Egremont meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Egremont boards weigh $1.03M culvert grant, PFAS treatment, housing plans

Over the past two weeks, Egremont town boards met on agendas that included a $1.03 million MassDOT culvert grant for Blunt Road, a contract to treat PFAS at Town Hall, and several housing and environmental projects. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published, so no votes are recorded.

Select Board

The Select Board met on Aug. 12 and Aug. 18. On Aug. 12, the board discussed a temporary permit for a conforming sign at Buttonball Barn and web administration. On Aug. 18, the board was scheduled to interview firefighter candidate Alexander Scarbro, consider appointing Bruce Mallory as alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and award a contract for PFAS treatment at Town Hall. The board also received updates on a $1,030,000 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction and a $7,000 MA DCR C-SIP grant for Karner Ridge invasives and bird habitat.

Housing and Planning

The Housing Trust met Aug. 11 to review a $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant for site preparation, contracted with CDCofSB, and a Seasonal Communities grant with Brett Roberts (BRPC). The board also discussed a workforce project with CDCofSB. The Housing Trust Fund balance is $100.00; the short-term rental impact fee balance is $323.66.

The Planning Board met Aug. 13 to finalize site plan review fees for publication and a special permit fee change, following Massachusetts legislative action. They also received an update on an EOHLC Seasonal Community grant application, the short-term rental general bylaw, and next priorities including agritourism, solar and battery storage, and demolition delay. Old business included the Ox Bow Housing Development (R. Allen) and a common driveway application (White).

Environment and Water

The Green Committee met Aug. 11 to discuss a possible screening of the film "Plastic Detox" at The Barn, planning for the Oct. 10 Materials Collection Event (needing 6-7 volunteers), a microplastics survey related to the Berkshire Regional Planning Council initiative, and outreach on recyclable cups.

The Conservation Commission met Aug. 13 to hear several Wetlands Protection Act matters, including an enforcement order for a violation at Mom's/Harmony Market (continued from 7/30), a Request for Determination of Applicability from David Allard for deck construction at 34 Lakeside Drive within 200 feet of Prospect Lake (continued from 8/30), a tree removal request at 107 Jug End Road within a 100-foot buffer of an intermittent stream, a Notice of Intent for a single-family home at 0 Greenwood Circle (DEP #153-245), and a bank stabilization request at Prospect Lake.

The Water Commission met Aug. 12 to discuss a dogs-at-work policy, past-due water accounts and shut-off notices, the Karner Brook Dam Rehab Alternatives Analysis, and the Mount Washington Road water line replacement.

The Board of Health met Aug. 20 to review food permit renewal changes, a hand-washing sink update at Harmony Market, the contract and timeline for installing a PFAS treatment unit at Town Hall, the hiring status of a new administrator, and a Title 5 septic review at 52 Sheffield Road.

Coming up

• **Select Board** – Aug. 24, closed litigation strategy session, Web Administration contract, and next meeting set for Aug. 31 at 10:00 AM.
• **Southern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee** – Aug. 25, EMPG grant update, regional shelter update, Berkshire Regional Emergency Communications Center discussion, and ICS 300 training Oct. 13–15 in Lenox.
• **Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee** – Sept. 3 (virtual), votes on USDA, EPA, and HUD grant applications, and ratification of staff comments on MassDEP Waterways Regulations (310 CMR 9.00).

Housing Trust Approves Minutes; Boards Discuss Grants, Permits, and Infrastructure

The Egremont Municipal Housing Trust made the only formal decision in the past two weeks, unanimously approving corrected minutes from its July 20 meeting. Meanwhile, several boards met to discuss grants, permits, and infrastructure projects, with no other votes recorded. Most meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published.

Housing Trust

The Housing Trust approved corrected minutes from July 20, amending wording to reflect that only a majority of the board supported recommending an ad hoc working group on short-term rental monitoring. The vote was unanimous. The board also scheduled a follow-up meeting for August 11. At that later meeting, the board reviewed a $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant for site preparation (awarded and contracted with CDCofSB), discussed a Seasonal Communities grant with Brett Roberts of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and received updates on a workforce project. The Housing Trust Fund balance was reported at $100.00, and the short-term rental impact fee balance at $323.66.

