Minutes of Meeting – March 4, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Channing Gibson; Warren Archey; Ed Lane; Ken Fowler. Absent: Dave Roche.
CG announced that Yankee Magazine had recognized Lenox as the #1 most beautiful winter towns in New England.
MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes of February 18 as presented. 3/0 vote with CG abstaining.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Attorney Reno DelGallo appeared before the Board seeking their support of two proposed by-law changes that he has petitioned to be placed on the May ATM warrant. The Board explained that they felt it more appropriate for these by-law changes to be presented to the Environmental Committee for their review, input and recommendations.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Permission to utilize Lilac Park on Saturday, April 4 beginning at 11am to hold the Easter Egg Scramble. 4/0 vote.
Town Manager Report: The TM explained that the Governor’s budget was released earlier today, but that he has not had adequate time to digest it. However, local aid assessments look good, and he suggested holding a special meeting on Friday to discuss the budget. He then offered to answer any questions the Board may have regarding investment of the OPEB Trust funds. He suggested that no decision be made until the next meeting when DR will be present. CG suggested that the TM put together other scenarios/opinions for comparison. Finally, he touched upon the various language changes being proposed to the Town’s Personnel Policy, and stated that he would have a list of changes for their review at the Board’s next meeting.
Librarian Sharon Hawkes gave her monthly update report to the Board.
Water/Sewer Rate Public Hearing: EL, acting as clerk, read the notice as it appeared in the newspaper. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. DPW Superintendent Sean VanDeusen was present to give his report and recommendation for the setting of the annual water and sewer rates. The recommendation is to level fund both rates, something that has not been done in 20 years. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to keep the water and sewer rates at their current level of $7.44 and $10 per thousand gallons respectively. 4/0 vote. EL stressed that we are not giving up on capital projects, but will continue to fund as usual. Sean stated that he is working on a long-term rate structure moving
forward. The TM asked that the Board have flexibility on the use of retained earnings within the water and sewer enterprise accounts in order to accommodate these rates.
Tennessee Pipeline: BRPC continues to work hard to get information and disseminate it to the various communities involved.
Rest of River: The TM updated the Board on his attendance at a BRPC Rest of River Committee meeting with DEP, and the fact that DEP feels that the municipalities should be included at all steps. WA reminded the Board that CPC funds can be utilized for trails along the Woods Pond area. The TM was asked to follow-up with town counsel, our DPW Superintendent and Town Planner regarding the Open Space/Recreation Plan.
Solar: CG, KF and CK interviewed two finalist developers for the landfill solar site, Ameresco and Advanced Solar Products. A letter recommending Ameresco is being put together which will authorize the TM to begin the process.
BOS Reports: WA stated that he met with representatives from New England Utilities regarding problem ash trees that need to be removed, both on town and private property. EL thanked the DPW for a good job on the recent water break. He stated that the CPC is working to finalize their recommendations to the Board. A few projects have been pulled, including the Town’s application at the beach. KF stated that excise taxes are due 4/2, dog licenses are due before 5/15 and nomination papers are available. He stated that he was unavailable to attend the last Environmental Committee meeting, but would like to work on a plastic bag and Styrofoam by-law. He then mentioned that the Planning Board is working on a parking plan for the May ATM. CG thanked Kameron Spaulding and Gwen Miller for their help with the
Open Space/Recreation Plan, and their desire to unify Lenox and Lenox Dale. He stated that he will be meeting with Carl Pratt shortly to finalize details for the bike race. He then mentioned a desire to obtain a Sister City as part of our 250th anniversary. Since Richmond and Lenox were one town at one point, he would like to include them in this. The Board thought this was a great idea.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Administrative Services Director Board of Selectmen
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