Key take Aways from the Select Board meeting, July 13, 2023

Our Town Administrator is moving staff around for greater efficiency and Select Board member White asked that the SB be consulted before Canales does it.

Harvey Waller, President of the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society, announced two events in 2023' There will be horse-drawn carriages through Town on Columbus Day weekend October 6,7, and 8. Times will be posted.

The 24th annual Horse Show will be at Orleton Farm Stockbridge –Au8gst 10, 11 and 12 — open to public.

SB Chair Cardillo opposed a separate Second Homeowner Advisory Group and encouraged second homeowners to contact the Town with concerns and sign up for openings on committees, boards, and commissions. Thus they are integrated into the Town not separated. Minacci supported Cardillo. In public comment, Josh Peyron objected to having too many committees and also to what he saw as second homeowners stepping in to defeat programs (like the Residential Tax Exemption) meant to help primary homeowners. Others spoke and did not seem to support the idea.

The vote was 2-1 — the idea of a second homeowner advisory board was defeated.

The trees treated in Ice Glen: the ash trees seem to be doing well — the hemlock seem to need more attention.

Finally the Housatonic Water Works, serving 24 Stockbridge residents, is proposing to raise their rates 120% in order to make the required improvements. Great Barrington and Stockbridge have the right to appoint an intervener to determine if the rate is fair and only covers the cost of repairs. GB appointed their Town Counsel and Stockbridge will appoint Patrick White — voted and approved

Editor's note: During public comment, Patty Caya suggested that the Town advertise committee, commission, and board openings on her Internet group. Her Internet group is closed — not everyone is welcome, and even sharing comments posted by members with nonmembers is frowned upon.

The Commonwealth requires "a notice or announcement be made in a public medium or multiple mediums, publicizing board, committee, commission or council vacancies and seeking applications for the opening(s)... Methods used must meet at least that minimum criterion."

Ice Glen Road. Photo: Patrick White