Editorial

Democracy at Work

From before the Revolutionary War until today, self-government is a treasure Stockbridge enjoys. At Town Meeting, the people come together to discuss and debate the issues. We vote for the laws that will govern us. We vote for the expenditures we will be asked to pay.

In the 1700s, as the villages of Berkshire were being founded, the first Town Meetings were called. Even before a Select Board was voted in at the first Town Meeting, the proprietors instructed the constable to inform all citizens of the date, time, and place of Town Meeting.

The proprietors were King George’s land grantees. The constable was the Police Chief, and the citizens were males of a certain age who were landowners or the possessors of sufficient money to qualify for the right to vote. No, not all white — in Stockbridge Mahicans voted and were voted into office.

The ordering of a Town Meeting was by warrant article. Nothing was discussed unless on the warrant. Each article was presented by the proposer “To see if the town will vote to require…”

Among the first articles on the first warrants was “to chuse [choose] a tax assessor.”

Having satisfied how they would raise money, subsequent articles addressed how to spend it.

Earliest articles were “to raise an amount of money for the making of roads and bridges” (15 pounds) and “for an additional constable” (a few shillings).

The Warrant of 2022 will not be much different in content. We will discuss roads and bridges and hiring an additional “constable”. The amounts of money attached to the articles will be quite different.

Come join us in this age-old, democratic tradition in which the citizens direct the activities of the government.

Once at a Town Meeting, someone rose and said he wanted to know how the selectmen advised the people to vote. “After all we elected them; they should tell us what to do.”

Well that’s just wrong. The last thing a selectman should do is tell the people how to vote. In fact, an elected official’s job is not to tell the people what to do but to listen to what the people want done. At Town Meeting it is the will of the people that decides, aren’t we lucky?

Town Meeting is fun, unique, small-town America. May 16, 6:30 pm -see you there.

Carole Owens, Managing Editor

Editorial

Election Season!!

Town Meeting: May 16 – 6:30 p.m., Town Offices

The Town Meeting Warrant contains the articles on which we will be asked to vote. Each article on the Warrant will be read aloud. You can vote for an article, against an article, abstain or offer an amendment.

If you wish to amend a Warrant Article, you may be asked to put the amendment in writing for the Town Moderator to read. Therefore, you might wish to request a copy of the Warrant in advance of the meeting, review it, determine if you wish to offer an amendment, and write it out instead of being caught trying to write it down during Town Meeting. To request a copy of the Warrant in advance, go to townadministrator@stockbridge-ma.gov.

Election Day 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, Bill Vogt, and Lis Danish Wheeler
• Board of Assessors: Doug Goudey
• Select Board: Roxanne McCaffrey, Jamie Minacci
• Water and Sewer: Peter Socha

News

Conservation Commission (ConCom), April 12, Hybrid meeting

Present:

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

1. March 22 minutes approved as corrected.
2. Vincent Park “informal” postponed
3. Gregg Wellenkamp continued again
4. Attorney Elizabeth Goodman, Mark Volk from Foresight Land Services, and Daniel Pincus, owner, all for 8 Hawthorne
   1. Brent White’s review was generally positive and added one condition once work scheduled. (did not specify condition)
   2. In addition, Tom Ingersoll, certified arborist, reviewed trees and suggested other plantings
   3. Hart walked White Pines Beach and thought house would not be seen from that vantage when trees are leafed in. Also mentioned importance of canopy
   4. Bozzuto asked about stump removal: to reduce disturbance leave as many as possible in the ground.
   5. Minacci questioned square footage of house (3700 sq ft) and height (34 ft) — sized to limit of what is permitted
   6. Goodman: should an updated list of trees be submitted? Should there be a pre-construction site visit? (Yes to both)
   7. Hart requested that contractor sign off on Order of Conditions
   8. Hearing on 8 Hawthorne closed.
5. Christian Hill Road —
   1. Permit for pool and pool house
   2. Jim Haywood, architect, and Stephanie O’Hara, Berkshire Engineering, for project
   3. Issues of importance — distance from wetlands; square feet of currently pervious land that will become impervious; how pool water will be disposed of, and where is vernal pool?
   4. Submit new plan showing vernal pool and new planting proposal for shrubs
   5. Hearing continued
6. 15 Lake View Drive — O’Hara, David Potter, design, and Gail Diancola owner
   1. Planned demolition and new house, driveway, and walkway proposed
   2. Lot size .35 acre — another nonconforming lot
   3. proposed coverage — no septic on sewer and house 9-15% below Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) requirement
   4. Original house 1192 sq ft — 7.8%; new house — 9.9% “Hugs buffer line”
   5. Net loss of pervious land? “Not much” (2.1% of lot size)
   6. Mitigation — rain gardens
   7. House has proposed porch with a pervious floor, but Underwood-Miller pointed out it could be turned into a room (with impervious floor) By Right
   8. Chair asked that house be marked for site visit and ribbons around trees to be removed.
   9. Hearing continued
7. 3 Ice Glen Road and 78 Interlaken Road — sign (?)
8. 36 Lake Drive — look at coverage. Hart: does 10% include septic?
9. General discussion
   1. Underwood-Miller said, too many houses and too much squeezing house in up to limit allowed
   2. LPOD — PB and ConCom regulating same pieces of property — should LPOD be moved to ConCom?
   3. White: if a septic fails, and everything squeezed in, where could the new septic be placed?
   4. Once it was required to build two septic fields to allow for future failure
   5. Should bylaws be reviewed to deal with building to limit of 10% especially in nonconforming lots?
   6. Joint meeting with PB? Marie Raftery present and would carry suggestion to PB
   7. Underwood-Miller — change bylaw and NOT a percentage especially on nonconforming lot; for example, if not buildable today do not permit to build
10. Bozutto — Performance Standards complete and ready to go to Town Counsel
11. Wellenkamp is ignoring ConCom
12. Hart: Kampoosa Bog — Beaver Deceiver and maintenance contract with Beaver Solutions — Town, Canales, should follow up

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: 1. Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are seasonal pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. 2. Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface

News

From Our Candidates — Roxanne McCaffrey

Candidate for Select Board

I originally ran for office because the idea that we could respectfully disagree had fallen by the wayside and I wished to return to a less divisive dialogue. Certainly, the Select Board has been radically altered in that regard. I say “we” since we function as a team and have authority only as a group. None of us are in this alone.

