Editorial

Penny-wise

Stockbridge operates with volunteers. Energetic and generous folks fill seats on our boards, commissions, and committees. We thank them, and when they ask for consultants to compete a task, we support them. However, there are actual guidelines for hiring a consultant — I looked it up.

1. Be sure we need one
2. Know exactly what we need one for
3. Find someone who wants to solve our problem not peddle their solution — no one needs their million-dollar solution to our fifty-dollar problem
4. Clearly articulate our goals and their required deliverables
5. Bottom line? A consultant cannot do his or her job until we do ours.

Our Board of Assessors, Conservation Commission, and Finance Committee make good use of consulting experts. Auditors, accountants, evaluators, engineers are hired to do a specific task, meet a specific requirement, or answer a specific question. Thereby, consultants are focused and enabled to work quickly and efficiently. But…in recent years, there was a dash to dial-a-consultant.

Two years and approaching $80,000 later, two consultants did nothing for the Planning Board, and a third appeared to suggest paving our tennis court, playground, and ballfield for parking. That is subject to approval, of course, but why suggest it when it does not seem in character with our village or our lifestyle.

Stockbridge signed a contract to pay $54,000 to another consultant to write a lake management plan when, sadly, it is unclear who has the power to manage the lake.

Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC) is working to inform the consultants of Town priorities, and Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) is moving ahead with its priorities. SBA is proceeding with herbicide testing and treatment, while the Town prefers dredging first. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) decides whether both or only one can happen in the lake during the same year. If DEP has the final say — what did they say?

As SBA proceeds with herbicides, can anyone do anything else? Was SBA correct in a letter to DEP, that since SBA won the lawsuit, it is their call? (Letter reprinted: SU, January 1, 2022 issue)

Might we not answer these questions before we spend taxpayer money on a consultant to write a lake management plan?

There is a time and place for consultants. Consultants can contribute to a superior outcome. However, there is preparation necessary to get our money’s worth. If asked for the money, perhaps our first question should be: are we ready for a consultant?

by Carole Owens , Managing Editor

News

Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

PSA From Stockbridge Agriculture and Forestry Commission

In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the Austen Riggs Center, in collaboration with the Town of Stockbridge Agricultural and Forestry Commission, will host a FREE TREE SEEDLING GIVEAWAY, on Saturday 4/23/2022 (rain date 4/30/2022). Distribution will take place on the lawn of the Austen Riggs Corner House, 46 Main St (on the corner of Main St and Elm St), from 9:00am -1:00pm, and will be limited to 2 seedlings per person. Bare-root seedlings of northern red oak (Quercus rubra), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and river birch (Betula nigra) will be offered. Children from the Austen Riggs Nursery School have prepared pollinator seed cards, and volunteers from the Forestry Commission will be available for consultation on how to plant the seedlings.

To learn more about the Stockbridge Agriculture and Forestry Commission, visit: https://stockbridge-ma.gov/boards-and-committees/

To learn more about the Austen Riggs Center, visit:

www.austenriggs.org

PSA From Tri-Town Health

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY For residents of: Alford Becket Dalton Egremont Great Barrington Lee Lenox Monterey Mount Washington New Marlborough Otis Richmond Sheffield Stockbridge Tyringham West Stockbridge.

When: Saturday, May 14th, 2022, 9:00 AM — 1:00 PM Where: Lee Wastewater Treatment Plant 379 Pleasant Street, Lee, MA, 01238

What to Bring: Pesticides, Fungicides, Rust Proofers, Drain Cleaners, Fuels/Gasoline/Kerosene, Thermometers, Herbicides, Wood Preservatives, Oven Cleaners, Brake &Transmission Fluids, Thermostats, Insect Sprays, Wood Strippers & Stains, Floor Cleaners, Car Wax, Polish, Rodent Killers, Paint Thinners, Metal Polish, Engine Degreaser/Motor Oil Button Batteries, Muriatic Acid, Lead & Oil-Based Paint, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Swimming Pool Chemicals, Flea Powder, Varnish, Photo Chemicals, Driveway Sealer, No-Pest Strips, Full Aerosol Cans, Chemistry Kits, Antifreeze, Chemical Fertilizers, Sealants, Rechargeable Batteries, Car-Lead-Acid Batteries, Lighter Fluid, Adhesives, Mothballs, Solvents, Latex Paint, Medical Wastes, Asbestos, Fireworks & Explosives, Ammunition, Construction Debris, Gas or Propane Cylinders, Smoke Detectors, Radioactive Material, Fire Extinguishers, Fluorescent Lamps, Electronics, PCB’s, Medications, Medical Sharps.

Pre-Registration is required. Please register online at www.tritownhealth.org

For additional questions, call Tri-Town Health Department at 413-243-5540

PSA From Lis Danish Wheeler, Laurel Hill Association

Earth Day 2022, Roadside Litter: can you help us pick it up?

Greetings All,

For the last two years, many townspeople came out to celebrate Earth Day in Stockbridge by picking up litter in their neighborhoods even when we were feeling the strain associated with a pandemic. Thank you all!

