Editorial

Editorial: Sensibilities

One night, my neighbor told me he was searching for the essence of Stockbridge. Maybe we all are. Just as once we thought we found it in local images painted by Rockwell, perhaps now we will find it in the resolution of local issues.

A man bought a piece of land. He wanted a big house on a small lot. His habitat would destroy the habitat of the bald eagles. If the eagles’ nesting place was preserved, it would alter the man’s proposed habitat. This is a story about values and priorities, big money and small towns, what we want as individuals, and what is good for us as a community.

Under discussion was a third-of-an-acre lot. It rose sharply from the shoreline. Underfoot was ledge. In order to do what the owner wished; it was possibly necessary to blast the ledge and definitely necessary to cut down 61 tall trees — the bald eagles’ nesting place.

Make no mistake, both sides, the man and the eagles, had rights and neither side was right exclusively. This would not end with heroes and villains; this is a story that unravels on two levels — the facts in the case and the deeper meaning.

On an ordinary weeknight, at a run-of-the-mill meeting, an ordinary request assumed the elements of Greek tragedy — the tension of disagreement, the drama of the courtroom, the profound enunciation of deep-seated values — what one side or the other appreciated, cherished, esteemed, treasured, and held dear.

Representatives for the man argued for his rights and desires. Members of the Conservation Commission (ConCom) argued for the eagles and the tall-tree canopy, and against the disturbance caused by blasting ledge.

On a second ordinary Tuesday, a decision was reached. No towering trees, no nesting eagles, and no blasted ledge were mentioned. Representatives of the applicant assured ConCom they had heard its concerns and were responding — they would increase the number of replacement trees planted. Members of ConCom assured the applicant they did not want to appear to be turning the applicant down and asked for conditions.

So, with ConCom’s conditions attached to the Order of Conditions, the applicant will move forward preparing the ground to build his house by the lake.

by Carole Owens , Managing Editor

News

Notes from the joint meeting of Water and Sewer Commission (W&S), March 1, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Don Schneyer, Chair
• John Liodice
• Peter Socha
• Jennifer Carmichael, secretary
• And Select Board (SB)
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Patrick White
• Chuck Cardillo
• Tony Campetti, Sewer Supervisor
• Michael Canales, Town administrator

1. Chair called the joint meeting to order and stated the purpose: establishing good lines of communication.
   1. W&S is advisory to SB.
   2. W&S meets with public and advises them on (for example) connecting to the Town sewer system.
   3. In one case, W&S advised a group who wanted sewer connection to obtain an engineering study at their own expense (approx. $20,000)- they said SB may pay for it
   4. Mis- or cross- communication
2. McCaffrey said SB has made no decision
3. Cardillo said there is both maintenance and expansion and we should have a W&S Master Plan
4. White said maintenance should precede expansion
5. Chair said expansion not on our list. We are focused on, for example, Elm Street and “I&I”
   1. White asked to explain what I&I was (for the information of the public).
   2. Campetti explained the Commonwealth requires us to measure Inflow and Infiltration (I&I). Water that, due to pipe failure or other causes, does not belong in our water system. It matters because if treating excess water may have to, by law, repair or replace treatment plant
   3. White emphasized how expensive that would be.
   4. Campetti continued — there are four phases to completing I&I. Stockbridge has completed phases one and two and learned almost 50% of water is I&I. Must complete study, find amount and locations of infiltration and then move to phase four, action to correct the problem. Phase Four is the most expensive
   5. Socha does not want Treatment Plant capacity used up with I&I
6. Discussion moved to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money. There is $432,000 remaining from the ARPA money Stockbridge received. The intent appears to be to use ARPA money to leverage for more money from grants.
7. White made a motion to use $99,400 of the ARPA funds for Phase III of the I&I study. Motion passed.
8. Chair thanked everyone for getting the work done in so short a time — improved SB/W&S communication. Agreement to concentrate on maintenance
9. Socha was thanked for completing preparation for W&S report to be part of the Town Report
10. Canales report on Tuckerman Bridge — “bite the bullet” and replace span. The old stone foundation appears to be in good shape.
11. Campetti: Pump Station contract for electrical awarded to Comalli Contractors with the low bid of $120,000. Now will send out request for bids for general contractor
12. Campetti said there were new requirements from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Every municipality that has a collection system must have a plan written and implemented by July 2022. Campetti proposed hiring a consultant to create the plan. It would cost $2450 out of funds available. Motion passed

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Select Board, March 10, Hybrid meeting

Present:

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

24 on Zoom

Camera angle precluded seeing those seated in the room

1. Minutes from February 10 and 17 approved as written. February 24 minutes approved with correction of typo.
2. Police Chief Darryl Fennelly proposed hiring on a fulltime basis, Rosario Messina. Messina worked as a full time Stockbridge policeman before and was “a good fit for Stockbridge.” Hiring approved. Chief Fennelly and Messina thanked the SB.
3. Hugh Page asked approval for hiring a Highway Foreman. There was some confusion that this would replace Page, however Page is Highway Superintendent. New hire, Carmelo Gardo, approved as Highway Department Foreman.
4. Jamie Minacci reappointed as Stockbridge representative to the Great Barrington Public Transportation Advisory Commission (Shared service for seniors and others who need transportation).
5. Chair announced presentation by Patrick Sheehan owner of 37 Interlaken (DeSisto).
6. Denny Alsop rose with a “Point of Order”, that is, a query in a formal debate or meeting as to whether correct procedure is being followed.
   1. Apparently directed at the Chair, Alsop was asking McCaffrey if she had a Conflict of Interest, and if so, if she would make it public as required by law.
   2. It was hard to hear because simultaneously the Chair was telling Alsop he was out of order and saying, “I am stopping you here.”
   3. Alsop, intent on his statement and very hard-of-hearing, did not hear McCaffrey.
   4. Finally, banging the gavel, Chair asked Canales, “Do we have a police officer in the building?”
   5. Canales nodded and left the room presumably to call a policeman on a hearing-impaired septuagenarian with a soft voice, gentlemanly manner, and a point of order (question).
7. Simultaneous with the gavel banging, and possibly related, two men in the back of the room were exchanging swear words and one threat of physical violence (just audible at minute 11 seconds 37 — 50.)
8. By the time the police arrived, Alsop had been helped to hear, thanked everyone for listening to his point of order, and sat down without demur. The policeman, therefore, dealt with the two angry men.
9. Next the Chair read a statement which seemed to be a legal statement and appeared to be laying ground rules to eliminate any indication of conflict of interest or agentry. McCaffrey read…
   1. Discussion of Sheehan’s vision or future use of 37 Interlaken is precluded. “We will not discuss any plan.”
   2. There is “no application pending before any Town board. This is a general information meeting for Sheehan and the SB to hear from the public.”
   3. “I do not expect the SB to ask much or anything, we are here to listen.”
10. Sheehan presented a plan, and Michael Roisman asked, “how is this plan any different from the one presented (and turned down at Town Meeting) years ago?”
    1. Sheehan responded, “really no change.”
    2. Roisman then asked the SB, if the plan is the same, and that plan was voted down at Town Meeting, what is the purpose of the meeting?
    3. McCaffrey disagreed and said the plan was never turned down, the bylaw change that would enable implementation of the plan, written by Sheehan’s lawyers, was voted down.
11. Jim Balfanz, Finance Committee member, spoke in favor of the Sheehan development.
12. Wayne Slozek, PB member, and Thomas Schuler, Chair Zoning Board of Appeals, thanked McCaffrey for arranging the meeting.
13. Others asked questions, for example, was there sufficient sewer and water capacity and would there be any affordable housing as part of project?
14. At another point White objected to being prevented by McCaffrey’s opening statement of “ground rules” from asking questions or sharing thoughts with Sheehan. Cardillo responded, “it’s illegal”. Cardillo added since there is no application before SB, it is not the SB’s job to inquire. “Get in trouble if we comment before there is an application.”
15. After the Sheehan presentation, the issue of continuing hybrid meetings was broached. The SB seemed to express mixed feelings, and no vote was taken.
    1. McCaffrey objected because if the electricity went out, the hybrid meeting would have to be adjourned. Someone replied that would be true for an in-person or a hybrid meeting.
    2. On the other hand, McCaffrey pointed out Stockbridge had purchased and installed all the equipment necessary for hybrid meeting and planned to extend the capability to a second room at Town Offices.
    3. Cardillo wished to wait for the Commonwealth to decide, but an attendee pointed out the Commonwealth just voted to extend hybrid meetings.
    4. White supported hybrid meetings because we have a significant percentage of second homeowners who are away and can Zoom in; the town has an aging population and White said, we should make all meetings available to the most number of people.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s Notes: These notes offer definitions of terms used during meetings. For example —

1. Cardillo’s comment “it’s illegal” — It is common procedure for the developer to request the meeting. For a board member to solicit a meeting with a developer would “be illegal” as Cardillo mentioned, if it were mistaken for acting as an agent for, promoting, the development. 2. Cardillo also mentioned “no plan before us”, that is, the developer asks for the meeting when he has prepared and submitted a plan that includes the required elements. 3. Sheehan did not submit a plan, instead, in a unique approach, his chose to write his own bylaw and submit it to Town Meeting. It was voted down. 4. With respect to turning down Sheehan’s plan: Roisman was arguing turndown of bylaw was the same as turndown of the project. McCaffrey was arguing they were different.