Select Board

The Select Board met twice. On August 3, the agenda included an interview and possible appointment of Firefighter Allexander Scarbro, discussion of burial permit digitization, and review of a $1,030,000 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road and a $7,000 MA DCR C-SIP grant for Karner Ridge invasives/birds habitat. The board also noted the resignation of Police Officer Joe Kozlowski. On August 12, the board discussed a temporary permit for a conforming sign at Buttonball Barn and web administration matters. No votes were recorded at either meeting.

Other Boards

• **Community Preservation Committee** (Aug 5): Considered a proposed CPA application form, payment of dues to the Community Preservation Coalition, and timelines for the Community Preservation Plan.
• **Board of Health** (Aug 6): Reviewed food permit renewal changes for Jazu Stine, discussed bids for a Town Hall PFAS treatment unit, and received septic system field work results: 10 Baldwin Hill South (fail), 138 Hillsdale Road (fail), and 18 Hilltop (pass). Also discussed a Harmony Market hand-washing sink update and a microplastics survey.
• **Historical Commission** (Aug 6): Discussed Jug End demolition, preservation demolition delay, Community Preservation Act priorities, and archive digitization.
• **Berkshire Regional Planning Commission** (Aug 6): Executive committee agenda included votes on a contract with Berkshire Community College, policy revisions, and FY27 pay ranges. No results published.
• **Cemetery Commission** (Aug 7): Discussed repairs to Revolutionary War Veterans Monuments, Hillside Cemetery expansion, mapping of Town House and Riverside Cemeteries, and marking boundaries at Hillside Cemetery.
• **Green Committee** (Aug 11): Discussed a possible screening of the film 'Plastic Detox' at The Barn, planning for the October 10 Materials Collection Event (needing 6-7 volunteers), and a microplastics survey.
• **Water Commission** (Aug 12): Discussed a dogs-at-work policy, past-due water accounts and shut-off notices, Karner Brook Dam rehabilitation study, and water line replacement on Mount Washington Road.
• **Conservation Commission** (Aug 13): Held public hearings on an enforcement order at Mom's/Harmony Market, an RDA for deck construction at 34 Lakeside Drive, an RDA for tree removal at 107 Jug End Rd, a Notice of Intent for a single-family home at 0 Greenwood Circle, and an RDA for bank stabilization at Prospect Lake.
• **Planning Board** (Aug 13): Discussed finalizing site plan review fees, a special permit fee change, updates on an EOHLC Seasonal Community grant application, short-term rental bylaw, and next priorities including agritourism, solar and battery storage, and demolition delay. Old business included the Ox Bow Housing Development and a common driveway application.

Coming up

• **Select Board** – August 18, 2026: Interview of Firefighter Alexander Scarbro, award of PFAS treatment contract, grant updates ($1,030,000 MassDOT culvert grant, $7,000 DCR C-SIP grant), and possible appointment of Bruce Mallory as alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• **Board of Health** – August 20, 2026: Review of PFAS treatment unit contract and timeline, food permit renewals, Harmony Market hand-washing sink update, hiring status of new administrator, and Title 5 septic review at 52 Sheffield Road.

Egremont boards weigh $1M culvert grant, school placements, and housing funds

Over the past two weeks, several Egremont boards and committees met to consider grants, school placements, and infrastructure projects. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no final decisions are available. The agendas, however, show significant items under discussion, including a $1.03 million state grant for a culvert replacement and a vote to place five pre-kindergarten students out of district.

Select Board

The Select Board met on August 3. Its agenda included an interview and possible appointment of Firefighter Allexander Scarbro, a discussion of digitizing burial permits, and a review of two grants: a MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road in the amount of $1,030,000, and a MA DCR C-SIP grant of $7,000 for Karner Ridge invasives and bird habitat. The board also noted the resignation of Police Officer Joe Kozlowski.