Will you be available again this year? If so, that would be terrific. This year will mark Earth Day 52! We can all feel good about how our individual and collective actions make a difference in our beautiful town.

Having spoken with Tri-Town Board of Health on March 18th, I learned all mask mandates are rescinded in Massachusetts at this time. However, they do suggest for those who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated, maintain the six-foot social distancing and wearing your mask.

You can RSVP to laurelhillassociation.org

Just say yes or no to Earth Day and with your reply please let us know where you will pick up litter so we can make sure we cover all streets and sidewalks.

Feel free to pick up litter anytime that is convenient between Monday, April 18 and Sunday, April 24.

Looking forward to seeing everyone out doing their part to keep our town cleaner and healthier for everyone. Lis

PSA From Brian Cruey, Naumkeag

Stockbridge Night at Naumkeag’s Daffodil and Tulip Festival — April 30th 4 – 7pm. Naumkeag will hold a special Stockbridge night at their annual Daffodil and Tulip Festival on April 30th from 4pm – 7pm, where the evening’s tickets will be reserved for use by Stockbridge residents only. The move is an effort to make sure that town residents can get tickets as the event will often sell out.

“Given the popularity of some of our events, we know that tickets can be hard to come by,” Naumkeag Director Brian Cruey said. “It’s very important to us that everyone in town has access to and are able to enjoy these events.”

Town residents can access tickets by using the special link provided below. Tickets must be bought in advance and entry will be timed to make sure that flow and parking run smoothly. Ticket prices are $15 for members of the Trustees and $20 for not-yet members. If any town resident requires financial assistance to attend, please reach out to Amanda Duquette at aduquette@thetrustees.org.

Tickets for Stockbridge Night at the Naumkeag Daffodil and Tulip Festival can be purchased at: https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/6228ddaa102cf83646791f2c?view=list

Thanks again for your help in spreading the word!

Brian

PSA From Berkshire Agricultural Ventures launches Market Match Fund

Great Barrington MA — Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) announces the launch of the Market Match Fund, an economic development and food access initiative to support Berkshire County farmers markets. The Market Match Fund is designed to provide a consistent, annual funding stream to match customer SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Access Program) benefits at these markets.

The term “market match” (sometimes referred to as “double up bucks”) is an incentive program independently adopted and managed by farmers markets. The program is structured to reward SNAP participants when they spend their SNAP dollars at local food markets. Typically, markets will match 1:1 (or occasionally double) SNAP dollars spent up to a specific amount.

The Market Match Fund currently enables BAV to support markets in offering a 1:1 SNAP match up to $30, with the hope of either removing the $30 limit or raising the SNAP match to 2:1, depending on the success of fundraising efforts.

Until now, Berkshire County farmers markets that offer matching programs have fundraised independently of each other, which can present challenges to markets, especially small markets who often don’t have the time or expertise to raise enough funds on their own. As a result, some markets weren’t able to raise enough funds to sustain their matching program through the entire market season, and some didn’t offer the program at all. By establishing this centralized fund, BAV is eliminating these capacity and fundraising barriers.

With the Market Match Fund, BAV hopes to 1) improve markets’ operational efficiency without adding to their expenses or workload; 2) expand the regional economy by guaranteeing farmers and food producers access to an additional revenue stream; and 3) increase access to affordable, fresh, locally grown and produced food in communities where these markets are located.

BAV is accepting grant applications for the Market Match Fund from farmers markets throughout the Berkshire-Taconic Region now through April 22nd. To learn more, visit www.berkshireagventures.org.

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) is a nonprofit organization working to support the development and viability of local farms and food businesses throughout the Berkshire-Taconic Region (Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut), helping to build a thriving local food economy, improve access to fresh food for everyone, and address climate change through regenerative agriculture. For more information on BAV’s low-interest loans, grants, and technical assistance, please contact us at info@berkshireagventures.org

News

Town Election Tuesday, May 17

Nomination papers have been submitted. 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).

Nominees are:

• Planning Board: Kate Fletcher, Lis Wheeler, and Bill Vogt
• Board of Assessors: Doug Goudey
• Select Board: Roxanne McCaffrey, Jamie 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 holmium attacks.

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

News

Notes from the Planning Board, March 15, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Bill Vogt, Chair
• Marie Raftery, Vice Chair
• Nancy Socha
• Gary Pitney
• Carl Sprague
• Wayne Slosek
• Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary
• Kate Fletcher via Zoom
• For 8 Hawthorne Street: Attorney Elizabeth Goodman and Jackson Alberti, Foresight Land Services