News

Notes from the Conservation Commission (ConCom), March 8, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Ron Brouker, Chair
• Joe DeGiorgis
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Jamie Minacci
• John Hart
• Sally Underwood-Miller, Secretary

See SU editorial

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, March 7, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Gary Pitney, Chair
• Doug Goudey
• Tammy Toupence, Town Assessor

1. Blay mentioned “last abatement” finalized.
2. Verizon New England and Mass Department of Revenue (DOR) reached an agreement. Municipalities are asked to sign on. If a municipality declines than has to do its own valuation. Motion to sign on — passed
3. Payment to RRC going to Town Meeting for final approval.
4. All Chapter lands have been reviewed.
5. ABC forms due March 1, however, Tavitian Foundation, Austen Riggs, Kripalu and Laurel Hill association asked for extensions. ABC forms should include use of tax-exempt property to be sure use fits guidelines for tax exempt
6. Discussion about making Hybrid meetings permanent.
7. Chair moved meeting into executive session

Public Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: 1. Real Estate Research Consultants, Inc. (RRC) specializes in personal property appraisal and valuation. 2. Mass ABC tax forms are required of nonprofit organizations. 3. Forest land is defined under Chapter 61 (thus the abbreviation). Forest lands are treated differently under Mass Tax Code

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC), March 4, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Jamie Minacci, Chair
• Michael Nathan
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Gary Kleinerman
• John Liodice
• Charles Kenny via Zoom

Under the Chairmanship of Jamie Minacci, SBSC continues to have working sessions to prepare their priorities for the Lake Management Plan (LMP). The priorities will be presented to the consultants who will write the LMP. To date, they have divided the list into top priorities, ongoing tasks and reaction to emergencies. When the SBSC list is completed, SU will report in full. This work session is available on CTSB.

News

Notes from Community Preservation Committee (CPC) March 3 and March 9, Hybrid meetings

Present:

• Sally Underwood-Miller Chair
• Jay Bikofsky
• Linda Jackson
• Tom Stokes
• Carole Owens
• Patrick White
• Steve Knopf via Zoom
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Roxanne McCaffrey, Select Board

Also present, applicants: Arthur Dutil (Gould Meadows), Jim Welch and Kevin Chittenden (Stockbridge Train Station), Bronly Boyd and Carl Bradford (Congregational Church), Shelby Marshall (Ag and Forestry Commission), Ellen Spear and Laurie Norton Moffett (Norman Rockwell Museum), Kate Fletcher (Cat and Dog Fountain), Pat Flinn (Laurel Hill Assoc), Shirley Blanchard, Karen Marshall, Andrea Lindsay (Stockbridge Housing Authority)

