Minutes of Meeting – November 14, 2012; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler;
Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; John McNinch.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Ralph Petillo informed the Board that the Wedding Planners event went very well, with 36 groups touring 16 properties and the Church on the Hill as destination wedding sights.
MOTION by DR, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes of November 7 as presented. 5/0 vote.
FY13 Tax Classification Public Hearing: The Board of Assessors joined the Board to hold the FY13 Tax Rate Classification Public Hearing. JM read the public hearing notice as it appeared in The Berkshire Eagle. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to open the public hearing. 5/0 vote. Assessor Chairman Jim Sorrentino stated that values are up slightly, that we have $13.9 million in new growth and that his board is recommending a dual tax rate again this year. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to close the public hearing. 5/0 vote. DR questioned if it could be perceived that there is a conflict of interest on the Board because three members own businesses and homes. It was agreed that there might be if the Board changed to a single rate. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to approve a dual tax
rate with a residential rate of $11.58 and a commercial rate of $14.33. This will result in an approximate 2.5% tax burden increase for all properties. 5/0 vote.
Floyd Tuller from the Laurel Lake Preservation Association appeared before the Board to discuss the condition of the lake, and their efforts to control the zebra mussels and milfoil. He stated that the mission of the Association is to keep the lake beautiful and healthy. Dr. Kenneth Wagner, a consultant hired by the LLPA to assist with this matter, explained that there have been two successful 3’ drawdowns. He went on to say that a 15’ drawdown would probably completely eradicate all the zebra mussels, but it is unlikely that we would ever do such a drawdown. It was suggested that a 5’ drawdown would be better than a 3’, but Neal Carpenter from the ConCom stated that we must abide by DEP regulations and that the ConCom is against a 5’ drawdown; they feel that the 3’ is fine.
Neal went on to say that DEP has extended the permit for four more years, allowing 3’ drawdowns.
Laurie Klefos from the Berkshire Visitor’s Bureau presented the Board with marketing options for a year-round promotion of the Town. She explained that they target specific groups based upon their research, and that they work with a 43,000 e-mail list, targeting Boston, New York City, Hartford and New Haven. JM questioned if the Board should be marketing the Town or should there be a committee/person doing this? CG stated that marketing to date has been very effective, and that the Board would only need to review the art work quarterly. He feels that the town should sign up for an advertising promotion program beginning January 2013-December 2013. Carolyn Barry questioned if this would need to go out to bid.
MOTION by EL, seconded by DR to grant permission for the following craft fairs in Lilac Park: Church on the Hill, July 28-29; Lenox Youth Basketball, August 10-11 (movie night 8/9); Lenox Children’s Center, August 24-25. 5/0 vote.
Another round of Community Innovation Challenge Grants is coming up, with two proposals being advanced. One is a regional “sharps” collection program and the other one is an expansion of the on-line permitting efforts. The Board agreed that it makes sense to move forward with both of these grant opportunities. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to authorize the TM to move forward with both grants. 5/0 vote.
Sharon Hawkes from the Library updated the Board on current and upcoming activities at the Library. She thanked the Town for the improvements made to the building. She mentioned that they are working to digitize many of their materials, and that they are in the process of hiring a new youth librarian. Their budget is in good shape, and they will be holding a gingerbread house competition on 12/9 from 1-3.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by CG, seconded by EL to grant permission to Judy Seaman to erect a sandwich board sign at the Welles Gallery from 11/21-24, provided that the sign conforms to the Town’s policy. 5/0 vote. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to approve a one-day W&M license to the New Lenox Fire Company for December 8 from 3-9pm at the firehouse located at 399 Pittsfield Road. 5/0 vote.
BOS Reports: JM stated that the Watershed Committee walked the watershed land, and that the A Zone (200’ within watershed) will have a 50’ buffer, and that there will be no need to go to DEP or Berkshire Natural Resources for any alterations within these areas. CG stated that the Planning Board held a meeting on sandwich board signs. Involvement by the Historic District Commission has been questioned. We need to decide if this by-law should be in the downtown area only or include Route 7 and 20. He believes that it should not include the 7 & 20 corridor. DR mentioned that a bell was uncovered in the cupola of the library during the painting improvements, and that it is estimated to cost $2000 to fix it. He also mentioned that there are many headstones located in the Church on the Hill
cemetery that are falling down, and that we need to take action before someone gets hurt. EL mentioned that the bid packet for the Community Center project is out to bid. It is anticipated to be a $30,000 project. He also mentioned the street lights on Walker Street are too bright, and that we are trying to find a way to tone them down. KF mentioned that there is a collection box for our soldiers downstairs, as well as a Toys for Tots collection box. He also stated that there was a recent Triad meeting where crosswalks were discussed. It was determined that the two most dangerous crosswalks are located in front of the Town Hall and at the intersection of Church and Housatonic Street.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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