During my tenure on the Select Board, concerns have been addressed and acted upon:

• Infrastructure Deficiencies and Public Property Maintenance
• Environmental Protection
• Historic Preservation
• Community Preservation Act funding (taxpayer $$) actively sought and awarded for Town Projects
• Budgeting Process improved
• Repurposing of Town assets; i.e. historic stonework retained from Larrywaug Bridge and redeployed to Gould Meadows for a stone wall

A “test” of the Select Board unanimous design choice for the Red Lion Inn intersection was implemented and has proven successful in reducing the number of incidents by approx. 50%. I would like the public to better understand this design, its benefits and the actual cost before proceeding. Several meetings have presented and discussed this proposal, information was posted on the town website and Berkshire Eagle articles have been written about this plan, we would like to see more participation and understanding of the details by the public.

During my time in office, much has been accomplished and yet our property tax rates have decreased:

• 2019 — 10.13
• 2020 — 9.87
• 2021 — 9.78
• 2022 — 9.38

I have focused on the fiduciary responsibility of the Select Board, the implementation of best business practices and a cooperative relationship between town boards and committees. I am readily accessible to all. The responsibility of elected officials is to hear ALL opinions not just the loudest, but also the meekest among us.

I personally pledge to:

• Continue to work cooperatively with others
• Respect the limitation of authority of the Select Board and respect the authority of other elected officials
• Listen, remain open to all opinions, research data and objectively weigh my decisions.
• I will NEVER compromise facts or my integrity to garner votes or popularity
• I have personal opinions, but no agendas. I recognize that my personal opinion may not represent the majority and accede to that as my responsibility.

It is an honor to serve, and I hope you feel I deserve your vote to maintain consistency in effective Town governance.

News

Select Board, April 21, Hybrid meeting

Present:

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

1. Reconsider annual entertainment permit for Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG)
   1. Present for BBG, Dana Audia, Events Director, and Thaddeus Thompson, Interim Executive Director
   2. Moved location of Music Monday across Rte 102 to other side. Placed in structure with two walls and beside greenhouse therefore noise buffered. Thompson shared that attendees liked the former location in the midst of the garden with the aroma and views of the flowers. Thompson added BBG also reduced number of concerts from 11 to 8 and kept daylight hours from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
   3. Clarified that there is no heavy metal music (never was). White pointed out SB has no right to regulate content of programs
   4. BBG did decibel tests on proposed music — folk, jazz, swing, soft rock
   5. In addition, Thompson knocked on door of abutters and near neighbors. He was delighted to find that neighbors considered BBG a good neighbor and were supportive.
   6. Two residents, Chris Greendale and a woman (name unheard), were present to support the BBG Music Mondays program. She explained that these Music Mondays are part of serving the community and remaining financially viable. As it is at Naumkeag and the Red Lion Inn, live music should be supported. It attracts people. Greendale concurred.
   7. In addition, neighbors wrote and submitted letters in support to SB.
   8. Anita Schwerner, via Zoom, asked if McCaffrey should recuse herself if she is an abutter and if she should have recused herself in December or now? McCaffrey said she was not an abutter. (See SU Volume III No. 1 report of December 16, 2021, Public Hearing and/or CTSB recording: McCaffrey called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed and Chair said, “the evidentiary portion is now closed…right now I am going to make one comment not as a Selectman but as an abutter…)
      
      Schwerner added that she thought the nonprofits (Naumkeag and BBG) should be treated equally (Naumkeag and BBG) and she hopes the SB approves this time
   9. SB approved the Annual Entertainment permit without further conditions.
2. Report by water resources consultant GZA on Stockbridge Bowl dredging
   1. History: hired in 2013. To control sediment and weeds, proposed dredging channel 7-feet-deep and installing diversion pipe, to enable a 5-foot drawdown in winter. The diversion pipe would be installed below the pipeline installed over 50 years ago by Tennessee Gas Pipeline (Tenneco today). Approximately 2016, after drainage pipe installed, 5-foot drawdown was disallowed by Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP) to protect snail.
   2. White asked why DEP and NHESP first allowed and then disallowed a drawdown? McCaffrey said not appropriate question at this time
   3. GZA began designing an alternate, limited dredging plan in circa 2016
   4. White asked, can we make case that dredging is supportive of snails as snails prefer harder bottom to “muck”? GZA said that research not conclusive
   5. New preliminary plan would also address Lily Pond.
   6. Preliminary plan: dredge, move sediment to Bullard Woods, and bury
   7. Nine years and not much closer to dredging. No final design, no permits, no cost est.
   8. Optimistic prediction 18 months from now could start and could do in one season if Bullard Woods surveyed and prepared the season before.
   9. Cardillo and McCaffrey thanked GZA profusely.
3. SBA president Pat Kennelly offered $9,100 as half amount needed to control water chestnut in 2022 — an invasive plant. Kennelly also said they were proceeding with testing plan
4. White asked questions:
   1. Since water chestnut multiplies exponentially, how do we know the amount of invasive to be expected and therefore the amount of money needed? No answer.
   2. Will exploration in May yield a test result that will be valid in September? No answer.
   3. Does Stockbridge have, in writing, formal approval to use Bullard Woods in dredging proposal? No. If dredging in progress, can there be the Josh Billings Race? Yes.
5. Kennelly wanted to know if dredging allowed, can folks go boating? Possibly.
6. Schwerner asked:
   1. Is the money SBA raised for dredging, promised to turn over to Town, still available? Kennelly — unsure.
   2. Was any of it used to sue Town? Kennelly: unsure. However, Kennelly said SBA committed to dredging.
   3. The tests in 2020 and 2021 failed to find Milfoil, how many more years can SBA test? No answer
7. Discussion of order of articles on the Town Meeting Warrant: some of first items must remain in that order. After those articles, move articles requesting largest amounts of money “up top” — e.g. school, water and sewer, infrastructure (former Article 52). Then list articles in descending order of amounts of request.
   
