Lenox Select Board Regular Meeting - March 11, 2026

The Lenox Select Board held a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The board addressed routine approvals, a public hearing on traffic regulation changes, and a detailed budget development update. Key actions included adopting a two-year test of one-way streets to add downtown parking and advancing budget preparations for the annual town meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (February 25, 2026): The board unanimously approved the minutes as amended to include Director Robert Mulnotti's last name.
• Kennedy Park Use Request: Mass Audubon received permission to use Kennedy Park trails on March 13, 2026, for the Wild Thing 5K and 10K fundraiser. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Virginia Schwerin (Lenoxdale resident): Expressed safety concerns on Walker Street, citing a lack of permanent traffic control measures, a requested handicap sign for a blind and physically disabled resident that was never installed, and increased traffic from a Turnpike detour. She advocated for a permanent digital speed monitor, lowered speed limits, and police patrols.
• Kate McNelty Vaughn (Affordable Housing Trust): Promoted a housing forum on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the community center to gather public input for updating the town’s housing production plan. She also announced two openings on the Affordable Housing Trust and encouraged community involvement.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing on One-Way Streets (Amendment to Section 6.1 and Schedule 3 of Traffic Rules): The board proposed making Church Street one-way northerly (from Housatonic Street to Franklin Street) and Franklin Street one-way westerly (from Church Street to Main Street), adding 26 parking spots to replace those lost from a planned gravel lot sale. Joe MeJ, a longtime resident and Main Street business owner, questioned the need and effort, noting the gravel lot remains available temporarily. He also raised concerns about existing traffic diversion from Tanglewood during summer. A chamber representative expressed support, citing benefits for delivery truck bottlenecks and improved visibility for Church Street businesses. The board clarified the change is cost-effective (estimated signage and striping under $20,000) and reversible, intended as a two-year test. Following discussion, the board voted to adopt the amendment as a two-year trial.
• Budget Development Update and Town Meeting Warrant: Town officials presented the proposed FY2027 budget, totaling $43,355,851 to be raised. Key drivers included education ($19 million), general government ($6.5 million), debt service for the public safety building, and enterprise accounts. Revenue projections included a $1 million increase in local lodging tax receipts to offset tax levy growth. State aid (UGA and Chapter 70) continues to lag, contributing to local tax pressure. Meeting participants (select board members, town manager, finance committee) discussed specific line items, including police cruiser purchases (capital funded from free cash), community center seasonal staffing, beach maintenance costs, and wastewater expenses (sludge disposal and Pittsfield contract). The board acknowledged the need for long-term capital planning and balancing taxpayer burden with infrastructure needs. No votes were taken, but the board indicated the next budget workshop will occur before the April 8 target for finalizing the town meeting warrant.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous votes to approve minutes and the Kennedy Park use request.
• Adoption of one-way street amendment (Church and Franklin Streets) as a two-year test, effective upon implementation. The public hearing was closed after the vote.
• Budget discussion concluded with plans to continue at the next regular meeting on March 25, 2026, and for a workshop before the April 8 warrant finalization.