Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Great Barrington Select Board held a regular meeting on January 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The meeting began with recognition of retiring Police Chief Paul Storty and a celebration of the department's accreditation. Key agenda items included the Town Manager's report covering snow operations, dog licensing, the Housatonic Waterworks reimbursement program, and the seasonal community designation. The board approved several licenses and permits, voted on the FY26 CDBG housing rehabilitation grant, granted a trail easement, accepted an affordability restriction, and set the annual town meeting and election calendar. Public comment addressed tax policy, the trust policy, public records redactions, and community events.
Okay, it's five o'clock. I'll call the meeting to order. Pursuant to MGL7C 30A section 20F. After notifying yourself in a public body, any person may make a video or audio recording of an open session of a meeting of a public body or may transmit the meeting through any meeting. Beginning of the meeting, the chair shall inform other attendees at any such recordings. Any member of the public wishing to speak for the meeting must receive permission of the chair. The listing of agenda items of those reasonably anticipated by the chair, which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed. Other items not listed may be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Meeting will be recorded by CPSP, the town of Great Barrington, and the birth of Ed. Okay, the first item on the agenda is our recognition of the retirement of Chief Paul Storty. It's a bittersweet time for the town. I'm very happy for Paul. And if the town loses a very, very good police chief. So let's start. We have a proclamation from the select board. Whereas Police Chief Paul Stordy devoted more than three decades to public service in the Southern Berkshire region, beginning his law enforcement career in 1989 with the town of Agremont, serving in the town of Sheffield and joining the Great Barrington Police Department in 1995. And whereas during his service in Great Barrington, Chief Storty advanced through the ranks, promoted to sergeant on January 1st, 2010, appointed intern police chief on December 10th, 2020, and appointed police chief on January 13, 2021, providing study leadership during periods of transition and growth. And whereas Chief Story strengthened the department through a leadership approach grounded in professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect, while fostering strong internal teamwork, community trust, and collaborative partnership, including expanded engagement with mental health providers. Whereas Chief Story emphasized service that is both principled and compassionate, encouraged participation and responsibility at all levels, supported the development of future leaders, and recognize the importance of wellness, resilience, and mutual support within the department. And whereas Chief Story retires on January 4th, 2026, leaving the department better positioned to serve the community with confidence, care, and shared purpose. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the state select board, the town of Great Barrington, hereby extends its sincere gratitude to police chief Paul Storty for his dedicated service and lasting contributions to public safety, community well-being, and convey his best wishes for a meaningful and well-earned retirement. Paul, please come up. Thank you to an issue. And then Paul stay right up front. Welcome to Paul. Representative Davis. Yes. So I really wanted to be here today because uh Chief Story has done so much for the community. Um, as someone that knows the community more than anyone else that has been, you know, really mentoring children and mentoring um everyday folks. So I've known you since you're an officer and officer moving to the role of uh chief. And I've seen you through the years. I had you know the work that you've done with mental health and accreditation and you know, working with car and just see the you know folks that are here. Um you've touched so many lives, and you're one of these role models that when I think of someone in law enforcement. I think of if we had a Paul Story in every single town, you know, we would be so much better off as a as a as a nation as a community, and we're so lucky and so forth to have you here. Um, we're gonna be in good hands as an Adam Carlado. Um and I think you know, just having you really um be the hound for so long and more than 30 years. Um very deeply appreciative. And I wanted to make sure I was here to give you this uh citation from the uh House of Representatives. So it's not quite slow as the but I will read it. Um be it hereby known to all that the Massachusetts House of Representatives offer its sincerest congratulations to Chief Paul Storty in recognition of more than 30 years of faithful and exemplary service to the town of Great Barrington. The entire membership extends his very best wishes and expresses the hope for future good fortune and continued success in all your endeavors. And um thank you so much. We really appreciate it. From uh 1967, I was born Fairview Hospital, and here I am, 58 years old,