Minutes of Meeting – May 14, 2014; meeting called to order at 7:30pm. Present: Ken Fowler; Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Warren Archey.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Ralph Petillo, representing the Chamber of Commerce, reminded the Board that it is time to install the banners onto the lamp posts. The cost of this is split equally between the Town and the Chamber, and this years’ cost will be approximately $1500 each. Jeffrey Reel from the Environmental Committee spoke about renewable technologies, as well as his desire to see the Board rescind their approval to allow the land to be surveyed for a proposed gas pipeline installation. Paul Carter asked the Board to consider adopting a resolution regarding the closing of the North Adams Regional Hospital.
DR introduced Warren Archey as the new selectman, replacing John McNinch who elected not to run again.
MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of April 30 as presented. 4/0 vote with WA abstaining.
Jim Wilusz from Tri-Town Health appeared before the Board to discuss the Mass in Motion program. He explained that due to budget cuts on the federal level, the program will end in September. However, a new opportunity to secure funding has emerged, and he is seeking support from the Board. MOTION by KF, seconded by CG to authorize the signing of a letter of support for this endeavor. 5/0 vote.
Ralph Petillo explained that this will be the fourth year for the upcoming Motorcar Classic event. He believes that this is a perfect event for Lenox as it allows the local community to enjoy their town prior to the summer tourist season. He believes that they will need $2000 this year to help with costs, but feels that next year they shouldn’t need any town funding. MOTION by EL, seconded by CG to recommend appropriating the sum of $2000 for the Motorcar Classic event. 5/0 vote.
The Board discussed a letter received from the Kennedy Park Committee regarding replacing the existing, deteriorating picnic tables with new ones which will be donated to the Town. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to approve the request from the Kennedy Park Committee to install new picnic tables in the park. 5/0 vote.
MOTION by EL, seconded by CG to authorize up to the sum of $2000 from the Economic Development Account to assist with expenses associated with the Concerts in the Park. 5/0 vote.
CK briefly explained his proposed parking plan. He asked if the bylaws currently on the books are fine or do we need to change them. DR asked CK to meet with the police chief regarding issuing warnings. KF and CG stated that they have concerns with randomly issuing any type of warnings/tickets. KF feels that we need a plan that is fair to everyone, and that signage is critical. EL stated that communication is key. It was agreed that CK should move forward with crafting a parking plan.
The Board reviewed the proposed Open Meeting Law Remote Participation Policy. CK explained that the chairman of the committee involved has the discretion to determine if remote communication is working. This policy would add the voting element to the current law. KF clarified that a quorum must be present. EL suggested that language be added authorizing the Selectmen to rescind this vote at any time.
CG brought up Article 24 from the recent ATM warrant, and wanted to discuss the boards’ views on the issue of the proposed gas pipeline. He stated that the language of the article spoke to fracked gas and fossil fuels, not just the proposed pipeline itself, and he felt that it was too far-reaching and beyond the purview of the Selectmen. He stated that the Board, however, is working hard to stay on top of this issue and that they only approved the surveying of land and not the installation of any pipeline. DR stated that we need additional information before any intelligent decision can be made. WA asked what the purview of the Board is, and suggested that this be discussed at the next meeting. He feels that we need something for delineation.
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 temporary Banner Request and the Outdoor Dining Permit. MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Sandwich Board request to The Gateways Inn, One-Day W&M license to the Lenox VFW for 5/26 from 1-4pm at the Academy, One-Day W&M license to the Lenox Dale Fire Company for 5/23 from 6-10pm at the Lenox Dale Firehouse, One-Day W&M license to Elaine & Dan Hunter for 6/21 from 12-4pm at the Community Center, authorization to Berkshire Cycling Classic to pass through town on 6/14. 5/0 vote. KF stated that there will be a street party on Friday, 6/13 beginning at 6pm, and that he would like to have closed off that portion of Main
Street from south of the entrance to The Center to the Monument on Main Street and on Main Street to the intersection of Church Street on Housatonic Street. After some discussion, MOTION by KF, seconded by CG to approve a temporary banner on Main Street for the Lenox Motorcar Classic from 6/9-14, for a street closure as requested and permission to utilize Library Park for a band as part of this event. 5/0 vote. CG asked if the Bagel and Brew could delineate in any way the two parking spaces they wish to utilize for outdoor dining. DR asked if these parking spaces were used in calculations for ZBA or Building Inspection permits. He also had concerns about liquor being served outside, what the hours would be and if the owner was aware of the sewer impact fee that is required. Following this brief discussion, no decision or vote was taken on the request for an outdoor dining permit to Bagel & Brew.
BOS Reports: EL stated that the Community Center is hosting a Roll into Lenox bike ride for kids on June 14. He also stated that a retaining wall near the tennis courts is tipping and needs repair. He feels that the Town needs to remember that when we take over projects/areas we need to keep them maintained. There will be a clean-up day in the Dale on 6/17, and the Village Improvement Committee is in need of members. KF reminded everyone that taxes, water and sewer bills and dog licenses are due. He stated that the Environmental Committee is selling rain barrels, continues to look into Hospitality Green and the plastic bag ban. CG stated that he Planning Board is working away, and that Kameron Spaulding is the new chairman. WA stated that he is waiting for his liaison appointments. DR stated
that he is now stepping down as chairman, and thanked everyone for their support.
Reorganization: MOTION by DR, seconded by EL to appoint Channing Gibson as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. 5/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by EL to appoint Dave Roche as Clerk of the Board of Selectmen. 5/0 vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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