Minutes of Meeting – October 3, 2012; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler;
Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; John McNinch.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Building Inspector Bill Thornton stated that, based upon an article in The Berkshire Eagle stating that the Board has some concerns with his department, he is available to meet with them at their convenience. Terry Weaver stated that Shirley Vincent would be a great person to get involved with the 250th anniversary.
MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of September 19 as presented. 4/0 vote with JM abstaining.
The Board held a retreat on Monday, October 1 to discuss priority projects, which the Board then proceeded to summarize. The top five priorities are as follows: 1) finances and long-range planning; 2) marketing and economic development; 3) Rest of River; 4) infrastructure improvements, especially water and sewer; and 5) greater collaboration and information sharing among town boards and committees. JM stated that this Board wishes to be pro-active rather than reactive. CG felt that it is challenging to hold all meetings in open session, but that the retreat ended up being very productive. EL explained that there are so many different issues to be looked at. DR stated that the town needs to move into the 21st century, and avoid any surprises. KF agreed with everyone’s comments.
He also stated that this board puts in many hours, and that we all need to move forward and be positive.
The plaque for Kennedy Park for Sam Greenfield is larger than originally approved by the Board; 3”x10” vs. 6”x12”. Accordingly, the Board took this matter under advisement and will vote at their next Selectmen’s meeting, per the guidelines regarding monuments on public property.
KF announced that there is a vacancy on the Events Committee, and anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of interest to the office.
FY14: The Board held a discussion regarding the upcoming budget process. In particular, they discussed what type of increase they would be looking to hit. The TM stated that it would be helpful to him to have the board identify targets and priorities, any proposed tax increases and new revenue projections. KF confirmed with the TM that a 2 ½% tax increase would keep everything status quo, with no reduction in services or staff. EL stated that he would like to see us shoot for a 2% increase. DR stated that we need to know our expenses before we set a target. JM would like to see no tax increase, but knows that this would not be possible. CG agreed with DR that we need to know what our expenses and revenues will be to be realistic. Carolyn Barry asked if the town receives any in lieu
of taxes payments from Kripula as Stockbridge does? Currently, the Town has no PILOT agreements.
There are four candidates for the DPW Superintendent opening. Interviews are scheduled for October 11. JM agreed to sit in on the interviews, along with EL, the TM and Jeff Vincent. EL then brought up the fact that Jeff Vincent will be hired as the Town’s Capital Projects Manager. He feels that the Town will save money and get a better job of oversight than we did hiring engineers. Capital funds that use to go to consultants will be redirected to pay for this new position.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by DR, seconded by JM to approve the consent agenda as follows: grant permission to Phil Rennie to sell Christmas trees at 969 East Street, from 9am-9pm November 24-December 25; to grant permission for a prayer rally in Lilac Park on October 13 from noon-2pm; approve of three one-day A/A licenses to CR Resorts, LLC d/b/a Canyon Ranch for Tuesday-Thursday, October 16-18 from 6-11pm. 5/0 vote.
BOS Reports: EL stated that the Community Center improvement projects are moving forward, and that the DPW projects are pretty much wrapped up for the season. DR stated that he is now the liaison to the Library. JM stated that the Watershed Committee has completed a draft Conservation Restriction document, and would like to present it to the Board at the October 17 meeting. CG stated that he is now the CPC liaison, and would like to have their new application and guidelines placed on the October 17 meeting. The major change this year is that CPA funds can now be used on all town properties, not just those that were acquired with CPA funds. He also mentioned that the advertising on the BVB website proved to be very successful. KF stated that the Board has received a letter of resignation from Marge
Pero as Interim Town Accountant. He also mentioned that the Board had received a letter from Lisa Nelson from the Morris PTO, thanking the Board for allowing them to utilize Lilac Park for a fund raiser during Apple Squeeze.
MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to approve and sign the paperwork to hold the state election on November 6, 2012. 5/0 vote.
By roll call, KF, EL, CG, JM and DR voted to go into Executive Session at 8:00pm to discuss contract negotiations, 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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