Small towns like Sandisfield often struggle to maintain good roads and find and retain employees to keep them that way. Many factors, including the pool of qualified and motivated people, job satisfaction, and perceived better prospects elsewhere contribute to high turnover and instability.

Since 2015 Sandisfield has had four DPW heads as well as periods with interim supervision. Lack of management continuity has affected planning and communication. It has also resulted in staff turnover, operational inefficiencies, and deferred maintenance. And lost opportunities in the form of state grants. But there is good news. The new boss, only ten months into the job, is turning things around.

People are taking note. One frustrated resident said simply, "He returns phone calls." That may seem like a small thing but in terms of management style, it is both revealing and refreshing.

We wish Derek well because if everything goes according to plan, Sandisfield roads may have a very different look and feel and be something to be proud of.

Last month The Times had a chat with our affable new DPW Superintendent, Derek Boomsma. Following is the paraphrased interview.

Who are you?

I live in Becket where my family has been for generations. Before coming here, I owned a general construction company. We had projects all over South County including some in Sandisfield. I am knowledgeable about heavy equipment and the conditions and demands of operating in this area. I am also familiar with recruiting and motivating employees. This job requires every bit of that experience.

What did you see when you walked in the door?

This is my first job that primarily involves roads, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought the department was under performing due to lack of direction. For example, vehicles were in poor condition – a result of improper maintenance scheduling. Also, communication within the department and with Town Hall was poor. On the other hand, the garage is a very good facility and there is a good crew.

What about the roads here?

I drove all over town. The dirt roads were in rough shape. I was surprised at how much mud there was and so many chronic problems.

How will you approach solutions?

Anyone who runs a company understands that survival requires good planning and tracking. Here department planning had been lacking for some time. That is one of my priorities. [Derek displayed a system for tracking current projects and a logbook with neat, detailed notes about everything.] I am also very mindful of the budget. Good planning prevents surprises and over runs which makes the select board's job easier.

I also stress effective communication. I have to say that I am impressed by and grateful to the Select Board and especially Town Manager Janey Snyder because they recognized my inexperience with municipal functions. They are always available and their advice has always been helpful. DPW is automatically scheduled on the agenda once a month and as needed. This way everyone is prepared, and we have good communication and clear direction.

What will you focus on in the near term?

We have been flat-out concentrating on fixing the equipment, starting with new tires on all the vehicles. Some assets will be retired. As for the roads, people will notice more gravel being applied, especially at mud season. With regard to problems like pot holes, we aim for repairs instead of just patching.

The most urgent situation is the failing twin bridges in West New Boston. Dodd Road and Town Hill Road up to Yanner Park are under design and engineering phases. Another priority is a certain section of South Beech Plain Road which should be redesigned and hard surfaced.

The DPW Complex. (Photo: Ron Bernard.)

We're paving Silverbrook Road from 57 to Fox Road and paving the Town Hall parking lot this year.

I am committed to address residents' complaints and I invite suggestions. Although I am in the field three-quarters of the time, I will respond to every call as soon as possible.

I devote about ten to fifteen percent of my time to grant research and writing and regular paperwork. We have just been awarded $250,000 for improvements to South Beech Plain Road and a grant potentially worth up to $150,000 to fix culverts. I wouldn't call it ‘easy money' but there are grants available.

It just takes an effort to reach for them. I do the research and feed the details to Janey and she prepares the narratives. This has worked well. We have six grant proposals under development. Ultimately the plan is to pave more roads. There is an unpaved road grants category at the state that is awarded every other year. We will pursue that.

As for the employees, I will do my best to motivate our team and to keep it staffed at five, including me. Ralph Leavenworth came back as foreman about the same time I started, and we have Dave McCuin, Joe Dieterle, and our terrific new hire, Garrett Hopkins. And I have to acknowledge our office administrator, Connie Cooper, AKA "the boss." And Tim Garcia, our Transfer Station Attendant. It's a great crew.

Asked if there are any regrets about Sandisfield, Derek thought for a moment and said, "The Silverbrook Cafe is gone. That is sad to see. What good times we had there years ago."

The Superintendent's Monthly Report

June 1, Select Board Minutes

DPW Superintendent Derek Boomsma reported ongoing DPW work, including roadside mowing, tree removal at the library, vehicle maintenance, and grading on the north side of town, with about two additional weeks needed to finish remaining roads. Culvert work was completed on Shade Road, with another scheduled. Gravel will be added where needed.

He also noted two grants awarded to the town: a $250,000 grant for South Beech Road improvements and another for engineering work on a culvert on New Hartford Road.

Derek updated the Board on the Route 183 bridge project near the Connecticut line, explaining that the state now requires a full road closure. Two options were presented: a phased closure with alternating traffic (10-17 weeks total disruption) or a full closure for 8-12 weeks. Derek recommended the full closure, with a detour via South Sandisfield and New Hartford Road, and confirmed the road would reopen before winter. A single-lane option was ruled out due to road width. The Select Board agreed with the 8-12 week full-closure option.

Steve requested an update on the River Road Bridge. Derek reported the town was denied funding, though engineers have visited the site. Steve suggested exploring a historical grant option. Derek said he will continue pursuing grant funding and follow up with engineers.