 Egremont News |
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Issue 19 |
January, 2005 |
Welcome to the new year. We hope you had a great holiday season.
The 2004 Annual Town Reports are printed and have been distributed. You may pick up a copy at the Town Hall, the North Egremont Post Office or the Library.
Town Elections:
Our Annual Town Election will be May 10, 2005. Normally the polls are open from 10am to 7pm. For State and Federal Elections the polls are open from 7am to 8pm. Do you feel the Town election should be open the same hours as a State and Federal election? This would cost about $300 more.
Only registered voters of the Town may vote at an election.
If you are unable to get to the polls to vote you can request, in writing, an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk’s Office. Request must be received by 12:00noon the day before the election.
Town Meetings:
Our Annual Town Meeting will be May 3, 2005.
Special Town Meetings are called for special purposes at any time during the year.
Town Meetings cannot begin until there is a quorum of 60 people present and voters at a Town Meeting must be registered voters of the Town.
Actions taken at Town Meetings affect your taxes, what you can do on your property, and how you live in Egremont. It is imperative that if you want a say in Town Government that you attend these meetings.
Articles are placed on the warrant by either the Select Board, some other Town Department, requirement under State Law, or by citizen petition.
A citizen petition seeking to place an article before Town Meeting must have 10 signatures for the Annual Town Meeting and at least 100 signatures for a Special Town Meeting.
An article on a Town Meeting Warrant simply brings up the subject matter and must state the intent of the vote. Articles may be amended at the meeting either by Town Officials or a registered voter in attendance at the meeting.
Registered voters must be present at a Town Meeting in order to vote on an article on the Warrant. There are no absentee ballots for Town Meetings.
Treasurer\Collector:
Due dates - 8/1, 11/1, 2/1, 5/2 - There is no grace period. Payments received after the above dates are subject to interest. Payments received after May 2 are subject to additional penalties. It costs valuable time and money to issue reminders, warnings, and extra bills.
Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills - The tax rate is set and your actual tax bill is being prepared. Please check it over carefully - information on your tax bill comes from the Assessing Office. If you disagree with your assessment or find an error, please contact the Board of Assessors immediately.
Note: When using bill pay through your bank, leave plenty of time for your payment to reach the tax office. Having your bank send out payment the day it is due will make it late. You must allow at least 5 business days for your check to reach us.
Thanks to all who responded to the E-File survey. I hope to have the product up and running for the May 1 billing.
EXTENDED HOURS FOR TAX COLLECTIONS — The Tax Collectors Office will be open - Saturday, 1/29/05 - 8am to 11am and Tuesday 2/1/05 - 7am to 6pm for your convenience.
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.
Assessors:
We have put together all the information gathered for the 3 years recertification of real and personal property values and have submitted this information to Department of Revenue authorities for final approval.
This approval was just recently received and a 2005 tax rate of $8.16 per thousand of assessed value will be reflected in the tax bills to be mailed before the year end for the third and last quarters of this fiscal year.
Council on Aging:
Senior Citizens: During the cold winter months, would you, or another isolated member of your member of your family, like a short daily phone call to check on your safety? The Council on Aging members will provide this service if desired. Please call 528-3488 or 528-3397 so that the process can be arranged. The assurance of a daily contact during possible stormy weather can be helpful to peace of mind. Let us know if we can help you.
Caregivers often find themselves with a lot of stress, and various problems. If this applies to you, please be aware that at the Claire Teague Sr. Center Gt. Barrington a support group for senior caregivers meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1:00p.m.. If you need some assistance, try to attend a meeting and find out just how much help and information is out there! Help is available in many different forms.
Town Clerk:
You will be receiving your “05 Census Form in the mail shortly after January 1, 2005. Your timely response to this ensures that you maintain your status as an active voter. You may mail the form back in the envelope provided or you may leave it at the Town Hall or the Library. If you do not receive a form by January 20 please contact the Town Hall and one will be mailed to you.
Enclosed with this newsletter is a form for ‘05 Dog Licenses. You must included proof of rabies vaccination with the license application. Please also included a stamped self-addressed envelope. New licenses will be mailed out after February 15.
Egremont Planning Board:
Update on Cellular Communications:
Recently there has been discussion in town concerning getting better cellular reception. Some statements have been made that our telecommunications bylaw is preventing cellular companies from coming to Egremont. The Planning Board would like to update you on what we’ve learned to date about this.
