Minutes of Meeting – October 29, 2008; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: S Pavlosky; RN Sandlin; L Messana; J McNinch. Absent: KR Flynn.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of October 1 as presented. 4/0 vote. Ralph Petillo introduced the new General Manager of Cranwell, John Dithmer. Ralph also updated the Board on the various holiday events that the Chamber is sponsoring; 12/5 Santa Clause/Tree lighting, 12/7 Gingerbread contest, 12/18 and 19 Library Reading and 12/20 a Community Holiday concert. He also presented the Board with copies of the new four-chamber fall brochure covering the County, Lenox, Lee and Stockbridge.
The Board of Assessors joined the Board to hold the FY09 Tax Rate Classification Public Hearing. RNS read the public hearing notice as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle. MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. After a brief overview, MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to approve a residential factor of .937 which results in an FY09 tax rate of $9.08 for residential properties and $12.61 for commercial properties. This will result in an approximate 2.5% tax burden increase for all properties. 4/0 vote.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to eliminate the cap for building permits, effective immediately. 4/0 vote. MOTION by LM, seconded by RNS to approve a one-day A/A license to Eastover Resort for 11/6 from 4-11pm at the mansion. 4/0 vote. MOTION by LM, seconded by RNS to approve a one-day A/A license to Rookwood Inn for 11/15 from 6/11pm. 4/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to cancel the A/A Innholder’s license held by Red Hawk, Ltd. d/b/a Seven Hills Inn. 4/0 vote.
SP reminded everyone that Tuesday, 11/4 is Election Day, and that the polls with be open from 7am-8pm at the Town Hall. He briefly went through the three ballot questions: A yes vote on Question #1 would eliminate the state income tax, phased in over a two year period; a no vote would keep it as it currently stands. A yes vote on Question #2 would reduce the penalty for possessing 1 oz. of marijuana from a criminal charge to a misdemeanor; a no vote would keep the penalty as it currently stands. A yes vote on Question #3 would eliminate greyhound racing in Massachusetts.
Denis Lesiuer and Lois Lenehan updated the board on the Library’s quarterly financial report. To date, things are running very smoothly, and are doing very well. Denis reminded everyone that there are still eight vacancies on the Library Board.
The Board discussed the request received from DCR to send a letter of support to gate off the very upper (eastern) portion of New Lenox Road. There are currently problems with ATVs and four wheelers gaining access to the state lands via this town road. There was some concern from the Town of Washington about access for emergency vehicles. The Selectmen agreed to present the question of gating the road to the voters at an upcoming town meeting.
The Board announced that the Halloween parade will be on 10/31 from 5-5:30 in the village, followed by Trick-or-Treating from 5:30-7pm. There will also be a Halloween parade in Lenox Dale on 11/1 at 7pm, followed by a party at the Lenox Dale Fire House.
Old/New Business: LM reminded the TM that he needs to get a letter sent out to Westinghouse about the street lights. She also went through the employee anniversaries. RNS announced that the Town received a 100% match of our CPA funds, and that the deadline for FY10 applications is January 8, 2009. JM has put together a letter to send to the local businesses about a group forum that he would like to hold. He would like to have the Board review the letter prior to it being mailed out. SP brought up the four ACEC forums that were recently held, and that a final decision on the project is expected in January or February 2009. He also mentioned that he is now the liaison to the Kennedy Park Committee, and that the Park will be providing 5-6 handicapped parking places at the top of the hill by the main
trail. In addition, they would like to cut a switch-back trail to get to the top of the vista and picnic area. He thanked those involved in succeeding in getting the West Street project back on the TIP list. He announced that there will be an All Boards meeting on November 12 at 5:30, prior to the next BOS meeting. Finally, he mentioned that the Farmer’s Market is looking for a new home, and asked people to be thinking of ideas.
By roll call, SP, LM, RNS and JM voted to go into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. to discuss current negotiations with the Fire Chief for an employment contract and the PEC regarding 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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