Public Meetings - Great Barrington, Massachusetts

This was a joint meeting of the Select Board and Finance Committee, called to order at 5:00 PM on December 15, 2025. The primary discussion item was a proposed amendment to the town's debt management policy to limit annual borrowing. The meeting also included annual license renewals, reports from town staff, and public comments on various local issues. The board returned to open session after two executive sessions (one regarding Housatonic Waterworks real estate and one regarding litigation strategy in GLA DOS Shapiro vs. Town of Great Barrington, from which a member recused themselves). Discussion Items - Debt Management Policy Amendment: The Finance Committee proposed adding a clause to the town's debt management document to avoid ballooning debt service payments. The initial language aimed to make every effort to limit yearly long-term general fund borrowing to $3.5 million or less, the town's historical average before a recent $11 million ask, with emergency borrowing allowed to exceed this average. Select Board members expressed concerns about imposing this on the new town manager during her first budget process, while others argued it was a necessary guideline for fiscal responsibility. After amendments, the motion was revised to: "Within each five-year period, make every effort to limit the average yearly long-term general fund borrowing to $3.5 million or less, the town's historical average." The motion passed with the Select Board voting 3-2 in favor and the Finance Committee voting unanimously in favor. The new town manager, Liz, stated she prefers not to borrow and sees this as a guideline for both boards and staff. - License Renewals: The board considered annual renewals of on-premises alcohol, off-premises alcohol, common victualler, innholder, auto sales, and entertainment licenses. Several items were voted on as a consent agenda, with recusals for members with conflicts of interest (e.g., Eric recused from Commonor Garden Pub and Triplex Cinema). All renewals were approved, including new applications for Berkshire Mountain Inn (11 rooms) and Choco Creamery (ice cream shop, though the applicant was not present and the item was passed over). - DPU Hearing on Housatonic Waterworks Filtration: The board discussed a public hearing scheduled for January 8, 2026, regarding Housatonic Waterworks' request to incur long-term indebtedness of $1,155,089 to complete the Magnes filtration system (DPU Docket 25-145). The board voted unanimously to direct the town manager to send a letter of support to the DPU, expressing the board's desire to see the system built and requesting updates on construction schedules and oversight. - Other Reports: Town Manager David provided updates including: the holiday stroll success; DPW road clearing; the Planning Board's Open Space and Recreation Plan public meeting on January 10, 2026; the Mason Library renovation community engagement; free New Year's Eve bus rides (5 PM to 1 AM) via South County Connector; the unplowed Seaton Cross Road as passive recreation area; the Housatonic Waterworks reimbursement program ($1,500 per household) with 25 applicants; an Affordable Housing Trust update on Prosperity Way scheduled for January 12, 2026; an update on Mass DOT rail storage along Van Deusenville Road with a tentative restart of work in spring 2026; confirmation that a proposed cell tower on Van Deusenville Road is not permitted under current zoning; and the Berkshire Library Legislative Breakfast on January 30, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Donna Jackson (260 Park Street) provided an update on the PFAS-contaminant filtration initiative, noting her group has raised about $1,500 through donations and a GoFundMe, and celebrated the town's $168,000 fund to start installations, calling it a citizen-government collaboration. - James Garzone (North Lane Road) expressed support for fiscal prudence, stating he is pleased the new town manager dislikes borrowing and hopes the town can improve its finances. - Michelle (Education Street resident) thanked the town manager for quick response regarding the cell tower issue and for engaging with Mass DOT about the rail debris on Van Deusenville Road, though she expressed frustration that the debris has been there for two years with no activity. - A resident of 781 Plain Road voiced concerns about their property in relation to a regional airport, stating they had not been contacted after raising the issue at a prior meeting, and noted a mix-up at a Planning Board meeting where their name was incorrectly associated with the airport address. - A member of the audience asked about a solar system on Van Deusenville Road, and it was clarified that the earlier cell tower discussion was about a cell tower, not solar. Consent Calendar - The board approved the revised minutes of the October 20, 2025 meeting. - The board approved the request from Tara Wilson (Adventures) and Jonathan Lane (Revolution 250) to conduct a procession from South Main Street to Town Hall on January 10, 2026, from 1-3 PM, as part of the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox's Noble Train of Artillery, pending necessary sign-offs. Key Outcomes - Debt Management Policy Amendment: Adopted with revised language (5-year rolling average limit of $3.5 million), effective immediately as a guideline for budgeting and borrowing decisions. - License Renewals: All annual license renewals approved, with specific approvals for Commonor Garden Pub and Triplex Cinema handled separately due to recusals. New innholder license (Berkshire Mountain Inn) approved. - DPU Letter: The town manager was directed to submit a letter of support for Housatonic Waterworks' filtration system financing, with requests for project timeline and oversight information. - Upcoming Meetings: The Planning Board will host an Open Space and Recreation Plan public meeting on January 10, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Mason Library. The Select Board will hear an Affordable Housing Trust update on Prosperity Way at its January 12, 2026 meeting.

