August 12, 2003
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Norman Katz and Selectmen Walter Joe Roach and David I. Grasfield and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:31 P.M.
Men’s Club
Martin Seidel of the Sharon Men’s Club gave an invitation to the Board and Town Administrator to attend its Annual Luncheon on October 2, 2003 at 12:00 P.M.
Recreation Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Stephen Lesco for reappointment to the Recreation Advisory Committee. He stated that it was his opinion that the need for a 90-foot baseball diamond and the conversion of the landfill into a recreation site is a priority for this committee.
The Board interviewed Rick Schantz for reappointment to the Recreation Advisory Committee. He spoke briefly about a consultant being hired to prepare a five-ten year plan for recreation. He mentioned the Committee’s involvement with the Lake projects and the Committee’s goal to ensure all constituencies’ interests are being served. He also mentioned the need for the 90-foot baseball diamond.
The Board interviewed Michael Goldstein for reappointment to the Recreation Advisory Committee. He stated he enjoyed being involved with the following projects: beach front, new playground equipment, ball field improvements, sports coordination and budgetary process.
Minutes
Motion: (J. Roach/No second) to approve the Minutes of July 29, and August 4, 2003, including Executive Sessions.
Motion not carried. Minutes on hold at the request of Selectman Grasfield.
Town Accountant/Sick Leave Advance
Town Administrator Ben Puritz requested that the Board vote to advance an additional 25 days of Sick Leave on behalf of the Town Accountant who is out on Disability Leave. He stated that 25 additional days would keep her on leave to October 3. He stated that the Town Accountant is collecting Disability payments that cover about 50% of her salary. He further stated that in order to keep her on the payroll and to cover the additional costs for the Assistant Town Accountant, he recommends this advance that has “no direct budgetary impact.” He stated this was a matter of sensitivity and confidentiality. He expects there will be a medical determination no later than this October 3 date with a specific recovery plan and target date for her return to work.
In answer to the question by Selectman Roach that he understands that: “she is in contact daily with the office and we take work down to her?” Mr. Puritz replied, “yes!”
Selectman Grasfield stated that he understands this is a continuation of the initial 50 days previously granted (by the Board of Selectmen in October, 2002) and there are plans to buy back this leave and recompensate the Town upon her return to work. Mr. Grasfield stated that in taking the leave to October 3, “that it would “not likely be a date for return to work.” He asked if there was any idea for total time frame at this point as this was a significant amount of time. Town Administrator Puritz stated that would be “months - not years” and “this issue would likely be revisited in 25 days.”
Selectman Grasfield stated that he had received a “handful of calls expressing concerns in this year of “financial constraints” by Town employees, whom have asked to remain anonymous. He further stated he is “uncomfortable with being without a Town Accountant.” He suggested that the Town consider appointing an interim Town Accountant. Town Administrator Puritz stated he would follow-up and get input from the Assistant Town Accountant Eileen Generazzo and that this would be a future agenda item.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted 2-1 (Grasfield opposed) to grant an additional 25 days of sick leave to the Town Accountant.
Recreation Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Michael Goldstein for reappointment to the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Chair Mike Ginsberg was present to state that he was enthused to have all members express a willingness to return to the Committee. He also stated that wanted to see the conversion of the landfill into park and recreation land as a priority. He further stated he was looking forward to Selectman Grasfield attending the next meeting of the Recreation Advisory Board on September 4.
Transportation Advisory Board
The Board interviewed Arthur Stein for Reappointment to the Transportation Advisory Board. Mr. Stein is serving as Chair of the Committee. He stated that the Transportation Advisory Board was focused on areas re traffic, sidewalks, stops signs, railroad parking, reconfiguration of North and South Main. He stated that his Board works with all Departments of the Town.
In answer to the question from Selectman Grasfield, he stated that the Transportation Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Selectmen but does not advocate. He spoke about the recommended “Priority List” for sidewalks.
