Minutes of Meeting – July 15, 2009; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; KR Flynn; RN Sandlin; D Trancynger; J McNinch.
MOTION by DT, seconded by JM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of June 24 as presented. 5/0 vote.
The Clerk read the ad as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle to open the public hearing regarding an annual all alcoholic license request received from Panorama Mediterranean Restaurant and Pizzeria. MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to open the public hearing. 5/0 vote. Mr. Chaires explained that he was involved at this location previously, but that the license was held by someone else. That license was not renewed last year, and now he would like to obtain a license in his name. There was a question about his limited outdoor dining, and he was advised to check with the Zoning Board for permission. MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to close the public hearing. 5/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to approve an annual all alcoholic license to Panorama Mediterranean Restaurant and Pizzeria. 5/0
vote.
Jennifer Nacht from The Scoop appeared before the Board seeking to obtain a Common Victuallers license as well as permission to allow customers to bring their own wine or beer (BYOB) into her establishment. The Board asked several questions regarding the need and controls to be present for a BYOB. After a brief discussion, it was suggested that a TIPS certified individual be on the premises at all times, and that she agrees to apply for an annual license for 2010. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to grant permission to allow BYOB at The Scoop with the above listed provisions, and to grant a common victuallers license. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by KRF, seconded by RNS to grant a one-day W&M license to St. Ann Church for 8/1 from 8am-6pm as part of their summer lawn event. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KRF, seconded by RNS to grant a one-day W&M license to the Lenox Athenaeum for 7/27 from 9:15-10:15pm. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KRF, seconded by DT to grant a one-day A/A license to Joe’s Lunchbox Inc. for August 8 from 5:30-11:30pm at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to grant permission to the Berkshire Women for Women Worldwide to erect a temporary banner on the Welles Gallery Building from September 5-19, and that it be securely fastened to the building. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by RNS to grant permission for Ventfort Hall to place temporary signs announcing their House Tour on August 8 from 10-4. 5/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to grant permission to the Lenox Youth Basketball Association to erect a temporary banner across Main Street by St. Ann’s Church from July 24-August 7. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KRF, seconded by RNS to grant permission to the Yankee Candle Co. #3 to erect a temporary banner to be hung from a balcony outside their building from August 2-10. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KRF, seconded by JM to
grant permission to Richard and Sandra Laughran to erect a temporary sign along the road in front of the Aspinwell property and a second sign on the far back building from August 8-22 to promote their August 22 Revival Ride and Auto Show. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by JM to approve the sign for James Harwood as approved by the Historic District Commission and Planning Board. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by KRF, seconded by JM to grant permission for the Annual Great Josh Billings RunAground to utilize Town roads on Sunday, September 13 for their event. 5/0 vote. The Board reiterated that there will be no painting on the roadway allowed.
Police Chief O’Brien updated the Board on current activities in the Police Department. Vandalism has been on the rise lately, and they have recently issued 15 marijuana citations. He mentioned that the department received their new cruiser, and that it is a 6 cylinder rather than an 8 cylinder in order to try to save on fuel consumption.
Building Inspector Bill Thornton updated the Board on current activities in the Inspection Department. He read an overview of what duties encompass his office. He has issued 418 building permits this year, and generated $99,852 of revenue for the Town.
Attorney Phil Heller came before the Board to request a possible discount on the connection fees for the proposed housing project at Aspinwell. KRF recused herself from this discussion. David Ward, the developer, is planning to build 72 units of moderately priced housing. Initially, he will be building 12 2-BR units on three levels. Two units would be deed restricted as affordable at a cost of $170,000. The remaining ten would be considered “work force” units, costing $240-$250,000. The balance of the sixty units would contain an additional six units that would be considered affordable.
The Town charges $3300/BR for water and sewer hook-up fees. This would cost the project $475,200. Mr. Ward is proposing that the Town consider charging him $500/bedroom for a total cost of $72,000. LM and JM suggested that the Board consider subsidizing only the eight affordable units, and that this subject is something that the full Board needs to discuss further.
Old/New Business: Both JM and KRF brought up the Farmer’s Market and the need to review its’ activities. It may be necessary for them to hire a traffic officer to help with the congestion. LM read a description of what the Lenox Cultural Council’s responsibilities and duties consist of. She mentioned that MA Highway has a STRAP grant and that $500,000 is available. The Town will be applying for funding for our West Street project. Finally, she mentioned that the DPW is getting many requests for directional signs, etc., and it would be helpful if there were a more formal process to follow.
By roll call, LM, RNS, KRF, JM and DT voted to go into Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. for the purposes of discussing negotiations for a new sewer contract with the City of Pittsfield.
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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