Editorial

The Stockbridge Way

Governing the meetings that Stockbridge Updates covers are Open Meeting Laws, Public Record Laws, and Robert’s Rules of Order. Governing the decisions that SU reports are General bylaws, zoning bylaws, and Mass General Laws. Once, there was also the Stockbridge way.

The Stockbridge way of behaving made the village a more comfortable place to be. The Stockbridge way was clear, felt, and accepted by most. If someone behaved badly, someone else would chide, “that is not Stockbridge.”

For example, it was not the Stockbridge way…

To bully. It may change behavior in the moment, but it will never change a mind in the long run.

To interrupt. Don’t be impatient to speak. You know what you have to say; find out what others do.

To honk. Assume if they stopped, they have good reason; ask if you can help.

To leave garbage on the trail or roadside for someone else to collect.

To pave it — impervious surfaces are bad for the planet.

It was the Stockbridge way…

To say please and thank you because we are blessed with what we receive, not entitled to it.

To know right from wrong and do good; don’t rationalize doing bad.

To sit and reason together — the policeman, fireman, housewife, professor, senator, gardener, and mechanic.

To recognize that people have the right of way on and off the road.

How did the Stockbridge way come to be? For one thing, the highest value was never placed on having the most money. Townsfolk didn’t have much money; their progenitors had no discretionary income at all. So, they relied on other characteristics. The most valued things were being a good neighbor, doing a good job, and comity — courtesy and consideration toward others. Maintaining relationships was more important than winning small victories.

Doors were left unlocked because a neighbor coming to call was more likely than a robber. Not stealing was part of “doing unto others as you would have them do onto you”. The Golden Rule also seemed to preclude lying, cheating, and keeping what was not yours.

Somehow in Stockbridge, there was a time when folks knew the rules and the reasons. A time when they all accepted the same morals and mores, the same essential customs, and characteristics of this small, unique place. Once there was a Stockbridge Way — it was a nice way to live.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

Notes from the Select Board Meeting May 20 via Zoom

Present:

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

1. Meeting called to order by out-going Chair Chuck Cardillo. Cardillo thanked Stockbridge for their votes, and then nominated McCaffrey as new Chair. Unanimous vote to approve McCaffrey.
2. Canales reported:
   1. Work on Larrywaug Bridge would begin immediately, end date October 31, 2021.
   2. MVP (Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness) work concluding. The summary of the MVP consultant will be posted on Town Web Site. One outreach during project was the housing survey. White suggested SB add it to agenda for public input and discussion.
   3. Work at Curtisville Bridge complete.
   4. Government orders lifting Covid restrictions 5/29; resuming normal operations at Town Offices June 1.
   5. Hugh Page, Highway Foreman, offered highway updates. Highway garage finished next week. The Town, including cemetery, is in shape for Memorial Day. However, there is damage to the curb on Elm Street near post office and Elm Street Market. Investigation should be done to determine cause and make a plan to repair. Mike Buffoni, Water Superintendent, Tony Campetti, Sewer Superintendent, and Page agreed at that location there are sewer lines, electric lines, and various pipes. The three suggested both American Underground and Dig Safe be called in.
   6. According to Buffoni, while Curtisville Bridge work completed, the chain-link fence and cement block must remain to dissuade all traffic (including walkers) from crossing. Further, Buffoni reported next week would be the “Code Red” to announce a water system flushing.
3. White reported the harvesting of weeds approved; will proceed on schedule.
4. Kate Birdsall, Berkshire Regional School District (BRSD), was present to discuss renting two office spaces. Birdsall said the spaces will be used for 5-10 students with disabilities and is especially well located for the purpose. Approved for rental: the larger office space (900+ sq. ft.). Approval of smaller rental space: delayed until Chris Marsden and Scott Muir can find alternate storage space.
5. Justin Carafortes was present from Handcrafted Caterers to discuss entertainment license for 2 Depot Street. He said they moved to the area last October. They did not anticipate many events this year as advertising for event space just launching now. Carafortes anticipates 30 events per year. White questioned who should apply for license, the leaser or owner (Berkshire Scenic Railway). Anticipated 50 — 125 per event, hours 4 — 11 pm with indoor space and tents. Cardillo asked, if tents in front it would use parking lot, then where do attendees park? Carafortes anticipated being bused to event. It was an open question why they would have an Entertainment license rather than applying per event as other venues do. Carafortes anticipates a July event to acquaint Stockbridge with the plans. White wants Jim Shantz (a former renter) brought into discussion as well as Laurel Hill which owns contiguous land. Continued until May 27.
6. White shared with the SB that the Agricultural and Forestry Commission requested the amount on the Warrant for treatment of Hemlocks in Ice Glen be increased from $30,000 to $70,000. Federal money may be available for future treatments. but this money is needed now. Cardillo moved to increase Item 27 of the Warrant to $70,000. Approved.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s question: when Jack and Jane Fitzpatrick used space for events, wasn’t there a limit of 75 people? If so, when/why did that change?

