Lenox public meetings in 2025

Cultural Council

The Lenox Cultural Council will consider and vote on FY 26 grant applications. The council will also review the calendar for required MCC paperwork and receive a treasurer’s update on FY 25 grant reimbursements. Any additional items will be addressed under other business.

• Review and vote on FY 26 grant applications
• Review calendar for MCC required paperwork
• Treasurer’s update on FY 25 grant reimbursements
• Other business

Community Preservation Committee

The Lenox Community Preservation Committee will review five applications totaling $1.1 million for FY27, including drainage and lighting improvements at The Mount and a $500,000 development project on Pittsfield Road. The committee will also set a final review meeting for January 20, 2026.

• Friends of the Lenox Meeting House: $229,783
• HomeFarm: $200,000
• Pennrose: $500,000
• The Mount: $55,000
• Ventfort Hall: $138,000

Board of Health

The Lenox Board of Health will provide updates on several health programs, including a clinic season wrap‑up, the Apple Squeeze table, sharps‑waste kiosk education, naloxone distribution, and the use of opioid settlement funds. The board will also receive a status report on the permitting process for the Chabad Kitchen. The meeting includes a period for citizen comments before adjournment.

• Clinic season wrap‑up update
• Apple Squeeze table update
• Sharps kiosk education update
• Naloxone program update
• Opioid settlement funds update

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss its draft workplan and priorities for 2026. It will hear a presentation on a proposed sign bylaw for the joint Planning Board/Historic District Commission. The board will consider amendments to the zoning bylaw aimed at increasing housing density and streamlining multifamily and mixed‑use provisions. Finally, members will vote on moving Site Plan Approval authority for the Gateway Mixed‑Use Development Overlay District from the Planning Board to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and receive an update on a Rural and Small Town Development Fund grant to study zoning changes for a sewer expansion.

• Discuss draft 2026 Planning Board workplan and timeline
• Presentation of draft sign bylaw for joint Planning Board/Historic District Commission
• Discuss proposed zoning bylaw amendments to increase housing density and streamline multifamily and mixed‑use provisions
• Vote on transferring Site Plan Approval authority in 10.2.4 Gateway Mixed‑Use Development Overlay District from Planning Board to Zoning Board of Appeals
• Update on Rural and Small Town Development Fund grant to study zoning amendments for proposed sewer expansion

Lenox Library

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to review the Director's report and discuss the strategic plan for fiscal years 2027-2031. The board will also address old business regarding meeting room usage policy.

• Strategic Plan: FY2027-2031
• Policy Review: Meeting Room Usage

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review two special permit requests. The first request is for 7 Holmeswood Terrace to add an additional garage bay and convert the existing garage to a two‑car garage under §5.3.5. The second request is for 29 Church Street, seeking special permits under §§5.3.3 and 5.2 and a variance under MGL Chapter 40A §10 to permit a duplex on a parcel smaller than 20,000 sq ft in the C district. The board will also consider approval of the November 19, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Special Permit for 7 Holmeswood Terrace to add a garage bay and convert garage under §5.3.5
• Special Permit requests for 29 Church Street under §§5.3.3, 5.2 and a variance under MGL Chapter 40A §10 to allow a duplex on a parcel under 20,000 sq ft in the C district
• Approval of minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on December 3 at 7:00 p.m. to consider an application from SCCD 29 Church LLC for the property at 29 Church Street. The applicant seeks special permits for non‑conforming structures and a schedule‑of‑uses permit, plus a variance under MGL Chapter 40A §10 to waive the two‑family house requirement and convert the existing mixed‑use building into a duplex on a parcel under 20,000 sq ft. Application materials are available at the town clerk’s office and on the ZBA website. Comments may be submitted by email to [email protected] or in person at 6 Walker Street.

• Special permits requested under §5.3.3 (Non‑Conforming Structures) and §5.2 (Schedule of Uses)
• Variance sought under MGL Chapter 40A §10 to relieve §6.2.1 (Two‑Family House or Duplex) requirement
• Proposed conversion of existing mixed‑use building to a duplex in the C district
• Parcel identified as Map 43, Parcel 169, less than 20,000 sq ft

Community Preservation Committee

The Lenox Community Preservation Committee will approve the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. It will continue reviewing FY27 preservation applications, including several projects with specified funding amounts. The committee also set the schedule for a final review meeting on January 20, 2026 and noted the Annual Town Meeting date of May 7, 2026.

• Friends of the Lenox Meeting House – Preservation and Reconfiguration of Building Interior – $229,783
• HomeFarm – Jaques Barn and Farmhouse Restoration Phase II – $200,000
• Pennrose – 238 Pittsfield Rd Development – $500,000
• The Mount – Drainage, Accessibility, and Lighting Improvements – $55,000
• Ventfort Hall – Carriage House Restoration – $138,000

Affordable Housing Trust

The Lenox Affordable Housing Trust will review the minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting and receive a financial report. Members will discuss updates on the CPC application, town‑owned land options, and recent program reports. The board will vote on a property tax exemption proposal to be forwarded to the Assessors Board. Additional items include an HPP update and planning for the next meeting on January 5, 2026.

• Review minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting
• Financial report and vote on allocation of funds
• Discuss community support for the CPC‑AHT application
• Vote on property tax exemption proposal to the Assessors Board
• Review town‑owned land sources and land acquisition approach

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board meeting will consider a discussion on a sign bylaw. The board will also vote to approve the minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting.

• Sign bylaw discussion
• Approval of minutes from October 28, 2025

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission will consider a request to determine whether the resource‑area boundaries shown on plans for 383 Housatonic Street are accurately delineated. It will also review two Certificates of Compliance: one for Stone Path Development at 241 Walker Street (DEP#198-0300, 2018) and another for the Berkshire Natural Resource Council at 0 Undermountain Road (DEP#198-0310, 2018). The agenda includes approval of the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting.

• Request for determination of applicability – 383 Housatonic Street
• Certificate of Compliance – 241 Walker Street (Stone Path Development, DEP#198-0300, 2018)
• Certificate of Compliance – 0 Undermountain Road (Berkshire Natural Resource Council, DEP#198-0310, 2018)
• Approval of minutes – October 16, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals will consider three special permit or waiver requests and approve the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes. The 61 Taconic Avenue request seeks permission to remove an existing enclosed porch and add a two‑story addition without increasing the property’s non‑conformity. The 10 Richmond Mountain Road request seeks to reconfigure the Appletree Inn’s non‑conforming use, reducing building footprint by 92 sq ft and expanding parking. The 55 Pittsfield Road request is a site‑plan waiver to add about 1,376 sq ft to the north side of the Antimony Brewing building in the C3A zone.

• 61 Taconic Avenue – special permit to remove porch and construct two‑story addition
• 10 Richmond Mountain Road (Appletree Inn) – special permit to remodel, reduce footprint by 92 sq ft and add parking
• 55 Pittsfield Road (Antimony Brewing) – site‑plan waiver for ~1,376 sq ft addition in C3A district
• Approval of September 15, 2025 meeting minutes

Permanent Building Committee

The Permanent Building Committee will consider approving expenditures for the Library Dome Project. It will also consider approving a space utilization study. No other agenda items are listed.

• Approve expenditures for the Library Dome Project
• Approve a space utilization study

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will consider several consent agenda items, including an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals and two one‑day liquor licenses for Ventfort Hall. They will ratify the Town Manager’s appointment of Paul Mattingly as Town Clerk. The Board will vote on a storm‑drain easement at 65 Cliffwood and hold a public hearing on National Grid/Verizon’s request to place poles and wiring for EV charging near East Street. They will also approve a special Town Meeting warrant and discuss conservation at the Church on the Hill Cemetery.

• Appointment of Albert Harper to the Zoning Board of Appeals (vacancy until 2028)
• One‑day all‑alcoholic beverages liquor license for Ventfort Hall on Oct 25
• Ratification of Paul Mattingly’s appointment as Town Clerk
• Approval of storm‑drain easement at 65 Cliffwood
• Public hearing on National Grid/Verizon pole and wire installation for EV charging near East Street

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will first approve minutes from its prior meeting. It will then discuss the town's current financial status with the Town Manager. The committee will discuss and vote on warrant articles for an upcoming Special Town Meeting. Finally, it will discuss and vote on committee roles for the next budget cycle.

• Approve minutes from prior Finance Committee meeting
• Discuss current state of town financials with Town Manager
• Discuss warrant articles for Special Town Meeting
• Vote on warrant articles for Special Town Meeting
• Discuss and vote on committee roles for upcoming budget cycle

Housing Authority

The Lenox Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting to discuss a tenant forum, review recent meeting minutes, and examine financial statements for June through August 2025. It will provide updates on unit renovations and resident services, and present bid results for an ARPA-funded repair and renovation of a side porch at the West Street Complex. The meeting will also include the Executive Director’s report and any additional items the chair may raise.

• Tenant Forum – LTO
• Curtis Commercial Space discussion
• Accounts Payable – monthly balance sheets for June–August 2025
• Old Business – updates on unit renovation projects (FISH #152118, #152119)
• New Business – ARPA FF side porch repair bid results for West Street Complex

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review two special permit applications under §5.3.5 to modify existing non‑conforming structures. One request at 7 Holmeswood Terrace seeks to add a garage bay and convert a one‑car garage to a two‑car garage. The second request at 61 Taconic Avenue proposes removing an enclosed porch and constructing a two‑story addition. The board will also approve the minutes from the September 15, 2025 meeting.

• 7 Holmeswood Terrace – special permit to add a garage bay, converting one‑car garage to two‑car
• 61 Taconic Avenue – special permit to remove north‑side enclosed porch and build a two‑story addition
• Approval of September 15, 2025 meeting minutes

Community Center

The Lenox Community Center Board will meet to discuss rentals and the ice skating rink, review mission and vision statements, and consider holiday gift giving. The meeting includes reports from the Director and Program Manager.

• Review/update mission and/or vision statement
• LCC Community Survey results
• Holiday Gift Giving
• Rentals and Ice Skating Rink
• Director's Report

Housing Authority

The Lenox Housing Authority will hold a tenant forum, review minutes from July and September 2025, and examine monthly balance sheets and quarterly operating statements. It will discuss program metrics such as rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists, and provide updates on unit renovations at 5D and 13 Church Street. New business includes the bid results for an ARPA-funded side‑porch repair at the West Street Complex (unit 689‑1B). The meeting will also feature the executive director’s report and public hearing notices.

• Tenant Forum – LTO
• Curtis Commercial Space discussion
• Review of monthly balance sheets for June‑August 2025 and quarterly operating statements
• Updates on unit renovations: FISH #152118 (Unit 5D) and FISH #152119 (13 Church Street, Unit A101)
• Bid results for ARPA FF repair & renovate side porch at West Street Complex, unit 689‑1B

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed bylaw amendments regarding fencing and accessory dwelling units, and will review a subdivision plan for 421 East Street. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Public hearing: Fencing bylaw amendments
• Public hearing: Accessory Dwelling Units bylaw amendments
• Review: ANR Plan - 421 East Street
• Approval: September 23, 2025 minutes
• Location: Town Hall, 6 Walker Street

Lenox Library

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific topics for discussion or decision.

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will discuss replacing the short-term rental registration chapter with a new general bylaw. The board is also reviewing potential warrant articles and the timing for a Special Town Meeting.

• Public hearing on proposed 'Operation of Short-Term Rentals' general bylaw
• Purchase and Sale Agreement for parcels at 41 & 51 Housatonic Street
• Ratification of Mark L. Smith as Chief of the Lenox Police Department
• Update to Community Choice Power Supply Program electric aggregation rate
• Appointment of Francis Vahle to the Historical Commission

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new single-story building at 135 Main Street. The body will also discuss a letter for building owners and approve meeting minutes.

• Vote on Certificate of Appropriateness for 135 Main Street
• Discuss and vote on letter for building/business owners
• Approval of meeting minutes

Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust will review the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and receive a financial report. Members will vote on how to allocate Trust funds and approve a warrant article for a November 2025 special meeting. The agenda also includes discussion of changes to the First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program and a CPC funding application due October 31. An executive session is scheduled to consider acquisition of property or properties.

• Review and approve September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial report and vote on allocation of funds, including warrant article for Nov. 2025 special meeting
• Review and vote on changes to the First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
• Discuss and vote on CPC Application for funding due Oct. 31
• Executive session to discuss acquisition of property or properties

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission opened the meeting but, due to lack of a quorum, all agenda items were continued to the October 16 meeting with no discussion or testimony. Items on the agenda include a Certificate of Compliance for 241 Walker Street (Stone Path Development), a request to determine applicability of resource‑area boundaries for 383 Housatonic Street, a Notice of Intent to replace the water main beneath Holmes Road, Holmeswood Terrace and Route 7 and create a redundant loop, and approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes.

• Certificate of Compliance – 241 Walker Street, Stone Path Development (DEP#198-0300, 2018)
• Request for Determination of Applicability – 383 Housatonic Street (boundary accuracy of resource areas)
• Notice of Intent – replace water main beneath Holmes Road, Holmeswood Terrace & Route 7; install new section east of Route 7; portions within 100‑foot buffer zone of a BVW
• Approval of minutes – September 18, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

The provided agenda for the September 26, 2025, meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific topics for discussion or decision.

Community Preservation Committee

The Lenox Community Preservation Committee will discuss a public hearing, approve minutes from January 16 and July 7, set the FY27 application review timeline with due dates, and review the upcoming budget.

• Public hearing
• Approve minutes from the January 16 and July 7 meetings
• Set FY27 application deadlines: applications due by Friday, October 31 at 4:00 pm
• Schedule initial review meeting for Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 pm
• Schedule final review meeting for Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm

School Committee

The Lenox School Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board to interview applicants for a vacant committee seat. Committee members will discuss the candidates and then vote to appoint one to serve until the next annual town election, after which the position will be filled by election under state law.

