September 30, 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.
Alison Walsh
Chair Katz noted sadly the death of Alison Walsh who served on the Planning Board from 1986-1991, the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee in 1990, and the Board of Health 1996-2000.
Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the minutes of September 22, 2003 as written.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the minutes of September 23, 2003 with the following corrections:
Page 3. Add: After “She may not be able to advocate on behalf of Cobb’s Tavern”:
“at Historical Commission Meetings.”
Page 5. add quotes: after 21 Months ... “severance pay.”
Page 6. Change:
Selectman Grasfield stated that he had asked two weeks ago for information to start conversations with the Town Administrator re financial issues and that he feels that we have significant problems with the financial management.
To:
Selectman Grasfield stated that he had asked two weeks ago to start conversations with the Board of Selectmen regarding job performance and, at the request of Mr. Puritz, has already addressed serious concerns about the Town’s financial management directly and at length with the Town Administrator...”
add at end of paragraph: after Generazzo, and asked that the appointments be voted individually.”
Change:
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted 2 - 1 (Grasfield opposed) to appoint all of the three-year appointments with the exception of Joan Leighton, Town Accountant.
To:
VOTED: (Roach/Katz) Voted 2 - 1 (Grasfield opposed) to appoint all of the three-year appointments with the exception of Joan Leighton, Town Accountant.
Page 9 (Capital Outlay)
Change: “Board discussed” to “Joe discussed......”
Page 10 (Housing Starts...)
Add at end: “and strongly encouraged the Board of Selectmen to engage and provide comments in the future so that our inaction could not be potentially mischaracterized by applicants.”
Page 10 (MMA) Insert after “seems to be..:” “whose purposes seems invariably to be requests.”....
At end, Add: “Selectmen Roach pointed out that MMA also hosts seminars that he has found beneficial.”
Health Insurance Utilization Review
Anne Hart-Davies was present to discuss reasons for increases in enrollment and premiums to the health insurance. Some of the factors discussed included:
an aging population (typical of other 32B communities)
32B required to offer all state mandates and benefit enhancements
25 members total 80% of the costs
increase in drug costs and demand for more expensive drugs
employees moving from Blue Cross Elect to HMO Blue
She further discussed options that could reduce costs:
negotiate with employee unions for increase in co-pays
start a wellness program
new product options need to be negotiated with unions
disease management programs
new program with lower premiums, high deductibles, use of medical savings account with unused funds that can roll over
employee education
promote generic drugs
certain drugs not covered by plan
look at ways of prescribing drugs
Selectman Grasfield requested that data be provided showing how the Town compares to other 32B Towns and the Town’s enrollment history.
Budget Review - Sealer
Charles Healy presented the preliminary FY’05 Budget for the Sealer in the amounts of $3,683.00 Primary Budget, $4,051.00 plus budget, and $3,499.00 minus budget. Mr. Healy discussed the need to purchase a new fuel test can that is a state requirement. The present can is from the 1950's. Selectman Roach stated that the town “buy him a brand new can...a man has to have the tools to do his job.” Selectman Grasfield suggested that there may process to purchase the new can without putting the amount in the budget.
Rattlesnake Hill State Funding
Conservation Commission Chair, Peg Arguimbau and Conservation Officer, Greg Meister were present to discuss the application for State funding from a new office of Public Private Partnerships with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). A letter has been prepared addressed to Ms. Betsy Shure-Gross, Director of the Office of Public Private Partnerships, dated September 30, 2003 for the Board’s signature.
Ms. Arguimbau requested that a place be held for an article on the Special Town Meeting Warrant for funding (in an amount up to 4 million to be combined with other monies from the state to purchase this property (vote would be contingent upon receiving monies from the State and fundraising drive). She stated that this step would let the State know that we are serious and give the Town more credibility in securing a commitment from the State. Ms. Arguimbau further discussed the pending 40B proposal for development of this land and the long-term impact that it would have upon the Town. She stated that this borrowing would be for 20 years.
In answer to the question, Ben Puritz stated that the appraisal done by the State has not yet been released by the State. It was further stated that the State is not permitted to provide funds for more than the appraised price.
Peg Arguimbau stated that this letter addressed to Shure is just a “hello” to this office to let them know what our efforts are and that they are going to continue. Ms. Arguimbau also requested that letters be sent to surrounding Towns to get regional support for this annexation of Rattlesnake Hill to Borderland State Park.