News

Baby Town Meeting (BTM) presented by Finance Committee May 26 via Zoom

Present: Finance Chair Jay Bikofsky and Members Diane Rous, Pam Boudreau, Neil Holden, Steve Shatz, Bill Vogt, Jim Balfanz

Also: Michael Canales, Administrator, Roxanne McCaffrey, Patrick White, SB

1. Bikofsky called meeting to order. Prior to commencing BTM, the Finance Committee minutes approved; Warrant Article 27 was amended. Moved that amount for treatment of trees in Ice Glan increase from $30,000 to $70,000, seconded, and approved unanimously
2. BTM commenced. Chair explained Budget will be presented in three sections: Operating budget items; Community Preservation items, and debt. After each section, questions entertained.
3. Steve Shatz presented the operating budget summary. “Under general Government, you will see a budget of $1,263, 130 which represents a decrease of $8454.” Public Safety was up $17,587; Education up $217,652; Public works and facilities down $74,395 (Shatz explained that is due to not hiring a Highway Superintendent, however, that money may be spent elsewhere); Human Services down $7909 (VNA out of business); Culture and recreation up $6903 (better care of Town beach); debt service down $24,397; (an item titled undesignated was actually insurance and unexpected employee expenses) up $29,487. Shatz concluded, “overall the approximate $10.7 million budget was up about $156,000, but if you take out education, it was down $61,098.” There were no questions.
4. Bill Vogt presented the CPC items — Articles 7 — 22 (see above under Town Meeting Warrant). Questions: Rous – What part of the funds awarded are from the state/which from town monies? Canales will get answer. Question Peter Strauss — asked about phrase “and any other action”? Canales explained that was only there for other action at Town Meeting and will be deleted after Article voted upon.
5. Articles 23 — 37 funded by Free Cash. Shatz added, “does not affect Tax levy.”
6. Final three financial Articles 38 39 and 40 funded with borrowing. No questions.

Chair explained only financial Articles discussed at BTM — having concluded those — Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from Historic Preservation Committee May 24 via Zoom

Present:

• Carl Sprague, Chair
• Peter Williams
• Jorja Marsden
• Gary Johnston
• Lisa Sauer

Also present: Maximillian McNamara for 39 Main and Emery Sheer for 5 Birch Lane

1. Pete Williams called the meeting to order.
2. 39 Main Street. McNamara explained the proposal to put solar panels on the house. It required removing two or three trees to make the panels viable. The panels would not go on the slightly higher building facing Main Street but on the rear two. Williams explained the role of the Committee: to determine if “a substantial alteration to an historically significant building.” It was moved that is was not “a substantial alteration to an historically significant building” so the motion passed. However, Marsden hoped the one very large tree in front could be saved. Williams suggested respectful social pressure.
3. 5 Birch Lane. The owner, Sheer, explained while built in the 1940s , the house was torn down, leaving only the chimney, and rebuilt in 1993. That year it was rebuilt. He presented the plans for an addition that would not alter the exterior of the building but connect the old and new by an interior hallway. Johnston suggested that since it was rebuilt in 1993, it does not meet the criteria of an historically significant building and does not, therefore, come before this committee. It was agreed.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s Note: It is a pleasure to see a Town Committee running so smoothly based on good regulations, clearly understood, easily articulated, and from which members do not deviate. Thank you.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee (SBSC) May 21 via Zoom

Present:

• Jamie Minacci, SBSC Chair (Conservation Commission – ConCom)
• Michael Nathan SBA
• John Loiodice, Water and Sewer
• Charles Kenny, Board of Health
• Gary Kleinerman, Harbormaster
• Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent
• Roxanne McCaffrey, SB liaison

1. Corrections to the minutes: Buffoni said the water sampling would occur next month not next week; McCaffrey corrected a date, not April 19 but April 16. The minutes were approved as corrected.
2. Kleinerman reported that the SB approved the raise in salaries for lake workers and supervisor with concomitant reduction in hours; reported opening on May 28 of Memorial Day weekend and closing on Columbus Day.
3. Kenny reported, from a Board of Heath perspective, changing SBSC from a committee to a commission is a good idea. He said mentioned testing and a whole lake approach to lake management as positive results of SBSC meetings.
4. Buffoni said testing would commence “soon” — water shed testing (he thought) would be on May 27.
5. McCaffrey was concerned the water level was down; Kleinerman said it was down “just a little”.
6. Minacci reported “the rocks” were still an issue; a floating dock may not be permitted on the Bowl, and abutters were notified of the harvesting this summer.
7. Michael Nathan hoped a discussion about SBSC mission and priorities would precede placing an item on the warrant changing SBSC from a committee to a commission. However, the warrant is now closed. McCaffrey said a discussion about mission and priorities would still be relevant; that a commission would have a budget for, as an example, a secretary to take minutes, and that “fundamentally nothing changes” if it becomes a commission. Members still appointed by SB for one-year terms from town boards, committees, and commissions.
8. Nathan also wanted to discuss dredging. He said dredging The Cove was “always a part of the big picture.” Kenny wanted to know rationale for areas to dredge. Nathan wanted to track down how The Cove was dropped from the most recent GZA map. Buffoni supported dredging The Cove and the outlet as that is the “only exit for water from the lake.” It was suggested that GZA be invited to a SBSC to discuss. Nathan said, perhaps a representative from DEP as well. It was also suggested that SBSC vote to approve dredging The Cove. A motion was made that “GZA expand the dredging project [to include The Cove].” Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s notes: (a) Kleinerman noted SU reported closing on Labor Day. Mr. Kleinerman, so pleased you read SU and so sorry SU appeared to cheat folks out of a month of fun on the Bowl. Closing is Columbus Day not Labor Day. (b) “The Rocks” apparently refer to nine large rocks placed in the lake by a landowner. They are not permitted according to ConCom. Mention of the rocks apparently means the landowner has not removed them as requested by ConCom. (c) GZA is the geo environmental consulting firm hired by Town; DEP is the Mass Department of Environmental Protection.

Editor’s question: We will test for Milfoil in June. If there is no Milfoil, can a larger portion of the Bowl be harvested?

