Eammon Coughlin

The meeting commenced with the approval of previous minutes. Key discussions involved the town's finances, including general income, local receipts (notably $2M from rooms tax and excise tax), and 'free cash' options. The committee reviewed possible debt service plans and discussed aligning future budget cycles closer to actual expenditures, suggesting a review of the revenue forecast. Project updates covered the public safety building, which has an upcoming open house scheduled, wastewater project mobilization with potential scope increases due to favorable bids, and nearing completion of downtown construction. Paving progress was reported, anticipating fully funded projects via Chapter 90 funding. The committee discussed various articles for the special town meeting, including Article 4 regarding property owners and the historic committee's involvement, and Article 7 concerning the trade-in value and necessary repair cost ($29K) for a much-needed second ambulance. The meeting concluded with a review of other articles and new software, and the reaffirmation of current committee roles for the chair and clerk.

The meeting included a discussion regarding the Church on the Hill Cemetery application for $30,000 funding to address its deteriorating condition, which the Commission voted unanimously to support. Regarding the property at 51 Housatonic Street and the adjacent lot at 41 Housatonic Street, the Commission endorsed a plan to meet with the new owner to gather information, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the building. Progress on the minimum maintenance bylaw was reported, noting that the draft was shared with the Select Board members and Town Planner, with a goal to present the bylaw for a vote at the May 2026 town meeting. The historic building plaque program update covered tracking property transfers and resolving quality issues with recently installed plaques. An update on the Westinghouse Lights noted the need for the Town to develop a comprehensive refurbishment and maintenance plan. The Chair initiated contact with certain members to confirm their ongoing status, and support was given for the appointment of a new guest member.

The Planning Board meeting involved the endorsement of a revised ANR plan for 421 East Street, which modified Parcel A to revert a previously created property line to its former configuration in favor of an easement. A public hearing was held regarding proposed bylaw amendments for Fencing and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Key revisions discussed for the ADU bylaw included aligning definitions with state law by replacing 'single-family' with 'principal', removing extra parking requirements, specifying a lot size exception, and clarifying that pre-existing nonconforming structures can be converted to ADUs. The Board also clarified that fence height along street lines shall not exceed four feet. The Institutional Uses bylaw amendment was tabled until the Spring Town Meeting.

The meeting included a public hearing concerning an application by McGee Automotive Family, d/b/a BMW Lenox, Volkswagen Lenox, and Audi Lenox, seeking a Class I Dealership License to Sell New Motor Vehicles for premises located at 374-388 Pittsfield Road. The applicant's representative confirmed this was the final authorization required before commencing sales on 12/15. Following the close of the public hearing, the Board moved to approve the license application. An amendment was subsequently made to reflect the correct licensee name as "Sean and Michael Berkshires AV LLC". The Board offered well wishes and reminded the licensee about the necessity of processing a renewal application for 2026 operations at the next regular meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included announcements regarding the retirement of the Town Clerk, Carrie Sullivan, and the welcoming of the new Town Clerk, Paul Mattingly. Other announcements concerned upcoming holiday office hours and a Memorial Lighting event. The Board addressed a public hearing concerning National Grid's petition to excavate Cliffwood Street and Main Street to install underground electric conduits, which was approved with conditions regarding coordination with DPW. The Board ratified the Town Manager's appointment of Jonathan Yetto as Youth Program Manager. Additionally, the Board approved minor amendments to Exhibit C of the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative Intermunicipal Agreement. A review of an Open Meeting Law complaint regarding agenda posting for a previous meeting was conducted, and the Board approved the response.