Egremont’s telecommunications bylaw designates a specific location, at the Catamount Ski Area, where a telecommunications tower can be situated with a Special Permit from the Planning Board. This location was chosen based on technical studies showing that most of the town could receive coverage with a tower located in that area. The current bylaw allows for placement of a cellular tower where there are no nearby residences, so that concerns for impact on homes, residents and scenic resources would be minimized.
A representative of a cellular tower company recently told townspeople that technology has changed since the time our bylaw was passed and that it may require multiple tower locations in town in order to cover the entire area. The town is being encouraged by cellular companies to adopt a new bylaw which would allow locations anywhere in town after an approval process.
For the past several months, the Planning Board has been seeking out cellular companies in order to encourage better cellular communications in Egremont and to assess the interest of companies in coming to Egremont at this time. To date, no companies have responded that it is timely for them to locate in Egremont. General feedback to the board has been that there are other more densely populated areas where companies are focusing their attention now and that Egremont will be considered after these other more populated areas are served. We have been told that planning for specific tower locations in Egremont is not feasible until a network is built in these other more populated areas.
We will continue to look into this matter in order to prepare for improved cellular communications to come to Egremont in the future. Any change in our bylaw will take a 2/3 vote at town meeting, so all townspeople will have the opportunity to participate in any planning for cellular tower locations in Egremont.
Wastewater Management Committee:
The engineering firm Weston & Sampson, of Glastonbury, Connecticut has been chosen by the Wastewater Management Committee (WMC) to perform preliminary treatment discharge site exploration for the proposed South Egremont wastewater treatment facility. The results from the site exploration work will be represented to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for their approval, as they are the state permitting agency.
The site in South Egremont village that is being explored is the ground beneath the parking lot at Kenver, Ltd. Mind you, this is just to see if the DEP will grant preliminary approval. The committee has chosen to explore this site because, as everyone knows, finances at this time are extremely limited to fund this project, and keeping all components of the proposed sewer centralized will keep total project costs as low as possible. Lower total project costs mean lower fees for the users.
The key factors in gaining DEP approval for this site are: are the soils adequate for a leach field that will handle daily flows from approximately 75 homes and businesses and will proper stream setbacks be maintained. Keep in mind if this is to be the chosen discharge site for a South Egremont sewer this will basically be just a large leach field – completely underground and unobtrusive.
The winter weather that is now upon us will determine when these studies will be performed. As soon as Weston & Sampson have garnered their results and as soon as the DEP has made their ruling those results will be reported in this column.
Also, The Town of Egremont on behalf of the WMC has submitted another application to USDA Rural Development for federal grant assistance for the proposed South Egremont wastewater treatment facility as the state household medium income figures have been adjusted. The project and the town are once again grant eligible based on Egremont household medium income that is $6,000 below state levels. So keep your fingers crossed for generous support from Washington. Grant funding could be anywhere from 25 – 75% of total project costs.
Garden Club:
The members of the Egremont Garden Club were very busy in the month of December. The lighting of the tree on the village green was planned for the beginning of the month. The baskets on the bridge were decorated with greens and colorful red bows.
On December 4, members met at the Fire House to make wreaths for town buildings. The wreaths, with large red bows, were delivered to the North and South Egremont Post Offices, the church, library, school and fire house. Additional wreaths were made for sale.
During the following week, workshops were held to make fresh greens arrangements such as lighted table top boxwood trees, and decorated baskets and vases. Everyone baked cookies, breads, and other goodies to be packaged and wrapped from sale at the Holiday in Egremont sale in the Library.
The sale on December 11 was the last activity for the garden club, which takes a break until its first meeting in April. However, during the winter, our new president, Grace Moyer and her committees will be busy at work planning activities for the next year. Until then, all the members of the garden club wish you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.
Members:
Gertrude Burdsall, Priscilla Burdsall, Sally Caldwell, Janie Carasik, Betty Chidsey, Shirley Clapp, Bonnie Frye, Robin Goldberg, Juliette Haas, Carol Ide, Geraldine Lawrence, Bonnie Lewis, Connie Logan, Mimi Longyear, Grace Moyer, Anne Murphy, Peggy Muskrat, Gloria Nicolai, Bea Noble, Amy Olmsted, Mathew Olmsted, Dorrie Ornstil, Pam Peacock, Thelma Reeves, Nancy Sanders, Colleen Simo, Vera Thyberg, Colette Vanderveer, Beth Wilson, Barbara Wright, Phyllis Zucco.
