Lenox Select Board Meeting - October 22, 2025

The regular meeting of the Lenox Select Board on October 22, 2025, included announcements about upcoming informational workshops for the November 6th Special Town Meeting (October 29th) and the public safety complex open house (November 8th). The board addressed a consent agenda, citizen comments, personnel appointments, an easement, a public hearing for utility poles, and a detailed review of the Special Town Meeting warrant. Discussions also touched on traffic safety and cemetery preservation.

Consent Calendar

• Special Liquor Licenses: Approved three one-day licenses for Venford Hall (October 25, 28, and 31), with the October 28 license amended to wine and malt only. Approved unanimously.
• ZBA Appointment Hold: The appointment of Albert Harper to the Zoning Board of Appeals was held pending consultation with the ZBA chair and members, due to concerns about his demeanor and lack of prior board endorsement. Motion to hold passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mindy Moran (80 Pineel): Thanked the board for the new traffic light at Housatonic and E Streets but expressed that major traffic issues persist, citing two recent accidents since the light was installed. She urged the town to consider a full traffic light for safety.

Discussion Items

• Ratification of Town Clerk Appointment: The board ratified the appointment of Paul Mattingley as Town Clerk, effective November 3, 2025. Mattingley was selected from a pool of 20 applicants. He will work with outgoing Clerk Carrie Sullivan. Motion passed unanimously.
• Storm Drain Easement at 65 Cliffwood Street: Approved an easement for George Krupp to replace an old drain line with a 12-inch pipe on his property at no cost to the town. Motion passed unanimously.
• Public Hearing – National Grid Utility Poles: A public hearing was held and closed, and the board approved National Grid's petition to install poles and wires along E Street to provide service for EV charging stations at Lenox Memorial High School. Motion passed unanimously.
• Special Town Meeting Warrant Review: The board reviewed and approved the warrant for the November 6, 2025 Special Town Meeting (7 PM at Duffin Theater, LMHHS). Key articles include:
  • Article 2: Acquisition of 10 acres off Woolsey Road for Kennedy Park expansion ($250,000 from CPC funds).
  • Article 4: Acquisition of 41 and 51 Housatonic Street for municipal redevelopment ($1 million).
  • Article 5: $65,000 from free cash for library space utilization study.
  • Article 6: $304,000 from free cash for wastewater treatment plant bond anticipation note interest.
  • Article 7: $29,000 from free cash to repair and retain the current ambulance as a reserve unit.
  • Article 8: $49,102.83 to the Affordable Housing Trust from short-term rental revenues.
  • Article 9: General bylaw amendment for short-term rental regulations.
  • Article 10 & 11: Zoning bylaw amendments for fencing/screening and accessory dwelling units. The board assigned speakers for each article. The warrant was approved unanimously.
• Conservation and Preservation at Church on the Hill Cemetery: Pastor Liz Goodman (198 New Lenox Road) expressed interest in collaborating with the town to clarify the church-town property line, improve parking, and restore the cemetery. Topics included moving the fence, repairing steps, and preventing vehicle traffic through the cemetery. No action was taken due to the absence of Alan Oliver; discussion will continue.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (liquor licenses) with one amendment.
• Held Albert Harper ZBA appointment for further consultation.
• Unanimously ratified Paul Mattingley as Town Clerk.
• Unanimously approved storm drain easement.
• Unanimously approved National Grid utility pole petition.
• Unanimously approved the Special Town Meeting warrant for November 6, 2025.
• Scheduled next regular meeting for November 5, 2025.