School Committee

The Southern Berkshire Regional School District School Committee held two meetings on July 29. The first was a workshop on ethics and open meeting law, facilitated by MASC Field Director Liz Lafond and District Counsel Joshua Coleman. The second was a regular meeting that included a vote to approve out-of-district placement for five pre-kindergarten students, a review of a proposal from Education Finance Services, LLC, approval of warrants and grants, budget transfers, and an executive session on personnel matters.

Housing Trust and Conservation

The Egremont Municipal Housing Trust met on August 3 to review project updates and grants. Items included a One Stop for Growth grant of $100,000 for site preparation, the Seasonal Communities grant with Brett Roberts of BRPC, the CDCofSB workforce project, Community Preservation Act updates, and fund balances of $100.00 for the Housing Trust Fund and $323.66 for the short-term rental impact fee.

The Conservation Commission met on July 30 for public hearings on a WPA enforcement order at Mom’s/Harmony Market and a request for a Determination of Applicability from David Allard for a new deck at 34 Lakeside Dr. The commission also scheduled site visits for a violation notice at 27 White’s Hill Rd. and the Mom’s/Harmony Market enforcement order, and conducted an OSRP review.

Health, Planning, and Other Boards

The Board of Health met on August 6 to review food permit renewal changes for Jazu Stine, consider bids for a Town Hall PFAS treatment unit (with an installer recommendation to the Select Board), and receive updates on a hand washing sink at Harmony Market and a portable toilet request. Septic system field work results were reported for three properties: 10 Baldwin Hill South (fail), 138 Hillsdale Road (fail), and 18 Hilltop (pass). The board also heard an update on the Alliance Microplastics Initiative survey.

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Executive Committee met virtually on August 6 to vote on several contracts and policies, including a contract with Berkshire Community College for the Northern Berkshire Education Sustainability Study, revised internal policies, authorization for the Executive Director to enter into FY27 intergovernmental agreements, disposal of surplus inventory, and updated FY27 pay ranges for administrative positions.

The Community Preservation Committee met on August 5 to discuss a proposed CPA application form, payment of dues to the Community Preservation Coalition, timelines for the Community Preservation Plan, and criteria for reviewing fund applications.

The Egremont Historical Commission met on August 6 to discuss Jug End demolition, preservation demolition delays, Community Preservation Act priorities, archive digitization, and citizen applications for CPA funds.

The Cemetery Commission met on August 7 to discuss repairs to Revolutionary War Veterans Monuments, expansion of Hillside Cemetery, mapping of Town House and Riverside Cemeteries, and marking boundaries at Hillside Cemetery.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Egremont Boards Grapple With Housing Grants, Culvert Funding, and Short-Term Rentals

Egremont's town boards spent late July reviewing major funding items and policy questions, but because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, outcomes cannot be confirmed. Agendas show the Select Board was scheduled to acknowledge a $1,030,000 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction, and the Municipal Housing Trust was set to review a $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant for site preparation.

Housing Trust Reviews $100,000 Grant and Short-Term Rental Studies

The Egremont Municipal Housing Trust met July 20 to consider a $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant for site preparation, contracted with CDCofSB. The agenda also included discussion of a short-term rental bylaw and possible hiring of three entities: Barrett Panning Group for housing strategies, Granicus for a short-term rental tracking program, and the Donohue Institute to study short-term rentals. The agenda listed the Housing Trust Fund balance at $100.00 and the short-term rental impact fee balance at $323.66.

Select Board: Liquor License Hearing, Police Vacancy, Culvert Grant

The Select Board met July 21 with a public hearing on Prospect Operating LLC, doing business as The Prospect, seeking to change its license type and alter its licensed premises at 50 Prospect Lake Road. The agenda also listed a possible appointment to fill a Police Department vacancy, discussion of pedestrian and traffic safety on Blunt Road, and a request from Police Officer Max Kolb to use town property for firearms certification. The agenda included the $1,030,000 FY'27 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction.

