Editorial

Editorial: The Sweet Sound of the Chimes

The Children’s Chimes Bell Tower was built in 1878 and given to the Town by David Dudey Field. It is believed the Tower was built on the site of the original 1739 Meeting House. 

David Dudley Field II built the Chime Tower in honor of his grandchildren. He wrote, “It will be a memorial of those who are enshrined in my heart, while the ringing of the chimes at sunset I trust will give pleasure to all whose good fortune it is to live in this peaceful valley.” 

In accordance with Field’s instructions, the chimes were rung at 5:30 every evening between “apple blossom time and the first frost on the pumpkin.”

Over the decades, the times for ringing were lengthened — ringing every hour — and the time span shortened — “from apple blossom to apple drop.” Then the trouble started: first, they were off-key, and then they fell silent. The bells were silent too long. It was a momentous task to repair them, but very soon the task will be completed.

Thank you to Terry Flynn, who as Select Board Chair worked to get the ball rolling, to Bruce Blair, who jumped in early to increase momentum, to our 2021 Select Board, who found the money, to our Historical Commission who put in an oar, and to our Town Administrator who shepherded it through. The bells will be all repaired and polished, and heard once more in Stockbridge next month.

The bells did more than ring the hour. For many years, Claire Williams climbed all those steps in the Tower to reach the bells. Twice a week at least, for half an hour, Claire played music including “Amazing Grace” and other hymns. When told that soon the chimes would be fixed, she said, “Oh, how wonderful.”

At 94 years old, Claire will be very happy to hear the Children’s Chimes Tower ring out once more. So will we all. 

Wouldn’t it be great if the Town considered scheduling an event to ring in the new while celebrating a 250-year-old tradition? The Chimes represent the best of Stockbridge. Patrick, Chuck, Jamie, how about voting for a block Party on the Town Green? 

by Carole Owens , Executive Editor

News

SU FYI

The Transfer Fee – What is it and is it coming to our house? 

In the simplest terms it is a charge added when buying/selling a house, that is, when transferring it to a new owner. Therefore, it is called the “real estate transfer fee.”

The new income realized would be dedicated to affordable and workforce housing. In addition, a percentage of the money raised could be ear-marked for grants to repair existing houses.

There is agreement about the problem: that the cost of housing in Stockbridge rose sharply creating a scarcity of affordable and work force housing. 

There are a number of solutions proposed to address the problem. The Transfer Fee is one. Specifically, it is a 1-percent or 2-percent fee on property sales over a stated amount. 

It is an idea introduced by Great Barrington Select Board member, Leigh Davis, however, it may also resonate in Stockbridge (See the Select Board meeting report below.)

Leeches

Leeches of North America are common in all our lakes. They are bothersome, especially in swimming areas. They are not dangerous. They do not cause serious physical harm and they do not transmit diseases. They are just really ugly, sort of squishy, and they dig into skin so they have to be pried out. 

Stockbridge Cultural Council Survey/Grant Application Deadline

This year the Stockbridge Cultural Council (SCC) conducted a survey to obtain community input on our funding priorities. 

Our residents responded:

• Continue support for local artists, writers, and other contributors to our cultural bounty
• Prioritize arts education in the schools and field trips for students
• Provide low-cost programs for families. 

The Council will continue its efforts to provide meaningful support to Stockbridge-based applicants, to applicants whose projects take place in a Stockbridge venue, and to projects that positively impact Stockbridge residents. We thank those who responded for their valuable input, and we have updated the priorities on our application website to reflect these goals.

This cycle, the SCC will be awarding $15,500 in grants including $5,500 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and $10,000 from the Town of Stockbridge. 

The application period for grants opened September 1 and will close on October 17th.

For more information, please visit massculturalcouncil.org/stockbridge.

Judith Wilkinson, Chair, Stockbridge Cultural Council

News

Query: Hello Berkshire Waldorf High School

The word is fund raising to restore the venerable building is going well — but more is always welcome. The sale will close very soon, and then, once again, we will have a school in Stockbridge. How nice!

Query: The building does not have any frontage — never did. The Board of Directors has done so well so far — do you have a solution for this last hurdle? 

