April 22, 2003
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Allen M. Garf, and Selectmen Norman Katz and Walter Joe Roach.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of April 15, 2003, including Executive Session.
New Paramedic/Firefighter - Chief Dennis Mann
Chief Mann was present to introduce new Paramedic/Firefighter Kevin Binnall. Firefighter Binnall has been working as a Temporary Sharon Firefighter since last November. Chief Mann swore Firefighter Binnall in and Firefighter Binnall took the oath of Town of Sharon Firefighter The Board members individually welcomed him.
Heart Safe Community
Derrick Congdon from the EMS Council presented a Certificate and Heart Safe Community signs to Chief Dennis Mann for meeting the criteria for a “Heart Safe Community.” David Hiltz, Regional Manager of the American Heart Association was also present to congratulate and thank the Town for its achievement. The criteria included having the following in place: immediate response via 911; CPR training, Defibrillators, and pre-hospital care to include intravenous medication. David Clifton was mentioned for providing community CPR training. It was noted that the Knights of Pythias will be providing the Town with another Defibrillator. The Town will now have eight Defibrillators.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to have the Department of Public Works place the Heart Safe Community Signs at the entrances to the community.
Award Bid - Line Painting
The Board reviewed correspondence from Business Manager Marie E. Cuneo, dated April 16, 2003 recommending that the bid be awarded to the low bidder - Standard Line Painting.
VOTED: (Katz/Roach) Voted unanimously to award the bid for line painting to Standard Line Painting of Taunton, the low bidder, in the amount of $49,006.00 for the period from April 16, 2003 thru April 15, 2004.
Selectman Roach stated that this bid will include repainting the handicap parking spaces blue.
Sharon Housing Authority
Jane Desberg, Executive director, Sharon Housing Authority, sent a letter dated April 15, 2003 notifying the Board of the resignation of long-standing board member, Irene Scott. She further stated that it is necessary for the Board of Selectmen and the Authority to jointly appoint a town resident to serve until next year’s Town election. The authority submitted the name of Peter Melvin as a candidate for consideration. The Board directed that an appointment be set up for Mr. Melvin and that the open position be advertised via Cable TV.
Water Management Advisory Committee
The Board reviewed correspondence from Rory McGregor, dated April 16 and 17th, outlining the Water Management Advisory Committee’s proposal for its operating bylaws. Included was an argument to increase its membership to nine members. It was the consensus of the Board to advertise on Cable TV for two additional members.
Maskwonicut Street Traffic Survey
The Board reviewed correspondence from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated April 16, 2003 with the results of a traffic study conducted by the Sharon Police Department. The study was undertaken to determine whether stop signs would be warranted on Maskwonicut Street at Bullard Street, Richards Avenue and Greenwood Road.
It is stated that MassHighway would likely use this study to establish a posted speed limit of 35 mph, but MassHighway would not authorize placement of stop signs on Maskwonicut Street. Mr. Hooper concludes by stating that “Given the results of the recent traffic study provided by the Police Department, a request for the County to undertake a more extensive traffic study is not recommended at this time.”
Banner Ceremony - Families with Members on Active Duty
Selectman Roach announced that the Banner Ceremony sponsored by the Veterans Agent will take place at 1 P.M. on May 4 in front of the Town Offices with a rain location in the lobby of the Community Center.
Changes to Subdivision Rules & Regulations - Planning Board
Planning Board Members Joel Tran and Arnold Cohen were present at the request of the Board to discuss changes to Subdivision Rules & Regulations, particularly in regard to fencing around retention basins.
The Board expressed its concern regarding the cost to the Town regarding necessary fencing around the detention basin off Salamander Drive and suggested that fencing for public safety purposes be required of the developers of subdivisions in the future.
Mr. Cohen suggested that fencing be an optional requirement but not mandatory in every situation. Concerns were expressed regarding liability of existing, unfenced retention basin. Mr. Cohen suggested that Town Counsel be consulted regarding liability or obligations with existing retention basins. Aesthetics were another concern with unsightly fences detracting from the natural environment.
Chair Garf suggested that fencing around retention basins or steep hills be required with the Planning Board having the option to waive the requirement. Mr. Tran expressed wanting the flexibility to consider alternatives to retention basins as are being considered by Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works.
Other Zoning Changes
Mr. Tran stated that there will be informal meetings held to discuss possible rezoning of areas in Town (N. Main Street and Bay Road) before holding a formal public hearing. These proposed changes should be ready for the fall Special Town Meeting.
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 entered into Executive Session at 8:05 P.M.
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