Editorial

A Long Tale With a Happy Tail End

I. Where We Are

December in Stockbridge: roads are snow-choked and a nearby bridge is closed. Without warning, you or a family member needs emergency medical attention. You call 911. The aging Fire Department vehicle breaks down enroute. The road, the bridge, and the vehicle — those are the costs of deferred maintenance. Eventually those costs catch up, and for Stockbridge, this is the year.

According to our Fire Chief, to serve Stockbridge, we need vehicles in good working order. Instead, Stockbridge has vehicles older than 25 years, rusted out, and in need of parts no longer available. We had fewer active fires last year than calls for Emergency Medical Services. There were over 250 EMS calls, and that fits our demographic.

The median age in Stockbridge is close to 63 years. Our resident population has grown to 2000 — that means 1000 are younger than 63 and 1000 are older than 63. The median age in Massachusetts is 39.2 years. Stockbridge is noticeably older. We should be ready to meet our anticipated needs.

Why aren’t we? For years we deferred maintenance — everywhere — pipes underground, bridges overhead, vehicles in the Highway and Fire Departments. Putting things off helps maintain low taxes and builds balances in bank and investment accounts. However, the disadvantages can be shocking especially if they all catch up in one year. Folks, this is the year, and the moment must be met.

We cannot solve the problem by perpetuating it. We can no longer delay and defer; we must catch up with our obligations. Only afterward can we put plans in place; a staggered purchasing schedule, an equipment savings account, and other ideas smart folks will suggest. Right now, we must do the necessary rather than explain the day after why the patient died or the house burned to the ground.

II. Who We Are

Can we save money somewhere? Yes.

Stockbridge is a village, small and self-governing. We are the closest thing to pure democracy still extant, and that is not rhetoric. At Town Meeting the people control the purse strings. How we spend is how we prioritize and how we prioritize is how we govern. What we vote to pay for and what we leave undone is who we are.

We control spending but we must know what we are voting on; our representatives must enable us to make wise decisions by making the issues and the warrant clear. Only then can we vote to pay for the necessary, save on the unnecessary and never abdicate our responsibility to self-govern.

III. Where We Almost Were

This year we almost lost that power. There was a proposed warrant item that would have lumped together a number of expenditures. We almost lost the ability to vote on each expenditure individually. Such a warrant item is tricky; a political strategy to push something unpopular through. A choice between all and nothing is always a false choice.

There is no place for that on our warrant — for political tools to slip a less popular or more controversial item passed the voters by placing it among mandatory spending.

IV. Even between Elections

There are so many “sayings” about democracy and how hard it is. They are all true. Democracy requires vigilance and intercession. Why? Power is tempting. Who doesn’t like having the say-so and getting their own way? Many people worked very hard to get the Omnibus-style bill off the warrant. First folks had to learn about it. That took weeks because we are not as transparent as we could be. As much as elected officials dislike the press and the loyal opposition, the people need both.

Once Stockbridge learned about it, word got out. There were the Stockbridge grapevine, a woman with a great email list, and a man with the courage to stand up and say his piece. It worked. The people pressed and the Select Board bowed to pressure.

Yes, yes, it is easier for the people to apply pressure closer to an election. Sure, we hope it would work all the time, even between elections, and yet isn’t it nice to know that democracy at work does indeed work. The people spoke; the representatives listened.

Our representatives are our friends and neighbors. As friends and neighbors, we all need to be on same side — the only side — pulling for Stockbridge.

Sorry for the length — at least it delivered a happy ending!

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Affordable Housing Trust Committee, March 29, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Jay Bikofsky, Chair
• Patrick White
• Mark Mills
• Nancy Socha
• Michael Canales

1. Minutes from January 27 approved
2. Chair introduced agenda item: go through the Trust Document, answer lingering questions, and approve. It then goes to SB for final approval
3. According to Town Counsel (TC), name must include word “affordable”
4. Name: Stockbridge Affordable Housing Trust Fund
5. Number of Trustees: 7
6. Make up: 7 residents that appears to exclude second homeowners
7. Change: 5 residents and up to 2 non-residents. Moved and passed
8. Point of information: MA General Law requires that in first year: 3 serve 3 years, 2 serve 2 years, and rest serve 1 year. After that all serve 3 years
9. Point of information: Any conveyance — sale, lease, or exchange, requires 5 Trustees to vote yes
10. Once document approved, work of this committee ends, and SB appoints the Trustees
11. Questions?
    1. Can Stockbridge partner with other towns? No, not as long as taking CPC money which must be spent on affordable housing in Stockbridge
    2. Can the Trust own property and collect rents? Yes
    3. Are the Trustees insured against lawsuits? Yes
12. Voted to approve document and send to SB subject to TC’s wording of the one section changed e.g., 5 of 7 residents, up to 2 nonresidents.

Meeting adjourned

News

Congratulations Stockbridge!

