* * * * *

Hi Carole,

It is a mystery to me about what happens when a company hired by the town screws up. I believe there are many voters who would like to know if the company that screws up and gets fired is taken to court to reimburse the town for monies they have taken during their project that failed. A few come to mind: The geothermal heating/cooling of the new-ish town offices; the route 183 Larrywaug Bridge, the replacement of town’s highway dept’s floor and roof?

Are these funds that are paid just “written off” or is someone out there to recover them for us, the taxpayers?

Stockbridge updates is a wonderful town asset. Thank you sincerely.

Regards,

John H. Hart – President – CEO & warehouse manager (mostly)

Hi John,

To the best of my knowledge, the company that made mistakes with construction of the highway garage repaired the mistakes at no additional cost to the town. Sadly, Larrywaug was the town’s mistake which they corrected (See auditor’s report in this issue). If memory serves, the Geothermal heating /cooling system was installed twice. Sorry, I don’t know who paid for what.

Thank you for the kind words and for being in touch,

Carole

* * * * *

Hi Carole,

“Short-term rentals (STRs) are a subject much talked about these days. Our neighboring towns have already thrown the subject into the town meeting arena. Stockbridge is next. The discussion is complex and will probably involve several passes before we settle on our final strategy. The Board of Health (BOH) and Tri-Town Health Department (TTHD) have already been involved behind the scenes, so to speak. Our contributions to the dialogue at this stage should be viewed as observations rather than opinions or decisions. Whatever the town decides, the BOH will help implement the town’s plan. Town bylaws may require supplementary BOH regulations. The issues of enforcement and inspection are key to many of the matters of interest to the BOH, from food preparation and storage to occupancy and septic systems. For example, responsible septic oversight implies ensuring owners do not go over capacity. At the very least, TTHD would have to budget in advance for personnel to perform the inspections. This issue becomes even more complicated when STRs are within the watershed of the Stockbridge Bowl and considerations for sewer extensions arise. Again, these subjects are for future discussions to bring into focus. If we keep the dialogue open, we should be happy with what we get.

Charles Kenny MD
Board of Health

Charlie,

Thank you for the information and insights you shared. Interesting that you mention enforcement. At every town meeting covered in this issue of SU, enforcement was identified as an ongoing problem to be addressed.

Best wishes as always,

Carole

* * * * *

Carole,

My nephew Detective Sgt Randy French, Troy, NY Police Department, died of COVID last year on April 29th, his wife’s birthday. He started out with his hometown Police Dept, Stockbridge Ma. Went to RPI and graduated top of his class then went on to join the Troy PD. There is an hour-long tribute to him on Facebook — it can be a little harsh in spots.

He will be interred soon in the Stockbridge Cemetery with full honors. There will be a large police representation.

Harold French

Dear Harold,

Thank you for sharing. So sorry for your loss.

Carole

* * * * *

Carole,

Just read your updates – wonderful info and many thanks to you.

LOVE the pix! Those are a treat for the eyes.

So much to digest. Will see you soon,

Diane Reuss

Hi Diane,

Aren’t you nice! Thank you. I will pass your compliment on

to photographers Joan Gallos and Patrick White.

Thank you for taking the time to write to SU,

Carole.

* * * * *

Carole,

I just completely read your last Updates and it’s another great one. Can’t wait to read the next one with DeSisto and the current proposed bylaw and find out how it ends. The Q & A with candidates is very good.

Anita (Schwerner)

Dear Anita,

Thank you. SU is hard work, so nice to hear someone is reading and enjoying it. I did not post part two of the story of the Great Estate Bylaw because the PB dropped consideration of it for now. It seemed better to hold it until it is relevant again.

Again, thanks for the kind words and especially for all the work you do for the Democratic Town Committee.

Carole

* * * * *

Photos: Patrick White; Edited by Jack Trowill