Minutes of Meeting – September 3, 2008; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: S Pavlosky; RN Sandlin; KR Flynn; J McNinch; L Messana.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to accept the Minutes of August 20 as presented. 4/0 vote with LM abstaining.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to grant a one-day A/A license to Eastover Resort for Saturday, 9/6 from 3:30pm-midnight at Tally Ho. 5/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to grant a one-day A/A license to Eastover Resort for Saturday, 9/20 from 3:30-midnight at Tally Ho. 5/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to grant a one-day A/A license to Eastover Resort for Sunday, 9/7 from 2:30-10pm at Tally Ho. 5/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to grant a one-day W&M license to Ventfort Hall for 9/12 from 7-10:30pm. 5/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to grant a one-day A/A license to Ventfort Hall for 9/13 from 6-11pm. 5/0 vote.
Bob Grosz came before the Board to discuss a dangerous traffic situation at the corner of Walker and East Street. Vehicles are taking the turn from Walker Street onto East Street at a high rate of speed. He suggested that the Town make the turn more of a right angle, forcing people to slow down before taking the turn. LM suggested installing a flashing caution light. Jeff Vincent will walk the site with Mr. Grosz to determine the best way to rectify this matter.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to open the public hearing on the PWED grant application. 5/0 vote. RNS read the ad as it appeared in the newspaper, and the TM gave an overview of the proposed application. He explained that the Town is in the process of obtaining letters of support, and that the response from the public has been very favorable. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to close the public hearing. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KRF, seconded by LM to approve the submission of the PWED grant application as discussed. 5/0 vote.
West Street Project: Representative Smitty Pignatelli spoke to the fact that the mall road has bumped the West Street project, and that he feels that there has been some political maneuvering. He stated that the road is really a private driveway that was built poorly to begin with. He feels that Lenox needs to have a representative on the MPO. He feels that Lenox was poorly treated, and should withdraw from the BRPC. Jack Hickey, chairman of the BRPC, explained that at the August BRPC meeting, he felt that it was not fair to allow speakers since Lenox was the only project represented. He went on to state that no vote was taken regarding how he should represent BRPC’s preference at the MPO meeting. His sense of the BRPC delegates was that most favored the proposed new TIP that excluded West
Street. Others present at BRPC’s meeting disagreed, feeling there was no consensus reached and that with no formal vote, it is difficult to see how Mr. Hickey can properly represent a BRPC position at future MPO meetings. Director of the BRPC Nat Karns explained that the West Street project has been on the TIP list for four years now. He stated that the county only gets about $4 million a year for road projects. He explained that the project forms need to be filled out annually. He felt that the Lenox project had stalled, and had not gotten beyond the 25% design phase. It was explained that the mall road was not the project that was bumping West Street, but it was the Pittsfield South Street project. This project scored better than West Street, even though no design has been done yet. The proposed new TIP is still in the public comment period, with a final vote coming in December or January. Attorney Jeff Cook spoke to the
importance of the project to Tanglewood, especially with regard to getting municipal sewer. He went on to state that it is not just Tanglewood, but Morris School, Berkshire Country Day School, Boston University and Kripula that utilize this road for pedestrians and bicyclists. Rep. Pignatelli asked both Nat and Jack to bring what they learned back to the MPO for further review.
MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to authorize the purchase of a 2008 John Deere Loader at a cost of $105,908 and to authorize the TM to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to enter into a contract with County Ambulance to provide Advance Life Support (ALS) services to the Town of Lenox for a flat fee of $4600 per month. 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: LM brought up the need to have Bill Thornton follow-up on 14-day temporary banners to see that they are removed timely. She also brought up the offer from the Lenox Dale mill for free labor, and that the Town should take advantage of it if at all possible. RNS mentioned that the Housing Authority has a vacancy both for senior and family units. SP suggested that with the goals finalized, they should be assigned to each Selectman. He asked that the TM contact the ConCom regarding the ACEC. By roll call, SP, LM, KRF, RNS and JM voted to go into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. to discuss the current negotiations with the PEC re: health insurance.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Assistant to Town Manager Board of Selectmen
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Mary Ellen Deming
Town of Lenox
Town Hall - 6 Walker Street
Lenox, MA 01240
phone: (413) 637-5500
fax: (413) 637-5518
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