   Once Community Preservation Committee (CPC) awards were voted as one — now will vote each individually in descending order of the amount awarded. Place “local” warrant item (suggested by residents re: hybrid meetings) toward top and state warrant item lower.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: Have we been paying GZA for nine years? If so, why is there no lake management plan, no permitted dredging plan??

Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission meeting, April 22, cancelled

News

Planning Board, April 19, Hybrid meeting

Present:

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

1. April 4 minutes approved as written
2. Sign bylaw deferred
3. Raftery reported that ConCom would like to have a joint meeting with PB to discuss transferring responsibility for LPOD from PB to ConCom and to discuss changing bylaw in response to new owners building to the very limit of the 10% allowed on nonconforming lots (for example less than 1/3 or 1/4 of an acre). All agreed — propose a joint meeting on May 3
4. Slosek asked if anyone knew history of why LPOD was placed with PB in the first place when usually placed with ConCom? No one knew but will check
5. Raftery reported that Underwood-Miller said 10% coverage does not work for nonconforming lots; Carl suggested change in the %; Raftery suggested she and Chair meet and write agenda otherwise “talk and talk and get nowhere”. Agreed
6. Discussion about enforcing bylaws — unclear who had role of enforcement. Slosek suggested one or two PB members take on task and drive around. Fletcher said Building Inspector was responsible; Vogt was not sure she was right. Vogt said if ConCom gets a Conservation Agent that person would have the job of enforcement
7. Socha attended Berkshire Regional Planning Board meeting — no report
8. Chair said to remember that because May 17 is Election Day, there will be no PB meeting
9. Fletcher reported on training session
   1. What hurts: cyanobacteria, erosion, sedimentation, and eutrophication (too many nutrients from run-off perhaps from septic systems, fertilizer, storm runoff of impervious surfaces — roads, roofs)
   2. Erosion and sedimentation threaten flora and fauna
   3. What helps: Riparian Buffer (an area adjacent to a stream, lake, or wetland that contains a combination of trees, shrubs, and/or other perennials)
   4. The Wetland Protection Act (WPA) was written to protect waterways in the Commonwealth and administered by the municipalities. In Stockbridge LPOD compliments/supplements WPA
   5. Vogt concerned there is runoff into Averic Lake (Town water supply)

Meeting adjourned

News

Water and Sewer Commission, April 19, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Don Schneyer, Chair
• Peter Socha
• Tony Campetti, Supervisor Sewer Dept.
• Michael Buffoni, Supervisor, Water Dept.
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator

1. March 1 minutes approved as written
2. The Commission received a thank-you note, and the Chair wanted to say that it was appreciated
3. Chair also mentioned that the joint meeting with SB went well
4. In addition, Chair mentioned that if and when Pat Sheehan has plans to develop 37 Interlaken, he should meet with Water and Sewer Commission
5. Canales said there would be a Warrant item at Town Meeting for funds to replace Tuckerman Bridge
6. The Pump Station is on hold. Evidently Town is waiting for a time more favorable to bids and supplies. (Last round of bids, cost jumped from an estimated $700,000 to over one million)
7. Town was planning to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for pump station; however that would preclude using the engineer Campetti has worked with and prefers, so using Water and Sewer funds instead. In this bidding process cost went up from the anticipated $700,000 to over one million. “See what happens with rebid”
   1. Socha asked if the $99,000 out of ARPA earmarked for Water and Sewer could remain earmarked for Water and Sewer in anticipation of the costs for Phase 4 of Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)?
   2. Canales said he would bring to SB for approval; Buffoni said it may already be earmarked for Water and Sewer.
8. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires new ordinance with respect to residential backflow. As many as 60 homes including 35 at Pine Woods might be impacted.
9. Buffoni would like to replace 4000 feet of old water pipe
10. Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission report: testing for herbicides, no dredging, limited harvesting, and one harvester still being repaired
11. Campetti — flow high due to rains. Phase 3 of I&I will use ARPA funds and get it underway

Meeting adjourned

News

Select Board/Finance Committee Joint meeting, April 14, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Jay Bikofsky, Chair Finance
• Neil Holden
• Pam Boudreau
• Steve Shatz
• Diane Reuss
• Jim Balfanz
• Bill Vogt
• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair Select Board
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White

1. Bikofsky called the joint meeting to order and turned it over to McCaffrey
2. McCaffrey opened a SB public meeting to consider the application of Hand-Crafted Caterers doing business at the Stockbridge Train Station
   1. Justin Christopher was present for Hand-Crafted Justin Christopher; Kevin Chittenden and Tom Delasco present for Berkshire Scenic Railway Board.
   2. Hand-Crafted has reduced the number of parking places to 35, the capacity at an event to 70, and will place any amplified music under tent or under building canopy. Public meeting closed. Permit approved.
3. Minutes of joint meeting April 7 approved
4. Review operating budget
   1. Operating budget: $11,549,384
   2. Estimated Increases: Education $400,000+; Fuel $50,000+; Police officer $80,000 + $11,000; $38,000 Berkshire retirement fund; $20,000 ConCom agent; $20,000 info technology; Debt service $57,000; and Chime Tower $38,000. Total increase approx. $700,000 plus salary increases; estimated increases over $800,000
   3. Bikofsky — will salary increases include merit increases? Yes will be awarded at 1-2% in addition to 1-2% salary increase. Also smaller increases: $5000 for Cultural Council and $6000 for volunteer training. Bikofsky also noted increase in revenue: did not rehire a facilities manager ($137,000). Also mentioned offsets in police department and payout from an Opioid lawsuit settlement ($19,000)
   4. Balfanz: increase in retirement fund cost? Stockbridge is one of few towns that actually has funded it (103%) and does not have to pay that in this year/removed
5. Review capital expenditures
   1. Bikofsky said — decide what we fund from free cash, stabilization fund , or debt.
   2. Remove OPEB — retirement contribution — see above; remove $40,000 for Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (put in SBSC operating budget for water testing), and remove $85,000 because funded by Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and how to fund the rest? ($1,419,000)
   3. Three choices on how to fund: free cash $1.3 million — this is an estimate — actual calculation later in the year; stabilization fund is “real cash” (total not given); borrowing — goal to keep annual payment (interest) level. In addition, Water and Sewer has money from fees collected — more than ever before, and departments have reserve funds.
   4. Bikofsky suggested Town borrow whatever needed sooner before interest rates increase
   5. McCaffrey wanted to hire an expert to present Red Lion Inn Intersection plan at a special town meeting ($1 million for the work — expert to convince).
   6. However, other infrastructure costs: Pump Station$1.2 million, Salt Shed $400,000, Tuckerman and Averic Bridges ($2 million) total an estimated $3.6 million. So is this time for additional $1 million cost for intersection? Removed from Town Meeting Warrant
   7. Balfanz suggested the Warrant item for the other four infrastructure items ($3.6 million — pump station, salt shed, and two bridges) not be #52 but moved up on the Warrant so everyone present to vote. “Given magnitude, place the Warrant article earlier”

