Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Committees
The BRPC currently has the following committees, comprised of delegates, alternates, and, in some cases, members from outside BRPC.
Executive Committee
Clearinghouse Review Committee
Commission Development Committee
Finance Committee
Regional Issues Committee
Transportation Committee
Commission Representatives to Related Groups
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is responsible for oversight of the business affairs and general programs. The Executive Committee has the following powers: disbursement of Commission funds based upon a warrant approved by the Executive Committee; borrowing funds in anticipation of revenue; hearing and resolving personnel grievances; making applications for federal, state and local aid; seeking contributions; entering into contracts; preparing reviews and comments on proposals of a regional or inter-community nature; establishing policy for responding to requests for planning-related technical assistance; authorization for planning services; and acting on routine transportation matters (excepting adoption of plans, programs or endorsement of specific projects).
FY2008 Executive Committee Members
Clearinghouse Review Committee
The Clearinghouse Review Committee consists of at least five (5) members. It reviews projects requiring state or federal environmental permits, local land use actions, and, when required, requests for funding assistance from state or federal agencies for potential regional impacts and compliance with adopted regional plans. The committee advises the Commission or the Executive Committee regarding recommendations and conditions which should be requested before a given project or action is approved or denied by state, federal, or local authorities.
Commission Development Committee
The Commission Development Committee consists of at least four (4) members. It considers Commission membership, structure, and process, including periodic evaluation of the performance of the Commission. Periodically, the Committee also reviews the Commission's bylaws to determine whether amendments are needed to enhance the operations of the Commission. A nominating subcommittee of the Committee, comprised only of delegates and alternate designees and consisting of at least three members, recommends at the regular April meeting of the Commission a slate of officers for the next fiscal year to be acted upon at the June meeting. Such slate of officers reflects the Commission's desire to rotate officers so that as many members as possible will have a chance to participate in more than bi-monthly meetings and to be representative of all areas of the region.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee consists of at least four (4) members including the elected Treasurer who serves as Chair. It has oversight over the Commission's financial operations and reviews the annual audit. It recommends the per capita assessments of the member cities and towns for the next fiscal year for presentation to the Commission at its February meeting and recommends a full budget for the next fiscal year.
The Regional Issues Committee consists of at least five (5) members. It provides recommendations to the Commission identifying regional issues facing Berkshire County, makes recommendations to the Commission concerning requests from municipalities for policy or guidance on regional issues and studies regional issues and policies.
Transportation Committee
The Transportation Committee consists of at least five (5) members. It provides recommendations to the Commission regarding transportation plans, programs, and projects in the region.
Commission Representatives to Related Groups
Yankee-Rowe Citizen Advisory Council
Housatonic River Restoration
Mass. Association of Regional Planning Agencies
Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee
Berkshire-Pioneer Resource Conservation and Development Council