Minutes of Meeting – September 17, 2008; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: S Pavlosky; RN Sandlin; J McNinch; L Messana. Absent: KR Flynn.
MOTION by LM, seconded by JM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of September 3 as presented. 4/0 vote.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to grant a one-day W&M license to UNICO for 10/13 from 5-10pm at Eastover Resort. 4/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to grant a one-day W&M license to St. Ann Church for 10/3 from 8-10pm at St. Ann Church Family Center. 4/0 vote.
The TM informed the Board that the Town submitted its’ PWED grant on Friday and, while the program is very competitive, he feels that we have a very good chance of being awarded the grant. The Town should be notified by the end of the year. In addition, the Town is resubmitting the Lenox Recreation Path grant. While no decision was made on last year’s submission, we were told to resubmit to maximize our chances. He also suggested that the Town write a letter of support for a Woods Pond Canoe Launch grant that is being pursued by a private group. The Selectmen agreed that the Town should support the creation of the new launch site.
Ralph Petillo from the Chamber appeared before the Board to seek permission for Apple Squeeze activities the weekend of 9/26-28. MOTION by LM, seconded by RNS to grant permission for Apple Squeeze and to have an apple hunt in Lilac Park on both Saturday and Sunday as part of Apple Squeeze. 4/0 vote.
SP announced that a vacancy exists on the Cable Advisory Board and that anyone interested in serving should send a letter to the Selectmen’s office. He also mentioned that there are vacancies on the Library Board, and a letter of interest should be sent to Denis at the Library.
The Selectmen divided up their goals amongst themselves as follows: Finances, SP; Economic Vitality, JM; Land Use, KRF; Infrastructure, LM; Public Outreach, RNS.
The TM gave a power point presentation outlining the Town’s financial situation. The Town has $22 million in annual expenses. We have $60 million in capital assets. Over the past five fiscal years, the General Government operating expenses have risen 10%, the School Department 23.5%. He then went through the revenue side of things. He explained that our debt reimbursement now exceeds the debt exclusion, resulting in our base level levy limit growing 2% rather than 2.5%. He explained that over the next five years, the funding gap will grow larger, calling for a restructuring of operations.
SP explained that we need to designate the Town’s representative to vote on who will be the subregion’s delegate and alternate. MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to appoint RNS as the Town’s representative. 4/0 vote.
Old/New Business: JM stated that he will begin talking with people about the Town’s economic vitality and bring his findings back to the Board at the next meeting. LM went through the September anniversaries. She reminded the TM that a letter needs to be sent to the Westinghouse people asking for their participation in our lighting project. She stated that several people have confronted her about the Montessori School locating on Patterson Road and the need for sidewalks for students walking to meet their bus for Lenox schools. She suggested that the burden be placed on the Montessori School to build these needed sidewalks. SP asked that the Library provide the Town with their quarterly update. He also suggested that it is time for another All Boards meeting to be scheduled.
By roll call, SP, LM, RNS and JM voted to go into Executive Session at 8:10 p.m. to discuss current negotiations with the Fire Chief for an employment contract and with 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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