• Interview applicants for vacant School Committee seat
• Discuss candidates with Select Board
• Vote to appoint selected candidate to School Committee
• Appointee to serve until next annual town election
• Seat to be filled by election per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 Section 11

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will consider three special one‑day liquor license requests for events on September 27 and 30. The board will also vote to classify the Labor Counsel position as a Special Municipal Employee, approve a sidewalk extension on Main Street, and hold public hearings on liquor license amendments. Additional items include committee appointments.

• Special one‑day wine and malt liquor license for Leena Schettini’s Apple Squeeze, Sep 27, 10 am‑5 pm at the Lenox Village
• Special one‑day wine and malt liquor license for Jaqueline Donovan’s Members Party, Sep 30, 10 am‑5 pm at Ventfort Hall
• Special one‑day all‑alcohol liquor license for Lorena Astrid Ojeda Verastegui’s Members Party, Sep 27, 10 am‑5 pm at Ventfort Hall
• Vote to classify the Labor Counsel position as a Special Municipal Employee under MGL Chapter 268A
• Approve extending/constructing new sidewalk on west side of Main Street from Cliffwood St. to Greenwood St.

Tri Town Board of Health

The Tri-Town Board of Health will meet to discuss tobacco regulation edits and a Department of Public Health cancer study. The board will also review the SBPHC IMA Exhibit C and coordinate the performance evaluation of the TTHD Director.

• Review and approval of SBPHC IMA Exhibit C changes
• Edits to Tobacco Regulations
• Performance evaluation of Director of TTHD
• Discussion of Department of Public Health Cancer Study
• Updates on Public Health Excellence grants and vaccine clinic schedule

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will review the finalized accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw. It will also review a proposed Institutional Uses bylaw that includes new Dover Amendment changes. The board will prepare for a public hearing on the Institutional Uses bylaw scheduled for October 14. Finally, the board will approve the minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting.

• Review finalized ADU bylaw
• Review proposed Institutional Uses bylaw with new Dover Amendment changes
• Prepare for public hearing on Institutional Uses bylaw on October 14
• Approve minutes from September 9, 2025

Conversation Commission

The Lenox Conservation Commission will review a Certificate of Compliance for 121 East Dugway Road. It will consider a request to determine applicability of signage at 472 West Mountain Road in the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Notices of Intent for construction projects at 55 Pittsfield Road and 70 Kemble Street will be discussed. The commission will also approve the minutes from the September 4, 2025 meeting.

• Certificate of Compliance – 121 East Dugway Road (Greylock Design Associates)
• Request for Determination of Applicability – 472 West Mountain Road, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (interpretive signage and trail re‑wilding)
• Notice of Intent – 55 Pittsfield Road, Antimony (addition near a bordering vegetated wetland)
• Notice of Intent – 70 Kemble Street, Shakespeare & Company (four new houses, access road improvements, stormwater management near a bordering vegetated wetland)
• Approval of minutes – September 4, 2025

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved four applications: a Certificate of Compliance for 121 East Dugway Road; interpretive signage and trail re‑wilding at 472 West Mountain Road; an addition to Antimony Brewing at 55 Pittsfield Road; and construction of four houses with road and stormwater improvements at 70 Kemble Street. The minutes from the September 4, 2025 meeting were also approved.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 121 East Dugway Road (5-0)
• Approved interpretive signage and re‑wilding project at 472 West Mountain Road (5-0)
• Approved addition to Antimony Brewing at 55 Pittsfield Road (5-0)
• Approved construction of four houses and site improvements at 70 Kemble Street (5-0)
• Approved minutes of September 4, 2025 (5-0)

Affordable Housing Trust

The provided agenda for the September 15, 2025, meeting contains no specific discussion topics or decisions. The document consists of procedural boilerplate and meeting notice requirements.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a hearing regarding a special permit for a Verizon Wireless antenna. The board will also consider a request to reduce property line setbacks from 250 feet to approximately 170 and 158 feet.

• Special Permit for 165’ tall monopole and Verizon Wireless equipment at 165 Kemble Street
• Dimensional Variance to reduce setbacks to 170’ and 158’ from property lines
• Approval of August 20th, 2025 minutes

Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative will approve July 11, 2025 meeting minutes and review staff updates, including a draft clinic protester policy that may become an action item. Members will hear FY26 public health nursing and agent service invoice information and consider an advisory letter from the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers. The meeting also includes a final call for MHOA conference registrations before adjournment.

• Approval of July 11, 2025 meeting minutes (action item)
• Draft Clinic Protester Policy (potential action item)
• FY26 Public Health Nursing and Agent Service invoices (staff update)
• Advisory letter from Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers
• Final call for MHOA conference registrations

Lenox Library

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and meeting notice requirements. No specific topics for discussion or decision were listed.

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will vote to authorize the Town Manager to sign a contract with Associated Construction for a wastewater treatment plant refurbishment. The meeting includes public hearings on a traffic rule amendment that would ban parking on both sides of Kneeland Avenue between West Street and Sunset Avenue. A liquor license request for Bea’s House restaurant at 80 Church Street will also be heard. Verizon will present a request to install poles and wires along Housatonic Street near Crystal Street.

• Authorize contract with Associated Construction for wastewater treatment plant refurbishment
• Public hearing on amendment to Section 5-6 of Traffic Rules: no parking on either side of Kneeland Avenue from West Street to Sunset Avenue
• Public hearing on Bea’s Lenox, Inc. request for an annual all-alcoholic beverages on‑premises restaurant liquor license (manager Molly Lyon‑Joseph)
• Public hearing on Verizon request to locate poles, wires and fixtures along Housatonic Street near Crystal Street

Planning Board

The Planning Board will vote to finalize the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw after incorporating comments from the Attorney General. It will continue discussion of the sign bylaw as it relates to the Historic District and address terminology for street, lot line, and setback definitions. The board will review a proposed Institutional Uses bylaw that adds new Dover Amendment provisions. The agenda also includes approval of the minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting.

• Finalize ADU bylaw incorporating Attorney General's comments
• Continue discussion of Sign bylaw for Historic District and street/lot line, setback terminology
• Review proposed Institutional Uses bylaw with new Dover Amendment changes
• Approve minutes from August 26, 2025 meeting

The Board approved the revised accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw and scheduled a public hearing for October 14, 2025, with a 5‑0 vote. The minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting were accepted as amended by a 4‑0 vote. The Board also agreed no further changes will be made to the ADU bylaw before the hearing unless a major issue arises. Discussion continued on a historic‑district sign bylaw and updated childcare terminology in the Institutional Uses bylaw, with plans to compile comments and adopt consistent language.

• Approved revised ADU bylaw and set public hearing for Oct 14, 2025 (5-0)
• Accepted August 26, 2025 minutes as amended (4-0)
• Agreed no further changes to ADU bylaw before hearing unless major issue arises
• Agreed to compile stakeholder comments on historic‑district sign bylaw
• Agreed to use updated childcare terminology in Institutional Uses bylaw

School Committee

The Lenox School Committee’s September 8, 2025 meeting covers the opening of the school year, public comments, correspondence, board reports, and the superintendent’s updates including field trips and donated services. The meeting is broadcast live on CTSBTV.

• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker with civility standards
• Approval of Pignatelli Electric donated services
• French Immersion Field Trip destination change
• Pathways Field Trip to NYC
• MSBA Update

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved the August 21, 2025 minutes unanimously. It also voted 6‑0 to continue the September meeting to October 2, 2025. The commission scheduled site visits to Antimony and Shakespeare & Company on September 9 and will set a later date for the Pleasant Valley visit. Commissioner Ammendola recused himself from the Shakespeare & Company hearing due to a conflict of interest.

• Approved August 21, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Voted to continue the meeting to October 2, 2025 (6-0)
• Scheduled site visit to Antimony on September 9, 2025
• Scheduled site visit to Shakespeare & Company on September 9, 2025
• Planned to schedule Pleasant Valley RDA site visit at a later date
• Commissioner Ammendola recused from Shakespeare & Company hearing (conflict of interest)

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission approved the minutes of its August 12 meeting. The body discussed the deteriorating condition of the Church on the Hill cemetery, options for 51 Housatonic Street, and a draft minimum‑maintenance bylaw, but no votes were taken on those items. Those matters will be revisited at future meetings.

• Approved minutes of August 12 meeting (no vote tally provided)

Community Center

The Community Center board will review reports from the Director, Program Manager, and Senior Service Coordinator. The body will discuss old business regarding the beach and rental policies, as well as new business concerning pickleball and survey results.

• Review of rental policy
• Discussion of beach-related old business
• Discussion of pickleball
• Review of survey results

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss updates to town bylaws regarding accessory dwelling units, signs in the Historic District, and fencing at intersections. The board will also review a specific property on Shaylor Hill Road and provide an update on Lenox Landings.

• Form A-7 Shaylor Hill Road
• Review of AG’s response to ADU bylaw
• Discussion of Sign bylaw in relation to Historic District
• Review of 86.1.12 Fencing as it pertains to intersections
• Update on Lenox Landings and final road sign-off

The board voted 4‑0 to approve the amendment of the two parcels at 7 Shaylor Hill as an ANR. It also accepted the Attorney General’s comments on the ADU bylaw, adopted the state definition of an ADU, and kept the existing fence‑view language unchanged. The board will prepare a draft sign‑bylaw overlay and meet with the Historic District Commission before finalizing it. Minutes from the August 12 meeting were approved 4‑0.

• Approved 7 Shaylor Hill ANR (4-0)
• Accepted AG‑response edits to ADU bylaw and adopted state ADU definition
• Decided to keep fence‑view language in §6.1.12 as written
• Agreed to prepare draft sign‑bylaw overlay and meet with Historic District Commission
• Noted Lenox Landings issue requires no Planning Board action
• Determined Lenox does not qualify for Seasonal Community designation at this time
• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (4-0)

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to consider a Request for Determination of Applicability for a project at 0 East Street. The body will also review a Certificate of Compliance for 239 Undermountain Road.

• Request for Determination of Applicability: 18-inch footbridge and invasive vegetation clearing at 0 East Street
• Certificate of Compliance: 239 Undermountain Road (DEP#198-0340 2023)

The Conservation Commission approved the Certificate of Compliance for 239 Undermountain Road by a 6‑0 vote. It approved the application for a new footbridge at 0 East Street with a Negative Determination #2, also by a 6‑0 vote. The commission approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote (two members abstained).

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 239 Undermountain Rd (6-0)
• Approved application for 0 East St footbridge with Negative Determination #2 (6-0)
• Approved July 10, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0, 2 abstentions)

Select Board's Office

The Lenox Select Board will hold its regular meeting on August 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Town Hall. The board will review and vote on consent agenda items, including amendments to a special liquor license for a wedding rehearsal and reception at Stonover Farm, and a new one-day liquor license for Antimony Brewing at the Apple Squeeze. The board will also discuss a potential update to the short-term rental general bylaw ahead of a Special Town Meeting.

• Amendment to special liquor license for Stonover Farm (169 Under Mountain Road) for August 30 event hours change to 4:30–11:00 PM
• New one-day liquor license for Antimony Brewing at Apple Squeeze for September 27, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Discussion on potential short-term rental general bylaw update for Special Town Meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a hearing regarding a telecommunications project at 165 Kemble Street. The board is reviewing a request for a special permit and a dimensional variance to reduce property line setbacks.

• Special Permit request for a 165’ tall Verizon Wireless monopole at 165 Kemble Street
• Dimensional Variance request to reduce setback requirements to approximately 170’ and 158’

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission approved the minutes from the July 10 meeting and the July 28 public meeting. Members discussed the demolition delay on 51 Housatonic Street and the town’s possible purchase of the property. They agreed on next steps to gather information from the architect and realtor, attend the upcoming Select Board meeting, and continue community outreach to preserve the building. The meeting adjourned after establishing these actions.

• Approved minutes of July 10 meeting and July 28 public meeting
• Agreed on next steps: gather info, attend Select Board meeting, build community support

Planning Board

The Board approved the Form A plan to combine two parcels at 800 East Street (4‑0). It also approved the revised fence bylaw and moved it to a public hearing (5‑0), and approved the July 22 minutes (5‑0). The Board tasked members to draft a new multi‑family housing section, postponed a meeting with the Historic District Commission, and will revisit ADU structure eligibility at a future meeting. Plans were outlined to discuss short‑term rental regulations with the Select Board.

• Approved Form A plan for 800 East Street (4‑0)
• Approved revised fence bylaw, move to public hearing (5‑0)
• Approved July 22, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Tasked P. Kueber and E. Coughlin to draft new multi‑family housing section
• Postponed meeting with Historic District Commission pending counsel input
• Agreed to revisit ADU structure eligibility at a future meeting
• Planned meeting with Select Board and informal town session on short‑term rentals
• Postponed HDC sign‑bylaw discussion until legal questions are answered

Board of Assessors

The Board approved the July 10 meeting minutes (3-0). It also approved Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #4 as presented (3-0). A motion to grant Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatement applications was made and seconded, with one member abstaining; the minutes do not record a final vote outcome. The meeting was adjourned at 2:36 p.m.

• Approve July 10 minutes (3-0)
• Approve Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #4 (3-0)
• Grant Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatement applications (Tom abstained; outcome not recorded)
• Adjourn meeting at 2:36 p.m. (3-0)

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to continue a discussion regarding a Request for Determination of Applicability. The body is reviewing whether resource area boundaries on submitted plans for 383 Housatonic Street are accurately delineated.

• Determination of Applicability for 383 Housatonic Street

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold a continued public hearing regarding requests from National Grid and Verizon to install utility infrastructure. The board will also consider a one-day liquor license and a commission appointment.

