August 26, 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 7:35 P.M.
Water Management Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Rory McGregor for reappointment to the Water Management Advisory Committee for which he serves as Chair. Mr. McGregor mentioned the vacancies on this Committee. He discussed several issues of interest to this committee, including:
low water pressure Hampton Road area;
water conservation education;
need for well exploration;
health and customer satisfaction issues to be addressed; and,
review of hydrological reports from Metcalf & Eddy Engineers re water distribution problems and report from Fred Clay’s group re data collection.
Commission on Disability
The Board interviewed Leslie Kriger for reappointment to the Commission on Disability where she has served as Secretary for the past two years. She discussed the responsiveness of members of the Committee to the needs of the disabled and some of the more recent accomplishments and concerns of this Committee, including:
new ramp for 1 School Street;
equipment for the library;
lake wheel chair; and,
lobbying for improvements to public transportation.
The Board interviewed Susan Myerson for a new appointment to the Commission on Disability. She expressed her interest in working to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
The Board interviewed Geila S. Aronson for a new appointment to the Commission on Disability. Mr. Aronson stated that she is newly retired as a special education teacher, is familiar with the needs of people with disabilities, and would like to address accessibility needs and compliance issues.
Minutes
The Minutes of July 29, August 4, August 12, and a reconsideration of the minutes of Executive Session minutes July 15, 2003 were held at the request of Selectman Roach.
Meeting Procedure
Selectman Roach requested that for each vote of the Board that each member state whether they are in favor, opposed or abstaining. The members agreed.
Request for Banner - Temple Sinai
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for Temple Sinai for the dates: January 12 - 19, 2004.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the request to block part of Colburn Drive on September 1, 2003 for a neighborhood party, subject to the conditions of the Police and Fire Departments.
Permission to Park on Boat Launching Area - Friends of Conservation
The Board reviewed correspondence from Alice Cheyer dated August 20, 2003 requesting permission to park four or five cars at the boat launching area.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to grant permission to the Friends of Conservation to park at the boat launching area on Sunday April 18, 1:30 PM - 4 PM.
Award Contract - Construction of Watermains and Appurtenant Work
The Board discussed correspondence from Amory Engineers, dated August 22, 2003 which makes reference to the rating of the insurance company for McLaughlin Brothers Contracting Corporation the contractors for the Constructions of Watermains. Selectman Grasfield stated that if Amory Association found the rating necessary, we should not waive the requirement. Town Administrator Puritz will look into requiring McLaughlin Brothers to obtain new insurance. In the interest of moving forward, he requested that the Board authorize him to sign the contract when the insurance issue is resolved.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the contract for Construction of Watermains and Appurtenant Work with McLaughlin Brothers Contracting Corporation, Brockton, MA, subject to satisfying the insurance requirement.
Firefighters’ Association Carnival
The Board reviewed a request from Gordon H. Hughes, President of the Sharon Firefighters’ Association for permission for a Carnival at Deborah Sampson park.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to grant permission to the Sharon Firefighters’ Association for a carnival on September 4, 5, and 6 at Deborah Sampson Park.
Wilber School Project
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Joel Wolk re the proposed budget for the Wilber Municipal Building project. Town Administrator Puritz stated that this is scheduled as an agenda item on September 9.
Surplus Land
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Division of Capital Asset Management re surplus land owned by the State. Town Administrator Puritz stated that the Town is interested in this parcel for commuter parking at the train station. Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, is preparing a response.
Ben Puritz also stated that he met with MBTA officials re surplus property owned by the MBTA which is being evaluated by the Town as a well site.
Early Retirement Incentive
Selectman Grasfield discussed correspondence from the Norfolk County Retirement System regarding an Early Retirement Incentive with very specific dates for acceptance. The Board discussed the financial impact of such a program. Selectman Grasfield asked that we discuss whether or not the Town can afford to participate or if it desires to. It was suggested that a survey be sent to all employees.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to send a letter to all Town employees to ascertain who might be interested in participating in the Early Retirement Incentive program, including whether or not they would need to participate in the Town’s health insurance.
Appreciation Letter - Sharon Police Department
The Board noted a letter of appreciation from a resident re positive experience with a recent License-to-Carry application.
Water Management Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Mike Birschbach for a new appointment on the Water Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Birschbach has been attending meetings and feels that he can become an asset to this Committee.
Conservation Commission
The Board interviewed Stephen Cremer for a new appointment on the Conservation Commission. Mr. Cremer is a retired physics teacher with a background in geophysics and geology.
Development and Industrial Commission
The Board interviewed Alan D. Lury for a new appointment to the Development and Industrial Commission. Mr. Lury has a background in financial management and would like to work at increasing the industrial tax base.
Lake Management Committee
The Board interviewed Michael Baglino for reappointment to the Lake Management Committee. Mr. Baglino has served on this committee for ten years. He discussed his efforts in keeping the lake clean, including testing.
Recess
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to take a five-minute recess.
The Board recessed at 8:45 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 8:50 P.M.
Bickford’s Family Restaurant - All-Alcoholic Liquor License
A public hearing was held under Chapter 138 of the General Laws of Massachusetts for an All Alcoholic Restaurant License at 973 Providence Highway. Kenneth Allen, Vice President and General Counsel for Bickford’s Family Restaurants and Steven Lavoie, who will be the Manager of the license for Bickford’s in Sharon, were present. Mr. Allen gave a brief history of the restaurant and its current plans for a change in direction to include an expanded dinner menu with fresh seafood. It was stated that Mr. Lavoie is familiar with the rules and regulations regarding liquor licenses.
Mr. Ed Raider the owner of the property was also present. Abutters present included Linda and William Brule who had concerns as to encroachment of their property by the owners of the property. Mr. Raider and the Brules reached an agreement regarding this issue and further agreed that this action has nothing to do with Bickford’s request for an Alcoholic License.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to grant approval for Bickford’s Family Restaurant for an All-Alcoholic Liquor License at 973 Providence Highway and to forward the Application to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for its approval.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) 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 9:05 P.M.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; and Katz, aye.
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