September 3, 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.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the Minutes of August 20, 2002, including Executive Session, as written.
Council on Aging Board
The Board interviewed Lillian Savage for reappointment to the Council on Aging Board.
Michael Rothberg Road Race
Cathy Russo was present on behalf of the Michael Rothberg Road Race. Michael, a former Sharon resident, who died in New York City on September 11, 2001, graduated Sharon High School in 1980. The road race in memory of Michael Rothberg has been organized with the hopes of presenting a scholarship annually to a graduating senior of Sharon High School. The race will be on September 22nd and will be the same course used for the Fourth of July Race.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to support the Road Race in memory of Michael Rothberg.
Appointments/Reappointments to Committees
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointments to the Conservation Commission:
Reappointments:
Margaret Arguimbau Expiration: 2005
Janet Dunlap Expiration: 2005
New Appointment:
Stephan Glicken, MD Expiration: 2005
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following reappointment to the Council on Aging::
COUNCIL ON AGING
Lillian Savage Expiration: 2005
COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following reappointments to the Commission on Disabilities:
Sydney Rosenthal, Chair Expiration: 2005
Donna Ring Expiration: 2005
Shirley Brownstein Expiration: 2005
Florence Finkel Expiration: 2005
BOARD OF HEALTH
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointments to the Board of Health:
Reappointment:
Jonathan Goldberg Expiration: 2005
New Applicant:
Mary Tobin Expiration: 2005
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointment to the Historical Commission:
Reese Schroeder Expiration: 2005
SHARON CULTURAL COUNCIL
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointments to the Sharon Cultural Council:
Kenneth Brody Expiration: 2004
Robert Levin Expiration: 2004
Nathaniel Simon Expiration: 2004
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals:
Ed Hershfield, Chair Expiration: 2005
Weston & Sampson - Self - Help Grant- Sharon Landfill
Michael Scipione was present on behalf of Weston & Sampson. Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., with the Town’s assistance, has prepared a draft grant application to the Division of Conservation Services for funding (matching funds) for the redevelopment of the Mountain Street Landfill into a recreation facility. Plans show a 90 foot baseball diamond, walking trails and contour improvements for Phase One of a Two Phase program. An additional grant application will be made for Phase Two. Additional monies are available from a previous town meeting appropriation for the closing of the landfill.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to support the grant application for redevelopment of the Mountain Street Landfill into a recreation facility and to submit the grant application to the Division of Conservation Services and to authorize Ben Puritz to sign the application on behalf of the Board.
It is anticipated that construction could begin next Spring. Chair Garf suggested that another public hearing be held on this project before the Annual Town Meeting.
Commission on Disabilities
The Board interviewed Donna Ring for reappointment to the Commission on Disabilities.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Donna Ring for reappointment to the Commission on Disabilities, expiration September 2005.
Note: Vote included with appointment list, page 2.
Joint Appointment for Library Trustee Vacancy
Abigail Marsters was present to introduce Marcia Bridgeman as the Library Trustee’s choice for the vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees. A letter from Ms. Marsters, dated August 14, 2002 testified to the vote of the Trustees Monthly meeting of August 13, unanimously supporting the appointment of Marcia Bridgeman for this interim appointment.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Marcia Bridgeman jointly with the Library Trustees to fill the vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees until the next town election.
Rattlesnake Hill 40B - Accept Technical Assistance Award
The Board reviewed correspondence from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund announcing an award for up to $10,000 in professional assistance under its 40B Technical Assistance Program. This award will be used to pay for the consulting services of Edward Marchant to assist with the review of the project known as Estates at Borderland. Chair Garf read the services to be provided to the Town:
The Contractor agrees to provide and/or oversee the following services for the Town of Sharon in regards to the Estates at Borderland comprehensive permit project:
1) Educate the Town boards about the comprehensive permit process as needed.
2) In conjunction with the Town, review the comprehensive permit application for completeness and appropriateness, with specific attention to:
a. Project financial feasibility, limited dividend provisions & developer financials.
b. Project design and siting.
c. Proposed affordability covenants and monitoring provisions.
d. Other specific issues depending on the Town needs and consultant expertise.
3) Assist the Town and local ZBA to identify local concerns and issues that might require outside consultants and/or additional impact studies.
4) Facilitate productive discussion between the Town and the developer about the proposed development. Assist the Town with negotiations as appropriate.
5) Advise Zoning Board of Appeals as needed.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept this technical assistance award and to authorize Ben Puritz to sign the letter from Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund as Agreed and Accepted by.
School Crossing Guard Agreement
The Board announced a new School Crossing Guard Agreement as reached through collective bargaining. Highlights include a 3% increase in wages and an increase to $22.00 per day for providing railroad station parking enforcement, retroactive to July 1, 2002.
