Minutes of Meeting – September 29, 2010; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; KR Flynn; K Fowler; J McNinch; D Trancynger.
MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes of September 15 as presented. 5/0 vote.
KRF gave an overview of the 6pm public forum regarding the town’s fiscal picture and whether or not the Town should approve of a .75% meals tax. The Town is looking at a $310,000+/- shortfall based on projected expenditures and revenues. The Board agreed to vote at their 10/13 meeting as to whether or not to pursue the meals tax at the ATM in May with an implementation date of July 1, 2011.
The Board gave an update on efforts to create an economic development action plan. The four key elements include marketing, town amenities, events planning and communications. A proposed plan will be voted on at the first meeting in November.
The Board discussed their upcoming retreat, and the need to stay focused. It was suggested that they reduce the number of committees and use the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen as the two primary boards for moving projects forward. Some of the main items to be discussed include finances, economic development and infrastructure.
MOTION by LM, seconded by KF to award a contract to Morris Roofing & Sheet Metal Corp. in the amount of $172,600 to reinsulate the roof and put a new membrane on the roof top at the DPW, and to authorize the TM to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by LM, seconded by KF to award a contract to Weston & Sampson Engineers in the amount of $15,000 to proceed with home inspections for those properties that feed into the Brunell Pump Station, and to authorize the TM to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote. These inspections will be aimed at identifying and removing sources of water infiltration in order to avoid excess water overflowing the Brunell Pump Station.
There also was some discussion regarding sewer along East Street. The new owners of Eastover are anxious to connect their property to Town sewer. The Board briefly discussed the available options. Should Eastover build a pumping station, it would give the Town an opportunity to provide services to the neighboring streets in years to come. The Board agreed to enter into discussions with Eastover regarding this matter.
DPW Superintendent Jeff Vincent suggested that the town consider getting the reconstruction of the eastern half of Walker Street on the TIP for state and federal funding. In addition, he would like to enter into a contract with Foresight Engineers to get the Town to the 25% design level while we advance the project on the TIP. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to enter into a contract with Foresight Land Services in the amount of $78,400 to do the 25% design work for Walker Street from the bypass east, and to authorize the TM to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote.
Mr. Vincent then suggested that the Town also hire Foresight Land Services to perform construction oversight on the West Street project until the end of this construction season at a cost of $13,500. MOTION by LM, seconded by KF to enter into a contract with Foresight Land Services in the amount of $13,500 for construction oversight on the West Street project, and to authorize the TM to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote.
Consent Agenda items: MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to approve a one-day W&M license for 10/29 from 7-midnight at the Community Center. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to appoint Sheri Gaherty and Tony Patella to the Community Center Board. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to appoint Bill Thornton as the BRTA disability advocate. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by LM to appoint Ken Fowler to the Village Improvement Committee. 5/0 vote. The Board asked anyone interested in serving as the Town’s MPO alternate to submit a letter of interest to the Selectmen’s office. They would like to make the appointment at their 10/13 meeting.
Old/New Business: The Board thanked the Chamber (Ralph and Ken in particular) for the successful Apple Squeeze. LM also mentioned the successful car show. She thanked Rep. Pignatelli for all his hard work in obtaining funding for the West Street project. DT and LM will be going down to the LMMHS once a month to be accessible to the students. JM suggested that the Town consider hosting other events similar to the Apple Squeeze – community fair, block party, Octoberfest. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services 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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