Minutes of Meeting – September 16, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Warren Archey; Ken Fowler.
The Chair mentioned that construction will begin on Yokun Avenue, and that the Code Red system will be used to notify residents of road closures. He also stated how nice the Tub Parade was, and that the Josh Billings and Apple Squeeze will be coming up soon.
MOTION by CG, seconded by WA to accept the Minutes of September 2 as presented. 4/0 vote with KF abstaining. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of September 9 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Katie McNulty Vaughan spoke personally regarding the Undermountain Farm issue. She stated that she was dismayed that the project wouldn’t be moving forward due to miscommunications. She went on to share her personal observations about the situation.
Consent Agenda: DR and KF asked that a Hold be placed on the Apple Squeeze request. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: one-day W&M license to Ventfort Hall for Thursday, 10/1 from 12:30-4pm; appointment of Pat Jaouen as an Alternate Member of the Historic District Commission; appointment of Tom Delasco to the Capital Improvements Committee to fill the slot for a person with experience in the management of construction activities. 5/0 vote. The Board briefly discussed the request for $2000 from the Chamber to cover costs associated with the Apple Squeeze. The Board stated that while they did not feel it appropriate to grant funding in order for the Chamber to make a profit on this event, they certainly did want to show their support. DR stated that he does not
want to see the Chamber make a profit, but that the Town should cover any loss, up to $1000. KF stated that costs for this years’ music are more costly than in the past. He endorses the $2000 with $1500 for music and $500 toward promotion. Ralph Petillo stated that he would be happy to return any funds not utilized. MOTION by DR, seconded by KF to grant a letter of credit up to $2000, with the Town covering any deficit. 5/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve Apple Squeeze activities as described, including the street closure from the parking lot at Casablanca down to the intersection of Church Street. 5/0 vote.
Sharon Hawkes presented her library update to the Board.
Undermountain Farm/CPC Application: EL explained what had occurred with this project. Berkshire Natural Resources Council requested that the Board pull this warrant article based on the fact that the sides were too far apart, and a consensus could not be reached. CG stated that he would like to see the appropriate people step back and regroup. KF stated that he hopes that this project doesn’t disappear. CG stated that this is not a rejection of the deal, but rather a rejection of the timetable. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF that the Board of Selectmen withdraw its application regarding Undermountain Farm from the CPC Committee, and additionally, that the Board, at the Special Town Meeting, remove Article #3.
STM Review of Articles: The TM reviewed the remaining warrant articles with the Board. It was agreed that DR would read #1, CG would read #2, EL would withdraw #3, KF would read #4 and WA would read #5.
Tennessee Pipeline: No public update.
Rest of River: WA and the TM met with Tim Gray and Christopher Young to discuss a potential PILOT project in Lenox to demonstrate the use of bacteria to consume and eliminate PCBs from the Housatonic River. WA would like to send a letter accepting the offer of a PILOT program. EL would like more information first. It was agreed to place this item on the 9/30 agenda for further discussion. CG would like to see a detailed proposal from them to discuss.
Solar Project: No public update.
BOS Reports: DR congratulated EL for being named Grand Marshall of the Tub Parade. He asked that a letter be sent to Carl Pratt thanking him for his time and effort on behalf of the Town. CG concurred, stating that the Carl has been a real asset. KF suggested that we invite the new heads of Cranwell and Canyon Ranch to meet with the Board. He stated that the Environmental Committee continues to move forward with the plastic bag ban. Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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