Minutes of Meeting – August 31, 2011; meeting called to order at 7:00pm.
Present: J McNinch; D Roche; K Fowler; D Trancynger. Absent: L Messana.
Citizen’s Participation: Sonya Bykofsky appeared before the Board to discuss whether an RDA or an NOI would be submitted to the ConCom on the Kennedy Park project.
MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of August 17 as presented. 4/0 vote.
Economic Development Action Plan Steering Committee Update: The Committee suggested holding the next public forum on 9/21. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to hold the next public forum with Bodden/Hamilton on September 21. 4/0 vote. The Committee updated the board on wi-fi first in the village and ultimately beyond. The Committee’s three options in order of preference are 1) village wi-fi through a partnership of public and private funding; 2) town sponsored hotspots with private sector encouragement and 3) village wi-fi through 100% town funding. DR likes the hotspot approach; JM felt that the Town needed an inventory of private wi-fi; KF preferred option #2 with a private partnership and DT would like to learn more. After some discussion, MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to have the committee
further investigate Option #2 and #3, including private funding in the mix. 4/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to table any further discussion on an App at this time. 4/0 vote.
One-Day Licenses: The Board discussed the issue of one-day liquor licenses and whether they would like to lower the maximum number allowed annually, or whether they would like to delegate their authority to MED and GTF. They agreed that they would like to know legally if they have the authority to delegate this issue.
Sawmill Brook Project: A public bidding process took place, and only one response was received from the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire. The Affordable Housing Committee recommended accepting this response. MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to enter into a designated developer agreement with the CDC of South Berkshire, and authorize the TM to sign same. 3/1 with JM opposed. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to stipulate that the agreement would be for three years with an option to extend for two additional years, and to transfer ownership of the land to the CDC once completion of the project is assured. Finally, MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to approve a $600,000 5-year note from Berkshire Bank at an interest rate of 1.75%. 4/0 vote.
Apple Squeeze: The Chamber is seeking permission to conduct various events throughout the village during Apple Squeeze weekend, 9/24-25: use of Lilac Park by the PTO, Brock Trot on Sunday morning, using the Schultz lot on Housatonic for a tent, installation of temporary banners for up to two weeks. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to approve all Apple Squeeze activities as presented. 4/0 vote. MOTION by KF, seconded by DT to approve banner requests. 4/0 vote.
Signage: The Board discussed signage in the downtown area, and how they wish to go about regulating it. DT prefers to have the Planning Board and HDC work on the issue and come back to the Board with recommendations; JM would like to reach out to those who would like to participate in this project; DR feels that we need to show that we are more business friendly; DT would like to receive formal requests. MOTION by KF, seconded by DT to ask the Planning Board to develop new sign regulations. 4/0 vote.
MOTION by DT, seconded by JM to grant the Pastry Shop a two-week extension of their temporary sign. 3/1 vote with DR opposed. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to grant the Hoadley Gallery a two-week extension of their temporary banner. 4/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to approve a two-week temporary sign at 50 Church Street. 4/0 vote.
Mass Works: The TM gave an overview of the Mass Works grant application and the private partnership that has been formed to complete the sewer line extension work to Tanglewood and to redirect the effluent from Canyon Ranch.
MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to authorize the submittal of a Mass Works grant in the amount of $695,000; said grant to be used for sewer extension work to Tanglewood and the redirecting of the sewer flows from Canyon Ranch out of the Brunell Pump Station Service Area. 4/0 vote.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to approve the following items: Declare September Hunger Action Month and place a box in the Town Hall lobby for donations of food; a one-day A/A license for 9/30 from 7-11pm at Stonover Farm; the Tub Parade to be held on 9/10, along with a banner to be hung up from now until the 10th. 4/0 vote. There was a MOTION by KF, seconded by DR to submit paperwork to the ConCom regarding the Kennedy Park Overlook Project per the ConCom’s request. 4/0 vote.
Old/New Business: DR brought up alternative energy efforts, i.e., wind and solar. He feels that at this juncture, we should focus on solar and put wind energy on the back burner for now. KF agreed. DT prefers to continue with educational efforts, but DR feels that any educational outreach will be too dominated by wind controversy. KF would like to see as much information on solar as on wind. JM would like to see the Town pursue all options. It was agreed to have the issue of wind energy be a formal agenda item at the next meeting. DR commented that he is concerned that the clamps on the banners/light poles are too cheap and may cause a problem. The Board praised the public safety/DPW staff for their efforts during the recent storm.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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