Employment Agreement Police Chief
The Board announced a new Employment Agreement for Police Chief Joseph Bernstein. Highlights include a 4 % wage increase for the first year of a three-year contract to bring his salary to $107,021, exclusive of holiday pay and a one-year change in carry-over vacation allowance. The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2002.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a new three-year Employment Contract for Police Chief Joseph S. Bernstein as negotiated with the Chief and as reviewed by Town Counsel.
Special Police Appointment
The Board reviewed a Memo from Joe Bernstein, Chief of Police, dated August 21, 2002 recommending that Margaret Powell be appointed to the Sharon Special Police.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Margaret Powell as a member of the Special Police, expiration: September 2003.
Assistant Town Accountant Compensation Adjustment
The Board reviewed a Memo from Ben Puritz, dated August 27, 2002, recommending that Assistant Town Accountant Eileen Generazzo receive additional compensation due to the increased responsibilities caused by the extended absence period of the Town Accountant.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to seek an interim bylaw change from the Personnel Board for an increase in compensation for Eileen Generazzo to $998.98 per week, retroactive to July 1, 2002 and unless the Town Accountant returns to work before the end of the year, it will be effective to December 31, 2002 and to seek a Reserve Fund Transfer from the Finance Committee.
DeSousa Dogs - Amend Original Restraining Order
The Board reviewed language change to the restraining order placed on the DeSousa Dogs as recommended by Town Counsel. The use of choke collars will replace the use of muzzles; and, the determination of “vicious dogs” will be changed to state that they are determined to be a nuisance by reason of aggressive behavior during that incident (June 13th dogs attacking another dog).
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to amend the Restraining Order, dated July 10, 2002, placed on the DeSousa Dogs, Icey and Angus, as follows:
Second paragraph will read:
It is the consensus of the Board that based on the advice of Diane Malcolmson, Animal Control Officer, and the reports of the incident on June 13 by Mr. and Mrs. Galkin, they have determined the dogs to be a nuisance by reason of their aggressive behavior during that incident.
Last sentence, Third paragraph will read:
It was further ordered that your dogs are permitted in your front yard and/or off your premises only while wearing a choke collar, leashed and under the control and supervision of an adult over the age of twenty one.
Donation Account - Sharon Public Safety Support Fund
The Board reviewed correspondence from Steven D. Rosenberg, dated August 23, 2002 requesting that the Town establish a Donation Account in Memory of his father Bernard Rosenberg, Civil Defense Director.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to set up donation account to be known as the Sharon Public Safety Support Fund to be administered by the Selectmen.
Sharon Firefighters Association - Request for Carnival
The Board reviewed correspondence from Gordon Hughes, dated August 25, 2002 requesting permission for the annual Firefighter’s Association Carnival.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to grant permission to the Firefighter’s Association to hold a carnival at Deborah Sampson Park on September 12, 13 and 14, subject to any conditions of the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Board of Health.
Request for September 11 Memorial
Selectman Roach requested on behalf of Deputy Fire Chief Cummings permission to install a silent memorial on the Wilber School Grounds.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to permit a silent memorial on September 11 with emergency vehicles draped in black on the Wilber School Grounds.
Transportation Improvement Program
The Board reviewed correspondence from the Selectmen’s office, dated August 22, 2002, addressed to the Boston MPO re comments to the Draft FY 2003-2008 Transportation Improvement Program and Air Quality Conformity Determination.
Reconstruction of North Main Street (Route 27) and South Main Street with Post Office Square Revitalization (street enhancements - including brick sidewalks, ornamental street lighting and landscaping), included as FY 2003 project.
Other projects listed in the supplemental appendix include:
Route 27 (Norwood/High Plain Streets/Edge Hill Road Intersection (includes signalization of the intersection)
Route 27 Norwood and High Plain Streets (includes reconstruction of Route 27 from Norwood Street to the Walpole Town Line)
Bay Road (includes reconstruction from Cobb Corner to Stoughton town line.
Massapoag Avenue (includes reconstruction from Capen Hill Street to Easton Town line)
Projects are awaiting state funding. A final decision will be received by the end of this month.
High School Parking Passes
The Board would like to revisit the policy for issuing passes to the High School Parking lots. The issue of senior privilege will be considered for the next semester.
Surplus Funds Received from the State
The Board will consult with Priorities Committee and the Finance Committee as to the best use of surplus funds received from the State.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of Collective Bargaining and Pending Litigation, and at the conclusion thereof, to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9:30 P.M.
F:\WP61\WPALL\KATHY\MINUTES\SEP3.DOC
September 3, 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.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the Minutes of August 20, 2002, including Executive Session, as written.
