Editorial

A Local, Very Local, Newspaper

In 1854 Marcus Rogers started a small village newspaper. In 1854, Rogers could not press “send”, he needed three dimensional objects to produce a hard copy.

He needed paper, ink, a printing press, and type. Letterpress printing used a press with movable type or plates. A reversed, raised surface of one letter or a group of letters was inked and pressed onto a sheet of paper.

Rogers had none of the things he needed; he also had no money. He set about collecting them. He was given type — enough to fill a match box — and used paper — with one side still clean; he commandeered his mother’s cheese press. With that amalgam, that pile of oddments, he set to work. He converted the cheese press into a printing press and started his village newspaper.

He named the paper The Rising Sun. It was for and about Mill River, Massachusetts. When the print was dried on his newspapers, he folded them, and delivered door to door.

Rogers was careful to have something in The Sun for every family member, old and young. Rogers was also careful to have nothing in the newspaper offensive to any family member, old or young. He must have been a clever young fellow because he grew into a rich and respected man.

One thing though, one thing the Mill River historians never reported: how big was the match box? They preserved the cheese press in the Mill River Library, but where is that match box? How many letters fit into it and which ones? Was he gifted all 26 letters? Did he have any doubles? With the letters he had, how many words could Rogers spell out and which ones were they? Could he write the words zigzag, fellow, follow, or willow?

Writers are limited by many things: imagination, vocabulary, syntax, even context. Rogers may have been limited by the size of a match box. Nonetheless…

He began as owner and sole proprietor of the Mill River Rising Sun and inventor of the cheese press cum printing press. He ended as inventor of a machine for folding newspapers and owner of the Rising Sun, the Berkshire Courrier and the Berkshire County Eagle. He traveled widely, gave generously, and was remembered fondly as the Managing Editor of The Rising Sun.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

As Covid recedes…

1. Masking up — Some private businesses require masks and/or proof of vaccination to enter. The Commonwealth issued the following: “Effective July 30…Fully vaccinated individuals are advised to wear a mask or face covering when indoors if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is an unvaccinated adult. Masks are still mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.”
2. Guidance on holding meetings pursuant to the Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures

On June 16, 2021, Governor Baker signed into law An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. This Act includes an extension, until April 1, 2022, of the remote meeting provisions of his March 12, 2020, Executive Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law. The new law has two major parts.

First, the new law allows public bodies to continue providing live “adequate, alternative means” of public access to the deliberations of the public body, instead of holding meetings in a public place that is open and physically accessible to the public. “Adequate, alternative means” may include, without limitation, providing public access through telephone, internet, or satellite-enabled audio or video conferencing or any other technology that enables the public to clearly follow the proceedings of the public body in real time.

Second, the new law authorizes all members of a public body to continue participating in meetings remotely; the Open Meeting Law’s requirement that a quorum of the body and the chair be physically present at the meeting location remains suspended.

The definition of a Hybrid meeting is a meeting both in person and via Zoom.

News

Dr. Coote visits Stockbridge Bowl in search for Milfoil

In July, the Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) Annual Report said: “It’s Back! Milfoil Reappears in the Bowl — On July 16. 2021, one of the lead biologists from SOLitude Lake Management toured the perimeter of the Bowl by boat to inspect for the presence of milfoil…last summer it was almost absent…This year the Milfoil has returned.”

On August 4, on behalf of the Town, Dr. Thomas Coote, Director of the Berkshire Environmental Research Center based at Simon’s Rock, went into Stockbridge Bowl to search for Eurasian Milfoil, the invasive. (It is not possible to differentiate Native and Eurasian Milfoil from a boat.) Coote reported that he did not find Eurasian Milfoil or the requisite 50% in the three areas originally designated as the test areas.

On behalf of SBA, Pat Kennelly attended Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC) and the Conversation Commission (ConCom) to let them know SBA asked the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for permission to change two of the test areas.

As a quick reminder, there is an Order of Conditions that must be met before fluridone can be used in The Bowl. Step One is counting the stems of Eurasians Milfoil in designated test areas where 50% or more is milfoil.