• Public hearing on National Grid/Verizon poles and wires on Housatonic Street and Willow Creek Road
• One-day wine and malt beverages license request for a wedding at 104 Walker Street on August 16
• Appointment of Jeanette Chague to the Lenox Historical Commission
• Use request for Lilac Park for the Lenox Youth Basketball 38th Annual Craft Fair

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a site plan and signage request for a Burger King renovation. A hearing regarding a Verizon Wireless monopole is scheduled but will be immediately continued to August 20.

• 500 Pittsfield Road (Burger King): Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for signage exceeding C1A Zoning District size requirements
• 165 Kemble Street: Special Permit and Variance for a 165’ tall Verizon Wireless monopole (continued to August 20)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Lenox Affordable Housing Trust will review financial reports and vote on the allocation of funds. The body will discuss project development, homeownership initiatives, and the Blantyre agreement. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the acquisition of a site on East St.

• Vote on allocation of funds
• Review of First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program details
• Discussion of parameters for land or house acquisitions
• Updates on CDBG Rehab program and grant with Sandisfield
• Executive session regarding acquisition of East St. site (Map 45, Lot 15-1)

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission met on July 28, 2025 to discuss a demolition delay for 51 Housatonic Street. Commissioners and members of the public presented historical context, preservation concerns, and parking issues. No vote, approval, denial, or other formal action was recorded before the meeting adjourned.

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to receive updates on local health initiatives and regional coordination. The session includes discussions on clinic operations and emergency preparedness.

• Updates on clinic, Green Burial, Sharps kiosk, and Naloxone
• Tri-Town updates regarding code enforcement
• Discussion on 5 Fairview/Kohlenberger Farms
• Follow-up from TTBOH meeting on Emergency Preparedness

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold a public hearing regarding permission for National Grid and Verizon to locate poles and wires on Housatonic Street and Willow Creek Road. The board will also consider a one-day liquor license and a park use request.

• Public hearing for National Grid/Verizon poles and wires on Housatonic Street and Willow Creek Road
• One-day liquor license request for Lenox VFW Lobster Bake at St. Ann’s Parish Hall on September 13
• Lilac Park use request for a free jazz performance by Ramona Stendardi on August 24
• Appointment of Daniel Bross as Alternate Delegate to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
• Executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss the ranking of Master Plan implementation items related to housing. The board is also reviewing updates to fencing, sign, and short-term rental bylaws.

• Ranking of Master Plan implementation items for housing
• Review of final version of 86.1.12 Fencing
• Discussion of Sign bylaw
• Review of draft general bylaw update for Short Term Rentals
• Update on eCode digital bylaw codification

The Planning Board approved the June 24, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. The board agreed to change the fencing bylaw language, using “Non‑residential Screening” and replacing “front yard” with “street line.” It also decided to place all sign regulations in a single bylaw, add a Historic District section, schedule a joint meeting with the Historic District Commission, and seek town counsel’s advice on authority.

• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes (5-0 vote)
• Adopted “Non‑residential Screening” term in fencing bylaw
• Replaced “front yard” with “street line” in fencing bylaw
• Decided to regulate all signs under a single bylaw with a Historic District section
• Scheduled joint meeting with the Historic District Commission to review sign bylaw draft
• Will consult town counsel on authority to regulate Historic District signs

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will meet to review and approve transfers for end-of-year fund balances.

• Review and approval of end-of-year fund balance transfers

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and vote on budget transfer requests for the end of fiscal year 2025. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review of FY25 end-of-year budget transfer requests
• Vote on FY25 end-of-year budget transfers

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission is meeting to continue discussions on two pending applications. The body will review a lake preservation request and a determination of applicability for a local property.

• Notice of Intent from Laurel Lake Preservation Association for annual lake drawdown and herbicide application
• Request for Determination of Applicability for 383 Housatonic Street regarding resource area boundaries

The Conservation Commission voted 4‑0 to accept the proposed conditions for the Laurel Lake annual drawdown and herbicide application. The commission also approved the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote and adjourned the meeting at 8:02 pm. The commission is awaiting applicant confirmation to schedule a peer‑review for the 383 Housatonic Street resource‑area boundaries.

• Accepted Laurel Lake drawdown and herbicide conditions (4-0)
• Approved June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:02 pm (4-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved the minutes from the June 12 meeting. All current officers were retained for Fiscal Year 2026. The Board granted the motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications as presented. The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

• Approved June 12 minutes (3-0)
• Retained Thomas Romeo as Board Chair for FY 2026 (3-0)
• Retained Wayne Lemanski as Vice Chair for FY 2026 (3-0)
• Retained Jaimy Messana as Clerk for FY 2026 (3-0)
• Granted motor vehicle excise tax abatements (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:50 p.m. (3-0)

Historical Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the June 18 and July 2 meetings, pending a minor correction. It approved the current draft of the minimum‑maintenance bylaw and will send it to Matt Kollmer for comment. A public meeting on the demolition delay at 51 Housatonic Street was scheduled for July 28, 2025, with notices to be drafted and delivered. The commission also assigned follow‑up tasks on cemetery preservation, the town history website, and street‑light refurbishment, and set the next meeting for September 11, 2025.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (June 18 & July 2) pending minor correction
• Approved current draft minimum‑maintenance bylaw for review by town officials
• Directed Eammon to send the draft bylaw to Matt Kollmer for comment
• Scheduled public demolition‑delay meeting for 51 Housatonic St on July 28, 2025
• Assigned Lucy to draft demolition notices and work with Eammon on delivery
• Deferred selection of a consultant for 51 Housatonic St rehabilitation to a future meeting
• Olga will seek advice from Preservation Massachusetts on cemetery gravestone condition
• Jim will follow up with Bill Gop regarding Westinghouse street‑light installation

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will review proposed adjustments to the water and sewer fee schedule to cover labor and equipment costs. The board is also considering several one-day liquor licenses and amendments to existing hotel liquor licenses.

• Proposed water and sewer fee schedule changes from the Department of Public Works
• Liquor license manager change for Canyon Ranch at 165 Kemble Street
• Name change to The Whitlock and manager change for 16 Church Street
• One-day liquor license requests for 104 Walker Street, 169 Under Mountain Road, 4 Holmes Road, and Crystal Street
• Public right of way sign request from Berkshire Community College for five locations

The board approved the Department of Public Works' proposed water and sewer fee schedule changes. It also approved a two‑week cumulative sign placement for Berkshire Community College at several locations, excluding Church on the Hill. Liquor license amendments were approved for Canyon Ranch at 165 Kemble Street and for The Whitlock (formerly The Church Street Inn) at 16 Church Street. The consent agenda, minus item a), was approved.

• Approved consent agenda less item a) (5‑0)
• Approved two‑week cumulative BCC sign placements, excluding Church on the Hill (5‑0)
• Approved Canyon Ranch liquor license manager change to Jennifer Gelormino (5‑0)
• Approved The Whitlock liquor license d/b/a change and manager change to Elizabeth Nackoul (5‑0)
• Approved water and sewer fee schedule changes (5‑0)

Permanent Building Committee

The Permanent Building Committee will discuss updates to the Public Safety Complex project's cost and budget. The body will also review the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Library Repair, and School Building projects.

• Public Safety Complex Project cost and budget update
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project
• Library Repair Project
• School Building Project

Housing Authority

The Lenox Housing Authority will meet to discuss the renovation of unit 5D and the status of commercial space at Curtis. The board will also review rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists for programs 667, 705, and 689.

• Bid results for FISH #152118 VU23 Unit Renovation – 5D
• Discussion regarding Curtis Commercial Space
• Review of accounts payable as of May 31, 2025
• Tenant Forum – LTO

Affordable Housing Trust

The agenda provided contains only procedural boilerplate and meeting notice requirements. No specific topics for discussion or decision were listed.

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will review a request for funds to purchase land for recreation. The body will also review its budget and the application schedule for FY27.

• Request for $250,000 to purchase 10 acres of land for open space and recreation purposes
• Review of CPC Budget
• Discussion of FY27 application review schedule

The committee reviewed a request for $250,000 to purchase a 10‑acre parcel at 0 Main Street for open space and recreation. A motion to approve the funding was made by F. Keator and seconded by K. Graham. The motion passed with all members voting aye. The committee noted that $162,000 remains in the Open Space Reserve after this allocation.

• Approved $250,000 from Open Space and Recreation Reserve to purchase 10‑acre parcel at 0 Main Street (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission voted unanimously to impose a 12‑month demolition delay on the residential structure at 51 Housatonic Street. A public hearing on the demolition request must be held within 30 days as required by town bylaws. Commission members Tom Romeo and Marybeth Mitts will conduct a walkthrough of the property, and Kimberly Duval will compile a list of consultants to evaluate rehabilitation and affordable‑housing options. The meeting adjourned at about 2 pm.

• Imposed 12‑month demolition delay on 51 Housatonic St (unanimous vote)
• Required public hearing on demolition request within 30 days (bylaw)
• Assigned Tom Romeo and Marybeth Mitts to conduct property walkthrough
• Assigned Kimberly Duval to create and share list of consultants for evaluation
• Considered engaging a consultant to assess rehabilitation cost and affordable‑housing potential
• Agreed to improve communication between town officials and the Commission

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to continue the Laurel Lake herbicide hearing until July 10, 2025. The commission authorized a peer review of the 383 Housatonic Street Resource Development Area, with the proposal signed by Chair Neal Carpenter and payment to be arranged by Rodney Galton. Minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously.

• Continued Laurel Lake herbicide hearing to July 10, 2025 (5-0)
• Authorized peer review of 383 Housatonic St RDA (unanimous)
• Approved June 5, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss the ranking of housing-related items from the Master Plan implementation list. The board will also review proposed changes to section 6.1.12 regarding fencing.

• Ranking of Master Plan implementation items related to housing
• Proposed changes to section 6.1.12 "Fencing"

The Board approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting by unanimous roll‑call vote. It adopted specific language for the fencing bylaw, setting height limits for side, rear, and front yard fences, and renamed section 6.1.13 to "Commercial Screening." Staff will revise the ADU bylaw with Attorney General‑recommended changes and share it with Town Counsel, and the final fencing bylaw will be reviewed at the next meeting.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (5‑0 vote)
• Adopted fencing bylaw wording: side/rear fences ≤6 ft, front fences ≤4 ft
• Renamed section 6.1.13 to "Commercial Screening"
• Staff to mark‑up ADU bylaw with AG‑recommended changes and send to Town Counsel
• Will review final version of fencing bylaw at next meeting

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss the Affirmative Maintenance Bylaw and a state program regarding abandoned housing initiatives. The body will also review a demolition delay for a specific property and the status of the plaque program.

• Demolition delay on 51 Housatonic St
• Review and discussion of Affirmative Maintenance Bylaw
• State Program on Reviewing Massachusetts Neighborhoods and Abandoned Housing Initiatives
• Progress on Westinghouse lights remediation
• Plaque program status

The commission approved the minutes from the March, April and May meetings. Members agreed to tour the Historic District to identify buildings that may qualify for new plaques. Lucy will write to Matt Kollmer to ensure future demolition requests follow the Demolition Delay bylaw. The commission voted to send a strong letter opposing the proposed S 1428 and HD 4331 legislation, with Lucy drafting the letter. The Minimum Maintenance bylaw subcommittee will revise the draft based on recommended changes before the next meeting.

• Approved minutes of prior meetings (March 20, April 10, May 19)
• Members will independently tour the Historic District to identify plaque candidates
• Lucy will write to Matt Kollmer to ensure demolition requests comply with the Demolition Delay bylaw
• Commission moved to send a strong letter opposing S 1428 and HD 4331 to Rep. Leigh Davis and Sen. Mark; Lucy will prepare the draft
• Commission generally endorsed the draft Minimum Maintenance bylaw with recommended changes
• Subcommittee (Lucy, Jim, Dave) will incorporate changes and prepare a revised draft before the next meeting

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will meet to reorganize the board and review several consent items. The meeting includes a vote on a multi-year contract for the Lenox Fire Department and a liquor license amendment.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement for Lenox Fire Department, IAFF Local 2785, for Fiscal Years 26-28
• Donation acceptance of $1,000 for the Police Department
• Donation acceptance of $1,000 for the Fire Department
• One-day liquor license request for 104 Walker Street (Ventfort Hall) on July 10
• Liquor license amendment for Gateways Inn at 51 Walker Street to add outdoor seating

The board reorganized, appointing Max Scherff as chair and Neal Maxymillian as clerk, each by a 5‑0 vote. It approved the consent agenda, including two $1,000 donations and a one‑day liquor license, by a 5‑0 vote. It also approved an amendment to Gateways Inn's all‑alcohol hotel liquor license to allow an outdoor seating area at 51 Walker Street, by a 5‑0 vote. The board then entered an executive session and adjourned.

• Appointed Max Scherff as Chair of Select Board (5‑0)
• Appointed Neal Maxymillian as Clerk of Select Board (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items including two $1,000 donations and a one‑day liquor license (5‑0)
• Approved amendment to Gateways Inn liquor license for outdoor seating at 51 Walker Street (5‑0)
• Entered executive session to consider real‑property matters (unanimous roll‑call)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:37 pm (unanimous roll‑call)

John Drummond Kennedy Park Restoration Committee

The John Drummond Kennedy Park Restoration Committee will meet to discuss the purchase of the Smith property. The body will also review a trail maintenance update and the treasurer's report.

• Smith property purchase
• Trail maintenance update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review a request for a telecommunications tower and a sign permit. The board will also vote to approve the minutes from the June 4th meeting.

