veteran herself, comes to Kingston with experience from the veterans office in the town of Carver. She is currently about halfway through the VA's certification process.

"I think she's a great candidate," Hickey said. "She meets all the qualifications of the veterans agent position, and I think she'll be a great addition to staff."

The position was advertised following the retirements, attracting a pool of 50 candidates. Eriksson's appointment comes with a salary at grade 5, step 4, which is $1,772 more than initially budgeted. However, Hickey assured that vacancy savings from the retired positions would cover the difference.

Board member Kimberley Emberg inquired about replacing the administrative role, to which Hickey confirmed there were no current plans.

Selectmen approved the use of $28,756 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for new equipment for the Kingston Police Department. Police Chief Brian Holmes presented the request, describing the items as "needs, not wants." The equipment list includes body-worn cameras, electronic control weapons, and a portable breath testing device.

"These are just basic things that we need," Holmes said. He noted that the portable breath testing device is one of the four National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized field sobriety tests, which the department currently lacks.

Town Administrator Keith Hickey recommended using ARPA funds for the purchase. After this approval, the town has approximately $60,000 left in ARPA funds, which must be used by year-end.

In other business, town officials are working to establish a school zone for the Silver Lake campus. Hickey reported that town and school department staff have met to develop a recommendation for the zone.

"There's a placeholder on next week's Board meeting agenda where we'll have a recommendation to create a school zone for Silver Lake," Hickey said. The effort involves collaboration between the Police Department, Planning Department, Streets, Trees, and Parks, and the Fire Department.

The implementation of the school zone may include new signage, with options ranging from basic signs to more expensive solar-powered flashing signs. Hickey noted that the high-end option could cost up to $50,000, which is not currently budgeted.

"I think we're going to have to have a discussion about whether or not you want to go for a full-blown sign package or something that could be as effective," Hickey told the board.

The board will receive more detailed information about the school zone proposal and signage options at next week's meeting.

Hickey also raised concerns about the town's water supply. He suggested that the Water Commissioners reconsider their decision to delay funding requests for a new well until the spring 2025 town meeting.

"There's current property owners who need water who can't have it," Hickey explained. He highlighted the impact on property development and the implementation of the recently passed accessory dwelling unit bylaw.