Ben Puritz stated that a visit to this area will demonstrate physical evidence for plans to develop this land, and that this is a crucial time and “last opportunity”.
Selectman Grasfield discussed certain language changes to the draft letter, to include that this annexation will benefit the state as a whole and that there will be a significant sacrifice by the residents of Sharon for this purpose.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to sign the letter addressed to Ms. Betsy Shure-Gross with corrections to be made.
Communication System Update
Chief Bernstein updated the Board with regard to working with a consultant re the updating of the Police/Fire Communication System. There is an expectation of receiving grants monies for this purpose even though all monies have been appropriated at Town Meeting.
Capital Outlay Proposal - Police
Chief Bernstein discussed his request for FY’05 to replace two marked vehicles ($29,000 each) and related equipment. Chief Bernstein stated that this money has been reduced from the original amount as proposed last year for three vehicles as the result of budgeting factors that allowed the purchase of one new vehicle from the Police Department Budget.
Capital Outlay Proposal - Data Processing
Don Hillegass, Systems Administrator, was present to request a Document Archival Program at a cost of $20,000 for FY’05. This will be a means to reduce the volume of documents that are being held in storage areas.
Capital Outlay Proposal - Animal Control
Diane Malcolmson, Animal Control Officer, had no requests for FY’05, but presented a request for a new vehicle for FY’06.
Capital Outlay Proposal - DPW
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works was present to request for FY’05 $450,000 Roadway Improvements (a reduction of $150,000 from the historical request); $150,000 Sidewalk Projects (a reduction of $50,000 from the historical requests); and, $230,000 in equipment replacement.
Mr. Hooper discussed reductions in Chapter 90s monies and monies appropriated at the May 2003 town meeting. Due to cutbacks in the State Transportation Improvement Program, the Town had to use Chapter 90 funds to maintain Bay Road and Massapoag Avenue and neighborhood road maintenance was put on hold during the 2003 construction season. The DPW has also reserved the approximate $600,000 non-participating work to be funded through Chapter 90 as part of the $6.9 million North/South Main Street reconstruction project reimbursement.
The Board reviewed detailed information as provided by Mr. Hooper in his Memo of September 23, 2003 pertaining to: Roadway and Sidewalk Projects and Equipment Replacement.
There was a discussion regarding vehicles. The following items are being requested:
1. Bucket (Tree) Truck, cost estimate: $120,000.
2. Backhoe, cost estimate: $80,000.
3. Wash Facility Equipment, cost estimate: $30,000.
Selectman Grasfield asked questions re need for replacement vehicles and possible alternatives.
In answer to the question, Mr. Hooper replied that three backhoes are necessary as there are three separate working crews. In answer to the question re alternative use of a tree service, Mr. Hooper stated that DPW needs the capacity to provide services on demand. Selectman Grasfield stated that at $120,000 (for the Tree Truck) it is worth looking into. Mr. Hooper indicated he would.
Selectman Grasfield asked whether there was a balance from this year to be used for the next construction period. Mr. Hooper replied that $570,000 of the $850,000 balance is spoken for.
Railroad Station - Proposed Resurfacing Plans for the Providence Side
The Board discussed a Memo from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated September 24, 2003 re: Previous Appropriation for Purchase of Property at the Railroad Station and Proposed Resurfacing Plans for the Providence Side.
Mr. Hooper stated that the sum of $240,000 previously appropriated for the purchase or taking of the auto body shop off Depot Street by the May 1990 Annual Town Meeting and transferred from the Water Surplus Account continues to be available to acquire this property; and, therefore, railroad parking revenue would not be used for this purpose; and instead, he proposed railroad parking revenues be used for resurfacing the Providence side parking lot and entrance roadway. This project is scheduled to start on October 8 and arrangements have been made for additional parking on the Boston side and at the Wilber School for the entire 12-day construction period.
Budget Review - Town Report
Ben Puritz presented the preliminary FY’05 Budget for Town Report in the amounts of $10,500, Primary; $11,550.00 Plus, and $9,975.00 minus.
Budget Review - Vocational Tuition
Ben Puritz presented the preliminary FY’05 Budget for Vocational Tuition in the amounts of $25,000, Primary; and $27,500, Plus. Ben Puritz explained that account pays for one student at Blue Hills Regional for the current fiscal year and the proposed budget allows for two students for FY’05. Selectman Grasfield inquired as to what happens to the unused balance, and Mr. Puritz explained that it becomes “excess funds” part of “free cash.”