Planning Board: Site Plan Fees and Ox Bow Housing Development

The Planning Board met July 22 to finalize site plan review fee tiers and special permit fees. Old business included the Ox Bow Housing Development and a Common Driveway Application. The board was also scheduled to receive updates on the EOHLC Seasonal Community grant application and the short-term rental general bylaw from the Housing Trust's July 20 meeting.

Board of Health: PFAS Treatment and Fall Flu Clinic

The Board of Health met July 23 to adopt July 9 minutes and discuss public health concerns including cyclospora, wildfire smoke, and drought. The agenda included an installation update for a PFAS treatment unit at Town Hall and a fall flu clinic scheduled for September 30, 2026, at Town Hall. The board also planned to review Alliance Microplastics Initiative survey results and a septic plan.

Conservation Commission: Public Hearings on WPA Violation and Deck

The Conservation Commission met July 30 for public hearings on an enforcement order for a WPA violation at Mom's/Harmony Market and a Request for Determination of Applicability from David Allard for new deck construction at 34 Lakeside Dr. Site visit scheduling was listed for 27 White's Hill Road and Mom's/Harmony Market.

School Committee: Workshops and Out-of-District Placements

The Southern Berkshire Regional School District School Committee held three sessions. A July 23 workshop focused on governance training facilitated by MASC, with recognition of Bonnie Silver for 14 years of service. A July 29 workshop covered ethics and Open Meeting Law. A second July 29 meeting included a scheduled vote on out-of-district placement for five pre-kindergarten students, review of a proposal from Education Finance Services, LLC, warrant approvals, budget transfers, and an executive session on personnel matters.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Municipal Housing Trust:** Review of the $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant, Seasonal Communities grant with Brett Roberts of BRPC, and CDCofSB workforce project.
• **Aug. 3 — Select Board:** Interview and possible appointment of Firefighter Allexander Scarbro; discussion of burial permit digitization; review of the $1,030,000 MassDOT culvert grant and a $7,000 MA DCR C-SIP grant for Karner Ridge invasives and bird habitat; resignation of Police Officer Joe Kozlowski.
• **Aug. 5 — Community Preservation Committee:** New CPA application form, Coalition dues payment, and Community Preservation Plan timeline.
• **Aug. 6 — Board of Health:** Food permit renewal changes for Jazu Stine, PFAS treatment unit bids, and septic field work results for 10 Baldwin Hill South (fail), 138 Hillsdale Road (fail), and 18 Hilltop (pass).
• **Aug. 6 — Historical Commission:** Jug End demolition, preservation demolition delay, and CPA priorities.
• **Aug. 6 — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (virtual):** Votes on a Berkshire Community College contract, revised internal policies, FY27 intergovernmental agreements, surplus disposal, and updated pay ranges.

Egremont Meeting Roundup: Dog Park Committee Raises Waste Removal Fee; Boards Grapple With Housing, Infrastructure, and Public Health

The French Park Dog Park Committee approved a $25 increase in quarterly waste removal payments and ordered new warning signs at the park entrance, the only town body with finalized minutes from the past two weeks. Most other Egremont boards met or are scheduled to meet on agendas that remain unpublished as official minutes.

French Park Dog Park Committee — July 7

The committee voted to increase the quarterly payment to Joe Schneider for waste removal from $250 to $275. Members also approved hanging "enter at your own risk" and aggressive behavior warning signs on entrance gates following a recent security incident. The committee agreed to research potential new playgroup themes and gather user input, and approved minutes from the March 11, 2026 meeting. These are the only items confirmed as decided from official minutes in this period.

Select Board — July 13 and July 14

The Select Board held an executive session on July 13, closed to the public, to take action on an employee grievance under state personnel-matters law. No other business was scheduled.

