Egremont public meetings in 2022

Select Board

The Select Board appointed new members to the Green Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board also approved a memorandum of understanding regarding police training hours. Discussions were held regarding grant applications and regional school district planning.

• Appointed Bonnie Greenwood to the Green Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Chuck Ogden as second alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved memorandum of understanding for Police Chief to fill training hours
• Accepted minutes of the December 13, 2022 meeting as edited
• Agreed to continue linking 8town.org in newsletter for school district press release

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved a Notice of Intent for tree removal at Karner Brook with specific planting and timing conditions. It also appointed a project monitor for 24 Lakeside Drive and requested more information regarding a septic system upgrade at 33 Mt. Washington Rd.

• Approved NOI for tree removal at Karner Brook bank area with conditions (frozen ground requirement and planting of 3 trees and shrubs)
• Appointed Al Thorpe as project monitor for 24 Lakeside Drive for two years
• Required two properties at 24 Lakeside Drive to be legally cojoined prior to issuing OOC
• Requested more information on septic removal process for Estate of Byrne at 33 Mt. Washington Rd.
• Approved previous meeting minutes as amended
• Determined structure at 7 Mill Rd. (50 Prospect Lake Rd.) can be removed without erosion controls

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the proposed budget request for FY2023-2024 to account for higher public engagement costs. Members reviewed and suggested edits to Comprehensive Plan survey questions. Several other agenda items were tabled.

• Approved proposed FY2023-2024 budget request (3-0)
• Tabled minutes
• Tabled structure definition
• Tabled junk car bylaw
• Tabled fence bylaw

Water Commission

The Board unanimously authorized Mary Brazie and Peg McDonough to research consultants, pricing, and funding for a Water Department Study. The Commission also agreed to send compliance notices to eight properties following a cross-connection survey.

• Authorized Mary Brazie and Peg McDonough to seek consultants and funding for Water Department Study (Unanimous)
• Approved signing and sending compliance notices to 8 properties for cross-connection survey violations
• Decided all Water Department correspondence will now be copied to the Selectboard

Transportation Committee

The Egremont Transportation Committee will meet to discuss updates on van service and drivers, a Taxi Grant, usage by Alford and Mount Washington, and a Regional Transportation Advisory Committee update. The meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2022, at 10:00 am, with in-person and Zoom options.

• Minutes of previous meeting
• Van/service/driver updates
• Taxi Grant update
• Alford and Mount Washington usage update
• Regional Transportation Advisory Committee update

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved an order for COVID-19 tests and PPE from the state program. The board also required a homeowner at 136 Egremont Plain Road to submit plans for a septic system upgrade. Discussion was held regarding a pending timber sale in Mt. Washington and its potential impact on the town water source.

• Approved order of 540 rapid home test kits, 1,000 KN95 masks, 40 boxes of nitrile gloves, 12 goggles, and 12 face shields (2-0)
• Required homeowner at 136 Egremont Plain Road to submit plans for a new 1500 two compartment tank, distribution box, and sewer inlet/outlet lines (2-0)
• Postponed adoption of December 1, 2022 meeting minutes

Select Board

The Select Board approved several 2023 liquor license renewals and the Municipal Vulnerability Program and Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Board also voted to allow both early voting by mail and in-person early voting for the May 2023 annual election.

• Approved updated Municipal Vulnerability Program and Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Approved 2023 liquor license renewals for South Egremont Spirit Shoppe, Egremont Village Inn LLC, John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant, North Egremont Counry Store Inc., The Old Mill, Catamount Ski Resort LLC, and Little Cat Lodge (unanimous)
• Voted to opt into early voting in person and not opt out of early voting by mail for May 2023 election (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of November 29 regular and all-boards meetings with minor edits

Egremont Historical Commission

The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 7, 2022 meeting. The remainder of the meeting consisted of discussions regarding the town's 250th anniversary, grant opportunities, and the Van Guilder Estate.

• Approved 11/7/22 minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved a Request for Determination Administration (RDA) for Greenagers to build two bridges on a tributary of Schenob Brook. Other public hearings were continued, and several site visits were scheduled for pending projects.

• Approved RDA for Greenagers to construct two bridges on Schenob Brook tributary (3-0)
• Continued public hearing for 24 Lakeside Drive
• Continued public hearing for Peter Barrett agricultural project at 40 Pumpkin Hollow Road

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the minutes from September 15 and October 12, 2022. Members discussed the Comprehensive Plan survey, junk car screening, and fence bylaw language. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved October 12, 2022 minutes (3-0)
• Approved September 15, 2022 minutes (3-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging approved the minutes from November 16, 2022. The board noted that the Select Board approved the Adult/Senior Playground, which is expected to be installed at French Park in spring 2023.