Council on Aging Board
The Board interviewed Lillian Savage for reappointment to the Council on Aging Board.
Michael Rothberg Road Race
Cathy Russo was present on behalf of the Michael Rothberg Road Race. Michael, a former Sharon resident, who died in New York City on September 11, 2001, graduated Sharon High School in 1980. The road race in memory of Michael Rothberg has been organized with the hopes of presenting a scholarship annually to a graduating senior of Sharon High School. The race will be on September 22nd and will be the same course used for the Fourth of July Race.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to support the Road Race in memory of Michael Rothberg.
Appointments/Reappointments to Committees
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointments to the Conservation Commission:
Reappointments:
Margaret Arguimbau Expiration: 2005
Janet Dunlap Expiration: 2005
New Appointment:
Stephan Glicken, MD Expiration: 2005
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following reappointment to the Council on Aging::
COUNCIL ON AGING
Lillian Savage Expiration: 2005
COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following reappointments to the Commission on Disabilities:
Sydney Rosenthal, Chair Expiration: 2005
Donna Ring Expiration: 2005
Shirley Brownstein Expiration: 2005
Florence Finkel Expiration: 2005
BOARD OF HEALTH
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointments to the Board of Health:
Reappointment:
Jonathan Goldberg Expiration: 2005
New Applicant:
Mary Tobin Expiration: 2005
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointment to the Historical Commission:
Reese Schroeder Expiration: 2005
SHARON CULTURAL COUNCIL
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following appointments to the Sharon Cultural Council:
Kenneth Brody Expiration: 2004
Robert Levin Expiration: 2004
Nathaniel Simon Expiration: 2004
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to make the following reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals:
Ed Hershfield, Chair Expiration: 2005
Weston & Sampson - Self - Help Grant- Sharon Landfill
Michael Scipione was present on behalf of Weston & Sampson. Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., with the Town’s assistance, has prepared a draft grant application to the Division of Conservation Services for funding (matching funds) for the redevelopment of the Mountain Street Landfill into a recreation facility. Plans show a 90 foot baseball diamond, walking trails and contour improvements for Phase One of a Two Phase program. An additional grant application will be made for Phase Two. Additional monies are available from a previous town meeting appropriation for the closing of the landfill.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to support the grant application for redevelopment of the Mountain Street Landfill into a recreation facility and to submit the grant application to the Division of Conservation Services and to authorize Ben Puritz to sign the application on behalf of the Board.
It is anticipated that construction could begin next Spring. Chair Garf suggested that another public hearing be held on this project before the Annual Town Meeting.
Commission on Disabilities
The Board interviewed Donna Ring for reappointment to the Commission on Disabilities.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Donna Ring for reappointment to the Commission on Disabilities, expiration September 2005.
Note: Vote included with appointment list, page 2.
Joint Appointment for Library Trustee Vacancy
Abigail Marsters was present to introduce Marcia Bridgeman as the Library Trustee’s choice for the vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees. A letter from Ms. Marsters, dated August 14, 2002 testified to the vote of the Trustees Monthly meeting of August 13, unanimously supporting the appointment of Marcia Bridgeman for this interim appointment.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Marcia Bridgeman jointly with the Library Trustees to fill the vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees until the next town election.
Rattlesnake Hill 40B - Accept Technical Assistance Award
The Board reviewed correspondence from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund announcing an award for up to $10,000 in professional assistance under its 40B Technical Assistance Program. This award will be used to pay for the consulting services of Edward Marchant to assist with the review of the project known as Estates at Borderland. Chair Garf read the services to be provided to the Town:
The Contractor agrees to provide and/or oversee the following services for the Town of Sharon in regards to the Estates at Borderland comprehensive permit project:
1) Educate the Town boards about the comprehensive permit process as needed.
2) In conjunction with the Town, review the comprehensive permit application for completeness and appropriateness, with specific attention to:
a. Project financial feasibility, limited dividend provisions & developer financials.
b. Project design and siting.
c. Proposed affordability covenants and monitoring provisions.
d. Other specific issues depending on the Town needs and consultant expertise.
3) Assist the Town and local ZBA to identify local concerns and issues that might require outside consultants and/or additional impact studies.
4) Facilitate productive discussion between the Town and the developer about the proposed development. Assist the Town with negotiations as appropriate.
5) Advise Zoning Board of Appeals as needed.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept this technical assistance award and to authorize Ben Puritz to sign the letter from Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund as Agreed and Accepted by.
School Crossing Guard Agreement
The Board announced a new School Crossing Guard Agreement as reached through collective bargaining. Highlights include a 3% increase in wages and an increase to $22.00 per day for providing railroad station parking enforcement, retroactive to July 1, 2002.
