Minutes of Meeting – August 7, 2013; meeting called to order at 6:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler; Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche. John McNinch arrived at 6:10pm.
DR briefly went through the Town Manager interview process that occurred on Saturday. CG stated that the three candidates had very distinct strengths. He felt that Barry was looking to move on to a large community than he currently is at, and that Jonathan certainly knows the job as he was a town manager in both Jaffrey and Salem, NH. EL agreed. He felt that the Board was given three very different candidates. If felt that Barry has a good career ahead of him, and that Jonathan’s military career would serve him well. He felt that Steven did his homework, and would be part of the community. KF stated that Barry was personable and capable, and that he respected Jonathan for his experience. He was impressed with Steven by his direct manner and way of answering questions. JM stated that
the Board was presented with two managers and one assistant manager. Steven also had budget experience. He liked that Steven stated that he was looking for the right job, not any job. DR stated that he wouldn’t be disappointed in any of the three. He felt, however, that Steven was strongest in the interview process. MOTION by KF, seconded by CG to authorize Don Jutton from MRI to conduct negotiations with Steven Bartha as a condition for the Town Manager position, according to the Town Manager Act. 5/0 vote.
By roll call, CG, EL, JM, DR and KF voted to go into Executive Session at 6:30pm to discuss the Belvedere lawsuit, and to return to open session by 7pm.
At 7:00pm, the Board re-entered open session to begin their regular agenda.
DR updated the group about the decision made earlier in the evening – that the Town had authorized Don Jutton from MRI to begin negotiations with Steven Bartha for the position of town manager.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Clarence Fanto asked the Board for a status on the Belvedere litigation. DR stated that the Board needs to review the conference call with K&P.
MOTION by CG, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes of July 24 as presented. 4/0 vote with JM abstaining.
The Board discussed the recommendation from the Events Committee to give $5000 to the What’s Out There Weekend event scheduled for the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2013. At their July 24 meeting, the Board requested that Adele Gravitz explain the $22,000 donation line item listed in the budget. Adele stated that she has spoken to Stockbridge, but doesn’t believe that they will be granting any funds for this project. She has also spoken with Berkshire Bank and Lee Bank, but nothing has materialized as of yet. CG questioned what would happen if Lenox doesn’t give any funding? She stated that the event will still occur, but that less catalogs would be printed up. DR stated that he would like to give some funding, but would like to see something from some of the other communities.
Lauren Franzoni from the Events Committee stated that her committee specifically granted funding with the catalog in mind. DR suggested that the Town offer some funding at the end rather than up front. JM suggested $2500, to which EL agreed. It was suggested that she could come back seeking additional funding if no one else contributes funding. It was suggested that a letter could be sent to the other communities reminding them that anything that helps a community helps the county. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to approve $2500 seed money to the What’s Out There Weekend, and that the Board sends a letter out to the rest of the towns seeking their support for this event.
Sharon Hawkes from the Library updated the Board on current activities: children’s summer reading program, lectures, the book sale on 8/23 and the Baseball in the Park event on 8/16.
Kevin Sprague from Studio Two appeared before the Board to give a more comprehensive plan with regard to advertising on Google. He explained what type of statistical data he was able to obtain from the one month advertising that the Town did in March/April. He sees this as a very appropriate, trackable, measurable way to market the town. He also feels that the Town should continue its’ relationship with the Berkshire Visitor’s Bureau. DR thanked him for all of his hard work, and asked for time to digest his report.
JM updated the Board on talks regarding a Parks/Land Management Committee to be formed. He stated that this board would look at things such as the creation of a Lenox Loop Trail – where it could go and how it could be funded – or perhaps oversight of the use of ATVs. The Committee is seeking input from the Board and the ConCom before anything is final. This committee is based upon a recommendation that came out of the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Some areas of land that they could oversee could include the Post Farm and the Edith Wharton Park. It will not replace the Kennedy Park Committee and Parks & Recreation Committee.
Verizon Building: DR brought up the building and suggested that it could use some sprucing up. While the Town has no authority over the building, he felt that perhaps a letter could be written asking them to try to make the building fit in better with the surrounding buildings. JM stated that the Building Inspector is really the only official that can take any action. KF reminded them that the Historic District Commission does not have a maintenance law on the books.
Consent Agenda: DR went through each item on the Consent Agenda, asking if any items needed a Hold placed on it. Hearing none, MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to approve the consent agenda which included the following: a one-day W&M license to the Montessori School of the Berkshires on 8/14 from 5-7pm; a one-day W&M license to Deborah Prew/Lenox Dale Block Dance for 8/17 from 6-11:30pm at the St. Vincent de Paul Church parking lot; a one-day W&M license to the Lenox VFW on 8/24 from 5-9pm at St. Ann Parish Center; a contract with the PorchLight VNA for health services to the residents of Lenox in the amount of $6825; a temporary banner to the Lenox Youth Basketball Association to be hung in Lilac Park on August 8-11; a temporary banner to the Lenox Library for the annual book sale on 8/13-25; Minutes of August 1
and August 3. 5/0 vote.
BOS Reports: JM informed residents that they need to register their address and phone number with the CodeRED System in order to receive emergency messages. They can either register on the Town’s website, or call the Fire Department with the pertinent information. CG mentioned that he attended a very good meeting earlier in the day regarding fiscal impact analysis. He also had attended a meeting regarding the bike race which was attended by people with a stake in the event. Finally, he attended a solar vetting committee meeting and stated that there appears to be some issues with the landfill, and how much land is usable and how much is a wetlands. It was agreed that Broadway Electric needs to contact the ConCom. EL stated that Walker Street was paved during the week. He also spoke with
Tim Gray regarding samples from the river taken to Bio-Tech. He stated that they were running into trouble with EPA not wanting to reveal the specific “hot spots”. DR reminded everyone about the VFW lobster bake scheduled for 8/24. JM brought up an article in the newspaper about BRPC and a use study of the mill in Lenox Dale. He would like to find out more about it. DR stated that he would like to receive reports from the different departments about what is going on. He suggested having the town planner attend the 8/21 meeting to give an update.
By roll call, CG, EL, JM, DR and KF voted to go into Executive Session at 8:30pm to discuss pending litigation and to not return to open session.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Interim Town Manager Board of Selectmen
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