Key Notes from the Select Board, August 25, 2023, Hybrid

On Lincoln Lane, there are two houses that share a privately-owned hookup to the sewer. The man-hole cover was damaged. The two families hoped the Town would repair or replace it. SB Chair Chuck Cardillo was opposed to the expenditure as it would constitute spending taxpayer money on private property. Canales said the Town was only pay for the repairs if it were responsible for the damage (for example: if the snowplow hit it). SB member Patrick White was in favor. For reasons of kindliness, and because the Town Highway Department could do it at little or no extra cost to the Town, White favored repairing it. SB member Jamie Minacci, the deciding vote, was unsure. She wondered how many of these privately owned sewer connections there were, if this would set precedent, and what it would cost. Town Administrator Michael Canales did not have the answers but offered to research and have them ready for next meeting. However, Minacci decided to vote "no'. Request denied.

Scott Muir was granted a promotion with the Fire Department.

A second opinion on repair of the Curtisville Bridge was considered by the SB. The cost for the engineer to generate the report is $14,500. The expert opinion could possibly result in a more cost-effective solution that would also maintain the character and historical integrity of the bridge. Passed unanimously. Two previous engineering reports, from Forsythe Land Management, suggested the bridge could not be saved, and it was to necessary to build a new bridge. The SB passed to measure to spend $14,500 to determine if the historic bridge could be saved.

The Cemetery Commission proposed an oval metal sign with black and white lettering. White hoped the materials and the lettering could be more in keeping with an historic New England cemetery. He suggested wood or iron.

Canales reported that Stockbridge is moving forward with an agreement for electricity that will reduce and stabilize electric prices for residents.

The balance of the ARPA money was awarded for the sidewalk from Pine Woods to Town and the Mary Flynn Trail.

The Laurel Hill Association would like the Town to repair the Park Street Bridge and then, LHA will give the bridge to the Town. At Town Meeting folks will be asked to vote for/against accepting the gift.

Photo: Lionel Delevingne