Public Meetings - Great Barrington, Massachusetts

The Great Barrington Finance Committee convened remotely on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM, chaired by Rich Guiler. Members Ann, Madonna, and Michelle were present; Melena Serna was absent. Town Accountant Allie and staff member Chris Rumble participated. The meeting focused on solidifying a debt management policy for the FY2027 budget, reviewing capital spending ahead of a November bond sale, and addressing communications with the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the September 16th Finance Committee meeting were approved unanimously. - Minutes from the Joint Meeting with the Select Board on September 29th were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Eileen, a member of the public, questioned the accounting treatment of the cannabis lawsuit settlement, specifically whether the funds had been fully removed from free cash and the necessity of the Annual Town Meeting vote to legalize the deficit. Staff clarified the funds were drawn from the restricted cannabis community impact fee pool, not general tax revenue. Discussion Items - Debt Management Policy Language (FY2027): Chair Guiler proposed adding a $3.5 million annual borrowing limit to the budget policy. A discussion followed on whether this limit should be a hard cap. Michelle argued the term "urgent and critical" was too subjective. Ann suggested removing the sentence or using "emergency". Staff member Chris Rumble recommended against a legal review, stating the policy serves as a planning target. The committee unanimously approved the language: "To avoid ballooning debt service payments, make every effort to limit yearly long-term general fund borrowing to 3.5 million or less, the town's historical average. Only emergency borrowing should exceed this average." - Capital Expenditures & November Borrowing: The committee reviewed the upcoming long-term borrowing. Allie reported the amount is expected to be under $6 million. Ann estimated this would result in approximately $400,000 in additional debt service costs for the FY2027 budget. - September Budget Review: The most significant expenditure was the $4 million deficit from the cannabis business lawsuit settlement. Staff confirmed the payment did not impact taxpayer funds as it was drawn from a restricted free cash pool designated for community impact fees. The committee noted overspending in the street lights budget line. - School District Relations: Members expressed disappointment that the Berkshire Hills Regional School District declined to present its budget to the Finance Committee and refused a preliminary meeting request. Michelle and Madonna argued this creates poor optics and hinders collaboration. The committee will pursue further dialogue. Michelle will gather October 1st enrollment figures. - Full Policy Approval & Strategic Priorities Critique: Before the vote on the full FY2027 policy, Michelle raised concerns about the "Strategic Priorities" section. She stated that statements like "ensure public health" and "strive for a high quality of life" were not accurate for all residents, specifically referencing water quality issues in Housatonic. The committee voted unanimously to approve the FY2027 policy but committed to a thorough section-by-section review for the FY2028 policy. Key Outcomes - Debt Management Language Approved: Unanimously voted to add a recommendation against exceeding $3.5 million in annual general fund borrowing except for emergencies. - FY2027 Budget Policy Approved: The full Budget and Financial Policy for FY2027 was unanimously adopted. - Next Steps: The policy will be submitted to the Select Board for their November meeting. A formal discussion on school district budget presentations is planned. The committee will begin a section-by-section review of the budget policy later in the fiscal year. - Future Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2025. The December 16, 2025 meeting was confirmed to remain on the calendar.

The Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust met remotely on October 21, 2025, to approve prior minutes, review the Community Preservation Act (CPA) application, hear community engagement results for Rising Ball Field, discuss the developer RFP, and workshop the ADU program. Board members also raised advocacy items, including an ADU tax exemption, the residential exemption, and a potential seasonal community designation. Consent Calendar - The board approved the September 16 full board minutes by roll call; all present voted aye. July, August, and September main meeting minutes had already been approved and sent to the town clerk, with two newer subcommittee minutes still outstanding. - No additional reports were made under agenda reports. Community Preservation Act Application - Ananda reported on the August CPC meeting, noting positive feedback on the draft developer RFP rubric and the trust’s process plan for Rising Ball Field. CPC asked Chris Rembold to help publicize Prosperity Way opportunities, with concern about access for South County residents. - The recommended CPA step-one application would request the maximum amount allowable, while recognizing CPC’s minimum 10% set-asides for historic preservation and recreation/environment, plus an administrative set-aside. The long-term goal is for the town to eventually direct all affordable housing CPA funds to the trust. - Joe suggested making explicit that the trust wants CPC to maximize total affordable housing spending, not necessarily fund the trust exclusively. Ananda cautioned that grant applications generally should not tell funders to give money to others, and noted some CPC members have signaled giving the trust a larger share this year. - The board asked Ananda to lead the application again, using last year’s framework; she will decide in November whether to request funds for outside application assistance. Rising Ball Field Community Engagement - Fred and Bill reported two in-person community meetings: October 4 in Housatonic, with about 22 attendees including most of the Select Board and Park Street neighbors, and October 13 at Berkshire South. A paper and online survey remains open. - Preliminary survey results showed: 67% of respondents wanted mixed rental and ownership options and 33% wanted only ownership; 45% preferred townhouses/apartments and 36% preferred freestanding homes; 46% wanted a mixed population; and 100% said local people should be given priority. These results were framed as incomplete because the survey is still open. - Discussion addressed whether CPA-restricted units can serve municipal employees earning above 100% of area median income; CPA funds cannot be used for households above 100% AMI. Peter recapped that median income for an individual is about $79,000 and varies by household size. Fred noted Habitat’s first phase uses 80% and 100% AMI units. - Several members pushed for broader survey distribution through town channels, Eileen Looney, the Chamber, and Fairview Hospital. Fred asked for a November report but cautioned the snapshot may be partial; Peter asked to broaden outreach before then. The subcommittee will continue survey outreach and report in November. - On local preference, members noted legal and funding constraints; Egremont and New Marlborough used private funds to prioritize local employees, while mixed town/state funding changes the rules. The trust agreed the future RFP process should address feasibility limits publicly. Developer RFP - The RFP returned from town counsel with minor edits. It will be held until the CPA process is complete, at Chris Rembold’s request, to avoid overlapping RFPs and town staffing limits; January is the earliest likely release. The RFP is written to remain open on a rolling basis until funds are expended or the end of the fiscal year. - No grant size limit is currently set; members discussed using limited funds strategically but did not change the RFP. ADU Program - The trust has $100,000 combined from previously encumbered and newly set-aside funds for the next ADU round. The rubric covers project viability, living space, location, financial need, cost effectiveness, and overall impact. - Construct and the town have current staffing constraints; Construct is searching for an executive director, and the town is awaiting a new town manager. The first ADU pilot was described as very successful and is nearing completion, with a full-time municipal employee as the qualified tenant. - Fred proposed changing the grant structure to support smaller projects or modifications. Ananda suggested weighting the rubric toward modifications rather than narrowing the applicant pool. Joe supported a simpler feasibility-focused rubric and a $50,000 maximum. - The board discussed offering application and planning consultations, possibly through Construct’s contractor network, and a possible step-one/step-two application structure. Bill and Ananda will review records on prior unsuccessful applicants, and Ananda will check Construct’s capacity before the November meeting. Issues and Advocacy - Peter asked to revive the ADU tax exemption proposal; a new town manager starts November 3, the prior assessor has left, and the issue stalled. The trust will revisit the memoranda next month, with a goal of getting it into the budget season if the Select Board takes it up in January or February. - The board discussed the residential, or Michael Wise, exemption. Bill noted it is a Select Board decision, not a Town Meeting vote, and the Select Board chair has been publicly skeptical but willing to listen. The board agreed to invite Michael Wise to a future meeting to explain the mechanics before deciding whether to advocate for it. Trustee Speak - Peter proposed that the trust support designating Great Barrington as a seasonal community. The comment window closes October 31; the Planning Board will vote Thursday on expanding the law to include ambulance first responders. Towns with 40% or greater second-homeowner population qualify automatically; Great Barrington is at about 12% but may meet other indicators. The state application process is expected in the first quarter of 2026. This was added to the November agenda. - Fred reported Construct staff requested a conversation about the rental assistance program because no awards have been made from trust-allocated funds in several funding cycles. - Fred noted Habitat for Humanity of Central Berkshire will celebrate Jimmy and Rosalind Carter Build Day on October 31, featuring the 20 homes on Prosperity Way; a women build team will be working that day. - Fred apologized for allowing personal comments at the September public meeting. - A trustee mentioned naturally occurring affordable housing may soon come onto the market, suggesting it could be a candidate for the developer RFP. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve prior minutes passed unanimously by roll call. - The trust will submit a CPA step-one application, continue the collaborative approach with CPC, and use last year’s framework; Ananda will lead. - Rising Ball Field survey outreach will continue with broader distribution; a report is expected in November. - Developer RFP remains on hold until the CPA cycle concludes, with a likely January release. - ADU program structure will be revisited in November after research on prior applicants and Construct capacity. - Future agendas will include the ADU tax exemption, residential exemption education session, and seasonal community designation discussion.