The Great Barrington Planning Board met on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Present were Pedro Pachano, Jonathan Hankin, Malcolm Fick, Brandy Nelson, and Jeremy, who joined virtually. The board approved amended minutes, postponed a special permit hearing, reviewed Open Space and Recreation Plan survey results, discussed the state seasonal communities program, heard an informational update on Ramsdale Library, and received citizen comments. No Form A applications were filed. Minutes Approval - The board voted to approve the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes as amended to correct Claudia Shapiro’s address from 70 to 78. Shapiro asked that the minutes reflect her statement that she did not fill out the Open Space and Recreation Plan survey; the board noted that minutes are not a transcript. - Vote: 4 in favor (Jonathan, Malcolm, Jeremy, Brandy), 1 abstention (Pedro). Public Hearing – 53 Van Dusanville Road - On the applicant’s request, the board voted unanimously to postpone the special permit public hearing to January 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. The roll call was unanimous: Pedro, Jonathan, Malcolm, Jeremy, and Brandy voted aye. Open Space and Recreation Plan Discussion - Seth Jenkins of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) reviewed survey results and next steps. The survey received 437 responses, more than prior OSRP surveys, but Jenkins cautioned that it is still a fraction of the town and that the rock-climbing community, organized through the Western Mass Climbers Coalition, turned out in large numbers and may have skewed responses. - Respondent demographics included 55.4% year-round residents, 32.64% visitors, 7.36% people who work in Great Barrington but do not live there, 2.99% seasonal residents, and 1.61% weekend residents. - Jenkins agreed to run resident/non-resident comparison tables and to consider filtering out visitors or rock climbers so the board could see whether responses were being driven by non-residents. - Survey highlights discussed included: about 40% of respondents chose East Mountain/state forest as a top-five recreation place; rock climbing was a frequently selected activity; parking and safety were prominent concerns; protecting drinking water ranked as the highest conservation-funding priority; and respondents saw the greatest need for more facilities or programs for teens, people with disabilities, and the elderly. - Multiple speakers raised pedestrian and cyclist safety issues, including unsafe road conditions on Van Dusanville Road, crosswalk and sidewalk concerns near Guido’s, sidewalk connectivity, and the railroad overpass on the north side of town. Some commenters also described local rock climbing as world-class and a possible economic opportunity. - The public forum on the OSRP was scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Great Barrington Library; the room was reserved from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flyers, a slide deck, and Mentimeter polling were planned, and Jenkins said he would send slides for board review around January 2 with comments due by Monday. Seasonal Communities Discussion - Planning staff reported that the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has now designated Great Barrington as eligible to become a seasonal community, a change from the board’s earlier discussion when the town did not appear to qualify. - The board reviewed tools available to seasonal communities: year-round housing occupancy restrictions, housing preferences for public employees, housing trusts, comprehensive housing needs assessments, larger property tax exemptions for primary residences, and authority to create housing affordable up to 250% of area median income. - To use these tools, a seasonal community must adopt zoning allowing undersized lots for attainable housing. The state regulations are still being drafted and are expected in January. After a town vote, the town would have 18 months to adopt the required zoning. BRPC and regional partners are preparing model bylaws. - Planning staff expressed support for attainable housing up to 250% AMI to serve the local workforce caught between income-restricted housing and the high end of the market. No vote was taken; the board agreed to gather more information and consider whether to put the question before town meeting, in consultation with the Select Board and town manager. Ramsdale Library Informational Update - Sharon Dray, founder and president of the Great Barrington Library Fund, presented in support of renovating Ramsdale Library. She reported that Great Barrington is currently number one on the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners wait list, although the timing of the award is uncertain because of phased reviews. - Dray said the fund supports a Community Preservation Committee application for $1.5 million over three to five years, describing it as a reserve that would reduce the town’s share of the renovation. She estimated the town’s obligation could be reduced to as little as 10–15% of project costs if MBLC funding, the CPC grant, and private fundraising are combined. - She distributed a map showing 75+ supporters and referenced a 17-year timeline of unsuccessful renovation attempts and the 2013 Master Plan’s support for Ramsdale. She urged the Planning Board, as a steward of the Master Plan, to advocate for the project. Board and Subcommittee Updates - Jeremy reported that the Community Preservation Committee had met twice to review Step 2 applications, with a third meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025. A meeting to discuss funding for applications is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Ramsdale Library project is among the applications to be reviewed on December 18. Public Comments & Testimony - During the Ramsdale discussion, a public commenter said she is a certified librarian who supports Ramsdale but opposes the project for three reasons: the Historical Commission’s archives currently on the upper floor would be displaced; the project is a blank check in terms of cost; and using Community Preservation Act funds would be a back-door way to fund the town’s share instead of going through the Select Board and Finance Committee. A board member asked whether her view would change if the archives remained; she said yes. The board suggested the grant conditions should be clarified. - Frederica Siegel of 27 Round Hill Road said that all library books will be evicted during construction and that the MBLC grant can only cover space under library control. The second floor was identified during community engagement as the most important space for public/performance use, so the historical commission’s occupying it is a condition problem, not an intentional attack. She said a climate-controlled basement space could be considered if the Historical Commission raised funds. - Claudia Shapiro of 78 Plain Road asked Pedro Pachano to email her a nine-page addendum from Sarah Carker about Housatonic committee improvements. She also read a statement she had given to the Select Board on December 1 about her decades-long concerns as an abutter to the Great Barrington Regional Airport, referencing a 2022 land court action and asking the Planning Board directly, 'What is your intention for me and my property?' - Michelle Le Bear of 70 Division Street said the library and Historical Commission should work as partners, both to preserve local history and to maximize taxpayers’ investment. She also raised concerns about the proposed solar project on Van Dusanville Road, called Housatonic the town’s 'dumping ground,' and asked the board to look critically at the project and not support it. Key Outcomes - Minutes of October 23, 2025 approved as amended (4–0–1). - Special permit public hearing for 53 Van Dusanville Road postponed to January 8, 2026, 6 p.m. (unanimous). - OSRP public forum scheduled for January 10, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at the Great Barrington Library; BRPC will prepare resident/non-resident data comparisons. - No Form A applications were received. - No votes were taken on seasonal communities or Ramsdale Library; both will continue to be discussed.

