Notes from the Select Board Meeting, May 26, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Patrick White, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Jamie Minacci
• Michael Canales

1. Public Hearing: Bob Flower, owner, 60 Main Street — permit to add deck — approved
2. Request for public comments moved to beginning of agenda — no comments
3. Berkshire Botanical Garden requests one-day liquor licenses for June 10, 11, 13, 17 and 25 for weddings, wedding rehearsals, and a fund-raising event. Approved
4. Chesterwood one-day liquor license for June 8 — fundraiser, Approved
5. Tanglewood — new manager for food service venues (10 on the property) White is an abutter of Tanglewood and upon Town Counsel advice recused himself — handed gavel to Cardillo. The new manager was present (off camera) and said "hello" — name inaudible.
6. Canales reported
   1. Phase one of Town Beach parking lot completed and useable for Memorial Day holiday weekend. In fall there will be more finishing work, grass, flowers, etc.
   2. Canales also reported there are two new kayak racks. If folks prefer these to the old ones, Town will buy more
   3. White asked about harvester. Canales said it is still not fixed because they are waiting for parts. However, the larger harvester is ready to go in the water
   4. The water chestnut (an invasive) will be picked by divers with the seeds. After that the harvester can begin
   5. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money — suggested use, Use $82,500 for extra compensation for First Responders in police and fire departments and Town Offices. Minacci asked how much will be left after paying this. Answer $531,000.
7. Payments approved
8. SB agreed to postpone the appointments to the boards, commissions, and committees until after the vote recount (Thursday June 2)
9. White said SB members cannot talk to one another outside of the meetings because in a three-member board, two is a quorum. He suggested:
   1. If townsfolk have an issue with a member, they should speak directly to that member. There is no point in telling one about the other as they cannot pass the message on
   2. A long "laundry list" of items to complete still remains, and White is not interested in personalities, but only in the work and getting it done
   3. White is committed to transparency
10. SB agreed to drop the morning SB meeting. They will have two meetings per month at 6:30pm and add a third if necessary. For example, during budget period in preparation for Town Meeting.

SB went into executive session to discuss contracts of police and fire chiefs — will not return. Meeting adjourned

Photo: Blue Moon Images/Dana Goedewaagen