News

Stockbridge Files a Petition to Intervene

The Town of Stockbridge is filing a Petition to Intervene with the Mass Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in the matter initiated by the Housatonic Water Works (HWW).

On June 23, 2023, HWW requested of DPU an increase in their rates that would generate 

$88,808 in addition to revenues — a 113% increase over its current rates. HWW petitioned DPU for the increase to cover repair costs.

In addition, HWW requested authorization from DPU to change its rules and regulations concerning private water mains and terms of payment.

Stockbridge has “standing” to intervene. The proposed changes would impact the 20+ Town residents to whom HWW supplies water. Further, HWW supplies water to fire hydrants located in Stockbridge. Both the Town and a number of Town residents are rate payers who would be substantially affected by the proposed change.

Patrick White stated: “Stockbridge just received from town counsel the paperwork to file with the Department of Public Utilities as an intervenor. We plan on filing on Tuesday. Whether you’re a homeowner now or in the future we are going to do our best to have your back. I would welcome the opportunity to talk with any HWW customers. Congratulations to Stockbridge for looking out for its residents.”

Editor’s notes: 1. The public hearing is September 26, 2023, at 7pm in the auditorium at Monument Mountain Regional High School. 2. Click here to read the entire petition to intervene.

News

Key Notes from the EMS meeting, September 6, 2023, Hybrid

Earlier meetings were joint with Lee discussing a way forward that may be a regional approach (like Tri-Town Health or the 3Town Berkshire Hills Regional School District). 

This meeting was the 5 Stockbridge representatives only to discuss their reactions to the discussion and the consultant’s report so far. The 5 are: Select Board Chair Chuck Cardillo, Town Administrator Michael Canales, Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli, James MacDonald, Stockbridge Fire Department, and George Manley, Stockbridge resident and local entrepreneur.

The median age in Stockbridge is now 61. As the Stockbridge population ages, the need for emergency medical services (EMS) increases, and the number of volunteer firefighters and emergency response personnel decreases. Given the statistics, there was support from all to at least pursue discussions with Lee.

One the other hand, Canales said, a preliminary result from the consultant identified a weakness in Stockbridge services. To achieve that, Stockbridge needs an ambulance in Interlaken. The optimum response time is within six miles. To achieve that Stockbridge needs the ambulance in Interlaken. If Lee Town Meeting voted for a firehouse on Main Street, for example, or if Lenox moved its current firehouse, then merging would be out of the question because Interlaken (and beyond) would be areas of Stockbridge beyond 6 miles.

MacDonald seemed more supportive of building up the Stockbridge Fire/EMS Department. He felt the current department was excellent, and if we build on that, invest money in it rather than in merging with Lee, it will be a better department. Canales offered the Tri-Town health example, but MacDonald felt if you maintain control, It might run better and also be a cost saving.

The conversation then moved to housing. Members felt additional work force housing would attract younger residents who might then work for or volunteer in the Fire Department. 

Manley wanted more publicity for their efforts. He felt townsfolk would be very interested and should be kept well-informed. Chief Garofoli said he has an meeting with Stockbridge Updates next we and discuss a possible “From the Desk of the Fire Chief”. 

Editor’s note: 1. Stockbridge Update will be delighted to publish any news from our Fire Department and Chief Garofoli. 2. Every discussion about affordable housing needs suggests we change our two- and four-acre zoning. Even setting aside concerns expressed about density the character of Stockbridge, a zoning change is unnecessary. It is not necessary to change local zoning in Stockbridge or anywhere in Massachusetts to build affordable housing bcause Mass General Law 40B is in place. 40B allows exemptions from zoning to build affordable and subsidized housing. 40B reads: Chapter 40B is a state statute, which enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.

News

Key Notes from the Planning Board, September 5, 2023, Hybrid

Chair Kate Fletcher opened the meeting with a suggestion that they only meet once a month. Marie Rafferty, Nancy Sosha, and Wayne Slosek wanted to meet more often to discuss topics of interest and not only meet or limit meetings to consider applications for permits. Sosha suggested they should also make time to discuss other issues of interest. She mentioned zoning as a possible topic.

Slosek wanted to be free to bring up an issue during a meeting and felt as if members were being silenced unfairly. The Chair explained that according to Open Meeting Laws, only matters on the agenda could be discussed.

Slosek said he didn’t believe it.

