Minutes of Meeting – October 5, 2016; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Ken Fowler. Absent: Warren Archey.
The acting chairman (EL) mentioned that Apple Squeeze weekend was a great success, and that the Morris School was named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School by the MA Dept. of Education.
MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of September 21. 4/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Ellen Jacobsen and Kate McNulty-Vaughn announced another Fix-It Fair on 10/22 from 1-4 at the Community Center, and that they are looking for people who can fix things to participate. Olga Weiss stated that there will be a 250th kick-off celebration at the Lenox Club on 11/5 from 7-10pm, and that anyone interested in purchasing tickets can go to their website.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve a one-day W&M license to Venfort Hall for Saturday, 10/8 from 5-11pm; acceptance of monetary donations to the Fire Department. 4/0 vote. The TM asked the Board to also vote on a Supplemental Consent Agenda. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve a one-day W&M license for 10/14 from 6-9pm at the Community Center; acceptance of monetary donations to the Fire Department; temporary sign at the Community Center for the Fix-it Fair to advertise their event. 4/0 vote.
The TM requested advanced authorization from the Board for an October 17, 2016 bond sale. Treasurer Paula Downer explained that this would be for the Richmond Mountain Road water main and Henry Avenue Pump Station projects. With rates continuing to be around 3%, she believes that this is a good time. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to authorize a bond sale in the amount of $7,987,163 or a lesser amount for projects approved at the May 7, 2015 (Art. 16) and May 9, 2016 (Art. 16 & 17) Town Meetings. 4/0 vote.
The TM stated that he is still not quite ready to schedule a STM as the P&S on a portion of the Peters property is still pending. However, once the P&S is signed, he would like to call a special Selectmen’s meeting to schedule the STM.
Planning Board Chairman Kameron Spaulding briefly went over the thoughts of the various board members on the draft STA/TIF policy. Some items that he mentioned specifically were to look more broadly at economic development, to streamline the process, and to emphasize the quality of life Lenox has to offer. CG questioned how you could identify sites and expedite permitting. Kameron stated that there a number of ways to approach this. DR stated that he wants the town to be proactive so we don’t lose businesses to surrounding communities. KF stated that he feels that this document is being proactive, and that he would like to see some diversification. EL asked the TM to touch base with the ZBA and Assessors to obtain their comments.
Public Hearing – Verizon/MA Electric Pole Location on Valley Street: A representative from Verizon/MA Electric came before the Board seeking permission to locate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, along and across Valley Street to accommodate a MA DOT bridge project, and to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications and the transmission of high and low voltage electric current, and to locate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, along and across Crystal Street to accommodate a MA DOT bridge project, and to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications and the transmission of high and low voltage electric current. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. There was a brief explanation as to what they want to do and why. MOTION by
CG, seconded by KF to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to grant permission to Verizon/MA Electric to locate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, along and across Crystal Street to accommodate a MA DOT bridge project, and to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications and the transmission of high and low voltage electric current, and to grant permission to Verizon/MA Electric to locate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, along and across Valley Street to accommodate a MA DOT bridge project, and to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications and the transmission of high and low voltage electric current. 4/0 Vote.
Cannonball Run Rally: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to grant permission to close a portion of Main Street between Lilac Park and the monument on Saturday, 10/15 from 9-10am to allow the group to park their sports cars for a brief viewing by the public. 4/0 vote.
Appointments: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to appoint Tom Delasco, Andrew Lane, Neal Maxymillian and Jeff Vincent to the Permanent Building Committee. 4/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to appoint Ed Lane as the Board of Selectmen nominee and chairman of this committee. 4/0 vote. These will be three-year terms, expiring 6/30/19.
Rest of River: None.
Solar Projects: None.
BOS Liaison Reports: DR stated that the annual library meeting is scheduled for 10/20; they are on target financially so far. The Historical Commission is working on Form B’s on the various historic properties in town, and continue to work on the walking tour of the Church on the Hill cemetery. EL stated that the Richmond Mtn. project is going smoothly, and that the DPW has completed paving projects. CG announced the availability of a $10,000 grant to income eligible, first-time home buyers. Information can be found on the Town’s website. He also mentioned that someone may have had an allergic reaction to cleaners used at the Community Center. He has been in contact with the Schools to see what type of green products they use and if we can purchase through them. He also mentioned that there
is an opening on the Community Center Board. Anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of interest to the Selectmen’s office. KF stated that early voting information may be obtained on the Town’s website.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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