News

Notes from the Fountain Committee May 20 via Zoom

Present:

• Kate Fletcher, Chair
• Carl Sprague
• Bob Jones

Also Present: Hilary Deely, President Laurel Hill, Michael Canales, Town Administrator

1. Minutes approved.
2. Plantings around the Cat and Dog Fountain and the Watering Trough.
   1. The Basin and the support for the basin were found to be in poor condition. It will require excavating and structural work. The committee agreed plantings precluded plantings this year due to excavation.
   2. Deely suggested a sign as people will wonder where the fountain is; she suggested “At the Vet”.
3. Plantings around Horse Trough — Sprague and Deely will coordinate. Fletcher said plantings can be done as soon as Town “fixes plumbing”. Suggestion: there be a spigot installed for watering plants. Plantings may be combination of roses, lavender and sage.
4. Basin repair: Jones reported that in the digging they discovered basin and basin support structure are in serious condition. Jones was surprised it was made of brick, and the bricks are crumbling. The entire structure needs replacement. Canales received an estimate of $18 — 20,000 to do the work if the Town does the excavation and the contractor’s job is limited to pouring the concrete.
5. Fountain fun facts: as Jeffery Gulick worked on the restoration of the Cat and Dog Fountain, he discovered, one is a male and the other a female; they are fighting over possession of a dead rat. There are a number of animals beside the cat and dog, and there is an open-mouthed serpent. Gulick thought that may be the overflow control. On the other hand, Jones said Warren Haywood — former Building Inspector — conjectured the serpent was symbolic of underlying poison.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from Finance Committee May 19 via Zoom

Present:

• Jay Bikofsky, Chair
• Steve Shatz
• Bill Vogt
• Pam Boudreau
• Jim Balfanz
• Diane Reuss
• Neil Holder (joined later)
• Michael Canales, Administrator

1. Minutes approved.
2. Chair gave highlights of the FY22 Operating Budget:
   1. Union workers’ salary up 2%; non-union up 1.3%
   2. Legal expenses down
   3. Accountant salary increased because work-week increased from 3 to 4 days
   4. Audit expense up
   5. Treasurer/Collector salary up $2300
   6. Cost of repairs to building down ($8454)
   7. Under Public Safety, police up and Volunteer firemen stipend up
   8. Education up over $200,000 (assessment and transportation)
   9. Public works — compactor and salaries up — Sewer and Water up
   10. Human Services — Visiting Nurse out of business, Tri-town Health took over and cost same — Council on Aging down because of shared service plan with Great Barrington
   11. Culture and Recreation — Library up and other costs down

Overall Operating Budget up $156,554 mostly due to rise in education costs

Operating Budget approved by Finance Committee

Baby Town Meeting is called to present to the Town those Warrant Articles that deal with financial matters — expenditures. Presenting and explaining them is required by our Town General Bylaws. The goal of the BTM is for the Town to better understand the financial articles before voting at Town Meeting. There will be 41 “financial” Articles explained at BTM and voted upon at TM this year.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s note: please see Warrant summarized above, click on the article number to read full article. All “financial articles” for review and discussion at Baby Town meeting are listed.

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors Meeting May 17 via Zoom

Present:

• Gary Pitney, Chair
• Doug Goudy
• Tom Stokes
• Michael Blay, Town Assessor

1. Michael Blay reported:
   1. A second Homeowners Study to be conducted next year.
   2. Mapping of Stockbridge done with buildings and assessed values. Goudy asked if the assessed value was full market value, and if not, recommended
   3. it should be.
   4. Appellate Tax Cases: DeSisto postponed until Sept. 28, 2021. Other applications are from Camp Mahkeenac and Front Porch LLC (Elm Court). Need current appraisals. For example, Elm Court listed for sale at $12,500,000 but assessed at $6.800.000. Goudy pointed out that assessment should be based on full market value.
   5. All requests for exemption reimbursements filed on time.
   6. For the first time, in a long time, farmland evaluations remained the same.
   7. The Town accountant retired. Terri Iemolini filing in until new accountant hired.
   8. Although it appears Town Offices will open June 1, there are undecided matters. (a) Masks required? (b) Will meetings in Town Offices also be on Zoom? (c) Will the gym rather than smaller offices be used to allow social distancing during meetings?
   9. Carry over of unexpended funds left in budget administrative not on Warrant.
   10. 504 valuations (utilities property) ongoing.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s Comments:

a. Candidates for position of Town Accountant will be interviewed by the Select Board on June 1 via Zoom. Find link at Town Website. Decision scheduled for June 3.

b. 504 valuations are evaluation of utilities’ property (e.g. telephone poles, etc.) using a method determined and adopted by the Appellate Tax Board.

News

Notes from the Agriculture and Forestry Commission May 17 via Zoom

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Shelby Marshall, alternate

Also present: Michael Canales, Administrator, Ken Gooch, Consultant, Chuck Cardillo, SB liaison, Patrick White, SB