1. CPC reviews all applications and determines which should be referred to Town Meeting for approval.
2. Town Counsel (TC) reviews all submissions. TC determined three projects did not meet the criteria. They were the Town’s proposal for an Historical Education Plan, The Kampoosa Bog Hydrological Assessment, and the Kampoosa Bog document digitization.
3. Linda Jackson, Chair Historical Commission, reviewed the eight projects submitted under historic preservation and shared recommendations of the Town’s Historical Commission.
4. White moved that the NRM’s request for $4999 for an Historic Structure Report on Linwood (the Berkshire Cottage on the grounds) be awarded under Administration. Moved and passed
5. Committee requested more information regarding historic restoration of Glendale Fire Station.
6. Work to date on Cat and Dog Fountain and request for reconstruction of “bottom tier” and second tier as well as completing restoration of statue. White moved to award $40,000 requested. Passed.
7. Chittenden represented the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. The Committee questioned if space was being rented to a for-profit entity in which case CPC could not fund it. It is not. The Committee was assured that any profits would go to preserve the building and support the museum. The request was to repair and replace the concrete apron around the station.
8. First Congregational Church not fundable as a religious organization but the historic building, an important part of the history of the Town, does qualify. In order to retain the functionality of this part of the building, access must be rebuilt to conform with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
9. Stockbridge Library has received a gift of a peace pipe from the Stockbridge Munsee tribe. To preserve it properly, an archival shadowbox needs to be created. White made a motion to approve $2712.62 to construct the shadowbox. Passed.
10. Laurel Hill Association would like to undertake signage and small parking lot at Upper Bowker’s Woods (Route 183). This property has been let go for some time. Unique with vernal pool and as habitat for endangered species.
11. The Town Parks and Recreation committee would like to remove some of the invasive phragmites and make room for an additional kayak launch at the Town Beach. This will require a filing with the Conservation Commission. Parks and Recreation is also requesting funding for a kayak access to the river at Park Street. Stones will be placed in the river that boaters can walk on. This will also require a filing with the Conservation Commission.
12. Ice Glen’s Old Growth Forest is being decimated by invasive insects — the Wooly Adelgid and the Emerald Ash Borer. The Town is proposing to use injectable insecticide to save the trees before all are lost. Many of the trees are already diseased and doing quite poorly. Biological remediation may be explored for future controls.
13. Bikofsky presented the Committee with the Declaration of Purpose for the Housing Trust. This project will allow for various methods of supporting moderate income housing for young families and working people by providing down payment assistance, among other kinds of financial assistance.
14. Friends of Gould Meadows requested funding under Recreation to continue the clearing of invasive speies, build a stone wall to better mark the perimeter of the parking lot, and finish up the restoration of the milk shed.
15. Pine Woods driveway is not functional, $70,000 to rebuild. Moved and passed.
16. Stockbridge Housing Authority (Heaton Court) requested $33,529 to complete the replacement of the siding. Moved and passed.
17. Will continue March 9.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s Note: In order to qualify, applications to CPC must fit into one of three categories: Housing, Historic Preservation, or Open Space (which includes recreation). 2. There is an additional small category: Administration

March 9 meeting

1. With the exception of the three items that TC viewed as not qualifying and the signage for Ice Glen, all requests were recommended in full. They will be forwarded to SB for inclusion on Town Meeting Warrant for final approval by Town Meeting.
2. Due to the diligent efforts of our new Town Accountant, Town Administrator and Select Board Member Patrick White, literally tens of thousands of extra dollars were discovered. This is money that was allotted to CPC over many years and was not spent. It accumulated. This discovery allowed CPC to fund in full all requests made this year except for the three town counsel said did not qualify and the sign at Ice Glen.
3. Three matters were raised and discussed
   1. What is the job of CPC? Some members thought it was to gather the applications, determine which qualify, and recommend funding those at 100% of request if sufficient funds are available. [Part of application process is justifying the amount requested]. It is the taxpayer’s money meant to be used totally for the purpose intended.
   2. On the other hand, at least one member felt strongly that CPC had the additional task of judging the merit of the application and turning some applications down or granting a lesser amount based on that judgement.
   3. Out of that discussion, another issue arose. Should CPC recommend using all funds available each year or hold a reserve? Some felt our fiduciary responsibility was to give it all away to qualified applicants as stewards of the money directed to allocate it by the Town Meeting (TM). Others felt there should always be a reserve
   4. If there should be a reserve, should CPC place it in one or more of the three categories. In a way, determining before an application how it can be spent.
   5. This year, after all the funding recommendations, there was an excess because of the discovery of previously unspent funds. An argument was made to put it in Housing because there is a particular need for affordable housing. It was decided to hold the newly discovered money, almost $400,000, in an undesignated category for maximum flexibility.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Finance Committee, February 28, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Jay Bikofsky, Chair
• Jim Balfanz
• Bill Vogt
• Steve Shatz
• Pamela Boudreau
• Diane Reuss
• Via Zoom Patrick White

