Minutes of Meeting – November 30, 2011; meeting called to order at 7:00pm.
Present: J McNinch; D Roche; K Fowler; D. Trancynger. Absent: L Messana.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Jan Chague questioned if more monuments are planned for erection in Kennedy Park, and if language could be placed on the ATM warrant to regulate this. She also asked when the Committee meets so that people could attend their meetings.
MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of November 16 as presented. 4/0 vote.
The Board of Assessors joined the Board to hold the FY12 Tax Rate Classification Public Hearing. KF read the public hearing notice as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. After a brief overview by Chairman Joe Kellogg, MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to approve a dual tax rate with a residential factor of .9455 with no residential or commercial discounts. This will result in an approximate 2.5% tax burden increase for all properties. 4/0 vote.
Sharon Hawkes updated the Board on activities at the Library. The Library recently received the Star Library designation for excellence in service. She explained that 47% of their budget comes from the Town, which breaks down to a $47/per taxpayer cost.
MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to grant permission to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council to use the old Dunbar Road and Reservoir Road as part of a trail running race between August 1-12, 2012, and to have insurance coverage that would hold the Town harmless in case of any injuries. 4/0 vote.
The TM updated the Board on progress on the FY13 budget. He will be presenting his draft budget to the Board in January. There was a brief discussion regarding health insurance. DR stated that he feels that all employees and departments should pay the same split and have the same options for coverage. The TM suggested offering the unions a 75%/25% split or offering comparable GIC-type packages. MOTION by JM, seconded by DR to pursue an alternative to the Section 21 negotiating process, and ask the unions to agree to review the premium splits. 4/0 vote.
The TM informed the Board that work on West Street is being wrapped up for the winter with only minor clean-up and landscaping needed in the spring. The project is ahead of schedule and under budget. Work is continuing on the Kennedy Park water tank, and it is hoped that water will be available by the first of the new year. Work on the New Lenox road sewer pump station will continue through the winter. DR asked the TM for a status on the shared services consultant; it is moving along and they should be in town within the new few weeks to interview employees.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to grant a temporary banner permit to Essencials to erect a temporary banner for 14 days beginning immediately. 4/0 vote. MOTION by KF, seconded by DT to grant five (5) one-day W&M Licenses to Ventfort Hall as follows: 12/10, 7:30-11pm; 12/17, 4-10pm; 12/30, 7:30-11pm; 12/31, 4-9pm and 1/1, 4-9pm. 4/0 vote. The Board then briefly discussed the two vacancies on the Finance Committee, and agreed to look into whether individuals needed to be residents in order to serve. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to grant a one-day W&M license to the Arcadian Shop for 12/9 from 6-9pm. 4/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to grant a temporary sign permit to NBT Bank for December 6-20. 4/0 vote.
Old/New Business: DR brought up utilizing a solar advisory group, and to consider including someone with knowledge regarding ownership vs. leasing. Student liaison Jeel informed the Board that the band is holding a fruit sale, that the prom is scheduled for May 12 at Stonover Farm, and that the school is considering a mascot change. KF mentioned that now that the impromptu dog park is gone, perhaps interested individuals could come forward to try to create a dog park.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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