Minutes of Meeting – March 5, 2014; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ken Fowler; Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; John McNinch.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Librarian Sharon Hawkes updated the Board on current events occurring at the library.
MOTION by KF, seconded by CG to accept the Minutes of February 5 and Executive Minutes of February 5 and February 8 as presented. 5/0 vote.
CG briefly gave a report on our Google advertising, based upon hand-outs from Studio Two. He stated that the advertising campaign has been successful. Studio Two is suggesting that the Town consider running ads from April 1– June 30 at a cost of $1400/month or $47/day. JM questioned why the ads say only Lenox, and none refer to Berkshire County. He feels that a connection is important. It was suggested that the Town consider advertising on an annual basis now that we have some history to look back at. Phil Halpern offered to assist with history records from when he managed the Chamber’s web site.
Phil Halpern was in attendance to discuss the short-term rental issue further. He brought information regarding lodging licenses to the Board, seeking further input from Town Counsel. DR stated that we would submit this information to Town Counsel for further review. CG reminded those people who are renting in this matter that they have to make sure their houses meet the building code for a single family dwelling. It was suggested that a flyer be included in the tax bills stating this information. JM stated that based upon Town Counsel’s opinion, doing nothing is fine, but it may make sense to have the Board of Health inspect and license these properties.
OPEB: DR stated that he is getting nowhere with the School Department, and he is looking for direction from the other board members. CG stated that perhaps Chris Ketchen will have some ideas. JM stated that he remembers that the Town approved $150,000 for educational programs, and in return, the School Department agreed to participate in the Roche Plan beginning in FY14 with $40,000. JM stated that if the School Department doesn’t want to bring benefits into their budget, then the Town should control all school employee negotiations.
Proposed Draft FY15 Budget: DR stated that the budget is coming along nicely, and that he does not want to burden the taxpayers any more than necessary. He feels that we cannot sustain the schools as they currently exist – we are spending more to education less.
Consent Agenda: DR went through each item on the Consent Agenda, asking if any items needed a Hold placed on it. MOTION by JM, seconded by CG to approve a One-Day A/A license to Elisabeth Wheeler for 3/7 from 8-midnight at the Community Center Ballroom. 5/0 vote. MOTION by KF, seconded by JM to authorize free rides on the BRTA on Fridays and Saturdays between April 18 and October 11, 2014 for rides on the #2 bus that are wholly within Lenox, subject to co-approval by the BRTA Board. 5/0 vote. MED explained briefly the Hardship Policy that the Ambulance Squad wishes to utilize. It was agreed to have Ambulance Director Chris Long in to present this to the Board.
BOS Reports: EL stated that the Community Center has two sides of the building sided, the CPC is reviewing the request for the beach and the basketball court, the DPW is doing fine and that we have sand and salt available, and that the CIC finalized the FY15 capital budget this morning. KF stated that Broadway Renewables is now out of the picture with regard to our solar program, and that other firms have shown interest in picking this project up. He announced that the excise taxes are due April 2, dog licenses are due May 15 and nomination papers must be returned by March 17. He went through the employee anniversaries and mentioned that Planner Mary Albertson will be retiring at the end of March. JM stated that the Open Space Plan is still being updated. CG stated that the Planning Board may have some
zoning amendments for the Town Meeting warrant; he announced the resignation of Gary Schiff from the Planning Board. Planning Board Chairman Katie Vaughn briefly explained what serving on this board entails, and stated that there are now two openings available. CG went on to state that the CPC is reviewing the five applications that they received. The application for the Community Center basketball court is receiving some push back due to the fact that no design work has been completed. In addition, there is some concern with the Town beach project in that the property is actually located within the Town of Lee. DR stated that the Historical Commission has received HDC approval on the historical markers to be erected on the various buildings in town. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to adopt as a policy the direct deposit of paychecks to town employees. 5/0 vote. Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Interim Town Manager Board of Selectmen
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