DEP did not grant permission to change the test area until SBA meets with the Conservation Commission and Select Board. Sadly, this may slow the harvesting in The Bowl. (For more, see Notes from SBSC below)

Full Order: Year one: Identify and count stems

Year two: if enough, treat those areas with fluridone

Year three: Identify and count stems of all plants in test areas treated.

Year four: DEP will authorize proceeding with full lake treatment if the count in year three confirms that fluridone controlled invasive milfoil and allowed native plants to survive.”

News

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden: Each Monday, a band will play in the gazebo among the topiaries in Lucy’s Garden, while guests stretch out on the tree-shaded lawns. Stroll the grounds, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy live music and beer and wine available from Big Elm Brewing. Spontaneous dancing is encouraged! $15 non-members and $10 members (Register online)
2. Norman Rockwell Museum: On scheduled Tuesdays in July and August, meet the international artists featured in the Fantasy Art exhibition on view at the Museum this summer. Please visit website https://www.nrm.org/events/ for details on this series. Join us in person, or online. Online participants: Free for members; $5 non-members.
3. Laurel Hill Day August 28 at 2 p.m. “A Celebration of the Leadership of Women”. It will be held on Laurel Hill (behind the Town Offices).
4. Chamber of Commerce Summer Arts and Craft Show — Saturday, August 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 22 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is an annual Chamber event on the grounds of the Town Offices, 50 Main Street. Admission free.
5. Austen Riggs — Virtual Rounds “The Psychology of Online Groups and Communities” August 20, 2021 at 12:45 PM. This is a VIRTUAL event and requires advance registration at austenriggs.org.

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, August 2, Hybrid

Present:

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

1. 504 Utility Appraisals are complete.
2. $4000 was necessary to do the 504s and Blay found that amount in unexpended funds from last year.
3. Blay received the “Cherry Sheet” from Department of Revenue (DOR). [Blay shared: The reason they call it that is because the hard copy they used to send (before email) was printed on pink paper.
4. Blay reported the sales prices in Stockbridge soared. Buyers usually pay 90 — 110% of assessed/appraised value. In 2020, the majority of buyers paid MUCH more than the previous assessment.
5. Stockbridge sends out a questionnaire to recent purchasers. This year one of the questions was: why did you pay this price? Blay reported that the reason for paying the exceptionally high sales prices was one word: “Covid”.
6. The record sales prices will not necessarily raise tax bills because, Blay explained, as the valuation increases, the rate often decreases. This minimizes the amount of the total tax bill.
7. Taxes and many other things are based on the evaluations. For example, the amount the Commonwealth gives Stockbridge for the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to distribute is based on the evaluations.
8. Blay reported Stockbridge has 658 second homes. Second homeowners pay a personal property tax bill based on building value and because that building value will change in FY22, they will see an increase in that bill. In addition, next year, second homeowners will fill out a form with the complete list of furnishings. Second homeowners are required to fill out the form for personal property tax every six years.
9. Update on PILOT (Payment in lieu of Taxes) Program. Nonprofits do not pay property taxes. Many areas including Boston have the PILOT Program that asks Nonprofits to voluntarily pay an amount to the municipality in lieu. Stokes reported some do this already and the others will be invited to pay a negotiated amount. This process will begin after Labor Day.
10. The PILOT Committee is Jay Bikofsky, Tom Stokes, and Gary Pitney. Stokes said they would welcome more members. Blay offered to have interested parties email him at Town Offices and he would forward the names.

News

Notes from the Planning Board, August 3, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Chair Bill Vogt
• Marie Rafferty, VC
• Wayne Slosek
• Nancy Socha
• Gary Pitney
• Jennifer Carmichael, secretary
• Kate Fletcher (via Zoom)
• Carl Sprague (via Zoom)

1. Minutes from 7/06/21 and 7/20/2021 approved as amended.
2. The agenda says, “Discussion of open points in NRHPZ draft bylaw.” However, the discussion changed to a sharing of each member’s vision for Stockbridge.
   1. Fletcher referred to a letter from Bruce Blair and reinforced that she agreed that discussion of the points made in his letter would be helpful.
   2. Since it shifted the focus of the discussion, with the author’s permission, the letter from Bruce Blair is reproduced here: “Dear Planning and Select Board Members: Regarding the agenda for the upcoming Planning Board meeting, I would like to urge the PB to consider the following questions before working on details of the “NHRPZ”. I think that the “delay” in pushing the NHRPZ onto the warrant was caused by the rush to implement, which skipped the groundwork.

