February 24, 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 make the corrections to the Executive Session minutes of February 10 within Executive Session and to approve the minutes of February 17, 2004 with the following corrections:
Under: Blood Drives - Help to Promote
Page 3, last line:
Change: “He requested that Linda Rosen of the Board of Health be informed that it is the Board’s intention to help promote the local blood drives within the Town.”
To: “He thanked Linda Rosen of the Board of Health for researching already-scheduled Blood Drives in Town and volunteering to help the Board of Selectmen to promote them.”
Special Town Election - Two Ballots
Town Clerk Marlene Chused was present to discuss the Special Town Election on March 2, 2004. She explained that there will be two ballots, one for the Presidential Primary, and one for Rattlesnake Hill (to ratify vote taken at the Special Town Meeting 8, 2004.
Street Acceptance Hearing - Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer
The Board reviewed Memo from Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer, dated January 21, 2004 re Street Acceptances FY’ 2004. A small number of abutters were present. Mr. O’Cain presented a list of items that need to be completed before he would recommend that the Town accept each street at the Annual Town Meeting. Items discussed included:
Aztec Way
ground cover - homeowners want grass and the Town wants vines due to maintenance concerns;
problem with catch basin;
homeowner at 23 Aztec Way objected to the paving of the driveway apron
(item declared a civil matter to be worked out with contractor Intoccia);
erosion problem at 6 Aztec (Steven Striar, was present on behalf of the developer, and addressed the issue to be worked out with the Contractor); and,
cable box at 19 Aztec - needs to be righted - wires not exposed.
Inca Trail
questions of erosion of soil due to emergency roadway runoff;
Bramble Lane
homeowner at 8 Bramble Lane concerned re lights (representative from Einis, the developer, stated that the lights were ready to be installed);
concerns re exposed wires re telephone service - addressed by Developer; and,
removal of large equipment at 8 Bramble Lane.
Burnt Bridge Road
developer making a contribution to the Sharon Tree Fund as he cannot plant all the required trees due to configuration; and,
questions re “as-built” plan.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously that it is the Board’s intention to Lay-Out the following streets as described within the Memo of January 21, 2004 subject to meeting the conditions of the Town Engineer:
Aztec Way: beginning from Station 0+00, thence running Southeasterly, a distance of 1884.28 linear feet to Station 18+84.28, its terminus.
Inca Trail: beginning from Station 0+00, thence running Northeasterly, a distance of 1222.50 linear feet to station 12+22.50, its terminus.
Bramble Lane: beginning from Station 0+00, thence running easterly, a distance of 463.88 linear feet to station 4+63.88, its terminus.
Burnt Bridge Road: beginning from Station 0+00, thence running southerly, a distance of 441.72 linear feet to station 4+41.72, its terminus.
Net School Spending Agreement
Town Administrator Puritz discussed the Net School Spending Agreement between the Town and the School. Reference was made to a Memo from the Massachusetts Department of Education, dated November 5, 2003 re annual minimum local contribution. Ben stated that the requirements have been exceeded for FY’03 and FY’04. The Net School Spending Agreement is being sought for audit purposes. The figures as previously reported to the State have been accepted and approved but included no debt amount.
MOTION: (Roach) to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Net School Spending Agreement on behalf of the Board.
MOTION NOT CARRIED
Town Administrator Puritz stated that there is no material difference and no material impact on State Aid.
VOTED: (Roach/Katz) Voted 2 - 0 (Grasfield abstained) to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Net School Spending Agreement for FY03.
SERSG - Assignment of Contract - Liquid Calcium Chloride
The Board reviewed Memorandum from Catherine Salisbury, Southeastern Regional Services Group (SERSG), dated February 19, 2004, requesting that the Board approve the assignment of the Contract from Road Solutions to its successor Road Solutions. Town Administrator Puritz that Innovative Municipal Products (IMUS), Buffalo, NY, recently bought out Road Solutions who won the regional contract for liquid calcium chloride.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to authorize Chair Katz to sign the Assignment Agreement for Innovative Municipal Products Inc., Buffalo, NY for SERSG.