Council on Aging Board
The Board interviewed Reuben Herman for reappointment to the Council on Aging Board. He gave a brief history of his background, including serving as past president of the Men’s Club. He mentioned serving on a “Salt Committee” that coordinates services for seniors with police/fire/sheriff’s office.
In answer to the question by Selectman Grasfield as to the largest challenges facing the seniors, he stated that there were two problems: (1) that the seniors were more passive than active – “they don’t vote or agitate for themselves . . . few make it to Town meeting . . . senior population is not conspicuous”; and (2) lack of activism in the Town for senior issues, including a senior center, seniors being “squeezed out of Town.” He mentioned high property taxes and seniors’ pensions not covering costs of health care and seniors who cannot afford to “go out to lunch.” He felt that “a great deal more could be done.”
Chairman of the Council on Aging Board, Arnold Kublin spoke on behalf of Mr. Herman and stated that his contributions “keep us on our toes” . . . and “he’s a doer.”
The Board interviewed Faye Berzon for a new appointment to the Council on Aging Board. Ms. Berzon discussed her background in nursing with education, teaching, and experience as an ombudsman on behalf of seniors.
In answer to the question if they could not appoint her to the Council on Aging Board due to a statutorily fixed number of members, would she consider appointment to the Board of Health, Ms. Berzon replied that she preferred the Council on Aging, but stated, “I might be interested in the Board of Health.” She stated she would like to help the Council on Aging and serve as the “Town Ombudsman . . . somebody who could troubleshoot and advocate.”
Pole Location Hearings - Canton & Richards Avenue
The Board reviewed the Memorandum prepared by Peter M. O’Cain Assistant Town Engineer, dated July 10, 2003. The Board was advised that the petitioners, Verizon New England and Boston Edison Company, have requested that the hearing be continued to a later date as the new pole locations will require removal of trees. The site will need to be investigated and a hearing will need to be conducted before the Planning Board for tree removal on scenic roads.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to open the hearing for locating poles on Canton Street and Richards Avenue to continue the hearing to 7:30 P.M., September 23, 2003.
Four-Way Stops - Ames/Pond Street
Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer was present at this public hearing to discuss placing a 4-way stop sign at Ames and Pond Streets. Approximately 35 interested abutters and residents were present. Mr. O’Cain discussed traffic accident, speed and pedestrian studies. He stated the number of recorded accidents meets the criteria for a four-way stop sign. Arthur Stein, Chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee stated that his Committee recommends that the Board approve these stop signs and increase the line of sight.
Mr. O’Cain reported on plans to improve the “line of sight.” He distributed photos of the area.
Members of the audience discussed the following concerns:
speeding of the “highschool kids’”
option of installation of a traffic light at this intersection for pedestrian safety;
possible use of Chapter 90 monies to fund the cost of a street light ($30,000 - $50,000);
extension of the sidewalk near the Gopen residents;
square off the corners of the intersection (Mr. O’Cain stated that this would be a problem for bus/truck traffic)
opposition expressed to a four-way stop because it will cause, “road rage”;
opposition expressed re traffic flow issues on Pond Street;
enforcement of the four-way stop with fines;
the necessity for a four-way stop;
problems due to increased pedestrian activity;
use of a “rough road” to slow traffic;
enlarging the “school zone”;
staggering the start of the high school schedule;
Selectman Roach suggested that the Board approve the four-way stop, but continue with plans for a full-blown traffic light at this intersection.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve a four-way stop and to continue the pursuit of a full-blown set of street lights at the intersection of Ames/Pond Streets.
Change to the Traffic Rules & Orders
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders to add a four-way stop at the intersection of Ames/Pond Streets. This change will be advertised in the Sharon Advocate.
Saphire Manor - Outdoor Liquor License Location
The Board reviewed the application by Saphire Manor for an alteration of its liquor license location to include an outdoor area in the courtyard on the left side of the building. A public hearing was conducted under Chapter 138 of the General Laws, which was duly advertised. Roberta Saphire, President of Daub’s Highland Manor, Inc., d/b/a Saphire Manor, Inc. was present.
