Minutes of Meeting – August 17, 2011; meeting called to order at 7:00pm.
Present: J McNinch; D Roche; K Fowler; D Trancynger. Absent: L Messana.
Citizen’s Participation: Owners from the Patisserie came before the Board to discuss their sign violation. JM explained that the Town is looking to change the by-law, but are not sure exactly how. DR suggested that the Town might make signs by right rather than by special permit, on a case by case basis. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to grant a two-week temporary sign, not to be placed on the sidewalk, effective immediately while they work with the Building Inspector on something permanent. 4/0 vote. The owners are to come into Town Hall with the exact measurements of their sign prior to placing it out.
MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of August 3 as presented. 4/0 vote.
Town/School Shared Services Study: The TM went over the scope of work for this project. School Committee Member Dave Berkel stated that the committee has some concerns that the price is too high and that the town should step back and review. School Committee Member Don Fitzgerald stated that he feels that if we are going to move forward with this project, we should look at all departments, not just the few that are mentioned in the report, even if it costs more. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed to table this issue, and consider putting together an RFP to seek additional quotes.
EAPSC Update: Scott Laugenour had three items to bring up. 1) what default campaign logo did the Town wish to utilize? MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to approve the use of the default logo with the sun in the “o”. 3/1 vote with JM opposed. MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to approve this as the official logo for the Lenoxology campaign. 4/0 vote. 2) a wedding tour will be occurring in early November, and B/H will be assisting the town with this venture. 3) photo submission. He reminded everyone that 8/25 is the deadline to submit photos for use with this project.
The TM gave an update on the solar project. He explained that the school roofs, due to their age, are likely not an option. However, ground mounts at the sewer plant, the landfill and the Post Farm area look promising. He feels that the Town should pursue as much solar as possible before moving onto wind energy. This would give the wind technology a chance to produce quieter and more compact turbines. Scott Laugenour questioned going the PPA route rather than owing the equipment. The TM explained that the RFP was set up that way, but that once a developer is selected, the idea could be discussed. Jamie Cahillane wants to see the Town keep moving ahead with regard to wind turbines. Chris Magee cautioned that there are significant issues with wind turbines and urged that a full review of these issues
is needed.
MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to approve a 3-year agreement to host the Memorial Marathon over the Memorial Day weekends for 2012,2013, and 2014. 4/0 vote.
The TM clarified the Board’s vote from the August 3 meeting regarding our ambulance serving the Interlaken Road area in Stockbridge. He explained that the Board vote merely approved pursuing the possibility of expanding our ambulance service, and to begin a formal review process.
The Kennedy Park Committee would like to hold a joint public forum regarding the Kennedy Park Overlook Belvedere. The Board set the meeting for Monday, August 29 at 7pm in the Town Hall Auditorium. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to have a sign-in sheet at all public forums. 4/ vote. The TM stated that at this forum, two issues are on the agenda: 1) how to soften the impact, and 2) how to modify the process for permitting. Sonya Bykofsky asked several questions regarding the Scenic Mountain Act, and suggested that the town include paperwork for filing under this Act. Lucy Kennedy stated that while she feels that Dr. Fieldman had good intentions, it is not appropriate to place a monument to one individual in the park, and that a hold should be placed on the process so that this does not occur again.
Paul Grabard stated that he lost a daughter, and he wouldn’t think of memorializing her in this way. Joan Mears stated that she would like to see what was actually proposed by Rob Akroyd as she feels that what was built was not what was presented.
The Board received a letter from the Hoadley Gallery regarding the use of an “open” banner attached to their free-standing sign. The Building Inspector determined that this was in violation of the sign by-laws. The owners of the gallery came before the Board to plead their case. MOTION by KF, seconded by DR to grant a temporary two-week sign request for said “open” banner, effective immediately while the Hoadleys pursue a modification to their sign permit. 4/0 vote.
MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to award a contract to LB Corp. for a total of $1,804,923.60 for road paving work, and to authorize the TM to sign same. 4/0 vote. The roads to be repaved include Old Stockbridge Road, East Dugway, Cliffwood, Greenwood, Hubbard, Old Center Street and Lime Kiln Road.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to approve the following: One-Day W&M License request for the Lenox Dale Block Dance on 8/20 from 6-11:30pm; One-Day A/A License request to Berkshire Grown on 9/19 from 6-8:30pm at Eastover Hotel. 4/0 vote.
The Board discussed the fact that Ventfort Hall has now applied for 22 one-day licenses, and suggested that they should consider applying for an annual license. MOTION by KF, seconded by DR to grant a One-Day W&M License request to Ventfort Hall for 9/10 from 6-11pm; One-Day W&M License request to Ventfort Hall for 9/21 from 5-9pm. 4/0 vote. The Board agreed to discuss the number of one-day licenses allowed annually at their next meeting.
Sharon Hawks asked the Board for permission to place a sandwich board sign out from 8/26-28, and a temporary banner from 8/24-28 to advertise their annual book sale. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to grant permission for a temporary banner and sandwich board sign request from 9am-5pm at the Lenox Library as requested for their annual book sale. 4/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to grant a One-Day W&M License request to OLLI/BCC on 9/3 from 2-5pm at the Welles Gallery of the Lenox Library. 4/0 vote.
Old/New Business: DR stated that the sign issue is getting out of hand – he doesn’t know what the solutions is, but there is a problem that needs to be addressed. He asked those establishments that have illegal signs in their windows to please remove them. DT suggested that an All Boards meeting be set up for some time in early October.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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