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

by PW1

News

Notes from Select Board (SB) Finance Committee (FC) Joint meeting, April 7, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, SB Chair
• Patrick White
• Chuck Cardillo
• Jay Bikofsky, FC Chair
• Steve Shatz
• Bill Vogt
• Neil Holden
• Diane Reuss
• Pam Boudreau
• Jim Balfanz via Zoom
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Peter Dillon, Superintendent of Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)
• Chief Vincent Garofoli, Stockbridge Fire Department (SFD)
• Hugh Page, Superintendent Highway Dept
• Steve Knopf, Chair, Parks and Rec

1. McCaffrey said the SB would take no action on request to place “Fair Share Amendment” on the warrant for Town Meeting. (The Fair Share amendment adds 4% to tax on income over $1,000,000/year.)
2. Bikofsky asked for approval of Finance Committee minutes 3/17 and 3/23. 3/17 approved as amended; 3/23 approved as written.
3. Dillon Superintendent BHRSD — school budget will increase by $433,318 this year
   1. Dillion explained that the increase is partly the result of an increase in students — Stockbridge went from 111 to 118 students — but also a function of the Commonwealth formula for dividing costs. The formula is tied to the real estate assessment. At the same time that the number of Stockbridge students went up so did real estate values. Minimum obligation set by state is $250,000; that is half the increase is due to rise in assessment set by Commonwealth.
   2. There are 271 “school choice” students — more choice students opting into BHRSD than opting out. The sending school pays $5000 per student or $1,355,000 per year for 27.
   3. Amount paid per choice student is less than actual cost per student. The Commonwealth sets the fee and has no interest in changing the amount. For some reason pay Charter Schools full amount; that is, sending-school pays a charter school actual amount/cost per student
   4. Extra fees collected for special needs students
   5. Question about why BHRSD needs a Communication position @ $50,000/annually. Dillon explained this cost does not add to $31,000,000 budget — is taken out of excess funds. The internal communication — parent/teacher — is excellent but school/community could be improved. This position would enhance web site and social media
   6. Question about additions and subtractions to staff: one art teacher and one social studies teacher gone — one school psychologist and two social workers added. Could represent a cost savings as $40,000 was spent last year in transportation to take children to off campus mental health services.
   7. Question: what percent English as a Second Language (ESL) students? 13% — rose from 4% over 20 years and rising.
   8. What per cent poverty? Determine by number in free lunch program — 20-50% and rising.
4. Dillon also discussed the capital expenditures:
   1. $1,500,000 for a feasibility study to determine next step for capital expenditure. They may request six plans as follows: there are three choices (restoration, restoration and addition, or new school). Then for each of the three, planning for 550 BHRSD students or 750 students if the districts merge
   2. The impact may be somewhat diminished as BHRSD will pay off old debt in 2024 possibly before incurring new debt for renovations or new build.
   3. Finally, Dillon explained the reason behind the new formula: for years spending for new school approved at Stockbridge and West Stockbridge town meetings but turned down in Great Barrington. One reason for new formula was to encourage Great Barrington to approve. GB was 70% and now — GB 53%, St 30%. W St 13%
   4. Commonwealth paid for one feasibility study and will not pay for another — whole cost falls to us.
5. Vincent Garofoli, Chief SFD
   1. 2021: 515 calls — 261 EMS, 254 fire, 10 active fires — seven SFD assisted other towns; in three, other towns assisted SFD.
   2. No formal replacement plan — no fleet replacement cycle so equipment on the road beyond intended use.
   3. 1995 engine and 2001 engine — cost of parts (when available) and labor as much as $50,000/year
   4. Spent an hour discussing compromises whereby Stockbridge can avoid spending $960,000 on new fire engine — that was $600,000 last year when the old engine was 26 years old. Suggestions: use equipment from other towns with whom we have shared services — that idea increases the response time. Use the newest engine (2018) that is in good shape but is not equipped properly for the task. Put aside $250,000 per year and amass the money needed while risking a break down and as the price rises. White mentioned repairs could be as much as $50,000 and loan for new truck cost $64,000 — why not move forward with purchase?
   5. The Chief has applied for a grant to fund the engine with the Town contribution of $100,000 but it is a national grant and many applicants for same money
6. Hugh Page, Superintendent Highway Dept
   1. Page made the same request — to replace old vehicles that were costing more and more for repair plus towing. The price tag was lower per vehicle and lower total cost for six vehicles requested ($500,000 plus) than the $960,000 fire engine.
   2. Mentioned — important to remember our Town Fire Chief and Highway Superintendent are not responsible for the high costs
   3. While the fire engine may take as long as 18 months to receive, Page thought he could get his vehicles more quickly
7. Steve Knopf, Chair, Parks and Rec
   1. $20,000 for metal roof for bathhouse at Town beach
   2. $5700 to clean beach and add to sand
   3. An employee to be added to Highway Department but would oversee all necessary work at beach.
8. Chair asked if wish to continue with warrant items, revenues, and debt schedule but chose to adjourn. Before adjourning Chair wanted everyone to know our revenues are also up

Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s note: Shatz asked what if anything the SB decided about the fire engine and said he would like to know that first. However, according to MA Gen Law “The Finance Committee serves as the Advisory Board, making recommendations to Town Meeting on the Town Budget and all Warrant Articles.” Therefore, submitting their recommendations first — prior to the SB final decisions.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Cultural Council (SCC), April 6, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Judith Wilkinson, Chair
• Joe Tonetti
• Terry Moore
• Janet Egelhofer
• Andrea Sholler
• Isabel Rose
• Barbara Cooperman via Zoom
• Rena Zurofsky via Zoom
• Selena Lamb via Zoom
• Maureen O’Hanlon via Zoom

1. Chair recapped:
   1. 38 applications of which 21 were from the performing arts
   2. 26 granted of which 12 performing arts, 4 science, 2 social science, 2 literature, 2 health, and 4 others.
2. Discussion
   1. Should Cultural Council give fewer, but larger grants?
   2. How does SCC attract more applications? Ads, Op-ed, Stockbridge Updates, Eagle, and Edge. Chair noticed one problem with Eagle, the grants were not listed in newspaper for a month.
   3. Posting online — minutes, criteria? Committee will state preference for application for projects that take place in Stockbridge, benefit Stockbridge, and produced by Stockbridge residents??
   4. Building awareness — posters, fliers, having table at Chamber Summer Crafts Show? Tables cost $250/each, but Chamber offered to have fliers or handouts at Chamber Table
   5. Funding Stockbridge programs
3. Fundraising
   1. Asking Town to support SCC?
   2. Having fundraising or program events as part of larger events; for example, a reading at the Memorial Day Picnic; photo exhibit in library; open mike at the Lion’s Den; tie SCC event or fundraiser to Town events that many people attend — even including a handout at Town Meeting
4. Chair called for committee to work on handout/flyer
5. Committee approved the process they used at last awards meeting

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, April 4, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Doug Goudey
• Tom Stokes
• Michael Blay, Town Assessor
• Tammy Toupence, secretary

1. Real estate and personal property tax bills mailed this week. No abatement or exemptions allowed with this bill. If questions about or applications for abatements or exemptions, wait for 2023 bill which will be mailed this fall
2. This year re-valuation will review sales and do inspections with retaking measurements. Might find Michael Bay knocking on your door if you are new homeowner — “don’t panic”
3. Also, second homeowners will find a personal property valuation survey in the mail. Fill out and return. Call Assessor’s Office for answers to questions or assistance.
4. Goudey asked if Blay wants cost-new or depreciated cost. Blay: either. Goudey also said this survey is a requirement of the Commonwealth — Stockbridge has to do this. Blay added: we have to get a good return or Commonwealth will ask us to re-mail. Mailed 650 and 400+ is an acceptable return. Blay stressed the importance of returning forms as our tax rate and Town’s cash flow depend upon it. Results are sent to Department of Revenue and only when DOR is satisfied is tax rate set
5. Commercial, Industrial, and Rental Income and Expenses was due April 1. Need as many returned as possible to satisfy DOR
6. Stokes asked do we count rentals done by nonprofits? Blay: no not required by commonwealth
7. Stokes reported on Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT): added Roxanne McCaffrey and Peter Strauss to committee and would like to add more. Delaying survey until fall as right now nonprofits are gearing up for summer and recuperating from COVID. Stokes received feedback that PILOT may be perceived as adversarial but assured everyone PILOT is seeking a collaborative process for good of Town not adversary.
8. Goudey called for members to move into Executive Session, and they would not return

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Stockbridge Agriculture and Forestry Commission, April 4, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Shelby Marshall
• Erik Rasmussen via Zoom
• Abigail Fredsall via Zoom
• Michael Canales via Zoom
• Pat Flinn Laurel Hill Association (LHA)

1. Minutes of the last meeting approved as written
2. Old Growth Forest Designation — Ice Glen — celebration May 6
   1. 11 a.m.: park in field at corner of Park and South and walk to Ice Glen
   2. Will send press release to Edge, Eagle, Stockbridge Updates
   3. Suggested it also be sent to WAMC (Josh Landis)
   4. Award a plaque to Town — Chair will contact Chuck Cardillo to accept
   5. Rain date May 18
3. Set for Arbor Day celebrations
   1. Tree seedlings arrived — stored in Austen Riggs greenhouse
   2. Fredsall finished fliers w/planting and care instructions
   3. Chair will finish posters; needs color copier — available in Town Offices
4. Flinn representing LHA to discuss coordination between Town and LHA re: Ice Glen
   1. Ice Glen is Town property; LHA always maintained the trails
   2. Chair suggested that over time develop a working plan — for example — Town might use Highway Department or Tree Warden (Mark Faber) to remove fallen trees from trails
   3. Trails are free, open to public and signs indicate “use at your own risk” so no liability
5. Chair suggested discussing housing for farm labor, farmer’s market, and hiring the forester at next meeting on first Monday in May