Capital Outlay Proposal - Recreation
Ben Puritz presented the Capital Outlay Request on behalf of Recreation Director David I. Clifton who is out of Town. The projects for FY’05 include $25,000 for improvements to the Community Center and property, caretaker’s cottage and Memorial Park Beach Building; $50,000 for Site Improvements to the Memorial Park Beach Project; $15,000 for equipment replacement. Total amount requested is $90,000.
With regard to improvements to the Memorial Park Beach, Selectman Roach stated he would like to get input from other groups that use these facilities before they go to Capital Outlay Committee, including the Fourth of July Committee, Family Week and Triathlon. Selectman Grasfield asked to see the summary of the total window replacement project. Selectman Grasfield also suggested that fees be set for the sailing program to cover the costs of the sailboat.
Capital Outlay Proposal - Fire
Chief Mann presented the Capital Outlay requests for FY’05 for the Fire Department as follows: $22,600 (Phase 2 - Exhaust System); $40,000 for the Radio Fire Alarm System; $20,000 for a Military Tanker; and $41,000 for a Deputy Command Car for a total of $123,600.
Selectman Roach discussed the replacement of “street boxes” with the Radio Fire Alarm System. Chief Mann stated that the requested amount does not reflect the cost to remove the boxes. He added that the “boxes” have not been pulled for a fire for over 20 years. Selectman Grasfield asked questions of the ambulance revolving fund and whether it could be used for the replacement of the spare ambulance. Ben Puritz stated that the ambulance revenue is used to offset the operating costs.
Opening of the Special Town Meeting Warrant
The Board discussed the proposed Special town Meeting Schedule and its coming right after the long Thanksgiving weekend.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to change the schedule of the Special Town Meeting to December 8, 2003.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to move the Closing of the Warrant date to October 14, 2003
It was the consensus of the Board that the Special Town Meeting Warrant for December 8, 2003 is now open.
Town Accountant - Request for Leave Without Pay
The Board reviewed a letter from Joan M. Leighton, Town Accountant, dated September 20, 2003 requesting a three-month unpaid leave of absence from October 6 - December 29, 2003.
Ben Puritz stated that he would report in Executive Session information as to an anticipated date of return of December 29 or sooner based on Ms. Leighton’s medical condition.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to grant a three-month leave of absence without pay to the Town Accountant, from October 6 - December 29, 2003.
Staples Office Supplies Contract
The Board reviewed correspondence from Catherine Salisbury, Southeastern Regional Services Group, dated September 24, 2003 outlining performance problems with the Staples Office Supplies Contract and the request by Staples to be let out of the SERSG office supplies contract that it has with 16 SERSG municipalities. Ms. Salisbury recommends that all SERSG municipalities act as a group and to sign or cause our Chief Procurement Officer to sign a Default Notice and also to delegate authority to Ms. Salisbury to act on behalf of the Town in negotiating a settlement agreement.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to authorize Chair Katz to sign the Delegation of Authority to Negotiate a Settlement Agreement with Staples as to the Termination of the Fy’04 and FY’05 SERSG Office Supply Contract.
Technical Correction to Vote for the Kendall Foundation -Waiver of Option
The Board was asked to re-vote this item to correct the identification of the parcel.
VOTED: (Roach/Katz) 2-0 (Grasfield abstained) to waive the Town’s statutory option to purchase the Henry P. Kendall Foundation’s land at 215 Walpole Street, Parcel identified as Assessor’s Parcel No. 077034000.
Carry Forward Items
The Board deferred the following items:
a. Selectmen’s Goals and Objectives - Update/Process
b. Selectmen’s Policies - Annual Review
Ben Puritz requested that Miscellaneous Correspondence items be held for the next meeting.
Early Retirement Incentive Program
Ben Puritz requested that this be on next week’s agenda.
Priorities Committee Meeting
Ben Puritz requested that this be on next week’s agenda.
Other Meetings
Ben Puritz announced that the Board will be meeting with the Water Management Advisory Committee next week, and that a date with the Planning Board is being finalized
Executive Session
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of Collective Bargaining and Legal matters and, at the conclusion thereof, to adjourn for the evening.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; and Katz, aye.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 10:35 P.M.
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