Minutes of Meeting – October 16, 2013; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler;
Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; John McNinch.
Citizen’s Open Forum: None.
MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes and Executive Minutes of October 2 as amended. 5/0 vote.
Nat Karns from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission came before the Board seeking their approval to execute the Rest of River Intermunicipal Agreement. He explained that this agreement would allow BRPC to act as an agent on behalf of the six communities involved in this issue. The communities would still have to vote on matters, but BRPC would represent those decisions. He went on to state that the economic damages are very real and could cost anywhere from $250M to $500M over a 15-year period. Four communities have already signed on, with Lenox tonight and Pittsfield expected to sign next Tuesday. He went on to explain that expenses for BRPC are currently being paid from a grant which will be running out soon. He anticipates approximately $3100 in expenses before a new grant will be available to cover
costs. To date, $27,600 has been spent in attorney costs. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to approve the Rest of River Intermunicipal Agreement as presented, and to authorize Dave Roche to sign on behalf of the Board. 5/0 vote.
JM updated the Board on the draft of the newly formed Open Space Plan/Land Management Committee. The Board reviewed the Draft document the group had put together outlining the purpose, appointment and duties of the committee. He went on to say that this committee would be responsible for the management and oversight of the Town’s various open space and conservation lands. However, he has not had an opportunity to meet with the ConCom, and since this committee would be advisory to them, he would like to table any further discussion until another meeting. He did state that once the final copies of the Open Space Plan are available, copies will be located at Town Hall and the Library.
Consent Agenda: DR went through each item on the Consent Agenda, asking if any items needed a Hold placed on it. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to approve the Consent Agenda which includes the following: Temporary banner request from Essentials Spa from November 27-December 10; temporary sign request from Cameron House for November 18-24; to ratify the appointment of Caleb Stone as a part-time firefighter-EMT for the Lenox Fire Department. 5/0 vote.
BOS Reports: EL stated that the DPW continues to pave, and are now beginning to prepare for snow. He reminded everyone that there is an Rx Round-Up scheduled for 10/26 from 10-2 at the Town Hall for anyone needing to dispose of medicines. He gave the dates, times and locations of the various Halloween activities. Finally, he reminded everyone to complete the strategic planning survey from the school department. KF updated the Board on the solar project. He explained that there are outstanding issues with the ConCom and delineating wetlands, and that progress continues to be slow. He stated that should the landfill area not work, the wastewater treatment plant area is still a viable option. CG stated that the CPC applications are now being accepted, with a deadline of 12/31. He questioned
where the Laurel Lake house and property project stood, and if this is the type of thing that would be under the purview of the new Open Space Land Management Committee. JM stated that this is exactly what was envisioned. CG asked MED to speak with the Town of Lee to determine the status of this project. JM asked MED to speak with the School Superintendent to see if there is a student that might be interested in being a representative to the Board. DR stated that we are currently working on the rental property issue, but that it is a complex issue and will take some time. He mentioned that the TM Search Committee is hoping to schedule a meeting shortly and should have some information for the 10/30 BOS meeting. The Board then thanked Karen from CTSB for her years of taping the meetings. She has decided to retire after ten years.
By roll call, CG, EL, JM, DR and KF voted to go into Executive Session at 7:55pm to discuss possible 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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