• Special Permit for a 6 square foot sign at 203 Main Street
• Special Permit for a 165-foot monopole and Verizon Wireless antenna at 165 Kemble Street
• Dimensional Variance to reduce setbacks at 165 Kemble Street to approximately 170 and 158 feet

The board approved the withdrawal of a special permit request for a 6‑sq‑ft sign at 203 Main Street. The minutes from the June 4, 2025 meeting were approved. The board voted to continue the hearing on the 165 Kemble Street cell‑tower permit until August 6, 2025.

• Withdraw special permit request for 6‑sq‑ft sign at 203 Main Street (5‑0)
• Approve minutes from June 4, 2025 (5‑0)
• Continue hearing on 165 Kemble Street tower permit to Aug 6, 2025 (5‑0)
• Schedule balloon test for tower site July 21‑23, 2025
• Schedule site visit for July 22, 2025 at 12 pm

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board voted 5‑0 to allow Lenox Hotel Venture LLC to withdraw its 203 Main Street sign permit request. It also approved the June 4, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. Finally, the board voted 5‑0 to continue the hearing on the 165 Kemble Street tower and antenna application until August 6, 2025, with a balloon test scheduled for July 21‑23 and a site visit on July 22.

• Approved withdrawal of 203 Main Street sign permit request (5-0)
• Approved minutes of June 4, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued 165 Kemble Street tower hearing to Aug 6, 2025 (5-0)
• Scheduled balloon test for tower site July 21‑23, 2025
• Scheduled site visit for tower site July 22, 2025 at 12 pm

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review and vote on Certificates of Appropriateness for three properties. These decisions determine if proposed exterior changes meet historic district standards.

• Exterior signage at 17 Main Street (Map 43, Parcel 18)
• Exterior signage at 6 Main Street (Map 43, Parcel 166)
• Replacement windows at 17 Housatonic Street (Map 43, Parcel 178-1)

Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative will meet to review staff updates and discuss public health initiatives. The body is scheduled to take action on the FY26 Work Plan and a revised IMA Exhibit C.

• Vote on FY26 Work Plan
• Vote on revised IMA Exhibit C
• Discussion on Workforce Development Standards Waiver
• Discussion on Bridges to Health Care
• Discussion on Summer Air Quality

Board of Assessors

The Board approved the FY26 Preliminary Real Estate and Personal Property Warrant and Notice of Commitment. It also granted motor vehicle excise tax abatements and approved the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax 2025 Commitment #3. Minutes from the May 15 meeting were approved, and the meeting was called to order and adjourned as scheduled.

• Approved FY26 Preliminary Real Estate and Personal Property Warrant and Notice of Commitment (3-0)
• Granted motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications (3-0)
• Approved Motor Vehicle Excise Tax 2025 Commitment #3 (3-0)
• Approved minutes of May 15 meeting (3-0)
• Called meeting to order at 1:00 pm (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:06 pm (3-0)

Lenox Library

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and meeting notice requirements. No specific topics for discussion or decision were listed.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss the Master Plan and its implementation. The board is also reviewing the final copy of the Institutional Uses bylaw and addressing Town Counsel feedback regarding its classification.

• Review of final copy of Institutional Uses bylaw
• Discussion of Master Plan & Implementation
• Town Counsel feedback on "Guidelines" vs. "Bylaw" classification
• Board reorganization

The board voted 5‑0 to keep Tom Delasco as chair, Mark Smith as vice‑chair, and Dan Bross as alternate. A second 5‑0 vote approved the Institutional Uses bylaw as submitted. The board also approved the May 27, 2025 minutes with a 4‑0 vote.

• Reorganized board leadership (chair, vice‑chair, alternate) – approved 5‑0
• Approved Institutional Uses bylaw – approved 5‑0
• Approved May 27, 2025 minutes – approved 4‑0

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to review a septic system request and two items regarding Laurel Lake. The body will consider a determination of applicability and a notice of intent for lake management.

• Determination of Applicability for septic system upgrades at 80 Plunkett Street
• Certificate of Compliance for Laurel Lake Preservation Association (DEP#198-0309)
• Notice of Intent for Laurel Lake Preservation Association annual lake drawdown and herbicide application

The Conservation Commission voted 5‑0 to accept the 80 Plunkett Street septic system application and issue a negative determination. The Commission also voted 5‑0 to continue the hearing on the Laurel Lake herbicide and drawdown plan until June 26, pending a response from NHESP.

• Denied septic system upgrade application for 80 Plunkett St (5-0)
• Extended hearing on Laurel Lake herbicide plan to June 26 (5-0)

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will review a purchase and sale agreement for approximately 10 acres of property at 0 Main Street. The meeting includes public hearings for liquor license transfers and new applications, as well as a police collective bargaining agreement.

• Purchase and Sale Agreement for approx. 10 acres at 0 Main Street (Parcel ID 22-3-0)
• Collective Bargaining Agreement for Lenox Patrol Association MSCOP Local 362 (FY 26-28)
• National Grid easement request for Housatonic Street and Willow Creek Road
• Liquor license transfer request for 194 Pittsfield Road to VH Berkshires LLC
• New Wine and Malt Off-Premises Package Store License request for Mazzeo’s Italian Deli, LLC

The Lenox Select Board approved the May 21 meeting minutes and the consent agenda items, including a National Grid easement and a collective bargaining agreement. It approved a change of license manager for The Cornell Inn, a transfer of a hotel license to Berkshire Untold, and a new wine‑and‑malt package store license for Mazzeo’s Italian Deli. The board also approved a purchase agreement for approximately 10 acres at 0 Main Street adjacent to Kennedy Park.

• Approved May 21 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items: National Grid easement and collective bargaining agreement (5-0)
• Approved change of license manager for Ivy Wave Hospitality LLC d/b/a The Cornell Inn, 203 Main St (5-0)
• Approved transfer of hotel license from LH Manager Northeast, LLC (194 Pittsfield Rd) to VH Berkshires LLC d/b/a Berkshire Untold (5-0)
• Approved new wine and malt off‑premises package store license for Mazzeo’s Italian Deli, LLC, 490 Pittsfield Rd (5-0)
• Approved purchase agreement for approx. 10 acres at 0 Main St, Parcel ID 22-3-0 (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two requests for exceptions to local zoning laws. The board will also review minutes from the May 21, 2025, meeting.

• Special permit request for a 6 square foot sign at 203 Main Street (Cornell Inn)
• Variance request for a fence up to 8 feet high at 207 East Street

The Zoning Board denied the special‑permit request for a larger sign at 203 Main Street and scheduled the hearing to continue on June 18. It approved a variance allowing an 8‑foot fence at 207 East Street. The board also adopted the May 21, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Special permit for 203 Main Street sign not granted; hearing continued (no vote recorded)
• Variance for 207 East Street fence approved (all members in favor)
• May 21, 2025 minutes approved (3 ayes, 2 abstentions)

Affordable Housing Trust

The agenda provided contains only procedural boilerplate and meeting notice requirements. No specific topics for discussion or decision were listed.

Affordable Housing Trust

The Lenox Affordable Housing Trust is meeting to conduct a site visit of a rental development. The visit focuses on the Pennrose project known as THE FORGE.

• Site visit: Pennrose rental development at Brushwood Farms (THE FORGE)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review a revised copy of the Institutional Uses Bylaw. Members will also discuss the 2021 Master Plan and its implementation efforts.

• Review of revised Institutional Uses Bylaw
• Discussion of 2021 Master Plan implementation
• Welcome of new member Dan Bross
• Approval of May 13, 2025 minutes

The Planning Board approved both Form A applications presented by Foresight Land Services, voting 4‑0 on each. The Board also adopted several revisions to the Institutional Uses Bylaw, including renumbering uses and updating definitions. Discussion of the 2021 Master Plan was postponed to a future meeting. The minutes from May 13, 2025 were approved unanimously.

• Endorsed first Form A plan (East Street & East Dugway Road) – vote 4-0
• Endorsed second Form A plan (East Street & Birchwood Lane) – vote 4-0
• Approved revisions to Institutional Uses Bylaw (renumbering, terminology, definition edits)
• Postponed discussion of 2021 Master Plan to a future meeting
• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes – vote 4-0

Community Center

The Lenox Community Center Board will meet to receive reports from the Director and program managers. The board will discuss the After School Program and review the Board Member Policy document.

• Review of "Board Member Policy" document
• Discussion of After School Program
• Senior Services Report
• Program Manager Report
• Director's Report

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will discuss a request from Pennrose Development to partner on a grant application for roadway and infrastructure improvements. The board will also review several one-day liquor licenses and a mobile food establishment request.

• Grant application partnership for 238 Pittsfield Road infrastructure
• One-day liquor license for Lenox Dale Fire Co. at 28 Elm Street
• One-day liquor license for Oskar Hallig at 104 Walker Street
• Mobile food establishment request for Patriot Pop at the Lenox Library
• $25 donation acceptance for the Fire Department

The Board approved a one‑day liquor license for the Lenox Dale Fire Company (4‑0 vote, one member abstaining). It also approved the remaining consent agenda items—including a $25 fire department donation, another one‑day liquor license, a mobile food permit for the library event, and authorization for the Town Manager to sign an electric aggregation contract (5‑0 vote). Finally, the Board approved a partnership with Pennrose Development to pursue a grant for roadway and infrastructure improvements (5‑0 vote).

• Approved one‑day liquor license for Lenox Dale Fire Co., 4‑0 (EL abstaining)
• Approved donation acceptance request ($25 to Fire Department), 5‑0
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Oskar Hallig at Ventfort Hall, 5‑0
• Approved mobile food establishment request for Patriot Pop at Library event, 5‑0
• Authorized Town Manager to sign Berkshire County Municipal Electric Aggregation Contract, 5‑0
• Approved partnership with Pennrose Development for grant application, 5‑0

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals will hear two variance and special permit requests: one for a newly installed 6-foot fence at 91 West Street and another to demolish a non-conforming garage at 211 Main Street and replace it with a new two-car garage with living quarters. The board will also approve minutes from the April 16 meeting.

• 91 West Street: variance request for 6-foot fence on street line
• 211 Main Street: special permit to demolish non-conforming garage and build new two-car garage with living quarters
• Approval of April 16, 2025 meeting minutes

The Zoning Board approved a Special Permit for a six‑foot fence at 91 West Street, with a condition that the fence be removed or altered by July 15 2032. The Board also approved a Special Permit for 211 Main Street to replace a non‑conforming garage with a two‑car garage and an accessory dwelling unit above. Both permits passed unanimously.

• Special Permit granted for 91 West Street fence, effective until July 15, 2032 (5‑0)
• Special Permit granted for 211 Main Street garage replacement and ADU (5‑0)
• Minutes from April 16, 2025 approved (5‑0)

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission will review a demolition delay for 42 Walker Street. The body will also discuss at-risk historic structures and potential strengthening of the current Demo Delay Bylaw with the Town Manager and Planner.

• Review of demolition delay for 42 Walker Street
• Discussion on strengthening the Demo Delay Bylaw
• Review of Affirmative Maintenance Bylaw Subcommittee meeting
• Status of plaque program
• Status of Westinghouse lights remediation

The commission postponed review of prior minutes until the June 12 meeting. It voted unanimously to approve the demolition of the dilapidated barn at 42 Walker Street, urging the owner to salvage historic materials. The preventive‑maintenance bylaw subcommittee will present a draft proposal at the next meeting. Plans to replace Westinghouse lights were reported but not decided.

• Postponed review of prior minutes to June 12 meeting
• Approved demolition of barn at 42 Walker Street (unanimous)
• Subcommittee will present draft preventive maintenance bylaw at next meeting

Board of Assessors

The Board approved the April 9 meeting minutes unanimously. It also approved all motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications presented, with a 3‑0 vote. Procedural motions to call the meeting to order and to adjourn were each adopted unanimously. No other actions were taken.

• Called meeting to order (3-0)
• Approved April 9 minutes (3-0)
• Granted motor vehicle excise tax abatements (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved four project applications: a certificate of compliance for 349 Old Stockbridge Road, an invasive water chestnut removal at Laurel Lake, a 1,500‑sq‑ft addition at 55 East Street, and a footbridge at Hollowell Preserve. All approvals passed unanimously or with full support. The commission also decided to request a proposal from Stockman and Associates for a wetland peer review and approved the April 17, 2025 minutes.

• Approved certificate of compliance for 349 Old Stockbridge Road (5-0)
• Approved Laurel Lake invasive water chestnut removal project (5-0)
• Approved 1,500‑sq‑ft addition at 55 East Street (4-0)
• Approved footbridge installation at Hollowell Preserve (5-0)
• Decided to request proposal from Stockman and Associates for wetland peer review
• Approved minutes of April 17, 2025 (4-0)
• Meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm

Affordable Housing Trust

This meeting notice for the Lenox Affordable Housing Trust contains only procedural boilerplate about filing requirements and does not list any specific items to be discussed or decided.

Planning Board

The Board unanimously endorsed the form A application to carve out a 2‑acre parcel from the Shakespeare & Company property on Old Stockbridge Road. They added the Great Estate bylaw clarification to the agenda for future meetings and adopted several revisions to the Institutional Uses bylaw, including changes to use‑table definitions and setback language. The April 22 minutes were approved, and the discussion on fencing (section 6.1.12) was tabled.

• Endorsed ANR plan for 2‑acre Shakespeare & Co parcel (4-0)
• Added Great Estate bylaw clarification to future agenda
• Adopted revisions to Institutional Uses bylaw (use‑table, adult day‑care, setback language)
• Approved minutes of April 22, 2025 (3-0)
• Tabled discussion of section 6.1.12 “Fencing” for future meeting

Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative is holding a remote working meeting. The body will discuss Foundational Public Health Services results and priorities for the FY26 PHE Work Plan.

• Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) results and discussion
• Inter Municipal Agreement (IMA) Exhibit C Recommendation
• Priorities for FY26 PHE Work Plan

Lenox Library

The provided document is a blank meeting notice template. No specific topics, decisions, or discussions are listed for this meeting.

Select Board's Office

This regular meeting of the Lenox Select Board includes action on several licenses and permissions. The Board will consider a solicitors license for Sunrun to offer residents solar panel installation with fixed-rate electricity via tax credits, and an outdoor dining license for Shots Café. The consent agenda includes a $500 fire department donation, a facility use request from Berkshire Bach Society, and two one-day liquor licenses for Bagel & Brew and Ventfort Hall. An executive session is scheduled for real property negotiations.

• $500 donation to Fire Department from Chief O'Brien
• One-day liquor license for Bagel & Brew outdoor patio at 18 Franklin St (Fridays/Saturdays May 23–Aug 30)
• One-day liquor license for Ventfort Hall event on May 13
• Solicitors license for Sunrun solar panel program
• Outdoor dining license for Shots Café at 27D Housatonic St (May 1–Nov 1)

The Board tabled acceptance of the April 16 minutes to the next meeting. It approved a $500 donation from Chief Christopher O’Brien and the Berkshire Bach Society's auditorium use on Sep 13 2025 and Jan 24 2026, while holding two one‑day liquor license requests. The Board denied Sunrun’s door‑to‑door solicitation request and approved Shots Café’s outdoor dining license through Nov 1 2025. Finally, the Board voted to enter executive session.

• Tabled acceptance of April 16 minutes to next session
• Approved $500 donation from Chief Christopher O’Brien (3‑0)
• Approved Berkshire Bach Society auditorium use Sep 13 2025 & Jan 24 2026 (3‑0)
• Held Michael Dell’Aquila one‑day liquor license request (HOLD)
• Held Ericka Hanger one‑day liquor license request (HOLD)
• Denied Sunrun door‑to‑door solicitation request (3‑0)
• Approved Shots Café outdoor dining license through Nov 1 2025 (3‑0)
• Entered executive session (3‑0)

Affordable Housing Trust

The agenda provided is a blank template and does not list any specific topics for discussion or decision. It contains only procedural meeting notice requirements.

Registrar of Voters

The Board of Registrars is conducting mandatory tabulator and ballot testing for the upcoming May 5, 2025 Local Election. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Tabulator and ballot testing for May 5, 2025 Local Election

Planning Board

The Planning Board decided not to form a focus group and will rely on the Chamber of Commerce for outreach on the sign bylaw. It also removed the Abandoned Sign definition from that bylaw and eliminated section 8.8.2.2 on Outdoor Activity Areas from the Institutional Uses draft. The board voted to revert to the original fencing bylaw allowing a 6‑foot street‑line fence and agreed to amend the Mobile Food Establishment bylaw at Town Meeting. The minutes from the April 8 meeting were approved.

• Did not form a focus group; chamber to handle outreach (decision)
• Removed Abandoned Sign definition from sign bylaw (decision)
• Deleted section 8.8.2.2 Outdoor Activity Areas from Institutional Uses draft (decision)
• Reverted to original fencing bylaw allowing 6' street‑line fence (decision)
• Agreed to amend Mobile Food Establishment bylaw at Town Meeting (decision)
• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (all in favor, 1 abstain)

John Drummond Kennedy Park Restoration Committee

The Kennedy Park Restoration Committee will hold a routine meeting covering previous minutes, treasurer's report, a tribute to Luke Martin, and appointment of a secretary. Key discussion items include the Wild Things Running Race scheduled for June 14, 2025, and reports on trail maintenance with summer planning. The agenda is mostly procedural with no major decisions or financial figures noted.

• Tribute to Luke Martin
• Secretary appointment
• Wild Things Running Race on June 14, 2025
• Trail maintenance reports
• Summer trail maintenance planning

The committee accepted the minutes from the October 17, 2024 meeting. Chair Ruth Wheeler appointed Susan Lyman as the committee secretary. The members unanimously decided to write a letter to the Select Board urging the Town of Lenox to consider purchasing the 10‑acre Smith Property, listed for $250,000. No other formal actions were taken.

• Accepted minutes of Oct 17, 2024
• Appointed Susan Lyman as committee secretary (unanimous)
• Unanimously decided to write a letter to the Select Board urging purchase of the 10‑acre Smith Property for $250,000

Conversation Commission

The commission will consider a request to determine applicability for an addition and sitework at 25 Maple Street, including tree removal and buffer plantings within 100 feet of a wetland and stream. The agenda also includes a discussion with a DEP official about a potential Wetlands Protection Act violation at 36 Pittsfield Road. Minutes from the March 20 meeting are scheduled for approval.

• Request for Determination of Applicability for addition and sitework at 25 Maple Street within 100-foot buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetland and intermittent stream
• Discussion with DEP official regarding potential WPA violation at 36 Pittsfield Road
• Approval of minutes from March 20, 2025

The Conservation Commission approved the Notice of Intent to modernize the Crystal Street wastewater treatment plant. It voted to recommend that the town accept a donation of property at 0 Sargent Brook Road and will draft a letter for the Select Board. The commission also approved the March 6, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Notice of Intent for Crystal Street wastewater plant modernization (unanimous)
• Recommended town accept donation of property at 0 Sargent Brook Road (unanimous)
• Approved March 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 pm (unanimous)

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will consider the sale of $17,250,000 in bond anticipation notes and review the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for May 1. The board is also reviewing several one-day liquor licenses and a permanent hotel liquor license request. Other business includes appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Community Preservation Committee.

• Vote to approve sale of $17,250,000 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes
• Public hearing for Element Lenox Berkshires at 130 Pittsfield Road regarding annual alcoholic beverages and hotel licenses
• Review and approval of Annual Town Meeting Warrant for May 1, 2025
• One-day liquor license requests for Pleasant Valley Mass Audubon and Ventfort Hall
• Appointment of Daniel Schenker to the Zoning Board of Appeals

The board accepted the March 19 and April 2 minutes and approved the consent agenda, holding only the Zoning Board appointment and fire chief ratification. It approved Lilac Park concert use, tick‑safety signage, and the Element Lenox Berkshires hotel liquor license. The board approved a $17.25 million General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note to fund water‑treatment, public‑safety, and road projects. It also approved the warrant for the May 1 Annual Town Meeting.

• Accepted minutes of 3/19/2025 and 4/2/2025 (3-0 vote)
• Approved tick‑safety signage placement (4-0 vote)
• Opened public hearing for Element Lenox Berkshires hotel liquor license (4-0 vote)
• Closed public hearing for Element Lenox Berkshires hotel liquor license (4-0 vote)
• Approved Element Lenox Berkshires hotel liquor license (4-0 vote)
• Approved $17.25 million bond anticipation notes (4-0 vote)
• Approved warrant for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting (4-0 vote)

Community Center

The Lenox Community Center board will hear reports from the Senior Services Coordinator, Program Manager, and Director. Old business includes updates on the after-school program, rental subcommittee, and summer camp. New business features discussion of a Naloxone box (possibly presented by Dianne Romeo) and playground matters. The meeting is a regular session with no votes on ordinances or contracts.

• Discussion of Naloxone box installation (Dianne Romeo?)
• Playground updates or proposals
• After-school program review
• Rental subcommittee report
• Summer camp planning

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to vote on warrant articles for the Town Meeting. The body will also finalize a letter addressed to taxpayers and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Vote on warrant articles for Town Meeting
• Finalization of Finance Committee letter to taxpayers

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for the renovation and expansion of the residence at 14 Old Stockbridge Road, including a larger garage. It also granted a special permit for a massage business at 88 Housatonic Street and postponed the fence variance for 91 West Street to the May 21 meeting. The minutes from the April 2 meeting were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Grant special permit for 88 Housatonic St massage business (5-0)
• Continue hearing on 91 West St fence variance to May 21 (5-0)
• Grant special permit for 14 Old Stockbridge Rd renovation and garage expansion (5-0)
• Approve minutes of April 2, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

Housing Authority

The Lenox Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting covering routine business including tenant forum, approval of past minutes, accounts payable updates, and program status reports on rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists. Notable new business includes a vote on Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) Amendment #18. The Executive Director will report on town matters, personnel, and upcoming public hearing notices.

• Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) Amendment #18 under new business
• Accounts payable reports as of January 31 and February 28, 2025
• Program updates on rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists (programs 667, 705, 689)
• Public hearing notices to be discussed in Executive Director’s report

Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative will meet to review staff updates and new business. Discussions include measles preparedness, septic issues, and the organization's strategic vision statement.

• Review of Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA)
• Discussion on Measles Preparedness
• Review of Strategic Vision Statement
• Discussion on Septic
• Workforce Development Standards Waiver

Historical Commission

The commission postponed review of prior minutes to the June 12 meeting. It voted unanimously to approve Susan Foulds' request to demolish the dilapidated barn at 42 Walker Street and asked the owner to consider salvaging historic materials, assigning Dave to notify the owner. The preventive‑maintenance bylaw subcommittee will present a draft proposal at the next meeting.

• Postponed review of prior minutes to June 12 meeting
• Approved demolition of barn at 42 Walker Street (unanimous)
• Dave to write to the owner with demolition decision
• Subcommittee to present draft preventive maintenance bylaw at next meeting

Board of Health

The Lenox Board of Health will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, receive a written update on Russell (likely a local project or person), discuss sharps disposal, and consider a notice item. The agenda contains no fiscal actions, new regulations, or public hearings.

• Review and approve meeting minutes
• Written update on Russell
• Update on sharps disposal program
• Discussion of a notice item

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting. The board received updates on naloxone and sharps disposal, green burial policy, and TTHD inspections, but no further actions were taken. No other decisions were recorded.

• Approved meeting minutes

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss final operating and capital budget adjustments. The body will deliberate on the FY26 budget and draft a letter to taxpayers.

• FY26 budget deliberation
• Operating and capital budget adjustments
• Drafting of Finance Committee letter to taxpayers

Tri Town Board of Health

The Tri-Town Board of Health will hold a hybrid meeting on April 9, 2025, to hear a guest presentation on the Nicotine Free Generation initiative and discuss edits to tobacco regulations. The board will also review the role of the health department in current emergency management plans and receive updates on H5N1 and measles. Tabled items include the UDF/Transportation Plan, green burials, and cyanobacteria updates.

• Guest speaker Maureen Buzby from Regional Tobacco Prevention Program on Nicotine Free Generation
• Discussion with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on health department's role in emergency management
• Edits and changes to tobacco regulations
• Updates on H5N1 and measles
• Tabled items: UDF/Transportation Plan, green burials, cyanobacteria updates

Board of Assessors

The Board voted 3-0 to grant eight fiscal year 2025 real estate tax abatements and deny six applications. It also approved the motor vehicle excise tax commitments for 2025‑2 and 2024‑8, and granted the related motor vehicle excise tax abatements, each by a 3-0 vote. The March 27 meeting minutes were approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 4:02 pm.

• Opened executive session to discuss abatement applications (3-0)
• Granted 8 real estate tax abatements and denied 6 applications (3-0)
• Approved March 27 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved motor vehicle excise tax commitments 2025‑2 and 2024‑8 (3-0)
• Granted motor vehicle excise tax abatements (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:02 pm (3-0)

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will hold public hearings on amendments to sign, fencing, and new bylaw sections for Institutional Uses (replacing Religious and Educational Uses) and Mobile Food Establishments. A working meeting will address finalization of the zoning bylaw. The board will also approve minutes from March 25, 2025.

• Public hearing for Signs bylaw amendments
• Public hearing for new bylaw section Institutional Uses (replacing section 8.8 Religious and Educational Uses)
• Public hearing for new bylaw section Mobile Food Establishments
• Public hearing for Fencing bylaw amendments
• Working meeting for Zoning bylaw finalization

The Planning Board approved the minutes from March 25, 2025. It postponed the Institutional Uses bylaw and the fencing bylaw from being presented at the May town meeting. The board also voted to move the Mobile Food Establishment bylaw to the Annual Town Meeting. A motion to close the public hearing on the fencing amendment was unanimously adopted.

• Approved March 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed Institutional Uses bylaw to May town meeting
• Moved Mobile Food Establishment bylaw to Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Postponed fencing bylaw from May town meeting
• Closed public hearing on fencing amendment (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The committee approved the April 3 meeting minutes after a motion by Blaise Gregory, seconded by Kevin Kump, with three members abstaining and the rest in favor. A motion to adjourn was made by Hank Maimin, seconded by Josh Levin, and passed unanimously. The remainder of the session consisted of updates and discussions on departmental budgets, software implementation, staffing, and debt service, but no further votes were taken.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion by BG, second by KK, all in favor; AB, HM, KC abstained)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by HM, second by JL, all in favor)

Select Board's Office

The Lenox Select Board will discuss the timeline and topics for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant (May 1) and consider adopting provisions of the HERO Act to increase certain veteran property tax exemptions. The consent agenda includes ratifying a three-year collective bargaining agreement with DPW Teamsters Local 404, approving a temporary sandwich board sign for a Fix-It Fair, and granting a one-day liquor license for a grand opening at Lykke Living. The board will also recognize Amy Lafave for 30 years of service at the Lenox Library.