On December 10, 2025, the Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee (CPA) held a meeting to continue Step 2 presentations of funding requests for community preservation projects. Chairperson noted slippery roads and that Ms. Van Alst attended via Zoom. The meeting reviewed four applications: the UU Meeting of South Berkshire's roof replacement, the Du Bois Freedom Center's basement rehabilitation, a privately-owned historic building at 1100 Main Street, and a town-wide document preservation and digitization project by the Town Clerk. Discussions focused on project details, public benefit, leveraging, and prioritization for the upcoming fiscal year. UU Meeting of South Berkshire – Roof Replacement - Bill Young presented on behalf of the UU Meeting of South Berkshire, requesting $37,000 in CPA funding to complete the final phase of roof replacement at 1089 Main Street in Housatonic, a National Register-listed building constructed in 1892. The three-year exterior preservation effort has raised approximately $180,000 in private funds. Two roof sections were completed in September 2025 with a prior CPA award. The remaining section is scheduled for summer 2026. Committee members praised the project's stewardship and public benefit, noting the building serves as community space for nonprofits. Martha remarked the church looks “fabulous,” and Mr. Mercer highlighted the extensive work done. No opposition was expressed; the application appeared broadly supported. Du Bois Freedom Center – Phase 1B Basement Rehabilitation - Jeannie (via Zoom), representing the Du Bois Freedom Center (formerly Clinton Church Restoration), requested $250,000 toward Phase 1B basement work, including lifting the building 24 inches, addressing water infiltration, and creating code-compliant headroom. The project has raised approximately $821,000 in individual donations, $485,000 in programming grants, and $2.6 million in capital grants. Committee member Mr. Mercer expressed concern over total project cost (estimated over $4.5 million plus a future build-out of several million dollars). Rich asked about the number of phases; Jeannie explained the project evolved from two phases to three, with Phase 2 (interior fit-out) still ahead. Chris confirmed the basement phase budget is $1.6 million. Rich questioned urgency, and Jeannie stated the building is currently a dry shell, but the basement work is needed to move forward. No decision was made, but questions about cost and phase complexity were raised. 1100 Main Street – Historic Building Repairs - Ethan and Gina Ackerman requested $400,000 for foundation repair (dolomite stone) and window replacement/restoration at 1100 Main Street, a privately-owned former mill office building in Housatonic. The building is not yet on the historic register but is being nominated. Committee members questioned public benefit (building is for-profit, currently used as art studios), lack of leverage (only 17% of the request secured), and absence of Mass Historic grant applications. The applicant argued the urgency of deterioration and 45 years of family stewardship. Ms. Van Alst suggested waiting for historic designation to clarify scope. Jim expressed support for the building’s landmark status but said it needed more work. Pat noted the committee has many requests and must prioritize town projects. Kate asked why no construction loan was sought. The committee suggested the applicants refine bids, pursue historic designation, and potentially return later. The application was viewed as incomplete but with merit. Town Clerk Document Preservation & Digitization - Town Clerk Josh Ryzen requested $400,000 to preserve and digitize historical town records, including those in his office vault and older documents in the basement, a legal requirement. An initial vendor estimate was $423,641.95 for the vault alone; basement records may exceed $1 million. Committee members noted the unfunded mandate and the need for phasing. Discussion centered on first funding a professional assessment ($20,000–$30,000) to inventory, prioritize, and identify funding sources, rather than committing to the full project. Martha and Kate advocated for hiring an independent consultant (not a vendor) to create a phased plan. Steve suggested bonding or leveraging town and federal grants. Jeremy asked for guidance from the Select Board. Pat proposed the committee consider funding an assessment this year and revisit next year. Josh agreed to revise his Step 2 application to focus on an assessment. He will resubmit by December 18. Key Outcomes - The committee expressed support for the UU Meeting roof project; formal vote expected at a future meeting. - The Du Bois Freedom Center application was discussed; no vote taken; committee will continue review. - The 1100 Main Street application was deferred; applicant encouraged to seek historic designation, secure more leverage, and return with refined plans. - For the Town Clerk project, the committee directed Josh Ryzen to submit an amended Step 2 application targeting a professional assessment of the document collection. Next steps include resubmission by December 18, 2025, with a possible decision at the January 13, 2026 meeting.

The Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee met on December 9, 2025, to hear step-two Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding applications. The November meeting minutes were not approved because they had not been received due to a technical glitch. The committee heard four presentations and took no votes; members will vote only after all presentations are complete, with the final application scheduled for December 18 and the next open committee date on January 13. Discussion Items Affordable Housing Trust request - The Affordable Housing Trust, presented by Ms. Tampaine, requested the maximum amount available for affordable housing, a total ask of approximately $675,000 across five program areas: housing stabilization, down payment loans, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), affordable housing development via RFP, and property acquisition. Specific requests included $75,000 for housing stabilization (with an additional $25,000 anticipated from short-term rental tax), $100,000 for the ADU program, and $275,000 for the development RFP. - She described the housing market as a new norm, citing a $700,000 median home sale price; 45% of current renters cost-burdened or severely cost-burdened; 20% of homeowners cost-burdened or severely cost-burdened; and 68% of South County renters and 47% of South County homeowners eligible for affordable housing. - Committee members responded that the total step-two ask is about $4 million while only roughly a quarter of that is available. Ms. Vick said the Trust should identify its most important priorities; Jeremy noted the affordable housing ask is about 60% of available funds and suggested roughly 30% would be a more reasonable category share. Ms. Tampaine maintained that the Trust’s role is to advocate for the emergency need and that it will fine-tune its budget after the committee and town meeting set a funding level. - Discussion of past spending showed most lines were spent down slowly. The Trust explained that Construct uses private funds before town CPA funds, but Construct expects to exhaust its remaining balance and will need renewed funding in FY27. - On Prosperity Way, the Trust reported 261 initial applicants, 76 invited to submit full applications, a 12% response rate (9 of 76 submitted), and 3 of those known to live or work in Great Barrington. Pat asked Habitat for Humanity to provide more information on marketing and outreach, and requested better applicant residency and work data. - The Trust said property acquisition is a unique tool because it lets the town move quickly, creates permanently affordable restriction, and is exempt from Chapter 30B bidding. Bubriski Park playground and court improvements - Joe Aberdale presented on behalf of the Parks Commission, seeking funding to level and reline the basketball courts at Bubriski Park, add two pickleball courts, and make related court improvements. The park is one of the most heavily used in town, and summer pickleball demand increases because the community center is too hot. - He explained that town procurement and prevailing wage requirements raise project costs. He also said he did not resubmit the Olympian Meadows fence replacement after hearing the Parks Commission’s priorities. - Members discussed possible grant funding after the town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan is completed, expected by June 2026; many grants require about 50% local match. Mr. Aberdale noted use of state-approved contractors could reduce procurement costs. Shade structures at the skate park and Bubriski Park - Mr. Aberdale requested shade structures at the skate park and Bubriski Park because the areas have no shade and become dangerously hot. The application could be split to fund one structure; bundling both in one bid would reduce per-unit cost. Members expressed support but noted overall park funding must be prioritized alongside other town asks. Old Maids Park design and engineering - Mr. Remble requested $50,000 for design and engineering at Old Maids Park, not construction. The funds would complement an $86,000 MVP community engagement grant that is ongoing through June 2027. The engineering work would provide baseline surveys, elevations, high-water marks, permitting information, and ballpark cost estimates for potential improvements. - He noted Mass Wildlife has about $1 million in federal funding for Williams River watershed habitat work, and any dam removal or stream restoration would depend on community engagement and feasibility. The current request was described as an early phase to open the door to future larger design and construction grants. - Committee members asked about access and signage, the possibility of connecting to the Prosperity Way sidewalk, and whether dam removal would follow; Mr. Remble said all options remain on the table pending the community process. Ramsdale Library scheduling concern - Pat expressed concern that the Ramsdale Library public presentation is scheduled for tomorrow at 6 p.m., conflicting with this committee’s work, and felt the library has not fully engaged with the committee. Ms. Van Alst said the session was set around architect availability, and the chair said the committee schedule could not be moved. No action was taken. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on any application. Voting will occur after the final step-two presentation on December 18; the next open date after that is January 13. - November meeting minutes were deferred until members receive and review them. - The Affordable Housing Trust was told to return with prioritized, realistic funding requests because total asks exceed available CPA funds. - The committee requested better outreach and applicant data from Habitat for Humanity regarding Prosperity Way. - Old Maids Park next steps depend on the ongoing community engagement process and this design and engineering funding.