Selectman Grasfield asked if there were any questions remaining that were raised in a Memo by the Joe Kent the Building Inspector, dated July 26, 2003. Town Administrator Puritz said he and Mr. Kent were at the site today and that the concerns had been addressed. The approval of this outdoor location will be subject to ongoing review and compliance with pertinent building codes, some of which are not pertinent to this proceeding. This approval by the Board is the first step in a two-step approval process. The final approval would be from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to grant approval for the alteration of the liquor license location to allow for outdoor service of alcohol in the designated area subject to the following condition: “Subject to ongoing review and compliance with pertinent building codes.”
Water Resources Data
Fred Clay and George Bailey presented an analysis of data collected from various sources and records with regard to the Town’s water resources. Walter Newman was part of this effort, but was not present this evening. The intent was to collect this data, combine it into a single database and to make it available as needed. Some of the issues, which motivated the collection of data, included:
What is the connection (if any) between Town wells and the Lake?
What is an appropriate water level for the Lake and how can it be secured?
What could be the role of new technology for Subsurface sewage disposal in allowing higher housing density while protecting groundwater?
What should town lawn watering policy be in view of the drinking water and other water resource needs in summer months?
What, if any, relation exists between water storage, water pressure, and per capita consumption?
Should the town adopt more stringent surface water runoff retention requirements such as those adopted in neighboring communities? Is an induced groundwater recharge strategy necessary and how can it be most successfully accomplished? A quantitative analysis of rainfall, surface conditions, etc. may shed light on the significance of induced recharge.
The Lake Management Committee was originally formed to address the question of eutrophication (rapid aging). What is the best continuing management plan for controlling weed growth in light of past studies and experiences and maintaining Lake Massapoag’s recreational character?
Mr. Clay recommended that the Board appoint a Technical Steering Committee charged with selecting a consultant to analyze the data in an advisory capacity. He stated that this data will next be presented to the Water Management Advisory Committee in September. The Board expressed its appreciation to Fred Clay, George Bailey and Walter Newman for their efforts.
Request for Banner - Unitarian Church
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for the Unitarian Church for the dates: September 1 - 8, 2003.
Review and Release of Executive Session Minutes
Selectman Grasfield requested that this item be held.
Placement of Cell Tower at the Sharon Country Club
In answer to the question about updating abutters, Town Administrator Puritz stated that Town Counsel has advised that the Town not divulge any information on this matter, presently under litigation, so as to not jeopardize the position of the Town. He stated that the Town may have additional information in a few weeks. Both Selectman Grasfield and Roach asked if any information that Town Counsel approves releasing can be shared.
Budget Scheduling
Selectman Grasfield suggested that the review of the larger budgets be scheduled before the smaller budgets. Town Administrator Puritz stated that the large budgets are scheduled later due to their complexity. He stated that he hopes to have all budgets reviewed by the Board before Thanksgiving and should be sent before the Finance Committee before February 1.
Proposed Estates at Borderland
Selectman Grasfield suggested that this be scheduled so that the Board can provide its input into the less technical aspects of this 40B application pending before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Town Administrator Puritz stated that a consolidated draft of all departmental comments was being drafted with Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works responding to the technical aspects, including draining and engineering.
Town Meeting - Open Forum
Selectman Grasfield suggested that a large open forum be scheduled to discuss ways to improve Town Meeting and also that a town-meeting style open forum be scheduled of the Town’s multi/committees and boards.
Capital Outlay
Selectman Grasfield stated he would like a status report of previous capital outlay borrowings and a pro-active discussion of borrowing policy.
Town Administrator Puritz stated that Bill Heitin had recommended James H. Goldsmith to fill the position of Capital Outlay Chair.
Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz also stated that during the Capital Outlay review for Selectmen’s Capital Outlay expenditures, the Board will receive a status of approved projects.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of Collective Bargaining, Pending Litigation, and Real Property Negotiations and, at the conclusion thereof, to adjourn for the evening.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 10:15 P.M.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; and Katz, aye.
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