1. Minutes of March 1 meeting approved.
2. Form A — Joe DeGiorgis bought one parcel from Mike Parsons and now wishes to buy a contiguous parcel. The whole will not constitute a building lot. Moved to acknowledge that it is a Form A and no PB approval required. Motion passed.
3. Cherry Hill Road — add small parcel to existing lot and make it a conforming lot with acreage and frontage. Form A — no approval necessary. (Sprague asked if it was once owned by Agrippa Hull — no knowledge)
4. 8 Hawthorne Street
   1. Pre-existing non-conforming .9-acres lot (32670 sq ft)
   2. Lot subject to the Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) as it is within 150 feet of the high-water mark of Stockbridge Bowl.
   3. Plan — demolish existing house and septic system, remove sixty-one 60-70-foot trees, build larger house and new septic system.
   4. LPOD checklist — areas over which PB has jurisdiction: more than 150 feet from lake at high water NO; septic in LPOD YES; cutting in LPOD YES; coverage of lot changing from 4% to 10% (3267 sq ft) YES; excavation in LPOD YES; soil removal NO; demolition YES.
   5. The original plan was altered to include more plantings after tree and under canopy removal as requested by Conservation Commission (ConCom). Plan also included crushed stone driveway, retaining wall, erosion control, and system to handle runoff from roof
   6. Tri-Town Health approves septic systems
   7. Historic Preservation Committee determines if structure currently on property has historic significance
   8. Public comment: Peter Strauss “impressed by structure” — Lori Richmond (abutter) concerned about blasting and its possible negative effect on her foundation or well.
   9. Blasting may not be necessary — there are alternatives such as hydraulic hammer — if blasting is necessary, the Commonwealth has regulations in place.
   10. Richmond wanted assurance that if damage to her property from blasting occurred, she would be compensated
5. 8 Hawthorne Street — PB deliberations
   1. Socha wondered if a propane tank were proposed
   2. Fleter asked if height is under 35 ft.? Yes Full 10% coverage of lot? Yes
   3. Slosek felt the plans were “pushing” the allowable limits. Alberti and Attorney Goodman agreed but said then Town should change the bylaws
   4. Fletcher felt the PB had more jurisdiction — attorney disagreed
   5. Pitney and Sprague agreed that PB has jurisdiction over whether structure is consistent with “character of neighborhood”
   6. Slosek wanted to know “what is our area [jurisdiction]?”
   7. Chair said PB was only considering LPOD — that is only part under PB jurisdiction
   8. PB agreed to vote on project limited to LPOD and send other concerns to SB which must also approve project. Concerns: Blasting, scale of house, percentage of lot covered, and character
   9. Fletcher requested that Chair read the findings
   10. Vote: Fletcher no, Sprague no, Slosek yes conditional on forwarding concerns apparently outside PB jurisdiction — Socha, Vogt, Raftery, and Pitney — yes.
6. Chair set aside other agenda items.

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s note: What are “the findings”? To approve a project, PB must find that the project: a. Is in compliance with all provisions and requirements of this Bylaw, and in harmony with its general intent and purpose b. Is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare at the proposed location c. Will not be detrimental to adjacent uses or to the established or future character of the neighborhood; d. Will not create undue traffic congestion or unduly impair pedestrian safety e. Will not overload any public water, drainage, or sewer system or any other municipal facility to such an extent that the proposed use or any existing use in the immediate area or in any other area of the town will be unduly subjected to the hazards affecting public health, safety, or general welfare.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission, March 18, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Jamie Minacci, Chair
• John Loiodice, Vice Chair
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Michael Buffoni
• Michael Nathan
• Present via Zoom: Charlie Kenny
• Marc Volk, Foresight Land Services
• Pat Kennelly, President Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA)

1. Minutes approved
2. Chair asked for public comment. Anita Schwerner said she watched the PB meeting wherein 8 Hawthorne Street was considered. She felt there was potential impact on the lake and hoped SBSC would be involved in the process.
   1. McCaffrey said according to Stockbridge Updates it was already approved by ConCom
   2. Minacci, who serves on ConCom as well as chairs SBSC, said there were conditions placed on the Order of Conditions and ConCom is awaiting results. She also expressed some of her concerns — size of house, pushing boundaries of what is allowed, number of trees to be cut, and blasting.
   3. Buffoni said if there is blasting there are state regulations controlling.
3. Chair moved to topic of lake management and read a statement. She asked SBSC to come to a consensus about the order of procedures necessary to manage lake. “Which comes first: herbicide, dredging, or harvesting?” She went on, what if all three are not allowed in the same year, which is the priority? As Chair she wanted SBSC to state in open meeting their recommendation.
   1. Nathan said dredging should be priority
   2. Kenny said dredging was “at top of the list”
   3. Kennelly said SBA met with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP) onTuesday March 15 (See Special Report below) and she “opposes the narrative that these cannot go forward simultaneously. She felt DEP and NHESP said it was up to SBA to figure out if dredging interferes with testing (for Eurasian Milfoil to justify herbicide treatment). She wanted to “discontinue this narrative.” She also mentioned that test plots and harvesting have happened in same year but not in same locations.
4. Chair inquired “why was I not invited to that meeting?” and added “It was inappropriate.”
5. Kennelly said Roxanne “graciously” provided SBA with map of proposed dredging sites
6. Kenny returned to issue of the attendees at March 15th meeting saying SBSC is advisory to Select Board (SB). “We cannot advise SB based on a report from Roxanne. SBSC needs rep in meeting with DEP and NHESP.” He added, “SBSC cannot be a Commission and yet be subordinate.”
7. Nathan said he would appreciate having a SBSC rep at meetings with DEP.
8. Chair, next step is to set down priorities and send to consultants GZA who are writing the Lake Management Plan
9. Buffoni said testing would continue once ice off lake.
10. Two harvesters are needed — Hugh Page is working on fixing the broken one.
11. Liodice reported on topic of extending Town sewer, especially to houses on the lake. However, the decision seems to have been made that maintenance and repairs to sewer and water must be done first
12. Kennelly restated her position that dredging, testing, and harvesting can be done simultaneously.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: 1. Stockbridge Updates did not report on the Conservation Commission meeting in the last issue. McCaffrey must have been referring to the SU Editorial which read: “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.” 2. Kennelly may be correct about more than one procedure occurring in the lake simultaneously. However, only DEP can make that decision. To get a definitive answer, SBA would have to submit a proposal that detailed the impact of one process on the other and ask DEP to approve more than one.