The Great Barrington Select Board met at 6:00 p.m. on October 20, 2025. The board approved routine minutes, liquor license transfers and manager changes, a temporary beer and wine license, departmental equipment useful-life schedules, and two positive special-permit recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals. It also heard public comment regarding utility wires, sign enforcement, water system communications, and other issues, then voted to enter executive session without returning to open session. Election & Ballot Reminders - Officials reminded residents that sewer bills and abatement requests are due Monday, October 27, 2025; questions should be directed to Public Works. - The special election on the school project will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The voter registration deadline is Friday, October 24 at 5:00 p.m.; absentee/mail-in ballot requests are due October 28 at 5:00 p.m.; in-person absentee voting ends November 3; and polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Residents will receive two ballots on November 4: one authorizing the school question and one exempting the cost of the new school from the town's Proposition 2½ tax limit. - The incoming town manager requested a priority-planning discussion at the November 3, 2025 board meeting. Consent Calendar / Minutes - Minutes of September 29, September 30, October 6, and October 14, 2025 were approved unanimously; the board directed a name-spelling correction to the September 29 minutes. License Hearings - Latin Grocery Inc., doing business as Fiesta Bar and Grill, 284 Main Street 11: Attorney Anthony Doyle said Latin Grocery, a neighboring business, planned to buy Fiesta Bar and Grill from current owner Sandra Sosa if the license transfer and manager change were approved. The buyer was described as a Massachusetts resident and naturalized U.S. citizen who would manage the business; no significant changes to menu or operation were anticipated. The board opened and closed the hearing and unanimously approved the transfer and manager change. - Fuel Restaurant Group, LLC, 293 Main Street: Owner Lydia Merkel said she was becoming the manager so Fuel could resume evening events and use its liquor license. The board unanimously approved the manager change. - Board of Library Trustees, Mason Library, 231 Main Street: The board unanimously approved a temporary beer and wine license for the library's poetry series, for six Saturdays from January through August 2026, with the fee waived. Equipment Useful-Life Extension - Financial coordinator Ellie Crespo explained that the annual schedule supports borrowing and repayment planning. The board unanimously adopted useful lives for equipment financed by the May 3, 2025 town meeting authorization, Article 5: - $127,001 item: 10 years - Fire radios: $115,000, 10 years - DPW field mower: $35,000, 10 years - DPW dump truck: $400,000, 10 years - DPW excavator: $250,000, 15 years - DPW pickup: $66,000, 10 years - DPW utility van: $66,000, 10 years Special Permit Recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals - 23 Rosseter Street: Catherine Dover Hearst (referred to in the transcript as Catherine Hurst) requested a positive recommendation for demolition of a nonconforming house on a nonconforming lot and construction of a new residence. The proposal includes four units in two buildings, stays below the allowed 75% lot coverage, uses prefabricated modules, and includes spiral staircases as a second means of egress. The board voted to recommend approval. Hearst also reported that an online posting of the application exposed her personal contact information and led to an attempted $4,800 fee scam; the board agreed to redact personal details from online materials while keeping a full copy available as a public record. - 271 Monument Valley Road: Architect Brian Bordonero presented a proposal for an addition to a nonconforming house that already sits 18 feet from the road against a 50-foot front setback. The addition would sit about 26 feet from the road and extend roughly 12 feet farther north. The board voted to issue a positive recommendation to the ZBA. Public Comments & Testimony - Charles Williamson, 48 Blue Hill Road, said phone lines on Blue Hill Road are hanging low, with old and new utility poles side by side; he described a near miss involving his son's excavator, two power outages, and police reports, and asked the town to get the wires moved and the area cleaned up. - Select Board member Phil said Verizon had previously promised to add the lines to a work order, and he would follow up. - Michelle Lubair praised Great Barrington Police Officer Triano for helping reunite a lost kitten, then raised concerns about unequal sign enforcement. She said she supported the message of the No Kings rally but objected to what she called different treatment over street and sidewalk obstruction, and she asked the board to address sign and enforcement consistency at the November 3 priority-planning