1. Boudreau called the meeting to order; the minutes approved.
2. Ken Gooch, consultant, presented his “Ice Glen Tree Health Report”. Gooch surveyed the trees focusing on old growth Hemlocks; that is, Hemlocks with a diameter of 10″ or more. He also surveyed the White Ash.
3. The Hemlock is the third most prevalent tree in Massachusetts. The insects threating the trees have been in the Commonwealth since the 1950s, but with global warming, warmer winters, they are flourishing and threatening the trees. Bottom line: Stockbridge is in danger of losing 60% of the Hemlocks in Ice Glen. The situation is dire; the loss of the trees is imminent. Gooch has long experience with treating the trees and recommended only one treatment as efficacious.
4. Application can only be done now until mid-June and then after September. Application should be monitored. It is a spray applied to the first five feet of trunk and if done a correct time of year will travel up through tree to top. Application for the number of trees in Ice Glen will take 2-3 days. Anticipated to last 2-3 years but the treated trees should be monitored annually.
5. 150 — 200 trees should be treated immediately at a cost of $15 per inch of diameter per tree (an estimated $67,000). It was voted to recommend to the SB to increase the line item in the budget (to appear on the warrant) from $30,000 to $70,000 to cover the actual cost.
6. There are federal funds available through the US Forestry Services (called Suppression Grants). Stockbridge qualifies and would probably receive grant to pay for treatment of Hemlocks in future but must act now using Town finds because application for grant monies not possible until October.
7. Gooch was asked if he could monitor the application. He said yes and he would help with the best wording of the contract to ensure compliance.
8. With respect to the Ash trees, they are some of the biggest Gooch has ever seen anywhere in the Commonwealth. Their diameters are as much as 44 inches and rise to a height of 130 feet. There are only 34 Ash trees in Ice Glen, far fewer than Hemlock. There are plans to introduce a biological solution, that is, something that eats the insect killing the Ash trees, however that takes time. Gooch believes we cannot stop the Ash disease.
9. Cardillo explained the Right to Farm item that will appear on Town Warrant. According to Mass General Law: “This General By-law encourages the pursuit of agriculture, promotes agriculture- based economic opportunities, and protects farmlands within the Town by allowing agricultural uses and related activities to function with minimal conflict with abutters and Town agencies.” Under the bylaw, complaints would be referred to the AFC. Motion to endorse Right to Farm was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
10. Shelby Marshall encouraged AFC to pursue grants. Bozzuto concurred. She preferred a whole-town planning approach and indicated that stewardship grants and planning grants make Stockbridge eligible for other grants. Recommended to pursue grants.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Select Board May 13 via Zoom

Present:

• Chuck Cardillo, Chair
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Patrick White

Also present: Michael Canales, Administrator; others present named as they spoke (could not be seen)

1. Cardillo opened meeting with request for Special Permit from Russell and Mary Glazer, 5 Mahkeenac Terrace to finish a basement. Special Permit required as it increases living space which in turn increases ratio of land/living space allowed even though no change in footprint. Approved.
2. Judith Roberts, 21 Beachwood Drive increasing lot coverage by 8 feet to enlarge living room. No objection from abutters. Approved.
3. Berkshire Regional School District requested rental of two office spaces located downstairs in Town Offices. One office is 903 sq. ft. and the other is 531. Cardillo reported that both Scott Muir, Emergency Services, and Chris Marsden, Facilities Manager, wished to retain the smaller of the two for storage. The matter was continued until BRSD representative could be present.
4. Handcrafted Catering is requesting an entertainment license for 2 Depot Street, the Stockbridge Railroad Station, owned by Berkshire Scenic Railway. Matter continued to next meeting when representative of Handcrafted Catering could be present.
5. Canales reported that there was $4800 left in the Economic Development fund that had to be spent before end of year. He asked Barbara Zanetti, Executive Director Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce for ideas. Zanetti suggested ads on WAMC “revitalizing tourism.” (20 weeks, 134 spots @ 5 per week, discounted from $8120 to $4800) Approved.
6. Canales reported the tax rate would go up 1.71% this year. The major expense driving the increase is the school budget. Other expenditures were down. White asked if there was a way to keep the tax rate flat (no rise) by using free cash for excess expenditures. White offered the opinion it was “good” psychologically. No decision.
7. Operating budget approved for inclusion on Warrant.
8. Capital Budget
   1. Park Street Pump Station ($720,000 — $96,000 from Sewer Reserve Fund; balance to be borrowed) Repay: first two years interest only. Approved for Warrant.
   2. Larrywaug Bridge, additional $135,000 for contingencies. Approved for Warrant.
   3. $40,000 for PB consultants approved for Warrant; Cardillo and McCaffrey Aye, White, Nay. White posed question: Should the amount be $40,000 or $40,000 minus the unexpended balance from last year; vote just taken does not say that. Canales suggested that even though only $11,000 reported spent to date, final figure may be very close to $40,000 “with perhaps $8-10,000 unspent. McCaffrey mentioned there may be Planning Assistance grants available in future. White suggested Canales should manage consultants as he does in other areas of government. White also questioned why, if the consultant was opposed to “density neutral” — it was part of the proposed bylaw. Why have consultants if don’t listen to them? PB Chair Vogt said they do listen. White fears process is not transparent.
   4. The Warrant will be reviewed by Town Counsel, final approval on May 20 and then Warrant completed and posted on Town web site prior to Town Meeting.
9. Swap Shop — access was completed but not in compliance with Handicapped Accessible regs. There is a question, therefore, if building is still useable. Hugh Page, Highway Foreman, is looking into options for correcting the situation and to determine of it can be used this season.
10. White reported on regional grant application to, in part, assess status of our culverts (Applied with Pittsfield, New Marlboro, and Lenox). White said the movement is toward regional grants).
11. White wondered if there would be follow-up to the “housing questionnaire”. There were 200 responses and he suggested placing it on a SB meeting agenda for public discussion.
12. White also suggested reviewing the “Ten Suggestions” proposed by the League of Sportsmen (including fishermen).
13. Increased compensation for lake workers suggested by Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee to $15/hour and $20/hour for manager. Shorter hours would offset increased cost.

SB went into Executive Session. SB returned from Executive Session to announce the Police Contract approved.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s Note: SU was pleased when asked to help boost responses to the housing survey by issuing a Stockbridge Updates Alert with link. Well over half of all responses came the day of SU Alert, I was told. SU was proud of civic mindedness of our subscribers.