Meeting adjourned

News

Select Board, April 12, Hybrid meeting

Present:

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

1. Operating Budget Increases
   1. $50,100 oil and gas
   2. One additional police salary
   3. Cultural Council $5000 match to $5000 from Commonwealth
   4. $20,000 for ConCom for Conservation Agent
   5. $6000 for training
   6. $85,000 litigation — White: Town not suing or being sued at this moment; is this for Rest of River? Usually $35,000
   7. Pay raise 1% – 2% and then Canales recommended merit increases in addition
2. Capital Expenditures
   1. $20,000 cost of Revaluation, process required by Commonwealth
   2. $110,000 Water and Sewer
   3. $176,000 Pump Station? Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) — White said, “no one should opine on how much capacity in any meeting until after I&Iamp; study”
   4. $1,419,000 in free cash available — Highway vehicles? Fire truck?
3. Debt Schedule
   1. $288,000 coming to end — could keep debt annual cost (interest) level in anticipation of costs for school and bridges by combination of free cash, borrowing, etc.
   2. White, if we borrow “the cost of fire truck is $64,000/annually including interest” He said to calculate that cost against the probability that the cost of truck and the interest rate will go up, and then decide whether to buy now or later. Also, White said, there was a long lead time to receive truck after ordering. Three reasons to buy now to be more prudent? He asked
   3. Decision re: fire truck — put aside $250,000 AND place permission to borrow full amount of purchase on Watrrant AND then wait until December to see if receive the grant for truck. Set to purchase fire truck with or without grant. Better as deep concern: what happens if Stockbridge has a fire and not proper equipment?
4. Kenny objected to bundling large expenses in Article 52. Kenny said some are necessary and other expenses are controversial. SB decided to rewrite Warrant Item 52, remove “intersection”, and consider intersection at a Special Town Meeting to decide spending $1,000,000 on the Red Lion Inn Intersection.

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: 1. To clarify what was discussed, this is Warrant Article 52 as originally written: To appropriate a sum of $4,000,000 to pay costs of restoration of the following town infrastructure issues; Tuckerman Bridge, Averic Road Bridge, Intersection, Salt Shed, Pump Station, and all incidental and related costs, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, the money so appropriated to be raised by borrowing under the authority of G.L. c.44, §7(1), or any other enabling authority, and to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to issue bonds or notes for this purpose; and further, that any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with G.L. c.44, §20, thereby reducing by a like amount the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs; or take any other action relative thereto. 2. The word “Intersection” was removed but unclear if spending authority per item restored to the voters?

Public Service Announcement

PSA from Norman Rockwell Museum

Public Service Announcement

Hi Carole,

Thanks for your wonderful work producing Stockbridge Updates.

I wonder if we are in time to put in a public service announcement about a special day for Stockbridge folks to enjoy a collaborative exhibition between Norman Rockwell Museum and Chesterwood in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Lincoln Memorial.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=364086109079092&set=a.363384199149283

Stockbridge Day at Norman Rockwell Museum is Sat. May 7 — Free for residents w ID! Reserve tickets: nrm.org.

It’s opening Day: Lincoln Memorial Illustrated exhibition. #lincolnmemorial

Come celebrate your hometown artists. @VisitStockbridge and @Chesterwood

Public Service Announcement

Public Service Announcement

PSA From Tri-Town Health

What: 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

What Not to Bring/Not Accepted: 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: www.tritownhealth.org

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

Public Service Announcement

PSAs from the Town of Stockbridge

SU thought readers would be interested, so we asked Michael Canales, Town Administrator:

1. At the last Town Meeting (May 2021) the expenditures for The Soldier’s Monument and The Children’s Chime Tower were approved. SU thought readers would like to know, so we asked the Town Administrator, how long the funds remain available?
        The funding remains until used or closed out. Both projects are going out to bid. The Soldiers Monument within the next few weeks. The Chime Tower in June, with construction to take place after Memorial Day through the winter.
        Good news and thank you! The Children’s Chimes will mark the hour in Stockbridge once again and the Civil War monument will be maintained. Thank you to all who worked on these projects starting with Terry Flynn and Bruce Blair and including many others.
2. Weather permitting, the Larrywaug Bridge will be closed Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3 for paving
3. Community Health Programs mobile unit is coming to the Town Offices parking lot May 4th — 1:30 – 3 p.m.. Blood pressure check, COVID19 vaccines and boosters, flu shots, and free home tests for COVID19 will be available. Walk-ins welcome or schedule by calling 413-528-0457

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Editor’s note: We are delighted to report — Andrea found her earring.

Charles Kenny: Consultants Can’t Take the Place of Board Due Diligence

Dear Updates,

When the Board of Health had to deal with a cyanobacterial nuisance on the Bowl a few years ago, the Board formed a citizens’ subcommittee. Consisting of people from various lake associations who lived on the lake, as well as Water and Sewer, Con Comm, and BOH members, the committee met regularly and worked hard for months to understand the problem and what we wanted to be done. Only then did we seek a consultant to tell us how do it. It should be noted that a citizens’ group works for free.