On July 14, the board's published agenda listed a CDC Housing Project mortgage approval, a Chapter 61A release of right of first refusal for McLaughlin on Town House Hill Road and Burdsall on Baldwin Hill, and a possible appointment to fill a Police Department vacancy. Grant items on the agenda included a $7,000 MA DCR C-SIP grant for Karner Ridge invasives and bird habitat, and a FY'27 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant of $1,030,000 for Blunt Road construction. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Water Commission — July 8

The commission's agenda included an update on past-due water user accounts and shut-off notices, the Karner Brook Dam Rehab Alternatives Analysis, water line replacement on Mount Washington Road, and plant issues including a retaining wall, tank cover alarm, and sand filters. Grants listed were for an Asset Management Plan, Green Communities insulation, Dam Engineering, Water Resiliency, and a pending driveway culvert replacement. Minutes are not yet published.

Conservation Commission — July 9

A public hearing was scheduled on a Request for Determination of Applicability from Paul Curnin for tree removal at 19 Mill Rd affecting Prospect Lake. The agenda also included an enforcement order for a Wetlands Protection Act violation at Mom's/Harmony Market, requests to approve Town waivers of First Refusal Right for Chapter 61 removals on Town House Hill Road and Baldwin Hill South, and scheduling site visits for a 27 White's Hill Rd violation notice and the Curnin RDA. Minutes are not yet published.

Other Boards and Committees

The Board of Health (July 9) agenda listed an update on Town Hall PFAS treatment unit installers, recent food inspections, the Alliance Microplastics Initiative survey, and septic plan review. The Cemetery Commission (July 10) was scheduled to discuss repairing Revolutionary War veterans' monuments, Hillside Cemetery expansion, and mapping of Town House and Riverside Cemeteries. The Planning Board (July 10) agenda included a Chapter 61A release for McLaughlin & Burdsall, a fee update for Site Plan Review tiers and Special Permits, an EOHLC Seasonal Community grant application update, and old business on the Ox Bow Housing Development and a Common Driveway Application. The Green Committee (July 14) discussed recycling costs, a food waste film event, an October 10 Materials Collection Event, and a microplastics survey with the Berkshire Regional Planning Council. The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (July 16) was scheduled to vote on a revised FY27 budget and elect officers. The Historical Commission (July 16) agenda included Mount Washington Road repair, Jug End demolition, and the Demolition Delay By-Law. The Finance Committee (July 16) was scheduled to consider FY 2026 transfers from the Reserve Fund and interdepartmental transfers. None of these meetings have published minutes.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Municipal Housing Trust:** Consideration of a $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant for site preparation contracted with CDCofSB, plus short-term rental bylaw discussion and possible hiring of Barrett Panning Group, Granicus, and the Donohue Institute. The Housing Trust Fund balance is listed at $100.00 and the short-term rental impact fee balance at $323.66.
• **July 21 — Select Board:** Public hearing on Prospect Operating LLC (DBA The Prospect) application to change license type and alter licensed premises at 50 Prospect Lake Road; also police vacancy, Blunt Road pedestrian safety, and the awarded $1,030,000 FY'27 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction.
• **July 22 — Planning Board:** Finalize Site Plan Review fee tiers and Special Permit fees; updates on the EOHLC Seasonal Community grant, short-term rental bylaw, Ox Bow Housing Development, and Common Driveway Application.
• **July 23 — Board of Health:** PFAS treatment unit installation update, Alliance Microplastics Initiative survey results, and announcement of a fall flu clinic on September 30, 2026 at Town Hall.

Egremont roundup: Planning Board OKs Greenagers gala permit; Special Town Meeting agenda includes school budget, short-term rental rules

The most consequential decisions made in Egremont over the past two weeks came from the Planning Board, which unanimously approved an annual renewable special permit for a Greenagers, Inc. fundraiser, and from the Finance Committee, which unanimously reappointed two members. Several other boards met or are scheduled to meet on topics ranging from short-term rental regulations to a $1 million culvert grant.

Planning Board approves Greenagers gala permit

On June 30, the Planning Board granted an Annual Renewable Special Permit to Greenagers, Inc. for a yearly ticketed fundraiser at 62 N. Undermountain Rd. The vote was unanimous. The board limited the event to one per year, held on the second Friday of August, with maximum attendance capped at 250 people including guests and vendors.

Finance Committee reappoints two members

The Finance Committee Appointing Committee met June 29 and unanimously reappointed Dan Blitzer and Darya Geeter to the Finance Committee. According to the minutes, Blitzer's term is three years and Geeter's original appointment was for a one-year term to fill a vacancy.

Special Town Meeting agenda includes school budget and short-term rental bylaws

The Select Board's June 29 agenda lists several articles for the Special Town Meeting, though minutes have not yet been published and outcomes are not confirmed. The agenda included:

• Article 1: Appropriation of $2,317,397 for the Southern Berkshire Regional School District.
• Article 2: Transfer of $40,000 from Overlay Surplus for grant matches.
• Article 3: New short-term rental zoning definition, parking requirements, and use standards.
• Article 4: Adoption of General Bylaw 24, which would set registration fees of $400 initial and $300 annual, a 150-night rental cap, and a 10% cap on registered properties. The bylaw would also restrict new short-term rental registrations to Egremont residents only after the effective date.

The Housing Trust and Planning Board also met June 29 concurrently with the Special Town Meeting, but their agendas listed no specific discussion items beyond running in parallel with the town meeting.

Select Board agenda: Blunt Road safety, culvert grant, appointments

A separate Select Board agenda from June 30 listed several items for discussion, with minutes not yet published:

• Residents of Blunt and Ridge Roads requested a traffic safety discussion.
• Appointment of Melanie Vicneiri as part-time Council on Aging Administrative Assistant.
• Consideration of a $1,000,000 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction.
• Review of a preliminary $515,000 estimate for Karner Dam rehabilitation and a well drilling alternative.
• An interview for a Fire Responder/EMT position.

Water Commission reviews Karner Brook Dam alternatives

On July 8, the Water Commission's agenda included a Karner Brook Dam rehabilitation alternatives analysis, updates on past-due water accounts and shut-off notices, water line replacement on Mount Washington Road, and several grants including an Asset Management Plan, Green Communities insulation, Dam Engineering, and Water Resiliency. Minutes have not been published.

Conservation Commission schedules public hearing on tree removal

The Conservation Commission's July 9 agenda included a public hearing on a Request for Determination of Applicability from Paul Curnin for tree removal at 19 Mill Rd affecting Prospect Lake. The agenda also listed an enforcement order for a Wetlands Protection Act violation at Mom's/Harmony Market, and requests to approve Town waivers of First Refusal Right for Chapter 61 forest land removals on Town House Hill Rd and Baldwin Hill South. Minutes are not yet available.

Other meetings

• The Community Preservation Committee (July 1) discussed timelines for public information sessions and CPA fund application criteria. Minutes not published.
• The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee (July 2) was scheduled to vote on FY27 pay ranges, surplus inventory disposal, and comments on an OMB proposed rule affecting 2 CFR. Minutes not published.
• The French Park Dog Park Committee (July 7) discussed allocating $3,200 raised for a small dog area, including a sally port, waste station, and signage. Minutes not published.
• The Board of Health (July 9) was scheduled to receive an update on Town Hall PFAS treatment unit installation and review recent food inspections. Minutes not published.
• The Cemetery Commission (July 10) discussed repairing Revolutionary War veterans' monuments and Hillside Cemetery expansion. Minutes not published.
• The Planning Board (July 10) had a Chapter 61A release for McLaughlin & Burdsall and a fee update for Site Plan Review tiers and Special Permits on its agenda. Minutes not published.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Select Board:** Executive session on an employee grievance. No other business scheduled.
• **July 14 — Green Committee:** Discussion of recycling costs, a microplastics survey with the Berkshire Regional Planning Council, and an October 10 materials collection event.
• **July 14 — Select Board:** Agenda includes a CDC housing project mortgage approval, a Chapter 61A release of right of first refusal for McLaughlin and Burdsall properties, a possible police department appointment, a $7,000 MA DCR C-SIP grant for Karner Ridge habitat, and a $1,030,000 FY'27 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction.
• **July 16 — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission:** Vote on revised FY27 budget and election of officers, with Senator Paul Mark scheduled to appear.
• **July 21 — Select Board:** Public hearing on Prospect Operating LLC (DBA The Prospect) application to change license type and alter licensed premises at 50 Prospect Lake Road.