Gary Pitney said it was true. Lis Wheeler said why not ask Town Counsel to send a memo to each member confirming the rules under the OML.

It was a brief and tense meeting. Sosha walked out. 

The Chair agreed that time would be set aside at the next meeting for all members to suggest topics for future discussion that would be placed on later agendas. The Chairs asked members to make specific suggestions so they could be placed on the agendas for future meetings — OML requires specificity. It was also agreed that Town Counsel would be asked to send a memo to each member confirming OML rules and restrictions especially as pertains to the agenda.

There was no vote on the Chair’s suggestion about a monthly rather than the current bi-monthly meetings.

Editor’s note: Following is the memo dated September 13,2023, to PB explaining the relevant portions of the OML prepared by the Town Administrator in consultation with Town Counsel

Meeting Agenda must be posted, 48 hours in advance in a legible, easily understandable format; contain the date, time, and place of the meeting; and list all topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. 

The list of topics must be sufficiently specific to reasonably inform the public of the issues to be discussed at the meeting. Meeting notices must also indicate the date and time that the notice was posted, either on the notice itself or in a document or website accompanying the notice. If a notice is revised, the revised notice must also conspicuously record both the date and time the original notice was posted as well as the date and time the last revision was posted. Recording the date and time enables the public to observe that public bodies are complying with the Open Meeting Law’s notice requirements without requiring constant vigilance.

Additionally, in the event of a complaint, it provides the Attorney General with evidence of compliance with those requirements. 

If a discussion topic is proposed after a meeting notice is posted, and it was not reasonably anticipated by the chair more than 48 hours before the meeting, the public body should update its posting to provide the public with as much notice as possible of what subjects will be discussed during the meeting. Although a public body may consider a topic that was not listed in the meeting notice if it was not anticipated, the Attorney General strongly encourages that unless matter requires immediate action it should be put off to a later meeting and included in the agenda. 

Certain matters may be communicated outside of the open meeting law but are limited. 1) Questions concerning meeting cancellations and scheduling often must be discussed outside of a meeting. 2) Requests to put items on the agenda, so long as no substantive discussion occurs. a) Request can be made to the chair to place an item on an agenda outside or during a meeting for the next meeting or a specific meeting date. b) If the chair refuses, a member may request to the board members to place the item on an agenda by majority vote. If approved, the item will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting or a specific meeting.

News

Key Notes from the Conservation Commission (ConCom) meeting, September 12, 2023, Hybrid

National Grid will plant 40 trees around Town and would like instructions as to where in Town to plant them. Patrick White suggested a 40-tree apple orchard. ConCom supported the idea at 20 apple trees with other trees planted along the river as well as the few already planted.

The letter written by the ConCom consultant to the Railroad company pressing with dates by which steps toward removing the creosote-laden railway ties must be removed was not mailed. The Vise Chair Lisa Bozzuto will follow up.

On Wheatleigh Drive a resident clear cut the front lawn, planted grass, and installed a chain link fence. Each of those things are in violation of Town bylaws. According to the Town Stormwater Bylaw, an area exceeding 10,000 sq. ft. cannot be clear cut without a permit, and chain link fences are not permitted.

PB Member Marie Raftery attended the ConCom meeting and said it was decided that at the next PB meeting, zoning bylaw changes would be discussed. Raftery invited ConCom to consider what zoning bylaw changes it might recommend and submit them to PB. 

Editor’s note: For two years under the Chairmanship of Bill Vogt, with an $80,000 budget for consultants, the PB discussed zoning. There were no zoning changes. Before that, under the Chairmanship of Kate Fetcher a committee of members from Planning Board, ConCom, ZBA, and more studied our local zoning bylaws with the assistance of a paid consultant. Raftery’s suggestion to ConCom seemed both beyond the scope of what was actually decided at the Sept 5 PB meeting (Video of the 22-minute PB meeting available at CTSB.org) and what was necessary after years of study.

News

Key Notes from the Select Board (SB), September 13, 2023, Hybrid

Mark Cappadona from Colonial Group presented what will happen now with the Stockbridge Aggregation Plan. The SB approved forming an aggregation plan which will allow Stockbridge to negotiate for the best electricity price per kilowatt. Now Colonial will go first to the Department of Energy Resources to be approved and then to the Department pf Public Utilities, Approval rom the second body could take two to four years, Once granted Sockbridge would hav emore negotiating power than an individual and could alos endeavor to join a larger group.