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC), April 1, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Jamie Minacci, Chair
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• John Liodice
• Michael Buffoni
• Charlie Kenny via Zoom
• Pat Kennelly Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) via Zoom
• Jim Wilusz, Board of Health (BoH) via Zoom

1. Minutes approved with one change from Charles Kenny, “please identify Commission members”.
2. Chair asked SBSC to go over SBSC priorities and take a formal vote to approve them
3. McCaffrey said she shared priorities with the consultant GZA, and they returned with itcomments. She produced a spreadsheet with priorities and comments.
4. After a long discussion, SBSC appeared to approve the consultant’s priorities.
5. Nathan asked if they had voted, and if so, on what they voted? Kenny asked what agenda item is the spreadsheet? Evidently it was unclear if SBSC gave the consultant direction, or if SBSC voted to approve the consultant’s priorities?
6. Pat Kennelly mentioned “actions and priorities”, for example, SBA proposal to proceed with testing for herbicides this summer and dredging is not going to happen this year. “Timing and priorities may differ” — wanted to make clear that even if SBSC voted to approve dredging as the priority, SBA will test for milfoil and begin herbicide process in 2022 before dredging. That there is a difference between stated priority and what will happen.
7. Wiltz added to list: NOT putting sump pump water in a septic tank or sewer

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Fountain Committee, March 31, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Kate Fletcher, Chair
• Bob Jones
• Carl Sprague
• Michael Canales Town Administrator
• Hugh Page Superintendent Highway Department

1. Minutes of last meeting accepted as written
2. Reviewed two quotes
   1. From local architect Dana Bixby for drawings to scale plans for basin of Cat and Dog Fountain: $4,176
   2. Alan Williams from Chester Granite for replica of “bottom tier”: $7,900
   3. To accept Bixby quote and Chester granite quote; both passed.
3. Next step: check in with Jeff Gulick
4. Steps
   1. Finish drawing — Bixby
   2. Remove basin and rebuild (Page and Highway Department)
   3. Deliver and install “bottom tier” — Chester Granite
   4. Install cat and dog

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Finance Committee, March 23, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Jay Bikofsky, Chair
• Jim Balfanz
• Bill Vogt
• Diane Reuss
• Neil Holden
• Steve Shatz
• Cheryl Allen, Town Accountant
• Ericka Oleson, Town Treasurer/Collector
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Joseph Collins and David Irwin, Adelson & Co auditors

1. Joseph Collins and David Irwin from Adelson & Co, auditors, presented their report.
2. Irwin went through the numbers in the thirty-plus page report. Following are highlights he termed important.
3. Capital expenditures (2021): Ford Explorer ($36,000); Main St lighting ($13,000); Highway Garage ($690,000); Bridges ($1.7 million); and pump station ($8000)
   T: $2,447,000
4. 4. Capital assets $32.9 million
   >Receivables: $683,000
   Accounts payable: $530,000
   Debt this year $1.3 million
   Debt year 2 — end of obligation $8.9 million
   Interest payment: $300,000
   Retirement (The Stockbridge proportional share): $464,000
5. Auditor said, “Most important for Town to know, we have more put aside than the expected obligations.”
   1. Town has funds put aside that are restricted (that is voted or granted for a specific project or purpose) estimated $2.2 million (specific amount not mentioned)
   2. Free cash ($2.6 million)
   3. Stabilization ($2.1 million)
   4. CPC (amount not mentioned)
      T: $6.9 million
6. In one section it appeared obligations were higher than income: $12.6 million income; $13.2 million expenses. However, the apparent $600,000 deficit is actually a function of the overlap of years — no real deficit
7. There is a place in budget where it appears there was “deficit spending” — illegal in the Commonwealth — that is, Town cannot spend money not appropriated by the people at Town Meeting, borrowed, or granted. However, the Sewer and Water spending without approval at Town Meeting was actually a missed vote at Town Meeting 2020 which was corrected by a vote at Town Meeting 2021.
8. Vogt objected to the 7% anticipated growth as too high. This account and the actuary who anticipated 7% may have been part of the Berkshire County Retirement System. Shatz suggested Vogt write a memo outlining his objection.
9. Town has an investment account; auditors recommend Town have an Investment Policy that is within Commonwealth guidelines “An investment policy to assure only invest as allowed by law.” Vogt said it appeared the auditors were suggesting SB produce the policy, but Vogt said, “I don’t believe the SB is competent to produce an investment policy. This body should be doing it.”
10. Shatz offered to work on it with Town Accountant to produce policy. Vogt offered to work on it as well; however, Shatz said, no, Vogt should work on writing the memo re: 7%.
11. Real Estate tax and Personal property tax collection is “outstanding”
    1. Collection of real estate tax ($8.7 million) is 97.5%
    2. Uncollected Real Estate tax did go up to $240,000 — Chair mentioned it was 30 properties, however, $104,000 of $240,000 “is DeSisto” according to the auditors. Chair seemed to correct that and say it was not the Patrick Sheehan/DeSisto property
    3. Collection of Personal Property tax is 99%
12. Discussion about the large amount of money in the Sewer and Water fund.
    1. Canales explained there was a mandatory study and action plan in process that would spend a large amount of that.
    2. See March 15 issue of SU “Notes from Water and Sewer Commission” Commonwealth requires an Inflow and Infiltration Study (I & I). In Phase 1 & 2 discovered Stockbridge has almost 50% infiltration. Phase 4 correcting the problem — very expensive
13. Motion to accept the auditor’s report as written, passed
14. Minutes could not be approved as no longer a quorum (Shatz and others left after auditor’s report)
15. General discussion about budget requests:
    1. Police: $118,000 for fulltime officer
    2. Highway: $607,000 for equipment
    3. Fire: $960,000 for fire engine plus other expenses.
    4. Reuss said she was shocked by Fire Department budget request
    5. Chair said remember the Fire Chief’s contract is up in July
16. Discussion about school budget
    1. Suggestion to invite a rep of schools in for chat
    2. Stockbridge has 118 students in the school (up by 7 students)
    3. Our cost could rise $456,000 — what is our cost per student?
    4. Does the old contract allow us to decline or negotiate?

