Minutes of Meeting – October 28, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Warren Archey; Ken Fowler.
EL announced the Trick-or-Treat parade and hours of 5:30-7pm on 10/31. He stated that the all night parking ban is now in effect. Stuart Saginor will be at the Town Hall on 11/2 for a presentation on Community Preservation. The public is invited to attend. He also reminded everyone that the Board will be meeting jointly with the School Committee on 11/4 to select a new school committee member. Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest to the office.
MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of October 14 as presented. 5/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Ralph Petillo and Kameron Spaulding came before the Board to give a brief report on Apple Squeeze. Ralph stated that it was the largest festival attendance yet, and that there were 27 non-profits raising $40,000 total.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: one-day W&M license to Colleen Tomlinson for a bridal shower in the Community Center Ballroom on Saturday, December 26 from 11am-3pm; one-day W&M license to Adams Community Bank for Thursday, October 29 from 4:30-6:30pm in their bank building at 7 Main Street; one-day W&M license to Lenox VFW for 11/14 from 6-8pm at St. Ann Parish Center; ratify appointment of Jeff Clemons as Alternate Building Inspector. 5/0 vote.
Town Manager Report: Community Center Director Kim Graham gave an update on current COA programs, followed by the afterschool programs. She then briefly touched upon the upcoming FY17 budget and what items she will be seeking funding for. Finally, she mentioned that there is an opening on her board.
The TM went through the first quarter financial projections, stating that they appear to be right on target. He stated that he will be providing the Board with quarterly projections. The hotel/motel tax is keeping pace with last year, but is down 1.3% from this time last year. Meals tax is up, with the highest grossing quarter since FY12.
The TM stated that Lee and Stockbridge approved the shared services agreement as presented, and that the next step is to work on the creation of the Administrative Review Committee. Discussions are underway for the building inspections shared services proposal to be presented to the newly created Administrative Review Committee. MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to appoint Ed Lane and Ken Fowler to the Administrative Review Committee as part of the shared services agreement between Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge. 5/0 vote.
Suzanne Pelton appeared before the Board, seeking permission to hold the Lenox Rhubarb Festival on Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 10am-3pm in Roche Reading Park. In addition, she is seeking $1000 in funding from the Town in support of this event. CG explained that if the $1000 from the Town would allow the festival to make a profit, then the Town cannot do that. We can support but not provide profit. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to authorize $1000 for the Rhubarb Festival, with any remaining unused funds being returned to the Town. 5/0 vote.
Tennessee Pipeline: No public update.
Rest of River: No public update.
Solar Project: The TM and KF attended a meeting with Ameresco and DEP officials on 10/26 to discuss specifications for the landfill cap. KF was encouraged by the meeting, and sees the project moving forward on the right track.
BOS Reports: CG asked about the damage on Lenox Mountain caused by the replacement of a beacon for the Pittsfield Airport. The TM stated that ConCom issued an RDA for necessary work to the beacon. The contractor substantially exceeded the scope of the RDA. There is now damage to the grading and the hillside and ridge, trees have been removed and they worked outside of the ROW easement running through MA Audubon property. In addition, it is in violation of the Scenic Mountain Act. There will be a meeting to strategize mitigation with the contractor, representatives from the Pittsfield Airport and our ConCom. It was suggested that Neal Carpenter, Chairman of our ConCom attend the 11/18 BOS meeting to give an update. KF stated that property taxes are due 11/2. The Environmental Committee
continues to move forward with the plastic and Styrofoam reduction initiative. DR mentioned that the damaged stones at the Church on the Hill cemetery have been repaired, and that we now need to think about ongoing upkeep. EL apologized for the inconvenience that the recent road paving may have caused to residents, but the results are great.
By roll call, CG, DR, EL, WA and KF voted to go into Executive Session at 8:05pm to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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