Minutes of Meeting – February 18, 2009; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: RN Sandlin; L Messana; J McNinch; KR Flynn; S. Pavlosky.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of February 4 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Steve Mack from Foresight Engineering gave an overview of the plans to make Church Street more pedestrian friendly and inviting. The project will include new street lights and the use of pavers instead of concrete whenever possible. There were several questions regarding bump-outs and the color of the pavers (brick red). Ralph Petillo from the Chamber suggested that the plans be enlarged and given to each owner. There were several questions regarding contract provisions: Would night work be allowed? Would there be penalties for not meeting deadlines? Would there be any access issues with regard to driveways and parking lots? Would the project be done in phases? In general, everyone agreed that this was a good project, and one that is well overdue. The engineers will work on a
schedule that minimizes disruptions and avoids work during July and August.
Water/Sewer Rate Hearing: DPW Superintendent Jeff Vincent appeared before the Board, recommending that the Board raise the basic water rate 6% and the sewer rate 14%, leaving all other rates as they currently are. Looming capital needs necessitate the rate increase. A 14% increase in sewer rates is insufficient to pay for the $20-30 million in system improvements we are facing over the next 5-8 years. Reluctantly, the Selectmen discussed the need to increase rates 18%. After some discussion, MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to increase water rates by 6%, increasing the rate from $4.96 to $5.26 per thousand gallons beginning May 1, 2009, and to increase sewer rates by 18%, increasing the rate from $5.12 to $6.04 per thousand gallons beginning May 1, 2009. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to approve a Water Supply Engineering Agreement with Weston & Sampson for a lump sum total of $34,000, and to authorize the TM to sign same. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to accept a new water and sewer line easement on Mollie Way as part of the Hampton Inn project. 4/0 vote with KRF abstaining.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by LM to approve a one-day W&M license for March 7 from 6:30-10:00pm at the Community Center ballroom, and to waive the $25 fee. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by LM, seconded by KRF to approve the use of Lilac Park on April 11 from 11-11:30am for an Easter egg hunt. 5/0 vote.
Police Chief O’Brien appeared before the Board to review the procedures he has put into place for his officers to enforce the new state law governing the possession of under an ounce of marijuana. He also discussed the option of making a new local by-law that would prohibit marijuana consumption in public places. He will work with Town Counsel to put together the necessary language.
MOTION by KRF, seconded by LM to continue with the Southern Berkshire HHHW Collaborative for another year. 5/0 vote.
The Board briefly discussed “Truck Sales” and whether or not the Town could put together a by-law to regulate them. The Board asked the Chamber if they could give us some examples to follow.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.
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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