• Ratify collective bargaining agreement between Town of Lenox and Teamsters Local 404 (DPW) for FY2026-FY2028
• Consider adopting HERO Act exemption clauses 22I & 22J to increase veteran exemption amounts
• One-day liquor license request for wine and malt beverages for Lykke Living grand opening on April 3
• Temporary sandwich board sign for Spring and Fall Fix-It Fair at Community Center lawn in April and October
• Discussion of timeline and topics for Annual Town Meeting warrant on May 1, 2025

The board approved a one‑day liquor license for Karen Hines at 27 Church Street on April 3 from 4:30‑6 p.m. by a 5‑0 vote. It ratified the collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 404 for the Department of Public Works for FY 2026‑2028, also by a 5‑0 vote. The board approved a temporary sandwich‑board sign to be displayed at the Community Center lawn for the spring and fall Fix‑It Fairs, with a 5‑0 vote. The board adopted a warrant article to have the town meeting accept the HERO Act veteran exemption provisions (Clauses 22I and 22J) at 100%, passing 4‑0 with one abstention.

• Approved one‑day liquor license for 27 Church St event (5‑0)
• Ratified DPW collective bargaining agreement FY2026‑2028 (5‑0)
• Approved temporary sandwich‑board sign for Fix‑It Fair (5‑0)
• Adopted warrant article to accept HERO Act veteran exemptions (4‑0, 1 abstain)
• Tabled acceptance of March 19 minutes to April 16

Lenox Library

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific topics for discussion or decision.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two items: a continued variance request for a 6-foot fence on the street line at 91 West Street, and a special permit to operate a massage business as a home occupation at 88 Housatonic Street. The board will also approve minutes from its March 5, 2025 meeting.

• Continued variance request for 6' fence on street line at 91 West Street
• Special permit request for massage business as home occupation at 88 Housatonic Street
• Approval of minutes from March 5, 2025

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission approved Certificates of Appropriateness for 35 Walker Street signage, 6 Walker Street memorial monument, and 169 Main Street ramp and lighting, each with a lighting condition of 2700 K or less. The commission also approved motions allowing Neena Martino to sign each certificate on its behalf. Minutes from the March 17 meeting were approved, and the commission adjourned.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 35 Walker St exterior signage (4-0)
• Authorized Neena Martino to sign the 35 Walker St certificate (4-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 6 Walker St memorial monument with lighting ≤2700 K (4-0)
• Authorized Neena Martino to sign the 6 Walker St certificate (4-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 169 Main St ramp, stairs, and lighting ≤2700 K, Model LFA-F01-SW5A (4-0)
• Authorized Neena Martino to sign the 169 Main St certificate (4-0)
• Approved March 17, 2025 minutes (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)

Finance Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 12 meeting after a motion by Mindi Morin, with Blaise Gregory approving and Kevin Kump seconding. A second motion to end the meeting was made by Mindi Morin, seconded by Josh Levin, and was approved by all members. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 12 meeting minutes (BG approved, KK seconded)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (BG first, JL second, all approved)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved the February 27, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3-0 vote. They also approved the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatement Applications, again 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:17 a.m. with a unanimous 3-0 vote. An open discussion on a possible secession plan was held, but no formal action was taken.

• Approved minutes of February 27, 2025 (3-0)
• Granted Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatement Applications (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:17 a.m. (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a final review of the draft Institutional Uses bylaw, which may affect future development. They will also discuss responses to feedback on the proposed Sign bylaw and consider changes to fencing regulations. Approval of prior meeting minutes is also on the agenda.

• Final review of Institutional Uses bylaw draft
• Discuss proposed Sign bylaw subcommittee responses to stakeholder feedback
• Discuss changes to section 6.1.12 'Fencing'
• Approve minutes of March 11 and March 18, 2025

The Planning Board decided the Historic District Commission will have jurisdiction over permanent signs but not temporary signs, and will ask staff to consult town counsel for clarification. The Board removed the proposed requirement that institutional-use driveways be paved. It adopted a fence rule limiting front‑yard fences to 4 feet in height and no more than 50 % solid. Motions to approve the March 11 and March 18 meeting minutes were passed.

• Agreed HDC has jurisdiction over permanent signs, not temporary signs
• Directed staff to seek town‑counsel clarification on HDC guideline status
• Subcommittee to draft Historic District‑specific sign section and schedule HDC review
• Removed line requiring paved driveways from Institutional Uses bylaw draft
• Set front‑yard fence limit: max 4 ft height and ≤ 50 % solid
• Approved March 11 minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Approved March 18 minutes with amendments (abstention by K. McNulty‑Vaughan)

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission approved the minutes of its February 20 meeting. No other formal actions were approved or denied. Members discussed outreach to property owners, the affordable‑housing project at 238 Pittsfield Road, the Certified Local Government program, and revisions to demolition‑delay bylaws, and assigned follow‑up tasks.

• Approved minutes of February 20 meeting

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will continue a public hearing regarding water and sewer rate adjustments for FY 2026. The board will also review intermunicipal agreements for shared zoning and building department services. Additionally, the board will discuss a policy for remote participation in public meetings.

• Public hearing on Water/Sewer Rates Adjustment for FY 2026
• Intermunicipal Agreement for Shared Inspectional and Zoning Enforcement Services
• Intermunicipal Agreement for Shared Building Department Administrative Assistant
• 2025 Seasonal Liquor License for Boston Symphony Orchestra d/b/a Seranak
• Request by Wit Gallery to display sculptures at Lilac and Triangle Parks

The Board accepted the March 5 minutes and approved the consent agenda. It approved VFW veteran banner signs on telephone poles and the Wit Gallery's summer art displays in Lilac and Triangle Parks. The Board also approved two intermunicipal agreements and adopted the FY 2026 water and sewer rates, keeping water at $8.22 per 1,000 gal and raising the sewer rate 8% to $16.84. Finally, the Board entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy.

• Accepted March 5 minutes (3-0 vote)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0 vote)
• Approved VFW veteran banner signs on telephone poles (5-0 vote)
• Approved Wit Gallery art displays in Lilac and Triangle Parks (5-0 vote)
• Approved 2026‑2029 IMA for shared inspectional and zoning enforcement services (5-0 vote)
• Approved 2026‑2029 IMA for shared building department administrative assistant services (5-0 vote)
• Approved FY 2026 sewer rate increase to $16.84 (8%) and water rate at $8.22 (5-0 vote)
• Entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining (roll‑call vote by MM, DR, EL, NM, MS)

Community Center

The Lenox Community Center Board will hear public comment, approve minutes, and receive reports from the Senior Service Coordinator and Program Manager. Under old business, members will discuss rentals, beach operations for 2025, and after-school program expansion. New business includes a naloxone box proposal and tennis court matters. The meeting is set for March 19, 2025 at 65 Walker St.

• Discussion of facility rentals
• Planning for Beach 2025 season
• After school program expansion
• Naloxone box proposal
• Tennis court discussion

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will review a proposed Sign bylaw and vote on whether to move it to a public hearing. The board will also finalize a draft of an Institutional Uses bylaw and discuss a section of the zoning code regarding fencing.

• Review proposed Sign bylaw and vote to move to public hearing
• Finalize Institutional Uses bylaw draft
• Discuss section 6.1.12 "Fencing"

The Lenox Planning Board voted unanimously to move the proposed Sign bylaw and the revised Fencing bylaw to a public hearing on April 8th. The board also finalized edits to the Institutional Uses bylaw draft, including removing a signage regulation section and clarifying driveway paving language.

• Moved proposed Sign bylaw to public hearing on April 8th (4-0)
• Moved revised Fencing bylaw to public hearing on April 8th (4-0)
• Finalized Institutional Uses bylaw draft with agreed changes

Historic District Commission

The Lenox Historic District Commission will meet to vote on revisions to HDC Guidelines and to review and vote on proposed comments on the Sign Bylaw requested by the Planning Board. The commission will also approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Vote on revisions to HDC Guidelines
• Review and vote on proposed Sign Bylaw comments for Planning Board
• Approval of meeting minutes

The Lenox Historic District Commission unanimously approved updated HDC Guidelines dated 3/17/2025. The commission also voted to send a letter to the Planning Board outlining concerns about the proposed zoning sign bylaw amendment, and authorized member Jason Berger to work with the Planning Board on the bylaw language. Minutes from the 02/04/2025 meeting were approved as presented.

• Approved updated HDC Guidelines dated 3/17/2025 (4-0)
• Approved sending letter to Planning Board outlining sign bylaw concerns (4-0)
• Authorized Jason Berger to work with Planning Board on sign bylaw language (4-0)
• Approved minutes from 02/04/2025 meeting (4-0)

Finance Committee

The Lenox Finance Committee met on March 12, 2025, and approved the minutes from March 2. They discussed the union negotiation impact of approximately $60K spread across departments, already in the budget, and reviewed the wastewater debt plan, with $1.3M town contribution and $33M remaining. The committee also reviewed capital funding, paving, reservoir resiliency, and miscellaneous articles, leaving $900K in free cash with $250K for debt service and $200K to scope the school project. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was procedural and informational.

• Approved minutes from March 2 (all in favor)
• Discussed union negotiation impact of ~$60K, already in budget
• Reviewed wastewater debt plan: $1.3M town contribution, $33M remaining
• Noted $900K free cash, $250K for debt service, $200K for school project scoping
• Adjourned at 7:02pm (all in favor)

Housing Authority

This is a regular meeting to review minutes, accounts payable as of January 31, 2024, and program updates (rent collection, vacancies, waitlists). Old business includes automatic door openers, and the executive director will report on town matters, personnel, and public hearing notices.

• Curtis Commercial Space
• Automatic Door Openers
• Accounts Payable as of January 31, 2024
• Programs (667, 705, 689) – rent collection, vacancies, waitlists
• Public Hearing Notices

The Lenox Housing Authority met on March 11, 2025, and discussed several operational items. They postponed approval of February minutes due to lack of quorum, noted lease renewals for two commercial tenants, and reviewed rent collection and vacancies. The board agreed to support a sharps disposal bin for the community, with placement to be determined.

• Postponed approval of February 18, 2025 minutes due to lack of quorum
• Noted lease renewals for Apella and Lenox Village Pharmacy
• Agreed to support a sharps container disposal bin, managed by Tri-Town Health
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will review a Form A application at 1 West Street, discuss draft bylaws for mobile food establishments and institutional uses, and consider potential language for battery energy storage facilities. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from February 25, 2025.

• Form A application at 1 West Street
• Mobile Food Establishment bylaw draft
• Institutional bylaw draft
• Discussion of Battery Energy Storage Facilities bylaw language
• Approval of minutes from February 25, 2025

The Lenox Planning Board unanimously endorsed a Form A plan to divide 1 West Street into two lots, approved a new Mobile Food Establishment bylaw for public hearing, and approved the Institutional Uses bylaw draft for public hearing. The board also discussed but did not vote on a Sign bylaw, scheduling a March 18 meeting to move it forward, and reviewed potential battery energy storage facility bylaws without action.

• Endorsed Form A for 1 West Street lot division (5-0)
• Approved Mobile Food Establishment bylaw draft, moved to public hearing (5-0)
• Approved Institutional Uses bylaw draft, moved to public hearing (5-0)
• Approved minutes of February 25, 2025, with amendments (4-0-1, Smith abstained)

Lenox Library

This meeting notice for the Lenox Library contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed topics. The agenda is blank, indicating no decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• No substantive items listed; meeting is purely procedural.

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to review a Notice of Intent regarding the modernization of the existing wastewater treatment plant. The body will also vote on the approval of minutes from the February 20, 2025 meeting.

• Notice of Intent for wastewater treatment plant modernization at 239 Crystal Street

The Lenox Conservation Commission discussed the proposed modernization of the Crystal Street wastewater treatment plant but did not vote, deciding to wait until the next meeting because the paperwork was not ready to be signed. A site visit was scheduled for March 19th. The Commission also approved the minutes from the February 20th meeting with amendments.

• Tabled vote on Notice of Intent for 239 Crystal Street wastewater treatment plant modernization until next meeting.
• Scheduled a site visit for March 19th for the wastewater treatment plant project.
• Approved the February 20th, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments, all members voting in favor.

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold three public hearings: one on the FY2026 water/sewer rates (continued to March 19), another on a CDBG Housing Rehab Program grant application with Sandisfield, and a presentation from the Gold Star Family Memorial Committee. The consent agenda includes use requests for the town auditorium and Kennedy Park, appointments, and ratification of new hires. Citizens may address the board during the open forum.

• Public hearing on FY2026 water/sewer rates (continued to March 19)
• Public hearing on CDBG Housing Rehab Program grant application with Sandisfield
• Presentation by Gold Star Family Memorial Committee on memorial monument
• Appointment of Christine Conklin as alternate member of Zoning Board of Appeals
• Ratification of four new hires: Land Use Director, Program Manager, Youth Librarian, DPW driver

The Lenox Select Board voted to authorize the town manager to work with the Gold Star Family Memorial Committee to organize hearings and other steps needed to construct a memorial on Town Hall grounds. The board also approved the consent agenda, including appointments and personnel, and approved a CDBG housing rehab grant application with Sandisfield. The water/sewer rates hearing was continued to March 19.

• Authorized town manager to work with Gold Star Family Memorial Committee (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including appointments and personnel (4-0)
• Approved CDBG Housing Rehab Program grant application with Sandisfield (4-0)
• Continued water/sewer rates hearing to March 19 (4-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on two variance requests for fence installations. 91 West Street seeks a variance for a 6-foot fence on the street line (Section 6.1.12). 5 Cliffwood Street requests variances for fence height and setback (Sections 6.1.12 and 6.1.1). The board will also approve minutes from February 19, 2025.

• 91 West Street – variance request under Section 6.1.12 for a newly installed 6-foot fence on the street line
• 5 Cliffwood Street – variance requests under Sections 6.1.12 (fencing) and 6.1.1 (dimensional requirements) for a fence within the street line setback and exceeding height limits
• Approval of minutes from February 19, 2025

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to allow a fence at 5 Cliffwood Street to remain as installed, finding the setback violation to be 'de minimus' and not requiring a variance. The board also continued the hearing for a fence variance request at 91 West Street to April 2nd because the petitioner could not attend. Minutes from the February 19th meeting were approved.

