Bellingham Selectboard Creates Veterans Council to Support Jim Hastings

BELLINGHAM -- February 10, 2025, Bellingham Selectboard unanimously creates a five-member Veterans Council set to launch June 1, 2025. Board member Mike Hennessy proposed the council to provide formal, town-backed support for veterans civic activities, including Wreaths Across America and memorial site decoration, that resident Jim Hastings has long organized independently; Hastings is envisioned as a permanent member for as long as he chooses to serve. The board also authorized the DPW to deficit-spend beyond its $275,000 snow and ice budget, with roughly $60,000 remaining and a salt order already placed ahead of incoming storms. Water bill abatements were approved for Speedway LLC at 199 Hartford Avenue, a partial abatement of $168.49 for 169 Locust Street, and $58.20 for John Stewart at 991 South Main Street. The board ended the meeting in executive session to discuss labor negotiations with the clerical, DPW, and Professional Administrators Association unions.