Free-Form Document Details Link Name: Meeting Minutes Description: Subject/Title: July, 2006 Subtitle: Keywords: Review on: [ ] Default to Printable Version Attachments Attach... July 5, 2006 Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Joe Kellogg and Jorja Marsden Interviews were conducted for the position of Clerk of the Works for the Plain School Town Office Conversion Project. A true copy, ATTEST: July 6, 2006 Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Clark Rowell-VP of Unibank Fiscal Advisory Services, Karen Williams, Elaine Markham, Michael Blay, Joe Kellogg and Jorja Marsden Clark Rowell came to discuss and advise us on questions that Bond Counsel will be asking when they come to Stockbridge to meet with us in preparation for setting a bond rating. A true copy, ATTEST: July 8, 2006 The Second Homeowners Meeting was held at the First Congregational School. Approximately 50 people were in attendance. Questions ranged from the tremendous amount of weeds in the lake and how it has never been this bad, to the roads, especially in some areas where the sewer went, the subdivision off of Mahkeenac Road to Kripalu’s Master Plan. The residents around the lake were very unhappy with the amount of weeds and the lack of the harvesters. It was explained that it was a wet spring, the Town was short handed and that the second harvester had been broken and we were still working on getting that on the lake. A true copy, ATTEST: July 10, 2006 Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Mary Flynn, John Kiley, Sandra Greenspan, Eric Egan, Michael Risen, Deb Morrissey, Leigh Ellen Kay, John Stothoff-Tighe & Bond, Patrick O'Sheii, Adam Heeger, Martin Messinger, Endel Maadik, Barbara Bonner, Jack Spencer, Garrett Sarley, Jon Dietrich-Fuss & O'Neill, Derek Gentile-Berkshire Eagle, Shep Evans, Jim Scalise-SK Design, Tom Stokes, Attorney David Hellman, Naren Kelso-CTSB, and Jorja Marsden Mary Flynn came before the Selectmen to request that the Town, which owns land in front of her house, have top soil and then seeded. The Selectmen will talk with Clint regarding this issue. Deb opened the public hearing for John Kiley and Sandra Greenspan of 21 Glendale Road by reading the legal notice. The application is for the construction of a new garage. The property is located in the R-C zone. Application is made under 6.1. Mr. Kiley and Ms. Greenspan stated that they would like to rebuild their garage about 6' south of the present garage which would allow for them not to have the newly installed sewer pump in their view. Deb read the recommendation from the Planning Board. The Planning Board recommended approval provided that the new structure is not located withint the Lake and Pond Overlay. It has been determined by the Assessor's Office that the proposed garage will not be within 150' of the Housatonic River. An abutter, Sabina Vollmer sent a letter stating that she had no problem with the garage. It was noted that the second floor will be for storage. The Selectmen made the following findings: a. The application for the garage is in compliance with all provisions and requirements of this Bylaw, and in harmony with its general intent and purpose; b. is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare at the proposed location as it will help to block the view of the newly installed pump station; c. will not be detrimental to adjacent uses or to the established or future character of the neighborhood; d. will not create undue traffic congestion or unduly impair pedestrian safety; and e. 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. George made a motion to approve the application as presented. Cris seconded the motion. The vote to approve the application for a garage at 21 Glendale Road was unanimous. Deb opened the continuation of the Kripalu Special Permit. Attorney Hellman began his presentation by saying that representatives of Kripalu had heard the Selectmen and abutters at the previous meeting. The proposed addition to Kripalu has been altered so that the new structure will be 49 feet not 62 feet as originally planned. A slide show was presented showing the master plan of the property with the lowered building, the terraced parking areas, landscaping and lighting. Also concerns were raised regarding the lighting by Tom Stokes and Kripalu has added plantings that will help hide the illumination. The building color will be weathered wood. The master plan calls for the current structure to be reclad as the proposed new building, the steeple to be removed and more landscaping around the property especially as you travel along the driveway and in front of the building. Garrett Sarley, CEO, stated that he could not give a time line for the completion of the Master Plan as the project is depended upon income being generated as the project is undertaken. He also stated that the Plan would be taken one step at a time. Deb thanked the Kripalu team for reworking the plans and listening to the suggestions made by the Selectmen and the neighbors. Deb continued by saying that after speaking with Town Counsel and since the project had changed in height, the permitting process had changed. The