Minutes of Meeting – August 19, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Ken Fowler; Warren Archey. Absent: Dave Roche.
EL reminded residents to sign up for the Code Red Emergency Notification System.
MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of August 5 as presented. 4/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: None.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Appointment of Don Torrico as our Alternate Building Inspector; grant a one-day W&M license to Robert Oakes for 10/3 from 6pm-midnight at The Stables at The Mount; grant a one-day W&M license to the Lenox Dale Fire Company for 8/22 from 5pm-midnight at 39 Crystal Street; grant a one-day W&M license to Brendon DeMay for 9/11 from 6:30-10pm at the Library. 4/0 vote. MOTION by KF, seconded by CG to grant permission for the Tub Parade to utilize Town roads for their parade on September 12; in addition, grant permission for them to hang a banner across Main Street subject to a fix being implemented with regard to the poles between now and then to the satisfaction of the DPW Superintendent. 4/0 vote.
The Town Manager explained the need for the installation of a stop sign and stop line at the intersection of High and Housatonic Streets. He explained that in order for this to occur, the BOS would need to amend Schedule IV – Stop Signs of the Town’s Traffic Rules and Orders. The BETA Group performed a traffic study as part of the Cameron House project, and made this recommendation. In addition, they recommended adding a second stop sign due to the steepness of the hill and additional traffic generated from the recently permitted independent living facility. MOTION by CG, seconded by WA to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town of Lenox, Schedule IV (Stop Signs) pursuant to the recommendations made by the Town’s traffic engineers by adding the following: 4/0 vote.
Street Stop At Intersection With Direction of Travel
High Street Housatonic Street, west end South Bound
Sharon Hawkes gave her monthly update report to the Board.
Tennessee Pipeline: CG stated that he has been receiving copies of publicity/press releases from NEES which he will share with the Board.
Rest of River: WA stated that the meeting with Tim Gray and a consultant with regard to bio-remediation will not occur for some time due to heavy meeting schedules.
Solar Project (off-taking agreement/Lee mills landfill): KF stated that he met with Lee Energy Committee and Willow Hill Solar, et al regarding the landfill project. He is very confident that this project will get done. In addition, a deal with Energy Management, Inc. for solar development of the former Lee mills’ land fill property has been finalized. MOTION by KF, seconded by CG to authorize the TM to execute a net-metering credit purchasing agreement with Willow Hill Road Solar, LLC for 20 years, pursuant to the authority granted to the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager under Article 23 of the Warrant for the 2015 Annual Town Meeting. 4/0 vote.
Economic Development: EL explained that the Town is constantly working on economic development, so it is hard to update at each meeting. The Board held a brief discussion about the 1998 Economic Development Plan and what was accomplished and continues to be an issue.
BOS Reports: KF stated that water shut-offs will occur on 9/1. He stated that Lee and Lenox are working together on a grant with the Lee Energy Efficiency Committee regarding a plastic bag ban. CG asked if we should hold an information session prior to the upcoming Special Town Meeting. KF stated that he likes the idea. The Board held a discussion, and agreed to place this on the 9/2 meeting agenda. WA stated that a letter of support will be put together by the Land Management Committee with regard to the Undermountain Farm warrant article. CG stated that he will be attending an upcoming Conservation Commission meeting to discuss parking at Post Farm. He went on to say that the Town beach looks great; unfortunately, we have had issues getting enough lifeguards. In addition, there has been
an increase in drinking and vandalism/graffiti. He then went on to state that the CPC Committee has scheduled a public hearing to discuss the Undermountain Farm project. WA suggested getting letters of support from the ConCom and Land Trust. EL stated that DPW projects continue to move along. He mentioned that a resident suggested installing signs alerting vehicles to the fact that children are playing at Orebed Park, especially due to the fact that many vehicles park along the area, reducing visibility of children.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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