Minutes of Meeting – March 19, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Channing Gibson; Warren Archey; Ed Lane; Ken Fowler; Dave Roche.
MOTION by DR, seconded by EL to accept the Minutes of March 4 as presented. 4/0 vote with DR abstaining.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Librarian Sharon Hawkes informed the Board that the digitized photos of Lenox are now on line.
Consent Agenda: DR requested that the Main Street Water Main Contract be placed on Hold. MOTION by KF, seconded by EL to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Approve a seasonal A/A license to Serenak, and a licensing agreement with MA Electric for the new pumping station at 42 Pumping Station Road. 5/0 vote. DR asked DPW Superintendent Sean VanDeusen to give a brief explanation of the Main Street water main project. He explained the scope of the work, and that it would be a 4-5 week project, ending around Memorial Day. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to approve a contract with Baltazar Contractors in the amount of $358,148 for the Main Street Water Main project and to authorize the TM to sign same. 5/0 vote.
Town Manager Report: He asked that the Board discuss some suggested changes to the public parking in the downtown area. He explained that any changes made to the Traffic Rules and Regulations need to have a public hearing, then a vote, followed by an advertisement of the decision. He is suggesting changing from two hour limits to four hour limits, and changing the enforcement time from 8am-6pm to 9am-9pm. CG questioned signage to which the TM stated that it would need to be addressed. Another suggestion the TM brought up was to expand available spaces behind the Community Center by creating 20-25 spaces. Finally, he suggested obtaining an easement from St. Ann Church for property on Orebed Road, creating 14-15 spaces. The Board stated that they would like to review these options and discuss at their
next meeting. He then brought up a proposed by-law change that would create a Village Center Parking Overlay District, and asked the Board to consider placing this article on the upcoming ATM warrant. Building Inspector Don Fitzgerald spoke in favor of this by-law change stating that variances are ultimately granted, at the cost of time and energy to the business owners. The TM then offered to answer any questions the Board may have regarding the investment of the OPEB Trust funds. The TM had put together other scenarios/opinions for comparison. He would like to invest the funds in the state’s Pension Reserve Investment Trust. After a brief discussion, MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to authorize the Town Treasurer to execute an investment agreement with the State Retiree Benefits Trusts (“SRBT”) and to make withdrawals and investment agreements with SRBT or the Pension Reserves Investment Management (“PRIM”) Board for the purpose of
investing the Town’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust funds. 5/0 vote. Finally, the TM stated that he is still working on the budget, and will have final numbers by the April 1 meeting. One change he noted is the Town’s share of on-line permitting for Tri-Town Health at a cost of $8,000. He stated that we are still on track to hit a 1.5% tax impact.
Suzanne Pelton appeared before the Board, seeking permission to hold the 2nd annual Rhubarb Festival on May 23 in Roche Park. She would like the Town to sponsor it, and is seeking $1000 to cover costs of expenses, with the idea that she would return any unused funds back to the Town.
Tennessee Pipeline: CG stated that there isn’t anything new. We still need to be concerned with any alternate route. The attorney is hoping to come out within the next few weeks.
Rest of River: No update.
Solar: The Town is ready to begin negotiations with Ameresco to develop the former landfill site.
BOS Reports: EL stated that the DPW has begun filling potholes, and that the CPC will be finalizing their review of proposed projects on the 23rd. DR stated that the 250th anniversary of Lenox will occur in 2017, and he is serving on the parade committee. They are planning to hold a parade on October 7, 2017. WA is working with Northeast Grid to remove dead ash trees that can cause disruptions in electricity.
By roll call, CG, DR, KF, EL and WA voted to go into Executive Session at 8:20pm to discuss strategy with respect to a public safety concern involving drainage and a wage claim involving a former Town employee.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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