Rochester Police Chief Magee will join the ranks of the few prestigious officers to undergo formal FBI training this upcoming fall. Town Administrator Richard LaCamera made the announcement at the Rochester Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting on Monday, August 13 in Rochester Town Hall.
“This is quite an honor for him,” said LaCamera.
Chief Magee was one of 250 police officers selected in the country to attend the 8 – 10 week FBI Academy. The training will be held in Quantico, Virginia for an undisclosed time period in this autumn.
Magee will not be leaving the Rochester Police Department. He will return once his training is complete. LaCamera said there are several sergeants who will fill in for Magee in his absence.
In other news, the Selectmen heard from Tax Collector Beatrice Renauld, who wrote a letter of concern to the Board that in her first year of duty, she was worried she was giving the wrong impression because the town is over budget for fiscal year 2013 by $4,000.
“It just looks like I’m not doing a good job,” said Renauld.
Renauld explained that $3,171 of the budget overage is a result of interest mailed to Covanta SEMASS that should not have been sent. She also explained that she was not made aware that it was sent until after the fact and she has asked Covanta for it to be returned.
LaCamera gave a final update on the Rochester Country Fair, saying all of the final preparations have been made and the new venue on Pine Street is ready for the event.
“Everyone has worked really hard,” said LaCamera. “They’re getting a terrific response.”
LaCamera met with the Town Building Commissioner James Buckles to discuss possible repair to the Town Hall. The two were in agreement that the building’s roof, windows and siding need to be replaced, and they will draft plans to put out to bid soon.
“We are all on the same page with his,” he said.
The Rochester Council on Aging is looking for new members to serve on its Board of Directors in anticipation of a few retirements that could happen this year. All interested candidates should send a letter of interest stating qualifications to the Council of Aging Board of Directors for review.
The Rochester Board of Selectmen will meet again on Monday, August 27 at 7:00 pm in Rochester Town Hall.
By Katy Fitzpatrick