submitted by Meryl Phair

Present:

• Bill Vogt, Chair
• Marie Raftery, Vice Chair
• Gary Pitney
• Nancy Socha
• Kate Fletcher
• Wayne Slosek
• Carl Sprague (via Zoom)

Also present, Thomas Matuszko, Executive Dir, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), Michael Canales, Town Administrator, Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary

1. Phil Arnold, consultant, could not be present so discussion of ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units) postponed.
2. Canales presented a process for BRPC consultant (Arnold) going forward.
   1. Last year the focus was on bylaw revision. This year, subject to PB approval, planner would take a “holistic” approach. That is, the planner would work with Canales, and other committees, commissions, and boards as appropriate given the issue identified.
   2. Based on funds available ($25,000 of the $40,000 approved at Town Meeting), the planner would spend one day a week in Town Offices
   3. The consultant would take a wider scope on current issues by providing researched background information on all options available for specific projects, assist in identifying funding sources, and present options to PB.
   4. The PB would identify the issues for the consultant to work on and the results would be presented to PB.
3. PB approved new process by unanimous vote. Canales will draw up contractual arrangements with BRPC regarding the role of the consultant.
4. Fletcher requested quarterly updates on spending from Canales.
5. PB agreed first issue to consider would be Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
6. Process to be evaluated after 6 months.
7. Chair said Jeff Lacy, never associated with BRPC, would have a different relationship.
   1. In the arrangement with Lacy and the PB, the PB chair (Bill Vogt) will be the liaison between the Board and the consultant.
   2. Kate Fletcher stressed the need for effective communication with the consultant.
   3. Carl Sprague noted that the PB needs to also have effective communication and feedback with the public.
   4. The PB discussed the Cottage Ara Estate Bylaw and NRPZ.
   5. Chair wished to approve process with Lacy and discuss whether to include Cottage Era in NRPZ or consider it separately at a later date.
   6. Reassess in 3 to 6 months.
8. Approval of the July 6 meeting postponed subject to a correction submitted in writing by Fletcher. Fletcher thought the meeting minutes should include more of the discussion that took place.

Meeting adjourned.