Kingston Explores Restructuring Public Works Departments

Board of Selectmen considers unified Department of Public Works

KINGSTON, MA - September 10 - The Kingston Board of Selectmen is exploring the possibility of reorganizing the town's public works departments, potentially creating a unified Department of Public Works. The discussion was initiated during Tuesday's board meeting, prompted by the upcoming retirement of Paul Basler, the current Superintendent of Streets, Trees, and Parks, on Nov. 1.

Town Administrator Keith Hickey presented the idea to the board, suggesting that this transition period offers an opportunity to evaluate the current structure and consider potential improvements.

"We're not trying to recreate the wheel," Hickey said. "What we're trying to do is look at what the good and the bads are... and determine what makes the most sense moving forward."

The board expressed interest in forming a task force to study the best organizational structure for providing these services. The study period is expected to last three to four months, with potential changes to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting.

Board members emphasized the importance of gathering information from similar-sized towns that have transitioned to a DPW structure to understand the benefits and challenges.

"I think being able to talk to other towns and certainly in the Commonwealth to be able to determine that it's probably useful data," said member Tyler Bouchard. "I'd like to hear from some of those towns that have transitioned and what's been good, what's been bad."

In the interim, the board voted to appoint Shawn Turner, the current foreman, as interim superintendent of streets, trees, and parks beginning Nov. 2. This appointment will allow the board time to explore available options and study the responsibilities and job title of the current position.

Hickey assured the board that the interim arrangement would not significantly impact services to residents. "I think that the average citizen won't notice a difference in how their roads are maintained in the wintertime," he said.

The goal of the study, as outlined by the board, is to provide a recommendation to town meeting on what they believe is the best organizational structure for the departments involved.

Board members stressed that the outcome of the study is not predetermined. "It might stay the same, it might change a little bit, it might change a lot," Bouchard noted.