October 15, 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 7:38 P.M.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the Minutes of October 8, 2002 including Executive Session, as written.
Budget Review -Animal Inspector - Ed Little
The Board reviewed the preliminary FY’04 budget for Animal Inspector in the amount of: $3,000.
Police Department - Capital Outlay Projects - Chief Joseph Bernstein
The Board reviewed the Capital Outlay Projects for the Police Department with the following requests for FY’04:
Townwide Communications
Consultant Services $ 35,000
Townwide Communications
Upgrade $450,000
Police Vehicle Replacement $ 90,000
Chair Garf requested that Chief Bernstein prepare an analysis for the replacement of vehicles (new vs. maintenance of existing vehicles).
Chief Bernstein reported on incidents in Town where the present radio communications systems were inadequate for public safety. He stated that the services of a consultant will allow the Town to apply for a grant for the upgrade of the communications system and that the Town may not need to borrow the $450,000.
DPW - Capital Outlay Projects - Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works
The Board reviewed Capital Outlay for the Department of Public Works, with the following requests for FY’04:
Roadways $600,000
Sidewalks $200,000
Equipment &
Vehicle Storage $200,000
Drainage System $ 75,000
Mapping
The Board reviewed the list of Priority Projects for FY’04 for Road Maintenance, Repair and Reconstruction:
North/South Main Street/Billings Street/Depot Street $200,000
Other Streets $400,000
(as listed in Memo dated October 11, 2002)
The Board reviewed the list of FY’04 Priority Projects for Sidewalk Maintenance, Repair and Reconstruction:
North/South Main Street/Billings Street/Depot Street $ 50,000
Billings Street from Mann’s Pond to Deborah Sampson St. $ 20,000
Lakeview from East Foxboro to Sturges $130,000
Questions were asked about the Massapoag Avenue and Bay Road projects. Eric reported that Massapoag Avenue is included for FY05 to FY07 as a multi-year project as it would be both too expensive and beyond the DPW’s capabilities to do in one year. He further reported that the Bay Road project is not a high priority for the State, but that the project may eventually get funded. The Board suggested that the Town of Stoughton be contacted to join with us in pursuit of funding for Bay Road.
The Board reviewed the list of FY’04 Priority Projects for Equipment Replacement and Upgrade:
Covered vehicle storage per NPDES $75,000
Ford Taurus Station Wagon $18,000
Dump Truck $84,000
Small Pickup Truck $25,000
The Board reviewed the Project for Storm Water Drainage System Data Acquisition. FY’04 Project will provide for “Fly-over” and Data Collection Survey at an estimated cost of $75,000.
Transfer of Compost Material from Farnham Road to Oakland Road
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, stated that this request is no longer needed as subject materials will be sent for processing at no cost to the Town.
Conservation Commission Update
Peg Arguimbau, Chair, Michael Cook, and Conservation Officer Greg Meister were present to update the Board on various activities and issues of the Conservation Commission. Items discussed included:
Water Tank - Conservation Commission is of the opinion that it is not their function, but recognizes the “need.” The Commission feels that the Town needs to find another source for water - suggests well site near cemetery.
Sidewalks on Billings Street - Because of its proximity to wetlands an NOI (Notice of Intent) needs to be filed for review by the Commission. Process is underway as hearing date in November has been advertised.
Review of Selectmen’s Goals - 2002-2003
The Board reviewed its list of goals, dated October 11, 2002. Selectman Roach suggested that a number of the listed items were part of their job and not a goal. Chair Garf suggested that they take off recurring goals.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the list of goals as dated October 11, 2002 and to refine the list as the year precedes.
Historical Commission
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Robert S. Young as a member of the Historical Commission, Appointment to Expire: September 2003.
Appoint Crossing Guard
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Leah Stella as a Crossing Guard, Appointment to Expire: September 2003.
Representative to Southeastern Regional Voc-Tech School
The Board discussed a letter from the Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical School requesting that the Board appoint a representative to attend a meeting for the purpose of electing one of the regional representatives to represent all during the collective bargaining activities.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Selectmen Joe Roach to represent the Town of Sharon at the meeting of November 14, 2002.
Tax Relief for Senior Citizens
The Board reviewed two Informational Guideline Releases from the Department of Revenue. Two local options will be placed on the next Annual Town Meeting:
Clause 41C Exemption Options - to adjust requirements and increase the amount of exemptions
Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement - to increase the maximum abatement
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 9:35 P.M.
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