September 26, 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.
Budget Review - Disability Commission
Sid Rosenthal was present to discuss the Disability Commission Budget for FY’04.
The Board reviewed the preliminary FY’04 budget for the Disability Commission in the amounts of: $500 for all three (3) budget options.
Historical Commission - Shirley Schofield
Shirley Schofield was present to discuss the Historical Commission Budget for FY’04 and in her presentation of the budget, she felt there was a need to up the budget slightly so the Commission is able to continue the outstanding work they are doing for the community of Sharon. The Budget line item S. Schofield would like to increase would be for seminars.
It was the consensus of the Board that Shirley Schofield should resubmit the Historical Commission Budget for FY’04.
Petition for Property Tax Reduction - Marc Nathanson
Marc Nathanson was present on behalf of the petitioners who are demanding a reduction of their expected property taxes, due to an additional $515,000 state aid distribution. The Board has not made a commitment as to where this money will be applied. In M. Nathanson’s summation to the Board of Selectmen, he remarked on behalf of the petitioners that it would “show good faith to return the monies to the tax payers.”
Tax Classification Hearing - Mark Mazur, Board of Assessors
Assistant Assessor Mark Mazur and the members of the Board of Assessors were present to explain the function of the Board of Assessors in relation to the setting of the Tax Rate for the Town of Sharon. It was noted that the setting of the Tax Rate is the responsibility of the Board of Assessors through its filing of the tax recapitulation documents to the state. Assistant Assessor Mark Mazur was present to make certain recommendations to the Board.
Residential Factor
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to choose a Residential Factor of “One” for Fiscal Year 2003.
Residential Exemption
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to Not adopt a Residential Exemption for Fiscal Year 2003.
Small Commercial Exemption
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to choose Not to adopt a small Commercial Exemption for Fiscal Year 2003.
Tax Rate
The Board of Selectmen to make a recommendation to the Board of Assessors at the next Selectmen’s Meeting scheduled for October 1, 2002.
Massapoag Avenue Sidewalk Priority - Laura Russell
Laura Russell discussed with the Board of Selectmen the long awaited Massapoag Avenue Sidewalk project. Laura Russell addressed the Board by saying that the residents of Massapoag Avenue and its numerous side streets and other concerned citizens in Sharon have long been concerned about the dangers and hazards to schoolchildren going to the bus stops, pedestrians walking with baby strollers; walkers, hikers and runners, bikers, summer campers, Sharon Public School students, and residents walking or riding to the heavily attended Borderland State Park.
Residents had been previously advised that the sidewalk project could be constructed with State TIP monies and were recently informed that due to State fiscal cutbacks, no TIP monies would be available for this project in the foreseeable future. L. Russell thought possibly instead of trying to achieve the full project, perhaps just putting the sidewalk in or possibly widening the road and/or accomplishing the project in phases would be acceptable. L. Russell will meet with the Transportation Advisory Board re the above to discuss this matter and will follow-up to the Board of Selectmen.
Minutes
Voted: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the Minutes of September 17, 2002 including Executive Session, as written.
Initial Review of Selectmen’s Goals
It was the consensus of the Board to review the Selectmen’s Goals at a future date.
Department Heads’ Contracts - Vote NOT to issue Notice of Non-renewal
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to Not issue Notice of Non-renewal of Department Heads’ Contracts.
Approve One-Day Liquor License - Bernard M. Rosenberg Memorial Celebration
The Board reviewed an application submitted by Steven D. Rosenberg, for a One-Day Liquor License for a Memorial Celebration for the late Bernard M. Rosenberg to be held on October 5, 2002 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Sharon Community Center.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to grant a One-Day Liquor License to Steven D. Rosenberg for October 5, 2002 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Request for Banner - East Elementary School Fundraiser
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for the East Elementary School for their fundraiser for November 8 - 11, 2002.
Request for Banner -Southwest Suburban Site Board - Department of Mental Health
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a banner to the Southwest Suburban Site Board, Department of Mental Health for October 7 - 14, 2002.
Urban Self Help Program - Vote to Authorize Ben Puritz to Sign Application on behalf of the Town
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to authorize Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz to sign the Urban Self Help Program Grant Application re Mountain Street landfill use for athletic facilities on behalf of the Town of Sharon.
Noise Abatement Wall - Michael A. Kahn, D.D.S.
The Board reviewed a letter/petition from Dr. Michael A. Kahn in regard to a Noise Abatement Wall. Residents at the western portion of Reeves Road, Quail area of the Sharon Woods, Sharon is in very close proximity to the northbound lanes (eastern side) and exit #8 (Sharon/Foxboro) of Interstate 95 North. The residents of Reeves Road, are requesting the construction of a noise abatement wall by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, parallel to and adjacent to the western property lines. Mr. Kahn will be scheduled on a future agenda regarding this subject.
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 9:20 P.M.
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