Minutes of Meeting – August 5, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Ken Fowler; Dave Roche; Warren Archey.
EL 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.
MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of July 22 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: None.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Grant a one-day W&M license to Lenox Youth Basketball Association for 8/8 from 4-8pm; a one-day license to the Lenox VFW for 8/18 from 5-9pm at St. Ann Parish Center; permission for a temporary banner announcing the Library’s annual book sale to be hung on a tent located at the side of the building from August 17-24; approve a PARC Grant to fund 54% of the improvements at the Town Beach ($170,000). 5/0 vote.
The Town Manager explained the need for a Special Town Meeting. In addition to an article for the conservation easement on Undermountain Farm, but there are three other proposed warrant articles – matching PARC grant funding, a revolving account for the Inspections Department and an urgent need to repair the retaining wall and steps by the Police Department. He suggested that it be held on Monday, September 21 at 7pm in the Town Hall auditorium. He went on to explain that the Community Preservation Committee will need to meet a few times to review the Undermountain Farm application, as will the CIC Committee to review the retaining wall repair and the Finance Committee for an overall review of funding. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to direct the TM to perform all administrative tasks with regard to holding a STM on
Monday, September 21, 2015 at 7pm in the Town Hall auditorium. 5/0 vote. He then informed the Board that a final judgment for dismissal on the Marriott lawsuit has been filed. While he is glad that this is now behind the Town, it is disheartening that it cost the taxpayers almost $30,000 in legal costs.
Tennessee Pipeline: The scoping session was held on July 28th at Taconic High School. CG spoke on behalf of the Town, stating the potential impacts of the pipeline’s alternate route on our watershed and our economic reliance on tourism relative to the region’s natural beauty. CG also presented a newspaper article stating that the Northeast Energy Solutions has asked the MA Attorney General and federal authorities to investigate the participation of Berkshire Gas’s parent company in this pipeline issue. The other Board members thanked CG for his wonderful written comments on behalf of the Town.
Rest of River: No public update. WA is setting up a meeting with himself, EL and the TM with Tim Gray and a consultant to discuss bioremediation methods to eliminate PCBs in the river.
Solar Project: KF stated that we are working with Lee on the joint purchase of solar credits. The TM mentioned that the wetlands delineation has been submitted to the ConCom. It was also mentioned that he has spoken with ConCom Chairman Neal Carpenter regarding the parking lot at Post Farm.
Economic Development: EL mentioned that the Merchants Group would like to put together a holiday decorating plan for the Town. With regard to the Elm Court project, he then stated that petitioners have filed a lawsuit against the ZBA. He stated that he feels that the ZBA did a great job and we need to back them up. We need to accept this and move on; it is part of the process. DR stated that he hopes that this isn’t a case of prolonging the process so that the developer gives up and goes away. He is disappointed that once again the Town is in a position of having to spend significant funds on legal costs. CG agreed that the ZBA did an outstanding job, and he is sorry that they are now going through this. KF commended the ZBA members, and feels it is important to give respect to both sides of
this. KF then mentioned that he has been in contact with other communities regarding economic development opportunities, and that he would like to meet with these other communities to see how things work.
At this point in the meeting, Tom Romeo entered and asked when the STM was scheduled, and to thank the Board for all their hard work on the Undermountain Farm project. Susan May asked that information pertaining to the STM be available prior to the meeting so that people may review it.
BOS Reports: WA again thanked CG for his comments regarding the Tennessee pipeline. He also stated that the Land Management Committee will be meeting tomorrow night to discuss the Undermountain Farm project. CG stated that the Town beach looks great, and recommended people try to get down there and enjoy it. KF stated that the Environmental Committee is working on a showing of the film “Bag It”, a film regarding the plastic bag issue. He also reminded people to make sure they have paid their water bills as water shut-offs are being scheduled soon. EL stated that Pat Jaouen has submitted her name for an alternate position on the Historic District Commission. Her name will be given to the HDC for their recommendation. He also mentioned that the DPW has been working with the Greenagers in
Kennedy Park on the picnic area. Finally, he stated that the Walker Street project is now on the TIP list with a date of 2019. This is a $7million project which includes road work, sidewalks and drainage.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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