The Planning Board has used exactly the opposite process. Instead of first forming a representative citizens’ group to find out what the town wanted, the PB began by hiring an expensive consultant, a man who had barely, if ever, set foot in Stockbridge, to tell them what he thought needed to be done to change Stockbridge to match his zoning bylaw template from another town. After thousands of dollars, the PB intends to put the preconceived ideas of this stranger before the Town in the form of major bylaw changes, all this during a two-year period of time when most people have been unable to participate in Town government the way they would have liked. As a result, and for other reasons, there really has been no opportunity for equitable public input into the PB’s process.

Similarly, the Select Board had hired a consultant, another stranger, to tell us what to do about the intersection. I doubt there is a person in Town who does not have an opinion about what should be done at the intersection, but, even though the SB had promised the discussion would first be given a full public airing, the intersection appeared on the April 12 agenda as a multi-million-dollar warrant item, bundled together with the bridges. I credit SB member Cardillo with the courage to recognize not only that the intersection should not have been bundled with the bridges, but the people had not had a fair chance to weigh in and that they needed a little more time to recover from the stresses of this pandemic before confronting such a controversial discussion. Credit should also go to all those town residents who saw that the SB’s having already spent money on a consultant is not an excuse to exclude the people and bypass the democratic process.

Charlie Kenny

Helen Davies: Essential Role of a Free Press

Thank you, Carole, and anyone else contributing to Stockbridge Updates. But perhaps even more important, for working to help keep direct democracy alive in Stockbridge.

Helen Davies

Dear Helen,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to thank “anyone else contributing”. They are the excellent photographers — Jay Rhind, Lionel Delevingne, Dana Goedewaagen, Patrick White, and Joan Gallos; Editors — Jack Trowill and Lenore Sundberg; Production — Patrick White, and all the contributors, letter writers, and thousands of readers who keep SU alive and lively.

Carole

Jim & Shelley Balfanz: Vote for Vogt and McCaffrey

Dear Stockbridge Updates,

My wife Shelley joins me in writing in support of William Vogt and Roxanne McCaffrey for reelection to the Planning Board and Selectboard, respectively. Bill Vogt has served as chairman during a time when a lot was thrown at the Planning Board and has done a good job of treating each of the items raised in a fair and equitable manner. Roxanne McCaffrey was elected three years ago to the Selectboard and during her term has had to deal with the Town Administrator leaving for another position, working with an interim TA and also being on the board which hired our current outstanding Town Administrator. Roxanne has worked hard to smooth out the angst regarding the Stockbridge Bowl legal situation and has succeeded in getting both sides to sit down and work towards satisfactory solutions.

Both Vogt and McCaffrey have earned the support of Stockbridge voters and Shelley and I hope they will be reelected. Please vote for them this year.

Thank you,

Jim & Shelley Balfanz

Diane & Vernon Reuss: Vote for McCaffrey and Vogt

Hi Carole,

Our note is to our citizens of Stockbridge — I would like for them to consider once again voting for Roxanne McCaffrey for Select Board and Bill Vogt for Planning Board — we believe that they represent leadership and excellence — we know first-hand due to a few issues with our property here in Glendale and we can say that our results were positive and factual… we are very fortunate to live in a town where our leaders know our by-laws and care about our residents

Kindly,

Diane & Vernon Reuss

Anne Rabinowitz: Vote for Jamie Minacci, Kate Fletcher, Lis Wheeler

Dear Updates,

I strongly encourage Stockbridge voters to vote for Jamie Minacci for Selectboard. Jamie is locally born and educated. She will bring honesty, integrity, transparency, and openness to town hall. She will listen to the opinions of the citizens and work hard for us. She has the experience required through serving on various town committees.

I also encourage you to vote for Kate Fletcher and Lis Wheeler for Planning Board. Kate has a wealth of historical town knowledge and is very familiar with Planning Board bylaws. Lis has lived in Stockbridge for most of her life, is well aware of the issues facing the town, and will be an asset to the board.

Thank you

Anne Rabinowitz

Eric Plakun: Vote for Kate Fletcher

Hi Carole,

Here is an endorsement for the Stockbridge Updates sent by me as a private citizen.

Best, Eric

These are challenging times, with the world’s and the nation’s social fabric frayed by the impact of the pandemic, the rise of authoritarianism and tribalism, the daunting impact of climate change, growing disparities in health and wealth, and uncivil partisanship growing in discourse and in governance. Stockbridge is not exempt from the impact of these forces, which is why I urge you to join me in supporting Kate Fletcher for reelection to the Stockbridge Planning Board.

In my own experience of more than 2 decades on the Board in years past, I learned the importance of town representation by experienced, thoughtful, individuals who know, understand, and follow our local zoning bylaws, and who are committed to the Purpose stated in the bylaws of “Orderly growth at a deliberate pace.”

In her ten years on the Board, Kate has consistently served the citizens of Stockbridge well by holding in mind the dangers of one-dimensional thinking about development. Textured and nuanced thinking is required to balance the need for growth with the need to preserve the bucolic, small town essence of Stockbridge. Kate understands that one definition of an environmentalist is someone who built their house last year — and hence someone who wants no more growth. She recognizes that the town needs new citizens, new businesses, and growth to prosper, but that we should achieve that without killing the goose that laid the proverbial golden egg that Stockbridge is. Once it’s gone, we cannot get it back.

Please join me in casting your vote for knowledgeable, experienced, leadership untarnished by partisan invective. Please support Kate Fletcher for reelection to the Stockbridge Planning Board.

Eric M. Plakun

Susan Laidlaw: Vote for Kate Fletcher

Hi Carole,

I am hoping you will find a place for this endorsement.

Stockbridge Update is very informative — Thanks for all your efforts

I enthusiastically endorse Kate Fletcher for a position on the planning board in Stockbridge.

Kate, who is a lifelong resident here, has a proven reputation as a well-regarded and dedicated volunteer in the town over several years. Most recently, Kate has served two terms working on planning board. She understands the complexities and need for continuity as the town moves forward in this time of many changes.