News

Notes from Stockbridge Agriculture and Forestry Commission (AFC) May 10 via Zoom

Present:

• Matt Boudreau
• Erik Rasmussen
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Shelby Marshall

Also present: Michael Canales

1. Since the AFC was “dormant for so long”, Michael Canales began the meeting with a review of the Open Meeting and the Public Records Laws. He explained, the point of OML is never to deliberate, dispute, or decide an issue out of public view. All deliberations happen in meetings that are advertised and open to the public. Generally, Canales observed, problems arise with deliberations in emails and/or texts. Transmitting simple facts is fine, such as date and time of a meeting or sharing a link to information, but opinions are not. Only the Chair sets meetings and agendas. There is more information, and Canales encouraged all Commission members to read OML.
2. Canales said Zoom facilitates the PRL by creating recordings of the meetings. Minutes are still required, and all electronic communications should be made through the Town email address, not private email or text, for easier record keeping.
3. Organization: The four members of the AFC will identify a Chair, 1 alternate and 3 staggered terms, that is one-, two- and three-year terms. Matt Boudreau volunteered to be chair. Shelby Marshall volunteered as alternate.
4. A quorum, necessary for deliberations and decisions, is defined as a simple majority of the members. To coordinate efforts, Bozzuto suggested the Tree Warden be invited to attend meetings as appropriate. The Commission will meet once a month on Mondays.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Planning Board Public Forum May 12 via Zoom

1. Chair Bill Vogt opened the meeting and expressed the ground rules. The two consultants would present their programs, questions should be written in the “Chat” function. PB would get to as many questions as possible. Unanswered questioned could be emailed to PB on Town web site. Vogt introduced PB members and then Vice Chair Christine Rasmussen
2. Rasmussen introduced the two consultants Randall Arendt and Jeff Lacy. Arendt is author of Conservation Subdivision Design, “an approach to laying out subdivisions so that some land is permanently protected”. Jeff Lacy is developer of NRPZ (Natural Resource Protection Zoning). Both use fixed ratios to preserve land in subdivisions.
3. Questions followed. Here is a sampling: “Stockbridge is unique and admired, what is sudden need for extreme change? How will it keep Stockbridge, Stockbridge? Randall Arendt’s illustrations seem to reflect large community development; how does it apply to Stockbridge? What is the justification for the PB to allow building in excess of base number of units? How is this better than our current 2-and-4-acre zoning? Stockbridge has a cluster housing bylaw, how is this better? Why were the percentages lowered in this draft from the 80% preserved in 4-acre zoning areas and 60% preserved in 2-acre zoning areas in last draft? Massachusetts recommends 90% preserved, why would Stockbridge go lower? Can the developer be asked to provide a cost/benefit analysis of development? The cost of enhanced infrastructure, more police, fire, etc) compared to benefits (taxes and jobs)? What is impact on population and town services from all this development? If in a 20-acre lot, 2- and 4-acre zoning allows 5 — 10 houses and so does NRPZ, why do we need NRPZ? Is low-income housing in this? Anything to lure young buyers?”
4. Vogt closed the meeting with a plea for support for the Warrant Article granting $40,000 for the continued services of these consultants.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s questions: (a) Was there an understanding of the necessity for this zoning change? (b) SU has asked before, are the recommended zoning changes Stockbridge-specific? The answer seemed to come when Lacy was asked if the ANR (Approval not required) applied to Elm Court, and he responded, “I wouldn’t know Elm Court if I tripped over it.” (c) When and by what process was the percentage of preserved land changed? Open Meeting Law requires it be done in public view; was it? (d) It was not clear that either consultant has been to Stockbridge or that these proposals are tailored for our village. (e) It was not made explicit what problem was being addressed by the proposed zoning change, the need for change, or the goal. Those are the tasks for our PB to do first and not a consultant. So, for an additional $40,000, what would the consultants do?

News

Openings, Closings, and Events Around Town

• Covid news: It’s over! Governor Baker announced that as of June 1, things return to normal; all Covid restrictions lifted for those vaccinated although those not vaccinated should continue to wear masks, and private businesses can require masks.
• Town Offices will open June 1.
• Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio will open July 8, 2021 for self-guided tours.
• Pop up Tent Saturday, June 12, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
• The Service League of the Stockbridge First Congregational Church will hold a small Popup Fair in front of the Stockbridge Library, weather permitting. They will be offering home baked goods, jams and jellies and kitchen crafts.
• Berkshire Botanical Garden The exhibition, “Flights of Fancy”, featuring jewelry designed by Mindy Lam, is on view in the Leonhardt Galleries in the Center House through June 6. Brooches are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit BBG.
• Tanglewood Season 2021: July 9 — August 16 – tickets went on sale May 17 at www.tanglewood.org and 888-266-1200.
• Norman Rockwell Fantasy Gala June 12, 2021 6 — 9 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets go to NRM.org/gala or call Bailey Girvan at 413-931-2264
• The Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center presents Virtual Grand Rounds
  Resilience and Risk During COVID-19: Psychoanalytic and Empirical Perspectives
  Presenter: Katie C. Lewis, PhD
  Date: Friday, June 18, 2021
  Time: 12:50-1:50 p.m. (Eastern Time)
  Registration and details: www.austenriggs.org/GR-KatieLewis
  Grand Rounds are offered free of charge and provide 1.0 continuing education credit.

News

 Town Meeting

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS BERKSHIRE COUNTY

GREETINGS: To one of the constables of Stockbridge, In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in Town affairs, to meet

Outside on the Grounds of the Stockbridge Town Hall Facilities

50 Main Street
Stockbridge, MA 01262

on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning Eastern Daylight Time.

