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January 26, 2004

	Present: Cris Irsfeld, Deb McMenamy, George Shippey, Mike Kulig-White Engineering, Attorney Philip Heller, John James, Architect, Chester Douglas, Jeremy Clowe-CTSB and Jorja-Ann Marsden.

Cris opened the meeting with the reading of the legal notice for the Joy Douglas special permit which was submitted by Attorney Philip Heller.  The Douglass’ wish to alter a dwelling by constructing a 30’x35’ second floor on an existing, nonconforming dwelling.  The footprint will not change.  The property and structure are pre-existing and nonconforming as to lot size, frontage and setbacks. The property is in an R-2 zone.  Application is made under 6.1.2.  

Attorney Philip Heller stated that the building height will increase from 23’5” high to 32’4”high.  The total habitable area of the residence with the addition, plus the existing cottage will be 6,058 square feet.  The ratio of combined floor area of the building will be 12%, below the 20% allowed pursuant to section 5.5, footnote (h).

Mr. James, architect stated that the addition was for a master suite.  There is a full walkout basement and would accept the second floor.  The 10x10 deck off the master suite will be within the existing footprint.  

Mike Kulig of White Engineering stated the Conservation Commission has issued an Order of Conditions and that the work would be within 150 feet of wetlands, hay bales will be places around the work area.  There will be no tree removal.

George Shippey made a motion to recommend approval of the application under section 6.5 - Lake and Pond Overlay District, to the Planning Board.   A second was made by Deb.  The vote was unanimous.

The Selectmen voted to continue the hearing until February  9, so as to receive a recommendation from the Planning Board.

Carl Sprague, Chairman of the Historic Preservation Task Force came to ask about mailing a questionnaire to Town voters.     The Selectmen had voted to send letters to Linda Jackson, Chairman of the Stockbridge Historical Commission,  Alexandra Lee, AIA Western MA (architects) and Sandy Carol, Berkshire County Board of Realtors to ask for possible volunteers to create a Local Historic District Committee in Stockbridge.  As of this date, the Selectmen had only heard from the Local Historic Committee about volunteers.  It was thought that the Historic Preservation Task Force could be a subcommittee of the Historic District Committee.  The group would like to have a proposal before the Selectmen, Planning Board and hold a public hearing – all completed prior to Town Meeting so as to have the proposal on the warrant for May.  The Historic Preservation Task Force may suggest several sections of Town become Historic Districts and possibly some bylaw changes.  Cris gave a brief description of what has been happening with the tearing down of homes and the building of large homes on the property.  He continued by saying an article in the New York Times recently stated that people were moving to the Berkshires to build homes as there is so much culture around us.

	Deb McMenamy made a motion to create a Historic District Study Committee under MGL 40C.  A second was received from George.  The vote was unanimous.

	George read a letter stating the Police Department has been awarded $12,000.00 through the State funded Community Policing Grant Program.  Deb read a thank you letter from Barbara Allen, Curator of the Historical Room located at the Library.

	Also announced was the implementation of voice mail for the Police Department. However, it was emphasized that if there is an emergency that you should still call 911.

	Deb mentioned that she had seen Martin Terrien this past weekend and he sends his regards.

	Deb made a motion to adjourn at 7:40.  A second was received from George.  The vote to adjourn was unanimous.  

     						A true copy, ATTEST: