KENT—Matt Starr has been appointed as the new Emergency Management Director following the resignation of Brian Hunt.
Hunt had been on the job for only a few months before resigning because of conflicts with his own work schedule and frustration over a lack of cooperation with the Kent Volunteer Fire Department.
Starr suggested moving the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from a small space in the firehouse to the second-floor conference/break room in Kent Town Hall where it can better serve management and communication functions.
The move will enhance emergency management by placing the EOC next to the selectmen’s office, removing any potential interference with the KVFD.
First Selectman Martin Lindenmayer said the needed equipment can easily be accommodated in the conference room, leaving it available for day-to-day use and meetings.
The future installation of a new generator in town hall will eliminate power issues during prolonged outages in town. If a larger space is required during town-wide disaster coordination, the firehouse will still serve as a central meeting area.
