Notes from the Select Board (SB) Meeting, September 22, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Patrick White, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Jamie Minacci
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Others present named if they spoke

1. White called the meeting to order and thanked Hugh Page and Michael Canales for their efforts on behalf of the Josh Billings RunAground.
2. White answered two questions asked about Pine Woods at the last SB meeting
   1. How many children live at Pine Woods? 25
   2. What is the schedule for repaving driveway? Work will begin this fall and be completed next summer — problem is that it is "as if paving over water" — so have to wait for dry periods to do work
3. White asked for public comments. Michael Roisman rose and said he voted for all three selectmen present but expressed his disappointment that Cardillo and Minacci did not seem to be representing the primary residents of Stockbridge. He was shocked that at the last SB meeting, Cardillo and Minacci said they would never vote for the Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) although the vote is not scheduled until the tax classification hearing hopefully in October. Roisman expressed disappointment that their announcement cut off all discussion. He closed by noting that Minacci read from a piece of paper making it appear she came prepared to express her opposition to RTE.
4. White opened the Public Hearing for a Special Permit at 38 Lake Drive. Brent White of White Engineering and Attorney Nick Arienti appeared on behalf of the owners. The permit was for tearing down a house and building new on a preexisting nonconforming lot. Approved unanimously.
5. White introduced Jessie Cooley from Berkshire Community Action Commission (BCAC). There is money available for weatherizing houses in Stockbridge. Depending upon income up to 100% of costs may be paid. In order to qualify...
   1. First an energy audit to determine needs
   2. Next a determination if there are any barriers to implementing recommended plan
   3. There is money for weatherizing but not removing barriers such as necessary roof work to be completed before insulation or clutter or other obstructions to entering and doing work
   4. 5 homes in Stockbridge are "ready to go" but need additional funds to remove barriers — $12-16,000
   5. White suggested the SB approve the money and that it come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA—federal funds) as it was in Pittsfield and other Bekrshire towns
   6. Cardillo wanted to wait; perhaps get approval from Town Meeting. However, this is in May when the heating season would be over
   7. Minacci said, "don't we have to follow the rules/law?"
   8. White made a motion to approve the needed funds conditional on calling Town Counsel — passed unanimously
6. White suggested an Intern Program for Monument Mt. students interested in working in government. Roughly 7.5 hours/week. Motion made to do it on a Pilot Program basis and evaluate — passed
7. Matt Boudreau, Chair of the Agricultural and Forestry Commission came before the SB to request $10,000 to kickstart a Stockbridge Farmer's Market. Since many towns are ahead of us and have markets, Boudreau suggested we offer a vendor's stand at no charge in the first year. Also, that we have it in the evening like a stop on the way from work to cooking dinner. White and Cardillo seemed positively disposed, but Canales wanted to sit down with Boudreau and "dot the I's and cross the t's."
8. White announced that the original request from the Regional School District was for $15,000 per town to complete their study. Now, however, there appears to be other sources of funding so it may be much less.
9. The special Select Board meeting to discuss the Main Street Redesign will be October 17 5:30pm and determine whether a Special Town Meeting will take place.

Meeting adjourned

Lynda Gunn — local Stockbridge girl — models for one of the great paintings of the 20th Century. Photo: Patrick White of the side-by-side images at Stockbridge Town Hall.