The Provincetown Independent: Holtec sued by state for exposing public to asbestos on multiple major incidents

Most meetings are being held in person, but some are still remote or virtual. Go to eastham-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16 and click on the meeting you are interested in to learn about meeting locations and any remote options that may be offered.

Thursday, Sept. 16

• Affordable Housing Trust, 11 a.m., virtual
• Housing Authority, 4 p.m., Small Meeting Room, Eastham Rec. Dept.
• T-Time Committee Public Forum, 5 p.m., virtual

Monday, Sept. 20

• Strategic Planning Committee, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 21

• Historical Commission workshop, 10:30 a.m., Public Library
• Elementary School Committee, 4 p.m.
• T-Time Development Committee, 5 p.m., Town Hall

Wednesday, Sept. 22

• T-Time Committee Public Forum #2, 5 p.m., Salt Pond Visitor Center Amphitheater

Conversation Starters

Vacancies in the Firehouse

At the select board’s meeting this past Monday, Town Administrator Jacqui Beebe announced the retirement of Fire Chief Kent Farrenkopf. His retirement comes after nearly six years as Eastham chief and more than 37 years in total service. Beebe said she is heartbroken about the news and left his letter on her desk for two days before reading it. She called Farrenkopt a “very fine chief.”

Chief Farrenkopf will be replaced by Deputy Chief Dan Keene, who was hired in 2018.

The town now has three openings in the firehouse following two other recent resignations. Beebe said one of the departures was for personal reasons while another department employee is moving out of state.

Select board chair Arthur Autorino asked whether Beebe thought the search would be successful. “I’ve heard they’re very hard to fill, these openings,” he said. Beebe responded that it’s a difficult job and a “long haul” for anyone looking to become certified. Applicants must be certified EMTs or paramedics, complete the Entry Level Firefighter I and I certification, and attend the Mass. Fire Academy, according to the job description.

Assistant Town Administrator and Finance Director Rich Bienvenue called the openings a “long-term problem” affecting the entire town across departments. Select board member Jamie Demetri agreed, saying she felt the issue was larger than simply filling the positions in the present moment but rather that “people who work for the town can’t afford to live in the town.” —Cam Blair