Employment Agreement Police Chief
The Board announced a new Employment Agreement for Police Chief Joseph Bernstein. Highlights include a 4 % wage increase for the first year of a three-year contract to bring his salary to $107,021, exclusive of holiday pay and a one-year change in carry-over vacation allowance. The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2002.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a new three-year Employment Contract for Police Chief Joseph S. Bernstein as negotiated with the Chief and as reviewed by Town Counsel.
Special Police Appointment
The Board reviewed a Memo from Joe Bernstein, Chief of Police, dated August 21, 2002 recommending that Margaret Powell be appointed to the Sharon Special Police.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Margaret Powell as a member of the Special Police, expiration: September 2003.
Assistant Town Accountant Compensation Adjustment
The Board reviewed a Memo from Ben Puritz, dated August 27, 2002, recommending that Assistant Town Accountant Eileen Generazzo receive additional compensation due to the increased responsibilities caused by the extended absence period of the Town Accountant.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to seek an interim bylaw change from the Personnel Board for an increase in compensation for Eileen Generazzo to $998.98 per week, retroactive to July 1, 2002 and unless the Town Accountant returns to work before the end of the year, it will be effective to December 31, 2002 and to seek a Reserve Fund Transfer from the Finance Committee.
DeSousa Dogs - Amend Original Restraining Order
The Board reviewed language change to the restraining order placed on the DeSousa Dogs as recommended by Town Counsel. The use of choke collars will replace the use of muzzles; and, the determination of “vicious dogs” will be changed to state that they are determined to be a nuisance by reason of aggressive behavior during that incident (June 13th dogs attacking another dog).
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to amend the Restraining Order, dated July 10, 2002, placed on the DeSousa Dogs, Icey and Angus, as follows:
Second paragraph will read:
It is the consensus of the Board that based on the advice of Diane Malcolmson, Animal Control Officer, and the reports of the incident on June 13 by Mr. and Mrs. Galkin, they have determined the dogs to be a nuisance by reason of their aggressive behavior during that incident.
Last sentence, Third paragraph will read:
It was further ordered that your dogs are permitted in your front yard and/or off your premises only while wearing a choke collar, leashed and under the control and supervision of an adult over the age of twenty one.
Donation Account - Sharon Public Safety Support Fund
The Board reviewed correspondence from Steven D. Rosenberg, dated August 23, 2002 requesting that the Town establish a Donation Account in Memory of his father Bernard Rosenberg, Civil Defense Director.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to set up donation account to be known as the Sharon Public Safety Support Fund to be administered by the Selectmen.
Sharon Firefighters Association - Request for Carnival
The Board reviewed correspondence from Gordon Hughes, dated August 25, 2002 requesting permission for the annual Firefighter’s Association Carnival.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to grant permission to the Firefighter’s Association to hold a carnival at Deborah Sampson Park on September 12, 13 and 14, subject to any conditions of the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Board of Health.
Request for September 11 Memorial
Selectman Roach requested on behalf of Deputy Fire Chief Cummings permission to install a silent memorial on the Wilber School Grounds.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to permit a silent memorial on September 11 with emergency vehicles draped in black on the Wilber School Grounds.
Transportation Improvement Program
The Board reviewed correspondence from the Selectmen’s office, dated August 22, 2002, addressed to the Boston MPO re comments to the Draft FY 2003-2008 Transportation Improvement Program and Air Quality Conformity Determination.
Reconstruction of North Main Street (Route 27) and South Main Street with Post Office Square Revitalization (street enhancements - including brick sidewalks, ornamental street lighting and landscaping), included as FY 2003 project.
Other projects listed in the supplemental appendix include:
Route 27 (Norwood/High Plain Streets/Edge Hill Road Intersection (includes signalization of the intersection)
Route 27 Norwood and High Plain Streets (includes reconstruction of Route 27 from Norwood Street to the Walpole Town Line)
Bay Road (includes reconstruction from Cobb Corner to Stoughton town line.
Massapoag Avenue (includes reconstruction from Capen Hill Street to Easton Town line)
Projects are awaiting state funding. A final decision will be received by the end of this month.
High School Parking Passes
The Board would like to revisit the policy for issuing passes to the High School Parking lots. The issue of senior privilege will be considered for the next semester.
Surplus Funds Received from the State
The Board will consult with Priorities Committee and the Finance Committee as to the best use of surplus funds received from the State.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of Collective Bargaining and Pending Litigation, and at the conclusion thereof, to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9:30 P.M.
F:\WP61\WPALL\KATHY\MINUTES\SEP3.DOC
| 