session. - A resident asked for a roughly $4.7 million breakdown of major budget items discussed at the September 29 finance and select board meeting, saying the information had not been provided and expressing concern about transparency. - Donna Jacobs, 60 Park Street, said hydrant flushing in Housatonic was not well communicated and asked Housatonic Water Works to publish a flushing schedule so residents could protect their filters. The board said it would ask for that schedule again. - A resident alleged he had photos and video of the Fire Department connecting to a cleanout station, rather than a hydrant, during a garage fire; he said the incident was not included in the fire chief's report and raised broader Housatonic Water Works concerns. He added that he had dealt with the water problem for 30 years and urged support for a Housatonic Water Works takeover. Key Outcomes - Unanimous votes approved: the four sets of meeting minutes; the Latin Grocery/Fiesta Bar and Grill license transfer and manager change; the Fuel Restaurant Group manager change; the Mason Library temporary beer and wine license; the equipment useful-life schedule; and positive recommendations to the ZBA for both special permit applications. - The board agreed to redact personal contact information from online versions of the Rosseter Street application packet. - The board committed to following up on Blue Hill Road utility wires and to asking Housatonic Water Works for a hydrant-flushing schedule. - The board voted unanimously to enter executive session under state open-meeting law for two purposes: (1) to consider purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real estate related to Housatonic Water Works, and (2) to discuss a complaint against the Assistant Town Manager and Director of Planning and Community Development. The board stated it would not return to open session.

The Great Barrington Board of Health convened on October 16, 2025, at 6:32 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including property extension requests, special permit reviews, an extension of enforcement authority to the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative, updates to an inter-municipal agreement, a continued discussion on a solar facility noise complaint, and a review of work at a condemned property. Votes were taken on several items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August and September meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - Daniel Sites (31 Pleasant Street, Great Barrington) expressed concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine clinics operated by the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative, citing studies showing harms and potential liability. He urged the board to inform themselves about vaccine safety and to support a state bill against vaccine mandates. - Stephen Padigo (263 Park Street) commented on the Alta Solar inverter noise issue, stating the sound is constant, louder than a dishwasher, and that Alta Power has not provided credible cost estimates or engineering expertise. He requested the board hold the company accountable. - Eileen (last name not given) asked for a copy of the statement read by Alta Power and suggested the board obtain independent cost estimates for noise remediation. Discussion Items Extension Request – Joseph Beavy (675 South Egremont Road) - Joseph Beavy requested additional time to correct conditions at the property citing ongoing legal proceedings with a tenant that prevent access. The board discussed granting an extension to allow the legal process to play out. - Motion: To extend the correction deadline to January 8, 2026. Vote: Unanimous (Peter, Ruby, Dr. Chen). Special Permit Review – Trevor and Catherine Hurst (23 Rosseter Street) - Trevor Hurst presented plans to demolish an existing home and erect new residential structures. Discussion included demolition waste handling (asbestos testing, contractor), protective barriers for neighbors, and noise ordinance compliance. The board found no health department issues and referred the matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals. - Motion: To pass the application to the Zoning Board. Vote: Unanimous. Special Permit Review – Kurt Broom / Brian Bordenero (271 Monument Valley Road) - Architect Brian Bordenero described an addition and alterations to a non-conforming single-family home. No water, well, or septic changes. The board found no jurisdictional concerns and referred the permit to the Zoning Board. - Motion: To pass to the Zoning Board without comment. Vote: Unanimous. Extension of Enforcement Authority – Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative - Rebecca (Health Agent) explained that the town’s health inspector left, leaving gaps. Jane Smith (Collaborative) presented an overview of services including public health nursing, inspectional services, and initiatives. The board discussed extending enforcement authority to the Collaborative's inspectors through