Notes from the Select Board, October 27, Hybrid meeting

Present:

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

1. Special Permit Hearing for the property of Philip Marc Cedar & Meryl Newman-Cedar located at 56 Mahkeenac Road. Brent White, White Engineering, on behalf of the owners explained the proposed addition — an elevator — would by less nonconforming than at present. Special permit approved
2. Continuation of Special Permit Hearing for the property of FINNERTY FRANCES K C/O JIM FINNERTY located at 1 Goodrich Street — Finnerty not present — continued
3. White was invited to attend the Water & Sewer Commission meeting to discuss Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) and sewer expansion and connection to funding available.
4. White Pines Condominium Association explained a proposal for a Limited Common Area Agreement by which — Stockbridge Building Inspector could approve additions of 500 sq. ft. or less decks/patios without approaching SB for special permit because SB would identify such additions as "insignificant" — minor or non-substantial.
   1. Cardillo had "no problem" with it
   2. Minacci asked could the 500 sq. ft. be enclosed and made indoor rooms?
   3. The additions would be allowed per unit not per owner. It was estimated that there were 65 units.
   4. Ron Brouker, Chair ConCom, pointed out that 500 sq. ft. times 65 units is 32,000 sq. ft — 3/4 of an acre of additional building.
   5. White asked that a decision be postponed until after the PB weighs in.
   6. Gail Sillman was proposing a deck at her property and wanted to begin work before ground freeze. White said if she did so before approval by SB, she was taking a risk.
5. Chime Tower update: Canales said, funds approved at town Meeting and contract awarded to restore "instrument portion" of Chime Tower restoration. $195,175 awarded to "make bells playable." The suggestion to add bels was turned down by the Historical Commission and they determined to restore chime tower to the 1973 condition.
6. PILOT — White recused himself (employed by a nonprofit) Tom Stokes reported progress and introduced Strauss as co-chair. The committee is advisory to the SB and it will proceed with creating a questionnaire and encouraging cooperation and inclusion.
7. Monument Mountain parcel discussion — upon the death of Clover Swann, 355 acres came on the market.
   1. Laurel Hill, Stockbridge Land Trust (SLT), Berkshire Natural Resources (BNR) and others have come together to purchase and protect the land.
   2. Mary Berle, Rich Bradway (Pres Stockbridge Land Trust) and Beth Miles (BNR) spoke on behalf of the land — the family's wish that it be preserved, the great value to the Town if preserved, and their fundraising efforts. They encouraged any who wish to contribute to contact the Town or their organizations.
   3. Canales explained that Community Preservation Committee (CPC) can contribute to the purchase under its mandate, and can place a conservation restriction, but cannot own it — would turn it over to a nonprofit
   4. Who would own it? Which nonprofit not yet determined
8. Housatonic Water Works discussion — there may be as any as 20 homes in Stockbridge who have water provided by the Housatonic Water Works. Minacci encouraged any who are concerned about the quality of the water or water pressure to call Town Offices
9. Intersection discussion and update
   1. Reconsideration: do not remove center crosswalk but move it to meet ADA requirements
   2. One tree (diseased already removed — may lose another and may lose 6 parking places in one location but can pick up two or three of those farther down the street
10. Affordable Housing Trust — two appointments — Lis Wheeler reappointed to two-year term to correct earlier mistake and Patrick White appointed.
11. Building use policy discussion — Canales wants Town Offices reopened for public use and would like a policy on how to do that. What cost? Who would be charged and who have free access?
12. The minutes for August 11th, August 25th, September 8th, September 22nd and October 13, 2022 approved as written
13. Chair opened for public comment — Michael Roisman presented a petition to the SB signed by 136 Stockbridge voters requesting that the Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) be carefully considered by the SB in a public meeting and formally voted on. Roisman asked that townsfolk attend the meeting when the date is announced. (Tentatively scheduled for Nov 17)

Photo: Blue Moon Images/Dana Goedewaagen