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Feb. 21, 2006

Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Mark DiGrigoli, Laura Dubester, CET, Tom Stokes, CPC, Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle, Jeremy Clowe and Mati Kiin, CTSB and Jorja Marsden.

	Deb opened the continuation of the DiGrigoli and Walker special permit.  Louis J. DiGrigoli and James V. Walker property at 12 South Street wish to demolish the existing non-conforming house, pool and shed, build a new two-family dwelling within the proper setbacks, and renovate the existing garage.  The property is located in the R-4 zone.  Application is made under 6.1.2. Mark DiGriogli represented the applicants.  Mr. DiGrigoli stated that the house, pool and shed would be demolished and that the apartment will be taken out of the garage.  A new building similar to a raised ranch with two living units will be constructed within the zoning set backs.  George Shippey stated that Conservation had no issues with the project.  Mr. DiGrigoli stated that a Determination of Applicability had been issued by the Conservation Commission.  George had received a call from a neighbor-David Blanchard regarding the project.  Deb read a letter from the Blanchards’ which stated “….The previous owner applied for a permit to tear the barn down and build a two car garage.  A permit was denied for demolition but was allowed to tear a portion of the barn down, build the garage and put a roof over the combination. Thus the non-conforming use was allowed due to grandfather clause.  A permit however to now renovate the garage would seem to bring into question the fact that property setback does not exist and thus should be brought into compliance.  The present property line allows no setback and in fact part of room overhang is on land of Blanchard.”  Deb was concerned about the overhang on the Blanchard’s property.  
Cris stated the property is pre-existing non-conforming and that by eliminating the apartment within the garage it would make the property less non-conforming.  The Planning Board’s recommendation was read into the record.  “….The (Planning) Board feels that the project would decrease the nonconforming status of the property in that the new structure would meet the setback requirements and there would no longer be two separate dwelling units on the lot.”

The Selectmen made the following findings:

a.	The application is in compliance with all provisions and requirements of this Bylaw, and in harmony with its general intent and purpose; 
b.	The application is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare at the proposed location as it will improve the site; 
c.	The application will not be detrimental to adjacent uses or to the established or future character of the neighborhood; it will make the property less non-conforming and improve the property;
d.	The application will not create undue traffic congestion or unduly impair pedestrian safety as it will remain a residential use;
e.	The application will not overload any public water, drainage, or sewer system or any other municipal facility to such an extent that the proposed use of any existing use in the immediate area or in any other area of the town will be unduly subjected to the hazards affecting public health, safety or general welfare. The property is served by Town water and sewer.

Cris made a motion to approve the application as submitted with the condition that the apartment is permanently eliminated from the garage and the application for building permit is in compliance with the zoning bylaws.  George seconded the motion. 
The vote was unanimously voted. 

	Deb opened the public hearing for Stockbridge Institute of American Craftsmen.
At the request of the applicant, Cris made a motion to continue until March 6, George seconded the motion.  It was voted unanimously to continue until March 6.

	Laura Dubester, CET, came to update the Town on their progress of renewable energy.  We are just one short.  This is a 100% tax deductible payment of $50.00 for renewable energy.  Stockbridge needs to have one more person sign up by March 31 to enable the Town to receive $1,500.00 bonus for a project.  George stated that he may have a project that would benefit.  The gate at the dam is operated manually.  It may be possible to use a solar mechanism to operate the gate at the dam.

	Tom Stokes, chairman of the Community Preservation Commission, informed the Selectmen that the budget for CPA will amount to $240.000.  The Commission is proposing allocating $103,000 for Historical Preservation, $80,000 for open space, $50,000 for Affordable Housing and $7,000 of administrative expenses. The Commission had set aside $75,000 last year in reserve for Historic Preservation.  Questions were raised regarding the request for Pinewoods.  Mr. Stokes explained that the project is over budget; therefore an extra $25,000 was requested by application this year.  As far as Historic Preservation goes, the committee felt that this year, take $10,000 from the reserve to be added to this years dollars of $103,000 and put $113,000 toward one half of our request for the roof and cupola for the Plain School.  They also felt that the $65,000 should be kept in reserve for Proctor Hall.  The CPA committee also urges the Town to request dollars for restoration of Proctor Hall for a four to five year period.  Mr. Stokes stated that the $7,000 in administrative expenses could be used for Historic evaluation projects, for example to hire an architect.  The Selectmen thanked Tom for his update.          			 

	Deb read a letter from Rosalie Berger regarding dog droppings.   She is requesting that a bylaw be created regarding this. The Selectmen announced that there are containers along Main Street that have bags attached to the allow people to pick up their dog droppings.  Therefore the Board feels that a bylaw is not necessary.

As there was no other business, the meeting adjourned at 8:12

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