I had the good fortune to engage with Kate when her knowledge and advice was sought on a matter concerning speed limits on Yale Hill. Kate was diligent, proactive, and fluent in regulations and laws on both a town and state level. Her knowledge and involvement played an important role in educating the residents of Yale Hill behind this cause, and steering us towards next steps. Throughout our communication it was evident that Kate cares about the town, and its people-residents and visitors alike.

Susan Laidlaw

Maureen O’Hanlon & Ken Krentsa: Vote for Lis Wheeler for Planning Board

To Carole Owens:

We have known Lis Wheeler since we moved full time to Stockbridge about 20 years ago. She is a long-term resident of Stockbridge and always involved and concerned about preserving the town and its unique essence.

She works well with others and has sat on many boards wanting to contribute her talents to the groups she is involved with.

Her career as a real estate agent has served her well in becoming more involved with different parts of our community and has a good understanding of the future concerns of our community while respecting its past.

We think that Lis would do a fine job on the Planning Board and would give her time and energy graciously to the town of Stockbridge.

Regards,

Maureen O’Hanlon and Ken Krentsa

Mike Pelle & Laura Flint: Vote for Minacci for SB, Fletcher and Wheeler for PB

Dear Updates,

We strongly support Jamie Minacci for Stockbridge Select Board, Kate Fletcher for a third term on the Planning Board, and Elisabeth Danish Wheeler in her bid to join Kate on that Board.

Why? For us, the old saw that sunlight is the best disinfectant rings true.

Stockbridge residents are wise. Give us the straight facts and we’ll make good decisions.

Hide the facts, deny us access, and how can we know what’s true? We can’t.

Jamie Minacci is running for transparency in town government, something we’ve noticed is too often missing.

One example: during COVID, residents enjoyed the benefit of Zoom access to town board meetings. This allowed everyone to participate fully by seeing, hearing and contributing when none of us could be present in person. We see no downside and only positives to continuing this real time participation by residents. Yes, CTSB provides a crucial service by recording proceedings and airing them later. Unfortunately, this doesn’t allow for interaction while meetings are in progress; Zoom does.

Jamie Minacci wants an informed public, and will promote access, civil discussion of varied opinions, and inclusion rather than exclusion.

Jamie is a Berkshire native who serves on the Conservation Commission and chairs the Stockbridge Bowl Commission and supports affordable housing and other efforts to build our community.

Kate Fletcher has earned another term on the Planning Board. She offers an ideal blend of education (Masters’ Degree in Public Policy) and experience (Zoning Review Committee chair; key contributor to Stockbridge Bowl regulations, among others). Given current developmental pressures, Kate’s deep knowledge of town By-Laws is a critical asset. Kate will consider the needs of those who live and work in Stockbridge as well as the essential character of our village.

Lis Danish Wheeler is no newcomer to Stockbridge, having lived here for most of her life. She is a Trustee of the Laurel Hill Association and has chosen to fulfill her dream of living and raising her family here. Lis aims to provide others with the same opportunity, by exploring options for affordable housing for people of all ages. She will also work to protect the town’s unique character- its history, community and environment.

Please vote on May 17 for these qualified candidates as well as for incumbent Terri Iemolini (Town Clerk), and Dr. John Liodice, candidate for Board of Health.

Mike Pelle and Laura Flint, Stockbridge

John Hart: Vote for Jamie Minacci

To the Editor of Stockbridge Updates

I am writing to support Jamie Minacci who is running for a seat on the Stockbridge Select Board.

Jamie is a member of our Conservation Commission upon which I sit and a welcomed one at that. She has studied our charge and more importantly has listened and asked the questions that need to be asked when applicants come before us.

I have been impressed by her determination to protect and preserve Stockbridge’s natural resources as well as the character of the town I grew up in.

To say Stockbridge is “unique” is an understatement. Jamie grew up in our unique area and has watched as other communities around us have fallen victim to too rapid change and too much growth. She understands our uniqueness and why it should be preserved.

Jamie has been Chair of the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee. She experienced the pressures of serving our Town, witnessed the pressures on Stockbridge for growth, and realized the need always to be open and transparent with the people who live here. As a result she was motivated to run for Select Board to assure how we move forward.

I have been around this town for many years. Yes, I have bobbed up and down in town meetings in the past because I saw our voters being bamboozled by the language of the articles and actions of selectboards put before us at town meeting. It appears my bobbing has done some good and voters in town now more closely scrutinize what all our town representatives put before us. I believe Stockbridge Updates has become the resulting “transparency” we have needed for many years.

Transparency is only one factor in our town government. Other issues are: development; chemicals in our lake; protecting the character of town; the ability of our residents to pay their taxes while assessed values skyrocket, and finding ways to welcome and offer housing to the younger generation.

It is my belief that given the opportunity Jamie Minacci will work hard for everyone in our town and do whatever she can to preserve, protect, support, and manage the growth of Stockbridge.

One more thing: she will listen to all who live here and represent their interests. Vote for her, you deserve her vigilance now.

John Hart

Carl Sprague: Vote for Kate Fletcher for Planning Board

Dear Stockbridge Updates,

I urge everyone to vote for Kate Fletcher to continue her service on the Stockbridge Planning Board. Kate has demonstrated expertise and patience throughout her present term. Her thorough knowledge of the Town’s planning laws is genuine asset to the board. Her degree in public policy from the University of Massachusetts informs her thoughtful approach toward the future of Stockbridge. Kate has lived here all her life, and she deeply understands what Stockbridge is and what it should be.

Sincerely, Carl Sprague

Robert Flower: Vote for Lis Wheeler

Dear Updates,

I am writing in support of Lis Wheeler’s candidacy for the Stockbridge Planning Board.

Lis has deep roots in Stockbridge and currently lives in the family home that she visited weekends and summers as a child. She appreciates what makes Stockbridge such an attractive and desirable town and understands the potential development issues that threaten our environment and quality of life.

Lis will bring a balanced approach and employ careful consideration to our zoning laws, a thoughtful attention towards the protection of our historic structures and remain dedicated to conserve the natural beauty of Stockbridge for the future. Good luck Lis! Best Bobby

Sincerely

Robert Flower
Former Stockbridge Selectman

Nick Peck: Vote for the Democratic Candidates

Dear Updates:

More support for Democratic Candidates for high offices in Stockbridge!

