Notes from the Select Board, March 9, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Lee Select Board members - Shawn Regnier, Chair, Bob Jones, Gordon Bailey
• Stockbridge Select Board members - Patrick White, Chair, Jamie Minnaci, Chuck Cardillo
• Town Administrators Lee and Stockbridge
• Fire Chiefs Lee and Lenox
• 18 via Zoom
• Could not determine how many attended in person.

1. White welcomed everyone to the joint meeting and explained there was one agenda item — considering a merger between Lee and Stockbridge fire and rescue
2. Intermunicipal services in shared building. All Stockbridge volunteers were thanked by White and told if they wish to stay on they will be welcome.
3. Lee Fire Chief and Stockbridge Fire Chief stressed the need.
   1. Stockbridge has increasing numbers of part-time residents and an aging population.
   2. Stockbridge had a 90-person volunteer fire department but now has an 8 volunteers and all must retire by 70 years old.
   3. Lee already is on-call, sharing services and equipment with Stockbridge. The Lee Chief hopes sharing firehouse and staff will increase response time.
4. The Chiefs wanted to assure everyone that there will be problems but right now there will be no diminution of service.
5. White said cannot kick this can down the road.
6. During public comment firemen were present in person and on Zoom with the intelligent questions that come from experience.
7. Regnier said the questions asked and the need underscored that they should firm a study committee. White concurred and said it should move with deliberate speed but not rush an important process.
8. White called for new volunteers and encouraged anyone interested to contact him or the Fire Chief.
9. The two select boards agreed the advisory board should consist of one select board member from each town (Cardillo and Jones), the two fire chiefs, the two town administrators, one volunteer (chosen by the volunteers) and one citizen member from each town.

Meeting adjourned