1. Chair said they would discuss the operating budget and future capital budget but not the warrant articles yet
2. Minutes from 9/30/21 approved
3. Canales screen-shared an operating budget as a “baseline” for discussion
   1. Includes everything but proposed additional police officer
   2. Proposed lowering litigation line
   3. Technology up $20,000 (software)
   4. Salaries relatively unchanged
   5. $460,000/schools as Stockbridge enrollment up
   6. Shatz mentioned increasing energy line item due to current world events. Shatz suggested “err on the high side”
4. Chair suggested next step is to meet with departments and ask questions/clarify
   1. Perhaps meet in joint session with SB
   2. Chair suggested meet first with Police, Fire, and Highway
5. Canales moved discussion to debt —
   1. suggested this is the time to borrow (low interest rates) however against the law to borrow and hold for future expense.
   2. Canales suggested finishing the engineering for big items such as bridges, so we are “shovel ready”
   3. Shatz suggested using the $1 million set aside for COVD-19 but never used (now part of $4.9 million in reserve) be used rather than borrow if rates soar
   4. Canales pointed out if interest rates go high enough, the interest could be as much as the principal.
   5. Vogt wanted to fix interest rate now, but Canales reminded him, can only fix interest rate by borrowing. It is illegal to borrow in advance of expenditure
   6. Reuss suggested using the money in reserve and paying down all debt — or all possible debt up to $4.9 million with a smaller reserve and have a clean slate. “It is the taxpayers’ money, and we are stewards meant to use it for the purpose intended.”
   7. Canales said he listened and will build scenarios for different choices
   8. Chair said this was all part of the final process and hopes to have final budget by end of March.
6. Discussion re: school, cost of new school, costs associated with repairs (for example) if new school turned down
7. Chair said the Commonwealth takes a dim view of using free cash and stabilization fund to reduce tax rate. Shatz agreed
8. Chair said it becomes more difficult for small communities to pay for Commonwealth requirements (for example, police training) and seems to force village to look into shared services. Shatz agreed
9. The cost of the school is a large budget item and probably would grow larger with proposed new school. White spoke to the merger seemingly combining the shared services and school issues.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Planning Board (PB), March 1, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Bill Vogt, Chair
• Marie Raftery
• Nancy Socha
• Gary Pitney
• Jennifer Carmichael, secretary

Via Zoom:

• Kate Fletcher
• Peter Strauss

1. Minutes approved as written (date?)
2. 8 Hawthorne — Public Hearing for Special Permit
   1. Attorney Elizabeth Goodman for the owners (Daniel and Betty Pincus).
   2. Request to continue the matter until March 15, granted
   3. Peter Strauss and Ruth Friendly, neighbors, each requested a copy of the application
3. Discuss Cottage Era Bylaw as related to the subdivision and cluster housing bylaws
   1. Chair pointed out the Subdivision and Cluster Housing Bylaws are Commonwealth bylaws and cannot be altered by any municipality
   2. Chair — determine if Cottage Era Bylaw is different enough from other two to be necessary?
   3. Raftery pointed out subdivision is by right as long as meets other zoning conditions (for example, setbacks) and Cottage Era requires a Special Permit.
   4. Fletcher apparently disagreed — she said there was a review process even with a subdivision.
   5. Chair asked when was last subdivision? Pitney guessed it was Stone Ridge Definitive Subdivision about twenty years ago.
   6. Pitney said Special Permit gives Town more control; by right means they can go forward. He briefly mentioned lawsuit which the Town lost (2002).
4. Raftery attended the Conservation Commission (ConCom) meeting as they discussed Performance Standards. Raftery shared that ConCom wanted to tailor language so applicants requiring approvals from ConCom and PB would understand.
5. Chair asked why PB considers Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) permits and why those would not be more appropriate with ConCom?
6. Pitney suggested PB ask Select Board (SB) to transfer that permitting process to ConCom.
7. PB also discussed joint site visits and supporting a Conservation agent.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s Notes: These notes offer definitions of terms used during meetings. For example –

1. Special permits — in addition to being “in harmony with the bylaws…shall be subject to general or specific provisions set forth therein; and such permits may also impose conditions, safeguards, and limitations on time or use.”
2. By right means that if the owner/developer abides by — “is in harmony with” — general bylaws such as setbacks, acreage per dwelling, length of driveways, etc. then the project cannot be stopped and no special conditions or limitations can be imposed.
3. Brief summary of lawsuit — Stone Ridge owned 99.6 acres and planned to build a subdivision. Stockbridge PB was considering imposing conditions and limitations. Background: on October 2002 Stone Ridge filed a nine-lot definitive subdivision plan. On March 24, 2003, PB had not approved. On April 1, 2003, therefore, Richard Bernstein, Manager, Stone Ridge filed suit in Mass Land Court seeking to compel the PB to approve and issue a certificate of construction. The Court found in Stone Ridge’s (the plaintiff’s) favor. Stockbridge appealed until 2010. There were (apparently) two appeals filed by Stockbridge after the original lawsuit filed by Stone Ridge. Town/ PB lost all 3. You can read the cases in full at https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ma-court-of-appeals/1524988.html

News

Events

1. Stockbridge Library — Event postponed
   Censorship: Libraries, Media, and the Stability of Democracy — A Conversation with Marty Baron — New date: March 19 at 3 pm
2. Stockbridge Library — New Exhibit
   Dashing Through the Snow: Snapshots from Stockbridge Winters, 1906-1907 — Through April 30

News

Town Election, Tuesday, May 17

Nomination papers are available until March 24. Positions on the ballot include Select Board (1 seat); Board of Assessors (1 seat); Planning Board (2 seats); Board of Health (2 seats); Parks & Recreation (1 seat), and Sewer & Water (1 seat).