[Due to lifting of Covid restrictions, if it rains, meeting will be inside Town Offices.]

for the following purposes, to wit:

The Warrant

Editor’s note: This is a summary of the Warrant. We created an online flipbook, where you can read the entire warrant, all proposed bylaws, and review the budget summary. Please click on the underlined Article number to jump to that specific item within the Warrant. For a printable PDF of the entire Warrant (35 pages), click here.

ARTICLE 1. To choose all Town Officers necessary to be chosen at the Annual Town Meeting, other than those to be chosen by ballot

ARTICLE 2. To hear the report of any Town Officer or Committee, and to see if the Town will vote to accept all printed reports

ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elected officers of the Town

ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $7,554,952

ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of $3,072,350 for the assessment of the Berkshire Hills Regional School District

ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of $85,865 toward the Berkshire Hills Regional School District’s capital cost of constructing the new school buildings

ARTICLE 7. Articles 7 – 22 are Community Preservation Committee grants. Click to read.

ARTICLE 23. $40,000 for consultants to PB

ARTICLE 24. $35,000 for water testing/Stockbridge Bowl

ARTICLE 25. $50,000 for funding the Other Post Retirement Benefit (OPEB) Trust

ARTICLE 26. $35,000 for Rest of the River

ARTICLE 27. $70,000 for tree monitoring and treatment within Ice Glen

ARTICLE 28. $8,000 for study done by Regional School District Planning Board

ARTICLE 29. $95,000 for maintenance & upgrades to Town’s tennis and basketball courts

ARTICLE 30. $15,000 for lighting consultants to upgrade town streetlights

ARTICLE 31. $135,000 for bridge and road projects/Larrywaug Bridge

ARTICLE 32. $20,000 for consultants to study/evaluate restoration of old cemetery stones

ARTICLE 33. $12,000 for an underground camera system

ARTICLE 34. $38,000 for Tuckerman Bridge water main engineering

ARTICLE 35. $3,690 for inspection and cleaning of the Quiet Knoll water storage tank

ARTICLE 36. $97,717 portion of debt service for Sewer System Expansion (last year)

ARTICLE 37. $96,918 portion of debt service for Sewer Expansion (this year)

ARTICLE 38. $600,000 to pay all costs of restoring the Chime Tower

ARTICLE 39. $145,000 to purchase Highway Department truck with plow and sander

ARTICLE 40. $720,000 to pay costs of replacing the Park Street Pump Station

ARTICLE 41. To create a Beachwood-Lenstock Maintenance District

ARTICLE 42. To authorize return of original historic documents to the Mohican Nation

ARTICLE 43. To withdraw as a member of the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project

ARTICLE 44. To amend room occupancy excise to the rate of six percent

ARTICLE 45. To establish the Stockbridge Affordable Housing Trust Fund

ARTICLE 46. To strike (dog restraint) and amend (dog/kennel regulation)

ARTICLE 47. To create a Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship

ARTICLE 48. To address the regulation of Building Numbering for first responders

ARTICLE 49. To address Wildlife Feeding

ARTICLE 50. Establish Right to Farm Bylaw

ARTICLE 51. To amend the General Bylaws to address the regulation of Short-Term Rentals

ARTICLE 52. To amend Zoning Bylaws Principle Uses

ARTICLE 53. To amend the Zoning Bylaws re: Driveway and Common Driveway

ARTICLE 54. To amend the Zoning Bylaws re: Off-Street Parking Requirements

ARTICLE 55. To transact any other business that may legally come before this meeting

Editor’s note: For the first time Stockbridge will vote electronically — no cards held high and no Moderator’s counters — a secret ballot counted instantly.

News

The Election

Turnout: According to Town Clerk, 524 Stockbridge residents voted. That is a good turnout in an off-year election. Thank you!

Elected officials are:

• Donald Schneyer, Water & Sewer Commissioner, incumbent
• Charles Kenny, Board of Health, incumbent
• James Welch, Housing Authority, incumbent
• Gary Pitney, Board of Assessors, incumbent
• Gary Johnston, Moderator, incumbent
• Mark Faber, Tree Warden
• Ernest J. (Chuck) Cardillo, Select Board, incumbent
• Gary Pitney, Planning Board, incumbent
• Carl Sprague, Planning Board

Contributors

Stockbridge Memories — Stockbridge Education

It has been nearly 50 years since I went to work for Roy Boutard at the Berkshire Garden Center, now called Berkshire Botanical Gardens, and learned about how plants grow, how to make maple syrup, drive a tractor, take care of tools, run a Locke mower. It was a typical Stockbridge education for that time. Roy had a Danish/English accent, not from around these parts, but he was down to earth and unpretentious, kind and funny. Both the Garden Center and Stockbridge seemed a little more rugged than they do today.

I lived 200 yards away, still do. Walked home for lunch every day, watched Art Fleming on Jeopardy, and learned even more great stuff. Went to college, got a degree. But it was here in Stockbridge that I learned how to watch the hawks along the ridgelines and over the fields, read the water for trout, find constellations in the night sky.

Roy’s son, Anthony, taught me how to drive the old Ford 1950s tractor balanced on just two wheels when making a downhill high-speed turn. I figured out how to hang on tight as I stood on the running board of the pickup while he tried to hit 100mph on the Rt 102 flat heading into town. He may have been exaggerating, but who knows?

People made sure I knew that Tanglewood is in Stockbridge, not Lenox. I learned that Nate Horwitt invented the frameless picture frame and the faceless watch, but his best work was teaching me how to plow and use a corn planter. I learned how to ride Charlie Coomb’s horse because he was a good guy and let me take my time. It was a good horse, civil and tolerant.

