Present:

• Chuck Cardillo, Chair
• Patrick White
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator

In addition: Others may have been present but could not be seen.

1. Patrick White read a proclamation signed by SB Chair Cardillo in celebration of the 100th birthday of Stockbridge resident David Resnick born April 17, 1921.
2. Minutes from March 25th and April 1 meetings accepted.
3. Early in-person voting May 8 from 9am – 1pm
4. Michael Canales reported the following:
   1. Schedule for the Averic Bridge demolition and reconstruction: August and September; reopening October 2021
   2. Larrywaug Bridge anticipated completion October 31, 2021
   3. Curtisville Bridge — moving of utilities completed. Next step to determine what to do with bridge. One suggestion was to replace it with a modular bridge — deemed a quick and efficient but a temporary solution.
   4. All that remains to complete the Highway Garage is the “punch list”
   5. Swap Shop to reopen — repair step and address handicapped accessibility.
   6. Stockbridge has a vehicle for seniors and those with disabilities. Canales suggested we join the regional program and lend the use of our vehicle. Roundtrip fares will average $10-15, spouses and companions ride for free.
   7. Forestry Grant to facilitate treating trees (Hemlock, Ash and Aspen) in Ice Glen. White explained this grant ($1000) is focused on making Stockbridge eligible for a more significant Forestry Planning Grant. White was informing SB of this as good first step. McCaffrey thought it too early in the process.
   8. Building toward a Town Meeting warrant, Canales presented the following warrant items that involved spending. They were:
      1. $40,000 for Planning Board professional
      2. $50,000 for funding OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits)
      3. $35,000 for Rest of the River legal expenses
      4. $35,000 for water testing in Stockbridge Bowl
      5. $ 8000 for Regional School district study
      6. $95,000 to resurface all four tennis courts and basketball court
      7. $15,000 for street light consultant
      8. $12,000 for Underground camera for pump station
      9. $ 3690 for water storage
      10. $ 30000 for Ice Glen
      11. There was “cleanup” item from last fiscal year — Canales explained $97,717 debt service was spent last year but not approved. For this year, $96,918 in debt service. Both have to appear on warrant for approval.

Discussion by SB members

• Before placing the $40,000 for PB consultants on warrant, White requested a joint PB/SB meeting to learn of the $40,000 granted last year how much was spent and on what. What PB anticipates spending an additional $40,000 on?
• PB Chair Vogt was present and said he estimates about 50% of the $25,000 requested for Phil Arnold, Planning Consultant, was spent. Of $15,000 for Jeff Lacy, Vogt unsure how much was spent. PB member Rasmussen, also present, said that one item for which additional funds are needed is review of all Stockbridge bylaws and compliance with State bylaws.
• However, according to White, current Stockbridge bylaws were reviewed by Joel Russell, a previous consultant, Michael Canales, and Donna Brewer, Town Counsel and found to be in good order.
• McCaffrey agreed PB should come up with list of needs for additional funds. Cardillo said such joint meetings might occur periodically for better coordination and updating the public more often on big issues. Both members mentioned the proposal to switch permitting authority from SB to PB as an item to be discussed. The joint meeting was agreed upon.
• White made a correction to the Community Preservation Committee awards. CPC did not approve funding for $15,000 to repair/replace roof at 17 Willard Road.
• With that correction, all “money” items were placed on the warrant by SB except for the $40,000 for PB pending joint meeting.
• To discuss at next meeting: $600,000 to repair Children’s Chime Tower; $960,000 to reconfigure “Red Lion” intersection; $145,000 for town trucks/plows; restructuring debt to make it a consistent figure and constant item on warrant vs. paying cash from funds put aside.
• White mentioned he wants SB to have the capacity to spend money for the benefit of town put aside. “As a general rule, I do not want to be a bank account for the taxpayers.”
• Meeting adjourned