The Great Barrington Board of Health met on Thursday, December 4, 2025, starting at 6:34 PM. The meeting included approval of October meeting minutes, a special permit review for a proposed commercial solar facility, a correction order for a residential property, and department updates. The board voted to send a negative recommendation to the Planning Board for the solar project due to insufficient noise data, and extended a correction order for a property on 41 Street to March 15, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the October meeting minutes with two corrections: changing the word "bait" to "wait" in reference to 23 Rosseter Street, and moving the citizen comment to the end of the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Michelle (address: 70 Division Street): Strongly opposed the solar project, stating it is in a residential R2 zone and violates zoning bylaws that aim to minimize impact on residential neighborhoods. Noted existing noise complaints at another solar project on Route 183. Urged the board to deny the recommendation. - Donna Jacobs (address: 260 Park Street): Expressed distrust based on experiences with existing solar projects, stating the rural community is becoming industrialized. Questioned benefits to local residents and noted the project would not lower her electric bill. Recommended against the project. - Jennifer Connor-Schum (address: 5 Deer Trail Road): Supported previous speakers' opposition. Noted that the Select Board had voted down the project, and argued that solar farms belong on parking lots and rooftops. Asked where the energy would go (possibly to Connecticut) and urged preservation of natural beauty. - Letter from Brenda and Craig Bailey: Read into the record. They stated strong opposition, citing the R2 zoning, noise from inverters, visual disruption, potential contamination from previous gravel pit use, wildlife disruption, and concentration of solar farms on their road. Asked the board to deny the application. - Brendan Farring (tenant at 41 Street): Expressed concern about mold regrowth and difficulty finding housing. Asked that the open corrective order be disclosed to potential buyers of the property. Discussion Items - Special Permit Review – Solar Facility at 53 Van Dusen Bill Road: Application by Loadstar (represented by Mike Vitigli, Jeffrey Masel, and Tom Brooks from VHB) for a commercial-scale ground-mounted solar facility in the R2 zone. The board was asked to make a recommendation to the Planning Board. - Loadstar presented: Project details (10 acres, central equipment location, 17 inverters, Tesla Megapack 2XL battery, fixed-tilt racking). Noted the site was a former gravel pit, now vacant. Nearest residence over a quarter-mile away. Planned pollinator-friendly ground cover. - Sound study: Tom Brooks described VHB's methodology – 7-day ambient noise monitoring and modeling to assess compliance with Mass DEP noise policy (<10 dB above ambient). Study planned for coming weeks. Preliminary calculations suggest levels <30 dB at closest property line. Equipment will only operate during daytime. - Questions from board: Inverter model (SMA, German-made), central vs. string inverters, lifespan (20-40 years), decommissioning bond, benefits to town (PILOT, clean energy, 50% discount for low-income subscribers via Housing Authority, local construction jobs). - Board deliberation: Dr. Ruby Chang and Michael (likely Chair) expressed concerns about lack of completed noise study and the project's location in an R2 zone. Peter Stanton suggested a neutral recommendation, but majority favored negative recommendation due to insufficient data. - Vote: Motion to pass a negative recommendation to the Planning Board based on lack of data and completed study regarding noise impact. Passed 3-0 (Roll call: Ruby aye, Peter aye, Mike aye). - Correction Order Review – 41 Street: Property owned by the Sermony family, with an outstanding correction order from August 19, 2025. Health Inspector Jane Smith reported that major items (flashing leaks, chimney condition, bathroom moisture) remain unaddressed, though some minor items (smoke detectors, handrail) have been fixed. Owners plan to vacate the property (one tenant moved out, another actively seeking to move) and sell it “as is.” Tenant Brendan Farring confirmed he is still living there and cited mold issues. - Discussion: Board noted inability to perform chimney work in winter. Extended the correction order to March 15, 2026, with a requirement to secure flashing on the addition sooner. Board also agreed to notify the realtor about the open correction order so potential buyers are informed. - Motion to extend correction order to March 15, 2026, with expectation that flashing is fixed sooner. Passed unanimously. - Department Updates: - Town Council feedback on noise ordinances: Michael reported that town council confirmed no existing regulations specifically apply to the Park Street solar project; recommended developing future regulations. Board agreed to pursue noise regulations for solar projects. - Budget planning for FY27: Priority to hire and retain a health inspector by offering a competitive regional salary. Also discussed pursuing grants related to air quality, solid waste, and expanding glyphosate regulations to cover other herbicides. - New recycling grants: Rebecca reported $420 awarded for municipal composting and $3,000 for a glass roll-off container. - Permit Renewals: Rebecca noted a December 15 deadline for all health permit renewals via online portal. Late permits will lead to cease and desist orders. Key Outcomes - Solar Special Permit: The Board of Health voted 3-0 to pass a negative recommendation to the Planning Board due to lack of a completed noise study and insufficient data on sound impact. The Planning Board hearing is moved to January 8, 2026. - 41 Street Correction Order: Extended to March 15, 2026, with immediate requirement to secure flashing on the addition. The board will notify the realtor about the open correction order. - Future Regulations: Board agreed to begin developing public health nuisance regulations, including noise standards for solar installations, and to revisit solid waste hauler regulations and glyphosate rules to close loopholes. - Health Inspector Recruitment: Board will work with town manager to increase compensation to regional competitive levels to retain staff.

