Minutes of Meeting – September 5, 2012; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: John McNinch; Ken Fowler; Ed Lane; Channing Gibson. Absent: Dave Roche.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Sonya Bykofsky asked that the upcoming Open Meeting Law scheduled for September 12 be placed on the Town’s website. Terry Weaver questioned the plaque that was erected in Kennedy Park without permission. The Board stated that it was not approved, and has been removed.
MOTION by EL, seconded by CG to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of August 22 as presented. 4/0 vote.
JM read the public notice advertisement for an annual A/A restaurant license request from Brava Bar, LLC. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. Attorney Jeff Lynch and the new owner, Whitney Asher, gave a brief overview, and were present to answer any questions. It was explained that Mr. Asher currently holds an annual W&M license, but would like to change to an A/A license. There will be no changes, and he will continue to be open until 1am. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to grant an annual A/A restaurant license to Brava Bar, LLC. 4/0 vote.
The Board briefly discussed how to plan for our 250th anniversary. Lucy Kennedy presented an outline, as well as examples of other town anniversary events. She is hoping that the Board will move ahead with planning of the 250th anniversary. It was suggested that the Board form a committee and issue them a charge. Olga Weiss had a list of individuals interested in participating in the planning. KF suggested appointing a BOS liaison. JM questioned if the committee should be a sub-committee of the Historical Commission or a stand alone new committee. Olga Weiss stated that the Historical Commission would like to see a new committee. The Board agreed to place it on their 9/19 agenda.
Kennedy Park Entrance Improvements: The Board discussed the proposed plans for an improved entrance way into Kennedy Park. The plans call for the use of granite stones as an entrance way with a couple of benches on either side. A trailhead kiosk, similar to the one at West Dugway, is planned. New plantings will be added, along with a post and beam guard rail along the edge of the new handicapped parking area and entrance way. It was agreed to display the plans in the Town Hall lobby over the next two weeks before the Board formally acts on the plans at their 9/19 meeting.
Tim Geller from the CDC came before the Board to present his first annual progress report on the Sawmill Brook affordable housing project. He explained that, after four years of no funding for ownership units, it is looking like there may be funding in 2013. This would allow the project to re-emerge, and final design work and permitting could move forward. He went on to explain that this is a unique project, focused on ownership of 50 +/- units, with a minimum of 22 being deed restricted as affordable housing.
Berkshire Arts Festival at Shakespeare is seeking $3000 in seed money as a loan. They may be interested in making Lenox home to their festivals with one in the fall and spring. The Events Committee stressed the need to be sure to have strong connections with the village merchants. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to grant a $3000 loan to the Berkshire Arts Festival at Shakespeare. 4/0 vote.
Harvey Woller appeared before the Board, seeking permission for the annual Tub Parade (9/15) and another Coaching Event Weekend (10/6-8), as well as permission for a temporary banner for the Tub Parade. He explained that the staging for the Tub Parade this year will be at Shakespeare, as well as the competition and carriage display. They will be using the Old Stockbridge Road entrance to the property for the trailers. A letter will be sent to abutters making them aware of this. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to grant permission for a temporary banner to announce the Tub Parade to be hung over Main Street from 9/6-9/16. 4/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to approve of the Tub Parade route. 4/0 vote. Mr. Woller then updated the Board on the Coaching Weekend, October 6-8. The coaches will
arrive at Shakespeare at 2pm on Saturday. They will then arrive at the Norman Rockwell Museum around noon on Sunday, arriving at The Mount at noon on Monday. The route to be used will be Hawthorne to Shakespeare via Old Stockbridge Road to the Mount. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to approve said route. 4/0 vote.
Apple Squeeze: MOTION by CG, seconded by EL to approve of Apple Squeeze being held on September 22 and 23. 4/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to approve a banner advertising the Apple Squeeze from 9/6-23.. 4/0 vote.
KF announced that Rob Akroyd has resigned from the Kennedy Park Committee, and that anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of interest to the Selectmen’s office. MOTION by CG, seconded by JM to accept his resignation, and to have MED send him a letter of thanks. 4/0 vote.
Eastover Sewer: The Board briefly discussed a proposed agreement between the Town and Eastover for the construction of new sewer infrastructure along East Street. Town Counsel is reviewing the document now, and the Board will vote on it at their 9/19 meeting.
MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to ratify appointment of Scott Winslow as Wastewater Operator. 4/0 vote.
Old/New Business: EL updated the Board on the Community Center project and the various DPW projects. He thanked Lynn Sutton and members of the Village Improvement Committee for the wonderful job they did in sprucing up the town. JM stated that the fall sports season is beginning, and encouraged attendance at games. CG stated that the Planning Board is proceeding on a new sign by-law and that they are working with the Conway School of Design to update our Open Space Plan. The work on the 7 & 20 corridor is progressing, that the junk car by-law needs to include the Building Inspector for enforcement, and that he will be attending a meeting with the Berkshire Visitor’s Bureau this Friday.
MOTION by EL, seconded by JM to grant a one-day W&M license to Ventfort Hall Associates for September 8, 2012 from 7-11pm and for September 15, 2012 from 6:30-11pm. 4/0 vote.
KF thanked members of the Board for putting so much time into the job over the summer. It was agreed to hold a Selectmen’s retreat on Monday, October 1 from 8:30am-12:30pm. The Board briefly discussed the Town Hall reorganization and their desire to strive for a more efficient arrangement and to offer more user friendly and comprehensive services. The Board received a letter from Paul Lehrer regarding the need for the towns of Lee and Lenox to work together to keep Laurel Lake clean.
By roll call, KF, EL, CG and JM voted to go into Executive Session at 9:10pm 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
| 
