Minutes of Meeting – May 27, 2009; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; KR Flynn; RN Sandlin; D Trancynger. Absent: J McNinch.
MOTION by KRF, seconded by DT to accept the Minutes of May 13 as presented. 4/0 vote.
LM informed everyone that the Board held a workshop prior to the meeting to discuss the Church Street project.
Members of the Board of Health appeared before the Board to discuss Visiting Nurses Services provided to the Town. They have looked into having the services provided by both the Berkshire VNA and the Lee VNA. They are recommending that the Town switch and begin utilizing the services of the Lee VNA for a savings of over $3800 annually. MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to enter into a contract with the Lee VNA for an amount not to exceed $6500, and to authorize the TM to sign same. 4/0 vote.
The Library is seeking permission to install a “Poetry Hutch” in the Library Park near the start of the ramp to the Library. MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to approve the placement of the “Poetry Hutch” in the Library Park from late June through July. 4/0 vote.
Church Street Update: Things are progressing. We need to decide about banner arms and flower basket hardware on the streetlight poles. The water mains have been installed; still hooking up the properties over the next 4-5 days. Finding many abandoned utilities, adding to the time necessary to perform the task. Pavers should arrive the week of June 8th. The Board questioned if it would be possible to extend 2-3 days into July if it meant completing the paving aspect of the job, but it was reiterated by the merchants that the Town needs to stick to the June 30th deadline for the construction to stop. It was asked that all signage be removed during the months of July and August, when no construction will be occurring. It was suggested that copies of the rendering showing the
finished project be hung up in various shops around Town to show people what the downtown is proposed to look like. Another public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 at 7pm at the Town Hall.
The Board discussed the vacancy on the Library Board created by Steve Pavlosky’s departure. It was agreed to table the appointment for a future meeting. MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to ratify the appointment of Steve Sample as the Planning Board representative on the Historic District Commission. 4/0 vote.
The Chairman announced the vacancies on the various boards, and asked any one interested in serving to submit their name to the office for consideration when the Board makes the annual appointments.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to grant a one-day A/A license to Eastover Resort for 6/13 from 1:30pm-1:00am at Tally Ho. 4/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to grant a one-day A/A license to Eastover Resort for 6/14 from 12:30-5:30pm at the pinegrove. 4/0 vote.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to deny a request to Tyler Clay to go door to door selling books. 4/0 vote.
The Board discussed Fire Engine 1 with the various members of the Fire Department and what the options were – repair it at a cost up to $90,000+/- or move ahead with replacing it via lease to buy or by borrowing the necessary funds for an outright purchase at a cost of possibly $565,000. Chief Clifford went through the various mechanical issues as well as other concerns that are present with the truck. They had hoped to go another ten years before purchasing another engine, but the anticipated costly repairs are making it necessary to look at a purchase now. There is an 8-12 month lead time to obtain a fire engine, so the Town will have to limp along with Engine 1 until then. The Chief also mentioned that purchasing now would avoid the new emissions regulations that will be going into effect within the next few
years. MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to move forward with the purchase of a new fire engine, financing it in the most advantageous way. 4/0 vote.
Old/New Business: RNS stated that he had received one serious complaint regarding the Farmers Market, and asked if anyone else had heard anything. All other comments have been positive, even from the merchants who say that their business has improved from the Market. Thank you’s went out to those who planted the flowers around town, and to those involved in the Memorial Day ceremonies such as Sean Ward, Tim Sheehan and Rep. Pignatelli. It was announced that there will be a meeting regarding West Street on Monday, June 22 at 6:30 at the Town Hall.
By roll call, LM, RNS, KRF and DT voted to go into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.
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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