June 10, 2003
The Regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Acting Chair Walter Joe Roach and Selectman David I. Grasfield and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of May 27, 2003, including Executive Session.
Knights of Pythias
David Weiner, Tom O’Connor and Fred Steinberg of the Knights of Pythias presented a Defibrillator to the Town of Sharon. Chief Dennis Mann accepted on behalf of the town.
Radio Consultant - Grant Authorization to Sign Contract - Chief Bernstein
The Board reviewed correspondence from Joseph Bernstein, Chief of Police, dated June 5, 2003 requesting authorization to sign the attached proposal from Crest Associates, Boston, MA to provide resource development services for the purposes of making enhancements to the Town’s municipal radio systems, including schools, for the amount of $15,000.00., as the balance due; $5,000 has already paid for on a total contract amount of $20,000. Funds have been appropriated through the Capital Outlay process and Town Meeting vote.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to authorize Chief Bernstein to sign the proposal from Crest Associates, Boston, MA in the amount of $20,000, with $5,000 already paid.
Spring Cellular Facility - Sharon Country Club
Dan Rosenfield and Janis Edinburgh were present on behalf of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Sam Solomon was present as an abutter and approximately other 30 abutters and interested residents were present.
It was explained that the Zoning Board denied this application filed by Sprint as a cellular facility would not be allowed under the current zoning. However, Sprint litigated the matter. Under certain circumstances, the FCC allows Telecommunications facilities under the Federal Telecommunications Act to override local zoning. This matter is presently being considered for settlement with placement of a Tower within one of three proposed sites within the Sharon Country Club. Residents expressed concerns as follows:
It would be a bad precedent to allow a Cell Tower within a residential area. Just because this matter went to court, does not mean the Town should not try to fight it.
If it is inevitable that another cellular facility will be built within the Town, than the Town should consider placing it on Town property so that the Town will receive the income.
Research is inconclusive re the hazardous aspects of this type of electro-magnetic transmissions.
Unsightly and large tower close to residential homes.
Would like the Town to take another look at other sites, including the landfill, Hampton Road Water Tank, and Deborah Sampson Park.
Complaints were made as to the lack of communication re settlement with the abutters.
Ben Puritz reported on a recent meeting with representatives of a new technology for wireless transmissions using fibre optics that would not require large towers to be constructed. A pilot program is being tested within the Town of Milton. Ben stated he would contact Sprint and see if they would be willing to consider alternative technology. There was a discussion as to how a delay could be used in this matter. Dan Rosenfield stated that a delay would cause problems. Town Counsel will be requested to work with Sprint on considering alternatives.
There is a sign-up sheet of those present and asking to be notified of the next meeting on this matter.
Recess
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into a recess.
The Board recessed at 9:20 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 9:28 P.M.
Flag Day
The Board reviewed correspondence from Veteran Agent Paul R. Bergeron requesting that the Board proclaim June 14, 2003, Flag Day.
Selectman Grasfield read the proclamation.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to proclaim June 14 as Flag Day and to urge everyone to be present at 7:00 PM at the Sharon memorial Beach Bandstand for the purpose of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag.
Request for Banner
The Board reviewed correspondence from the Sharon Garden Club requesting banner dates during a two-week period.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for the following dates:
September 22 - September 29, 2003 in the First Position, with the option to grant a second week if it is available.
Approve Sale of Bond Anticipation Note
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the sale of a $9,500,000 2.00 per cent Bond Anticipation Note of the Town, dated June 12, 2003, and payable September 24, 2003 to Corby Capital Markets, Inc. at par and accrued interest.
Summer Schedule
This matter has been deferred until the next meeting.
Approve Banner - Fourth Committee
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for the Fourth Committee for the dates June 23 - July 3, 2003 and to waive the hanging fee.
Water Management Study Committee
The Board noted correspondence from Len Segal, dated June 6, 2003, requesting consideration for appointment to the Water Management Study Committee, and an interview will be scheduled.
Detective James M. Keating
The Board received notice from Detective James M. Keating of his intention to return on June 30, 2003. The Board expressed its best wishes on his retirement.
Town Meeting Discussion
The Board will schedule time for a discussion on various matters relating to the conduct of Town Meeting with representatives of the Government Study Committee and the Town Moderator.
Municipalization of Electric Utilities
The Board reviewed correspondence from Patrick Mehr, Lexington Electric Utility Ad-hoc Committee, dated May 22, 2003. It was the consensus of the Board to invite him in.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/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 9:40 P.M.
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