The Great Barrington Select Board met at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025. The board approved routine licenses, set the FY27 Annual Town Meeting date, updated strategic priorities, approved menorah placement at Town Hall, received a Ramsdale Library renovation update, directed a letter to MassDOT on the Route 7/23 bridge project, and increased the Housatonic Water Works reimbursement cap. Announcements & Town Manager’s Report - Select board member Phil thanked DPW and public works staff for holiday lights on downtown trees and poles and for pre-treating streets ahead of winter weather. - A board member thanked Sheila Tilly and her family for the Thanksgiving morning 'Housie Hustle' on the Housatonic Rail Trail; about 78 participants attended and roughly $1,000 was raised for the People’s Pantry. - Town Manager Liz reported that paving was completed on Round Hill Road and Oak Street with new fog lines, and a new crosswalk and stop signs were installed. - MassDOT’s Route 7/23 bridge replacement 25% design public meeting was held November 19, 2025; comments are due Thursday, December 4, 2025. The project is expected to enter final design and procurement in fall 2027, construction in 2028, and completion in 2030. - Fire Department November calls totaled 72: 48 rescue/EMS, 14 false alarms, 4 hazardous conditions, and a small number of service/good intent/fire calls. Calls were primarily in Great Barrington (58) and Housatonic (11), with 3 mutual aid responses. The department completed 79 inspections, more than double November 2024. - The town received Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grants: $420 in recycling dividends, $3,000 for food waste drop-off equipment, and $8,000 for a glass container. - The town manager announced she will appear before the Finance Committee to request a reserve fund transfer for a third-party, town-wide procurement audit. Routine Licenses and Approvals - The October 20, 2025 minutes were set aside pending corrections; the November 3, 2025 minutes were approved unanimously. - A new common victualler license was approved unanimously for Claudio Campo, LLC at 389 Stockbridge Road to operate a coffee shop and bakery with seating, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. - A wine/malt off-premise package store license amendment was approved unanimously for Marketplace Specialty Food Shop at 265 Stockbridge Road, changing the manager of record from Schmidt to Christopher Groves. FY27 Budget Calendar and Annual Town Meeting - Town Manager Liz presented a draft FY27 budget calendar, reviewed with the Town Clerk and color-coded by responsibility. - The board decided to continue the 'Saturday experiment' for Annual Town Meeting, citing higher turnout the prior year and greater accessibility for families. - A motion to hold the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2 p.m. passed unanimously. - The draft FY27 budget calendar was approved unanimously and will remain a draft until the town election. Holiday Menorah Request - Rabbi Levy Volovic of Chabad requested permission to place an electric menorah on town property for the holiday season, initially proposing Castanova Park. He said it would be about 6 to 9 feet tall and wide, installed and removed at no cost to the town, and cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent for civic menorah displays. - Board members expressed concerns about the size, preserving the Castanova Park/GB trees gateway, setting a precedent for other displays, and town guidelines against isolated religious symbols. Some board members stated that approving a menorah was important for inclusivity and consistency with existing holiday banners that say 'Merry Christmas.' - Public comment supported inclusivity and suggested alternative locations or smaller sizes. - The board voted unanimously to approve placing the menorah in front of Town Hall next to the holiday tree instead of Castanova Park, and to treat the front of Town Hall as the location for future religious holiday display requests. Larkin Limited Holiday Sign Request - A request from Larkin Limited to hang holiday signs from light poles on Railroad Street was deferred because no applicant representative was present. Strategic Priority List - The board reviewed the updated priority list. Changes included adding residential tax exemption and tax extension outreach, adding year-round availability of the Housatonic Water Works filling station, and discussing staff-suggested 5G antenna language. - A resident asked the board to add a public safety priority to review and expand the town’s Trust Policy, citing an incident in the Triplex parking lot involving armed federal agents and concerns about immigration enforcement. - The board added, as part of the public safety tier, work with Multicultural Bridge to revise and update the Trust Policy as needed, with involvement from relevant town departments. - The updated priority list was approved unanimously as amended. - A letter of support for the Community Investment Tax Credit program was approved unanimously. Ramsdale Library Building Project Update - Architect Michael Belfield of Peridine Rogers Partners and a CHAV/OCM representative presented on behalf of the Ramsdale Building Committee. The committee began in February 2025, has held 28 meetings, and worked with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. - The project would use a state MBLC/MPLCP construction grant. Great Barrington received the 2024 grant, and Ramsdale is first on the waitlist, potentially receiving a provisional award in spring 2026 or, in a later scenario, FY2029. Only 13 libraries were awarded grants this round, and it had been seven years since the last grant round. - The concept design is expected to be submitted by December 31, 2025, with a possible reopening in early 2030 or early 2032, depending on state funding timing. - The preferred plan is a two-story addition to the 1908 building, totaling about 11,600 square feet, with restored historic spaces, an accessible east entrance, children's and teen areas, meeting rooms, and an after-hours community zone. - The second-floor great hall could hold about 100 people: 75 seats in rows plus 24 at tables. - Board members praised the design and asked about cost. The committee replied that a credible cost estimate will not be available until the project is off the waitlist and reviewed by MBLC, and that construction costs rise by roughly 5-6% per year. - Public comment: Frederica Siegel, a building committee member and Great Barrington Library Fund member, supported the design and said the project allows library spaces to be used after hours and can generate appropriate revenue. Sharon Gregory, president of the Great Barrington Library Fund, supported a $1.5 million Community Preservation Committee (CPC) request over 3-5 years, said the MBLC could cover about 55% of costs, and that with other grants the town’s share could drop from 45% to 10-15%. Donna Jacobs asked what state funds would be lost without local support; the grant percentage is not known before a cost estimate. MassDOT Route 7/23 Bridge Project Letter - The board discussed the November 19, 2025 public engagement meeting on the 25% design. Public comments to MassDOT are due December 4, 2025. - The board voted unanimously to send a letter of support with concerns, emphasizing the bridge as a gateway, preserving its character rather than a highway-style bridge, protecting nearby businesses during construction, maintaining traffic and emergency access, and improving the E Street and Avery Street intersections. - Board of Health input raised the need for air quality monitoring and a strict noise ordinance for residents near the corridor. Housatonic Water Works Reimbursement Program - The town manager proposed increasing the cap from $600 to $1,200 and expanding outreach. About $168,000 of $250,000 remains; there have been about 226 participants over 2.5 fiscal years, with average reimbursements around $360. Allowed categories are bottled water, laundry expenses, and filters/filtration products. Unused funds must be returned to the state by December 31, 2026. - Public comment included a plumber’s estimate that whole-house filtration systems generally cost $1,300-$1,600, and a representative of the Housatonic Filter Committee reported a survey of 824 households with about 60 responses and urged residents to use reimbursements for filtration systems rather than bottled water. - The board approved unanimously a motion to increase the reimbursement cap to $1,500 per household, available to both new applicants and prior reimbursement recipients under the three allowable expenditure categories. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident reviewed Trust Policy protocols and urged the town to formalize processes for violations and to report federal immigration enforcement activity. - A property owner near the Great Barrington Regional Airport expressed concerns about airport expansion, fencing, runway length, tree clearing, and permitting, and asked the board about its intentions for his property. - A Housatonic resident raised concerns about a proposed solar project at 53 Van Deusenville Road, a recorded cell tower lease agreement involving the same property, debris dumped by railroad work on Van Deusenville Road, possible PCB exposure at a staging area, and ongoing noise from an auto salvage business. Key Outcomes - Approved the November 3, 2025 minutes and two license actions unanimously. - Set Annual Town Meeting for Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2 p.m. and approved the FY27 draft budget calendar. - Approved menorah placement at Town Hall and deferred the Larkin Limited sign request. - Approved updated strategic priorities, including Trust Policy review, and approved a letter of support for the Community Investment Tax Credit program. - Directed a letter to MassDOT with support and concerns; comments due December 4, 2025. - Increased the Housatonic Water Works reimbursement cap to $1,500 per household. - Town manager to request Finance Committee approval for a third-party procurement audit and to bring forward seasonal communities designation options.

The Town of Great Barrington Finance Committee met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. All five members were present: Chair Rich Guiler, Anne, Michelle, Milena, and Madonna. Town Administrator Liz Hearts Grove and Finance staff Allie also attended. The meeting focused on resolving a procedural issue regarding budget bond language, reviewing October budget reports with concerns about several line items, discussing school finance subcommittee findings, and planning future meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - Sharon, President of the Great Barrington Library Fund (GBLF): Expressed strong support for a Community Preservation Act (CPA) grant of $1.5 million for the Ramsdale Library renovation. She stated that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is expected to provide 55% of funding, leaving the town responsible for 45%. She noted the library design has been endorsed and a public review is planned for December. She requested the Finance Committee’s endorsement and asked the committee to support a multi-year CPA bond, citing precedents (memorial baseball field with $500,000 multi-year CPA grant, and Lenox library purchase). She emphasized that a capital campaign cannot launch without the town’s commitment and that CPA funds do not raise taxes. Discussion Items - Budget Policy and Bond Language (FY27 Guidelines): The committee discussed a previous misunderstanding: the Select Board had voted on November 3rd to approve the overall budget policy for FY27 but removed a third bullet about debt exclusion. Several members, including Michelle and Milena, argued the committee and Select Board must jointly approve the final language. Chair Rich Guiler apologized for the procedural error and said the committee needed to decide whether to accept the Board’s version or hold a joint meeting to negotiate. After debate, the consensus was to pursue a joint meeting with the Select Board on December 15th (all members available that date) to finalize the language for FY27, rather than delay to FY28. No formal vote was taken but all agreed. - Review of October Budget Reports (Prepared by Allie): Milena led a deep dive into several line items: - Legal Fees: Concerns about reaching the budgeted amount with 6 months remaining; Liz confirmed she is conducting a department-head review after Thanksgiving. - Assessor Budget – Contracted Services (line 2): $17,000 over (50% over budget) due to a Munis system bridge for personal property billing; $14,000 encumbered and contingency funds planned. - Collector/Treasurer – Tax Title Litigation (line 0146): $2,200 encumbered; Allie said it covers land court attorney fees for foreclosure after delinquency. - Public Buildings – Electricity and Gas/Oil: Milena questioned whether the encumbrances reflect real expenses or blanket orders; Allie explained that blanket POs are common for utility expenses. - DPW Highway (page 7): Several highlighted lines, including street lights $40,000 over; Milena requested detailed explanations from DPW head Joe. - Debt Service (page 10): Short-term interest not yet processed; will appear in November bonding. Debt issuance cost of $15,000 is expected to be sufficient, with residual bond premiums available. - Insurance – Allocation from Wastewater (page 11): Allie explained that the negative number reflects journal entries twice a year (December and June) to transfer enterprise fund charges for indirect costs; the transfer zeroes out the line. - School Finance Subcommittee Discussion: Michelle and Rich reported on the third subcommittee meeting attended by both. - Monument Mountain High School: Michelle expressed strong concern that the school uses a Bar Foundation grant for stipends and expects taxpayers to pick up costs when the grant ends. She called this “rants 101” and urged the district to avoid default to taxpayers. Rich added that the subcommittee pushed back against including these stipends in the base budget. - Monument Mountain: Noted the school does not expect to return to pre-cut funding levels. - Elementary School (Mud Brook): More than 50% of students perform below grade level; the school is seeking $50,000 for a new curriculum (illustrative math) to improve scores. Michelle and Rich both noted the request was the only specific funding number mentioned. - The next subcommittee meeting is November 20th. Rich will distribute the principals’ narratives to the committee. - Future Meeting Planning: - The committee scheduled a regular meeting on December 16th, for which Assessor Emily will present. - January meeting on the 20th. - Liz announced a comprehensive FY27 budget action calendar is being developed, incorporating all department steps, select board priorities, and community preservation committee timing. She noted the calendar will be fluid but will help coordinate the process. - Chair Rich asked about combining budget meetings with the Select Board in February; Liz said dates are placeholder and will be finalized after Select Board reviews their priorities. Key Outcomes - Decision: The committee agreed to hold a joint meeting with the Select Board on December 15, 2025, to finalize the budget policy bond language for FY27, rather than deferring to FY28 (all members confirmed availability).- Meeting Schedule: Regular meetings set for December 16 (with Assessor) and Januay 20. Minutes from the last two meetings will be reviewed in December. - Next Steps: Liz will send the draft budget action calendar to Chair Rich for distribution; Allie will follow up on DPW detail and bond amount ($5.15 million long-term bond approved by Select Board in November); Milena’s questions on legal fees, tax title litigation, and DPW will be addressed after Liz’s department-head meetings. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion at approximately 8:00 p.m.