News

Notes from the Conservation Commission (ConCom), March 22, Hybrid Meeting

• Ron Brouker, Chair
• Joseph DeGiorgis
• John Hart
• Jay Rhind
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Jamie Minacci
• Sally Underwood-Miller, Secretary
• Elizabeth Goodman, attorney for 8 Hawthorne Street
• Bret White, White Engineering
• Peter Strauss neighbor
• Marie Raftery, PB
• Patrick White, SB

1. Minutes for March 8 approved
2. 19 Interlaken Crossroad, Vincent Park, continued
3. 38 Lake Drive, represented by Brent White, White Engineering, alternative technology septic system — informal meeting to set up site visit and give overview
4. White Engineering is also consultant hired to evaluate 8 Hawthorne Street as one condition attached to Order of Conditions — will have report in April
5. Wellenkamp continued
6. Ice Glen — enforcement — Underwood-Miller made site visit and reported the owners apparently “did the best they could.” Motion to close the noncompliance at Ice Glen passed
7. 8 Hawthorne — planned to continue until White’s report ready, however, Bozzuto and others had questions.
   1. Bozzuto: if they remove vegetation and woody debris close to the bank — she did not believe they can maintain habitat and stability. Underwood-Miller pointed out woody debris is habitat. Bozzuto also concerned about erosion control
   2. Brouker: question about path to lake/clearing to reach dock
   3. Bozzuto: does ConCom address wildlife? Goodman: “this project does not trigger Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP)”. However, it was noted the word blasting does not appear in the plan and blasting might trigger NHESP. Goodman thought only the quality of the finished project mattered with respect to wildlife
   4. Hart was concerned about damage to wells from blasting
   5. Raftery shared that PB confined their approval to LPOD and forwarded their other concerns (including blasting and outside of LPOD) to SB
   6. There will be a review of White Engineering’s findings at April 12 meeting.
   7. Strauss opined that 8 Hawthorne Street was the second-best siting on the lake and that ConCom was being harsher to this project
   8. Underwood-Miller said ConCom was doing all the same things that ConCom does for all these projects.
   9. Brouker said — “we try to think of everything and do all we are allowed to do beforehand.” Because, he added, ConCom still gets criticized after the house is built
   10. Attorney Goodman made clear that ConCom cannot comment on aesthetics
   11. Underwood-Miller wondered if “in keeping with character” did include aesthetics?
8. Christian Hill Road — fencing, pool, and pool house continued
   1. Informal discussion — 8.3 acres — wetlands on property — necessity to stay requisite distance from wetlands
   2. Build in the garden area as it is “already disturbed land”, but has to be requisite distance from wetlands and sidelines
   3. Site visit
9. On behalf of 78 Interlaken, Tom Ingersoll presented a new Request for Determinization of applicability (RDA) with respect to wetlands. Will send video. Continued
10. Underwood-Miller found model job description for a Conservation Agent (CA). Commission wants to complete process to hire. The CA would be part of the ConCom enforcement process. Estimate a part-time job possibly one day per week
11. Bozzuto noted that Town Counsel removed the MA Conservation Commission (MACC) Wetlands Buffer Zone language from the ConCom Performance Standards. Move to restore the language — passed.
12. Hart concerned about Kampoosa Bog and flooding on private property apparently caused by beavers.
13. Chair attended March 15th meeting with SBA, DEP, and NHESP. He said it appeared “going back to square one as there was a request to change everything in the order of conditions” and also DEP seemed to prefer one procedure at a time (dredging, herbicide harvesting).
14. Patrick White also attended and said:
    1. since The Bowl was tested for Eurasian milfoil and found insufficient amounts two years in a row, there is no longer basis for ecological restoration (whole lake herbicide treatment). White asked how many years can they continue to hunt for milfoil?
    2. He agreed with Brouker that it sounded as if DEP only will approve one procedure at a time so if SBA continues to test, Town cannot dredge.
    3. According to SBA web site they asked for donations for dredging in 2015 and raised over a million dollars and also applied for state money to dredge.
    4. Underwood Miller said if SBA applied for grant for dredging and was granted money for dredging, can only use for dredging
    5. White added there is a significant amount of silt, “the Town has a policy of dredging first, there is money for dredging, therefore, I personally insist dredging comes first.” If there is a policy change, it should happen in a public not in a closed-door meeting.
    6. Minacci, Chair SBSC, said we agree dredging comes first
    7. Hart asked what is next step?
    8. Underwood-Miller referred to past when SBA or any other private organization dealt with the Select Board and only SB dealt with DEP. If a great pond (i. e. The Bowl) is entirely in one Town, that town has biggest interest even bigger than the state.
    9. Again, Hart asked for next step
    10. White said SBA agrees to dredging first since they raised money to do it or if there is a change in the policy about dredging first, then it should be decided in an open meeting, he also mentioned, at one time, SBA and Town agreed dredging came first
    11. Lee Bolman, SBA Board member, said there is a divide on the SBA Board as to whether dredging and herbicides is an either/or, or whether both can be done simultaneously

