Minutes of Meeting – June 24, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Ken Fowler; Dave Roche; Warren Archey.
EL reminded businesses that they need to renew their sandwich board signs on an annual basis. He then announced that there is a vacancy on the Planning Board and that anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of interest to the Board. Finally, he reminded everyone that the new parking regulations went into effect on June 15. He then mentioned that the Board held a meeting on Friday, June 19 to evaluate the Town Manager; everything is going well, and both sides are very happy.
Citizen’s Open Forum: None.
Consent Agenda: CG requested that a hold be placed on the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society request. MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Approve a One-Day W&M license to Ventfort Hall for 6/28 from 4-6pm; an A/A license to Janet Aitoro for 7/24 from 5:30-10pm at Ventfort Hall; approve a sandwich board sign to The Olde Heritage Tavern and Cut-Time Coffee, and to Patisserie Lenox; permission to the Housatonic Valley Art League to erect a temporary banner across the Welles Gallery from 9/24-10/8; appoint Jason Berger to the Historic District Commission; permission for the Brock Trot to hold their annual 10K and 5K road race, to place staging at the start of the race, to hang two separate banners in various locations, and for the usage of acoustics at Shakespeare & Company for the
morning only and for their booth at the Apple Squeeze. 5/0 vote. CG stated that it is his understanding that the Chamber is willing to continue to support the Tub Parade, but he was not sure if it would be the $500. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to grant up to $2000 to the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society (Tub Parade), depending upon what amount the Chamber contributes. 5/0 vote.
Library Report: Sharon Hawkes came in to give an update on current activities at the Library.
Land Management Committee: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to appoint the following individuals to the Land Management Committee: Ruth Wheeler, Kameron Spaulding, Warren Archey, Patty Spector, Tim Flanagan, Kim Graham and Andrew Lane. 5/0 vote.
Open Space and Recreation Plan Update: Town Planner Gwen Miller explained that this document guides the Town for five years’ into the future, prioritizing actions and policies that help enhance our existing recreational resources and identifies new open space. It also allows the Town to go after various grant opportunities. This plan should be reviewed annually to determine if the Town is moving forward with the plan. She stated that the plan is located on the Town’s website. CG suggested that perhaps someone from the Land Management Committee should be appointed to the CPC Committee as a representative. After some discussion, it was thought that it may make more sense to have a current member of the CPC (Gene Chague) be a representative to the Land Management Committee. The Board charged the Land Management
Committee with implementation of the OSRP and the recommendation of any future updates.
Non-Profit/PILOT Discussion: DR stated that tourism is really our only business, and that it would be very difficult for many of the cultural groups to contribute to the Town as they are often struggling to survive. He then stated that he would not want to see the Town institute any type of ticket fee. The Board reviewed the list of current entities that have a PILOT agreement with the Town. It was suggested that in the future a Selectman, Town Manager and Assessor negotiate these agreements.
Tennessee Pipeline: FERC has announced that the Notice of Intent (N01) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed pipeline would be issued sometime in the coming days. FERC intends to hold a total of 14 scoping meetings for the entire NED project – one in Pittsfield the week of July 28th. The specific dates are not yet announced. FERC intends to have at least a 60 day comment period following the scoping sessions, possibly extending to 90 days. The TM will attend the next BRPC pipeline meeting on July 9.
Rest of River: No update.
Solar: The Town's consultant (Beth Greenblatt) is working with the current owners of the Columbia, Greylock and Niagara mills to develop an off-taking agreement for a proposed solar farm at the former landfill in Lee. Also, the TM and Special Counsel (Jeff Grandchamp) are working with representatives from abutters to the Lenox landfill to acquire property to complete the solar project at that location.
BOS Reports: WA is working with Bio-Tech/Tim Grey on testing of the PCBs in the river. DR stated that a blow-out occurred at a Henry Avenue residence. He reminded everyone that it is very important to have a pressure reducing valve installed just past the water meter, as well as a backflow valve for your sewer so that these types of incidences will not occur. CG stated that the basketball courts and backyard at the Community Center are complete, and that the beach is now open from 10am-4pm daily. He stated that he has spoken with Stuart Saginor regarding Community Preservation, and asked him to come out to see how the Town is doing with our CPC projects. He also stated that he would like to see Economic Development as a reoccurring agenda item. Finally, he encouraged people to sign up for Code Red
and download the MEMA app. These emergency alerts inform you of important information when emergencies occur. KF stated that interest is now accruing on water and sewer bills. He asked that the Lenox Environmental Committee be added to the Town’s website. He then mentioned that he would like to see the chairmen from the neighboring select boards hold meetings similar to the town manager monthly meetings, perhaps on a quarterly basis. EL stated that the Town has plenty of water in the reservoirs now, and that line painting, paving and sidewalk work has begun.
The TM asked the Board to act on a request for a sandwich board sign from Shear Design. MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to grant permission for a sandwich board sign to Shear Design. 4/0 vote with KF abstaining.
By roll call, CG, DR, EL, WA and KF voted to go into Executive Session at 8:05pm to discuss strategy with respect to contract negotiations with non-union personnel (Town Manager).
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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