applicant does not need to go before the ZBA as the height of the proposed new structure will be within our current zoning regulations. Attorney Hellman stated that Kripalu will go before the Planning Board on July 25 with the revised Plans. Tom Stokes, abutter, wrote a letter to the Selectmen which was read into the record. Mr. Stokes feels that the Planning Board and Conservation Commission should be heard prior to the Selectmen's decision regarding the special permit as their thoughts would be a benefit to everyone. The Selectmen stated that all their decisions are to be made after the Planning Board's recommendation, and subject to the Conservation Commission's review. Garret Sarley wrote a letter communicating how all the factors work together to culminate into the proposed new building. Deb read the letter into the records. Letters of support from Leigh Ellen Kay, Joyce Morrissey and Martin Messinger were read into the record. Berkshire Country Day School is supportive of Kripalu, Tom Stokes stated that Kripalu has answered his concerns regarding the lights. Jon Dietrich, Fuss and O'Neill, gave a traffic report. The traffic analysis concluded that the expansion of the Kripalu is expected to generate additional traffic of 41 vehicles during the weekday, 46 vehicles during the weekday evening, 21 vehicles during the Saturday midday; peak hour traffic volumes at intersections are expected to increase by 5 % or less as a result of this project; future year 2011 traffic operations for an average month are expected to remain at good level of service, with or without the proposed project; the additional traffic generated by the expansion is expected to have a minimal impact on off-site traffic operations along West Street or its intersections with Richmond Mountain Road or West Hawthorne Road. The rooms within the new building will be approximately 10 x 20 with private bathrooms. Anyone coming will choose a program to attend. No one comes without a program. Jack Spencer stated he was concerned about the future plans for the property and asked if there was any thought of a Conservation Restriction on the property. Attorney Hellman stated that possibly at some point they might consider a Conservation Restriction. George mentioned the lake front property consisting of approximately 35 areas would be a great Conservation Restriction. Tom Stokes stated that Kripalu has been an excellent neighbor, they have upgraded the neighborhood and asked if the steeple frame was painted it would be nice gesture. The architect stated that it would help with blending the façade, however it is marble and cannot be painted. Cris Irsfeld stated that he agreed with Tom Stokes, and made a motion to continue the hearing until August 21 so as to receive a recommendation from the Planning Board. A second was received from George. The vote to continue the hearing until August 21 was unanimous. Cris made a motion to adjourn at 9:03. A second was received from George. The vote to adjourn was unanimous. A true copy, ATTEST: July 11, 2006 Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Clinton Schneyer, Marshall White-White Engineering and Jorja Marsden. Police Chief Richard Wilcox, Elaine Markham-Accountant and Joe Kellogg-Owner's Project Manager arrived after the meeting with Mr. White. Marshall White came before the Selectmen to discuss the South Street Project and the added engineering costs. The Selectmen asked Marshall to put in writing what was done. Mass Highway had contacted the Selectmen saying that the plans were not done their standards. Elaine Markham came to inform the Selectmen that the Water and Sewer and Police Departments would need Reserve Fund transfers to pay unfunded balances for the end of FY06. Cris made a motion to fund the following deficits FY06 from Reserve Fund Transfers: Police-$2,210.00 Sewer-$11,521.00 Water- $1,900.00 George seconded the motion. The vote to fund the deficits for FY06 was unanimous. Discussion followed regarding the Swap Shop. The Talbot's Center is being misused. Items being left are broken and beyond repair. The people leaving the items don't want to pay to throw them in the compactor or demotion area. It was noted that someone was inside the Demolition dumpster taking items out and a contractor was trying to dump items. Confrontations have been happening on a regular basis. Police Chief Wilcox stated that it is a hazardous and unsafe area. People are arguing and fighting over items. The Chief felt that it should be closed. The Selectmen agreed and a sign will be put up saying "Due To Misuse The Talbot's Center Is Now Closed." George made a motion to appoint Jenny Burkhart to the Arts Lottery Council. Cris seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Joe Kellogg came before the Selectmen to ask them to vote to proceed with the construction of the Plain School Town Office Conversion Project. Cris made a motion to authorize to proceed with the Plain School Town Office Conversion Project. George seconded the motion. The vote to authorize to proceed with the project was unanimous. George made a motion to adjourn at 4:00 p.m. A second was received form Cris. The vote to adjourn