What was the reason for creating NHRPZ?

Was there a critical need supported by documentation? Or was it a means to an end related to new business and development projects? The narrative statement of purpose in the bylaw presumes selected results but does not include other possible outcomes and rationales.

Where is the credible, transparent data and discussion that supports the actual need for the NHRPZ?

A list of properties in itself is not the whole story. Nearly four months of behind-the-scenes work from your subcommittee did not seem to provide information.

How well do Board members understand this bylaw?

At a recent meeting, it seemed clear that at least one member did not know that the NHRPZ gave the PB authority to waive its requirements.

What does the public think? How are you measuring and adapting to public response?

The recent PB election results do not indicate support for the measure, but suggest the opposite. Public discussion between Board members (sans consultants) and residents has been limited.

How well can you describe the impact of the NHRPZ? What are the pros and cons?

What will the town actually look like after it is implemented? We need an unbiased assessment. Speaking for myself and numerous others, no more sales pitch, please.

Earlier this year, consultant Jeff Lacy gave his opinion that the Cottage Era Bylaw needed to be separate from the NHRPZ. The Cottage Era Bylaw had been put on the back burner in order to speed up the NHRPZ, which was referred to as “urgent”. Why did you arrive at this conclusion? How can you document your urgent concerns so that they are credible?

I believe that by addressing these questions, you can effectively consider whether we need an NHRPZ in Stockbridge.”

In the discussion that followed, each PB member stated their position with regard to the proposed bylaw, and generally their “vision for Stockbridge”. It was an open and interesting discussion. The meeting is available on CTSB and is worth listening to. A summary does not do the members justice.

At the end of the discussion, more than one member observed there was not agreement between members. Points of disagreement included but were not limited to: is NHRPZ necessary? Is NHRPZ what the PB was tasked to consider? What is the role of a PB? Does any PB have an obligation or a proper role in determining how a developer makes money or how much he makes? Is a PB meant to promote or impede change? Is a PB’s role to lower taxes? And many other points of disagreement that may have nothing to do with the appropriate role of any PB.

Two suggestions were made:

1. To visit a community similar to Stockbridge where NHRPZ was adopted and see the result. Hopefully visit a project developed under a NHRPZ Bylaw.
2. Arrange for a survey to be sent to the public to determine what the people want; what their vision for Stockbridge is. It was suggested that perhaps that should guide their efforts. The last survey done by the Town re: housing was mentioned. Selectman White had experience with the last survey and was asked to assist. He readily agreed.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s note:

1. SU was asked to publish the last survey. It was reported that many if not most of the responses came as a result of SU publishing and promoting the survey. If SU can help this time, we are pleased to.
2. As they considered local developments, there seemed to be agreement about what members liked, did not like, and what worked. Perhaps evaluating local changes is an aid in finding agreement?

News

Notes from the Select Board meeting, August 5, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White