To date, papers have been taken out for:

Planning Board: Bill Vogt, Lis Wheeler, and Kate Fletcher

Board of Assessors: Doug Goudey

Select Board: Roxanne McCaffrey, Jaime Minacci

Water and Sewer: Peter Socha

Stockbridge Updates — Candidates Q & A

Stockbridge Updates invites all those running to retain their seats and those challenging them to please send us your answers to the Stockbridge Updates Candidates’ Q&A. In addition, feel free to submit an article or contact Stockbridge Updates for an interview or a video-taped interview.

Stockbridge Updates will publish “Stockbridge Candidates Q&A” and articles as soon as they are received. The Questions are: Why are you running? What is your prime focus if elected? What else would you like to tell voters? All submissions are 400 words or less, attributed, and no ad hominem attacks.

To all candidates: thank you for running and good luck.

News

Public Service Announcement (PSA): Mask Guidance

Public Service Announcement (PSA): The CDC updated its guidance on mask wearing and announced that it is no longer requiring that masks be worn on school buses or vans for K-12 students, at childcare programs, and at public outdoor gatherings.

A fully-vaccinated individual should wear a mask indoors if that person has a weakened immune system, or increased risk for severe disease due to age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in the household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks.

Masks still required on public transportation, in healthcare facilities, congregate care facilities, emergency shelter programs, and correctional facilities. Home health care workers must wear masks.

Analysis

Board of Health Update from Charles Kenny, MD

Kenny said, “COVID-19 cases tailing off since the high in February.”

At its last meeting, the Tri-Town Board of Health voted unanimously to rescind its previous directive regarding COVID-19 and the towns of Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge. The current guidelines of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health now are in effect, namely, in closed public spaces, masks or social distancing are not recommended for vaccinated individuals. The recommendations to wear masks are still in effect for unvaccinated individuals and for vaccinated individuals, for their own protection, who have been advised by their doctors that they have special risks concerning the disease.

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Dear Carole,

Thank you for your reassuring and inspiring editorial about comity and kind words. I feel this way about Stockbridge too, as a haven of humanity and civility especially during these challenging times.

You put my nascent feelings into beautiful words, and are sharing them with our entire community. I want you to know your thoughts, and all your work and dedication on the updates, are much appreciated by those of us quietly reading out here.

Best wishes,

Wayne Alpern

Dear Wayne,

Thank you for taking the time to write. I guess putting someone’s feeings into words is a writer’s deepest hope.

Carole

Dear Carole,

The latest issue of SU looks great and is full of important information for our townspeople. This Stockbridge resident is really curious about “who” is the mystery photographer that goes by the name of Blue Moon Images?? Are you willing to share that info? All the photos by all the photographers add so much beauty to SU!

— Lenore

Dear Lenore,

No secret. Blue Moon is the very talented Dana Goedewaagen. SU placed her email, bluemoonimages@icloud.com, rather than her name in the caption. Thanks for catching it. Dana’s name will appear in captions going forward.

Carole

Dear Carole,

Thank you for creating this forum. It could be so helpful, and potentially defining, during this particularly challenging time. I signed up and am grateful for your leadership.

Mary Berle

Dear Mary,

Thank you for your kind words and for being part of the SU community.

Carole

Dear Updates:

A group of folks in town who have long hoped to bring large scale housing and resort development to Stockbridge have shifted gears. After finally giving up on pushing a major bylaw change through the Planning Board related to bringing back the sprawling “37 Interlaken” project, they have opened a new front in the controversial discussion.

The Select Chair reached out, apparently on her own, and contacted the developer, who still owns the property but has not applied for a permit, to speak at the Board’s March 10th meeting on “general potential uses — no specific plan to be presented” for the property. Not surprisingly, this proved impossible. Specifics flowed, as did emotions.