Egremont roundup: Special Town Meeting weighs school budget, short-term rental rules; Finance Committee reappoints two

Egremont's June 29 Special Town Meeting brought the town's biggest pending decisions to a head — a $2,317,397 school district appropriation, a $40,000 grant match transfer, and proposed short-term rental regulations — though official minutes confirming the outcomes have not yet been published. The only confirmed decision this period came from the Finance Committee Appointing Committee, which unanimously reappointed Dan Blitzer and Darya Geeter to the Finance Committee.

Special Town Meeting (June 29)

The Select Board's agenda for the Special Town Meeting listed four warrant articles:

• **Article 1:** Appropriation of $2,317,397 for the Southern Berkshire Regional School District.
• **Article 2:** Transfer of $40,000 from Overlay Surplus for grant matches.
• **Article 3:** Zoning bylaw amendments defining short-term rentals, with parking requirements and use standards.
• **Article 4:** Adoption of General Bylaw 24, establishing registration fees of $400 initial and $300 annual, a 150-night annual rental cap, and a 10% cap on registered properties. The bylaw would restrict new short-term rental registrations to Egremont residents only after its effective date.

Because minutes have not been published, the vote results on these articles are not yet available.

Finance Committee reappointments (June 29)

The Finance Committee Appointing Committee reappointed Dan Blitzer and Darya Geeter to the Finance Committee by unanimous vote. Blitzer's term is three years; Geeter's original appointment was a one-year term to fill a vacancy.

Housing Trust: $100,000 grant and short-term rental fees (June 23)

The Egremont Municipal Housing Trust agenda included a $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant award for site preparation, contracted with CDC of Southern Berkshire. The board also planned to discuss the CDC of Southern Berkshire workforce housing project, the short-term rental bylaw ahead of the June 29 town meeting, and Community Preservation Act and Seasonal Communities grant matters. The trust fund balance was listed at $100, with short-term rental impact fees of $19,736.57.

Water Commission: Karner Brook Dam and infrastructure (June 23)

The Water Commission agenda covered alternatives for rehabilitating the Karner Brook Dam, updates on past-due water accounts and shut-off notices, and grant-funded projects including asset management, dam engineering, and water resiliency. Plant issues listed included a retaining wall, a tank cover alarm, and sand filters, plus water line replacement on Mount Washington Road.

Select Board: Blunt Road safety and culvert grant (June 30)

The Select Board agenda included a resident request for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements on Blunt and Ridge Roads, an interview for a Fire Responder/EMT position, and appointment of Melanie Vicneiri as part-time Council on Aging Administrative Assistant. The board also planned to consider a $1,000,000 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction and review a preliminary $515,000 estimate for Karner Dam rehabilitation and a well drilling alternative.

Other meetings

• **Southern Berkshire Regional School District (June 22):** FY26 and FY27 budget updates, FY27 contract and E&D assistance proposal, and the 2026-27 finance schedule. Agenda only.
• **Southern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee (June 23):** Butternut Fire after-action review, regional shelter update, and a hazard vulnerability assessment for Fairview Rural Health Clinic. Agenda only.
• **Board of Health (June 25):** PFAS treatment unit installation updates at Town Hall, recreational camp and food inspections, and septic work at 20 Sheffield Road and 113 Egremont Plain Road. Agenda only.
• **Conservation Commission (June 25):** New fee structure for concomitant filings, plus site visits for the Ogilvie Wet Meadow Management Plan, 27 White's Hill Rd. possible violation, Karner Ridge (Friedman) tract stewardship, and Curnin 19 Mill Rd. storm damage. Agenda only.
• **Planning Board (June 30):** Public hearing on a special permit application from Greenagers, Inc. for a recurring annual fundraising gala at 62 N. Undermountain Road on the second Friday of August. Agenda only.
• **Community Preservation Committee (July 1):** CPA fund application criteria and public information session planning. Agenda only.
• **Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee (July 2):** Votes scheduled on FY27 pay ranges, surplus inventory disposal, and comments on a proposed OMB rule affecting 2 CFR. Agenda only.