Also present, Michael Canales (Town Administrator) and Harold French

1. Harold French and his suggestion that Stockbridge have a Revolutionary War monument. He suggested it in the pages of Stockbridge Updates and has worked on it since. He found a farmer who would donate a granite slab. He suggested placement near the Chime Tower where monuments to those from Stockbridge who fought in WWI, WWII, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam War are located.
   1. Rick Wilcox is working on the names of those who fought in the Revolutionary War.
   2. There may be too many to fit on a commemorative stone so a QR code may be used.
   3. French offered to do some of the work setting the stone himself; White suggested professional help in designing, setting, and carving the stone.
2. The SB granted a number of one-day liquor licenses to Josh Billings Run-a-ground (September 13); Berkshire Botanical Gardens (August 7, 8 and September 17, 24 and 25) for wedding, rehearsal, dinners, a fundraiser and an exhibit opening; Norman Rockwell Museum, August 21 and 25 for fundraisers.
3. The Stockbridge Golf Club informs the SB when there is a change of management.
4. Agriculture and Forestry Commission suggested Michael Mauri as the new Forester. By a vote of the SB, Mauri was approved.
5. McCaffrey discussed the mechanism for enforcement of bylaws as described in Chapter 40 of Mass General Laws.
   1. a. Infractions are fined
   2. b. Offender pays the fine or appeals it in District Court.
6. White pointed out the one Airbnb is not in compliance with the new bylaw because it requires NO professional managers; this business has a professional manager overseeing more than one property.
7. White was concerned that SB enforce bylaws or change them. As an example, he mentioned the bylaw prohibiting chain link fences. (As reported last issue: Stockbridge Zoning Bylaw: 6.18 “Fences and Walls – Chain link and wire mesh fences are prohibited in all but the Manufacturing District unless said fence is visually screened from adjacent properties, including roadways, throughout the entire year.”)
   1. White suggested that bylaws be enforced or changed, but McCaffrey disagreed and said it “was too big a task and who is going to do it?”
   2. McCaffrey was also worried some things might be grandfathered and therefore not infractions, but White explained proof of something grandfathered was the burden of the owner not the Town.
8. McCaffrey was concerned about the East Main Street culvert. Canales said he would follow up with state and determine if there was a formal complaint as the culvert is the property of the Commonwealth.
9. Update on harvesting: Hugh Page said the equipment was “put to bed ready to go” and then not used so it shouldn’t be an issue. Harvester will go into The Bowl next week (August 9-13)
10. A permit was granted Handcrafted for an event at the RR Station August 29 as they had provided the requested items: a parking plan and an agreement with Laurel Hill Association.
11. Discussed whether town meetings should be hybrid. Canales said the Select Board meeting room was fully equipped for Zoom and recording. He added that he would train committee, commission and board chairs or members to use it.
12. White sought a policy to continue hybrid meetings; McCaffrey preferred leaving it up to the Chairs. They finally approved recommending hybrid meetings.
13. Lunch Program will commence Wednesdays at Senior Center in the Town offices and Thursdays at Heaton Court. Recommended contribution: $2 for participants over 60. Lunches will be served at noon.
14. According to an agreement, Berkshire Theater Group informed the SB that certain of their programs will move indoors.
15. Evidently there was a letter to the SB about BTG and White asked if they would consider it? McCaffrey postponed consideration as she had not seen it.
16. The Housing Trust was approved at Town Meeting and there will be a 5-person board forming. If interested, contact Canales.
17. Complimented Canales on his response to concerns about a bridge (unclear what bridge). McCaffrey suggested posting Canales response on Town web site. White noted 10-20 people go to Town web site and “about 1000 read Stockbridge Updates” so why not also post it in SU? McCaffrey was opposed.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to post information. Our goal is to inform the Town. We post everything submitted as long as it follows our few simple rules: 400 words or less, no ad hominem attacks, signed by the author, and only one submission per month. We post all submissions as written with no changes or edits.

News

Notes from Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC) August 6 Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Jamie Minacchi, Chair
• Michael Nathan
• Charlie Kenny
• Gary Kleinerman
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Mike Buffoni