Mass. Emergency Management:
Holiday/Winter Safety Tips:
Exercise Caution with Holiday Lighting such as candles;
Use only properly tested tree trimmings;
Use only flame retardent or noncombustible decorations;
Keep your Christmas Tree fresh;
Inspect you fireplace/wood stove chimneys;
Use only approved/tested wood stoves and make sure installation conforms with fire codes;
Use portable and space heaters cautiously;
Cook with care;
Always have a designated driver at parties;
Always buckle up while driving and pay attention;
Purchase a weather radio/monitor local weather reports.
Purchasing Electricity for the Next Generation:
Be part of the solution for one of the most pressing problems of the 21st Century.
The United States makes up only 4.6% of the world’s population, yet uses over 25% of Earth’s resources and is responsible for 25% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
These greenhouse gases are the driving force behind climate change, and are also responsible for a wide array of damaging environmental and health effects. Because pollution is not restrained by geographical boundaries, these harmful effects are global.
In this country, electricity generated from fossil fuels produces more pollution than any other single industry. Just as our disproportionate use of this product has negative consequences, so may acting responsibly have positive affects. The most efficient way to do this is to support the production of electricity from non-polluting local renewable resources combined with using less electricity overall. By taking one simple step, you can now “Green-Up” your electricity. In doing so, you will reduce your impact on the environment, increase national security, create local jobs and reduce health problems.
If you are a Massachusetts Electric customer, you can now “Green-Up” your electricity by choosing Greener Watts New England. Greener Watts supports electricity from wind, low impact hydropower, solar and biomass—all in New England, and all from responsibly sited facilities. Greener Watts New England is an offering from the Center For Ecological Technology (CET), a community based non-profit organization with a 28-year commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency. By “Greening-Up”, you will increase demand for electricity generated from renewable, clean, local sources and at the same time send a message to state and federal representatives that this is an important issue.
For a few pennies a day, join thousands of people committed to supporting electricity from clean sources. Your Greener Watts New England charge will appear on your monthly Massachusetts Electric Company bill. Most exciting, thanks to some new matching programs, when you choose Greener Watts New England, you are also investing in your town’s renewable energy future. Here’s how:
Ø30% of your Greener Watts New England payment will be matched by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) through June 30,2005. These grant funds can be used for a variety of clean energy projects including solar lighting, a solar photovoltaic system, clean energy educational materials or building analyses and improvements.
Ø$50 bonus payment per Green-Up participant for towns that achieve 3% participation to be used for clean energy projects. Great Barrington has already exceeded 3% participation. Among those with at least 2% are Egremont, Monterey, Sheffield, and Williamstown.
Ø$5,000 award by CET toward a solar electric system to 4 towns throughout western Massachusetts with the highest percentage of Greener Watts New England enrollment. CET is sponsoring this “friendly” competition through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to promote solar energy through public education and demonstration projects.
In choosing green electricity you will be helping to protect the Earth and all the life that this planet supports, for our children, and for future generations. Sign up today by visiting http://www.GreenerWattsNewEngland.com. To learn more, contact me at 800-238-1221 ext 17 or email: raya@cetonline.org
Raya Ariella
Waste Management & Renewable Energy
Specialist
Center for Ecological Technology
112 Elm St
Pittsfield, MA. 01201
Egremont Civic Association:
Mission Statement
The objective of the Egremont Civic Association is to improve communication between and among the eligible taxpayers and voters of the Town of Egremont, the elected and appointed officials who are responsible for the governmental activities of the Town of Egremont.
Founded in June of 2001 with some 30 members, our goals are to:
1. Promote greater citizen’s participation in Town government throughout the year.
2. Scrutinize cost of Town government on a weekly or monthly basis.
3. Through networking, gather information from other towns as to how they function effectively and at a lesser cost than Egremont.
4. Try to find ways to safely speed up and optimize the permitting process of the planning and conservation boards etc.
5. We have established an Emergency Shelter available to all residents and those who pass through Egremont in the event of a natural or man made disaster.
The Shelter is located in the South Egremont First Congregational Church on 34 Main Street in South Egremont next to the South Egremont Fire Station.
The Shelter is equipped with a large auxiliary generator for heat, lights and refrigeration. The shelter is equipped with blankets, sleeping bags, food and water for 30 to 50 persons.
Currently the Association is holding educational public forums to see if we can help speed up the acquisition of cellular service and high speed internet/DSL service for our towns people. These forums, set up by member David Campbell, are already starting to bear fruit. North Egremont will have some DSL service in the first quarter of 2005, according to Verizon’s spokesperson.