I want to thank Kate Fletcher and Jamie Minacci for all their hard work for the town. And I wish them victory in the upcoming town elections.

Sincerely, Nick Peck

Maggie Dillon Katz: Vote for Lis Wheeler for Planning Board

Hello Carole,

Thanks for all you do to keep us informed about Stockbridge.

Attached please find my endorsement Letter for Lis Danish Wheeler for Planning Board.

Years ago, when I first met Lis Danish Wheeler, my husband and I were deciding which town to live in, so I asked Lis where she lived. “Stockbridge” she said, “I love Stockbridge!” I didn’t know then we would become neighbors and also work colleagues. What I know about Lis is that her life experience, desire to help others, and give back to Stockbridge make her an excellent choice for The Stockbridge Planning Board. Why? Lis is good at big picture planning, while also strong at detail. She has a quiet determination to get things done collaboratively. A good listener, she is kind and handles conflicts with grace. I’ve watched her find solutions that focus on the best outcome for the whole community. Lis has a passion for “keeping the beauty of Stockbridge alive,” and what makes Stockbridge unique in terms of its community, historic village, and attractiveness to visitors and newcomers. She believes in “following the zoning laws in place while reviewing what needs adjustment.” She is a Trustee of the Laurel Hill Association whose mission “is to improve the quality of life and of the environment in the town of Stockbridge.” Most recently, she brought our community together to clean up Stockbridge as the Earth Day Coordinator. She cares about finding a way forward for our community, planning ways to find or create hosing that is affordable for our oldest and younger community members. She will work to ensure that Stockbridge maintains a vibrant community for all ages that also supports emergency and fire services and our cultural and historic heritage. Be assured, Lis will work hard to preserve the beauty of Stockbridge, both past and present, while foreseeing the future needs of our town with everyone’s best interests in mind.

Margaret (Maggie) Dillon Katz

Perspective

The Reset

What Happened to Our Planning Board?

After reading the recent Updates editorial, “Penny-wise”, it seems like a good time to ask this question. The past two years have been a time of concern and confusion. The focus on a large-scale development bylaw immediately dominated Board agendas, while the original issues around the Cottage Era Bylaw, a priority, soon drifted into limbo.

There was little or no public engagement regarding this agenda. The reasons for writing the new bylaw were vague. It turned out our population was not declining — there were even kids living here! Nobody demonstrated that a reduction in property taxes, already among the lowest in the state, would result from building a dense complex of condos or houses. Lenox had a lot of new development and tax increased. There was no data or research to document the infrastructure problems this bylaw might create.

The only event to include the public involved a presentation on open space design by consultant Randall Arendt, a suburban development planner. Then the Planning Board Chair creating a closed-door sub-committee to write the new development by-law draft with another consultant. These meetings went on for nearly four months. To my knowledge, there are no minutes.

Finally, the sub-committee abruptly ceased, and the public was invited to comment at meetings. The consultant presented a series of drafts, and it became apparent that the town was waiving its right to regulate some aspects of high-density developments as long as some open space was preserved by the developer. The formulas were complex, unwieldy, and brought no consensus.

And still the Cottage Era Bylaw remained unresolved. The new bylaw was finally dropped after thousands of tax dollars in consulting expenses had been spent.

Meanwhile, people continued to apply for building permits for new homes, and hearings became increasingly complex, especially around the lake. Huge homes were permitted in the Lake Overlay District. The Board did its best to understand and fulfill its responsibilities, but architects and attorneys seemed to have our number.

Our Master Plan, the town’s vision of it’s future, is the legal document that precedes and justifies the kind of major bylaw change some Board members tried to create on their own. Our Plan remains the oldest in the region at 25 years, its data useless.

The Planning Board needs a reset. It’s time for all of us as a town to look ahead together.

by Bruce Blair

Perspective

Events

1. Daffodil and Tulip Festival at Naumkeag — Stroll through 8 acres of gardens decorated with over 75,000 daffodil, tulip and minor bulbs. There will be mixed bouquets and container plants for sale. Tickets Adults: $12/Member, $20/Nonmember; Children (2-12): $3/Member, $5/Nonmember
2. Berkshire Botanical Garden Sunday, May 1st, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center House and Gardens. May 1 marks the start of Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 88th outdoor season and the annual Roy Boutard Day, a community celebration steeped in history and tradition that honors one of BBG’s most influential past directors. Admission free
3. Norman Rockwell Museum — May 8th, Mother’s Day at Norman Rockwell — the perfect gift for Mom, an afternoon at NRM. Book now, for tickets, www.nrm.org.

Perspective

Candidate QA: Kate Fletcher for Planning Board

Why am I running for the Planning Board?

Stockbridge today is the result of care, imaginative and informed thinking, collaborative work and gifts of land that underpin what so many love about our town — beautiful open spaces, notable cultural and physical legacies and amazing natural resources. One resident referred to this at a recent town meeting as “the idea of Stockbridge.” That idea is also the result of planning. As I complete my second term, the work feels more important than ever.

What is your prime focus if elected?

One area where we can do better is along 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.

I will continue to advocate for an inclusive process and transparency. It is important that information be received by all members of a board in the interest of building an informed and collegial board. This also helps inform the citizens whom we elected officials represent. State laws mandating an open and inclusive process need to be closely adhered to in order not to legally compromise the Board’s work.

What else would you like to tell the voters?

I am a life-long resident of Stockbridge. Because of my longstanding experience and interest in town governance, I recently obtained a Masters in Public Policy from UMass where I took courses at the Landscape Architecture and Planning Departments. I have also taken conservation workshops on the MA Wetlands Protection Act. In addition to the Planning Board, I am a member of the Stockbridge Fountain Committee (chair) overseeing the restoration of the Watering Trough and the Cat and Dog Fountain and a trustee of the Laurel Hill Association. I have served on the Zoning Review Committee (chair) and in the 1990’s I spearheaded the initiative that led to reasonable regulations for the Stockbridge Bowl that have increased enjoyment of the lake, water quality and safety for all lake users. Finally, as a person who trained as a musician (I was twice a Tanglewood Fellow) and who is interested in the arts, I believe I offer a cultural and artistic sensitivity that does not hurt as we evaluate priorities for our unique town.