1. Since Town Meeting approved the change from Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee to Commission, SBSC now may have a secretary. Tammy Touponce was elected.
2. SBSC elected the Chair and Vice Chair (John Loiodice) for another term.
3. Kleinerman discussed his meeting with Dave Cameron from Public Access, Tree Warden Mark Faber also present. They discussed the endangered trees on shoreline, erosion, and necessity for water diversion in parking area.
   1. It seemed a study was necessary and Public Access would be billed or request the Commonwealth do the engineering necessary. Kleinerman appeared to prefer Stockbridge do it and bill Public Access as way for it to get done faster.
   2. Faber suggested the eroded areas could be filled with gravel and stone, and he could do some cutting on endangered trees.
4. McCaffrey announced that everything was ready to go and Hugh Page would commence harvesting this week (August 9 – 13). Michael Nathan volunteered to operate the harvester.
   1. Pat Kennelly, Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) via Zoom, requested the harvester avoid a new test area(s) that SBA is proposing.
   2. Kennelly explained SBA is in the process of getting new test area(s) approved and the harvester should not go in proposed areas as well as not going in DEP approved areas. (See Report from Dr. Coote in SU above. Apparently, although Coote found some Milfoil, it was not in the approved test areas or not enough (50%) was in the approved test areas).
   3. McCaffery said Stockbridge must abide by DEP approved map when harvesting.
   4. Kenny said the proposed revision of test areas is “hearsay” until approved by DEP.
   5. Kennelly said SBA will be meeting with Conservation Commission and Select Board, per DEP instructions, to discuss the change in test areas. She again requested the harvester avoid proposed areas.
   6. McCaffrey said the request should be brought to Town Counsel.
5. Kenny reported that at the next Board of Health meeting, he will propose all Town meetings be hybrid as a “safer and more proper” approach, and sensible in light of the new Covid variants. He then moved that SBSC vote to continue hybrid meetings. Motion passed.
6. Buffoni reported the most rain in his experience. The highest he remembered was 7 inches and this year Stockbridge recorded over 11 inches. Buffoni did water sampling on July 22 and things seemed good.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Agricultural and Forestry Commission, August 9, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Erik Rasmussen, via Zoom
• Shelby Marshall, Alternate

Also present: Mike Buffoni, Water Supervisor

1. Buffoni said he read in Stockbridge Updates that there was an Agricultural and Forestry Commission. He was attending this meeting to share what he does and coordinate with new (re-established) commission.
   1. Attached to Lake Averic, the Town reservoir, is 300 acres under the Water Department’s management.
   2. The forester for that property is Jeff Jourdain. He has been forester for twenty years. Jourdain does the cutting plan. The plan is then reviewed and approved by the Commonwealth forester, Tom Ryan. Stockbridge does not cut more than 30%.
   3. The plan is sent out for bids, take highest. Town made “a couple of hundred thousand dollars” over the years.
   4. Buffoni stressed the care taken in an area around a reservoir. He also suggested that the Town has 330 acres near Turnpike and West Stockbridge line that could be logged as soon as they establish the property lines.
   5. Bozzuto asked if Water Dept does any re-planting. Buffoni said yes. As many as 500 — 750 seedlings — Black Walnut, Red Maple, and Chestnut. (The Chestnut does not flourish). They talked about a joint grant application and a joint field trip to visit the two forests.
2. Suppression Grant — thanks to Marshall for clarifying the definition of Suppression grants as follows: once the trees (in worst condition) in Ice Glen are treated using the funds made available at Town Meeting, then, Stockbridge might apply for a Suppression grant, that is, to suppress the disease in the trees, perhaps in better condition, but still untreated. E.g., 226 trees in poor condition and 123 in fair condition.
3. Brief discussion of community gardens and the needs to pick good location and have folks willing to manage the garden.
4. Mention of desire for a Stockbridge Farmer’s Market perhaps in coordination with Laurel Hill Association?
5. Tree Warden, Mark Faber, expected at next meeting — September 13.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Water and Sewer Commission, August 10, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Donald Schneyer, Chairman
• Peter J. Socha, via Zoom

Also present: Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary, Tom Campetti, Supervisor Sewer, Mike Buffoni, Supervisor Water

