Minutes of Meeting – October 1, 2014; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Dave Roche; Warren Archey; Channing Gibson. Absent: Ken Fowler.
MOTION by EL, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of September 17 as presented. 4/0 vote.
CG stated that construction has begun at the rear of the Community Center, and that parents need to pick up their children in the front of the building.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Chamber Director Ralph Petillo thanked all those who made this year’s Apple Squeeze the biggest yet.
Consent Agenda: None.
Town Manager Report: He stated that comments received by the website regarding Apple Squeeze were all very positive, that the hotel/motel tax report states that we have exceeded last year’s revenue by approximately 5%, and that the meals tax is flat at $79,000.
Sharon Hawkes updated the Board on current and planned activities at the Library. She stated that the annual book sale raised over $25,000.
Colonial Power: Mark Cappadona, a representative from Colonial Power, appeared to update the Board on electric rates to be offered to the residents of the various Berkshire County towns that participated in a municipal aggregation offering. He explained the program, and what electric rates residents of Lenox will have an opportunity to take advantage of (National Grid is at 16 cents/kwh and they offering 12 cents/kwh). Residents will automatically be enrolled in this program, allowing them take advantage of the cheaper rate; however, they may opt out at any time with no consequences. This should equate to a $30 monthly savings during the winter months.
Lenox History Website Presentation: Lucy Kennedy made a presentation to the Board, showing them the Lenox History Website, in anticipation of the Town’s 250th anniversary. She asked people to visit the website and consider giving verbal stories that have been told over the years.
Auditorium Rental Policy: The Town Hall room rental rates and policy has not been reviewed since 1997. At the September 17 meeting, the Board briefly discussed what they would like to see added to the current policy. The Board reviewed the proposed changes, based on comments made at the 9/17 meeting. It was agreed to amend the policy as follows: have the Town listed as an additional insured on insurance certificates, have individuals/organizations responsible for set-up and removal, under the supervision of the custodial staff, food and alcohol may be served, and no smoking, candles or incense will be allowed. The Board, in general, felt that current policy was adequate, and only needed minor changes. MOTON by DR, seconded by WA to approve of the Town Hall Room Rental Policy and Rates as
amended. 4/0 vote.
Rest of River: CG stated that there is information available on the Town’s website for anyone wishing to read it and consider submitting a comment to EPA. The Town continues to work on their comment letter.
Solar Project: This project is moving forward, and we are working on generating an RFP for the project. There are five potential sites located in Lee and Lenox.
Tennessee Pipeline: CG drafted letters to our federal delegation, seeking their assistance as this process moves forward. The Board felt that the letters were direct and to the point. CG stated that he would like to make just a few minor changes, keeping the substance of the letters intact. MOTION by DR, seconded by WA to approve of the letters as amended by CG and the TM. 4/0 vote.
BOS Reports: EL thanked the DPW for their work over the Apple Squeeze weekend. He stated that anyone with a CPA project should contact the Town now, even though the deadline for receipt of applications is December 31. WA questioned if the Town could pass savings along to the residents once our solar project is up and running. Unfortunately, towns are not able to do so. He also stated that he would like to see the Rest of River issue included in the work of the Land Management Committee. CG stated that the P&S for the Sawmill Brook project is still in the works.
By roll call, CG, EL, DR and WA voted to go into Executive Session at 8:12pm to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation, as well as for a negotiating strategy for the acquisition/disposition of real property.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Administrative Services Director Board of Selectmen
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