Notes from the Planning Board, August 25, 2026, Hybrid meeting

One agenda item: Richard Lynch and Linda Baker, 90 Hawthorne Street, have two houses on one large lot. They wish to divide the property, resulting in two lots each with one house. Town attorney informed the PB that this proposed split into two parts is not subject to subdivision bylaws if the houses predate the subdivision bylaw. They do. PB does not have discretion and passed the request. However, the problem of being nonconforming will pass to the owners of each lot. F9or example, the two lots are in a 4-acre zone, therefore, a one-acre lot is in violation.
 

Notes from the Finance Committee, August 26, 2026, Hybrid meeting

There was one agenda item: to approve transfer of $100,000 in funds to pay overages in the Fire Department for EMT salaries and snow removal. It passed

Editor’s note: I listened to Zoom twice and cannot understand the individual costs or the total transfer. If any of you listen and understand, let SU know.

Notes from the Agricultural and Forestry Commission, August 31, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Two signs have been completed and delivered and AFC would like to install them near Town Offices and on Route 7 near the Red Lion. They did not specify what the signs were for.

AFC is proposing a Preservation Fund presumably to purchase land coming out of Chapter 61 or just on the market that could be preserved for farming (and or recreation and forestry? Or agriculture only). One suggestion was to ask the Town for $25,000 to start the fund. Another was to transfer $50,000 granted to but not used by Kampoosa Fen (called Bog previously) to the new Preservation Fund. There is a model in Williamstown that they might replicate.

There was discussion about pursuing grants.

AFC member and Stockbridge Tree Warden, Lisa Bozutto, is moving to Maine in November. She will be missed.

Editor’s note: Purchasing and protecting Stockbridge land coming out of Chapter 61 was suggested for 30+ acres at Interlaken Crossroad at the 2024 Town meeting and voted down. Chapter 61 is way for private owners to reduce their taxes by preserving land as recreational or agricultural land or forest. When the private owner removes the land from Chapter 61 (presumably to sell it), the Town has the right of first refusal. Stockbridge never exercised that right; Richmond just turned down that right in the Furnace area. Berkshire Preservation Inc was established in part as a reaction to this. BPI brought the idea to AGF of a public/private partnership to preserve Stockbridge land. BPI is disappointed AFC is not pursuing that but is gratified that they are attempting to do something.

Notes from the Stockbridge Historic Preservation Commission, August 31, Hybrid meeting

One agenda item. Attorney Nick Arienti, on behalf of Hans Morris, presented a proposal for demolition of several outbuildings not original to the McBurney estate (later the Swan and then the Morris estate) on Cherry Hill. The last outbuilding, a barn deemed architecturally significant will be saved and restored. The proposal passed unanimously. The Building Inspector issues the demolition permit.

Notes from the Select Board, September 3, 2026, Hybrid meeting

First order of business was request for public comment. Mike Buffoni wanted to weigh in on the manner in which longevity is being handled with new hires. Apparently new hires are being granted longevity (with the accompanying benefits (4-week vacation and higher pay) for work done in a different town on a prior job. Buffoni, who mentioned he has worked for Stockbridge for 40 years, feels disrespected and feels the new hires are being “gifted” longevity rather than earning it. Since the item was not on the agenda, the SB could not respond or discuss but did offer to put it on the agenda of the next meeting.

License granted to Fore Department for the September 20, 2026 Josh Billings Runaground after party.

At Town Administrator Michael Canales’ request, Teresa Zanetti prepared a letter to new appointees to committees, commissions, and boards with information about the oath of office, Open Meeting Laws, and the Ethics exam. Canales reported on:

1. The dam in Lake Mahkeenac (Stockbridge Bowl) – In November 2025, the Commonwealth judged it unsafe. Since then, preliminary work has been done, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation has raised the rating from unsafe to poor. Now Phase 2 will begin to evaluate and do necessary work. Canales has already informed DCR that Stockbridge will apply for a grant(s) for repairs.
2. The Connector (bus service) – Canales requested options available for Stockbridge and will bring to the SB.
3. Cupola – repairs were done previously in 2006 and 2013 but were inadequate. That is, the underlying cause, water, was not addressed. This year the condition was potentially dangerous. Town Office was roped off and access limited. It was determined to carefully lift the cupola off the building, do the repairs necessary underneath, evaluate damage to cupola and try to try repair and replace cupola.
4. Harvey Waller was expected to discuss Coaching Weekend (October 10 – 12) but was not present. Jorja Marsden paid tribute to the passing of Keith Rafftery and John Morris.

Notes from Water and Sewer, September 8, 2026, Hybrid meeting

The reservoir that provides water to Stockbridge is Lake Averic. Brief discussion on security for the area including cameras.

Sewer for Lake Drive is underway. At this point rock and soil samples are being taken for analysis. The process should be completed by November and then next phase begun. A representative from the Lake Drive Association was present but not introduced. Maple Street: Study being conducted including drainage, water runoff, locations of manholes, and water valves. Once study complete, they will go for state grants for repairs.

There was a valve stuck on a “Clarifier” installed in 2005. Sewer Superintendent Tony Campetti wanted to commend assistant Mark Viola Jr. for the hours of work he did in a confined space to free the valve.

Editor’s note: Clarifiers are settling tanks built with mechanical means for continuous removal of solids being deposited by sedimentation.[1] A clarifier is generally used to remove solid particulates or suspended solids from liquid for clarification and/or thickening. Inside the clarifier, solid contaminants will settle down to the bottom of the tank where it is collected by a scraper mechanism.[2] Concentrated impurities, discharged from the bottom of the tank, are known as sludge, while the particles that float to the surface of the liquid are called scum

Notes from the 5-member Select Board Study Committee, September 10, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Brief meeting to approve distribution of a questionnaire to the 14 people who were prior members of the Stockbridge Select Board. Jorja Marsden has located 12 and is searching for contact information for the remaining 2. Distribution approved. Patty Caya was thanked for the work she did preparing the survey.