ADAMS, Mass. — The Selectmen will consider purchasing a new all-terrain vehicle for the Forest Wardens.

 

Forest Warden Chief  Richard Kleiner asked the board last Wednesday to replace the current one that broke down during the wildland fire in North County earlier this month.

 

"We had to coast it down the mountain to get it out of there," Kleiner said. "It is not a reliable vehicle, and I don't want anyone on it. Someone is going to get hurt ... we need something reliable and suitable for the job."

 

The Forest Wardens and volunteer Fire Department responded to the wildland fire that burned more than 900 acres of forest in Williamstown, Clarksburg, and North Adams. While trucking volunteers and equipment to the scene, the ATV malfunctioned. 

 

This wasn't a surprise. Kleiner said the machine is over 30 years old and is constantly in need of repairs. He said it is difficult to even find parts anymore.

 

Kleiner researched a few different ATVs but felt the Polaris Ranger 1000 was the best fit for the department. It seats three and has room to carry equipment. Also, the 61 horsepower ATV has the proper power and clearance to handle the day to day.

 

"It just seems to fit the bill," he said.

 

In total, the machine is anticipated to cost $13,708 with some needed accessories. 

 

None of the Selectmen denied that the new ATV was needed, but Selectman Joseph Nowak did ask if there were any grant opportunities that would lessen the financial blow to the town.

 

Kleiner said he has applied for grants but is still waiting to hear back from the state. He felt the new ATV was needed sooner rather than later.

 

Nowak also shared his concern that members of the Forest Wardens, who may be excited about a new ATV, may overly or improperly use it.

 

"It is like a new toy and everybody is going to want to drive it ... so we have to be careful with that," Nowak said. "I think you need to give the responsibility to people that you trust because it doesn't take much ... you really have to be careful with the use of it."

 

Kleiner wasn't concerned and Town Administrator Jay Green said he felt the Forest Wardens and Fire Department took a lot of pride in their equipment.

 

"I feel comfortable as your administrator to tell you that even though they are volunteers, they will take incredible pride in it," he said. "It is a smart investment and they care about their equipment."

 

Selectman Richard Blanchard added that with more hikers on the Greylock Glen, a reliable rescue vehicle is needed.

 

"I think the development of the Glen will draw a lot of people on the mountain, and it may be necessary to buy something that you can take people on and off the mountain with," he said. "Other departments may have something but you really don't want to have to wait."

 

Selectwoman Christine Hoyt looked over the Forest Warden's fleet list and noted that many of the vehicles may be on their last legs.

 

"I am looking 1980, 1993, 1999," Hoyt said. "Those are some really good years, but I don't know if those are good years for some of those vehicles ... maybe we can have that conversation next year."

 

Kleiner said wardens do what they can to manage their aging fleet and equipment. He said if something works, they generally feel that there is no need to replace it.

 

The Selectmen couldn't take any action that night at the workshop meeting. With the fiscal 2022 budget complete, the funds need to be pulled from somewhere else. They moved the item to their next agenda.