Minutes of Meeting – February 8, 2017; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Ed Lane; Ken Fowler. Absent: Warren Archey.
MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to accept the Minutes of January 25. 3/0 vote with EL abstaining.
Citizen’s Open Forum: Olga Weiss from the 250th Committee came before the Board to announce the showing of archival film footage of Lenox and Lenox Dale as one of the 250th events. Sixty individuals were interviewed, and the film lasts approximately one hour. It will be shown on Saturday, 2/11 at 7pm at the Duffin Theatre.
Consent Agenda: CG requested a HOLD be placed on the Outdoor Village Sculpture Exhibition. MOTION by DR, seconded by CG to approve the consent agenda as follows: acceptance of monetary donation to the fire department; establish seasonal population estimate at 10,000; one-day W&M license to Ventfort Hall for 2/18 from 6-10pm; one-day W&M license to Church on the Hill for 2/12 from 4-6pm at St. Ann’s Church. 4/0 vote. With regard to the sculpture exhibition, CG stated that he would like to see what pieces are going where. The Board encouraged the group to move forward, but requested that additional details be submitted once available. It was noted that April 15 appeared to be the date to finalize all of their information. In addition, it was noted that perhaps this should be run by the
Planning Board as a Seasonal Outdoor Display.
The TM presented the name of William Gop as his recommended appointment to the position of DPW Superintendent. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to ratify the appointment of William Gop as the new DPW Superintendent, effective February 21, 2017. 4/0 vote.
Toole Lodging Group Public Hearing: Toole Lodging Group is seeking an innholders A/A liquor license for their hotel located at 70 Pittsfield Road. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. CG then read the legal notice as it appeared in the newspaper. Attorney Rich Dohoney and Colin Toole appeared before the Board to answer any questions. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve an innholders A/A license to the Toole Lodging Group for their establishment located at 70 Pittsfield Road. 4/0 vote.
Verizon/MA Electric Public Hearing, Pole Location: A representative from Verizon/MA Electric came before the Board seeking permission to install one new pole #T.248 1/2/E.39-50 on the westerly side of East Street to accommodate a new customer. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR 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 DR to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to grant permission to Verizon/MA Electric to install one new pole #T.248 1/2/E.39-50 on the westerly side of East Street. 4/0 vote.
National Grid Public Hearing, Pole Location: A representative from National Grid came before the Board seeking permission to install poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the East side of Willow Creek Road. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to open the public hearing. 4/0 vote. There was a brief explanation as to what they want to do and why. EL stated that the four poles have already been installed. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to close the public hearing. 4/0 vote. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to grant permission to National Grid to install poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the East side of Willow Creek Road. 4/0 vote.
The Board discussed the idea of a shared CAO position with the Town of Lee, taking into account all written comments received since the public forum was held. EL stated that he is supportive of the idea, but that we need to know exactly what we are getting into. DR stated that he would like to see bench marks. KF explained that the time between now and summer will need to be used to work together to finalize things. CG feels that we should take action ASAP if the Board is ready. The TM suggested creating a draft Intermunicipal Agreement for the Board to review.
Superintendent Tim Lee is looking to submit an application for the replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs at Morris School. He is concerned that the PVC membrane roof at the Morris School has reached the end of its service life and the administration wishes to replace the roof before ongoing deterioration causes damage inside the building and/or creates conditions that are a hazard to health and safety. Signing off on this resolution in no way commits the Town to filing an application for funding with the MSBA, but merely describes and explains the deficiencies and priority category for which an application may be submitted in the future. MOTION by CG, seconded by
DR to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated 2/6/2017 for the MORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL located at 129 West Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility, and a brief description of the deficiency described therein: The PVC membrane roof of the Morris Elementary School has reached the end of its service life and the district administration wishes to replace the roof before ongoing deterioration causes damage inside the building envelope and/or creates conditions that are a hazard to health and safety; and
hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 4/0 vote.
Rest of River Municipal Committee: The TM updated the Board on the status of the work to date stating that nothing new has occurred since submitting our statements to the EPA. Due to the fact that the City of Pittsfield has withdrawn from the ROR Municipal Committee, it is necessary for the remaining four communities to approve a new agreement that will now include Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington and Sheffield. MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to authorize Chairman Warren Archey to sign on behalf of the Town of Lenox a new Rest of River Municipal Agreement which includes the Towns of Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington and Sheffield. 4/0 vote.
BOS Liaison Reports: CG stated that he continues to be impressed with the work of the BRTA. DR reminded everyone about the 250th video showing this Saturday. KF went through the employee anniversaries. EL stated that he is happy with the choice of the new DPW Superintendent. He also mentioned that the Permanent Building Committee continues to meet, and is currently working on the Community Center boiler project.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
| 
