John Goerlach Thanked for 18 Years of Service to Lanesborough
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — John Goerlach was presented with his nameplate for the Select Board and thanked for his nearly two decades of service to the town.
Monday's Select Board meeting began with a baton passing of sorts as newly elected Deborah Maynard started her term and town officials marked Goerlach's departure.
He served Lanesborough for 18 years; first elected in 2006, he did not seek re-election this year.
"You've been an influence and a mentor to me as I joined the board and I'll never forget that," Chair Michael Murphy said. "I value the friendship we've developed as well as the professional relationship."
At the annual town meeting earlier this month, voters approved an article that expands the number of Select Board members from three to five. The home-rule petition has to be approved by the Legislature and did not affect this election.
"I'm sorry you're going. When we expand to five members next year, I'd love to welcome you back," Murphy said, and Goerlach joked that he would save the nameplate for that time.
Select Board member Timothy Sorrell, the town's former police chief, has worked with Goerlach in varied capacities.
"John, it's been quite the run you and I have had over these years," he said.
"You've been a great friend, a fantastic servant to the town, and a fantastic leader. It's an honor and privilege to have known you, to be friends with you, and to work with you."
Maynard noted that she is the "newbie" to the board but said Goerlach is a great friend to her brother and has done well.
She outpolled Joseph Trybus 181-87 to fill the vacant seat for a three-year term. The town's finances led her to seek a seat on the Select Board.
"I just think we need to get a handle on our finances and get back to basics really because until something happens with the Berkshire Mall, it's just draining our coffers," she said on election day last week.
"And our budget has just increased to accommodate for the Berkshire Mall revenue and we don't have it anymore."
Town Administrator Gina Dario presented Goerlach with citations from state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III, which noted that Lanesborough is better off because of his contributions.
Murphy was unanimously re-elected as chair for fiscal year 2025 after being nominated by Maynard who thought he did a good job in the role.
In other news, acting as the Licensing Board, the Select Board approved a liquor license change from malt and wine to all-alcohol for the Mobil gas station on Main Street. Owner Manishkumar "Mike" Patel said he wants to sell liquor to improve the business in light of tobacco bans amongst other reasons.
"There is no other thing that I'm going add at this point so we're just trying to do the liquor and see if that's going to work out," he said. "Since beer and wine, we had it for the last four years, and we're doing so good with it."
It was confirmed that the business hasn't had any run-ins with the police concerning alcohol and Murphy noted "That's a good indication right there."
The board also approved a renewed entertainment license for Berkshire Mantiques at a new location on 405 South Main St., the former Skyline Country Club.
"For those who may not be aware, Mantiques is making a move from the former Vacation Village up to the former Skyline Country Club," Murphy explained, adding that the building inspection has been completed.
Owner Joe Prince said he is going to do private events at the antique shop and will host a grand opening for the new location.
"I don't want a bar up there, that's not what I'm going for," he said.
Town Administrator Gina Dario clarified that Berkshire Mantiques is located on a parcel separate from what the town bought for the rejected public safety building proposal. It is the site of the former clubhouse of the skyline property so it is not part of the possible land for a police station, she said.
Tags: license board, recognition event,