Perspective

Candidate Q&A — Bill Vogt for Planning Board

Carole,

Here is my submission for the May 1 issue of Stockbridge Updates:

Why are you running?

I am running because as I approach the end of my first three-year term I remain committed to the ideal of what a Planning Board should be: a body that faithfully observes the zoning bylaws while never losing sight of the responsibility to preserve all that is beautiful and unique about Stockbridge.

What is your prime focus?

My prime focus for the upcoming term is to continue to serve the residents with energy and integrity. I have a track record now and feel there is much to be built on, including working with my colleagues to update zoning bylaws where necessary. Examples of this are working with the Select Board on trying to solve the parking problems in town and working with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on providing for Accessory Dwelling Units and improvements to the town’s sign bylaw. I believe we should also carefully and objectively consider all reasonable possibilities for 37 Interlaken (the former DeSisto School). The current owner, in a presentation at a recent Select Board meeting, said he is willing to make significant changes to his original plans for the property. This could lead to what I have called “sensible growth,” meaning an opportunity for additional property taxes without changes to the character of the town. The costs of building new bridges and a new high school, and taking care of Stockbridge Bowl, are significant and will be pressing in years to come.

What else would you like to tell the voters?

I love this town I’ve called home for 20 years. I’m proud of my business career in finance and of my service on the boards of a number of charities. I look forward to continuing to serve Stockbridge for the next five years on the Planning Board.

Perspective

Stockbridge Updates Overview: 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.

Perspective

From the Desk of…

Superintendent Peter Dillon

Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

Project Connection is an umbrella term for our afterschool and summer programs. We offer free afterschool programs that focus on activity based experiential learning and support students in developing academic and social and emotional skills. We started the program 12 years ago at our elementary and middle schools when we received a competitive Federal 21st Century grant. Since then, we have renewed the grant several times, been named an exemplary program, expanded the program to the high school, and received additional support from both Berkshire United Way and The Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires.

We collaborate with over 20 local organizations who provide programming, volunteer services and financial support for Project Connection. We also provide training, certification and collaboration opportunities for community partner staff to support their professional growth and the quality of connections and services they can supply to our students.

Project Connection has worked with Spanish speaking volunteers from Volunteers in Medicine to help engage with English Language Learning students and their families for the past 5 years. Railroad Street Youth Project also recently hired two bilingual staff to focus on creating equity in program access for students. These connections have also allowed us to communicate more frequently and effectively with families, ensuring that we are meeting their needs, and that they understand the specifics of the schedule, transportation and other program components that require their support and participation, especially at the Elementary level.

We continue to offer opportunities for older students to serve as mentors to younger students. One leads a Taekwondo program and four serve as mentors. We have also seen an increase in the number of volunteers working with the program. We currently have four adult/parent volunteers leading programs including Girls Volleyball, Internet Programming, and Circuit Creations.

Classes include cooking, fitness, art, science, e-sports, ukulele, climate action, and even survival in the woods.

The program was conceived as an opportunity for innovation and experimentation where we could build different relationships with students and community partners to make learning more accessible. In many ways, the program is a laboratory for impacting our learning and teaching practices in the regular day.

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

Next issue, I’ll share some updates on the Regional School District Planning Board’s 16-6 vote to move forward with the consultant’s recommendation to merge BHRSD and Southern Berkshire Regional School District (SBRSD) and share a high school. Take a look at this recent FAQ for some new information. Many more questions to ask and lots of community dialogue ahead.

Perspective

From the Desk of…

Stockbridge Police Chief Darrell Fennelly

We knew SU readers would be interested, so we asked the Chief about:

The oval in the middle of the intersection at Red Lion Inn corner is a traffic calming device created there to give motorists a sense of direction. All of the lines that were installed last year are intended to provide a more orderly path of direction by shrinking the vast area of the intersection. If used properly, motorists should be driving around the oval instead of cutting directly through the intersection in a direct angle line.

While the intersection is unique by utilizing a three-way-stop formation, the same rules of the road apply to the three stop signs as would be applicable to a four-way-stop intersection. Motorists at the stop signs must yield the right of way to:

• Traffic heading west on Main Street to south onto South Street
• Another vehicle that has already come to a full stop
• A vehicle directly to your right that has stopped at the same time as you

(At a three- or four-way stop, vehicles must go in the order they stopped. The first to stop is the next to go. If in doubt, give the right of way to the driver on your right.)

Please note that three- and four-way stop intersections can cause confusion. Try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles to judge their intentions and avoid crashes. In a perfect world this is how it would work. Unfortunately, with the size of the intersection and the aggressive and distracted driving that we so often see, it is important to proceed with extreme caution and at slow speed.

This information can be found at the Mass.Gov website under Chapter 4, Rules of the Road.

More from the Chief…

Another topic that we have recently become aware of is a new type of telephone phishing scam. The caller will claim to be a U.S. Marshal and demand that you comply with their instructions. They claim the victims have outstanding warrants, court or legal fees, or other particular payments that are owed to avoid arrest or jail time.

They want the victim to provide bank information, transfer money or purchase prepaid debit cards. In order to sound legitimate, the caller may provide a badge number or a case number. They may even name drop local law enforcement officials and judges to sound authentic. It is likely that the phone number will be spoofed to show on the caller ID as a government facility or courthouse.

The United States Marshals would never ask for credit card numbers, wire transfers or other financial information over the phone.

Report any such incidents to the Stockbridge Police Department. To report a suspected internet facilitated crime to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center use the following internet address: WWW.IC3.GOV

I am happy to report that our new Hybrid cruiser is working out well and the response to the new style of graphics have been positive. The officers assigned to that cruiser have reported no difference in performance but are reporting a significant drop in the amount of gas used. The fuel needle is barely moving over the course of an entire shift as opposed to using approximately one quarter to a third of a tank of fuel in the course of a shift in the all-gas cruisers. I think that’s pretty good considering the cost of a gallon a gas these days.

Best, Chief Darrell G. Fennelly