• Approved November 16, 2022 minutes
• Adult/Senior Playground approved by Select Board

Housing Committee

The committee approved the minutes from October 6 and November 9. Members discussed the potential use of chapter 40B for a property on Oxbow Road and infrastructure needs for the town hall property.

• Approved October 6 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 9 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Cemetery Commission

The Commission decided to proceed with additional clearing in the Western area of Hillside South Cemetery. Members intend to obtain bids for the Annual Town Warrant. The board is awaiting the resetting of the Ten Broeck monument.

• Accepted November 4, 2022 minutes
• Approved further clearing of Western area for Hillside South Cemetery
• Determined bids will be sought for the Annual Town Warrant

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved four Local Upgrade Approvals for a septic system at 56 Lakeside Drive. The board also approved an email to residents regarding COVID-19 boosters and testing for holiday gatherings.

• Approved minutes from November 17, 2022 meeting (2-0)
• Approved setback reduction from septic components to property line (2-0)
• Approved setback reduction to foundation of dwelling (2-0)
• Approved setback reduction to homeowner’s and abutter’s wells (2-0)
• Approved setback reduction to estimated seasonal high groundwater (2-0)
• Approved email encouraging COVID-19 boosters and home testing for holiday gatherings

Planning Board

The Planning Board finalized a structure definition to be forwarded to the Building Inspector. The board also scheduled two public workshops for the Egremont Vision 2035 Comprehensive Plan. Discussion on fences was tabled.

• Finalized structure definition and agreed to forward to Building Inspector
• Scheduled Egremont Vision 2035 public workshops for January 14 and March 11
• Tabled discussion on fences

Transportation Committee

The Egremont Transportation Committee will review minutes from the previous meeting, receive updates on van service and driver status, discuss a taxi grant, and hear reports on usage by Alford and Mount Washington as well as the Regional Transportation Committee.

• Van/service/driver updates
• Taxi Grant update
• Alford and Mount Washington usage update
• Regional Transportation Committee update

The Committee established a one-hour minimum pay for drivers and defined eligibility criteria for the use of Taxi Grant funding. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes
• Voted unanimously to pay drivers for a minimum of one hour
• Established criteria for Taxi Grant funding rides

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved Local Upgrade Approval requests for two voluntary septic system upgrades. The board also received a food inspection report and reviewed COVID-19 positivity rates for the state and county.

• Adopted November 3, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved two-foot reduction to estimated seasonal high groundwater for 101 Hillsdale Road (3-0)
• Approved two-foot reduction to estimated seasonal high groundwater for 33 Mt. Washington Road (3-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging approved the minutes from October 26, 2022. The board coordinated logistics for upcoming holiday luncheons and parties and assigned board member duties for activities.

• Approved October 26, 2022 minutes
• Scheduled Holiday Party luncheon for December 7, 2022
• Scheduled COA Holiday Party for December 18, 2022
• Assigned Cory Hines to Programs
• Assigned Donna Bersch to Computer Web Page
• Assigned Georgette Kinney to Food pick-up and distribution
• Assigned Pamela Knowles to Special Activities
• Assigned Peg Muskrat to Administrative duties

Bylaw Review Committee

The Committee approved modifications to several bylaws regarding the Highway Superintendent's application processing and Select Board permit timelines. It also updated specific technical requirements for driveways and culverts. One bylaw was sent back for redrafting.

• Adopted minutes from 11/9/22 (unanimous)
• Tabled former Bylaw 17.1.4 for redrafting by Steve Goodman
• Modified Bylaw 17.1.5 regarding Highway Superintendent application processing
• Modified Bylaw 17.1.6 requiring Select Board permit action within 15 days
• Modified Bylaw 17.1.7.1 regarding State DPW Manual compliance
• Modified Bylaw 17.1.7.2 regarding driveway location and alignment
• Adopted Bylaw 17.1.7.3 without change regarding driveway limits
• Modified Bylaw 17.1.7.4 restricting driveways within 100 feet of intersections

Select Board

The Select Board signed a contract for a new fire truck and approved several grants and fees. The board also denied a request to reinstate vacation time for a returning employee and recessed a tax classification hearing.