Had there been more notice of this event, some may have pondered whether it was a good idea for the SB Chair to have made this arrangement. The idea had been percolating with the Planning Board Chair as well. Public officials must tread carefully in order not to give the appearance of acting as agents, like realtors or other beneficiaries, for private business plans. Inviting in a specific building project can look like a personal agenda, regardless of intent.

One proponent suggested the developer return and speak to residents. But this is now a project of the Select Board as well. Perhaps they can also answer questions. And perhaps residents can inform the Board about their own understanding of the consequences of this project.

No professional planning association would suggest that Select and Planning Boards look at such fundamental and literal changes to the town’s landscape without assessing the impact of scale. First. Before writing new laws or reaching out to specific builders to pitch their ideas at official town Board meetings.

We have one of the most outdated Master Plans in the Berkshires. Our Planning Board still has not resolved the Cottage Era bylaw issue after two years and tens of thousands of consultant dollars, paid for by all of us as taxpayers.

To promote “37 Interlaken” in this way is unfair to Stockbridge, and a poor precedent. In fairness to the developer, and with all due respect, he has every right to apply for a permit and therefore be heard — not as our special guest.

Bruce Blair

Dear Updates:

One of the committees I serve on is the Regional School District Planning Board. Its mission is to evaluate and possibly recommend a merger or some sort of collaboration between the Berkshire Hills and South Berkshire Regional School Districts. If you use Facebook or Instragram, you may have seen the post below promoting the meeting on March 22. This is where we present the three options for the voters to consider. It’s a huge deal that will affect our region for years to come, and I strongly recommend attendance. If you have any questions, you can contact me at pwhite@stockbridge-ma.gov or 413-441-5231.

Zoom link will be posted at 8towns.org a few days before the meeting.

Patrick White

Perspective

From Our Candidates

Dear Stockbridge Updates,

I have chosen to run for a seat on the Planning Board to devote my time to the town I care for so deeply.

My life-long love of Stockbridge began as a small child. I chose to make it my permanent home in the mid-seventies when I attended college here at age seventeen. I am passionate about the future of our beautiful town’s survival while understanding there are things it lacks such as affordable homes. Affordable for our children to return to, families to enjoy, and for the workers we depend on to keep our Town government and businesses running.

Presently, I serve as a Trustee of the Laurel Hill Association which centers on keeping the beauty that Mary Hopkins Goodrich envisioned for Stockbridge a reality. I believe sitting on the Planning Board I can do something similar, within the parameters of the zoning bylaws we have, by ensuring they are carefully reviewed and followed.

Affordable housing, Accessory Dwelling Units, review of large “Cottage Era” estates when they become available, clear easy-to-understand zoning laws, protecting natural resources and the character of the Town are concerns for residents so they should be concerns for elected representatives.

I fell in love with Stockbridge for its sense of community, historical charm, and beautiful open spaces, which we still enjoy today. All of these things are what make our town attractive to visitors, long-time and new residents alike. It’s much of what draws us all here and encourages us to stay and care for it.

I ask for your consideration before going to the polls on Tuesday, May 17 and would be honored to serve should I be elected.

Thank you, Elisabeth Wheeler

by Elisabeth Wheeler, Planning Board

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

As you may have heard, the Berkshire Hills Regional School District approved unanimously approved the school budget on February 17, 2022. (This link includes the whole budget, our presentation, and the final assessment sheet). The process to build the budget started in August 2021.

District administration and the Finance Subcommittee meet regularly to look at existing programs and opportunities for innovation. We’re excited to hopefully put COVID-19 behind us as we plan for the future.

As you may or may not know, there are three basic pieces to determine each town’s annual assessment: resident enrollment and percentage of the total, the minimum local contribution (MLC) as determined by DESE, and the net assessment.

Enrollment is based on the October 1 student report for resident students. You will see that Stockbridge’s enrollment increased by 7 students, which does not seem to be that great of an increase, unless you also consider the decrease in the number of students for Great Barrington by 19 students. West Stockbridge increased by 1 student. The changes in enrollment between towns, along with the total decrease in student enrollment, resulted in a larger percentage of students for Stockbridge.

Second, Stockbridge’s MLC increased by almost 18%, which then increased the total amount of their assessment.

While the net assessment increased by 4.27%, Stockbridge saw a bigger impact because of the factor previously discussed. When we look at Stockbridge’s longitudinal contributions to the budget, they are more balanced.

This year we did a remarkable job by securing $4 million in grant funds which reduced cost the to taxpayers and supported students and learning.