Seats to be filled: there is an open seat on the Council on Aging and Patrick White offered to step aside if someone else is interested in serving on the Cemetery Commission. Chair Cardillo invited people interested to apply.

The Town Administrator reported on the Children’s Chime Tower, the Ice Glen, and the crosswalks. Once the bells are repaired and reinstalled in October, it will only remain to restore the copula.

All parts of the Cat and Dog fountain are repaired except for the cat and dog. It will be fully restored soon. Patrick White asked if there was a plan for restoration of the grounds surrounding the fountain. He pointed out than is the entrance to Town and an important feature of Main Street. He hoped Tom Farley and other local landscape designers would be asked to make suggestions as well as townsfolk. White also thanked Kate Fletcher, Bob Jones, Carl Sprague for their years of work.

When the crosswalks are due to be repaired and paved, we will be informed via the “code red” system which street will be closed.

It was proposed that the Building Department be reorganized. For four towns — Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge, there will be one Building Commissioner, three building inspectors, and staff in each of the four offices. Jennifer Carmichael will remain in Stockbridge office plus we will have one building inspector 20 hours per week. Canales said it should be more cost effective and give adequate coverage. The proposal passed.

The ash trees in Ice Glen are doing well — we lost a number of hemlocks – treatment of both will continue.

Great Barrington Select Board member Leigh Davis presented the plan for the Transfer Fee proposed in GB. Step one for being able to implement the plan would be approval from the legislature. There is some urgency in getting this approval so Great Barrington is placing it as a warrant item on the October 23, Special Town Meeting.

Patrick White would like the SB to vote to do the same so Stockbridge is onboard. He was careful to stress that voting for the warrant item does not commit Stockbridge to a Transfer Fee, that would be discussed and voting on separately. This warrant item would just accomplish the first step of getting legislative approval to pursue the idea. Jamie Minacci and Cardillo said they needed more time and more information. It may be on the agenda of the next SB meeting still in time to place on the warrant for the October 23 Special Town meeting.

Editor’s note: Municipal electricity aggregation is a form of group purchasing in which a town selects an electricity supplier on behalf of its residents and businesses.

Photography

The Red Lion: Pictures from an Exhibition — One Artist Views Another

Lionel Delevingne photographs Ralph Steadman.

Upcoming

Events 

Organized Escape: Psychoanalysts in Exile

In collaboration with the Sigmund Freud Museum of Vienna, the Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center brings a special exhibition to Stockbridge. 

On Saturday, March 12, 1938, German troops crossed the border into Austria and annexed their neighbor with no armed resistance from the Austrian people. 

On that weekend in March, Sigmund Freud wrote three diary entries, “Finis Austriae (the end of Austria),” “13/3 Anschluss with Germany,” “13/4 Hitler in Vienna.” 

Over the next days, Freud’s home was searched, and his passport was taken. 85 years later, this exhibition tells the story of the psychoanalytic community in Vienna and Europe and their flight from their home. 

It was a unique collective escape with plans laid out by Anna Freud and the leaders of the Viennese Psychoanalytic Society (WPV). It also tells of their joyous reunion at the Austen Riggs Center’s “First Stockbridge Congress on Child Analysis” in 1950.

What: Organized Escape: Psychoanalysts in Exile 

Where: Corner House Community Exhibition Space at 48 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA

When: Thursdays through Saturdays, 10am — 4pm, until October 16, 2023 — 10am to 4pm

More information: https://www.austenriggs.org/news/freud-riggs

Take a Hike

Berkshire Natural Resources Council “Take a Hike” Autumn is the perfect time for an inquisitive walk through the woods. Deepen your understanding of the changes plant and animal life undergo as they prepare for winter, learning what signs to look for as you enjoy the crisp air and colorful leaves.