Meeting adjourned

News

Special Report

Meeting March 15th
DEP, NHESP, Town and SBA

SU offers this overview as background for the public to better understand the issues surrounding Lake Management

Among those present were:

• Brian Harrington, DEP
• Misty Ann Marold, NHESP
• Roxanne McCaffrey Select Board (SB), member SBSC and SB representative to SBA
• Patrick White SB
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Ron Brouker, Chair, Stockbridge Conservation Commission
• Attorney Ray Miyares, representing the Town of Stockbridge
• Pat Kennelly, President, SBA
• Ira Golub, SBA, Board of Directors
• Dominic Meringolo, Solitude
• Attorney Elisabeth Goodman, representing SBA

Both Michael Nathan, SBA representative to SBSC, and Jamie Minacci, Chair, SBSC, asked to be invited but were not invited.

Points of discussion:

1. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss changes to the Final Order of Conditions which offers specifics for implementing the four-year herbicide test and treatment in Stockbridge Bowl.
2. Background:
   1. Four-year plan to test for and treat Eurasian milfoil commenced in 2020
   2. Requirement was to identify three sites with more than 50% Eurasian milfoil
   3. In 2020 and 2021, there was not enough milfoil in the lake to meet the minimum criteria to move to Step Two (treat a small area)
   4. Letter from SBA to DEP regarding Final Order of Conditions posted in SU January 1, 2022 issue at www.stockbridgeupdates.com appears to begin this process of changing the OOC
3. SBA wants changes to the existing Final Order of Conditions (OOC) for:
   1. Maximum flexibility to evaluate and select potential test sites
   2. Selecting extra site as back-up if once again cannot find milfoil
   3. Selecting potential test sites in May 2022
   4. Precluding Town from harvesting in test areas
4. The SBA proposed to change the herbicide used from Fluridone to ProcellaCOR
   1. Description of ProcellaCOR at https://www.walpa.org/waterline/june-2019/procellacor
   2. This also would require a change to the OOC
   3. OOC can only be changed by the grantor (DEP) when warranted by conditions: Go to https://www.mass.gov/guides/wetlands-program-policy-85-4-amended-orders for requirements to change an OOC
5. Question posed about permission to harvest aquatic vegetation, use herbicide, and dredge in the same year.
   1. Representatives of the DEP and the NHESP said their preference was to permit just one lake intervention at any given time. They pointed out the Bowl already has two active permits: Town’s harvesting and SBA’s herbicide program.
   2. When asked whether they would permit dredging as a third concurrent intervention, they indicated it would be highly unlikely, though their policy was only to answer definitely when actual NOI (Notice of Intent) is before them and an NOI for dredging has not been submitted.
   3. They indicated it would be up to SBA, the applicant, and applicant’s consultant to justify three concurrent interventions but observed the approval of three simultaneously was “unprecedented”.
   4. State regulators asked if there was overlap between the potential herbicide test/control plots and the dredging areas. Map displayed by Solitude indicated likely plots around the causeway and the island that overlap dredging areas.

Editor’s Notes: 1. What is whole lake treatment? Putting herbicide in the entire lake to kill aquatic vegetation. Testing is required to demonstrate the Eurasian milfoil problem is severe enough to justify whole-lake treatment. 2. “Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies. It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation—the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream—gradually fills channels and harbors. Early SBA fundraising materials explained it best, prevent going from “Bowl to Bog”

News

Congratulations Stockbridge!Ice Glen to be inducted intothe National Old-Growth Forest Network!A Stockbridge treasure acknowledged —see article below

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon

Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

As you may have heard or read, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) invited Monument Mountain Regional High School into their eligibility period. This is a huge deal and minor miracle as they only approved 17 schools and rejected 42. This is an important first step in deciding what we need to do to improve our high school. Over the next year, we will form a building committee and do a feasibility study to pick a preferred option. There are really three choices: 1) a new building, 2) a renovation and addition, and 3) a renovation.