1. Approve July 6, 2021 minutes
2. Jim Wilusz — Tri Town Health
   1. Would assist Lake Drive Association (LDA) connection to sewer by expansion of sewer line
   2. Believes good for The Bowl
   3. There are innovative septic systems that could be investigated as well but very expensive ($50-60,000)
3. Beth Nathan from LDA presented an in-house survey: 39 units in association; 6 connected to Town sewer; 32 interested in connecting; 23 on the water; 13 failed; 12 20- 40 years old, and 8 undeveloped properties.
   1. Chair asked where to go from here? Sewer and Water has a 5-year plan LDA not on it — that plan directs expenditures
   2. Beth said she attended SB meeting and Roxanne told her during meeting that Water and Sewer has the money for engineering as a next step
   3. Chair, Buffoni and Campetti all said that was not the case. Money for this or any project would have to be voted at Town Meeting.
   4. Beth asked about money from the new Infrastructure Bill just passed. Response: “we have to take care of what we have before we branch out.”
   5. Suggestion: LDA go to SB and generate support to place on next year’s budget for Town Meeting.
   6. Chair mentioned there are only 6 full time residents in the LDA, and that there are many Stockbridge residents who would like to be on the sewer.
   7. Buffoni said he will look at water sample results for phosphates and nitrates (indications of septic runoff and/or fertilizer) to see if water quality in lake is being affected.
   8. Wilusz added that there are community septic system and that may be a solution for LDA. Estimate 110 gallons of use per bedroom per day and if use exceeds 10,000 gallons per day, a community septic requires DEP approval. Need cost comparisons between community septic/individual septic/sewer connection to make decision.
4. Water hauler late/demand fees — discussion postponed until others present.
5. Rain issue with the treatment plant and Park Street pump station — exposed potential weakness in system — Park Street pump station replacement update
6. Tuckerman bridge water line move progress — hope to finish this fall
7. Commonwealth wants to issue regulations with respect to water usage during drought but local governments pushing back.
8. Chair wished to thank Hugh Page for the great work he is doing cleaning up transfer station. Also thank you to man (name unintelligible) who does mowing — great job.
9. DeSisto filed an abatement for $4000 fee to Sewer Department. They had a leak used 600,000 gallons of water. Will pay for water but want to abate sewer charge.
10. Discussion of water shed inspection postponed until next meeting

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Conservation Committee (ConCom), August 10, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Ron Brouker, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Jay Rhind
• Jamie Minacci

Also present:

• Patrick White, SB rep to ConCom
• Charlotte (Sally) Underwood-Miller, Secretary, via Zoom
• Roxanne McCaffrey

1. Vote to approve minutes from Tuesday, July 27, as amended passed.
2. Amendment: Bozzuto reminded everyone of her motion to enforce the Scenic Mountain Act and impose a fine (on who?) someone who had violated it by (cutting down trees?). Her motion passed unanimously at July 27 meeting and Rhind moved to accept minutes as amended.
3. A number of agenda items were not considered because representatives were not present.
4. Pat Kennelly, on behalf of SBA, was present to inform ConCom that SBA wished to change the Eurasian Milfoil test areas. Until approved she asked that the harvester avoid both approved and proposed test areas.
   1. Pat Kennelly asked for guidance re: procedure to meet DEP requirement that SBA meet w/Con Com and SB
   2. Although White began to speak, McCaffrey stepped in and outlined a procedure — Kennelly to arrange a joint meeting with SB and ConCom.
   3. Sally pointed out the meeting would have to be published at least 48 hours in advance per Open Meeting Law.
   4. A time-consuming process, Brouker pointed out that if this change has any impact on harvesting schedule (delay in harvesting) it is “on SBA”. For example, to assure the path of the harvester is as agreed by DEP and Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP) there is a programmed GPS with “map of areas to harvest and test areas to avoid. If the test areas are changed the GPS has to be changed
   5. Kennelly wanted to clarify that it should be a joint meeting? McCaffrey said yes. Kennelly wanted to clarify what she should bring? McCaffrey said proposed map and rationale for changing test areas.
   6. There were a number of questions: is SBA sure it is Eurasian and not Native Milfoil? Is SBA saying these limited areas are the only areas in lake with Eurasian Milfoil?
   7. White pointed out that Coote also found Water Chestnuts — another invasive — which should be hand-removed.
   8. White also wanted to thank Michael Nathan for once again volunteering to operate the harvester.
5. Meeting adjourned

Editor’s questions:

1. Will there be enough milfoil In the proposed test areas?
2. Will they ever be able to document the problem required for a whole-lake treatment?

Opinion

Town Square

Welcome to Stockbridge Updates Town Square – The gatherings in the Town Square of old were vibrant and informal. The discussions were the stuff of our nation’s history. We can replicate it here in our local — very local — newspaper Stockbridge Updates. There are issues before us that would benefit from community discourse. Weigh in.

A reader, Anita Schwerner, suggested the topic for this issue: What are people’s opinions about continuing to have a remote option for all Stockbridge board, committee and commission meetings?

