Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Great Barrington Select Board convened on April 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a public hearing for a liquor license transfer, approval of multiple temporary entertainment permits, adoption of the updated Trust Policy 2.0, and a review of a citizen complaint against the Select Board Chair. Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove provided updates on infrastructure, public safety, and upcoming community events.
Okay, six o'clock. I will call the meeting to order. Pursued MGL 7C30A section 20F. After notifying the chair of the public body, any person may make a video audio recording of an open session of a meeting of a public body or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Beginning of the meeting, the chair shall inform other attendees of any such recordings. This meeting is being recorded by the town of Grey Barrington by the Bird for Edge and by CTSV. Any member of the public would speak at the meeting must receive the regiment of the chair. The listings 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, and other items not listed, may be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Select board's announcements, statements filled. Nothing, thank you, Garfield. Uh statement. Yeah, so I just wanted to discuss our past weekend and how we had a great turnout for the earth day cleanup and who's atonic. We had uh about 25 people or so show up in the morning in front of the ramps though, collecting bags, drinking coffee. Got to uh meet several new neighbors, which was excited to see, and then a bunch of uh existing ones that I've known forever that haven't seen in a while. So it was a very nice event. Everybody was concerned that they thought all the roadsides were very clean, but yet we were able to accomplish uh just several tons of bags of garbage just from the cleanup on the side of the roads. Usually I have a big report and I go into a rage about the little knit bottles and all, but I must say they were the count was very far down this year. People uh resorted to buying quantity, and we found bigger pint size. Other than that, uh it was a great day. And I did also want to say thank you to the tree committee. Chris from our tree committee was handing out uh little red sapling, red maple saplings, and uh just the whole day was great. So then um just want to state that I'll be recusing myself from item number 61 due to being a sponsor and on the HS. Perfect. Thank you very much. Liz Town Manager's report. Thank you. Uh for April 27th 2026. I am pleased to share that the Division Street Bridge is scheduled to reopen tomorrow at 10 a.m. Well. The excavation conducted last week confirmed the necessary repairs fell within the anticipated scope of option A, allowing our public works team to complete the work in-house. The fill and the paving have been successfully completed, and the bridge is ready to be safely returned to service. I want to again recognize the entire DPW team for their professionalism, coordination, and commitment to getting this work done efficiently and safely. So tomorrow, the big ribbon cutting ceremony. Definitely joking about it. It is a very successful moment when we can get something that put that in order. Yes. Uh, since the last select board meeting, I want to recognize the outstanding work of our fire department and mutual aid partners in responding to two very significant structural fires in our community. Crews quickly brought the fully involved fire on Cottage Street under control while safely managing hazardous materials on site, preventing further damage and ensuring no injuries. And just days later, firefighters responded to a second major incident at the Woody Farm Hill Farm property on Stockbridge Road, where they faced challenging conditions, including limited water supply and a fully evolved structure. Um, ultimately bringing the fire under control despite the loss of the residents. There um these back-to-back responses demonstrate exceptional professionalism and dedication to public safety. And I really do want to extend my sincere thanks to all who responded, as well as the communities that assisted us in supporting these efforts. Uh residents are advised that Who's Atonic Waterworks Company will be conducting its annual hydrant flushing program from May 11th through the 22nd, which may result in temporary low pressure and/or discolored water in parts of the system. This flushing activity is a part of the company's routine maintenance of the water distribution system, and it is not. I repeat not a town project service for operation.