Notes from the Select Board, December 2, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White

Also present: Michael Canales, Town Administrator, Brian Cruey, Director, Naumkeag, and guests via zoom included Anita Schwerner, Tom LaBelle, Lisa Sauer, Barb Zanetti, Carl Sprague, Gary Pitney, Hugh Page and many more.

1. No. 8 Mahkeenac Terrace — in adding garage, the building exceeds the height restriction by several feet (35-foot restriction, proposed structure would be 42 feet). Representative for the owners said, the "bylaw is ambiguous".
   • Carl Sprague via Zoom said, "The bylaw is not ambiguous; uphold it please."
   • The representative replied, "That is the position we are taking."
   • If the owners dig down to add garage, is height measurement from new grade they created or from original grade? Cardillo made a strong argument that bylaw means what it says — from dirt to roof at lowest and highest points. Representatives on behalf of owner eliminated the garage and were granted permit on condition that height of house is 35 feet or less per bylaw.
2. Abigail Fredsall expressed interest in serving on Agriculture and Forestry Commission and was appointed.
3. Renewal of annual alcohol licenses: Berkshire Theater Group, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Elm Street Market, Norman Rockwell Museum, Michael's, Once Upon A Table, Stockbridge Golf Club, Stockbridge Sportsmen's Club, Stockbridge Wine Cellar, Theresa's, Red Lion Inn, and Wheatleigh. All approved in one vote.
4. Annual Entertainment licenses
   1. Before any vote or discussion, McCaffrey made statement about balancing concerns when nonprofits are located in residential neighborhoods. It was unclear if she was speaking for herself or on behalf of the Select Board.
   2. All licenses approved except Berkshire Botanical Garden and Naumkeag. There were objections/concerns expressed so there will be a public hearing December 16.
5. White announced food drive on December 7 — pick up in a.m.

Meeting adjourned.

Photo: Jay Rhind