Since our last vote in 2014 which passed is Stockbridge and West Stockbridge but failed in Great Barrington, quite a lot has changed. We redid our Regional Agreement particularly the capital assessment formula. We have refined and continue to refine our educational plan including expanding our vocational programs (6 proposed). We are about to retire existing debt on elementary and middle schools. We have seen shifts in voters and the assessed value of each community. And, we have committed to stronger outreach and communication.

Three weeks ago, the School Committee voted to support $1.5 million for feasibility study. I have spoken to the West Stockbridge and Great Barrington Select Boards and they have put the borrowing on their annual meeting town warrants and also recommended it. I will do the same in Stockbridge next week. I am doing the same with the three town’s Finance Committees. Steps after that include the School Committee appointing a building committee and several meetings to follow the MSBA process and listen to and engage our communities. Ideally, we will build momentum to set up another, hopefully successful, vote.

One other matter is coming up which is connected to the work of the Regional School District Planning Board. It’s around to enrollment projections. Are we building a high school for our three towns with an enrollment of roughly 550 students or are we building a high school for 8 towns with a combined enrollment of 700 or so students? It looks like we will keep both options open as the parallel discussions and processes around potential consolidation unfold.

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

Next issue, I will share some detailed updates on the Regional Scholl District Planning Board (RSDPB) and its work and process. Take a look at their website and the detailed reports and summaries. Please also consider attending any of the meetings.

Perspective

Contributors: Our Candidates

As I complete my second term on the Planning Board, the work feels more important than ever. Thoughtful leaders introduced our zoning bylaws in the 1980’s with the recognition that there was a need to codify what had until then been common sense approaches — reasonable building heights, the scale of a property in relation to the land it was situated on and the surrounding area. Thanks to this foresight, the Town has virtually no sprawl and has mostly managed to dodge detrimental impacts to residential neighborhoods. One area where we need to raise the bar is on the shores of the Stockbridge Bowl. More can be done within the parameters of our existing bylaws to promote lake ecology and aesthetics for this gem of a public good.

Stockbridge is still beautiful, characterized by lovely residential neighborhoods and an open rural character on the outskirts of town. The downtown, with its historic buildings, churches, sites and residences is architecturally cohesive. Contemporary buildings like the fire station and an extension at The Austen Riggs Center are in scale with their surroundings. Main Street is still graced by tall arching trees which soften the streetscape and provide conservation value. Our remarkable natural resources provide ecosystem services that climate scientists now recognize for their importance in mitigating pollution and global warming, providing wildlife habitat and supporting human health.

As we enter the next stages of development in Stockbridge, it is important to uphold not just our zoning bylaws, but the ideas that inform them. This approach has worked well for the Town for decades. Stockbridge has notable cultural and physical legacies. It also has an important legacy of enlightened governance that benefits us all. Now more than ever, we need planning board members who are committed to these principles. I would be honored to continue to work on behalf of Stockbridge, its residents and its community of friends.

by Kate Fletcher, Candidate for Planning Board

Perspective

Clear Waters and The Bowl

The Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC) theoretically represents the Town and all its residents’ interest in conserving Stockbridge Bowl. The lake is owned by the Commonwealth and enjoyed by many from Stockbridge and beyond. The Chair of this group is Jamie Minacci, also on the Conservation Committee.

At a recent meeting, Minacci asked the members present how they might prioritize the methods under consideration for controlling weeds in the lake. In the discussion, we learned that a closed meeting with the state DEP had occurred that included Roxanne McCaffrey, Select Board (SB) and SBSC, Pat Kennelly, Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) president, and others — but not Minacci. This meeting concerned the application of a chemical weed killer to the lake, mechanical weed harvesting, and dredging to remove silt — the very methods Minacci wanted SBSC to prioritize.

McCaffrey reminded Minacci that the Commission was merely advisory, that the conditions of the settlement resulting from SBA’s lawsuit against the town gave the SBA control. It was unclear: over the lake? Over attendance at the meeting?

Minacci’s view of the Commission is more inclusive and in this she was backed up by member Charlie Kenny, who felt that the Commission existed to represent all of us in town and should be accorded the appropriate stature. Michael Nathan, SBA representative to SBSC, also agreed that Minacci should be included in such meetings going forward.

Kennelly moved to a different subject, “to correct a narrative” about whether the methods under discussion can/cannot all be done at once. It seemed apparent that Kennelly and McCaffrey engage in regular discussions on these matters. Understandably, SBA is under no obligation to inform the public, but what about SB member McCaffrey?

Kenny also pointed out that if the Commission is advisory to the Select Board, it is better if it is represented at key meetings. It is less than ideal, and dilutes the purpose of an advisory body, if McCaffrey advises the Commission that then advises the SB of which McCaffrey is chair.

Minacci has clearly realized the broader implications of public engagement and the importance of transparency.

I think the 7 million owners of the lake (the population of Massachusetts) and all the residents of Stockbridge (the village in which the entire lake is located) would appreciate Minacci’s position. Time will tell.

by Bruce Blair

Perspective

Way Back and a Way Forward

There’s a tool on the web called the Way Back Engine. It snapshots previous versions of websites. I spent some time recently reading Stockbridge Bowl Association’s old websites.

Three observations struck me: first, SBA has worked hard to manage the lake over the years; second, events outside the control of the Town and SBA have derailed past efforts, and third, historically, how well the Town and SBA worked together.

Summer 2015: SBA advocated for the 3D management plan: drawdowns, diversion drain, dredging. Drawdowns helped control weeds, diversion allowed for deeper drawdowns, and dredging corrected the silting of the lake. It was a strategy that Town and SBA together endorsed and worked hard to fund.

It was a great plan, until it wasn’t. In 2017, researchers began to find that drawdowns had a negative impact on creatures like our endangered snail. The state began discouraging drawdowns and indicated they would not approve a traditional dredging project. Through no fault of either SBA or the Town, the facts on the ground completely derailed the 3D plan.

Town and SBA regrouped, embracing a plan to implement more expensive hydraulic dredging, which removes silt without drawdowns. SBA added another component, herbicide, after the court and DEP ruled in their favor.

State regulators won’t definitively say it (without a formal submission) but are now hinting that they may not concurrently allow dredging and herbicide. Add to that the fact there have been some pockets of milfoil, but in two years, not enough to begin the herbicide test. Then there’s the worrisome emergence of the fast-spreading, invasive water chestnut, Finally, a new chemical, ProcellaCor, is now available. It’s better than fluridone for spot treatment.

The facts on the ground have changed again.

The Town and SBA need to continue their long history of working together. If the SBA wants to pursue both concurrently, we first should hire an engineer, develop a plan and get approval from regulators before either project begins.

Another option, at the sole discretion of SBA, is to delay herbicide and try to complete dredging first.

A final option: renegotiate the herbicide deal. The parties might consider the removal of the whole lake option in exchange for immediate permitting of ProcellaCor to treat pockets of invasives.

Let’s ask the tough questions and regroup with a plan that can be successful in light of new realities. There’s no dishonor in changing strategies as conditions change. Let’s debate these options in good faith and in public. Everyone needs to be open to compromise so the best ideas prevail.

by Patrick White

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Hi Carole,

Another great Update, informative, thoughtful, and caring. The photos are magnificent. Wish I were there!

Wayne Alpren

Dear Wayne,

Thank you, and you are right — the photos are excellent.

Carole

Carole,

I just wanted to update you on 1 Goodrich Street. I’ve been here 3 years in June. I mentioned before that after researching the property, and having Bonnie Hartley out, with 2 Archeologists and Rick Wilcox, we were able to prove that 1 Goodrich was Chief Konkapot’s Home site prior to going to the Mission. After Chief Konkapot, Agrippa Hull also lived at 1 Goodrich. Old maps and deeds show the Agrippa owned all the surrounding land as well. As you know, Agrippa Hull was a Revolutionary War Hero and the largest landowner of a person of color, at the time, in Stockbridge. I submitted all of this proof to Ed Bell, one of the officers at the State Historical Preservation Office. I received an email back. Mr. Bell is adding 1 Goodrich Street, to reflect the dual historical record for Chief Konkapot and Agrippa Hull. We are also going to obtain official State Plaques showing this.

It’s pretty exciting. Thank you for all your great work.

James Lawson

Dear James,

Thank you for sharing.

Carole

To the Editor:

Reference to stewardship of the taxpayers’ money in discussion at the recent Finance Committee meeting has moved me to share my individual taxpayer’s perspective on the notion.

I believe that financial stewardship includes multiple attributes, a few among them being prudence, frugality, foresight and most of all an understanding and appreciation that we are the current caretakers of a world that we inherited that will in turn be inherited from us. The things that were built before us by others that we use or admire need constant attention and maintenance to keep them as we wish them to be. We may even endeavor to create our own legacy of new things to be passed on. Being a good steward means not privileging neglect in the guise of prudence and frugality over our responsibility to raise and spend the money needed to maintain and enhance our inheritance. Rather, it means acknowledging that responsibility by raising and spending the necessary funds with prudence, frugality, and foresight.

In the judgement of future generations, the most generous measure of our stewardship we can hope for is: did we leave our world no worse than we found it?

Respectfully,

Brent Wiggans

Dear Carole-

Thank you for your very kind introduction in the last issue of SU:

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

However, I want to be clear- I am no more brave or generous than any other member of the Stockbridge Fire Department. Every member has earned and deserves that same title, as do the members of our police department, and every employee of our highway department. Whenever an emergency arises, you can count on any one or all of these agencies, to show up and do whatever is required to be sure Stockbridge is well cared for, safe, and protected.

Dive Team: In addition to the countless hours of training SFD takes part in for emergency response (fire, medical emergencies, car accidents, trees down, power outages, smoke/CO detectors, lost hikers, brush fires, flooding, mutual aid to neighboring towns), SFD is very fortunate to have a dive team with two divers and an efficient and professional support team made who are SFD members. In Berkshire County we have the Sheriff Office Dive Team, Pittsfield Fire Department Dive Team (responds to Pittsfield water emergencies), and the Stockbridge Fire Dept Dive Team. Stockbridge is the only town in Berkshire County with a dive team. When there is a water related emergency (especially in south county), SFD divers and support team are often the first to arrive on the scene. This is extremely important as with any water related emergency, response time is always critical.

