Minutes of Meeting – March 18, 2009; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; J McNinch; KR Flynn; RN Sandlin; S. Pavlosky.
MOTION by KRF, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of March 4 as presented. 3/0 vote with SP and RNS abstaining.
DPW Superintendent Jeff Vincent joined the Board to discuss the rationale for the recent utility rate changes. It was explained that the increases were necessitated by the various system improvements that the Town is facing. For water, we have the replacement of many of the components to the treatment plant, as well as having the water tanks that need replacing or relining. It is estimated that we will be facing approximately $10 million in capital needs for water over the next 5+ years. For sewer, we are looking at approximately $30 million over the next 5-8 years to cover costs such as replacing pump stations and old, leaking pipes to upgrading the WWTP.
Jeff then updated the Board on the West Street and Church Street road projects. On the West Street project, we are still awaiting approval from MA Highway on the various waivers from the normal design standards. Once we receive approval, a public hearing will be held, hopefully in May. A bid package will be put together, with an anticipated contract in the summer of 2010, followed by construction in the fall. The project should be completed in 2011.
Bids will be opened on the Church Street project on March 26 with a bid award on April 1. A construction time table will be worked out so that the project will have the least effect on the summer tourist season. Since work will not occur on the weekends, the contractors may work from 6am-6pm Monday through Friday. Work will commence on April 13 and continue until July 1 on the southern end of Church Street. Work will continue in September right after Labor Day until November 15 on the northern end of Church Street. Jim Lucie questioned why a traffic study was not performed, but the TM explained that one had been conducted in 2003, and that nothing had changed so the Town decided to spare the cost of a new one and work with the existing document. Jeff Vincent went through the project and answered questions
posed from the audience. Suzanne Pelton then spoke regarding the need to utilize true Westinghouse street lights. It was explained that the original lights supported 13 lbs. and the new lights will need to support 54 lbs. The speced lights will be a close replica of the Westinghouse style lights, but not exactly like the original. She stated that the Historical Commission would like the Town to hold up that portion of the bid, and re-bid the street lighting fixtures. It was agreed that she would supply the Town with the three names and addresses of companies that she feels can replicate the original lights and that that information will be sent along to all of the contractors that requested bid packets.
MOTION by JM, seconded by KRF to approve the seasonal A/A license for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, d/b/a Seranak for 2009. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by KRF, seconded by JM to grant a one-day W&M license to Kim Graham for March 29 from 1-3pm at the Community Center Ballroom. 5/0 vote.
The Library came in to go over the proposed FY10 library budget. It assumes a 2% decrease in Town support. Denis stated that the Library is pretty much on track with both their revenues and expenditures. Their budget assumes no salary increases, and is level funded.
The Board reviewed draft language for an Affordable Housing Trust. Final language will be placed on the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant.
The Board discussed the installation of a new sign to be installed on Town land at the corner of Willow Creek Road and Housatonic Street. The sign would be able to accommodate the names and locations of many businesses. It was agreed that it should be forwarded to the Planning Board for their review.
Event Planner: The Board discussed the need for an Event Planner to assist the Chamber of Commerce with the development of special events for the Town. Following interviews, one individual is willing to work full time for the next four months for $10,000. MOTION by JM, seconded by KRF to authorize the TM to enter into a contract for said services through the Lenox Chamber of Commerce in an amount not to exceed $10,000. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to appoint James Scalise as an alternate to the Board of Survey. 5/0 vote.
The TM updated the Board on the status of the FY10 budget. He explained that we are still awaiting word on state aid. Even if it comes in lower than anticipated, since our revenue projections assume lower state aid than the governor proposed, we should be fine. If it comes in lower than planned, we will need to look for cuts.
With regard to the upcoming Special Town Meeting, SP suggested that we take the articles out of order and act upon Article #5 first since it is merely a housekeeping item. It was agreed that this made good sense. The Board then briefly went through potential warrant articles for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Both the budget and warrant will need to be approved at the April 1 Selectmen’s meeting.
Old/New Business: None.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 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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