Minutes of Meeting – February 15, 2012; meeting called to order at 7:00pm.
Present: J McNinch; D Roche; L Messana; K Fowler; D Trancynger.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Sonya Bykofsky asked for a status on the memorial guidelines and committee. It was explained that the Board will finalize the appointments shortly.
Wind Energy Research Panel: The Board acknowledged receipt of the report from the panel. JM suggested that everyone read through the report and familiarize themselves with it. DR stated that the committee was very thorough, including many references to be checked out. KF feels that the Town owes it to the public to get the report out and allow the public to digest it, and then schedule a public forum to discuss it. It was agreed to schedule a public forum for Monday, February 27 at 7pm at the Town Hall. The board praised the committee and Ken Fowler for a job well done.
MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of February 1 as presented. 5/0 vote
LM read the advertisement for the transfer of an annual A/A Innholders license request from Garter Inn Management, LLC, d/b/a Gateways Inn. MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to open the public hearing on a request received from Garter Inn Management, LLC d/b/a Gateways Inn to transfer an Annual A/A Innholder’s license. 5/0 vote. The owner, Eiran Gazit, gave a brief explanation as to what the establishment is planning, and how he wants to continue the longstanding tradition of the bar and restaurant. MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to close the public hearing. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by KR to grant the transfer of an A/A Innholders license to Garter Inn Management, LLC d/b/a Gateways Inn with a 1am closing time. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to grant an Innholders and
Entertainment License for piano and light music to Garter Inn Management, LLC d/b/a Gateways Inn with entertainment ending at 1am. 5/0 vote.
FY13 Water &Sewer Rate Public Hearing: LM read the ad as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle. MOTION by DT, seconded by DR to open the public hearing. 5/0 vote. DPW Superintendent Jeff Vincent gave an overview of things, and recommended that the Board raise the water rate 6% and the sewer rate 10%, leaving all other rates except the flat rate for sewer as they currently are. It was agreed that looming capital needs necessitate these higher rate increases. DR stated that the rates have not kept up with basic inflation over the years, noting the 60 cent rate from 1927. MOTION by KF, seconded by DR to close the public hearing. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by DT to increase water rates by 6% ($6.14 to $6.50) beginning May 1, 2012, to increase sewer rates by 10% ($7.73 to $8.50), to increase
the water and sewer minimum charge from $30 to $35 and increase the flat rate for sewer to $278 beginning May 1, 2012. 5/0 vote.
BRTA Representative Scott Laugenour came before the Board to ask them to offer free rides on Fridays and Saturdays again this year. He explained that rider ship increased last year due to this promotion, and that as rider ship increases, the town’s assessment goes down. MOTION by DT, seconded by LM to approve offering free rides on the BRTA on Fridays and Saturdays from Earth Day (April 20) to Columbus Day (October 6) 2012. 5/0 vote.
Marketing & Events Update: DR gave a brief update, filling in for chair Kim Flynn. There was some discussion regarding the proposed cycling event, and the need for $30,000 in seed money. John Eustice is working to raise at least $10,000. He is looking to have the town approve $5000, leaving $15,000 to raise locally. The Chamber has already voted to unanimously support this event. It was agreed to take this request under advisement and to vote on the expenditure of $5000 for the cycling event at the February 29 Selectmen’s meeting.
Lynn Sutton appeared before the Board to update them on Village Improvement Committee plans for the spring. She has applied for CPA money for the Roche Reading Park to have a fence installed along the back line, remove the old hemlock and plant with arborvitae (Phase I). Phase II will incorporate a design process. She also mentioned that she would like to hold a Memorial Day plant sale with the proceeds going to the Committee. She is working with a $10,000 budget, allocated as follows: $6,000 for spring/summer 2011 plants, $1500 for holiday decorations and $2500 for 2012 spring plantings. Since they over-spent on holiday decorations this year, she is hoping to receive a $10,000 allocation for FY13. BOS asked her to put together a detailed multi-year plan with a full budget proposal.
Kemble Street Benches: Elizabeth Tierney is seeking to have three benches placed along the sidewalk leading down to Shakespeare and Company. DT is very supportive of this idea, and KF felt that this would be good for the farmer’s market. JM felt that since dedication plaques would be included on the benches, the Board should wait and vote at the 2/29 BOS meeting.
FY13 Public Safety Budgets: Police: LM stated that she feels training is critical. KF stated that officers never know what they are up against when they make a stop. DR questioned how the cruisers get serviced. There was a general consensus that specialized training is what is lacking. Our budget only covers basic training and recertification. The Chief indicated an additional $5000 for training would be a step in the right direction. Gasoline prices may well exceed the projected $3.50 a gallon. Another $5000 might be needed here as well. Ambulance: Revenue continues to be a concern. Chris Long updated the board on recent discussions with our collections agent about ways to improve collections. While improvements can be made, the worst we are seeing is an 83%
collection rate. The Town needs to continue to track collection rates. The new ambulance uses gasoline, and is much smoother than the diesel was. Weekend coverage continues to rely on volunteers. It would cost the Town an additional $12,500 for paid staff. Fire: It was brought up that the town has never done Phase II of the volunteer stipends, due to funding. There was a discussion about equipment repairs and training. The Fire Chief has been successful in securing grant funds for some equipment needs.
Consent Agenda items: MOTION by KF, seconded by LM to set the annual estimate of our seasonal population at 10,000. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KF, seconded by LM to approve a one-day W&M license for the Lenox Food Pantry at the Community Center for 2/25 from 7:30-10:30pm. 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: LM went through the February employee anniversaries. She brought up the recent issue of a banner at Essentials that was erected without BOS permission, and suggested that we might want to consider granting a series of two week requests to aid in the permitting. Requests should come with a site plan showing location. It was agreed to have signs installed at the entrances to Kennedy Park regarding dogs needing to be leashed. DR requested that the following topics be placed on the 2/29 agenda: Caroling Event Report, Memorial Committee Appointments and Kemble Street benches. JM acknowledged receipt of conflict of interest statements from CPC members. The Board agreed with the recommendations of the Ethics Commission.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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