Town of Lenox
Planning Board
March 12, 2013
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV; Mark S. Smith, MS;
Steve Sample, SS
Absent with notification: Gary Schiff, GS; Kimberly Reopell Flynn, KRF
Selectman present: Channing Gibson, CG
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA; Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA
Also present was Kameron Spaulding of the Beacon.
Approval Not Required Plans- There were none.
Update on the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee-There is a reminder that today is the last day for the survey. The second public forum, held on March 5th, was not as well attended as the first, but it was thought to be equally successful. The Committee will be meeting next Tuesday and this project will be coming to an end soon as it is anticipated to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting.
Update on the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) - KMV gave a review of the meeting of March 11th. Of the six initial proposals, Village Improvement has withdrawn its application and Affordable Housing’s request was not funded. The Committee recommended the Cemetery at Church on the Hill be allotted $75,000.00. It is felt that town resources for the cemetery project be used as much as possible on stone restoration work. Twenty five thousand dollars from Capital Improvements is available that will be used in the stone work. This application has resulted in a mix of opinions. Ventfort Hall’s request was denied as there are code requirements related to fire suppression that need to be addressed first. CPA money
cannot be used for those requirements as the stipulation for CPA money is that it is tied to historic preservation only. The Committee supports granting $30,000.00 to The Mount. The Fire Department had requested $75000.00 to restore antique fire engines, but the Committee recommended $18,500.00 instead, asking that one project, a 1932 Buffalo engine, be restored and that the truck is made available at one non-parade event a year.
Discuss Sign Regulations-MS and MA met last week to continue work on this item. CG asked the Board to review with him what transpired at the public information meeting that was held at the last Board meeting as he was unable to attend. KMV said that Coffman Antiques had representatives at the meeting and support having sandwich board signs. The Board feels that the BOS should have discretion on granting requests for buildings that don’t have direct access
Discuss Solar Bylaw-There was nothing to report.
Discuss 7&20 Corridor Overlay Bylaw-There was nothing to report.
Discuss Economic Development-The Town is looking to hire a temporary Events Coordinator and looking at the possibility of establishing a permanent position. CG reminded the Board of the need to look at the Zoning Bylaw with regards to defining manufacturing and possibly adding veterinarian to uses allowed. CG also said that in discussion with the Building Commissioner, a section of the bylaw was confusing regarding separation of buildings and firewalls. MA will speak to Bill Thornton to clarify.
Planning Board Recommendations to Town Boards and Commissions- There were none.
Review Correspondence from Abutting Communities & BRPC-KMV reviewed notices.
Minutes-February 26, 2013-MS made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted to approve 3-0.
New Business- Due to Passover, the meeting of March 26th is canceled. The next meeting will be on April 9th.
KMV made a plea for residents to become involved to serve on the PB. There will be two openings on the ballot at the next town election.
SS made a motion to adjourn. MS seconded the motion and the Board agreed to adjourn at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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