Minutes of Meeting – November 2, 2011; meeting called to order at 7:00pm.
Present: J McNinch; D Roche; K Fowler; L Messana; D. Trancynger.
Workshop: The Board met at 6pm to interview applicants for the Marketing and Events Committee. Once they had interviewed the final applicant, by roll call LM, DR, JM, DT and KF voted to go into Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss union contracts, and to return to open session by 7pm, to commence with their regular meeting agenda.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Robin Wong from the 7 Hills Inn announced the Voices of Hope Gala to be held on 12/9. This event is being sponsored with the Chamber of Commerce, and most of the proceeds will go to support the Elizabeth Freeman Center. Sonya Bykofsky asked about future Kennedy Park agendas being posted on the web. She also asked the Board to follow-up on the plaque for Laura Spector. She then presented the Board with draft guidelines for future monuments on town park land. Ann Grosser stated that she feels that issues such as Kennedy Park and the wind turbines polarize the Town, and suggested that the Town consider bringing someone in to mediate between both sides.
The Board welcomed our new student liaison, Jeel Shah.
MOTION by LM, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of October 19 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Community Center Board Update: Director Kim Graham and several members of her board updated the board on activities at the center: Brown Bag program, Farmer’s Market coupons through Elder Services, Shine counseling, flu clinics. They had another successful summer camp program, and have started another fall soccer program. The after school program is well subscribed. The Community Center is seeing more and more people with financial issues who are seeking assistance. JM brought up the upkeep of the various parks and the need to clarify which department is responsible for which park. DT asked for a quarterly list of volunteers for the Board to thank.
HDC Update: Jason Berger came before the Board for an update. Currently, 90% of his commission’s work centers around signage, with the remaining 10% on alterations. He stated that they are working with the Planning Board to update the Town’s sign bylaws. He mentioned that the commission is still looking for an architect to fill the remaining vacancy.
Library Update: Sharon Hawkes updated the board on current activities at the Library. She stated that they have now gone through one season with the Visitor’s Center/Chamber located in the Library building, and that it was great to be able to give tours of the building to so many visitors. She mentioned that there will be a gingerbread house competition in December, that there was a Halloween Film Fright and a Reading for Girls program for girls in grades 4-6. Finally, she invited everyone to attend the Library’s annual meeting of their Board of Trustees on Wednesday, November 9 at 7pm.
Marketing and Events Committee: The Board read the charge and tasks of the Marketing and Events Committee. MOTION by LM, seconded by DR to approve the charge and tasks as submitted. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to appoint seven members to this committee. 4/1 vote to oppose motion. After some discussion, MOTION by KF, seconded by DR to appoint five members, and one alternate, for a one-year term, to this committee. 4/1 vote with DT opposed. DR agreed to serve as the liaison from the Board. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to appoint the following individuals to the Marketing and Events Committee: Robert Romeo, Tony Simotes, Kim Flynn, Richard Wise and Carl Pratt. 4/0 vote with LM abstaining. MOTION by LM, seconded by DR to amend the previous motion to appoint two
alternates – Eiran Gazit and Richard Houdek. 5/0 vote.
The TM updated the Board on current capital projects: West Street should receive the final coat next week, with the entire project finishing up next spring ahead of schedule; the replacement of the water tank is moving along, with the hope of getting it ready to fill up this winter; the replacement of the pump station on New Lenox Road began today; due to the inclement weather. The other paving projects will be done in the spring.
The Board asked those organizations interested in holding their annual craft fairs in Lilac Park to submit their request ASAP.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by LM, seconded by DT to grant a one-day W&M License to the Lenox VFW for 11/12 from 6-9pm at St. Ann’s Parish Center. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to appoint Laurie Scoco as the Building Inspector’s Clerk. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to grant a temporary banner permit to Berkshire Bank from 11/7-21. 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: KF mentioned that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of Tanglewood, and he would like to see the Town do something special in recognition of this milestone. He suggested that perhaps the new Marketing and Events Committee could work on this. He also wanted to remind everyone that there is no overnight parking in Town, effective November 1. LM asked why Tanglewood closed their gates over the Columbus Day weekend. It was thought that they were performing tree work. DT stated that she is concerned that a private group (Laurel Lake Association) has so much responsibility for a public lake, and would like to see the Town do more to help them.
DR asked if an advisory group of 2 or three people (one from ConCom) could be put together to monitor the solar project, making sure that everything is legal and that the contract is favorable to the Town. MOTION by DR, seconded by LM to disband the Economic Development Action Plan Steering Committee now that the new Marketing and Events Committee has been appointed. 5/0 vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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