We used to have a lot more expansive views of our hills than we do today. Larrywaug did not have as many trees, less invasive brush. From my house, I could see Rattlesnake and Prospect Hills, Beartown ridge, even Monument Mountain if I climbed up on the roof.

Changes happen, some regrettable, some inevitable. Trees have taken away views all over town, but I can still see them in my mind. I live in the here and now, but I can’t live without the past and all the things I have learned in Stockbridge, things that matter. I know better than to forget the past and sell out the future.

by by Bruce Blair

Contributors

The Soul of Stockbridge: Part Two

I put some music on the ancient CD player. It doesn’t take long before two women from out-of-town step in with pleasant expressions and the familiar mantra, “I love stores like this!”

“We had one in Pine Valley we used to go to after school.”

I think to myself, “I don’t know where Pine Valley is, but I know the feeling.” It’s the warm, loving trigger of a childhood memory.

We exchange greetings and I let them have their fun browsing and buying while I go on restocking shelves with jars of jam and bars of locally made soap. It’s like hanging the laundry on the clothesline — the mundane is life affirming — the ritual almost spiritual.

What really is this small job in a small town? Simply a place for Inn guests to buy postcards; a way to keep another Main street storefront from newspaper covered windows? Is the nostalgia on the shelves and on the minds of those who enter simply quaint? Is it no more significant than the replicas of old Colonial buildings at state fairs?

I can’t claim Williams & Sons is important or makes a contribution to society, but this is no replica or re-enactment. It lives and breathes for people. The truth is, it’s an enterprise that means an awful lot to an awful lot of folks. Seemingly insignificant compared to the Berkshire landmarks that surround it, yet, I’m reminded every day by patrons of the shops like this that didn’t survive the second half of the 20th century. Didn’t survive the mall craze, highway bypasses and super stores. My stewardship of this small enterprise feels global.

I don’t want to live in a world without elephants or monarch butterflies. I don’t believe others do either. So, my diligence with the rows of jam jars, my safe wrapping of those same jars for customers taking them home, serves more than the moment. This small shop, this Main Street, is a connection to a social ecosystem that just feels healthy.

The country store has changed through the years, keeping pace but never embracing all of what the material world sells. The millennials love our rare qualities, and the older folks feel comfortable living this way. Like Stockbridge itself, the balance is hard to define, needs regular calibration, but you can’t put a value on making the effort of careful stewardship. Can’t underestimate everyday life in a small shop in a small town.

by Teresa O'Brient

Contributors

Stockbridge History: Early History of the Red Lion Inn Property

In June of 1750 at the request of the Mohican Proprietors of Indian Town (Stockbridge & West Stockbridge) Colonel Timothy Dwight began a survey of the town’s 23,040 acres starting on Main Street where the size of the lots reflected the importance of the various tribal leaders making their homes there. Konkapot had 31 rods (511.5 feet) of frontage and Mhuttawampee or Great John had 22 rods (363 feet) of frontage which bordered on Moshenamauk who had 26 rods (429 feet) of frontage and whose property would later be divided up, a portion of which would become Silas Bingham’s Tavern the antecedent of the Red Lion Inn.

Rhoda Quanpaunwos seems to have acquired the land after the death of her father Moshenmanauk. In 1768 she sold the land to Phineas Morgan, a shoemaker, who was married to a daughter of school master Timothy Woodbridge. Morgan later sold the land to Abraham Brinsmaid, also a shoemaker. In 1782 Lois Brinsmaid as administrator to Abraham Birnsmaid’s estate sold five acres to Anna Bingham, which appears to be the land south of the Red Lion Inn to Maple Street.

Court of General Sessions records are virtually non-existent between late 1773 and early 1781 for Inn Holders and Retail licenses. In 1773 there were four Innholder licenses issued, including William Goodrich whose 1773 inn predated Bingham’s tavern and was at 28 Main Street (Judy Abdalla). In 1775 Benjamin Willard was the only inn license holder in Stockbridge. Anna Bingham does not show up until April of 1781 and continued to hold a Innholder’s license every year until 1792. In 1794 she was, again, brought into court for wickedly and unlawfully selling strong liquors as an evil example to others.

The history of the Red Lion Inn property is further complicated as it appears Berkshire County Courts were closed during the Revolution. Brinsmaid’s probate court records indicate there was a house, barn, and tailor shop on the property in 1772. Grace Bidwell Wilcox made an entry in one of her daybooks that there was a blacksmith’s shop on the site and several old Stockbridge families still had andirons made there. Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds has no deed showing Silas Bingham as an owner of the property, but it is clear from later records that Anna owned the lot. More on the life of Anna Bingham to come.

by Rick Wilcox

Contributors

Stockbridge Living History: Fire in Stockbridge

In the midnight hour of Friday, May 21, 2021 the Stockbridge Fire Department was dispatched to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac on Stockbridge Bowl for a reported structure fire. The responding units were quickly updated that multiple structures were involved. The fire ultimately consumed 6 buildings (more if the 3 wings of the largest building counted separately).

The hazards present during the fire included secondary power lines that were damaged and arcing on the ground, propane tanks that were damaged and venting flames high into the air, and the chemicals on hand for the operation of the camp pool for the season. National Grid handled the power lines, George Propane handled the propane tanks, and Massachusetts Department of Fire Services District 5 Hazmat Squad 51 with the help of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and a private hazmat cleanup contractor handled the chemicals for the camp pool.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries; was treated and released.

The water used for fire suppression came from two sources: a private fire hydrant on the Tanglewood Boston Symphony Orchestra Linde Center property, and Stockbridge Bowl.

The fire was investigated by State Troopers assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the fire was determined to be accidental, caused by oily rags stored in one of the cabins.