• Approved a motion to find the fence violation at 5 Cliffwood Street de minimus, allowing the fence to remain (unanimous vote).
• Continued the 91 West Street fence variance hearing to April 2nd at 7 PM due to petitioner absence.
• Approved the minutes from the February 19th, 2025 meeting (unanimous vote).

Affordable Housing Trust

The agenda for the Lenox Affordable Housing Trust meeting on March 3, 2025, contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific topics for discussion or decision.

• No substantive items listed; agenda is only procedural

Board of Assessors

The Lenox Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements as presented and tabled discussion on real estate abatements until inspection appointments are finalized. The board also approved the minutes from the February 6 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of February 6 meeting (3-0)
• Granted motor vehicle excise tax abatements as presented (3-0)
• Tabled real estate abatement discussion pending inspection scheduling

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on National Grid's proposal to relocate utility poles at New Lenox Road for new BMW/Audi dealerships. They will also consider approving a Host Community Agreement with Krishna Lenox, LLC, and continue a public hearing on FY2026 water and sewer rates to March 5. A discussion on the School Building Committee and delegation of authority to the Superintendent is scheduled. Consent agenda items include an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals, a use request from WAM Theatre, and two one-day liquor license requests.

• Public hearing on National Grid utility pole relocation at New Lenox Road for BMW/Audi dealerships
• Approval of Host Community Agreement between the Town of Lenox and Krishna Lenox, LLC
• Continued public hearing on Water/Sewer Rates FY2026 (to March 5, 2025)
• Review and discussion of School Building Committee and delegation of authority to Superintendent Collins
• Consent agenda: appointment to Zoning Board of Appeals, WAM Theatre use request, and liquor license requests for Lenox Library Association and Ventfort Hall

The Lenox Select Board approved National Grid's petition to install and relocate utility poles on New Lenox Road for service to the BMW/Audi dealerships. They also approved a Host Community Agreement with Krishna Lenox, LLC for Kapha Cannabis, allowing the company to renew its state license. The board delegated authority to Superintendent Dr. William Collins to form a School Building Committee for potential MSBA funding. The water/sewer rates public hearing was continued to March 5th.

• Approved consent agenda including WAM Theatre use request and two one-day liquor licenses (4-0)
• Approved National Grid/Verizon utility pole installation on New Lenox Road (4-0)
• Approved Host Community Agreement with Krishna Lenox, LLC for Kapha Cannabis (4-0)
• Continued water/sewer rates public hearing to March 5th (4-0)
• Delegated authority to Superintendent Collins to form School Building Committee (4-0)

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will continue reviewing draft bylaws for multi-family housing (MFE) and institutional uses, and will discuss regulations for battery energy storage facilities. The board will also approve minutes from its February 11 meeting. All items are in discussion or draft stages with no final decisions scheduled.

• Review of MFE (multi-family housing) bylaw draft
• Review of institutional bylaw draft
• Discussion of Battery Energy Storage Facilities regulations
• Approval of minutes from February 11, 2025

The Lenox Planning Board discussed and refined drafts of the Mobile Food Establishment (MFE) and institutional bylaws, and agreed to develop a standalone bylaw for Battery Energy Storage Facilities (BESS). No final votes were taken on the bylaws; the board approved the minutes from the February 11, 2025 meeting.

• Approved minutes of February 11, 2025, as amended (unanimous)
• Agreed to add letter D to MFE bylaw requiring connection to existing power or limiting generator use to temporary events
• Agreed that any period longer than two days requires MFE hookup to existing power
• Agreed to add 'amplified music is prohibited' as item #5 in MFE bylaw
• Agreed to submit institutional bylaw draft to town counsel with edits, including assigning special permit site plan approval to ZBA
• Agreed to draft a standalone bylaw for Battery Energy Storage Facilities

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission voted unanimously to allow demolition of an outbuilding at 106 Cliffwood Street, despite urging the owners to consider donating or relocating it for affordable housing. The commission also updated its endangered properties list, removing the Northrup House and Garden Gables Inn, and adding the Mahanna barn and Eastover schoolhouse. A subcommittee was formed to review a demolition delay bylaw.

• Approved demolition of outbuilding at 106 Cliffwood Street (unanimous)
• Updated endangered properties list: removed Northrup House and Garden Gables Inn, added Mahanna barn and Eastover schoolhouse
• Formed subcommittee to review demolition delay bylaw

Conversation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for the proposed modernization of the existing wastewater treatment plant at 239 Crystal Street. They will also consider approving the minutes from the January 16, 2025 meeting.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for modernization of Crystal Street wastewater treatment plant at 239 Crystal Street

The Lenox Conservation Commission voted unanimously to accept the transfer of 38 Sargent Brook Road from Steven Cabral to the Commission. The Commission also continued the Notice of Intent hearing for the Crystal Street wastewater treatment plant modernization to March 6th because a site visit was not possible due to weather, and approved the January 16, 2025 meeting minutes as written.

• Accepted transfer of 38 Sargent Brook Road from Steven Cabral (5-0)
• Continued Notice of Intent hearing for 239 Crystal Street wastewater treatment plant modernization to March 6 (5-0)
• Approved January 16, 2025 meeting minutes as written (5-0)

Community Center

The Lenox Community Center Board will meet on February 19, 2025, to discuss routine operational items. Topics include the Director's Report, Senior Services Report, and acceptance of prior minutes. Old Business covers afterschool expansion, summer camp, budget and capital projects, and the skating rink. New Business includes rental policies and the fee structure, as well as spring sports.

• Discussion of afterschool program expansion
• Review of summer camp plans
• Budget and capital projects discussion
• Rental policies and fee structure
• Spring sports planning

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue hearings on two applications: a modification of a special permit for construction projects at 70 Kemble Street, and a special permit for a new 10-guestroom hotel and event hall at 135 Main Street. The board will also approve minutes from the February 5th meeting.

• 70 Kemble Street – continued modification of special permit and amendment for exception under section 8.10 for construction projects
• 135 Main Street – continued special permit under section 5.3.2.1 for a new 10-guestroom hotel and separate event hall
• Approval of minutes from February 5th, 2024

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals approved two special permits. For 70 Kemble Street, they allowed Shakespeare & Co. to construct four condominiums and an outdoor pavilion, and to sell a 2.1-acre parcel, with a deed restriction limiting construction to one single-family home. For 135 Main Street, they approved a ten-room hotel building with conditions including a second curb cut, 24-hour on-site management, and a 50-foot setback from property lines.

• Granted special permit for four condominiums at 70 Kemble Street (5-0)
• Granted special permit for outdoor pavilion at 70 Kemble Street (5-0)
• Allowed sale of 2.1-acre parcel at 70 Kemble Street (5-0)
• Added condition limiting construction on sold parcel to one single-family home (5-0)
• Granted special permit for ten-room hotel building at 135 Main Street (5-0)
• Allowed second curb cut at 135 Main Street (5-0)
• Added condition for 24-hour on-site management at 135 Main Street (5-0)
• Added condition to move hotel building to 50-foot setback and submit revised site plan (5-0)

Housing Authority

The Lenox Housing Authority approved the FY2025 contract renewal with Fenton, Ewald & Associates, P.C. for the period October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, with a $52.00 increase from the previous fiscal year. The board also accepted the quarterly operating statements as of December 31, 2024, and the regular board minutes from January 15, 2025. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were informational or deferred.

• Approved FY2025 accounting contract renewal with Fenton, Ewald & Associates, P.C. (3-0)
• Accepted quarterly operating statements as of December 31, 2024 (3-0)
• Accepted regular board minutes of January 15, 2025 (3-0)

Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative

The SBPHC is holding a special-topic meeting on septic systems, covering design, installer licensing, local upgrade approvals, and installations. Regulatory discussions include the installer license process, Board of Health regulations, and SAPHE 2.0 minimum requirements for inspectors. Emerging issues such as accessory dwelling units and composting toilets will also be addressed. This is a discussion session with no formal votes or decisions expected.

• Overview of septic system designs, installer licensing, and local upgrade approvals
• Review of installer license process and BOH regulations
• SAPHE 2.0 minimum requirements for Board of Health inspectors
• Discussion of accessory dwelling units and septic system implications
• Discussion of composting toilets as an emerging issue

Select Board's Office

The Lenox Select Board will hold public hearings on a hotel manager change at Gateways Inn and on FY2026 water/sewer rates. They will also review and execute documents to convey Laurel Lake property to Edith Restorations Inc., consider a conservation restriction at 123 Hubbard Street, and receive the town manager's preliminary FY2026 budget. Consent agenda items include one-day liquor licenses for Berkshire Children's Chorus and Ventfort Hall Association, and use requests for the library auditorium.

• Public hearing for change of manager at Gateways Inn Properties LLC, 51 Walker Street
• Approval of conservation restriction on 56 acres at 123 Hubbard Street
• Closing on Laurel Lake property conveyance from Lenox and Lee to Edith Restorations Inc.
• Public hearing on FY2026 water/sewer rates
• Town manager's preliminary FY2026 budget proposal

The Lenox Select Board approved a conservation restriction on approximately 56 acres at 123 Hubbard Street, owned by Dale and Susan Zola, to be monitored by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The board also approved a change of manager for Gateways Inn Properties LLC to Ryan S. McIntyre, authorized the chair to execute documents for the Laurel Lake property conveyance, and accepted the consent agenda. A public hearing on water/sewer rates was opened but no rate changes were made.

• Approved conservation restriction on 56 acres at 123 Hubbard St (4-0)
• Approved change of manager to Ryan S. McIntyre for Gateways Inn LLC (3-0, MS abstained)
• Authorized chair to execute any documents for Laurel Lake conveyance (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor licenses and auditorium use requests (4-0)
• Opened public hearing on water/sewer rates FY2025 (4-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed the police budget, discussing wage increases, a new cruiser, and a deputy chief position. They agreed to keep the cruiser in the operating budget and consider a second one. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was procedural.

• Approved minutes from February 5, 2025 meeting
• Agreed to keep police cruiser in operating budget
• Discussed adding deputy chief position and second ambulance
• Adjourned meeting at 7:02pm

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss edits to the Multifamily Exemptions (MFE) and Institutional bylaws. The board is also reviewing correspondence regarding 135 Main Street and the Sign bylaw.

• Draft MFE bylaw edits from M. Smith
• Institutional bylaw review
• Letter to ZBA regarding 135 Main Street
• Draft letter to Sign bylaw stakeholders

The Lenox Planning Board reviewed and edited the draft MFE (Mobile Food Establishment) bylaw, deciding that food trucks need permits from the Board of Health for private events, and adding a line exempting one-time private gatherings from zoning. They also discussed a letter to the ZBA about 135 Main Street, agreeing to include concerns about a 67% room increase and a setback discrepancy. The board approved minutes from January 7, 14, and 28, 2025, with some abstentions.

• Approved edits to MFE bylaw, including adding Ns in residential columns and exempting private one-time events
• Agreed to reword MFE General Requirements section C to limit operating hours to 8am-11pm
• Decided to add letter to ZBA regarding 135 Main Street, including concerns about 67% room increase and 35' front setback vs 50' required
• Set March 7th as due date for Sign bylaw stakeholder responses
• Approved minutes of January 28, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of January 7, 2025 (4-0, Kueber abstained)
• Approved minutes of January 14, 2025 (3-0, Delasco and Kueber abstained)

School Committee

The Lenox School Committee will hear budget presentations for Technology, Elementary, Student Services, and Administration from the Superintendent. The meeting also includes public comment, approval of previous minutes, and other routine business.

• Technology Budget Presentation
• Elementary Budget Presentation
• Student Services Budget Presentation
• Administration Budget Presentation
• Approval of January 27, 2025 meeting minutes

Board of Assessors

The Lenox Board of Assessors approved the minutes of January 16, 2025, and approved the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitments for 2024-7 and 2025-1 as presented. The board also granted the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements as presented. The board reviewed 15 real estate abatement applications for Fiscal Year 2025 and will schedule inspections and gather supporting documents for future meetings.

• Approved minutes of January 16, 2025
• Approved Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitments 2024-7 and 2025-1
• Granted Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements as presented
• Reviewed 15 real estate abatement applications; inspections to be scheduled

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission held a single-item meeting to review a proposed demolition of an accessory building at 106 Cliffwood Street. Because the building's construction date is unknown, the Commission unanimously voted to draft a letter to the owners asking whether it was built after 1950, which would exempt it from Commission review. The possibility of donating the structure to the Affordable Housing Trust was also discussed but not decided.

• Voted unanimously to draft a letter to owners of 106 Cliffwood Street asking about the building's construction date
• Discussed possibility of donating the structure to the Affordable Housing Trust (no action taken)

Lenox Library

This agenda is a procedural notice for a Lenox Library committee meeting. No specific topics, decisions, or discussions are listed; the body appears to be meeting without published items to address.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a hearing from January 8th on a request to modify a special permit and seek an exception under section 8.10 for construction projects and modifications at 70 Kemble Street. The board will also approve minutes from the January 15, 2024 meeting.

• Continued hearing on special permit modification and exception for 70 Kemble Street
• Approval of minutes from January 15, 2024

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue the hearing for the proposed condominiums at 70 Kemble Street (Shakespeare & Co. property) to February 19, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The continuation allows the applicant's attorney to submit a written response to town counsel's opinion, which was received the afternoon of the meeting. No final decision was made on the application.

• Continued 70 Kemble Street hearing to Feb 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM (5-0)
• Approved minutes of January 15, 2024 (5-0)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review and vote on revisions to its guidelines, and approve minutes from prior meetings. No other business is specified.