The Easy Naturalist: All About Autumn (self-guided walk) at the Old Mill Trail, Dalton/Hinsdale Saturday, September 16 through Monday, October 16

Housatonic Heritage: Explore the Fauna, Flora, and Cultural History of The Old Mill Trail, Hinsdale Sunday, September 17, 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm

This hike is led by Aimee Gelinas from Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center. This easy hike will follow the Housatonic River and will feature riverbank, forest, and floodplain ecology. Participants will learn about the flora (plants, trees, wild edibles), the fauna (signs of wildlife), and cultural history of this unique conservation land along the Housatonic River.

To register, email aimee@gaiaroots.com 

Stockbridge Senior Center 

The Berkshire Strummers, a group of local ukelele players meet every Tuesday evening from 6:30 – 8 to play ukelele and sing in the Stockbridge Senior Center meeting room. This is an amateur group of varied experience who play and sing. Bring your ukelele and join in or just sit and listen. 

Stockbridge Library

Writers get together on Wednesdays, 10:30 to noon. If you are in the midst of writing something or want to be — join the writers’ group.

Exhibit: Homeland: Mohican Artists opening September 16, 2023

Three Stockbridge-Munsee artists from Wisconsin are participating in this special exhibition. Put together by Terry Wise and others. The paintings are in the first floor lobby, and the beadwork and reproductions are in the lower level display cases through the end of October.

Perspective

A Scary Topic: The Rest of River and the Rest of Us

In case you are new to town, years ago General Electric dumped huge amounts of toxic chemical PCBs into the Housatonic River on a routine basis, contaminating the river and creating an ongoing health hazard. It seems that a settlement with the affected parties has been negotiated with GE by a Select Board-appointed group of town representatives called the “Rest of River Committee” (ROR), including Lee, Stockbridge, Lenox, Great Barrington, and Sheffield. 

The EPA and GE presented an agreement (in contract form). Lee gets a toxic waste dump site for the PCBs after at least some of the toxic sediment is dredged out of the river, to be buried, encased in plastic. The towns were paid off with GE cash. There are concerns about the safety and effectiveness of dredging. The safer Thermal Desorption River treatment was dismissed by GE and the EPA. 

How much did the average citizen know about any of this? Some info was available via the internet and the press. But I think most of it passed most of us by. Was the Select Board told there was no public info to share because litigation was involved? Which court, what case number? Rest of River Committee meeting minutes note that “Executive Session” was invoked, so no information there. Town officials accepted this? And the cash?

I wonder if, maybe someday soon in Stockbridge… Imagine huge dredging equipment chugging and churning along the Housatonic, destroying wildlife habitat, scooping up contaminated sediment. Hundreds of trips made from the towns to the new toxic dump site in Lee, huge trucks full of toxic sludge, clogging traffic on Rockwell’s Main St, hurting businesses, changing lives. Imagine breathing the vapor, living with the smell and the noise, wondering about cancer…. Who knows?

Underneath the site of the future plastic-lined toxic dump site in Lee lies an aquifer…

I think we might want to talk about our future in a way that includes reality, data, facts — and The Rest of Us. We are a regional community, we cannot just take the money and run. As citizens we have to speak up and represent ourselves, together, regardless of town lines.

by Bruce Blair

Perspective

The Mini Josh

By Carole Owens and John Hart

At 10:27 pm the night before, I received the following text about cancellation of the Josh Billings Run Aground from John Hart: “The JB has been cancelled. But…

Now our team is doing our own abbreviated version of the race. Bobby Flower and I are on the bikes, one against the other and handing off at Beachwood to the canoe. 

The canoe, Jonathan Stern, is going around the lake once close to the shore so nobody gets struck by lightning and then the runner, Julia Bergman, is going to run around the lake from and back to Beachwood. I think everyone should know about this. Sleep well darling.”

In fairness to the organizers of the Josh it did rain. In fact, it poured with thunder and lightning. My electricity was knocked out, and there were downed trees. On the other hand, it was all over before dawn. 

Hart called after the race — he was pumped. It was great fun. Moreover, he heard there were 25 others who ran the race. Congratulations to all who ran the Run Aground.

A fun fact: this was Jonathan Stern’s 42nd consecutive Josh including the “virtual Josh” during COVID. You can’t keep a good village or a good villager down.

Video

Video: Cemetery Restoration

Bill and Ian of Preservation, Inc. discuss the work being done at Stockbridge Cemetery.

