Finance Committee Meeting; Open Warrant Meeting

Minutes – April 29, 2013

Sharon High School Library, 7:00 P.M.

Members Present:  Arnold Cohen, Gordon Gladstone, Alexander Korin, Ira Miller,m Laura Nelson,

                               Edward Philips (Hamilton)

                Absent:   William Brack, Brian Fitzgerald, Charles Goodman

1. The first item on the agenda was Article 2.  Establish Professional District B and to place district on the land off of South Main Street, and Article 3.  Create a Wastewater Overlay District and place it on the Zoning Map on Old Post Road.

2. Richard Gelerman, Town Counsel, explained that Article 2 seeks to permit an assisted living facility on two parcels, 6 acres on the south side.  An amended MOU, Memorandum of Understanding, to (1) confirm maximum number of units will be 88.  (2)  Regarding the northern parcel, 139 dwelling units.  If developed, the average number of bedrooms would not be more than two.  Changes to Article 3.

3. Stan Rosen, Chair, Board of Health stated that we are going to have official board meeting this Thursday and will vote on this article.

4. There was considerable discussion on the amendment to the MOU.

5. Bob Shelmerdine, Attorney for the Proponent, stated that under chapter 19D it is the Elder Affairs.  Facility for assisted living has to be licensed by Elder Affairs.  Department of Mental Health would be a drug rehab.

6. There was continued discussion regarding development on the northern parcel and the number of bedrooms to be allowed.

7. Dick Gelerman reported that there were a number of changes in the Warrant.  Motions at Town Meeting govern what Town Meeting does.  The changes from the article that will be presented in the motion.  Non-issue changes.  Change the gallons from 48,000 per day to 44,000 per day.  Make the setback application only to the building for the treatment facility.  All of the setbacks 100’ to comply with Board of Health and 150’ were left intact for greater protection of people who live adjacent to this article.

8. Ed McSweeney, resident on Old Post Road, brought up many issues that have occurred regarding this land since 2008.

9. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Arnie Cohen to recommend Article 2.

10. There was discussion regarding the count for affordable housing and possibility of a drug rehab facility.

11. VOTED:  5-0-1.  For:  Cohen, Gladstone, Miller, Nelson, Philips.  Abstain:  Korin.

12. A MOTION was made by Arnie Cohen and SECONDED by Gordon Gladstone to recommend Article 3.

13. VOTED:  5-0-1.  For:  Cohen, Gladstone, Miller, Nelson, Philips.  Abstain:  Korin.

14. The next item on the agenda was Special Article 3.  Article to appropriate a sum of money to close the Snow & Ice Deficit for FY 2013.

15. Bill Fowler, Finance Director, stated that the town will take available funds to apply to Snow & Ice deficit.  Some equipment needed to be replaced.  Reduce amount for Reserve Fund transfer.  Waiting for pending FEMA/MEMA reimbursement.  $7,000 found from another department to add to amounts requested.  Reserve Fund will be more than sufficient.  What we need to vote on and rest will go back to free cash.  $29,000 to $30,000.

16. There was some discussion regarding the amount needed for the Snow & Ice deficit, where the money was coming from, and how much would be needed from the Reserve Fund.

17. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Special Article 3 in an amount to be determined.

18. VOTED:  6-0-0.  For:  Cohen, Gladstone, Korin, Miller, Nelson, Philips.

19. A MOTION was made by Ted Philips and SECONDED by Arnie Cohen  to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting to go into the Open Warrant meeting.

20. VOTED:  6-0-0.  For:  Cohen, Gladstone, Korin, Miller, Nelson, Philips.

21. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

22. Ira Miller announced that the Open Warrant meeting was in session.  It is an opportunity for people to question the committee.  Anything in the Warrant to answer questions, to review, and make comments on.  The last few years we did not go through the Warrant and concentrated on what the people wanted to discuss.  There was no one in the audience at this time.

23. Ben Puritz, Town Administrator, came in to answer questions, if needed.

24. At the last meeting Ira Miller thanked the people who put together the Warrant but omitted the editor, Laura Nelson, who had the system set up and got everyone rolling.  Town Meeting, 7 p.m., next Monday.  There may be a meeting prior to Town Meeting on May 6.

25. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

26. VOTED:  6-0-0.

27. The Open Warrant meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.