• Signed contract for new fire truck without pre-payment option (unanimous)
• Adopted $50 fee for unacceptable mattresses (unanimous)
• Approved $9,368 payment to Construct for resident rent assistance
• Approved Board of Health grant application for PFAS well testing (unanimous)
• Approved press release for French Park Forest Stewardship Grant (unanimous)
• Denied request to reinstate 10 vacation days for employee Carm Guarda (Brazie abstained)
• Rejected private sponsorships for Dog Park signage
• Recessed Tax Classification hearing to November 29, 2022

Conservation Commission

The Commission scheduled public hearings for December 8 regarding footbridges and tree work at 2 Sheffield Rd. The board reviewed building permit sign-offs and site visit requirements for various properties. No formal votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Scheduled December 8 hearing for Elia Del Molina (Greenagers) RDA for footbridges
• Scheduled December 8 hearing for Nellie Wilson (Butternut Tree and Land Care) NOI for tree work at 2 Sheffield Rd
• Reviewed Form 2 sign-off for building permit at 127 Mt. Washington Rd
• Conducted site visit to 56 Lakeside Drive for demolition permit sign-off
• Referred mailbox placement at 17 Mt. Washington Rd to Jim Noe

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved minutes from September 15 and October 12. The Town was awarded a $30K grant from the State of Massachusetts’ “One Stop for Growth” Program for zoning work, which will be matched by ARPA funds for a total of $60K. The board discussed the definition of 'structure' for setback rules and tabled a vote on the Junk and Junk Vehicles Bylaw.

• Approved September 15 and October 12 minutes (4-0)
• Accepted $30K grant from “One Stop for Growth” Program for zoning work
• Tabled vote on Junk and Junk Vehicles Bylaw

Bylaw Review Committee

The Committee updated the structure and wording of bylaws regarding driveway permits and applications. A proposal to exclude agricultural access roads from the definition of a driveway was rejected.

• Adopted minutes from 10/6/22 (unanimous)
• Rejected amendment to exclude agricultural access roads from 'Driveway' definition (3-1)
• Resolved to combine Bylaws 17.1.3 (Permits) and 17.1.4 (Application) into one section (unanimous)
• Modified former Bylaw 17.1.4.1 regarding written application requirements for driveway construction
• Modified former Bylaw 17.1.4.2 regarding descriptions of encroachment on the right of way
• Adopted former Bylaw 17.1.4.3 without change regarding traffic effect descriptions

Housing Committee

The committee appointed representatives to the Comprehensive Plan Update and Open Space and Recreational Plan advisory committees. Members also received information on a federal housing rehabilitation program and discussed potential development sites.

• Appointed Judi Goodman to Comprehensive Plan Update Advisory Committee
• Appointed Elizabeth Keen to Open Space and Recreational Plan Advisory Committee
• Appointed Mark Holmes as alternate for both advisory committees
• Scheduled next meeting for December 5 at 5:00

French Park Dog Park Committee

The committee approved the September 19, 2022, meeting minutes. Members agreed to raise $360 by January 1 to cover cleanup service costs and discussed potential corporate sponsorship banners, pending town approval.

• Approved September 19, 2022 minutes
• Agreed to raise $360 by January 1 for cleanup service payments
• Appointed Robert Kronenberg to lead social media donation campaign
• Agreed to reduce meeting frequency to every 10-12 weeks

Planning Board

The Joint Committee met to discuss survey questions and the upcoming public workshop on Vision and Goals. The meeting focused on key issues regarding open space, culture, housing, mobility, and land use. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the provided text.

Egremont Historical Commission

The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 3, 2022, meeting. The session primarily consisted of discussions regarding grant opportunities, the Van Guilder Estate, and potential efforts to protect the Congregational Church via a demolition delay bylaw.

• Approved 10/3/22 minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The committee met to discuss survey questions and the upcoming public workshop on Vision and Goals. The meeting focused on key issues regarding land use, open space, housing, and mobility. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded.

Board of Health

The Board approved a groundwater reduction for a voluntary septic upgrade at 29 Warner Road. A hearing was scheduled for December 1st to address several local upgrade requests for a project at 56 Lakeside Drive. The Board also reviewed COVID-19 positivity rates and recent field inspections.