All those involved in SFD, SPD, and town highway, they all deserve credit where credit is due, and each and every one of them is brave and generous!

SFD is always looking for new members. If you love Stockbridge, and would like to contribute, please contact the fire department.

Thank you, Carole

Keep up the good work.

Best,

Jay

Dear Jay,

Agreed and that is why the headline says, “one of our brave and generous members of the Fire Department”. Thank-you to all the fine men and women who, on our behalf, run into danger not away from it.

Carole

Hi Carole,

Would you be willing to include this interview with Pat Flinn in your next newsletter? . I think the community will enjoy seeing and hearing about her.

Here’s the link:

Click here to watch the interview of Pat Flinn.

We appreciate all you do to keep us informed.

All the best,

Jim
Jim Schantz, Director, Schantz Galleries

Dear Jim,

My pleasure. Everyone click on the address above and enjoy! Kudos to Pat!

Carole

Dear Updates,

In 2012 the Town closed the Curtisville Old Stone Bridge to traffic after the bridge failed an inspection by the DOT. The bridge, built in 1842, is listed in the State Registry of Historic Places, and the Massachusetts Historical Commission has given a matching grant to study the bridge. Over the last ten years it has been difficult to find a resolution to this thorny issue. Eight years ago I was told that a replacement would cost $4M+; now it would likely cost much more. To satisfy the Mass. Historical Comm. it is

that a replacement would need to replicate the appearance of the original bridge.

All residents of town should carefully consider this issue not only due to the large expense, but also because destroying an historic landmark is a very difficult decision, and perhaps not even legal.

There is a need for much research and deliberation before any decisions are voted on at a Town Meeting. An engineer’s accurate estimate of the cost and assessment of options is the most important one. Discussions with the Mass. Historical Comm. would also be wise. Likewise, input from the Stockbridge Historical Commission would be most useful. It would also be advisable for the Selectmen to set up a public Hearing so that all residents can be informed, and so that we can hear from all constituents.

Interlaken Cross Road is lightly traveled ; not having this bridge as a roadway is only a minor inconvenience to a small number of people, mostly residents of Interlaken. Therefore, it seems that the most logical and cost effective solution would be to maintain the historic bridge, but keep it closed to traffic. It is important to repair the wing walls as needed to stabilize them and secure the bridge. Even though the bridge would be closed to traffic, it is essential to build a wooden walkway likely to the side of the bridge, perhaps atop the new steel utility bridge, for pedestrians and bicyclists. To comply with Town Bylaw 6.18a, the chain link fencing should be replaced by, or covered with, wooden fencing.

Replacing the bridge would be very costly for all town residents; keeping the bridge as is, with some repairs will be the best choice.

Paul Sundberg

Dear Updates,

Watching town committee meetings is more entertaining than Netflix and more informative because they reveal much about local government and town politics. I hope that you will watch and listen so that you can make an informed decision at the ballot box and at town meeting.

People often say they didn’t vote in the town election because they didn’t know the candidates. Or they vote at town meeting without always understanding the impact of their vote. Please use the time between now and the May 17 election to learn more about the issues on the warrant and the candidates on the ballot. Your vote helps decide the character of the town.

I will say more about the election after the Democratic Town Committee meeting on April 9 to endorse candidates.

Without Zoom, CTSB, and Stockbridge Updates, it would be difficult to know what’s going on. For example, the March 22 Conservation Commission meeting made me aware that a meeting with DEP, requested by Stockbridge Bowl Association was attended by town representatives including the chairs of the Select Board and Conservation Commission but not including the chairperson of the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission.

The SBA now wants to change the chemical used and the test areas and try again. This might postpone dredging for an indefinite period. If they dredged first, maybe the weeds will disappear and chemicals won’t be needed.

I live on the outlet of the lake, am a member of SBA, and have a file full of SBA documents about raising money for dredging. I contributed and SBA collected millions of dollars to support its 3D plan: Diversion, Dredging and Drawdown. Now drawdown is not permitted, the million-dollar diversion pipe isn’t usable, but we can dredge. Fundraising did not include herbicides, or I wouldn’t have contributed.

In 2013 the SBA newsletter article “The Dredging” promised, “With funds on hand from CPA grants, Town Warrants, and the SBA Save Stockbridge Bowl Capital Campaign, the SBA has guaranteed funds for the town to proceed to contract.” SBA still has over a million dollars collected to dredge but not spent on dredging.

The actions of the SBA impact the town and Stockbridge Bowl. It’s my opinion the actions should be discussed openly at a public meeting, not behind closed doors and through legal actions.

Is this an example of the town and SBA working cooperatively to restore the Stockbridge Bowl? None of this would be known without hybrid meetings, CTSB, and SU.

Anita Schwerner
(Schwerner is Chair of the Democratic Town Committee)