The meeting commenced with discussions about the zoning bylaws, focusing specifically on recent changes to applications for accessory apartments and other units. The chair emphasized the importance of reviewing these changes to ensure they align with state-level zoning statutes. The board acknowledged that the Attorney General’s office had approved the amendments made during the annual town meeting, which included conditions for special permits. The chair expressed satisfaction with this approval, referring to it as “fine and dandy.” However, there was a pending request for an extension regarding a general bylaw.

Attention then shifted to the use table, where updates had been deemed mostly insignificant. The chair highlighted the necessity of coordinating with Grace to update the website to reflect the most recent zoning bylaws, noting a past oversight in maintaining current documents. There was mention of a specific incident from two years prior when incorrect information was presented. A board member raised the possibility of incorporating suggested edits from the Assistant Attorney General’s letter in the upcoming amendments, leading to a discussion on whether to address these amendments immediately or to postpone the discussion.

The board also discussed the status of a special commission aimed at streamlining solar permitting, which had failed to pass the legislature. A board member explained that the inability of the legislature to reach an agreement would maintain local municipalities’ authority to regulate clean energy projects. It was noted that any unresolved issues would need to be revisited in January, with the implication that a lack of agreement could lead to restarting the process.

The discussion included updates on ongoing meetings among legislators to reach a consensus on clean energy legislation. The board member highlighted the ongoing pressure for climate-related legislation but warned that a lack of Republican support could stall progress, as any objection from a single member could derail proposals during informal sessions. The conversation ended with uncertainties about the future legislative landscape and its implications for local jurisdiction over clean energy.

In administrative matters, the board reviewed an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for a property on January Hill Road. This involved breaking down a previously sold lot into three new lots. The chair mentioned a received check for $14 related to this transaction and described the characteristics of the lots. Lot One had an existing structure, while Lots Two and Three were potential building lots with required frontage and sufficient area according to zoning regulations. The chair suggested that the remaining land of Dolores Conway could also qualify as a buildable lot, prompting further examination of the subdivision and its implications for future development.

Further discussion involved a proposed endorsement of an ANR plan that rearranged five parcels into different shapes. There was initial confusion about the location of the parcels, with a member questioning whether it was near the Actus Reservoir. It was clarified that access to the site was via January Hill, not Kettle Hill Road. The fee for this ANR was set at $210, tied to the creation of four buildable lots. Endorsement of the plan was noted not to imply compliance with zoning regulations, with the board only evaluating the frontage and other relevant factors. The plan was unanimously endorsed after a motion was made and seconded.

The meeting transitioned to a new agenda item focusing on an executive session involving the planning board and the select board. The purpose was to discuss strategy regarding ongoing litigation related to complaints about the Shutesbury solar bylaw. Before entering the executive session, there was a brief exchange about which members would participate, emphasizing the importance of all parties hearing the same background information to avoid miscommunication. The members were asked to confirm their presence alone to ensure no outside parties could overhear the discussion. A roll call was conducted to account for all members, and the select board confirmed their intention to enter the session for similar reasons. The importance of maintaining confidentiality was reiterated, focusing on verifying that all participants were indeed alone before proceeding.