July 9, 2002
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Allen Garf and Selectmen Norman Katz and Walter Joe Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the minutes of June 25, including Executive Session as submitted.
Conservation Commission
The Board interviewed Richard Slater for appointment to the Conservation Commission.
Historical Commission
The Board interviewed Reese Schroeder for appointment to the Historical Commission.
Recommendation for Hydrant Testing - Award Contract
& Outdoor Watering Schedule
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, was present to recommend that the Selectmen award a contract to Metcalf & Eddy, Wakefield, MA to verify and calibrate the present hydraulic model of the Town water distribution network. The Board also reviewed the Memorandum as written by Mr. Hooper, dated June 20, 2002 and the written proposal from Metcalf & Eddy, dated June 13, 2002. Items discussed included:
re-calibrate the existing hydraulic model to discover any discrepancies in recommendations previously proposed by Horsely & Whitten (10/26/01) with regard to the High Pressure District and Water Storage Tank;
performance of hydrant tests at twelve locations;
evaluate other possible scenarios and sites, e.g., development on Rattlesnake Hill or system impact if the Mountain Street tank location is not available for Town use;
need to do as soon as possible - funded by water revenues;
critical need for additional water storage;
preparation of construction cost estimates for the recommended improvements, both in the high-pressure service district and town-wide; and,
presentation of recommendations at Annual Town Meeting.
Selectman Roach also asked question about researching other water sources for the Town and Mr. Hooper reported on the ongoing projects and alternative sources under consideration.
Chair Garf asked if the Town could be more flexible in its watering ban scheduled. Reference was made to a recent letter by resident Paul S. Birnbaum, dated July 7, 2002, with suggestions for staggering the allowable time for outdoor watering, appreciation for beautiful landscaping, need to seek an increase in allowable water usage, and building a new well.
Mr. Hooper responded with possible enforcement problems with a more flexible allowable watering schedule. Water restrictions only allow for a 2-hour period now and that has greatly decreased the recent problem with water availability in the storage tanks. Mr. Hooper agreed to look into a pilot program for a more flexible allowable watering schedule.
Mr. Hooper also discussed proposed plans to create irrigation wells for athletic fields rather than using drinking water and to look at other well sites (near cemetery and new area recently designated by Conservation Commission).
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to award contract to Metcalf & Eddy, Wakefield, MA, to create Hydraulic Model Revisions and prepare a Master Plan Update, with four tasks as outlined in their Letter of June 13, 2002 with an estimated cost of $36,500.
Additionally, the Board asked questions about improvements to Well #6 and Mr. Hooper reported on current findings regarding iron and magnesium. A complete update on water issues will be presented to the Board in four-six weeks by E. Hooper and F. Clay, Chair, WMAC.
Public Hearing - Deborah Sampson Park - Additional Lights for Baseball Fields
Chair Garf announced the Opening of a Public Hearing on the subject of lights for the baseball fields. More than 100 letters were sent to abutters on this subject, but no abutters were present this evening.
David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, was present to discuss the proposal of the Sharon Youth Baseball & Softball Association (SYBSA), as presented in its letter of June 14, 2002. Others present included Wayne Bradley, President SYBSA, Mike Bossin, SYBSA, and Dave Satter, Assistant Recreation Director. Items discussed included:
upgrading and relocating the lights on Field A - more effective lights - less spillover light;
adding additional lights to Field B;
project funded by SYBSA;
copy of plans as presented by Mike Bossin;
newer technology for lights;
height of poles; and,
assistance to be provided from DPW and Engineering.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the proposal by SYBSA for the relocation, upgrading, repairing and correcting of the lights on “A” field at Deborah Sampson Park and the addition of new lights on the “B” field.
Chair Garf declared the public hearing closed at 8:55 P.M.
Dog Hearing - 40 Castle Drive
Chair Garf declared the Dog Hearing Open at 8:58 P.M.. Animal Control Officer Diane Malcolmson, presented her report of an incident that took place on June 13, 2002. Mr. David Galkin was present to report on an attack on his leashed dog by two bulldogs owned by Lucia DeSousa. Lucia DeSousa was also present as well as Mrs. Galkin.
Ms. Malcolmson stated this was the second incident concerning dogs owned by Ms. DeSousa attacking another dog and Ms. Malcolmson presented a written report of the incident, dated June 14, 2002. Two citations have been issued, one for each dog. It was further reported that:
Mr. Galkin had to let his greyhound dog run to get away from the attacking bulldogs and that the dog was injured and lost for a number of hours;
the dog had multiple lacerations to its legs and required hospitalization;
Ms. DeSousa was not at home at the time and she has volunteered to pay the veterinary bills; and
Mr. Malcolmson recommends that the dogs be permanently restrained at all times, and muzzled while off the property, and that the next step would to have the dogs removed from the Town if the owners cannot restrain their dogs.
Mr. and Mrs. Galkin gave a detailed report of the incident with photographs of their injured dog. It was stated that there were extensive injuries, stitches and drains and that the dog has not yet recovered. It was stated that Ms. DeSousa paid the veterinary bills.