Meeting adjourned

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 must be 400 words or less, attributed, and no ad holmium attacks.

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

News

Events

Berkshire Botanical Garden “Hoppening” April 16 10 a. m. – 1 p. m. Egg Hunt 11 – 11:30 a.m. — seedling eggs and chocolate eggs donated by Mielke Confections; baby chicks, horse drawn cart rides, and children’s craft and for the adults — a mimosa bar

April 28 Nicole Campanale — one-hour, online class “The Dye Garden” (How to plant and cultivate a dye-plant garden)

April 26 and May 3 and May 10 in person — pen and watercolor drawings of the garden — 1-4 p. m. all levels of experience welcome

News

PSA From Brian Cruey, Naumkeag

Stockbridge Night at Naumkeag’s Daffodil and Tulip Festival — April 30th 4 – 7 p. m. 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 purchased in advance. 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 www.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

News

PSA From 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.

Tri-Town Board of Health recommended that those who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated maintain six-foot social distancing and wear a mask. For others, masks are optional.

You can send a message at https://laurelhillassociation.org/contact-us/.

Just indicate yes or no to Earth Day and let us know where you will pick up litter.

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,

Lis Danish Wheeler, Coordinator

News

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, and West Stockbridge.

When: Saturday, May 14th, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p. m. 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 and Propane Cylinders, Smoke Detectors, Radioactive Material, Fire Extinguishers, Fluorescent Lamps, Electronics, PCB’s, Medications, Medical Sharps.

Pre-registration is required. Please register online at https://www.lee.ma.us/tri-town-health-department

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

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 9:00 a. m.-1:00 p. m., 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

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Carole,

I miss my town.

I miss the town where I grew up, where we had neighborhoods with children playing and you knew your neighbors. My hometown was Stockbridge Massachusetts where you knew most everyone walking on the street, we didn’t need house numbers because we all had names that we all knew. The few employees that the town had were town residents.

We didn’t have to leave town for the necessities of life, we had 2 grocery stores, a store where we could buy clothes and toys at Christmas time, we had a hardware store, two businesses with lunch counters, a drug store, one gift shop, a meat market, and a bank. There was even a barbershop and a tailor. We even had a real newspaper that had pages of local news.

There were two auto dealerships and 5 full-service stations.

We had a volunteer police department and a volunteer fire department and a police officer on the street. We didn’t have much in the line of tourists just people who came around for a concert at Tanglewood.

Tanglewood was a formal place where the women wore gowns, and the men wore suits and sometimes tuxedoes. We had no museums except for the Mission House. There were many dairy farms and hundreds of pleasure horses. You could hear cows and chickens in every neighborhood.

No need for 911, you just picked up your telephone and the LOCAL operator knew you and your family. We had real health care and doctors made routine home visits. If you had an emergency, you could go to Riggs where the doctors were MDs.

My hometown has become just a place where we force out the wildlife. The bears are out and very active and aggressive about food. They have broken into/forced their way into several garages. They are looking for garbage, bird seed and cattle/pet food. We can’t totally blame the bears; they were here first, and we are allowing too much development

I sure do miss my hometown of Stockbridge Mass.

Harold French

Carole,

Under “Penny-wise” in your April 1 issue, you write that “Two years and approaching $80,000 later, two consultants did nothing for the Planning Board.” This is grossly unfair and inaccurate.

In fact, both consultants who worked on an open space zoning bylaw helped us immensely to understand the issues, the advantages and disadvantages, and the complexities of creating this kind of bylaw. After much work and time spent studying the issues, including making site visits and reviewing in detail many drafts of a possible bylaw, the Planning Board recognized we could not agree on such a bylaw and present it at Town Meeting. This was not a sign of “doing nothing” but a recognition that, at least at this time, a deeply divided Planning Board was not able to come to agreement.

