Minutes of Meeting – September 30, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Warren Archey; Ken Fowler.
EL suggested that residents try to avoid, if possible, the areas of construction occurring around Town.
MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of September16 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Gwen Miller announced that the Land Use office will be hosting two Open Houses. They are hoping to gain residents ideas regarding zoning by-laws and land use changes. They are scheduled for October 6 and October 27 from 5:30-8:30 at the Town Hall.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: one-day W&M license to Ventfort Hall for Sunday, October 4 from 10am-4pm. 5/0 vote.
Kennedy Park Hardy Kiwi: It appears that the situation with the hardy kiwi in Kennedy Park is much more serious than originally thought. Initial recommendations include use of herbicide treatments over a 2-year period, as well as an aggressive program for continuous monitoring and removal thereafter. Gwen Miller explained what hardy kiwi is, what it does and why it needs to be controlled. She is hoping that work could start this fall, but it may have to wait until next spring. Tim Flanagan and Bob Coakley also spoke to the need to remove this plant as it is killing trees and closing up trails due to its vast foliage. Proposals are being sought for the removal of the hardy kiwi.
The TM recommended to the Board the hiring of Andrea Wadsworth to the position of Town Treasurer, replacing Marie Duby who is retiring in January. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to ratify the appointment of Andrea Wadsworth as Town Treasurer-designate effective Monday, October 26, 2015, and to the position of Town Treasurer effective January 18, 2016. 5/0 vote.
FY17 Budget Calendar: The TM presented a draft FY17 budget calendar to the Board. He is proposing to hand out budget packets on 10/16, with department heads returning them one month later, and submitting his final draft budget to the Board on January 6, 2016.
Tax Classification Hearing: The TM suggested the Board hold the FY16 tax classification hearing on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to hold the Town’s annual Tax Classification hearing on November 18, 2015. 5/0 vote.
Tennessee Pipeline: CG informed the Board that NE Energy Solutions has filed an appeal of DPU’s recent ruling, and is also challenging being denied intervenor status.
Rest of River: The TM and WA are working with Christopher Young from Biotech Restorations to develop a proposal for a PCB remediation demonstration project in Lenox.
Solar Project: The STM approved the property acquisitions necessary to cap the landfill. A meeting is being set up with DEP and Ameresco to finalize capping requirements. The transfer of the lands will be initiated after those requirements have been determined.
BOS Reports: WA stated that linden and maple trees have been planted in the downtown area, and are looking good. DR stated that while Apple Squeeze was good this year, he feels that they should spread out the vendors a little bit more. In addition, he wants the Board to receive information regarding their plans earlier than one week before. It is difficult to accommodate road closing requests, etc. on such short notice. KF stated that the Environmental Committee has a new applicant that they will bring forward at the 10/14 BOS meeting for appointment. It was agreed that Ralph Petillo should attend the 10/14 BOS meeting to give a report on the Apple Squeeze. KF suggested that perhaps the Board should appoint a liaison to this event for next year.
The TM informed the Board that a special Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Monday, 10/5 at 8:30am to vote on a short-term financial note.
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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