 Egremont News |
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Issue 13 |
January 2004 |
Welcome to the New Year!!!
If you are on our email list and you have changed your email address, please contact us with your new email address - tergremont@yahoo.com.
The total valuation for the town for FY 2004 is $295,216,860. FY 2003 was $236,184,549. There was about a 20% increase in our residential values. The total amount of money to be raised through taxes for FY 2004 $2,403,605.24. FY 2003 was $2,263,748. The tax rate for FY 2004 is $8.42. It was $9.36 for FY 2003. The average single family home value is $313,000, making the average tax bill about $2,635. For FY 2003 the average home was valued at $252,400 with the average tax bill being $2,360.
Egremont Planning Board:
The Planning Board and Selectboard are working with townspeople in reviewing our current bylaw for ambiguities and inconsistencies with state law and to reformat the bylaw in preparation for possible bylaw changes ahead.
Even though the intent is not to change the basic meaning of the bylaw, the very nature of clarifying inconsistencies and ambiguities means that the town must make some policy decisions in order to correct those problems. Under the guidance of the town's consultant, Jeanne Armstrong of LandUse Inc., five working teams have been formed to work on specific topics and make recommendations to the boards and consultant by the end of January. These teams, formed at the Community Forum on December 4, 2003, and the times they have decided to meet are as follows:
Team 1
Restructure existing bylaw in manner recommended by consultant, including changes to address any legal inconsistencies
Meetings in progress
Team 2
Discuss and make recommendations concerning Accessory Uses and Home-Based Businesses
Meeting December 17 at 10am- January 8, 15, 22 at 10am
Team 3
Discuss and make recommendations concerning Site Plan Review Procedures and Criteria for Special Permits
Meetings Jan. 5, 12, 19 at 3:00 PM
Team 4
Discuss and make recommendations concerning Driveways and Rear Lot Provisions
Meetings Jan. 6, 15, 22 at 7:00 PM
Team 5
Discuss and make recommendations concerning other unclear, incomplete or inconsistent details
Meetings Jan. 7, 14, 21 at 3:00 P.M.
Anyone wishing to join one or more of these groups is encouraged to contact the Town Hall at (413) 528-0812.
It is hoped that a new reformatted bylaw will be ready for town vote in the spring. The anticipated schedule leading to that is as follows:
January 27, 2003 Working groups will report their results and recommendations to a joint meeting of the Planning Board and Selectboard with consultant Jeanne Armstrong.
February 24, 2003 Community Forum to discuss results of bylaw recommendations and consultants work.
March/early April Public Hearings on bylaw proposals
April or later Special Town Meeting for bylaw proposals
The groups are currently working from suggested language in Bylaw Draft #3 from our consultants. This bylaw draft can be viewed on the town website at www.egremont-ma.gov. For more information, please call the town hall at (413) 528-0182.
So. Berkshire Regional School District
Dates to remember:
January 8 - 6PM - Full School Committee Finance Committee
January 15 - 7PM - Extended Finance Committee Meeting: Presentation of school budget
January 8, & 22, February 6 & 26 - 7PM - Full School Committee meeting
February 26 - School Budget hearing
March 11 - 7PM - School Budget adoption
Your attendance at the school budget meetings is strongly urged.
Water Department:
The Egremont Water Department has now completed the final phase of our water main replacement project. Approximately 3000 feet of new 4" main was installed along Route 23 East and a flush hydrant was installed at the end of this main. Water users along this new main will notice a significant increase in water pressure.
Finally, the water main on the Egremont-Sheffield Road has been extended by 100 feet and a new flush hydrant installed. This will enable the Water Department to flush this main on a regular basis which will increase the water quality along this line.
Please do not hesitate to call the Water Department at 644-9614 if you suspect any water leaks. Thank you.
Board of Health:
Congratulations Egremont! As of this writing (12/10/03) 108 homes and businesses in Egremont had their septic tanks pumped in 2003. This is the kind of thing that makes a Board of Health clerk very, very happy. Why? It means three things: 1) you’re out there listening 2) I should get out more 3) you care about the environment and care about the condition of your septic system.
Since I’ve got your undivided attention on the matter, here are some additional tips to prolong the life of your on-site septic systems:
·Pump regularly. Based on how much your system is actually being used it should be at least two – three years. But you’re already doing that!
·If you have a filter off the outlet of your tank, clean it annually.
·If you must have a water softener, make sure the discharge is not going into your septic system.
·Instead of using a garbage disposal try composting your kitchen scraps. It makes excellent (and free) fertilizer for your garden.
·Reduce the use of products with excessive bleach or antibacterials. These products kill the good bacteria living in your tank.
·Use liquid laundry detergent.
·Do not pour grease down your kitchen drain. Excessive grease can cause all kinds of nasty blockages. Pour grease into a coffee can and keep in refrigerator. When full, discard in the trash.
