Okay,

it is five o'clock.

I'll call the meeting to order.

Pursuant to MGL 7C30A20F.

After notifying the chair of 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 for any medium.

Beginning of the meeting, the chair shall inform other attendees of any such reportings.

This

meeting is being recorded by CTSB, the town of Great Barrington, and the Bersh Edge.

Any member of the public wishing to speak at 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, and other items not listed, may be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.

So our first order of business is to convene into executive session, and we will return to open session.

We will go into executive session or MGL 30A 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to possible litigation and an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the board and the town to have a motion.

I move that the board meet an executive session pursuant to MGL chapter 30A, Section 21A3 to discuss strategy regarding Hampton Superior Court Civil Action No.

C V00229.

Morales Contractors Inc.

FKA Morales Concrete Services Inc.

versus the Town of Great Barrington.

Before we vote, there is a probably a process question.

Eileen.

How long do you think it will take?

I have no idea this time.

Um because this is our first one.

So I I'm not even going to guess because I'm going to be wrong.

Um we have a motion and a second roll call, Phil.

Ben.

Garfield.

And I, it's unanimous.

And we will go as quickly as we

can.

Okay, we are back in open session.

Select boards announcements and statements, Phil.

Garfield.

Yes, I just wanted to say uh I struggled how to say this, and I'm going to say that this looks like she's in power decision work when it's working.

But I had someone come to me.

Um that had some issues where they live to some stuff out near yard.

Um where they live that they didn't appreciate something.

I told Liz told DPW.

Two days later, it was cleaned up, and we're very thankful for it.

So I'm going to say that.

Thank you, Briz, and thank you for the DPW for doing the work.

And it should be how it works.

This is I appreciate someone from Zenasking something.

If I don't have the answer, I'll try to find for that's how to move.

Where's my thank you?

Thanks, Mr.

Nothing at this time.

Okay, I have nothing.

So town managers report.

Thank you.

It's a little longer today, um, because we haven't met in a while.

Um, so my report for July 27, 2026.

The Historic District Commission recently approved the installation of an interpretive uh Elizabeth Freeman kiosk on the town hall campus.

The kiosk proposed by the Du Bois Freedom Center will highlight Elizabeth Freeman's life and legacy in Great Barrington's important role in that history to accommodate the new installation and enhance the overall appearance of the campus.

The existing town hall and vanstand signs will be relocated closer to the respective facilities.

I just wanted to let everyone know that this will create appropriate space for the kiosk, reduce uh reduce sign clutter, and improve visibility and wayfinding for residents and visitors.

As part of the ongoing review of the Ramsdale Library Building Project, the Massachusetts Historical Commission requested comments from the Great Barrington Historical Commission and the town manager on the alternatives study prepared by the project team.

In response, I submitted comments reflecting the town's broader municipal responsibilities with particular attention to long-term operational sustainability, accessibility, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, community benefit, economic development, and the long-term public value of this significant investment.

The comments were not intended to advocate for or endorse any specific design alternative, but rather to ensure these municipal considerations remain part of the Commonwealth's constellation consultant process.

This consultation represents one step in the historic preservation review, and no decisions have been made regarding the final design, project funding, or the town's endorsement of any alternative.