Minutes of Meeting – June 8, 2011; meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: L Messana; J McNinch; D Trancynger; D Roche; K Fowler.
Citizen’s Participation: Allison Schneider announced the Lilac Park Concert series, and stated that donations are always welcome. Cliff Snyder had three items he wanted to state: 1) He thinks that the concept “Lenoxology” is a total loser, and that the Town should cut their losses; 2) He feels that the wider sidewalks were a waste because what the Town needs is more parking; and 3) He does not like the new design of Franklin Street.
MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes of May 25 as presented. 4/1 vote with KF abstaining.
Sandwich Board Signs: JM stated that he and LM attended the HDC meeting where temporary/sandwich board signage was discussed. LM stated that the Town should either abide by the Historic District By-laws or we should abolish them. DT stated that she is against sandwich boards. DR stated that he feels that we need the HDC and should enforce the by-laws. KF feels that we need to be careful not to go too far with signage and become tacky. It was mentioned that the Building Inspector is the enforcement officer, and that perhaps he should begin to issue fines for those in violation. And those that do want them, should come to the Board seeking a temporary permit.
The Board announced vacancies on the various boards and commissions. With regard to the Community Center Board, MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to reduce the membership from nine down to seven members. 5/0 vote. The Board then discussed the Economic Development Steering Committee and whether or not they should be reappointed now or in January 2012. There was a consensus that the Committee attend an upcoming Board meeting to update the Board on their activities to date. After further discussion, MOTION by LM, seconded by KF to re-evaluate/reappoint this committee on September 30, 2011, and in the interim hold discussions with the group. 5/0 vote. They then discussed the Economic Development group; a discussion with the group and the Planning Board is needed. It was agreed to hold off on
appointments to the Youth, Drug and Alcohol and ADA Committee until a later date. They then asked anyone interested in serving to please submit letters of interest. They will make the annual appointments at the 6/22 meeting.
The Board discussed the number and location of banners. DT would like to see 36 scattered around the downtown. LM is afraid that it might be too congested, and suggested that they be placed only on Main and Walker Streets. MOTION by DR, seconded by LM to grant permission for 24 banners on the entrances and egresses of town (Main and Walker Streets). The motion was then amended by LM to grant permission for 24 banners to be erected on Main, Walker and Church Streets. After further discussion, MOTION by DR, seconded by LM to grant permission for 24 banners to be erected. 4/1 vote with DT opposed. MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to sparsely spread them out evenly throughout the downtown area, including the entrance/egress ways. 5/0 vote.
East Street Traffic Control Update: The Board explained that there is a formal process to change a speed limit, and that the limit could be increased rather than decreased. It was agreed that enforcement is the key to this issue, and the TM will ask the police to patrol this area more frequently at key times, and begin to ticket speeders.
Sharon Hawkes appeared before the Board to give an update on the financials and current activities at the Library. At this point (8.15pm) LM had to leave the meeting.
MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to award a contract for the Kennedy water storage tank replacement to Preload, Inc. in the amount of $1,325,300, and to authorize the TM to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote.
West Street Update: Jeff Vincent stated that there will be no change in the monument location, and that things are moving forward as scheduled.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to approve the following: Common Victualler license for Price Chopper; Entertainment License for Cabarets at the Seven Hills Inn; amendment to a one-day W&M license for 6/11 from 5-9pm previously approved on 5/25 to include the first floor of the Community Center; permission for a temporary banner at the Academy Building; temporary sign for Tony Gallo at 15 Franklin Street from 6/16-29. 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: KF asked for an update on the ambulance, and asked that a thank you be sent to those that went to Springfield to assist after the tornado. In addition, he asked that a thank you be sent regarding the Fieldman memorial at Kennedy Park overlook. MOTION by DT, seconded by KF to consider moving forward with combining the accounting/building inspector clerk positions. 3/1 vote with JM opposed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.
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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