December 31, 2025, with potential to reassess in 2026. - Motion: To extend the relationship with the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative for inspections and support through December 31, 2025. Vote: Unanimous. Review of Exhibit C (Inter-Municipal Agreement) Revisions - Jane Smith presented proposed revisions to Exhibit C of the Collaborative’s IMA, including clarifying the number of member towns (12), adding ancillary services (e.g., inspectional agent services), and updating language. The board deemed the changes clerical. - Public Comment: Daniel Sites cautioned about joint activities and liability from COVID vaccine clinics. - Motion: To approve the amendments to Exhibit C. Vote: Unanimous. Alta Solar – Inverter Noise Complaint (Zero Park Street) - Rebecca Hughes (Associate General Counsel, Alta Power) read a prepared statement detailing the solar system’s history, regulatory compliance, noise levels (35–62 decibels, within ordinance limits), and remediation options costing $100,000 to $250,000. She stated no further action is planned due to cost and technical infeasibility. - Board members questioned the lack of noise disclosure in original permit documents. Stephen Padigo reiterated the nuisance and accused Alta of stonewalling. The board requested: 1) the actual design/specifications of proposed sound barriers, and 2) cost estimates. They also indicated they would confer with legal counsel. Review of Work at 38 Christian Hill Road - Rebecca noted a contractor estimate (Green River Contracting) for work including mold remediation, structural supports, and roof replacement. The board agreed to verify it covers all items in the correction order and will schedule reinspection after work is completed. No vote needed. Key Outcomes - Approval of minutes from August and September. - Extension granted to Joseph Beavy until January 8, 2026, for 675 South Egremont Road. - Special permit applications for 23 Rosseter Street and 271 Monument Valley Road were passed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. - Enforcement authority extended for the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative through December 31, 2025. - Amendments to Exhibit C of the IMA approved. - Alta Solar matter continued; board requested detailed barrier designs and cost estimates, and will consult legal counsel. - Work at 38 Christian Hill Road to be verified against correction order with reinspection required. - Next meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025 (first Thursday); December 4, 2025; and January 8, 2026. Department Updates - Health Inspector James Massey departed; position posted. Interviews expected by end of October. - Berkshire County Board of Health Association fall event on October 30, 2025, at Pittsfield Country Club (appetizers and emergency planning exercise). - Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM. Next regular meeting: November 6, 2025.

The Great Barrington Select Board met on October 14, 2025, to review and vote on a contract for a new town manager. The meeting was held virtually via remote participation. The board unanimously approved a three-year contract for Liz Hartsgrove, commencing November 3, 2025, with a base salary of $165,000 per year. Discussion Items - Contract Negotiation: Select Board member Steve presented the final draft of the contract to the board. The contract runs from November 3, 2025, through October 31, 2028. No questions or comments were raised on the terms. - Salary: In response to a query from Eileen, Steve confirmed the base salary is $165,000 per year, prorated for the start date. Key Outcomes - Vote to Approve Contract: The board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the contract for Liz Hartsgrove as town manager. The motion was made by Eric and seconded by Garfield. Roll call: Phil (aye), Ben (aye), Garfield (aye), Eric (aye), and the chair (aye). Public Comments & Testimony - Vivian or Lowski (citizen speaker): Expressed appreciation for Chris Rambold's service as interim town manager and thanked the select board for carefully considering qualified candidates. She noted that Liz Hartsgrove's application letter was distinctive in recognizing environmentally sensitive landscapes and the need to sustain a strong year-round community. Select Board Statements - Ben: Thanked Steve for assembling the contract, Chris Rambold and town staff for their work over the past 10 months, and expressed excitement for Liz to start. - Garfield: Thanked Chris Rambold for doing triple duty during the 10-month interim period, called the selection a great decision. - Chair (Steve): Thanked Chris Rambold and all town staff, including department heads, DPW, and police, for keeping operations smooth. Noted that November 3 would arrive soon and thanked everyone for their patience. - Another board member (unidentified): Appreciated working with Chris under difficult circumstances and looked forward to Liz starting, stating that 'everything is looking up.'