From Anita Schwerner:

A remote option is necessary if we want to have an informed electorate. It’s not always possible physically or logistically to attend in person whether you live here full or part-time. Second homeowners who attended the July 15 select board meeting expressed their appreciation of being able to participate remotely and their desire to have it continue. The minutes of a meeting don’t provide enough information to understand what was said in a timely manner.

Most town public bodies are already holding hybrid meetings that enable attendance in person as well as remotely via Zoom.

It’s debatable whether remote access is required by law or just desired by town citizens. I’ve had many emails and calls about whether or not Governor Baker’s June 16th extension means that it is necessary to provide remote access. Some interpret the first part of the law to mean that a remote option is not required if the meeting is held in person and the public can attend.

However, the second part requires a remote option for committee members. It states: “Second, the new law authorizes all members of a public body to continue participating in meetings remotely; the Open Meeting Law’s requirement that a quorum of the body and the chair be physically present at the meeting location remains suspended.”

Since a remote option is required for committee members, why wouldn’t the town also provide remote access for the public? Our select board gets to decide on this so please share your opinion.

I hope for a lively discussion in Town Square. Town Square provides a really interesting forum for discussion. Thank you.

Although I am the chairperson of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee, I am writing this as a private citizen.

From a Poll of Second Homeowners:

“Would you prefer a Zoom participation option ALWAYS be offered (in addition to being able to attend in person)?” Results: Yes 93.8%; Doesn’t matter to me — 3.7%; No — 2.5%

From Carl Sprague:

I strongly support continued remote access to Town meetings — both for board members and for public participants. This last year has shown us how effectively these communications work. Thanks to the excellent support of Community Television for the Southern Berkshires (CTSB), we’ve benefited from greater transparency and better records of board deliberations. For myself, I frequently work away from home, I would probably have to resign from my positions on the Planning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission were remote participation not possible.

From Bruce Blair:

Real democracy allows for citizen access to government proceedings in a variety of ways. The founding fathers quite rightly demanded that the content of all government sessions be recorded in detail. Thus, the Congressional Record.

But there is no reason that 300 million people need to be actually sitting in the halls of Congress for their voices to be heard. Nor in Stockbridge do we all need to be cramming into our town hall for a Planning Board or Select Board meeting in order to participate and express ideas. The tradition of writing to your elected officials goes back to the founding of the nation. Millions of letters have been sent to Congress. Millions of phone calls. Millions of emails. And now millions of Zoom log-ons across the land bolster the democratic process.

With today’s technology, we have an opportunity to establish a permanent new level of transparency and foster a well-informed community of Stockbridge voters. Of course, there must be some rules, within reason, to allow committees to do their work. But by continuing to allow for Zoom transmissions as a permanent feature of town meeting life, we are a richer community. I am struck by how much is lost when I read the minutes of our Boards after watching a meeting. I blame no one for this, it’s a hard job. But we have the answer.

Zoom helps voters become informed. They are more likely to turn out for elections or run for office, contribute new thinking, help solve problems. The shut-ins, the 2nd shift workers, the business travelers, the people with colds or the flu each winter, young and old from every part of town can still become a part of the town government process that belongs to all of us.

I ask the Select Board Chair to support continuing this important feature which so clearly enhances small town democracy.

Stockbridge Updates joins in:

Stockbridge is lucky in the level of citizen interest and engagement. It is rich in volunteers and folks willing to run for office. Stockbridge is populated with folks who have opinions and are willing to share; folks who have talent and ability and are willing to share. It seems the people want to be informed and Town government benefits if it makes every effort to inform the people.

It is admirable that the Town Administrator has equipped the Select Board meeting room with all the necessary tools to Zoom and record. Admirable that he is willing to train in how to use the equipment (which he promises is easy). It is great that CTSB airs all meetings recorded. Everything seems to be in place to bring the government to the people. Most of the committees, commissions, and boards are already availing themselves of this popular option. Bravo!

All that remains is for the Select Board to adopt the policy suggested by Selectman White: a uniform policy of remote access to all meetings. (See Notes from the SB Meeting below).