Ms. DeSousa explained that there was a babysitter present at the time the dogs were loose. She has since installed an electronic fence all around her property and has a chain-link fence in the backyard. She stated that she has changed her schedule so that she will be at home in the evenings.
Ms. DeSousa objected to having her dogs muzzled as she said that bulldogs have particular problems with breathing. Ms. Malcolmson stated that there are muzzles designed for all dogs. Mr. and Mrs. Galkin suggested that would like the dogs muzzled at all times to protect the neighborhood.
It was the consensus of the Board that the dogs are determined to be of a vicious disposition.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to place a permanent restraining order on the two bulldogs, Icey and Angus, owned by Ms. Lucia DeSousa at 40 Castle Drive, meaning that they will be kept in a well-maintained fenced-in area in the back yard, subject to the approval of Animal Control Officer Diane Malcolmson; that there is installed an electronic fence surrounding the whole property and that the dogs will be wearing electronic collars at all times; and that the dogs are only permitted in the front yard while wearing a muzzle and only permitted off premises while on a leash and wearing a muzzle. Any
other complaints or violations will result in further action taken by the Board.
Chair Garf declared the hearing closed at 9:23 P.M.
Public Safety/Sidewalks
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works and Joseph S. Bernstein, Police Chief were present to update the Board on the priority list for sidewalk construction. The list presented and discussed in detail included:
• Lakeview Street from Massapoag Ave. to East Foxboro Street (completes loop around lake)
• Cottage Street on school side from Billings to the school
• Billing St. to complete the full length to East Street
• East Street from Abbott Ave. to Billings (completes loop)
• Community Center Drive
• Ames Street to Quincy Street on playground side
• Norwood Street to at least to Beaver Brook Road and possibly to Edge Hill Road.
The County has been requested to do a survey of Lakeview Street and public meetings will be scheduled. Sidewalk construction is funded through the Capital Outlay process and approved by Town Meeting Vote.
Town Administrator’s Employment Agreement
The Board reviewed a new employment agreement for Ben Puritz. Items discussed include:
term of Contract changed from three to six years;
salary increase of 4% with 10 days of paid vacation day added to base salary bringing salary to $126,888;
life insurance/disability premiums of $1,052.00 per year–(no change);
increase in carry-over vacation days to 155 days as part of Retirement Plan;
health insurance premiums (no change);
strengthening of termination/severance language;
car and gasoline allowance (new car this year);
contract will be reviewed each year for salary increase; and,
six year roll-over contract includes:
Termination/Severance -- without cause, three years salary paid “up-front” with balance paid over remaining term years with continuing benefits paid for life and health insurance, with years of service credit for pension.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the terms of the new Employment Agreement for Benjamin E. Puritz, Town Administrator. Contract to Expire: June 30, 2008.
Amendment to Selectmen’s Policy Number Two - Committee Appointments
The Board reviewed an Amendment to Policy Number Two with language changes regarding seeking input from the Chair of the Committee and outlining its reappointment process.
Ms. Alice Cheyer requested time to review the policy before the Board adopts it.
This item will be scheduled for adoption at the next meeting.
Request for Out-of-State Travel - David I. Clifton, Recreation Director
The Board reviewed a Memo from David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, requesting permission to attend the National Recreation & Park Training Conference.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the request for out-of-state travel for David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, to attend the Conference from October 15 - 20, 2002 in Tampa Bay, FL with a cost of $1,085.00.
Selectmen Appointment of Election Officers
The Board reviewed a Memo from Marlene B. Chused, Town Clerk, dated June 24, 2002 requesting that the Board approve a list of election workers.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the list of election officers as attached to the Memo from the Town Clerk and dated June 24, 2002.
Lee National Denim Day
The Board reviewed a Memo from Marlene B. Chused, Town Clerk, dated June 24, 2002 requesting that the Board proclaim Lee National Denim Day.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to proclaim Friday, October 4, 2002 as Lee National Denim Day in the Town of Sharon.
Request for Banners
Banner - Request Unitarian Church
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for the Unitarian Church of Sharon for the dates of August 30 - September 7, 2002.
Banner - Request from Temple Israel Brotherhood
Since Temple Israel has requested two weeks and it is the Board’s policy to grant only one week to non-town-sponsored events, the Temple will be contacted for its preferred week. This will be voted on at the next meeting.
Rodman Ride for Kids
The Board reviewed a letter requesting that the annual Rodman Ride for Kids pass through the Town on Saturday, September 14, 2002.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to grant permission for the Ride to pass through our community on Saturday, September 14, 2002, subject to any conditions of the Police Chief or Fire Chief.
Resignation - Elizabeth L. Van Meter - Historical Commission
It was the consensus of the Board to accept Ms. Van Meter’s resignation with regret and best wishes.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion matters of Collective Bargaining and Pending Litigation and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 10:22 P.M.
F:\WP61\WPALL\KATHY\MINUTES\JULY9.WPD
| 
