Minutes of Meeting – December 19, 2006; meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: S Pavlosky; RN Sandlin; JH Pumphrey; L Messana; RT Akroyd.
MOTION by JHP, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of November 29 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Dennis Reagan appeared before the Board to provide an overview of what the new federal designation of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area means and the new opportunities that it presents. Future updates will be provided to the town regarding specific grant funding rounds.
MOTION by JHP, seconded by LM to grant permission to the Lenox Library to erect a temporary sign, which will require a renewal every two weeks. Motion was denied 0/4. Motion by RS, second by SP to grant permission to the Lenox Library to erect a temporary sign to be up from January until project completion (June at the latest) which credits the historic preservation fund for the cupola project. Noting that the sign is a requirement of the grant award and thus being a unique, special circumstance justifying going beyond the normal 2 week time limitation, the board voted 5/0 to approve the request.
Library Update: RA summarized the latest developments: The P&S between the Library and Welch has been extended to after the annual town meeting in May, 2007. The Library has established a special fund at the Berkshire Taconic Foundation called the Fund to Preserve the Roche Reading Park for the Lenox Community. A push for donations will be made between now and mid-January. The Selectmen and Library Managers are meeting weekly to develop a long term plan for the future of the library. The Cupola and roof repair work is progressing with a completion date no later then June of 2007. The state funds are secured. The Library will be hosting informational meetings every Tuesday in January starting the 9th from 7-9PM. While no special town meeting will be held in January, one is
still likely in February or March. The goal is to develop a comprehensive plan by mid-February, receive the AG’s OK for the new plan by the end of March, finalize warrant articles by mid-April and have final town meeting votes at the annual town meeting May 3.
Numerous questions from the audience were answered.
The clerk opened the public hearing regarding an annual A/A innholders license request which was filed by The Summer White House. Hearing no comments, the public hearing was closed. MOTION by JP, seconded by LM to grant an annual A/A innholders to The Summer White House with the condition that the common areas of the inn be added as part of the licensed premises. 5/0 vote.
2007 License Renewals: MOTION by JP, seconded by LM to renew all licenses as presented. Those establishments with outstanding building/fire code issues have 60 days to come up to full compliance. 5/0 vote with noted abstentions by Board Members for specific establishments.
MOTION by JHP, seconded by LM to grant a one-day A/A license to Eastover Resort for Saturday, 1/6 from 5pm-1am at Tally-Ho. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JHP, seconded by LM to grant a one-day A/A license to Nicole Adolphson (Canyon Ranch) for Saturday, 1/13 from 7-12 midnight at the Community Center Ballroom. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by JP, seconded by SP to grant a common victuallers, 2 amusement devices and an entertainment license (satellite radio and TV) to Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern. 5/0 vote. MOTION by LM, seconded by RS to grant permission to Bennigan’s to extend their A/A license hours until 1am on 1/1/07 only (last call at 12:30am with the building cleared of all alcohol by 1am). 5/0 vote.
Lease documents: The Board of Selectmen reaffirmed their vote authorizing the Town Manager to sign all necessary documents on behalf of the town for the lease financing arrangements previously approved through Banc of America.
Old/New Business: LM announced the anniversaries of Chief of Police Steve O’Brien and Community Center Director Kim King. RA announced that the Assessor’s contractor, Paul Kapinos, will be having his employees making visits to properties as part of the re-inspections required by the state.
MOTION by JHP, seconded by RNS to enter Executive Session at 6:20 p.m. to discuss contract negotiations and to not reconvene in Open Session. On a roll call vote, SP, RNS, LM, RTA and JHP voted in favor.
Minutes Taken By: ___________________ Minutes Accepted By: _____________________ Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Assistant to Town Manager Board of Selectmen
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