Town of New Marlborough

The working group meeting focused on reviewing new layout plans for the transfer station and evaluating the Wilkinson proposal for associated work. Key discussion points included reviewing unspent FY25 and FY26 capital budgets allocated for design, roadway expansion, grading, and electrical improvements. The justification for the redesign, centered on improving safety, increasing capacity, encouraging recycling, and compliance readiness, was detailed. The proposed redesign involved creating a second access road, replacing bins with roll-off containers, and repositioning the swap shed. The group established several prerequisites for proceeding, including obtaining written approval from the lessor, Maurice Brazie, and securing approval from MADEP for work outside the capped area. Concerns were raised regarding increased plowing time under the new design, leading to a suggestion to budget for an independent contractor. The estimated cost for the primary redesign and roof installation was projected to be within the $129,000 already allocated from FY25-26 capital. Further potential capital projects for FY27 and beyond, such as purchasing a glass crusher and paving the station, were discussed without final allocation decisions.

The Planning Board reviewed general bylaw clarifications provided in a redline format by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC). Discussion centered on ensuring transparency regarding substantive changes and resequencing. Key sections debated included Section 3, specifically clarifying by-right versus special permits for agricultural uses like greenhouses and slaughterhouses; Section 4, which might require its own warrant due to substantive changes; and the definition of "Home Occupation." Further discussion addressed the "Special Use" designation and the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) by-law, noting required follow-up with Town Counsel regarding the Attorney General's response on parking and single-family definition. Actions included having BRPC highlight substantive changes, inviting the Building Inspector to a future meeting for review, and establishing a cadence for electronically sending multiple versions of the revised general by-laws in January.

The Board of Assessors meeting reviewed and signed the Fiscal Year 2027 Chapter Applications. There was no further business discussed.

Key discussions included a motion to carry over $5,000.00 in consultant funds for the Southfield National Register Historic District project, with the consultant to be contacted regarding project completion timeline. The signage for the New Marlborough militia mustering 250th anniversary was tabled pending further research and completion of an application. The Commission also discussed working on smaller bylaws concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and village district accessory dwellings, with plans to contact the Chairman of the Planning Board. Furthermore, the Commission discussed providing comments regarding the placement of Veterans monuments on the Village Green, ultimately voting not to provide comments.

The meeting included several agenda items concerning specific properties. For 0 Clayton Mill River Rd (Fainer), the Commission decided to issue a second letter and continue the item to the January meeting after failing to reach the property owner. Regarding 186 Knight Road (Haiss), a letter must be sent informing the owner of the January 15th meeting date and impending enforcement action. For 0 Hadsell St (Stinson), the Commission voted to issue an invalid Certificate of Compliance due to a lack of completed work. Discussion items included the efficacy and funding ($200) of hosting an educational webinar on WPA/agricultural land with David Cameron, and the necessity of posting a job announcement for a new conservation agent to allow time for training before the current Agent Summers' departure. The Commission also discussed the logistics of potentially sharing an agent with neighboring towns and reviewed correspondence, including the payment of MACC dues for FY 2027.