Selectboard Meeting - Apr. 28th, 2025

Agenda

1. Call to order
2. The Pledge of Allegiance
3. Budget update
4. Police cruiser update
5. Discuss bid for the generator
6. Review and or approve Berkshire Health Alliance contract
7. Review policy of banning dogs on town property
8. Review and or approve real estate exemption changes for Clauses 41D and 17D
9. Public comments
10. Adjourn

Minutes

Selectboard Meeting 4.28.25

Chair Robert Norcross opened the meeting at 5pm

Present were Selectboard members Dan Haskins, Colton Andrews, Lieutenant Mark Denault of MCLA, IT Specialist Jason Morin, Assessor Emily Schilling, Peter Gentile of Northern Berkshire Community Television and Tammy Daniels of iBerkshires.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The Town of Adams is having a meeting to discuss the possible purchase of the police cruisers this evening. The Town received an offer from MCLA & Cheshire. MCLA is ready
now. Adams will get back to the select board tomorrow. The Town of Adams is interested in both vehicles. MCLA is interested in one vehicle. Colton said if they don't have an answer
by 3pm tomorrow, he's ok with the MCLA offer. The board agreed to see what Adams says tomorrow & move forward.

The Tech contract ran out June of 2024. Ron produced a copy of the contract for the board to review. Colton motioned to approve the contract as written. Dan endorsed the contract
due to Morin being on top of previous issues. Jason agreed with the language of the contract. Robert second the motion, motion carried.

Assessor Emily Schilling asked the town to adopt exemption changes of the 41 D & 17D. Emily would like the board to consider lowering the age requirement to 65 instead of 70. If the 41 Dis adopted that allows the Assessor to change the annual income requirements on a yearly basis per the COLA, the State sets every year. Emily informed the board many seniors are collecting social security earlier. The state does reimburse $87.50 per $500 exemption. Dan would not like to lose income, and Robert is worried about losing money. Pittsfield and Great Barrington's age requirements are 65. Emily said if approved it would need to be adopted before July 1st. Colton would like more numbers. Emily asked what the board needed for more information. The people who have been applying in the past no longer qualify. Income & Assets need to be adjusted. It cannot  be lowered, only  ncreased and the information is on the State website. Emily informed the board there are state reimbursements for all exemptions issued. She explained the exemptions for Veterans, disabled, surviving spouses and the legally blind. Colton motioned to approve the exemption changes, Dan second, motion carried. The board will keep the required age of 70.

The budget is tight. Accountants Donna .and Paula are working on the numbers. The 2 lots sold at auction. Berkshire Health Alliance may be able to help with generators running 24-7 and garbage on properties. Ron talked with Brianna and put a line item in the budget for grant writing. The junk car ordinance is being rewritten with more fines.

Generator quote* reference the attached information. Colton motioned accept the for bid for generator, Dan second, motion carried.
Berkshire Health Alliance was asked by Norman Rolnicl< to reach out to the town regarding septic inspections, wells, private water supplies, food establishments, housing inspections, court time, public health nuisance complaints and online permitting. The contract is $8500 per year. Fines can be attached to the real estate tax. Dan thinks it's worth trying for a year. Colton motioned, Dan second, motion carried.
The board reviewed the policy on banning dogs on town property.* See attached.

Colton motioned to approve the policy, Dan second, motion carried. Ron is sending a copy of the school roof replacement contract with stipulations to the board. Tom Bona has been in contact with Wooliver. The board agreed to meet on the 6th about the budget and discuss the possible sale of
police cruisers. Robert motioned to adjourn at 5:33, Dan second, motion carried.

A TRUE MOTION ATTEST,
Rachelle Bleau
Administrative Assistant
SELECTBOARD