·Reduce your water consumption. Take less frequent and shorter showers. Don’t run the water when brushing your teeth. Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full. If you want a cool drink of water from the tap, don’t run it for long periods of time – keep a pitcher of water in the fridge.
·Think of innovative ways to reuse water. Before giving Spot the dog a new dish of water use the remainder to water your houseplants. Same with the stale water in the teakettle.
Thanks Egremont for all of your great efforts. If you have any questions or perhaps can add to this list of helpful tips give us a call.
Alford/Egremont Cultural Council:
Are you a local artist? Do you have a skill in either the visual arts or performing arts? Are you an organizer of an event that benefits local residents that would like a musical group to perform at your event? Are you a teacher that desires a storyteller to enrich your current curriculum? Then the Alford/Egremont Cultural Council may be able to assist you.
Each year the Alford/Egremont Cultural Council receives grant funding from its parent group the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) to assist cultural groups large and small and provide art programming on a local level. In the past the Alford/Egremont Cultural Council has assisted in scholarship programs to choral groups, residency programs for playwriting, acting workshops, musical performances, tickets for schoolchildren to attend museums among many other worthwhile events.
Here’s how it works: sometime in September, the Alford/Egremont Cultural Council finds out how much money the MCC has allocated. An artist or group submits an application (usually the deadline is October 15th) describing the cultural event or enrichment program they have to offer the community in the following calendar year. The members of the Alford/Egremont Cultural Council then meet in mid-November and review and vote on all the applications submitted.
Deciding who will receive grant funding and who won’t is a difficult process. Applicants are rated on the following basis: most direct local benefit to the community, how many people will be benefiting, most bang for the buck (funds are always limited), and whether the applicant has other sources of funding for the event.
It takes a certain amount of planning on the applicant’s part to create a program that will be looked favorably upon by the council. If you are a musical performer or storyteller, for example, don’t just state you’re available, but state where you will be performing and who is spearheading the event. In other words, have a specific venue already picked out. This way the council knows more about the event, who and how many will be benefitting.
The funds for 2004 have already been allocated but it is never too early to start thinking about 2005. If you have any questions please give council chairman Juliette Haas a call at 413/528-2028 or visit the very cool MCC website www.massculturalcouncil.org. Applications for 2005 can be downloaded from the website or will be available at Town Hall sometime in early September.
Treasurer\Collector:
Real estate and personal property tax bills
will be mailed for the 3rd & 4th quarter of
FY04 by January 1 ,2004. These are the actual
tax bills showing your property detail and assessment. Any questions or objections to your
assessment should be directed to the Assessor’s office. Third quarter payments are due by February 2, 2004.Please remember that the postmark is not accepted as timely. Payments received after the due date will accrue interest. As always, feedback is welcome and necessary for change, improvement or to just let us know how we are doing. Office hours 7-3, Monday - Friday.
Town Clerk:
Census forms will be mailed to you in early January ‘04. Please be sure that you fill it out and return as soon as possible. This ensures that you will maintain your active voter status in the very busy upcoming election year. If you have questions about your voter status or need information on obtaining an absentee ballot please contact the Town Clerk.
A blank form for a dog license is included in this newsletter for your convenience. If you use this form, please be sure ALL information is included, particularly current rabies vaccination information. When returning the form, YOU MUST INCLUDE PROOF OF RABIES, NEUTERING/SPAYING AND A SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. New licenses will be sent beginning mid-February.
French Park Fund, Inc.
Who We Are: We are a not for profit corporation under Mass. General Law, Section 501©), (3), with a board of directors comprised of Egremont residents, two French Park Committee members and the Select Board.
Our Mission: To raise money for the improvement, protection and maintenance of French Park.
Current Projects: More trails for hiking, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. Posted maps and history sign of French Park. Solid footing in the horse ring. Playground equipment for very young children.
How Can You Help: Contributions can be made in the form of a check and mailed to the treasurer of the Fund; Richard Goodkind, 164 Hillsdale Road, So. Egremont MA 02130.
Officers: President: Richard Allen
Treasurer: Richard Goodkind
Secretary: Stephen Schoenfeld
Members: Jennifer Brown
Susan Karp
Quorum Quandary:
Dear Fellow Citizen:
On September 15, 1999, we vote to change our quorum for town meetings from 50 to 60.
On December 1st, 2003 there was a Special Town Meeting to make important decisions, particularly about the Water Department.
At 7:00 there were exactly 34 people there —and none of the water users!
Only be a series of phone calls and even people going in a car to get some more were we able to get 60 people there by 7:50.
Where were you?
Should we reduce the number again?
How about a new year in which all of us does our bit to make our nice town even nicer by taking part in town affairs?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Harry and Bev Almond
Affordable Housing Committee:
The Selectmen have appointed an Affordable Housing Committee to explore ways to meet Egremont's housing needs. The goals of the committee are to assess housing needs in town and progress toward meeting those needs.