Michael Rothberg Memorial Race
The Board reviewed a request from Cathy Russo, Race Director, requesting a change of date of the Michael Rothberg Memorial Race from September 26, 2004 to October 3rd, 2004 to be part of Family Week.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to grant a change in date for the Michael Rothberg Memorial Race.
Request for Extended Unpaid Leave of Absence - Joan M. Leighton
The Board reviewed a request from Joan M. Leighton, dated February 22, 2004 to extend her unpaid Leave of Absence to April 1, 2004. A Letter was received from Dr. Volpe that Ms. Leighton “may return to work on April 1, 2004.” Chair Katz noted Ms. Leighton’s long and challenging progress to return to work, but stated that it is his understanding that this would be the last extension granted.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to grant the five-week extension of unpaid Leave of Absence to Joan Leighton to April 1, 2004.
Sharon Taxi - Request for Permission for Livery Service
The Board reviewed language in a letter addressed to Massachusetts Port Authority to be signed by Chair Katz. This will allow for Sharon Taxi to provide livery service to Logan Airport and back.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter on behalf of the Board for Sharon Taxi.
Program to Eliminate Mercury
The Board read an announcement as requested by Marie Cuneo, Business Manager DPW. beginning March 1, 2004 residents who bring a mercury thermometer to the Department of Public Works or the Board of Health will receive a free digital thermometer in return. A mercury bearing thermostat to the DPW Office, will receive two $1.00 Dunkin Donut Gift Certificates.
Other household mercury containing items will also be accepted during this collection.
Recess
The Board entered into a recess at 8:20 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 8:25 P.M.
Regional Fire Dispatch
Chief Mann introduced members of the Regional Dispatch Committee to the Board. Fire Chiefs Thomas Ronagne, Canton; William Scoble, Westwood; and Gary McCarraher, Franklin were present as well as Norfolk County Commissioners Ed Little and Jack Dacey. A PowerPoint presentation was shown.
The purpose of going toward Regional Dispatch is to provide more efficient service with mutual aid, cut down on response time and to increase homeland security. A Dispatch Center site was selected in the Town of Canton within the Massachusetts Hospital School. The Committee had the tasks of drafting a budget, applying for grants, writing policies and procedures and drafting legislation.
The mission is to provide for emergency medical instruction as well as dispatch. Regional Dispatchers will receive three levels of certification, including EMT Dispatch and 911 Fire and Medical. There will be direct radio communication and computer network link to Police and MEMA for emergency dispatch.
There are no requirements for membership and communities can join at any time. Costs will be shared by participating members by using three criteria: (1) population; (2) Net Assessment; and, (3) usage. The projected costs for the Town of Sharon to join is $84,121 (first year annual assessment). Five Communities have expressed interest in the program with plans to be up and running by January 1, 2005.
Selectman Roach recommended that the Board consider an article for the Annual Town Meeting for funding. Chief Mann stated he is a strong proponent of Regional Dispatch.
Recess
The Board recessed at 9:15 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 9:20 P.M.
Avalon Bay Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Robin Stewart for membership on the Avalon Bay Advisory Committee. Four appointments have already been made to this Committee whose mission will be to bring forth concerns and recommendations by the abutters and neighbors re this proposed 250-unit housing development to be constructed off Route 27 on Norwood and Edgehill Road.
In answer to questions, Ms. Stewart has stated that she is willing to receive calls and letters and will be available to her neighborhood, and that she has time to serve as a representative of the neighborhood in this capacity.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to appoint Robin Stewart to the Avalon Bay Advisory Committee.
Morse Street Project
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, Rory McGregor, Chair of the Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) were present to discuss this project. Paul Lauenstein, a member of the WMAC, was present as a private citizen and not as a member of the WMAC.
