Minutes of Meeting – August 22, 2012; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: John McNinch; Ken Fowler; Ed Lane; Dave Roche; Channing Gibson.
Citizen’s Open Forum: KF explained that Citizen’s Open Forum is designed to give citizens a chance to raise a topic only. If the topic needs to be discussed in length, it should be placed on the agenda. Sharon Hawkes informed the Board that the Library will be holding a book sale this Friday-Sunday. Finance Committee Chair Lucy Kennedy mentioned that her board had met earlier with the Selectmen regarding ways FinCom could be more efficient and involved in long range planning. The Selectmen and FinCom agreed on a number of long range fiscal planning topics that the FinCom will advance. She also mentioned that there are currently two vacancies.
MOTION by DR, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of August 8 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Jeff Wootan from Broadway Electric gave an update on the Town’s solar projects. He explained that they are working with both National Grid and WMECO on the engineering required in order to obtain an interconnection agreement. This is a somewhat lengthy process, and could take months. However, our project should move forward, with panels being installed by next summer.
The Board discussed the proposed entrance improvements at Kennedy Park. It was agreed that while the project does not appear to lie within the Scenic Mountain area, it would make good sense to send it to the Conservation Commission for an official determination. (design) The Board agreed to table any vote until the September 5 BOS meeting.
There was a discussion regarding the efforts of the EPA concerning what they will require from GE to clean up the PCB’s in the Housatonic River. A consultant hired by EPA to conduct an analysis of the economic impacts concluded that under a moderate clean-up effort lasting 14 years, the six impacted communities (Pittsfield, Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington and Sheffield) could expect to see losses in economic activity totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, the two largest impacts being a reduction in annual tourism and reduced property values. It is being suggested that the six towns send a letter to the EPA expressing concurrence with the overall conclusion that significant negative economic impacts will occur during the clean-up efforts, and that the study perhaps underestimates the impacts. MOTION by DR, seconded by EL to sign said letter. 5/0 vote. (letter, attachment)
The TM stated that the police are monitoring the crosswalks to determine the level of violations of those vehicles not stopping for pedestrians. It appears that jay-walking is a bigger problem than crosswalk violations.
Consent Agenda items: MOTION by DR, seconded by JM to approve of a directional sign for Eastover as shown. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to grant a common victualler’s license to Electra’s Café. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by DR to grant permission for a temporary banner for two weeks starting August 23 for Electra’s Café, said banner to be installed in the same location as the Day Spa’s recent banner. 5/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to grant an innholders license and an entertainment license for TV and radio to the Cornell Inn. 5/0 vote. MOTION by EL, seconded by DR to grant a one-day W&M license to Larry Lane from the Arcadian Shop for 8/25 from 4-7pm. 5/0 vote. MOTION by EL, seconded by CG to grant permission
to the Lenox Library to display a banner and a sandwich board sign to advertise their annual book sale from Friday-Sunday, 8/24-26, 9am-5pm. 5/0 vote. The Board received a letter from MA DOT informing the Town that they will not be reducing the speed limit on Kemble Street. The Board received a letter requesting permission to perform on the sidewalks in the village. KF stated that he feels that Apple Squeeze would be a more appropriate time for something such as this. DR stated that he is strongly against allowing this. CG stated that he is in favor, and feels that it adds life to the streets. He feels that the location would be critical, and that they couldn’t block the sidewalks. KF suggested having her try it at Apple Squeeze. All agreed that she should contact the Chamber of Commerce with details. CG and KF will work on developing guidelines. JM would like to see the proposed guidelines and discuss further. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to award the bids for
replacement generators at the DPW and Water Treatment Plant to Sommer Electric in the amount of $34,000 and $53,400 respectively, and authorize the TM to sign a contract for same, pending final review by the DPW Superintendent. 5/0 vote.
Old/New Business: JM stated that the Watershed Committee has completed a draft Conservation Restriction document that they will be presenting to the Selectmen soon. He is also working with the School Department on a Shared Services Memorandum of Understanding. CG stated that he felt the joint meeting with the Planning Board to discuss economic development issues was productive and that a follow-up meeting is planned for mid-September. He will be meeting with the Berkshire Visitor’s Bureau this Friday to discuss marketing. EL updated the Board on summer programs at the Community Center. KF stated that Jeff Vincent will be stepping down as DPW Superintendent. Personnel: MOTION by JM, seconded by DR to approve the change in language in the Personnel Policy with regard to the health insurance “opt-out” incentive. 5/0 vote.
By roll call, DR, KF, EL, CG and JM voted to go into Executive Session at 8:50pm to discuss personnel issues, and to not return to open session.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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