• Review and vote on HDC Guideline revisions
• Approval of meeting minutes

The Lenox Historic District Commission met on February 4, 2025, and continued discussions on proposed changes to the HDC Guidelines, with Chair Jason Berger to update the draft before the next meeting. The commission approved the minutes from the January 21, 2025 meeting, with one abstention. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of 1/21/2025 meeting (3-0-1, AT abstaining)
• Continued discussion on HDC Guidelines; draft update deferred to next meeting

Affordable Housing Trust

The provided agenda for the February 3, 2025, meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and meeting notice requirements. No specific topics for discussion or decision were listed.

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will conduct public hearings regarding a hotel license transfer and underground facility installation. The board will also consider license requests for a restaurant and an inn.

• Public hearing for A/A Hotel License transfer by Ivy Wave Hospitality LLC at 203 Main Street
• Innholders License request by Ivy Wave Hospitality LLC for 203 Main Street
• Public hearing with National Grid for underground facilities at 25 Sunset Avenue
• Common Victualler’s License request by Amazing Pho at 489 Pittsfield Road

The Lenox Select Board approved the transfer of the annual A/A hotel license for The Cornell Inn at 203 Main Street to Ivy Wave Hospitality LLC, with Arian S. Mahnoodi as manager, and approved a new innholders license for the same premises. The board also approved a Common Victualler's license for Amazing Pho at 489 Pittsfield Road, and granted National Grid permission to install underground facilities on Sunset Avenue. All votes were 4-0. The board authorized the Chair or Vice Chair to periodically review and release Executive Minutes without a full board vote.

• Approved transfer of A/A hotel license to Ivy Wave Hospitality LLC d/b/a The Cornell Inn (4-0)
• Approved innholders license to Ivy Wave Hospitality LLC d/b/a The Cornell Inn (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualler's license to Amazing Pho at 489 Pittsfield Road (4-0)
• Granted National Grid permission to install underground facilities on Sunset Avenue (4-0)
• Authorized Chair or Vice Chair to review and release Executive Minutes (4-0)

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will discuss a draft bylaw for mobile food establishments, consider a Seasonal Communities Designation, and review a second letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a petition at 135 Main Street. The board will also approve minutes from its January 7 and January 14 meetings.

• Mobile Food Establishment draft bylaw
• Seasonal Communities Designation
• Second letter to ZBA re: 135 Main Street petition
• Approval of minutes from January 7 and January 14, 2025

The Lenox Planning Board continued work on a draft bylaw for mobile food establishments, making several edits and agreeing to schedule a public hearing at the next meeting. They also decided to begin gathering information for a Seasonal Communities designation application and tabled approval of the January 7 and 14 meeting minutes pending edits. No final decisions were made on these items.

• Agreed to keep MFE bylaw as-is regarding number of MFEs on commercial properties
• Removed 'seasonal festivals' from MFE bylaw Applicability section
• Removed word 'other' from MFE bylaw purpose section
• Agreed to start gathering information for Seasonal Communities designation application
• Tabled approval of January 7 and 14 meeting minutes until after edits

Historical Commission

The Lenox Historical Commission met via Zoom and approved the previous meeting's minutes. They discussed ongoing concerns about bylaw enforcement, potential fines for property deterioration, and the stalled Certified Local Government application. They also agreed to invite new town officials and a developer to future meetings, and advised a resident on addressing a deteriorating property.

• Approved minutes of November 21, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Agreed to invite Town Manager Jay Green and Town Planner Eammon Coughlin to a future meeting
• Agreed to invite developer David Carver to a future meeting
• Advised Barbara Clark to write to Town Manager and Select Board about Northrup property

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will conduct public hearings regarding a hotel license transfer and underground facility installation. The board will also review a budget proposal from the Chamber of Commerce and a conservation restriction for land in Lenox.

• Public hearing for A/A Hotel License transfer by Ivy Wave Hospitality LLC at 203 Main Street
• Public hearing with National Grid for underground facilities at 25 Sunset Avenue
• Conservation Restriction for approximately 56 acres at 123 Hubbard Street
• Common Victualler’s License request for Amazing Pho at 489 Pittsfield Road
• FY26 budget proposal presentation from the Chamber of Commerce

Permanent Building Committee

The Permanent Building Committee will review construction progress, costs vs. budget, and milestones for the Public Safety Complex. They will also review design progress, schedule, and budget for the WWTP upgrade. Discussion will include potential committee involvement in a school building project, as well as appointments and meeting schedule.

• Public Safety Complex – review construction progress, costs vs. budget, and anticipated milestones for completion
• WWTP upgrade – review of design progress, anticipated schedule, and updated budget
• School building project – discussion and recommendation on PBC involvement
• PBC – consideration of additional appointments, potential staff support, and regular meeting schedule

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will meet via Zoom to review and vote on revisions to the HDC Guidelines. The commission will also address the approval of minutes and other business.

• Review and vote on HDC Guideline revisions

Historic District Commission

The Lenox Historic District Commission met on January 21, 2025, and approved the minutes from the December 17, 2024 meeting with a minor wording amendment. The commission also continued discussions on updates to the HDC Guidelines, with Chair Jason Berger to revise the draft before the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 12/17/2024 meeting minutes as amended (3-0)
• Continued discussion on HDC Guidelines; draft to be updated by Chair

Select Board's Office

The Select Board voted 3-0 to approve the sale of $20,000,000 in General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to BofA Securities, Inc., with a premium of $185,200. The notes are dated January 22, 2025, and payable January 22, 2026. The board also ratified related documents and authorized the Town Treasurer to establish or update compliance procedures.

• Approved sale of $20M bond anticipation notes to BofA Securities (3-0)
• Ratified Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated January 6, 2025
• Ratified final Official Statement dated January 13, 2025
• Authorized execution of SEC Rule 15c2-12 disclosure undertaking
• Authorized Town Treasurer to establish or update post-issuance tax compliance procedures

Conversation Commission

The Lenox Conservation Commission will hear a Request for Determination of Applicability for a property at 383 Housatonic Street, which determines whether the Wetlands Protection Act applies. They will also discuss quarterly invasive species monitoring at the McGee Automotive Dealership. The meeting includes approval of the December 19, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Request for Determination of Applicability – 383 Housatonic Street
• Discussion of quarterly invasive species monitoring at McGee Automotive Dealership
• Approval of minutes from December 19, 2024

The Lenox Conservation Commission voted to continue the applicability determination for 383 Housatonic Street to April 17, 2025, to allow vegetation to grow for accurate boundary checks. They also approved a revised schedule for invasive species monitoring at McGee Automotive Dealership, reducing quarterly reports from four to three. Minutes from December 19, 2024, were approved.

• Continued 383 Housatonic Street determination to April 17, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved revised invasive species monitoring schedule at McGee Automotive Dealership (all in favor)
• Approved December 19, 2024 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Community Preservation Committee

The Lenox Community Preservation Committee will meet to approve prior meeting minutes, review current fund balances, and continue its review of three Fiscal Year 2026 project requests: restoration of the Mount's historic gate and fence, improvements to Church on the Hill's meeting house, and a $400,000 request from Pennrose, LLC for a mixed-income residential development at 238 Pittsfield Road.

• Approval of minutes from September and November 2024
• Review of current fund balance from Town Accountant
• $109,408 request from The Mount for historic gate and fence restoration
• $115,865 request from Church on the Hill for meeting house improvements
• $400,000 request from Pennrose, LLC for mixed-income housing at 238 Pittsfield Road

The Community Preservation Committee approved funding for two historic preservation projects: $109,408 for The Mount's gate project and $117,152 for Church on the Hill's Meeting House renovation. The committee also voted to deny funding for the Pennrose affordable housing project at 238 Pittsfield Road, citing timing concerns. Additionally, they transferred $193,441.30 from undesignated funds to the Historic Reserve Balance to cover the approved projects.

• Approved $109,408 for The Mount gate project (5-0)
• Approved $117,152 for Church on the Hill Meeting House renovation (6-0)
• Denied funding for Pennrose project at 238 Pittsfield Road (6-0)
• Transferred $193,441.30 from Fund Balance Undesignated to Historic Reserve Balance (6-0)
• Approved funding for two historic projects from Historic Reserve Balance (6-0)

Board of Assessors

The Lenox Board of Assessors approved the motor vehicle excise tax abatements as presented. The board also discussed the Hero Act revisions for the annual town meeting agenda and an informational guideline release on affordable housing exemptions. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements as presented
• Approved minutes of December 13th meeting

Housing Authority

The Lenox Housing Authority met on January 15, 2025, and approved the December 11, 2024 meeting minutes. The board reviewed financial reports, discussed rent collection and vacancies, and noted that an invoice was sent to CSC Serviceworks for storage fees. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

• Approved December 11, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Noted invoice sent to CSC Serviceworks for storage fees at $50 per machine per month
• Discussed automatic door openers for Curtis and Turnure Terrace; director to gather pricing

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue its hearing on a special permit application for a new 10-guestroom hotel and separate event hall at 135 Main Street. The board will also vote on approving the minutes from its December 18, 2024 meeting.

• Continued hearing on special permit under Section 5.3.2.1 for construction of a 10-guestroom hotel and event hall at 135 Main Street
• Approval of minutes from December 18, 2024

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals continued the special permit hearing for a new 10-guestroom hotel and event hall at 135 Main Street. The applicant withdrew the event space portion without prejudice, and the board approved withdrawing the request for a second curb cut. The hearing was continued to February 19, 2025, pending further information on traffic, landscaping, and bylaw interpretation.

• Allowed withdrawal without prejudice of event space portion of 135 Main St application (unanimous)
• Approved withdrawal of request for second curb cut at 135 Main St (5-0)
• Voted to post correspondence on town website instead of reading into record (5-0)
• Continued hearing to February 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of December 18, 2024 (4-0, Oliver abstained)

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will review a land-use application at 239 Undermountain Road and discuss a draft bylaw for mobile food establishments. The board will also consider designating seasonal communities and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Review land-use application at 239 Undermountain Road
• Discuss draft bylaw for mobile food establishments
• Consider seasonal communities designation

The Lenox Planning Board unanimously endorsed a Form A plan for a land conveyance at 239 Undermountain Road, which does not create new lots or change frontage. The board postponed discussion of the Seasonal Communities Designation and approved a correction to the November 26, 2024 minutes regarding mobile food establishments. They also agreed to revise the draft MFE bylaw language and consult town counsel on licensing responsibilities.

• Endorsed Form A for 239 Undermountain Road (3-0)
• Postponed Seasonal Communities Designation discussion to a future meeting
• Amended November 26, 2024 minutes to strike 'as the bylaw does not apply to MFEs on private property' (3-0)
• Agreed to change MFE bylaw wording to 'privately owned commercial property'
• Decided to consult town counsel on homeowner responsibility for MFE licensing
• Agreed to add line stating MFEs on public property are under Selectboard purview
• Decided to use plural form 'MFEs' throughout the bylaw

Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative holds its quarterly meeting to elect officers, approve minutes, and receive staff updates on vaccination clinics and budgets. New business includes a presentation on the Foundational Public Health Services framework, a resource guide, and a HRSA vaccine promotion grant. The meeting also addresses a workforce standards waiver and sets 2025 meeting dates.

• Officer elections and approval of July 12 and October 18, 2024 minutes
• New mailing address: 50 Main Street, PO Box 307, Stockbridge, MA 01262
• FY25 Q2 quarterly report and staff updates on vaccination clinics and shared services
• Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) framework presentation
• HRSA Grant – Vaccine Promotion and PHE Capacity Assessment Process for Fall 2025

Lenox Library

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific topics for discussion or decision.

Select Board's Office

The Lenox Select Board will hold a regular meeting with announcements, approval of minutes, and a public forum. The consent agenda includes accepting two $100 donations from Richard DeFazio to the Police and Fire Departments. No other substantive business is listed.

• Acceptance of $100 donation from Richard DeFazio to the Police Department
• Acceptance of $100 donation from Richard DeFazio to the Fire Department
• Approval of minutes from December 18, 2024

The Lenox Select Board met on January 8, 2025, with three members present. They approved the December 18 minutes, accepted two $100 donations from Richard DeFazio for the Police and Fire Departments, and adjourned after about three minutes. No other substantive business was conducted.

• Approved minutes of December 18 meeting (3-0)
• Accepted $100 donation from Richard DeFazio to Police Department (3-0)
• Accepted $100 donation from Richard DeFazio to Fire Department (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued hearing on a request to modify a special permit and exception for property at 70 Kemble Street. The request involves various construction projects and modifications to existing structures. The board will also vote to approve minutes from its December 18, 2024 meeting.

• Continued public hearing on special permit modification for 70 Kemble Street
• Consideration of exception under Section 8.10 for construction projects
• Approval of meeting minutes from December 18, 2024

Planning Board

The Lenox Planning Board will discuss a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a petition for 135 Main Street. They will also acknowledge and discuss a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint from Patrick Higgins. The board will approve minutes from October 15 and December 10, 2024.

• Discussion of letter to ZBA for petition at 135 Main Street
• Response to Open Meeting Law complaint from Patrick Higgins received November 10, 2024

The Planning Board approved a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals providing guidance on the petition for 135 Main Street (Garden Gables Inn), with minor edits. They also acknowledged an Open Meeting Law complaint and approved revised minutes from October 15, 2024, after addressing the complaint's issues. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved letter to ZBA regarding Garden Gables Inn petition (4-0)
• Acknowledged receipt of Open Meeting Law complaint from Patrick Higgins (4-0)
• Approved revised minutes of October 15, 2024 (4-0)

Affordable Housing Trust

This agenda contains only boilerplate meeting notice language. No specific topics, proposals, or decisions are listed for discussion. The meeting appears to be procedural only.

• No items listed on the agenda