Advisory committee advances MOU discussions with town, candidate seeks appointment

Members of the West Stockbridge Dog Park Advisory Committee discussed a memorandum of understanding on March 1, 2025, that would allocate responsibilities among the town, the advisory committee and the Friends of West Stockbridge Dog Park. Michael Bolognino said he, Jana Sax and Ned Rosenthal have been working on the draft and that the town and Marie Ryan will review it.

Chair Jana Sax asked about asking to be placed on a select board agenda for discussion; Bolognino agreed to request that agenda time. Jackie Murray asked whether the MOU is required for park approval; Bolognino said it is not required for approval but noted a separate MOU with the town or funder might be needed. Murray added that "as it is not a contract, it should be able to be amended," and the group agreed amendments could be considered in the future.

The committee also discussed who should be the point of contact between the selected contractor and the town; members said that should be clarified with town staff at the March 10 meeting. At the same meeting Bolognino asked Melanie Thibeault if she would be willing to join the committee; she said yes but acknowledged she "will need to be officially appointed by the town." Members discussed coordinating closely with the Friends group to avoid duplicative efforts and to ensure transparency during early stages of the project.

Next steps identified by the committee include seeking select board agenda time, completing the town review of the MOU draft and clarifying a contractor point of contact.