Chilmark Select Board backs transit expansion, fire grants, and Peaked Hill Pastures review

CHILMARK — February 6, 2024 — Chilmark Select Board approves Peaked Hill Pastures review, expanded bus service, and fire department grant news. The board voted unanimously at its February 6 meeting to authorize a request for proposals for a high-level review of the Peaked Hill Pastures property, with costs drawn from previously approved Molly Flanders Fortville Housing Trust funding. Vineyard Transit Authority planner Angie outlined a pilot expansion of Route 12 summer service — modeled on 2018 and 2019 schedules — aimed at reducing vehicle congestion in Menemsha through increased bus frequency and employee park-and-ride enforcement at the Tabor House lot. Fire Chief Jeremy Bradshaw reported the department had secured a firefighter safety grant sufficient to purchase three sets of turnout gear, while the board cautioned that department budget lines were running above target and that a new alarm subscription program must clear legal review before any fees are collected. The board also called the primary election warrant, signed a long-pending legal release with contractor K&K, authorized a new auditor engagement letter, and closed by entering executive session on collective bargaining strategy with labor counsel Jack Collins participating remotely.