WESTFIELD — Police will temporarily expand their ranks, the city will design repairs for Arm Brook Dam and Hampton Ponds’ ballfield will get a new name, after a series of unanimous votes by the City Council on Thursday.
Councilors approved a temporary staff increase for the Police Department from 66 patrol officers to 71, to allow an additional five new hires to attend the upcoming Police Academy in November, in preparation of anticipated retirements from the department.
During the discussion, Councilor Michael Burns, speaking on the recommendation from the council’s Legislative and Ordinance Committee, said Chief Lawrence Valliere and City Solicitor Shanna Reed had come to the committee meeting to speak about the request. Burns said the council is authorized to raise the staffing at any time for the Police Department.