We did what a Planning Board should do, which is to rationally discuss our concerns and questions, using consultants appropriately for professional advice and guidance, to see if a bylaw might work in Stockbridge. The two consultants, rather than “doing nothing,” were important advisors in an honest effort by the Planning Board to do its duty.

Bill Vogt

Editor’s note: Bill Vogt is currently Chairman, Stockbridge Planning Board, and is running for re-election.

Hi Carole,

I don’t know if you post things like this in Updates but I lost the match to this earring while walking my dog in downtown Stockbridge this morning (4/12). I retraced my steps and didn’t see it. If anyone found it, I would love to get it back.

Thanks, Andrea

Perspective

Remembering the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee

Carole, Thank you for your well-reasoned article, “Penny-wise,” in the last issue of SU. A few thoughts, given my eighteen-year residency in Stockbridge, as a former member of the Stockbridge ZBA, and a member of the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee in 2018-2019.

The ZBRC, chaired by Planning Board Member Kate Fletcher, was formed to take a look at the Cottage Era Bylaw and to review, in general, the zoning bylaws of Stockbridge. The ultimate goal was a “diagnostic report.”

The committee worked a little over a year, with a varying number of residents sitting on the panel. After seemingly countless meetings of the committee and interested residents, when we were ready, the decision was made to hire a consultant to assist us. We chose Joel Russell, who has a law degree, a planning degree, experience with planning and zoning in small, historic towns, and a familiarity with the village of Stockbridge.

Mr. Russell did his due diligence (as did the committee) in reaching out to the various communities within the community to ascertain their wants and needs, their ideas and input. Long story short, the diagnostic report: The bylaws were in fairly good shape (some tweaking required), and the Cottage Era Bylaw was flawed and needed either revamping or to be repealed altogether.

This was the message sent to the then Planning Board, when it was decided it was they who would take over the process. The ZBRC was disbanded. Unfortunately, the work done by the ZRBC was set aside. It was decided to hire yet another consultant. The process became an in-house debate on how to accommodate development and cluster housing, cloaked in the promise of “economic growth.” What was an inclusive process with outreach and input, became a specific agenda that clashed with the gifts that have been passed on by previous generations.

Your assessment rings true. Time and money have been spent on looking for answers that were essentially provided three years earlier. The answers came from the citizenry and an impartial professional consultant. The answers came as no real surprise. It is the questions that were changed in an attempt to fiddle with a proven formula that makes Stockbridge what it is: The quintessential small town that other small towns aspire to be.

Best wishes to all my good friends and neighbors in Stockbridge.

by Bob Jones

Perspective

Protecting Against COVID-19

One of my neighbors called me quite upset about a N.Y. Times article of APRIL 6. She was not primarily concerned about whether or not she should get a second booster. She was concerned that the article was self-contradictory and would create confusion in the general public, dissuading some from getting vaccinated. She understood that keeping control of the pandemic relies on maximum numbers of people remaining fully protected through vaccinations.

The article in question was indeed ambiguous. It seemed to assert that older people would be more likely to have serious disease as a result of a vaccination, when exactly the opposite is the case.

ON APRIL 7, the Times reviewed a New England Journal of Medicine report from Israel about second boosters and severe Covid infection, compared with only one booster. The Times said prevention against disease waned 4 weeks after the second booster. The Times failed to understand the significance of the difference between prevention and protection.

Vaccinations and boosters are NOT expected to prevent disease. The primary purpose of vaccination is to protect against disease. The Israeli study shows the second booster protected significantly against severe disease compared with only one booster. At six weeks, the second booster was almost 4.5 times more protective. Yes, almost the same number of people with two boosters were diagnosed with COVID-19 as those with one booster, but the disease was mild, or asymptomatic, that is, only detectable with tests.

In other words, the second booster will not prevent you from getting the sniffles from a COVID-19 infection, but it will protect you from getting really sick, or from having to go to the hospital, or from dying.

The Israeli report also showed that side effects of the vaccination are minimal.

Keeping serious disease at a minimum in our society through regular vaccinations is the one weapon we have to prevent the future emergence of variants.

My wife and I are over 60, therefore, we will get the second booster.

by Charles Kenny, MD

Perspective

Ice Glen to Be Inducted Into the Old-Growth Forest Network!

On Friday, May 6th, at 11:00 am, the Town of Stockbridge’s Ice Glen will be formally inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network. To celebrate the dedication of this protected forest, a ceremony will be held at the trailhead and Old-Growth Forest Network’s Northeast Regional Manager, Sarah Robb Grieco, will present a plaque to the Town. Following the ceremony, Bob Leverett and Jared Lockwood will lead a trail walk. The rain date for this event will be June 18th.

Ice Glen is a glacial ravine with old-stand pine and hemlock covering its sides. The north-south orientation of the ravine protects the glen from much direct sunlight, which in turn has protected the pines from inclement weather. Because of this, the pines grow tall and go uncut, and many consider Ice Glen to be the most accessible old-growth forest in the state. The crags and crannies of the moss-covered rocks are said to harbor ice and snow into the summer, hence its name “Ice Glen.” At the north end of the glen is a flat rock face with an inscription from the land’s donor, David Dudley Field. At the south end of the glen is reputedly the largest eastern hemlock in the state, towering some 132 feet tall, and 10.2 feet in girth. It may even be the largest in New England.

