Minutes of Meeting – February 6, 2013; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler;
Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; John McNinch.
The Board recognized the passing of Robert LaChance, making note of the various boards he had served on in Town, in particular some 40 years on the Finance Committee. Bob’s tremendous sense of community spirit served as an inspiration to all.
Citizen’s Open Forum: None.
MOTION by EL, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of January 23 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Robin Wong from Seven Hills Inn came before the Board to thank those involved in a fundraising event that was held at the Seven Hills Inn. They raised $50,000 for the Berkshire United Way. Ralph Petillo from the Chamber then updated the Board on advertising he is putting together for his members. Chamber President Kat presented the Board with Chamber budget information for their review.
FY14 budget: The Board discussed how best to fund the Town’s capital needs. Should the Town raise the budget by 2 ½%, banking any extra funds to go toward capital expenditures, or try to increase the budget by 2%, funding only those capital expenditures that are imminent. There was a consensus that it would be preferred to keep the increase to 2%. However, a lower tax rate now may lead to a tax rate even higher than 2 ½% in the future. DR stated that we need to try to increase our hotel/motel and meals revenue by bringing in more tourists. EL suggested looking at retiring debt if possible. The Board asked the TM to put together various scenarios, to see how we could pay for future capital projects.
Cable Update: Bill Sample stated that the negotiations with the new license renewal are going well, and that Time Warner Cable is much better to work with than Adelphia was. The draft contract shows a much stronger financial contribution to CTSB. When a final draft document is available, the Board will have an opportunity to review it.
FY14 CPC grant applications: DR suggested that the Town set aside a certain amount of money and have the various groups compete for the funding based upon certain criteria. JM stated that one reason he was not a supporter of the CP surcharge at first was that he was afraid it would become source of town funding. He favored using much of the CP funds for non-town projects. The Board agreed to meet with the CPC after they have had the applicants present their projects.
The TM mentioned to the Board that since the dates to hold the primary are within 30 days of our Town election, the Town has the option of combining the elections. The Board agreed to take this up at their next meeting.
Electric & Plumbing Permit Fees: Plumbing and gas Inspector Mark Smith is recommending that his fees be increased to $40 per visit and $5 per fixture. This brings us in line with what other communities are charging. Electric Inspector Bob Pensivy recommends a new fee schedule that was presented in writing to the Board. After a brief discussion focused on wanting to keep the fees current and that we should not wait so many years to update the fees as we have, the motion was made and seconded to approve both new fee schedules as presented effective immediately. 5/0 vote in favor.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to approve a one-day W&M license to CR Resorts, LLC d/b/a Canyon Ranch for February 22 and 23 and April 19 from 2-8pm at the Sargent Brook Lounge in the Bellefontaine Mansion; a one-day W&M license to the Lenox Baseball and Lenox Fire Department for March 30 from 7-10pm at the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club; a one-day W&M license to St. Ann Church for February 12 from 7-9pm at the Parish Center; a one-day W&M license to the Lenox VFW for February 16 from 3-7pm at The Academy. 5/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve a temporary sign request to the Lenox Library Association allowing them to erect a sign to advertise exhibits and events, from time to time, between February 1-June 1, 2013. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to grant permission
for a temporary banner to Essentials Spa for the week of 2/7-14. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to appoint Suzanne Pelton and Katherine Armstrong to the Village Improvement Committee. 5/0 vote. MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to appoint Jenifer Picard as Town Clerk/Assistant Collector/Treasurer. 5/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by EL to appoint James Rosenstein to the Finance Committee. 5/0 vote. KF mentioned that the Laurel Lake Preservation Committee is looking for a new representative. DR left meeting at 8:35pm. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to approve the Recycling Materials Shared Revenues Agreement with the Town of Lee, and authorize the TM to sign same. 4/0 vote.
BOS Reports: EL stated that work at the Community Center has begun, and that the ice skating rink is receiving much use. He mentioned that the DPW is working on getting the Walker Street project onto the TIPs list. CG mentioned that the Planning Board discussed zoning in the gateway district and how light industrial is viewed. The Events Committee reviewed a new application from the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society. They have some concerns about this year’s cycling events, and the need to support it. They are suggesting that an Events Coordinator be hired from March-May, 6 weeks at 10 hours/week and 6 weeks at 20 hours/week. The Environmental Committee discussed the need to be able to buy in bulk environmental friendly cleaning supplies. Finally, he mentioned that Caligari’s is
ready to go with their solar project, but they are having difficulties with National Grid hooking them up. JM mentioned that the Open Space Committee public forum was a success, and that another one is scheduled for March 5. He also mentioned that there will be a survey available within the next two weeks for residents to fill out. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to remove the water restriction that was imposed during the summer. 4/0 vote. KF stated that he is worried that we could begin to lose events such as the cycling event, tub parade, etc. if the merchants don’t start to get more active and get behind these events. Also, he stated that the concerts in the park will be held on Wednesday evenings again this year, but will start at 6:30 rather than 7pm.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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