Coming up

• **July 7 — French Park Dog Park Committee:** Discussion of allocating $3,200 raised for a small dog area, sally port and waste station installation, and reimbursements for signage.
• **July 8 — Water Commission:** Karner Brook Dam rehab alternatives analysis, past-due accounts, and grant updates.
• **July 9 — Conservation Commission:** Public hearing on a tree removal request at 19 Mill Rd. affecting Prospect Lake, an enforcement order for a Wetlands Protection Act violation at Mom's/Harmony Market, and Chapter 61 first-refusal waivers for Town House Hill Rd. and Baldwin Hill South.

Finance Committee Reappointments Mark Quiet Week as Special Town Meeting Weighs Big Bylaw Changes

Dan Blitzer and Darya Geeter were reappointed unanimously to the Egremont Finance Committee on June 29, the lone formal vote reported this week amid a flurry of board discussions on housing grants, dam repairs, and the much-anticipated special town meeting warrant.

The Appointing Committee’s vote gave Blitzer a fresh three-year term and extended Geeter’s tenure for one year to complete a vacancy. It was the only decided item among more than a dozen recent meetings reviewed by the town clerk.

Special Town Meeting targets short-term rentals, school budget

Voters convened on June 29 to act on four articles that could reshape local regulation and spending. Article 1 sought $2,317,397 for the Southern Berkshire Regional School District’s budget. Article 2 proposed transferring $40,000 from the Overlay Surplus into a grant-match fund. Articles 3 and 4 introduced a new short-term rental framework: zoning amendments, a general bylaw establishing registration fees of $400 initially and $300 annually, a 150-night annual cap, a 10-percent ceiling on registered properties, and a restriction that only Egremont residents may register new short-term rentals after the effective date. Official results were not yet available from the town meeting minutes.

Housing Trust lands $100,000 state grant

The Egremont Municipal Housing Trust board reported being awarded a $100,000 One Stop for Growth grant for site preparation, under contract with the CDC of Southern Berkshire. Trustees also discussed workforce housing project updates, a short-term rental bylaw ahead of the special town meeting, and Community Preservation Act and Seasonal Communities grant activity. The trust’s fund balance stood at $100, with $19,736.57 in short-term rental impact fees.

Water, roads, and dam costs in focus

Select Board and Water Commission agendas highlighted significant infrastructure needs. The Select Board considered a $1,000,000 MassDOT Community Culvert Grant for Blunt Road construction and a preliminary $515,000 estimate for Karner Brook Dam rehabilitation. The Water Commission reviewed dam rehab alternatives, past-due water accounts, shut-off notices, and a suite of grants for asset management, dam engineering, and water resiliency. A water line replacement on Mount Washington Road and plant repairs—including a retaining wall and tank cover alarm—were also on the table.

Other meeting highlights

• The Select Board held a closed executive session to act on an employee grievance. No details were released.
• Planning Board opened a public hearing on a special permit for Greenagers, Inc., which seeks an annual fundraising gala at 62 N. Undermountain Road every second Friday in August.
• The Southern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee reviewed lessons from the Butternut Fire and updated regional shelter plans.
• The Board of Health discussed PFAS treatment unit installation at Town Hall, septic work at two properties, and recreational camp inspections.
• Conservation Commission members conducted site visits for wet meadow management, possible violations, and storm damage assessment.
• The Finance Committee reviewed the special town meeting warrant and fiscal 2026 budget transfers earlier in the week.
• The Community Preservation Committee began outlining its CPA fund application process for the coming cycle.

Coming up

The French Park Dog Park Committee meets July 7 to allocate $3,200 raised by Small Dog Play participants toward a sally port, waste station, and signage, and to discuss a gratuity increase for volunteer waste collector Joe Schneider. The Water Commission reconvenes July 8 to continue the Karner Brook Dam rehab alternatives analysis and to address past-due accounts and infrastructure grants.