Town administrator shares update on police chief search

By Mike Berger

Town Administrator Charles Doody told the Select Board Tuesday night that he will be talking to at least four candidates who are interested in the interim police chief’s position. The names were given to Doody by the Mass. Police Chiefs Association.

Doody may report back his choices for interviews at the board’s next meeting on May 27. He said his goal is for the board to approve an interim candidate no later than June 30, which is the last day for outgoing Police Chief Helena Rafferty.

Doody said he is looking into the interest and qualifications of three professional firms who may be able to assist with a nationwide search for a permanent police chief. Doody said he would also consider any internal CPD candidate for either the interim or permanent chief’s position.

Doody said the search process for both the interim and permanent chiefs will be transparent and the board’s interviews of the candidates will be open to the public.

In other news from the May 6 meeting:

* Chris Podgurski, Canton’s representative to the MBTA, said he reviewed all of the evidence from the three recent collisions at the Pine Street railroad crossing, and in his estimation all three accidents can be attributed to driver error. Podgurski said the MBTA and Canton DPW are doing their part to ensure that road striping and signage are clearly visible to motorists. Podgurski, who has served as Canton’s MBTA representative for the past four-plus years, noted that his business deals with railroads and his office is located near the accident scene. He said accidents like the ones that have occurred in Canton are happening all over the country. “People are just not paying attention,” he said.

* The Select Board wants to see more information on the rent currently charged to Canton residents at the Prynne Hills development off Randolph Street. Built in 2013 and formerly called Avalon, the property is located on the Canton-Randolph line with some of the units located in either community. The state invited the input of the Canton and Randolph select boards before making a decision on a proposed rental hike of 10 percent from the property owners. Last year, the Canton board voted to recommend a 5 percent increase. Select Board Vice Chair JR McCourt said he does not support any increase for renters of the affordable units because so many other costs have risen. “Car payments are going up, food, water, utilities,” he said. “We have to stop saying it’s okay.” As a compromise, he proposed no increase for those who are renting the affordable units and an increase of 10 percent or another number for the regular units. The average rent for the units at Prynne Hills in 2024 was over $2,500. The data will be discussed at the May 27 meeting …

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