The full list of resources used on and off the fire scene are: Stockbridge Fire Department, Stockbridge Police Department, Stockbridge Highway Department, Lenox Fire Department, Lenox Police Department, Lee Fire Department, Richmond Fire Department, Richmond Ambulance, Great Barrington Fire Department, West Stockbridge Fire Department, Egremont Fire Department, Hinsdale Fire Department, Otis Fire Department, Becket Fire Department, Blandford Fire Department, Canaan New York Fire Department, East Chatham New York Fire Department, New Lebanon New York Fire Department, Southern Berkshire Ambulance, County Ambulance Service, Tanglewood Boston Symphony Orchestra hydrant usage and staff, National Grid, George Propane, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services District 5 Hazmat Squad 51, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, DEP assigned private hazmat cleanup contractor, Berkshire County Fire Chiefs Association County Cars 1 and 3, Berkshire County Sheriffs Control Center, State Troopers assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Camp Mah-Kee-Nac staff and the good Samaritans who reported the fire.

Camp Mah-Kee-Nac will open for its season as scheduled. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will ensure there are no further environmental concerns. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has not reported any environmental impact to Stockbridge Bowl from this incident.

by Vincent Jan Garofoli, Fire Chief, Stockbridge Fire Department

The Last Word

Reader to Reader — We Got Mail

From Carole Owens — a thank you and a correction.

Thank you to everyone who sent kind words about the SU election issue — it is always nice to hear words like “Boffo” and “Superb”.

Correction: SU reported Kate Fletcher holds a Master’s Degree in planning. Kate would like us to know that while she took courses in planning as part of her master’s program, ultimately, her Master’s Degree was in Public Policy.

* * ^ * *

Dear Carole,

Here’s some ground rules for [Memorial Day]:

1. Don’t wish me a Happy Memorial Day. There is nothing happy about brave men and women dying.

2. It’s not a holiday. It’s a remembrance.

3. If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington or your local VA, not Disneyland.

4. Don’t tell me how great any one political power is. Tell me about Marvin Shields, Chesty Puller, George Patton, John Basilone, Dakota Meyer, Kyle Carpenter, Mitchell Paige, Ira Hayes, Chris Kyle and any other heroes too numerous to name. Attend a Bell Ceremony and shed some tears.

5. Don’t tell me I don’t know what I am talking about. I have carried the burden all too many times for my warriors who now stand their post for God.

6. Say a prayer… and then another.

7. Remember the Fallen for all the Good they did while they were here.

8. Reach out and let a Vet know you’re there, we’re losing too many in “peace”.

Harold French

Dear Harold,

In honor of Memorial Day, we will post Stockbridge Updates earlier rather than on the 1st. Your letter will be included as good ground rules to know and remember. Thank you for organizing Memorial Day in Stockbridge each year with Lisa Thorne and thanks for sending along the ground rules.

Carole

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Dear Carole,

Congratulations to Gary Pitney and Carl Sprague on their overwhelming victory as new members of the planning board. Each has a distinguished record for long, dedicated and honorable service to our town. Their victory was a clear referendum to change the direction of the planning board, which is set on enacting a by-right development friendly “open space” zoning bylaw. The original mandate to the planning board was to review, revise or eliminate the Cottage Era Estate bylaw. That task has been back-burnered. Instead through the expensive work of consultants not familiar with our town and encouragement by board members with a clear disposition to shape the outcome, a proposal has been advanced that presents a major change in land use. The proposed new bylaw may not reflect the views of the town, particularly, if the planning board election is any indicator. The newly constituted planning board should take a step back, halt the work of their consultants and convene public forums with the town citizens to fully understand what the town wants, if anything, in the way of changes to its bylaws. The planning board should be more concerned about hearing from the town’s residents, rather than from outside developers, to shape the town’s future.

Stuart Hirshfield

Dear Stuart,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Carole

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Dear Carole,

As a current and former member of multiple boards and committees, and most importantly, as a tax-paying, voting resident interested in openness and accountability in our government, I cannot over emphasize how important I consider the continued zoom recording of our public meetings to be. I also believe return to the previous method of meeting, that is, public congregation in our town hall, is an equally important aspect of normal community expression, and should be restored. Such meetings can easily be combined with a mandatory zoom recording. Unlike our policy before the pandemic, when only certain meetings were recorded, I believe it is essential that ALL public meetings be recorded via zoom, but that the public always have the option to attend via zoom on a live, real-time basis. Such live and recoded meetings afford many benefits to the functioning of our government, among them are:

Improved access to meetings by the public, many of who might not otherwise be unable to attend. I have seen this repeatedly as chair of the board of health.

Meetings become available for viewing on CTSB later, again affording the public access that would have been impossible without the recording. This also has helped in confirming the accuracy of minutes and can be of help to committee members who are responsible for ensuring reliability of minutes.

Finally, these live, recorded meetings ensure that the spirit of the open-meeting laws prevails in our town. Who would NOT want their committee meeting to be completely visible and transparent to the public?

Charlie Kenny

Dear Charlie,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. There seems to be support for your viewpoint. In a recent meeting, Town Administrator Michael Canales mentioned that a Zoom recording facilitates compliance with the Public Records Law. You mention Zoom also facilitates compliance with the Open Meeting Law. On SU behalf, I attend meetings, take notes, and write the “Notes from…” news items. Easier with Zoom.

Carole

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Dear Carole,

I enjoy your newsletter and sharing some of its materials. Could you add our executive director to the distribution list?

Thank you!

Sarah Gregory DelSignor

Dear Sarah,

Please go to www.stockbridgeupdates.com. In the upper right-hand corner, fill out the form. At SU we do not add or delete any subscriber name; only our subscribers do.