Minutes of Meeting – December 15, 2010; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; KR Flynn; J McNinch; D Trancynger; K Fowler.
MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes of December 1 and 8 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Sharon Hawkes from the Library announced activities occurring at the Library.
The Board went through the various license renewals. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to approve the 2011 license renewals as presented, contingent upon those with code issues or outstanding fees owed the Town being taken care of within sixty days. 5/0 vote. KRF reminded everyone to please pick up their licenses by the end of the month and to display them.
Members from the Class of 2016 appeared before the Board seeking permission to hold the “Lenox Loop Race” on April 9, 2011, beginning at 10am. The course will be the same one that they used last year, starting and ending at the high school. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to grant permission for the “Lenox Loop Race” to be held on Town roads on April 9, 2011, beginning at 10am. 5/0 vote.
The TM gave an update on the wind workshop that was held earlier in the day. He explained that work continues, that the site appears very viable, and that no red flags have been raised. He suggested that the Town hold discussion sessions beginning in February with different groups. He hopes to place this question on the May ATM warrant.
He then gave an update on the solar initiative, explaining about the new mini-grant program available for Lenox residents and businesses. Approximately 73 people attended the December 6 meeting. There is enough funding for approximately 35 $2000 grants.
The TM gave a brief update on the setting of the FY11 tax rate. A public hearing was held on December 8, and the Board approved a new residential tax rate of $10.49 and a new commercial tax rate of $14.02 which results in all property owners paying 2.5% more in real estate taxes.
FY12 Budget: The Board shared the results of the Citizens Survey. In general, people are satisfied with how government is working. Respondents were evenly divided on whether to approve an override There were some interesting comments that will be taken into consideration as we move forward with the budget process.
Consent Agenda items: MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to approve a one-day A/A license for The Marketplace on 12/31 from 7pm -12:30am at the Community Center ballroom 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: LM brought up the meeting held at the LMMHS, and how receptive the kids were. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to appoint Robert Milne as the School Liaison to the Board of Selectmen. 5/0 vote. KF mentioned that Billy Soto is interested in serving on the Economic Development Action Plan Steering Committee. He also suggested that the Town look into expanding the hours into the evening at the Community Center. He asked that the Clerk’s Office supply dog owners with a note when they renew their dog licenses reminding them to clean up after their dogs. LM then brought up the issue of having the Selectmen step back from serving on committees. She feels that it gives the perception that permission is granted from the Board. KF suggested that the Board review minutes from the
various committees to keep current with their activities. MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to only have a Selectman serve on those committees that mandate a Board member. 5/0 vote. KRF mentioned that the residents of Bramble Lane will be looking to the Town for a sewer easement to allow them to hook up to the Town of Lee sewer system. This would require a Town Meeting vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 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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