Key Take Aways from the Select Board Meeting, May 25

It has been the tradition to elect new officers the first meeting after Election Day for a term until the next election. Patrick White called the meeting to order and nominated Chuck Cardillo as Chair. Motion passed unanimously.

Cardillo quipped, "I'm in charge? I adjourn the meeting." After laughter, Chuck went through the agenda. Austin Riggs, Berkshire Botanical Garden, and Norman Rockwell Museum were approved for one-day liquor licenses for the upcoming year. The Shed at Tanglewood was also approved for a bar in the Shed during first half of one pop concert as a "pilot" to test viability.

Berkshire Theater Group requested a letter of support from SB for a grant application. It was approved.

A new member to the Cultural Council, Chelly Sterman, was appointed.

Finally, approval of the traditional "Second Homeowners' Meeting" was suggested and took up the largest part of the meeting. Cardillo suggested the goal is to make this one community not segregate a portion of the population. In the modern world with Zoom, second homeowners can "attend" every meeting. That brings primary and second homeowners together at the meetings. White seemed to wish to continue the second homeowner meetings. Minacci was unsure and asked about the history of the tradition. Via Zoom Bruce Auerbach and Patty Caya spoke. Caya gave the history of the traditional meeting in answer to Jamie's question at least for the 10 years she has had a second home here. Auerbach endorsed "anything the SB can do to make us all one." He suggested, maybe not call it a second homeowners meeting. The issue was postponed until the next meeting to decide and vote.

Town Administrator, Michael Canales shared that the Commonwealth has extended until April 2024, permission for outdoor dining and alcohol service by private restaurants on Town Land (for example Main Street Café and Elm Street Market placing tables on Town sidewalk. SB supported outdoor dining. Commonwealth may make permission permanent after April 2024 or extend again. In case it does not, Canales recommended that restaurants apply for a Stockbridge permit to continue.

Photo: Lionel Delevingne