Minutes of Meeting – May 26, 2010; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; D Trancynger; J McNinch; KR Flynn; K Fowler.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Jim Hatch from Stockbridge spoke with the Board regarding the sculptures situated around town. He suggested that a commission be created to formulate a policy regarding what sculptures should be erected, and the locations. The Board felt that the sculptures are revitalizing the downtown area, and suggested that Mr. Hatch do some homework toward his idea of a commission.
MOTION by KF, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes of May 12 as presented. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by JM, seconded by DT to appoint John Willey as a full-time police officer, replacing Brian Contenta who resigned. 5/0 vote.
The Board discussed the various incidents that have been occurring at the Econolodge. Mr. and Mrs. Pandya were both in attendance. Mrs. Pandya explained that they require contracts with anyone renting a function room, and that they check the rentals to make sure that only the individual renting the room is occupying the room. They stated that when they are hosting school functions, they close the bar down completely. KRF questioned the number of individuals attending the last event, since their capacity is set at approximately 263 for their three function rooms. She stated that she feels that the establishment has changed from a restaurant to a night club. DT stated that she does not want to see any of our police officers put in harms way at this establishment. It was mentioned that the Building
Inspector and Fire Chief are working with this establishment to determine their use (restaurant vs. night club) since their kitchen is no longer up to code and closed down. MOTION by LM, seconded by KF to write a letter to the Pandya’s informing them that this is their last warning, that they need to decide if they are going to be a restaurant or a night club, and that any more incidents will be grounds to suspend their liquor license. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to open the public hearing on a request received from the Cornell Inn to transfer the current Annual A/A Innholders license, and change the manager. 5/0 vote. LM read the ad as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle. Manager Eiran Gazit was present to answer any questions. MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to close the public hearing. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to approve the transfer of the A/A Innholders license and change of manager at the Cornell Inn contingent upon the Town receiving the $7000 payment which is currently overdue. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by KF to approve the addition of Live Entertainment to their current license. 5/0 vote.
Sharon Hawkes and members of the Library Board updated the Board on library operations. She read through various programs/events that are being planned. She explained that the Library will be going on their summer hours of Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5. She stated that the budget is not in great shape, and that they may need to do some creative budgeting, but that she is confident that they will be able to close the books in good shape.
Roscoe Sandlin updated the Board on the concerts planned for Lilac Park this summer. They will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm beginning in July and ending in September. If it rains, he would like to move it to the auditorium if it is available. The concerts will cost approximately $1200-1500, and to date they have received donations totaling $650. After some discussion, MOTION by KF, seconded by DT to permit the Church on the Hill to sell soda for the events, permit Tri-Town Rotary to sell popcorn and allow posting of the concert dates on the town web site. 5/0 vote. The Board suggested that the restaurants may want to offer dinner specials from 5-7 on Wednesday evenings. In addition, the Board wants to wait on the request to waive the open container law until Roscoe has a chance to speak with
Chief O’Brien.
The Board reviewed a draft memo to the ZBA regarding the Lenox Center Project. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to submit said memo, with one minor change, to the ZBA. 5/0 vote.
The TM updated the Board on Memorial Day activities. It was agreed that the VFW should have full control over the parade. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to approve the use of Town roads for the two parades. 5/0 vote.
The Board discussed the existing ten-year lease with the Lenox Children’s Center which will be expiring on June 30, 2010. It was agreed that an RFP would be put together which will seek a day care use for the building.
KRF reminded everyone that there will be a Special Town Meeting on Thursday, May 27, 7pm at the Town Hall to vote on the final three articles from the ATM.
The Board discussed the need for a Promissory Note which would commit the sewer enterprise fund to pay back the $400,000 to the Town’s general fund should the sewer department need to borrow said amount. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to execute the Promissory Note as presented. 5/0 vote.
Economic Development: The Board discussed how best to put the trolley that runs from Prime Outlets into place for Lenox. There was a discussion of asking the merchants, perhaps as a group, to sponsor a stop at $2000, with the Town putting in the additional $1000. It was agreed that this idea had merit, and that a letter should go out to the potential merchants and corporations/banks for their support. MOTION by JM, seconded by KF to send a letter to the merchants and banks seeking their support, and authorizing up to $6000 in matching funds for six stops. 5/0 vote. They also discussed the 9pt;color:#000000;">MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to appoint John Hillier to the Finance Committee and Joe Kellogg to the Cable Advisory Committee. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by KF to grant a One-Day W&M License to Ventfort Hall for 5/29 from 6-9pm. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by DT to grant a One-Day W&M License to Tamara Fish for 5/30 from 2-6pm at the Community Center Ballroom with the provision that Eiran Gazit is the certified bartender, unless we are informed otherwise by close of business on Friday. 5/0 vote. MOTION by LM, seconded by KF to grant a One-Day W&M License to Robert Taylor for 6/5 from 5-7pm at the Welles Gallery. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by DT to grant a One-Day A/A License to the Montessori School for 6/12 from 6-midnight at the Aspinwell Stables. 4/0 vote
with KRF abstaining. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to grant an Entertainment License to Shots Café for a radio. 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: KRF informed the Board of the proposed summer schedule: June 9 and 23, July 14, August 4 and 25. She also mentioned that the Village Improvement Committee will be planting flowers this weekend if anyone would like to help. Also, that since Linda and Ken have both resigned from the Committee, there are two vacancies if anyone is interested in serving on this committee.
By roll call, LM, DT, KRF, KF and JM voted to go into Executive Session at 9:25 p.m. to discuss contract negotiations, and to not return to open session.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Assistant to Town Manager Board of Selectmen
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Mary Ellen Deming
Director of Administrative Services
Town Hall - 6 Walker Street
Lenox, MA 01240
phone: (413) 637-5500
fax: (413) 637-5518
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