The Great Barrington Select Board convened a joint meeting with the Board of Assessors and the Fire District Credential Committee on November 17, 2025, to set the FY26 tax rates and address other municipal business. Key actions included approving a single tax rate of $13.24 for the town and $1.51 for the fire district, recommending unanimous denial of a 12-acre commercial solar facility in an R2 zone, and directing a letter of concern to state officials regarding the planned closure of the Green Center mental health facility. The board also authorized a study into a Residential Tax Exemption, approved seasonal bridge decorations, and heard extensive public comment on tax burdens, trust policies, and infrastructure. Tax Classification Hearing - Presentation: Newly appointed Town Assessor Emily Filling presented the FY26 tax classification data. The total assessed value of Great Barrington is $2.3 billion, with residential property making up 84% of the total value. New growth totaled $20.4 million, a decrease from the prior year. The excess levy capacity stands at $498,267, up significantly from $18,143 last year. - Statistic: The recommended single tax rate was set at $13.24 per $1,000 valuation (a reduction of 55 cents from FY25). The average single-family home tax bill will rise to $8,443.61 (an increase of $170.42). The median commercial property bill will fall to $7,469.31 (a decrease of $11.06). The Great Barrington Fire District rate was set at $1.51. - Positions: The Board of Assessors strongly recommended a single tax rate to avoid shifting burden onto the small commercial/industrial base (16% of total value) and to encourage economic development. Board member Garfield raised the possibility of a Residential Tax Exemption to help homeowners in lower-valued properties. The board agreed to authorize a comprehensive study on its feasibility. Residents such as Michelle DeBear questioned the lack of historical exploration into a split tax rate and the growing burden on residential taxpayers. Public Comment & Testimony (General Citizens Speak) - Don (PFAS Initiative): Provided an update on the community water filtration survey, noting over 800 homes remain to be interviewed. - Charlie (Vehicle Excise Tax): Complained about the state's method of calculating excise tax on a vehicle purchased late in the month. - John Rested & Ericka (Trust Policy): Urged the board to revisit the 2017 Community Trust Policy (often called a sanctuary policy), which was overwhelmingly approved at Town Meeting but has not been actively maintained. They requested a future agenda item to develop a "Trust Policy 2.0" to ensure clear protocols for local policing and safety. - Jim Bailey (Taxes & Property): Called for ending the Community Preservation Act (CPA) surcharge to lower taxes. Pressed the board and Town Manager to explain why the town still owns six homes on Prosperity Way, demanding a prompt follow-up with town counsel. - Michelle DeBear (Infrastructure & Tax Policy): Criticized the tax burden of the new school on long-time, fixed-income homeowners. Encouraged the board to study Lenox's split tax rate model as a method to ease residential taxes. Also reported safety issues with newly microsurfaced roads. Discussion & Action Items - Town Manager Report: Welcomed new hires for HR, Conservation, and Transit. Received a $25,000 state grant for police traffic safety initiatives. Confirmed the completion of utility wire transfers on Blue Hill Road. Announced the winter parking ban is in effect. Reported $170,000 in ARPA funds remain available for Housatonic water filtration assistance. - National Grid Pole Installation: Approved a request by National Grid to install a utility pole on Park Street to replace wires currently attached to a tree. Unanimous. - Holiday Stroll License: Approved a temporary entertainment and vendor license for the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on December 13, 2025. Member Phil recused himself due to a conflict of interest (SBCC board membership). Unanimous. - Cottage Street Bridge Decoration: - Proposal: Resident Redbeard Simmons requested permission to decorate the closed Cottage Street Bridge for the holidays, with a long-term vision of turning it into a pedestrian "flower bridge". - Concern: The Town Manager and board expressed legal liability and safety concerns because the bridge is condemned and not designed for congregation. - Decision: Approved a compromise to allow decoration of the bridge entrances and exits immediately. Directed staff to submit a formal request to MassDOT for permission to decorate the entire span of the bridge. - Green Center Mental Health Facility: - Discussion: The board discussed the state-led closure of the only inpatient mental health resource in South County, emphasizing the critical need to retain local services. - Decision: Unanimously voted to send letters of concern to the Green Center, state representatives, and the Governor, advocating for the preservation of mental health services in the region. - Solar Special Permit (LSE Sphinx / Lodstar Energy at 53 Van Duzensville Road): - Proposal: The applicant sought a recommendation from the board for a 12-acre, 2.5 MW AC commercial solar facility located in an R2 (residential) zone. - Public Opposition: Multiple abutters and residents voiced strong opposition, citing over-concentration of solar farms in the Housatonic area, noise issues from existing similar projects, the inappropriate industrial scale for the residential zone, and inadequate public notice. - Board Position: Members broadly agreed the project negatively impacted the residential character of the R2 zone, the area was already saturated with solar development, and the potential tax benefits did not outweigh the drawbacks. - Vote: A motion was made to recommend the Planning Board deny the special permit. Unanimous (5-0). Key Outcomes - FY26 Tax Rate: Unanimously approved a single tax rate of $13.24 for the Town of Great Barrington and $1.51 for the Great Barrington Fire District. - Residential Exemption Study: Authorized the Town Assessor to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on a Residential Tax Exemption for future consideration. - Solar Project: The Select Board formally recommended unanimous denial of the Van Duzensville Road solar facility to the Planning Board. - Green Center: Directed the Town Manager to send letters of concern to state officials regarding the closure of the Green Center. - Cottage Street Bridge: Approved holiday decoration of the bridge entrances, with a formal request to MassDOT for full bridge clearance. - Appointments: Andrew Miano appointed to the Conservation Commission. Steven Larkin appointed to the Ramsdale Building Committee. - Executive Session: The board entered executive session to discuss real estate strategy regarding the Housatonic Water Works.

