Minutes of Meeting – November 18, 2009; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: KR Flynn; RN Sandlin; D Trancynger; J McNinch. Absent: L. Messana.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to accept the Minutes of October 28 as presented. 4/0 vote.
MOTION by JM, seconded by DT to open the hearing regarding liquor violations by Barood’s, Inc. 4/0 vote. RNS read the letter sent to Melissa Noel citing the various violations. Chief O’Brien explained the violations, and recommended that their license be revoked. MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to close the hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to revoke the liquor license for Barood’s, Inc. 4/0 vote. NOTE: License holders were notified of hearing and chose not to attend.
The Board of Assessors joined the Board to hold the FY10 Tax Rate Classification Public Hearing. MOTION by JM, seconded by RNS to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. RNS read the public hearing notice as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle. After a brief overview by Chairman Joe Kellogg, MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to approve a residential factor of .939 which results in an FY10 tax rate of $9.92 for residential properties and $13.50 for commercial properties. This will result in an approximate 2.5% tax burden increase for all properties after adjusting for reduced values, and leaves the Town with an excise levy capacity of $1845.12. 4/0 vote.
Planning Board Chairman Joe Kellogg updated the Board on current activities. Items they are working on include greater flexibility in uses, McMansions, religious and educational uses, site plan review for projects over 4000s.f. and off-premises seasonal displays and truck sales.
West Street Update: The 100% design plans have been submitted to MA Highway and a bid opening is scheduled for February 2010. Several residents spoke about their concern with the planned sidewalks, and have asked for asphalt rather than concrete, and that they be narrower than planned. The Selectmen thanked the residents for their input and will revisit whether to use asphalt or darkened concrete.
The new street lights should be installed by Thanksgiving, or shortly thereafter. Because of some concerns with the design of the kiosk, MOTION by DT, seconded by RNS to place the installation of the kiosk on hold, and have the Village Improvement Committee and the Historical Commission provide recommendations for new designs by January 31, 2010. 4/0 vote. Judy Moss stated that the Town needs to market the Town to the locals rather than the tourists, and submitted a petition against the installation of any kiosk. Fabrizio Chiarello suggested that the Town install colored crosswalks down the entire length of Walker Street.
MOTION by DT, seconded by RNS to approve the consent agenda which included the following:
Church on the Hill annual craft fair in Lilac Park to be held on July 24-25, Youth Basketball August 15-16 and Lenox Children’s Center last weekend in August or first weekend in September; temporary sign request from Yankee Candle from 11/23-30. 4/0 vote.
KRF announced that there is a vacancy for a ZBA alternate and ask those interested to submit a letter of interest.
Old/New Business: KRF thanked everyone involved in the wonderful Veteran’s Day activities. She asked anyone interested in decorating around Town to meet at 12 noon on 11/27.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 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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