Minutes of Meeting – September 2, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Warren Archey. Absent: Ken Fowler.
Chairman EL announced the passing of Joanne Magee, and asked for a moment of silence.
MOTION by CG, seconded by WA to amend the August 19 Minutes as suggested. 3/0 vote with DR abstaining. MOTION by CG, seconded by WA to accept the Minutes of August 19 as now amended. 3/0 vote with DR abstaining.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Ralph Petillo from the Chamber appeared before the Board, stating that it has been a good summer in Town. He then went on to state that Apple Squeeze is scheduled for 9/26 and 27, and he would like to have a band located at the corner of Church and Housatonic, directing traffic down Housatonic and then through the Village Plaza parking lot back onto Church Street. In addition, he is seeking $2000 from the town to go toward advertising and entertainment. He stated that the Chamber will be raising close to that amount also. EL stated that communication with all of the merchants is critical. The Board agreed that they would like to see a funding application, showing their proposed budget. As is the Board’s policy, this request will be acted upon at the next Selectmen’s
meeting.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by DR, seconded by WA to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Grant permission to Silvio Scotti to have a DJ play amplified music at his wedding on Saturday, September 19 on the grounds of Shakespeare & Company from 2:30-9pm. 4/0 vote.
Special Town Meeting Warrant: The Town Manager went over the five proposed articles on the STM warrant. EL stated that he is particularly excited about the article for the beach improvements. CG concurred. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve the Special Town Meeting warrant for September 21 as presented, subject to review by Town Counsel for legal sufficiency. 4/0 vote.
Tennessee Pipeline: CG stated that this issue continues to be in the news, and that the state, through DPU, approved long-term preliminary contracts with various utility companies. He went on to state that so far, nothing has changed for Lenox.
Rest of River: No public update. WA is still waiting to hear from Tim Gray. WA would like to see a larger percentage than 25% removal and has concerns about the transporting of the PCBs over town roads.
Solar Project: The contract for the Willow Hill Road solar project has been sent to the Town for execution. There is also potential movement on acquisition of the land around the Lenox landfill. It is possible that we will be in a position to approve several property acquisitions at the upcoming STM. It was also mentioned that we need to look at a way to get in and out of Post Farm so that it is accessible for stocking trucks and mowing equipment.
Economic Development: DR stated that he would like to see the Town put together an economic development plan over the off-season when people have more time to devote to it. It was noted that our planner is currently working on it.
BOS Reports: WA stated that the Town will be replacing fifteen trees with linden trees on Main Street beginning at the Roche Funeral Home up to the post office plaza. DR reminded the Board that the Town should fix up the parking lot behind the Heritage House, and come to a resolution regarding the location of the dumpsters. CG stated that he was glad that FinCom unanimously approved the beach project. He also stated that we continue to work on having Stuart Saginor come to Lenox to meet with the Selectmen and CPC Committee to discuss community preservation on a whole. He is looking at mid to late October. DR asked if the Town Beach will be for residents only; CG stated that the grant will not allow us to do that. EL went through the various current DPW projects. He stated that he is very happy with
the tennis court parking area – boulders are gone and fencing is in place.
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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