Announcements

Berkshire Health Systems Introduces Community Code of Conduct

Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) today released its Community Code of Conduct, proudly joining health systems across the nation in adopting a commitment to creating safe care environments for all staff, patients, and community members.

“Our Community Code of Conduct is an important step in ensuring our care environments across the county are safe, welcoming places,” said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS President and CEO. “Every individual who walks through BHS’ doors should feel confident that they will receive the attention they deserve without fear of violence or disruptions to care. Our Community Code of Conduct supports the safety of our patients, people, and community– and communicates our strong belief that safety and healing go hand in hand.”

This Community Code of Conduct was created in response to the increasing number of dangerous and volatile situations arising in healthcare settings nationwide. The Community Code enforces the expectation of all people to be respectful and courteous while refraining from behaviors that are not welcome in BHS care environments. BHS is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing not only of patients, but also of employees and of front-line staff.

“It is important that every person that interacts with our system knows that they are in a safe and healing environment, enforced by our thoughtful Community Code,” said Charles Redd, BHS DEI Officer. “We must hold ourselves and others accountable for their words and actions in order to create a trusted place that people can turn to at some of their most vulnerable moments.”

Berkshire Health System’s Community Code of Conduct will be formally adopted October 2, 2023. Visit BHS’s website for more information and to read the complete code: www.BerkshireHealthSystems.org/CommunityCode

About Berkshire Health Systems

As the largest employer in Berkshire County, BHS supports more than 4,000 jobs in the region, and, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BHS is committed to partnering with local municipalities and community organizations to help the county thrive.

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

To the Editor

Should the town provide a poop basket for Gould Meadows? 

Lionel Delevingne

Lionel,

We are a dog-loving bunch — this is the third letter Stockbridge Updates received about additional poop stations. 

Thank you, Carole

Carole,

I just got home from listening to the Uke group and working out details for them to play next week at our luncheon after PAT FLINN speaks. 

I stayed to listen to a few songs, and they are a lot of fun.

Can you by any chance promote them as playing at our luncheon as a last-minute fun, wonderful addition on Wednesday September 20, 2023, at 11:00 Senior Center. 

Many thanks if you can “oh wonderful wizard of words”!

Gratefully,

Chris McCarthy, Chair of the Council on Aging

Chris

My pleasure you breathed life back into the Center and we all thank you. I’ll be there — what is more fun than pizza, Pat, and ukuleles??

Carole

Carole,

I was called and I took a look. It was green algae, not dangerous, just disagreeable. We had just been at the lake with Ben Burpee PhD from GZA [a consulting firm — Geo-Environmental, Inc.] and spent a few hours discussing the cyanobacteria situation and testing.

The cyanobacteria are higher in the water than they were earlier in the season and could become problematic at any time. Jim [Wilusz, Executive Director, Tri-Town Health] is testing the water. Right now, there is no reason to close the lake – knock on wood.

I am working on a strategy to grade an HAB [Harmful Algae Bloom]and possibly issue a limited or staged advisory. There are no state guidelines for this, so we have to start from scratch.

Charles Kenny, M.D, Medical Director, Tri-Town Health Department 

Charlie,

Thanks for all you do.

Carole

Carole,

The check that I sent you [for a Stockbridge Updates voluntary subscription] was returned to me last week. Apparently, I put the wrong PO box on it, and it spent all this time at the Stockbridge Post Office. It had the correct zip code so it seems that [folks who work] at the PO could not make the connection to you. Tom Carey is turning over in his grave. Another check is on the way, hopefully with a better result.

Ed Shepherdson

Thank you, Ed. And a huge thank you to all who sent a voluntary subscription to su. Looking for another way to get involved? Send your photographs of Berkshire sights to carole@stockbridgeupdates.com. Send a letter to the editor about what bugs you or what makes you smile.

Carole

Carole,

Kudos to Chuck Cardillo, the current chair of the Select Board. He runs a really good meeting. As last year’s chair, I know how hard that is, and he is quite good at it.

I would like to add that after last night’s public meeting, we had an executive session to discuss contracts with both the highway and police departments. Both Chuck and Jamie Minacci have extensive experience in the public sector, and really contributed in a way to ensure a fair outcome for both the town’s taxpayers and its employees. Thanks to you both. I learned a lot.

Patrick White