The mission of the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) is to connect people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible, native forests. “Connecting people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, native forests”

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN has over 150 forests in 28 states. The Ice Glen will be the fifth Massachusetts forest to join the Old-Growth Forest Network.

Maloof states, “We are thrilled to welcome this unique and beautiful forest into the Network as the forest representative for Berkshire County. We want to honor and celebrate the town of Stockbridge for their vision and work in preserving this special forest for generations to come.”

OGFN depends on volunteers in each U.S. County to help identify and induct forests into the Network. Lisa Bozzuto of Stockbridge and Bob Leverett of Florence were instrumental in the dedication process. Interested volunteers are welcome to contact OGFN through https://www.oldgrowthforest.net/

Contacts:

Old-Growth Forest Network: Sarah Robb Grieco, sarahrg@oldgrowthforest.net

Town of Stockbridge Agricultural and Forestry Commission: Matthew Boudreau AFC@stockbridge-ma.gov

by Lisa Bozzuto

Perspective

Notes from the Joint Select Board (SB) Finance Committee meeting, March 17, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Finance Committee
• Jay Bykofsky, Chair
• Steve Shatz
• Jim Balfanz
• Pam Boudreau
• Bill Vogt
• Police Chief Darrell Fennelly (SPD)
• Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli (SFD)
• Highway Department Supervisor Hugh Page

1. Minutes of the February 28th Finance Committee meeting approved
2. Finance Committee Chair explained that the purpose of the joint meeting is to discuss budget item requests — particularly the three largest of the department requests: police, highway, and fire.
3. Chief Darrell Fennelly
   1. Request for an additional full-time officer
   2. The Police Department was using reserve officers, but the reserve officer program was halted by the Commonwealth. SPD usually has 6-full time plus 3-4 reserve officers but now the Chief is now proposing 7 full time — Chief said full-time officer actually cheaper than paying overtime
   3. Also wishes to move Officer Nichols to an Investigator position
   4. Chief added, there is no longer any “off-season” — second homeowners are staying longer, and tourists coming year-round
   5. Chair asked: Cost of full-time officer? $118,000 for full time officer. Question: but if investigator is taken out of rotation, still have only 6 covering hours??
   6. Cardillo: do you need two additional officers?
   7. There will be additional training for mental health and domestic abuse calls and a plan for a mental health professional to accompany police on these calls — may work with Tri-Town Health and may use American Rescue Plan (ARPA) money
4. Hugh Page, Highway Superintendent
   1. As equipment ages, repair bills jump in price. Too much time wasted hauling broken-down equipment and repairing it. Need new equipment.
   2. 4 new trucks — sidewalk clearing machine and new trucks have GPS and technology to better calibrate salt application
   3. Recapping, the Chair said the request is: 2 midsize plows, 2 trucks (350 tons and 50 tons) plus trailer, Bobcat, and backhoe
   4. White suggested Town borrow now when interest rates still low
   5. It may take 12-18 months to receive from point of ordering
   6. Questions: hybrid or electric vehicles? Shared equipment?
5. Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli
   1. New fire engine is now $960,000 (apparently up from $600,000 a year ago). Everyone shocked by price tag
   2. Two other vehicles are “at the end of their useful life.”
   3. Subject changed to personnel and facilities — Stockbridge is a volunteer fire department with the only full-time-paid employee being the Chief and 20 volunteers. SFD has 3 facilities: Glendale, Interlaken and main fire house in town.
   4. Finance Chair: could another vehicle be used as Chief’s vehicle to save money?
   5. SB Chair — could Engine 5 replace Engine 2? Efficiency would decrease by 500 gallons per minute since each fire truck is equipped differently for different tasks.
   6. Shatz: can we share equipment? That would increase response time — better if first responder (Stockbridge) has what it needs
   7. How many incidences? 515 total, 254 fire, 7 motor vehicle 2 motor vehicle and pedestrian. Seven were “mutual response” (means Stockbridge, Lenox, and Lee).
   8. Could use personal vehicles for 911 calls? Stockbridge has EMTs — SFD Chief is only advanced EMT. Paramedics available through shared services only.
   9. Chief discussed what other volunteer fire departments facing the same problems do: some move toward a paid fire department rather than volunteer while others have a county system of government, thus making shared services easier because they have uniform practices.
   10. Chief closed by saying, we need equipment now — if we do nothing, two pieces will fail probably this year.
   11. Finance Chair asked for more information
   12. Chief asked for clarification — if they could provide specific questions
   13. Finance Chair said premature for decision
6. Canales talked about funding capital equipment
   1. Beach hut roof ($25,000); shoreline improvement ($5700). Full-time employee for Park & Rec
   2. Big ticket items: Tuckerman Bridge $1.75 million, Averic $1.2 million, Pump Station $760,000 – $1.19 million, and Salt Shed $400,000; plus increase for school inevitable
   3. Borrow and/or take money from $1,000,000 set aside for COVID and not spent plus free cash
   4. According to Canales: Once you could borrow at a very low rate, now it is 3% and some estimate it could go to 8%. The cost of borrowing $4 million dollars at 3% is $200,000/annually — the cost of borrowing $4 million at 8% is $400,000/annually
   5. Discussion about borrowing — no decision

