The Chair called the meeting to order and announced only one agenda item. Under consideration was a plan to develop a rating system of all the Chapter 61 properties in Stockbridge. Chater 61 properties are conserved as agriculture, forest, or recreational lands in exchange for a tax break. The conservation restriction can be removed by the owner at any time. If removed, the owner pays the back taxes (saved while conserved) and if the intent is to sell the land, alerts the Town because the Town has an automatic Right of First Refusal.

At the last PB meeting the Chair proposed, and the members approved, a plan to evaluate all Chapter 61 properties in order to be prepared if one is placed for sale and if the Town needs information to determine if it wants to purchase. The Chair was asked and acknowledged that in its history, the Town has never, to her knowledge, exercised the right or purchased Chapter 61 land.

At the last meeting the Chair recommended that consultant David Cameron, formerly with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), do the evaluations. Cameron was present to show the PB a sample evaluation form.

Also present were Matt Boudreau, Chair, Shelby Marshall and Lisa Bozzuto, members, Agricultural and Forestry Commission (AFC). Afc is now able to buy, sell, lease, and manage conservation land. They of course were now considering methods of determining the basis on which to buy sell lease or manage lands.

Matt shared that AFC met with Williamstown AFC and learned they were setting aside a fund for the purpose of purchasing land.

Cameron shared some criteria for evaluating land as listed on his sample form. The conversation will continue. No decision was reached.