Minutes of Meeting – September 18, 2013; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler; Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; John McNinch.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Sharon Hawkes from the Library updated the Board on current activities at the Library, including a golf and tennis challenge, the Tub Parade and a lecture series. She stated that the Library’s annual book sale brought in $26,000.
MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes of August 21 and 28 and September 4 and Executive Minutes of August 21 and 28 and September 4. 5/0 vote.
Chamber Director Ralph Petillo came before the Board seeking $9800 to cover expenses for the running and maintaining of the Lenox Visitor Center located at the Library. Ralph stated that they had a very busy year. MOTION by EL, seconded by CG to approve the expenditure of $9800 from the Advertising funds for operating costs associated with the Visitors’ Center. 4/0 vote with KF abstaining.
Tim Geller, Executive Director of the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire gave his annual report on the status of the Sawmill Brook Affordable Housing project. He stated that not much has happened over the past year, but that funding from the state is about to open up. He is optimistic that this project will then begin to move forward. He included a timeline of how he anticipates this project moving along. CG questioned what happens in September 2014 when the 3-year term to the agreement expires. Mr. Geller stated that the Board has an option to extend the agreement for two years at a time should they decide to.
Matt Linick, coordinator of the Memorial Day road race, briefly updated the Board on plans for the 2014 Memorial Day road race.
Ralph Petillo went through the various activities planned for Apple Squeeze on September 28 and 29. As part of Apple Squeeze, the Board was asked to approve a Farm Winery license which would allow a vendor to offer samples and sell bottles of wine at the Apple Squeeze. MOTION by JM, seconded by KF to approve of a Farm Winery license to Berkshire Winery LLC for September 28 and 29, 2013. 5/0 vote.
Members of the Events Committee were present, seeking $2500 to the Lenox Wedding Tour to finance post event marketing through social media. After a brief discussion, and a viewing of the various internet postings, the Board agreed that this venue should receive the $2500 from the Advertising budget. However, keeping consistent with the Board’s decision not to vote on this type of item at the first meeting, it was agreed to place this item on the October 2 agenda for approval.
Rest of River Intermunicipal Agreement: Jeff Vincent explained that the Intermunicipal Agreement is still being reviewed by the various attorneys involved by the six communities. Hopefully, there will be a final document for signing at the October 2 meeting.
The Board briefly discussed the proposed Historical Plaque program. DR stated that he would like to see this program move forward. In addition, most of the properties are either owned by non-profits or the Town. MOTION by JM, seconded by EL to approve the amount of $2500 for the purchase of historical plaques for the various historical properties. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by JM, seconded by KF to approve a contract in the amount of $199,900 to Caracas Construction Corporation for the Sunset Avenue and Housatonic Street Sewer Modifications project, and to authorize the Interim Town Manager to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by KF, seconded by JM to approve a contract in the amount of $150,000 to AECOM Technical Services, Inc. to provide phased investigative services (3 phases) for the potential development of the Aspinwall Well as a drinking water source, and to authorize the Interim Town Manger to sign a contract for same. 5/0 vote. It was agreed that it was important to begin with Phase 1 at a cost of $14,000, but that depending upon that outcome, the Board would have to look hard at whether or not to continue with Phase 2.
The Board then discussed the proposed work to the Community Center building. Jeff explained that since the bids came in too high, it was agreed to re-bid the project sometime in mid-November. He then informed the Board that Broadway Electric is currently at the ZBA meeting for permitting of the solar project. Assuming all goes well, they will then go before the Conservation Commission.
The Board held an informal discussion regarding the upcoming FY15 budget process. Mary Ellen Deming asked the Board to determine what they would like to see as far as whether the departments should level fund, or increase line items such as utilities to more accurately reflect current costs. She suggested trying to put together a first rough draft of the budget by mid-November, and then work to tweak the figures during the month of December.
Consent Agenda: DR went through each item on the Consent Agenda, asking if any items needed a Hold placed on it. A hold was placed on the ADA Policy and the various licenses being requested by Mazcot’s. MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to approve the balance of the consent agenda which includes the following: approval of a sandwich board sign to Coffman’s Antiques Market at 69 Church Street; two one-day licenses to The Mount for 9/20 and 21 from 6-9pm at The Stable. 5/0 vote.
The Board asked Mary Ellen to briefly explain about the adoption of an ADA Policy for the Town of Lenox. She explained that it was a requirement of the new Open Space Plan to have an ADA Coordinator as well as a policy and grievance procedure in place. Working with the Town’s insurance carrier, she created a policy and accompanying forms which would put a process into place that could make reasonable accommodations to meet the individualized needs of an individual with a disability. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to approve of the ADA policy as submitted. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to grant a Common Victualler’s license, two amusement devices (Golden T Video games), two pool table licenses and an Entertainment License for live bands, solo performers, juke box and televisions. 5/0
vote. Tony Mazzeo stated that they hope to open for business on Friday, 9/20.
BOS Reports: KF mentioned that he had been approached by someone stating that he did not feel that the Board was supporting the businesses enough. KF stated that he feels that the Board as a whole should be approached rather than a single board member. He also thanked Patty Spector for another successful Josh Billings. JM stated that copies of the Open Space Plan should be ready. He mentioned the recent loss of Harvey “Red” Steuerwald and Jim Herrick. CG stated that the Community Preservation Committee will hold their first meeting this year next week. The application deadline is December 31. DR stated that the Housing Authority is looking for help from our representatives regarding the state’s plan to consolidate housing authorities. He stated that the library’s finances are
right on target, and things seem to be fine. He also mentioned that he has met with School Committee Chairman Don Fitzgerald regarding the OPEB memo, and that the Committee should be signing it shortly. In addition, DR will be serving on the school’s new task force. Finally, he thanked Verizon for painting the exterior of their building located on Walker Street.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Interim Town Manager Board of Selectmen
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