If you are interested in learning more about the budget process, please keep an eye out for initial meetings starting in August 2022, formal presentations in January and debate and vote in February 2023.

Also, feel free to reach out to me with any questions — Peter.Dillon@bhrsd.org

In the next issue of SU, I will share some updates on the great news from the Massachusetts School Building Authority on Monument Mountain Regional High School being invited into their eligibility period.

Board of Health Update from Charles Kenny, MD

Kenny said, “COVID-19 cases tailing off since the high in February.”

At its last meeting, the Tri-Town Board of Health voted unanimously to rescind its previous directive regarding COVID-19 and the towns of Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge. The current guidelines of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health now are in effect, namely, in closed public spaces, masks or social distancing are not recommended for vaccinated individuals. The recommendations to wear masks are still in effect for unvaccinated individuals and for vaccinated individuals, for their own protection, who have been advised by their doctors that they have special risks concerning the disease.

Perspective

Stockbridge Updates Asks — a Special News Report

We thought the readers would like to know, so Stockbridge Updates asked the Stockbridge Fire Chief: What was it like for first responders on March 7th?

The Stockbridge Fire Chief said, “The wind was incredible and I’m glad we didn’t have any accidents with injuries because of it.” The Chief continued…

From the Desk of the Vincent Jan Garofoli, Chief, Stockbridge Fire Department

In the late evening hours of Monday, March 7th, 2022, the Town of Stockbridge was hit hard by a wind event. The Stockbridge Fire Department in conjunction with the Stockbridge Highway and Police Departments were out late into the night answering calls for downed trees and branches. Many of the downed trees involved live power lines leaving many town residents without power for several hours and closing many normal routes of travel for motorists.

At one point Route 183 was closed in Interlaken and in two places in Glendale making it nearly impassable for any motorist until later the next morning. Route 7 (East Street) was closed for approximately 12 hours due to a very large pine tree damaging the power lines and a utility pole in the area of #5 East Street. This had a very significant impact on those going to and from work for that evening and early the next morning.

Overall, the damage from this wind event was significant but did not result in any injuries or motor vehicle accidents that the Stockbridge Fire Department responded to. The dedicated men and women of all three Town agencies worked together seamlessly together even well into the overnight hours. We tried, and in many cases, succeeded in restoring the Town of Stockbridge back to normal.

From one of our brave and generous members of the Fire Department, EMT/Lieutenant Jay Rhind…

The windstorm that raged through Stockbridge on Monday, March 7, for the most part, caught our town (and neighboring towns) off guard. The weather report for Monday afternoon warned of high winds throughout the night and into Tuesday morning. What we weren’t prepared for was that the winds would blow from zero to 40-50 mph in such a short amount of time. From our house on Route 183 in Interlaken, we could hear the wind as it roared up one side of West Stockbridge Mountain and down the other towards our house. Outdoors at that time it went from relatively calm to howling winds and hearing the sounds of trees being blown over and transformers exploding up and down Route 183; all this happened in the matter of seconds. Due to several trees and wires down on Route 183 near Quiet Knoll Road, there was no electricity in that area until Tuesday afternoon.

I’m not sure if Stockbridge residents are fully aware of the extent of our training and all that Stockbridge Fire Department (SFD)does. We have a Dive Team that dives in all conditions, including water with zero visibility and in rapid moving water. During the winter we train/dive under the ice.

The SFD Dive Team trains year-round. In May, for four days, we plan to attend an intensive diver training course sponsored by the Pittsfield Fire Dept. This will give us (Stockbridge divers, Pittsfield FD divers, and Sheriff’s Office Dive Team) the ability to train together as one cohesive team to better serve Berkshire County.

The SFD responds 24/7. Snow’s coming — don’t worry — we’re here.

Perspective

Community Notes

A Special Thank you to Stockbridge Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli and his department who stood post throughout the night of March 7. During the during the severe windstorm, Stockbridge firemen and EMTs were joined by the Stockbridge Police Department and the Stockbridge Highway Department. Thank you all for watching over us.

A Special Happy Birthday to nonagenarian Claire Williams — still charming and lovely after nine decades. Claire and her elementary school chum from the Plain School (now Town Offices) are still pals, doing lunch on Thursdays, and that, my friends, is the Stockbridge way.

Welcome back Officer Rosario Messina. Thank you, Stockbridge Department Police Chief Fennelly, for a choice that demonstrates your sensitivity to community policing. We remember Messina fondly and are pleased he is returning.