On November 12, 2025, the Community Preservation Committee met to review Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding applications. The chair said the committee would not discuss the merits of the 16 applications and would only decide whether to advance them to step-two consideration. The transcript covers 12 applications before ending mid-sentence. No public comment period was held; all members were present except Mr. Gila, who was excused. Opening and Administrative Items - The chair announced 16 applications and said all step-two paperwork must be returned by the stated deadline; the transcript reads "December 50," likely a transcription error for an early-December date. - The minutes of the October 14 meeting were approved unanimously. Applications Advanced to Step Two - Old Maids Park design and engineering ($50,000) - Town planning staff described this as similar to earlier CPA-funded survey work, including rights-of-way, property lines, and wetlands, to inform future community decisions. An NDP grant funds only community outreach over the next six to twelve months, not the engineering and design work. Motion to advance was approved unanimously. - Playground improvement - Parks staff described conversations about improving the playground/basketball court, aligning courts, possibly squaring the playing surface, and painting it as a multi-purpose surface. Advanced. - Olympian Meadows fence replacement - There are three fields at that location; the middle field's fence is deteriorated and rusted, and the backstop remains fine. Advanced. - Fabric shade sails at Housatonic and the Skate Park - Parks staff said park users had requested shade for years and that planting trees would take about 15 years to provide shade. The request includes engineering and a PE-stamped design; a member clarified the shade structure would be on an adjacent grass area, not over the skating surface. Advanced. - Unitarian Universalist Meeting roof, third phase - The applicant said two of three roof phases had been funded and completed in September, and this request covers the third phase plus related exterior restoration work from 2024-2025. The chair said she would want to know about other funding at step two. Advanced. - W.E.B. Du Bois Center foundation and water remediation - The center is a National Register site behind the Berkshire Bank parking lot. This third phase of stabilization would raise the building 24 inches, pour a new foundation because a structural engineer found the existing stone foundation insufficient, and address water issues; permits have been obtained. Advanced. - 1100 Main Street exterior work - A representative described a mixed-use building with deteriorating exterior material and window issues; replacement and restoration options are being reviewed. Advanced. - Brown Mausoleum roof - Applicants said a previous $20,000 allocation was rescinded after the town established ownership and no heirs were found; the earlier roof quote was about $41,000-$42,000, and the chair noted the current request was for $65,000. Advanced. - Element Cemetery monuments (conditional) - The project was not yet eligible because the local Historic Commission had not voted; the committee conditionally advanced it to step two pending that commission's determination. One member voted no. In discussion, a member questioned whether resetting fallen stones is maintenance rather than preservation, and others noted other towns have used CPA funds for historic burial grounds. Applications Determined Ineligible - Indoor basketball hoops - The committee found the project ineligible because CPA funds outdoor recreation, not indoor recreation, and voted not to consider it. - Community-center bleachers - The committee similarly treated this as an indoor facility ineligible for CPA funds and voted not to consider it. Cemetery Finance Discussion - While discussing cemetery requests, cemetery representatives and committee members reviewed perpetual care and lot-sale accounts. Perpetual care principal cannot be spent; interest generates only about $1,000-$2,000 per year. - The perpetual care account is $272,000, invested at 0.0097, and has lost about $45,000 in purchasing power since 2020. - One cemetery representative supported moving perpetual-care funds into the lot-sales account so the money could be used for projects. Another speaker argued that Great Barrington residents with perpetual-care funds in other cemeteries should not have to make up for Mahaiwe Cemetery's historical failures and supported using perpetual-care funds for repairs. - Officials also described plans to remove unused cemetery roads and resell the areas as lots because plots on both sides of those roads have been filled. Mason Library Exterior Painting Discussion - The transcript ends during discussion of the Mason Library exterior painting application. A member questioned whether painting a historic building is maintenance, and another noted work on the widows walk and cupola. No vote is recorded because the transcript ends. Key Outcomes - Minutes of October 14 approved unanimously. - Advanced to step two: Old Maids Park, playground improvement, Olympian Meadows fence, shade sails, Unitarian Universalist roof, W.E.B. Du Bois Center, 1100 Main Street, Brown Mausoleum, and Element Cemetery monuments (conditionally, with one no vote). - Did not advance: indoor basketball hoops and community-center bleachers, both found ineligible under CPA. - The committee directed applicants to return step-two paperwork by the stated December deadline. - The meeting transcript is cut off before a vote on Mason Library painting.