Minutes of Meeting – December 3, 2008; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: S Pavlosky; RN Sandlin; L Messana; J McNinch; KR Flynn.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of November 12 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Deidre Consolati appeared before the Board regarding the drawdown of Laurel Lake. She explained that the drawdown was done without proper permits, and that DEP has issued a Cease & Desist order to refill the lake by December 31. She is very concerned about Roger Scheurer purchasing the dam, and would prefer to see the state, or even the Town of Lee, purchase it. Ray Grogan, Vice Chair of the Laurel Lake Preservation Association is preparing an application for herbicide treatment, and is concerned over future ownership of the land. He feels that the Town is not in a position to pursue ownership, but feels that the state is. Mr. Scheurer stated that he got a verbal OK from Lee ConCom to drawdown the lake 12 feet. He is looking into a hydro facility to generate power, and possibly a lake front building
lot. The Board thanked people for the update, and noted that while the Town of Lenox remains interested in what happens to the dam, there is not a lot the Town can do.
ACEC: Attorney Phil Heller, representing Interstate BioFuels, appeared before the Board to state their concerns that the ACEC regs would be an unnecessary hindrance to the future redevelopment of Niagara Mill. He is seeking the support of the Selectmen to amend the southern boundary to exclude the mill. ACEC designation would require further review and regulation, as well as MEPA review. Interstate BioFuels and their consulting biologist feel that sound science justifies moving the boundary. The mill property contains no critical habitat nor any endangered species. It is an industrial site that does not belong in the ACEC. Attorney Heller stated that this is an important economic development project, and that the Selectmen should take a stand. Members of the Selectmen indicated their support
for the boundary change, but wanted to check in with the group providing the ACEC before taking a final position on the issue.
MOTION by LM, seconded by RNS to appoint Ellie Geller and Gundula Brattke to the Historical Commission. 5/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to appoint Rob Akroyd to the Kennedy Park Committee. 5/0 vote.
The Board received a request to increase the number of Senior Work Off slots from 20 to 25. However, the Board agreed that with the cutbacks the Town is facing, it is not the time to expand this program.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to grant a temporary 14-day sign permit for the Yankee Candle Company. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by LM, seconded by RNS to deny permission to the Institute for International Cooperation and Development to solicit donations door to door. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by KRF, seconded by LM to adopt a new Building Permit fee schedule as presented, effective immediately. 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: LM mentioned that the Christmas decorations have been erected, and that the tree lighting in Lilac Park will be at 6pm on Friday, with Santa at Town Hall and the tree lighting in the Dale is set for Sunday at 6pm.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
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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