Minutes of Meeting – December 2, 2009; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; KR Flynn; RN Sandlin; D Trancynger; J McNinch.
Open Forum: Tom Delasco from the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum gave a brief history and overview of events that have been occurring at the railway. He explained that in particular, the Polar Express has been a huge success. Kevin Chittenden then explained that venues such as the Polar Express book up to two years in advance. He went on to explain that the reason he is in front of the
Board is to ask their assistance in putting pressure on the MA DOT and the Governor to assist in the renegotiating of an easement so that the railway may continue to run passenger/tourist trains. There is an expiration date of 12/31/09, and while there is some wiggle room, they would like to get his renegotiated ASAP. MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to assist the BSRM in anyway they can. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to accept the Minutes of November 18 as amended. 4/0 vote with LM abstaining.
Stretch Code – Peggy MacLeod from CET gave a presentation which explained the need for this code and how the 8th edition will vary from the 7th edition of the Building Code. She went on to explain that while adhering to this new code will add to the cost of your building, the decrease in energy costs will more than cover the added costs. She closed by informing the group that if the Selectmen approve the adoption of the code by 12/31/09, it would go into effect on July 1, 2010. If the Board did not approve it until July 1, 2010, the code would not go into effect until July 1, 2011. The Board will hold a formal public hearing at their next meeting scheduled for December 16.
100 Church Street – The Selectmen provided the public with a status report on the dilapidated building. While the HDC denied the request for a hardship determination to allow the building to be demolished, the owner has opted not to make repairs to the building. Thus, the ruling of the Board of Surveyors stands: The structure is unsafe and poses a public safety hazard. Under these circumstances, the Town Building Inspector is obligated to instruct the owner to correct the existing hazard either by making the repairs or taking down the building immediately.
The Board reviewed the charge and composition of the Economic Development and Village Improvement Committees. MOTION by RNS, seconded by KRF to ask anyone interested in serving on the Economic Development or Village Improvement Committees to submit a letter of interest to the Selectmen’s Office.
Project Updates: West Street – A Board vote is needed to approve the Order of Taking for the permanent easements needed in conjunction with the project. Landowners involved have expressed their willingness to donate these easements and will be asked to sign a Certificate of Donation. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to approve the Order of Taking for the permanent easements for the West Street project. 5/0 vote. At the previous meeting, members of the public expressed their strong preference for the new sidewalk to be constructed with asphalt, not concrete. The Selectmen are sensitive to the decision of the neighborhood and may be able to accommodate this request. Because the design work has been finished, it is best to wait until a contractor has been chosen for the project and deal with a possible
change order rather than stop the bidding process now. There is an alternative option of using a dark colored concrete sidewalk which may achieve the same aesthetic look desired. The Selectmen will make a final decision at a future public meeting. Church Street – Street lights should be installed over the next two weeks.
MOTION by RNS, seconded by DT to approve the One-Day A/A license for 12/3 from 4:30-6:30pm at Cameron House. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by JM to grant a Temporary Sign Request for the Lenox Fitness Center for the period 12/3-12/16. 4/0 vote with LM abstaining.
Old/New Business: LM went through the November and December employee anniversaries. She thanked everyone who came out and helped with the holiday decorating. DT mentioned that the Youth Advocacy Group will be meeting on Thursday, December 3. MOTION by RNS, seconded by JM to authorize the TM to sign the necessary paperwork for an EECBG grant application due December 7. They announced that the Planning Board forum on the proposed site plan revision process for large homes will be held on Thursday, December 3 at 7pm.
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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