We will be working to try to change the zoning bylaws affecting cellular sites and the siting of the small DSL sheds to hold the electronic equipment needed for DSL transmissions.
All Egremont residents, taxpayers and renters are eligible and invited to join the Egremont Civic Association. To help defray costs, the requested membership fee of is $10.00 per year. Payment may be made to the Egremont Civic Association, P.O. Box 518, South Egremont MA 01258.
To facilitate communications between us, we would appreciate receiving your mail address or e-mail address sent to the address above. Thank you.
Evelyn Willcox - 528-3378
Sue Trag - 528-4799
David Campbell - 528-2364
Bill Weigle - 528-2816
Board meeting schedule:
Subject to change.
Archives Room - First Saturday 9-noon
Assessors - Wednesdays 9am to 11am & Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm
Board of Health - Monday by appointment, Tuesday 11am to 3pm, Wednesday 10am to 12noon, Thursday 10am to 12noon
Board of Selectmen - Meetings Tuesday evenings 7pm. Office 7:30am to 3pm.
Building Inspector - Tuesday 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Conservation Commission - Second and Fourth Thursdays 7:00pm
Finance Committee - Wednesday 7pm as needed.
Library - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 2-6pm &
Saturday 9-12noon
Planning Board - Second & Fourth Monday 7:30pm
Town Clerk - Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm
Waste Water Management - Third Tuesday 3:30pm
Water Department - Third Thursday 4:30pm
Zoning Board of Appeals - as needed
To reach a board member or to leave a message please call the Town Hall.
The Garage
David Allen Hunter
1920's
It used to be a blacksmith shop
Where tillers of the sod
When driving into town would stop
To get their horses shod.
I’ve washed the smith with hammer pound
Upon a glowing shoe
And heard his anvil’s ringing sound
While sparks in showers flew.
The horse’s hoofs, I’ve seen him pare
While sweat was on his face.
And then each shoe he’d fit with care.
Then nail it in its place.
No anvil rings within the shop
As once it did, so gay
No more the men with horses stop, --
The smith has gone away.
There’s work of quite another line
Without the forge’s roar
They’ve changed the shop and placed a sign
“Garage” above the door.
In front a pair of gas pumps stand,
While signs in windows read
That this or that of certain brand
Is what all autos need.
It used to be a blacksmith shop.
But changes come to pass, --
Now farmers with their autos stop
To buy some oil and gas.
Business listings:
In an effort to promote local small businesses, the following businesses/services located in Egremont have agreed to be listed here. If we missed asking you and you wish to be included, please send your information to the Town Hall.
Baldwin Hill Farm B&B - Lodging and breakfast
413-528-4892 / 888-528-4092
www.baldwinhillfarm.com
The Silo B&B - guest accommodations
413-528-5195
The Weathervane Inn - Lodging
413/800-528-9580
John Andrews’ Restaurant - Restaurant
413-528-3469
Elm Court Inn - Restaurant
413-528-0325
Swiss Hutte Country Inn and Restaurant-
Restaurant & Lodging
413-528-6200
Howard’s Antiques - Antique Lighting & Restoration
413-528-1232
www.howardsantiquelighting.com
Red Barn Antiques - Antique lighting & fine metal polishing
413-528-3230
Blue Rider Stables - Therapeutic Riding Center
413-528-5299
Green River Arabians & Pintos - Horse back riding, training, lessons, breeding
413-528-2367
www.thearabianexperts.com/greenriver
Odyssey II Kennels - All breed boarding for Dogs
413-528-2816
Indian Line Farm - Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) & Farmers Markets
413-528-8301
House to House Hauling & Recycling-
Rubbish removal
413-528-0943
G&S Gventer “Books - Buy & Sell Books
413-528-2327
Cosmic Resonance (Elfie Six) - Shiatsu/Acutonics, Soundhealing, Lymphatic Drainage
413-644-9979
Peter Goldberg, Dipl. Ac - Acupuncture, Pain
Management 413-528-5055
Divine Automotive - Automotive repair
413-528-8007
Old Egremont Store - groceries, beer, wine, liquor, newspapers, lottery, & much more 413-528-4796
Blueberry Lane Home Design - Interior decorating
413-528-9633
Closet Collection - clothing & household
consignment shop
413-528-6236
Berkshire Veneer Company - wholesale/retail
wood veneer sales
413-644-9696
Support local businesses.
Town of Egremont
P.O. Box 368
South Egremont MA 01258
413-528-0182
Printed by Office Administrator Mary Brazie
as submitted by Town Department.