February 10, 2004
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 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 7:32 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the minutes of February 3, 2004 with the following corrections:
Under: Continued Hearing on White Goods Disposal Fees
Page 3, 3rd line:
Replace: “It was suggested that residents keep receipts for fees paid for recycling.”
To: It was suggested that residents keep receipts for fees paid for white goods disposal.
Under: Status of WMAC Recommended Future Exploration Sites
Page 4, Para 10, line 2:
Change: “Mr. Goodblatt stated that...”
To: Mr. Birschbach stated that...
Under: Proposed Water Department Capital Projects FY2005
Page 6, Para 2, Last Sentence:
Add at end: “Selectman Grasfield asked questions re balances remaining from FY’04 projects”.
To Read: Selectman Grasfield asked questions re balances remaining from FY’04 projects ( to include the amounts as they were considerable sums).
Page 6, Para 3, Last Sentence:
Change: “...vote of this Committee to keeping this on line for the FY’06 schedule. “
To: “...vote of this Committee to encourage keeping Morse Street on line for the FY’05 schedule.”
Under Water Department Budget Revisions
Page 7, line 1:
Change: “VOTED: (Roach/Katz) Voted 2-0 (Grasfield opposed)”
To: “VOTED: (Roach/Katz) Voted 2-1 (Grasfield opposed)”
Beech Tree Park Update
Joe Gopen and Mim Gopen were present to update the Board re the Beech Tree Park Project. They presented an extensive list of accomplishments from August 2001 to 2003 and mentioned the donations received and the assistance of numerous volunteers. Special acknowledgment was given for the help from the Department of Public Works. They announced the Spring Fling fund raiser at Saphire Manor, on Sunday, March 14, 2004. Tickets are on sale for $35.00 per person. For Tickets call 781-784-2771 or 781-784-3086.
Net School Spending Agreement
The Board reviewed the Net School Spending Agreement in which certain items are reported on the end-of-year report. These Net School Spending costs are used to determine the percentage of the Town budget used by the schools - around 76%. Barbara Dunham, the Assistant School Superintendent is requesting that the Board accept these indirect costs with a formal vote authorizing Ben Puritz, the Town Administrator, to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Puritz explained that the numbers represent the “value of effort” rather than actual expenses, and it has already been reported to the State for FY’03 under so-called Schedule 19. This agreement would be a verification by agreement. Information was generated by the Accounting Office.
Questions were raised by Selectman Grasfield as to how certain numbers were calculated. He would like to have further explanation as to:
why the estimated numbers in certain line items for Treasurer, Police, Health Insurance show a decline from FY’02 to FY’03; and,
why the numbers for School Construction Debt are not found but are mentioned within the agreement.
Ben Puritz stated that the filing was a requirement by the Department of Education. Selectman Grasfield stated that the reporting may affect the state aid determination.
MOTION: (Roach) to authorize Ben Puritz to sign the Net School Spending Agreement on behalf of the Board for FY’03.
MOTION NOT CARRIED
Selectman Grasfield requested that we assure that we have the correct numbers before we pass these around.
The Selectmen’s Office lost its power and lights, but continued to meet in the dark under with limited light provided by Chair Katz’ emergency flashlights. Cable TV went off the air.
It was the consensus of the Board to clarify the numbers and put this back on next week’s agenda.
The Estates at Borderland No. 13195
The Board reviewed the letter with comments provided to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs re The Estates at Borderland. It was noted that comments were forwarded to the Board by resident, and abutter to the project, Leslie Koval via EMail re this correspondence.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to send the letter as written to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs re The Estates at Borderland.
Residences at Old Post Road
Selectman Grasfield noted the rewritten letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals re Residences at Old Post Road. He stated that the redrafted letter still refers to the reduction of units and that we may get in trouble with the State by providing the solution as opposed to just asking for more information.
Improvements to Town Meeting
Selectman Grasfield stated that the Town Moderator Paul Bouton had notified him that he would like to be included in any discussions as to improvements to Town Meeting. It was the consensus of the Board to advertise via Cable, web and EMail to Boards and Committees the date for this appointment. Selectman Grasfield will check the date with Paul Bouton. A Memo will be drafted to notify all Town Committees and Boards. It was decided that this meeting should take place at the Community Center. March 16 was selected as a possible date.
Local Ambulance Rates
Selectman Grasfield discussed a comparison of local ambulance rates with five other Towns. He noted that the Town’s rates and the Town of Walpole’s rates were considerably higher than the other four Towns. He suggested that a plus 30% formula may be a more appropriate rate.
Town Administrator Puritz stated that the Town was facing a considerable revenue shortfall in this account and that the charges would be “third-party pay.” Chair Katz stated that the Town of Sharon was limited as to where they could seek additional funds as we have no tax base other than homes. Selectman Roach mentioned that we were seeking funds from Priorities for a $77,000 shortfall and an increase in rates would help us out.
MOTION: (Grasfield) to adopt the more moderate +30 ambulance rate as in Stoughton/Foxboro/Canton.
MOTION NOT CARRIED
Selectman Grasfield stated that this was continued pending additional comparison rates/information as provided by Chief Mann, and he would like to ask for reconsideration of that vote.
Chair Katz stated that, “I am not prepared to change my mind.” Selectman Roach agreed with Chair Katz.
Interviews Scheduled
It was noted that Candidate for Avalon Bay Citizens Advisory Committee Robin Stewart will be scheduled for an interview before the Board on February 24, 2004. Candidates for Zoning Board Peter Levenson and Henry B. Greenberg will also be scheduled for that evening.
Citizen’s Petition re: Recreation Gymnastic & Dance Program
The Board discussed receipt of a Citizen’s petition expressing concern that the program for gymnastic and dance program may be discontinued at the Community Center to make way for use by the Council on Aging. Selectman Roach discussed the fact that the Board has not taken any vote re change of use in the Community Center Building. Selectman Grasfield stated that the idea should be discussed. Selectman Roach noted that a proposal is before Capital Outlay to make improvements to the facility that will allow more use by the seniors. It was the consensus of the Board to invite David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, and representatives from Recreation, as well as Norma S. Fitzgerald, and representatives of the Council on Aging, to attend the next Meeting and discuss the shared use of
the Community Center Building.
Selectman Roach noted there is pending an arrangement to allow the Council on Aging to use a room at the Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on a trial basis. The proposed Capital Improvements, to include air conditioning, will allow a room to be used as a multi-purpose room.
Selectman Grasfield noted that the seniors have been seeking something for a number of years and that we should hear from both parties and come to an agreement so that a decision could be made. This will be scheduled for the next meeting.
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 meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; Katz, aye.
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