was unanimous. A true copy, ATTEST: July 13, 2006 The Selectmen, Treasurer, Accountant, Principal Assessor, Town Administrator, Owner's Project Manager and the Town's Financial Advisor met with Standard and Poors, the Bonding Company in regard to the Plain School Town Office Conversion Project. July 20, 2006 Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Joe Kellogg, and Jorja Marsden Michael Stanton and Bruce Stringer joined the meeting after the Surplus Bid was opened. The bids for surplus property from the Plain School - tables with benches and the lift were opened. One bid was received from Douglas Goudey for the lift in the amount of $502.00. No bids were received for the tables with benches. Cris made a motion to accept the bid of Douglas Goudey for the lift. A second was made by George. The vote was unanimous. George made a motion to go into executive session regarding the Police Contract. A second was received by George. The vote to go into executive session was unanimous. George made a motion to go out of executive session. Cris seconded the motion. The motion to go out of executive session was unanimous. George made a motion to adjourn at 4:00 p.m. A second was received from Cris. The vote to adjourn was unanimous. A true copy, ATTEST: July 24, 2006 Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Pam Sandler, Ellen and Burt Downes, Derek Gentile-Berkshire Eagle, Bruce Kaden-CTSB, Jim Hunt-RLI and Jorja Marsden Deb opened the special permit hearing for Ellen and Burt Downes of 31 Interlaken Road by reading the legal notice which had been published in the Berkshire Eagle on July 3 and 10, 2006. The Downes wish to construct an addition of a screened porch to their home which would be 32 feet from the side lot line. The screened porch will measure approximately 14 by 17 5 ½ inches. Letters of support from the Mr. and Mrs. Alan Wallach and Dennis O'Brien were read into the record. The Planning Boards recommended approval of the application. Mr. Downes stated that his family has lived there since 1983 and that they wish to upgrade their home. 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; and b. is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare at the proposed location; and c. will not be detrimental to adjacent uses or to the established or future character of the neighborhood; and d. will not create undue traffic congestion or unduly impair pedestrian safety; and e. 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. George made a motion to approve the application for a screened-in porch. Cris seconded the motion. The vote to approve the application as presented was unanimous. Jim Hunt representing the Red Lion Inn came before the board with regard to four permanent signs. The proposed signs were for menus for the different locations of their restaurants. The Planning Board had reviewed the sign permits on July 11, at which time the Planning Board disapproved the applications, as the request was not in compliance with Section 6.8, Signs, of the Zoning Bylaws. The Selectmen told Mr. Hunt that the Zoning Bylaws allow only three signs affixed to the building, and if the Red Lion Inn wanted to go forward with the signs, they would have to make application to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Hunt told the Selectmen that the large sign in front had been refurbished and replaced in the same location. It is not a new sign or a change in location. Since the new sign (refurbished sign) was reinstalled questions had been raised. The Selectmen publicly thanked Austen Riggs for their generous donation in lieu of taxes in the amount of $15,000. Cris Irsfeld made a motion to send along four proposed housekeeping zoning bylaw changes to the Planning Board so that they could be placed on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on August 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Sportsmen's Club. The zoning changes are: amend 6.14 (a) by striking the word "or" therefrom and replacing it with the word "and"; add a new subsection 37 to Section 4.11.A - Adult Bookstore, adult motion picture theater, adult paraphernalia store, adult video store, establishment that displays live nudity for it s patrons, or other form of adult business as described in MGL c.40A, section 9A, subject to the requirements of Section 6.26 and to add a new Section 6.26; adding Body Art to the definitions and adding new subsection Section 38 to 4.11.A and adding Body Art Establishments; and amending the Lake and Pond Overlay District-6.5. George seconded the motion. The vote to recommend the housekeeping bylaws be sent to the Planning Board for hearings prior to the Special Town Meeting was unanimous. Deb announced the Plain School Town Office Conversion Project has begun. There will be no parking around the area for at least a year while the project is underway. George made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. A second was received from Cris. The motion to adjourn was unanimous. A true copy, ATTEST: July 27, 2006 Present: Deb McMenamy, Cris Irsfeld, George Shippey, Joe Kellogg, and Jorja Marsden Joe gave us a tour inside and outside of the Plain School.