Town of Lenox
Planning Board
May 5, 2012
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Acting Chair Steve Sample, SS; Acting Vice Chair Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV; Mark S. Smith, MS; and Gary Schiff, GS.
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA
The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm. ~
Approval Not Required Plans: No plans submitted.
Reorganization and Election of Officers: Discussion ensued regarding Joe Kellogg’s resignation. The Board discussed the process for appointing a new member. MA and SS said that traditionally the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen (BoS) hold a joint meeting to appoint a new member. The members agreed that they would like to fill the vacancy as soon as possible. They instructed MA to coordinate the application process with the Town Manager. The next Board meeting is May 22, 2012. The Board would like the deadline for applications to be close of business on the May 22nd. This will allow the Board the opportunity to review applications at the next meeting and schedule a joint meeting with the BoS as soon as possible. The consensus of
the Board was to have SS serve as Acting Chair and KMV serve as Acting Vice Chair. The reorganization and election of officers was postponed so that the new member could participate in the process.
The Board agreed that they should send JK a letter to thank him for his service to the Town. GS volunteered to write the letter. He will submit a draft to MA who will distribute it to the Board for review. The consensus of the Board was to send a copy of the letter to the BoS.
Solar Bylaw: The Board discussed the model as-of-right zoning bylaw that MA distributed at the April 24th meeting. GS offered input on solar projects he observed in other states. The Board discussed the importance of solar energy. However, the Board also stressed the need to ensure that land is used for its highest and best use. MA will continue to research solar bylaws that include a special permit provision.
Use Variance: The Board tabled discussion.
Economic Development Plan: The Board asked MA to consult with the Town Manager regarding this matter. The Board determined that they needed guidance from the BoS regarding their role in process.
Recommendations to Town Boards & Commissions: No recommendations were requested.
Review Correspondence: Decisions and notices of public hearings from abutting communities were reviewed.
Minutes: GS made a motion to approve the minutes of April 17, 2012. ~MS seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve. KMV made a motion to approve the minutes of April 24, 2012. ~GS seconded the motion and the Board voted 3-0-1 to approve. SS abstained because he did not attend the April 24th meeting.
Other Business: The Board asked MA to post a meeting notice for the May 15, 2012 Historic District Commission meeting. GS informed the Board that the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is holding an open house on May 16, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Lenox Commons.
MS made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 pm. ~GS seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve. ~
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Albertson
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