December 2, 2003
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:00 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Norman Katz, Selectmen Walter Joe Roach and David I. Grasfield and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:12 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the minutes of November 25, 2003, as corrected and the Executive Session minutes as presented.
Corrections to Minutes:
Change:
Under - Tax Rate
Selectman Grasfield would like to invite a member of the Board of Assessors to attend the next meeting to discuss the setting of the tax rate.
To:
Selectman Grasfield would like to invite the Board of Assessors to attend the next meeting to discuss the setting of the tax rate.
Under - Legal Bills
Add to: “He asked for a quarterly update.”
“......to include all large and volatile accounts under the Selectmen’s Sector.
Government Study Committee
Selectman Roach noted correspondence from Anne Carney, Chair of the Government Study Committee, dated November 24, 2003. Selectman Roach concurred with the request to ask the various boards and committees to utilize the website to keep the public informed.
Grant Application from Department of Conservation and Recreation
Selectman Roach noted letter from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, dated November 25, 2003, wherein the Town was informed it did not receive a grant for its Beech Tree Park project, but encouraged the Town to apply again next year.
Approval of Tax Rate
Selectman Roach noted letter from the Department of Revenue, dated November 25, 2003, notifying the Town that its Tax Rate has been reviewed and approved by the Bureau of Accounts.
South Main Street Rezoning - Special Town Meeting Article
Selectman Grasfield referenced correspondence from Joel Tran, dated December 1, 2003, with an update of the analysis for the rezoning of South Main Street. Selectman Grasfield stated there were new assumptions re tax benefits.
Homeland Security Initiative
Selectman Grasfield referenced correspondence from Governor Mitt Romney, dated November 24, 2003, reminding the Town of a deadline for completing an assessment as part of the federally mandated homeland security assessment process. Ben Puritz stated that we have been responsive to all requests to date and should be eligible to receive grants for homeland security funds.
Town Administrator - Summary Activity Report
Selectman Grasfield referenced the Summary Activity Report of the Town Administrator from August 15 - November 30, 2003. Selectman Grasfield discussed and had questions concerning various pending items, including Insurance Advisory Committee update and recommendations, and NSTAR’s proposal at the Salvation Army site (will need permitting from the Board of Appeals).
Richard Gray - Building Department Complaints
Selectman Roach reported that Mr. Gray has asked that his attorney be present at a meeting to be scheduled with Selectman Roach, Mr. Gray, Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, and Joe Kent, Building Inspector. Mr. Gray’s attorney will be allowed to attend.
Residences at Old Post Road
Steven Striar, representing Old Post Road, LLC, was present to discussed the proposed age-qualified housing on Old Post Road. This will be a 40B project. Plans are for two buildings with 33 units each on 18 acres of land near the Walpole line. Units will range from 1 bedroom to three bedrooms with an open loft. The affordable units will sell from $160,000 to $180,000 and the market rate units will be priced from $300,000 to $400,000. The Sharon Housing Authority has endorsed this project. He stated that the Zoning Board will consider the criteria for the 55+ age qualification. Mr. Striar introduced Ed Lyons, the architect for the project.
Mr. Lyons presented plans for both the inside and outside of the buildings. Plans include an in-ground swimming pool, balconies and storage area within the basement of one unit. Each unit will maintain its own mechanical system. Mr. Lyons stated that the plans go beyond the zoning requirements for parking spaces.
In answer to the question by Selectman Grasfield, Mr. Lyons stated that it would not be possible to use a Conservation Subdivision Design at this location as it is zoned for light industrial use. Selectman Grasfield requested a complete copy of the application for this project, and Mr. Striar agreed to provide three copies for the Board.
Employee Health Insurance
Selectman Grasfield requested that the costs be looked at if the Town did not self-insure employee health insurance. Ben Puritz stated that we did not get a response from Blue Cross/Blue Shield when we asked for a quote for a premium type of health insurance. Additionally, Mr. Puritz stated that if we were to effect a change to employee health insurance, it would need to be made part of coalition bargaining.
Selectman Grasfield requested that we pursue quotes from other insurance carriers based on our current experience. Mr. Puritz stated he will follow up, including discussions with Insurance Advisory Committee.
Public Safety Employees
Selectman Grasfield stated that during the budget review process, both the Police and Fire Chief stated that they were understaffed. He request during the review that both Chiefs indicate the costs to rectify the situation. He asked that the two Chief’s respond to this request and that it be discussed with the Priorities Committee.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to adjourn for the evening.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; Katz, aye.
The Board adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
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