BRPC Meeting
Post date: Jan 17, 2017 11:1:8 PM
MEETING NOTICE
A meeting of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
will be held on:
Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Please Note: In the case of inclement weather on the day of the meeting, please call BRPC (413-442-1521, ext 15) to confirm if the meeting will still be held.
Meeting Material: All written materials for the meeting are posted on BRPC’s website: www.berkshireplanning.org. Click on the calendar date for the meeting and materials available will be listed.
AGENDA
I. Opening (7:00-7:05)
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Approval of Minutes of November 17, 2016 Meeting
II. Comments from the Public (7:05-7:10)
Members of the public may offer comments regarding topics which are on the agenda or other matters which they wish to bring to the Commission’s attention. Comments are limited to no more than three minutes and are to be directed to the Commission.
III. Delegates' Issues (7:10-7:15)
Delegates and Alternates may bring up any issue not on the agenda.
IV. Consideration of Letter to Governor Baker Regarding Need to Streamline and Improve Cost Effectiveness of the Design and Construction of Bridges (7:15-7:30)
The Commission had requested that the Transportation Advisory Commission take up the problem of the very high costs and drawn-out process of replacing small bridges. After two meetings on the topic, including with MassDOT’s Chief Bridge Engineer, the TAC has drafted a letter to be sent to the Governor and others with suggestions on how to improve the process and reduce the high costs that are being encountered.
V. Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership (7:30-8:00)
Over the past several years, the Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, which involves representatives from across a number of Franklin County and northern Berkshire communities, has developed a plan for forest-based economic development and conservation. Assistant Director Tom Matuszko will brief the Commission on plan highlights and priorities.
VI. Changes to the Massachusetts Zoning Enabling Law in the 2016 Session (8:00-8:15)
Staff will brief the Commission on a few relatively small changes to Chapter 40A (the Zoning Enabling Law) during the 2016 legislative session. Communities may need to modify their bylaws, policies and procedures to accommodate some of these changes appropriately.
VII. Consideration of the Final Version of the Commission’s New Mission, Vision and Values Statement (8:15-8:25)
The Commission preliminarily adopted a new Mission, Vision and Values Statement at your November meeting with one item left to be resolved. We have suggested language to deal with that remaining issue and request Commission final consideration at this meeting.
VIII. Consideration of Community Assessments for FY 2018 (8:25-8:35)
The Finance Committee has proposed a 2.5% increase in community assessments for FY 2018. By law, the municipalities must be notified of their assessments no later than February each year so that they may be included in city/town budgets.
IX. Approval of Executive Committee Actions between November 17, 2016 and January 19, 2017 (8:35-8:40)
X. Executive Director’s Report (8:40-8:45)
A. Final Audit for FY 2016
B. Recreational Marijuana Workshop – Thursday, January 26th, 6-8 p.m., Lenox Town Hall Auditorium
C. Efficiency & Regionalization Grant Applications Open for Second Round – due February 1st
D. Massachusetts Freight Plan
E. Other
XI. Executive Session – Actual Litigation Regarding Rest of River Clean-up (8:45-9:00)
XII. Adjournment (9:00)
Other interested citizens and officials are invited to attend.
All times listed are estimates of when specific agenda items may be discussed.