• Approved minutes from October 20, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Approved 2-foot reduction to estimated seasonal high groundwater for 29 Warner Road (3-0)
• Scheduled hearing for December 1st regarding setback reductions for 56 Lakeside Drive

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the minutes from July 27 and August 10, 2022. Discussions regarding a junk vehicles bylaw and a Watershed Protection Overlay District were tabled for future meetings.

• Approved August 10, 2022 minutes (3-0)
• Approved July 27, 2022 minutes (3-0)
• Tabled vote on Junk and Junk Vehicles Bylaw
• Tabled discussion of Watershed Protection Overlay District

Bylaw Review Committee

The Committee approved specific revisions to Bylaw 17 regarding public ways and driveway permits. The Committee also authorized the submission of its annual report and established a process for finalizing bylaws for Select Board review.

• Adopted 9/28/22 meeting minutes
• Authorized Chairwoman MM to revise and submit the Committee's annual report
• Renamed Bylaw 17 to 'Access to Public Ways' and renumbered its subsections
• Revised definition of 'Driveway' in Section 17.1.1.2
• Revised Section 17.1.3 to require Select Board permits for vehicular access or driveway alterations

Select Board

The Select Board reviewed draft articles for a Special Town Meeting, including funding for a fire truck, web administrator, and water plant management. The Board also accepted the resignations of two Water Commissioners.

• Reviewed draft warrant for November 14 Special Town Meeting
• Agreed to omit report from Regional School District Planning Board
• Proposed article to authorize exploration of Water Plant management options and $250,000 for technical support
• Proposed article to raise $96,000 additional funds for new fire truck
• Proposed article to raise $29,450 for Web Administrator
• Accepted resignations of Water Commissioners Poly Lanoue and Ray Palmucci

Green Committee

The committee decided that the "November 30 Tips to Save Energy/Save Money This Heating Season" project will focus specifically on heat saving information. Plans were established to distribute these tips via email, a one-page flyer, and the January Town newsletter.

• Approved October 4, 2022, minutes (unanimous)
• Determined November project focus will be heat saving information
• Agreed to distribute 30 tips via email and a one-page flyer
• Approved placement of flyers at South Egremont post office and North Egremont General Store

Transportation Committee

The Egremont Transportation Committee will meet to discuss a van loaner, service/driver updates, and a taxi grant update. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

Transportation Committee

The committee will review minutes from the previous meeting and receive updates on the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee. Discussion includes the Microtransit Program, service/driver updates, and a BRTA van loan.

• Regional Transportation Advisory Committee report
• Microtransit Program updates
• BRTA Van on loan update
• Taxi Grant update

Transportation Committee

The committee will review minutes from the previous meeting and discuss Regional Transportation Advisory Committee membership. The agenda also includes updates regarding BRTA van loans, taxi grants, and driver services.

• Regional Transportation Advisory Committee membership
• Service/Driver updates
• BRTA Van on loan
• Taxi Grant update

Transportation Committee

The committee will review previous minutes and discuss regional transportation advisory membership. The agenda includes updates on driver services, van deliveries, and taxi grants.

• Regional Transportation Advisory Committee member discussion
• DOT number requirement
• Service/driver updates
• Van delivery update
• Taxi grant update

Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee is meeting to discuss a request from Monterey to join the Egremont Transportation program. The body will also review updates regarding van delivery and service drivers.

• Monterey request to join Egremont Transportation program
• Van delivery update
• Service/driver update
• Regional Transportation Advisory Committee member

Transportation Committee

The committee will discuss updates regarding the Microtransit Pilot Program, including service, drivers, van deliveries, and taxi grants. The meeting also includes discussion of a request from Monterey to join the Egremont program and inter-municipal agreements for Alford and Mount Washington.

• Microtransit Pilot Program updates
• Monterey request to join Egremont Transportation program
• Inter-municipal Agreements for FY 23: Alford and Mount Washington
• Van delivery update
• Taxi Grant update

Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee is meeting to discuss regional transportation advisory and service demands. The body will review micro-transit and the feasibility of sharing transportation resources with other towns.

• Discussion with Tate Coleman regarding Regional Transportation Advisory Committee
• Review of micro-transit and service demands
• Feasibility of shared transportation resources with other towns
• School transportation issues

Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee will meet to discuss service demands and the feasibility of sharing transportation resources with other towns. The agenda includes reviews of inter-municipal agreements with Alford and Mount Washington.

• Micro-transit and service demands
• Inter-municipal Agreements with Alford and Mount Washington
• Van delivery update
• Taxi Grant update
• Regional Transportation Advisory Committee report from Tate Coleman