Meeting adjourned

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon

Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

The Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) has been meeting for two years with a 24- member committee representing 8 towns. The group has been gathering data, on many topics, and is now reacting to our consultants’ report and recommendations. The big questions are should we: collaborate, consolidate 9-12, or consolidate PK-12?

The website 8towns.org is very thorough and has several reports including recommendations in the resources section.

In the next several weeks and months the group will continue to meet with support from The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to make sense of the range of possibilities, advantages and disadvantages, and then possibly decide to make its own recommendation and consider next steps. Next steps will likely include additional community engagement. Additional steps may include parting ways or potentially writing and negotiating a new regional agreement, and possibly taking that agreement to a vote.

Education, enrollment, and opportunities are all in flux and the next several months will have a big impact on what happens with our schools. Please dig in, study existing documents, attend meetings, and share your opinions around what your hopes and expectations are. This page is a great way to contact the RSDPB and to share your thoughts.

The potential impact of consolidation on our hopeful new high school project would be to either keep the current size or expand it to accommodate new students. Those options will be studied.

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

Next issue, I’ll share some updates on Project Connection, our grant funded extended-day and summer programs which provide hands on learning opportunities in collaboration with many community partners.

Perspective

Candidates Q & A

Lis Danish Wheeler for Planning Board

Why are you running?

Having lived in Stockbridge most of my life, and enjoyed the benefits it provides, I want to give my time and experience to the Planning Board. I’m appreciative of our small town’s government, our protected outdoor spaces held by organizations like the Laurel Hill Association and the Stockbridge Land Trust, the incredible historic buildings and landmarks around town, and our cultural venues that make our town so special. I want to help protect all of these things while moving forward as times and needs change.

What is your prime focus if elected?

My primary focus is keeping the beauty of Stockbridge alive and well by following the zoning laws we have in place and reviewing what needs adjustment. Important issues already on the table need clarity and closure. Options for affordable housing for our young and older residents, and those who want to live and work in town need closer consideration. Who will volunteer as our firefighters and emergency workers if they can’t afford to live here? The local flavor of our town would not be lost if there were incentives available to offer needed housing for the workers and younger population disappearing in Stockbridge.

What else would you like to tell voters?

For those who have known me for decades or those who are hearing my name for the first time, I’d like you to know I have the perspective of someone who made the choice to live here after being introduced to this beautiful town as a small child. Stockbridge was the place where I wanted to work and dreamed of raising my family. I’m so thankful I was able to buy a family home here and make those dreams a reality.

Presently, I’m a Trustee of the Laurel Hill Association, a longtime board member of Berkshire Lyric Theater, and am the coordinator of Earth Day in Stockbridge. Should I be chosen to sit on the Planning Board I will do my best to protect our town’s New England charm and to preserve what we all love about Stockbridge: its history, its community, and its unique and enviable environment that has attracted so many here to admire and enjoy.

Perspective

Rest in Peace, Rosalie BealIn Memorium

On Saturday April 9 our beloved neighbor Rosalie Beal died peacefully with her two daughters Leslie and Laine by her side. We will miss her.

In 2012 only five minutes into meeting Rosalie, I felt like part of her family. After inquiring about the off-season sublet of her Berkshire home, I found myself sitting at her kitchen table chatting like old friends while she prepared chicken cutlets for the entire group of Tanglewood Fellows. I quickly realized she made everyone feel like family — including our standard poodle Bertie whom she warmly welcomed as a tenant.

Two years later, we bought the house next door. What a delight to be welcomed to the neighborhood under Rosalie’s wing. Through her we met many interesting and vibrant people. Her door was always open and hot dogs (served with sauerkraut) always on the grill and vodka (served with lemon) always in the freezer. Well into her 80s she still walked all the way into Lenox Center or paddled her kayak around Lake Mahkeenac. And Bertie always knew when she was in town leading us to Rosalie’s for a treat.

A couple years ago, Rosalie had a stroke. She was confined to a wheelchair and needed full time care. Nonetheless, she insisted on being in the Berkshires for the summer. She couldn’t easily go to her beloved Tanglewood so her Tanglewood family came to her. The sound of violin floated through the neighborhood. And just three weeks ago Rosalie came for a visit. I can only sense that she was saying good-bye to this place she so loved. Rosalie was a part-time resident but full-time spirit of the Berkshires. Good-bye Rosalie. Thank you for the energy and love you shared so freely.

https://www.carmonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Rosalie-Beal?obId=24542415#/obituaryInfo

by Edi Pasalis