Opinion

Our Town

When it comes to my Select Board colleagues, I believe the town is fortunate to have their insight and experience. We had a pretty successful year last year when Chuck was chair. We added a great Town Administrator, managed to keep the town running smoothly, and strengthened our bylaws. Roxanne, this year’s chairman, is constantly rolling up her sleeves to continue Chuck’s mantra of “getting the job done”. It’s an honor and a pleasure to serve alongside them.

We still have a lot of work to do. Here are three examples:

• We’re finally making some headway on our backlog of bridges, trying to finish Larrywaug and come up with a plan for Curtisville. We recently learned that dredging the lake would cost upwards of $4.5 million, double the original budget. We’ll be making big decisions and managing complex projects for years to come.
• Enrollment in our school district is falling: by 2030, it will be half of what it was in 2010. Stockbridge and seven other towns are exploring a merger of our two districts. Expect a proposal with several options next Spring, and a plan to renovate or rebuild the high school soon thereafter. Once again: big and complex endeavors.
• With half the town over 65, what housing do we need for our neighbors who want to stay but have too much house to manage? New zoning may be needed to allow it, with strong incentives to build it.

Which brings me to transparency. I feel strongly it is the town’s job, not yours, to make it easy for you to stay informed. You have the option to attend our meetings in person, but what if you can’t? You can now participate via Zoom remotely, or watch the recordings online afterwards. The Select Board has strongly urged all boards to conduct these hybrid meetings.

Another amazing new option: Stockbridge Updates. Twice monthly, Editor Carole Owens compiles a digest summarizing our public meetings, and a forum for you to join the discussion by contributing a letter or opinion piece.

These new methods of interaction serve the community, town hall, and town boards by creating innovative ways for you to both stay informed and say what’s on your mind. We’re not perfect, and sometimes your feedback is negative. That’s ok: for the best idea to win, you sometimes need to challenge ours.

Let’s make better decisions — together.

by Patrick White

The Last Word

Reader to Reader — We Got Mail

Dear Carole,

I am pleased to see the robust discussion in Town Square regarding the Interlaken neighborhood and the Curtisville Bridge. I am in agreement with Rena, Misha, Lenore and Paul who wrote regarding the Interlaken neighborhood and bridge. Over the past 2 years I have attempted to provide resident input and raised questions regarding the work that has taken place. I have been frustrated by the inadequate response from town officials.

Following is a brief summary:

1. Many years ago, when Clint Schneyer was Highway Superintendent, a Mass Highway engineer inspecting bridges on State RT 183 looked at town bridges in Interlaken. The Curtisville Bridge was condemned for vehicular traffic. I requested a copy of any reports regarding the bridges, none have been provided.
2. Based on this long-ago inspection and a more recent recommendation by Foresight Engineering (though not Structural Engineers), the Sewer and Water Department deemed that the water and sewer pipes in the bridge were in grave danger of failure. I made a formal written request for a 2nd opinion. WE needed to know the integrity of the bridge to support the pipes, before any work was undertaken and the status of the bridges future determined. My request for a 2nd opinion was ignored by the S&W Department.
3. So over the past year the S&W Department proceeded to design and construct, at a cost of over $300,000 to the Town, the existing pipe structure. Although permanent looking to my eye, this structure is deemed “temporary” due to being located in an historic area. S&W has promised that the structure will be removed, and the pipes returned to the bridge when it is repaired. Is this true?

Regarding the fencing, I agree it is unsightly, inconvenient, illegal (chain link) and a detriment to the neighborhood. I see no reason why it was installed and why pedestrians are prohibited. When I asked Selectman Cardillo several years ago, his answer was “for insurance reasons”. Is this true?

In my opinion, before decisions are made regarding the future of the Curtisville Bridge, it is imperative that the Town get a 2nd opinion from a Structural Engineer (experienced with stone arch construction) on the integrity of the Curtisville Bridge to support pedestrian traffic as well as the utility pipes. I thank Carole and the Town Square for shining a light on this issue and hopefully holding our Town officials and Sewer and Water accountable.

Sincerely,

Alan Wilken

Editor’s note: Alan holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Dear Alan,

Thank you for the cogent comments and the kind words about Stockbridge Updates. I hope now there will be a fulsome response from our Select Board.

Carole

by Carole Owens