The state's affordable housing law, Chapter 40B, provides that towns should have at least 10% of their housing units be "affordable". If a town does not meet that test, a builder or developer can avoid most of the permitting process that would otherwise be applicable to new construction by building affordable units, often as part of a larger project. That occurs under something called a Comprehensive Permit procedure. However, if a town is making substantial progress toward providing affordable housing, Comprehensive Permit proposals are not allowed. Under state requirements, this is accomplished by having in place an Affordable Housing Plan acceptable to the state and by producing a small amount of affordable housing each year designed to gradually meet the 10% goal.
The committee is working on drafting an affordable housing plan to meet Egremont's housing needs in an orderly way compatible with the desires and interests of the town. With many in our population being priced out of the rising housing market, the committee hopes to address this housing need so that Egremont can remain a town of diverse interests and population.
Current members of the committee are Richard Allen, Chair; Vicki Jenssen; Mark Holmes; Grace Moyer; and Eileen Vining. Anyone interested in learning more or in joining the committee can call town hall at
(413) 528-0182.
BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE:
Assessors - Wednesdays 9am to 11am & Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm
Board of Health - Tuesday & Wednesday 9-noon & Thursdays 10am to 11am
Board of Selectmen - Tuesday evenings 7pm
Planning Board - Second & Fourth Monday 7:30pm
Archives Room - January 3 and February 7 9am -noon
Building Inspector - Tuesdays 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Town Clerk - Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm
Conservation Commission - Second and Fourth Thursdays 7:00pm
Waste Water Management - Third Tuesday 3:30pm
Water Department - Fourth Thursday 4:30pm
Did you Know?
You can take small quantities of sand from the town sand shed by the Town Hall. Buckets only please.
That there is a potluck dinner at the South Egremont Congregational Church on the 3rd Thursday of each month (October through May). This is a good way to meet the community. Those interested in joining should contact Evelyn Willcox at 528-3378.
Burning season begins Jan. 15 and ends May 1. Get a permit from the Fire Chief, Bill Turner 528-3464.
You can cross country ski on the trails in French Park.
The Lee Visiting Nurse comes to Town Hall the first Wednesday of every month for blood pressure checks from 11:30 to 12:30. All are welcome.
The FY 2003 Town Report book is printed and available at the Town Hall and Library.
You can obtain Tax Assessment and Property Record Field card information on the web. Log on to the CAMA Support site at www.csc-ma.us/Egremont. Go to the Public Access section. You can search on the property owner name or the location. Shortly you will be able to obtain Tax Maps there also. This will especially interest appraisers and real estate personnel.
The Town’s web site is up and running. Log on to www.egremont-ma.gov. We would love your feedback.
Reminders:
If you haven’t gotten your FY 2004 transfer station/recycling sticker you need to get it from Town Hall. The FY 2005 sticker will be available in July.
DOG LICENSE FORM
***********************************************
□ MALE $10.00
□ FEMALE $10.00
□ NEUTERED MALE $ 4.00
□ SPAYED FEMALE $ 4.00
Applicant Name: ______________________________
Mailing Address: _______________________________
_____________________________________________
Street Address: _________________________________
New: _________ Renewal: ___________
Phone No.: ______________________
Name of Dog: ________________________________
Breed of Dog: _________________________________
Color: ____________________ Age: ____________
Date Rabies Vaccination due: _____________________
***********************************************
Cut out and send to Town Clerk, P.O. Box 368, South Egremont MA 01258 with proof of rabies, neutering/spaying and self-addressed stamped envelope.
THE CHURCH
To some that little church is but a place
Where they on Sunday morn may go and spend
A quiet hour and hear with solemn face
The Word of God and thoughts some mortal penned.
They hear the organ’s vibrant music pour;
The choir repeat some fitting sacred lay,
Then pause for friendly greetings at the door
Before they start upon their homeward way.
They seldom look aloft to where the bell
Each Sunday morn flings out its welcome call.
To them that little church within the dell
Is but a place of worship – that is all.
I look beyond the dim, departed years
As from the vantage of some higher hill
And in the distant past a scene appears
Of those who reared it here with zeal and skill.
‘Twas they who hewed its massive timbers true.
‘Twas they who fitted brace and sill with care.
‘Twas from their labors that the building grew
And now can hold its steeple in the air.
If in forgotten graves they chance to rest,
Their sleep need not be stirred by discontent.
For this, the church to which they gave their best,
Shall ever be their living monument.
Its sturdy sides are painted still with white
To mark with purity the path they trod.
With steeple lifted upward through the night
It points the way to heav’n itself and God.
TOWN OF EGREMONT
P.O. BOX 368
SOUTH EGREMONT MA 01258
413-528-0182
tegremont@yahoo.com
Printed by Office Administrator Mary Brazie
as submitted by Town Departments.