There was a lengthy discussion re the replacement of a section of 6 inch pipe with a 10 inch pipe along Morse Street. Mr. Lauenstein believes that the 6 inch pipe restricts flow to Hampton Road and that he encourages moving up this project that has been recently delayed. Mr. Lauenstein referenced copies of engineering and consulting reports that recommended this project since 1995. Mr. Lauenstein believes that enlarging the Morse Street water main would allow thousands more gallons per hour to flow from the Massapoag Avenue tank to the Hampton Road area. He further stated that the project was approved and monies appropriated for FY’04.
Mr. McGregor stated that he was familiar with the recommendations by Metcalf & Eddy as provided by Mr. Lauenstein. He stated that he believed the recommendation was part of the High Pressure Service District Project, but that Mr Hooper should speak on this issue. Mr. McGregor stated that his Committee voted 5 - 4 against proceeding with this project for the current fiscal
year, with the older members voting to postpone the project. He further stated that he is not convinced that the pipe is going to make a significant difference in the moving of water except as part of the larger project. He stated that the newer members of the WMAC need to be brought up to the level of the more-experienced members in the understanding of what is involved.
Mr. Hooper stated that it is his position that this project was a recommended component of the High Pressure Service District, and it is a necessary component of that project. As an isolated project, Mr. Hooper does not believe it will make a difference to the network as a whole. He believes there are other areas that should have priority re bottlenecks in the system and that replacement of the pipe on Depot Street is most critical.
Mr. Hooper provided a written recommendation to the Board, dated February 19, 2004. He stated that:
“The Morse Street water main is not a distribution bottleneck in the present system. Model runs, which show relatively little water flowing through the present main even under Massapoag Avenue Tank full/Hampton Road Tank empty conditions, confirm this. Model results indicate only a 5.5gpm increase in flow or 7,900 gallons per day, not sufficient to result in any significant change in the rate at which the Hampton Road Tank is refilled. Furthermore, while an AC main, the Water Department has not responded to any water main breaks in this line.”
Mr. Hooper reiterated that replacing this pipe in isolation does not make an appreciable difference and that his recommendation for the project as part of the High Pressure Service District still stands. He further discussed the fact that no components of the High Pressure Service District were recommended for advancement until after issues concerning development of Rattlesnake Hill have been resolved because of the potential financial benefit gained by the property owner.
In answer to questions re Rattlesnake Hill, Mr. Hooper stated that the developer plans to install his own tank and use the existing distribution system.
Selectman Grasfield questioned whether it might be worth doing this project earlier as a solution to the historic level problem in the Hampton Road Tank.”. Mr. Hooper replied that there would be greater impact by making improvements to the entire system such as Billings Street, and that though this project was recommended to Capital Outlay, it was as a part of the High Pressure Service System and that project was put on hold. Mr. Hooper stated that by itself, it does absolutely nothing with regard to the Hampton Road Tank.
It was recommended that the engineers from Metcalf & Eddy be brought in to explain and answer the question if there is any argument to doing Morse Street by itself. Selectman Roach stated he would be in favor of rescheduling this project for this year if it would make a difference to the Hampton Road Tank. Selectman Roach stated that he thought (and it was confirmed by Mr. Hooper) that the Hampton Road Tank has not been as low as it has been since the new watering restrictions have been put in place.
Mr. Hooper listed his priority projects that he would place before the Morse Street project. He discussed the need for a new water main on Edgehill Road that has experienced 13 breaks with residents being without any water for the day.
Mr. Lauenstein discussed the need for replacing the Morse Street pipe as a “Fire Safety Issue.” He implored the Board to do it now as a stop-gap measure as there may be seven years until the High Pressure Service District is completed.
Selectman Grasfield stated that if there is a chance that this project might achieve it’s goal, then he would like to see it done earlier as a pilot program. Mr. Hooper stated that this is just a section of pipe and that it will not make a difference on the entire distribution network, but would make a difference for the High Pressure Service District.
Town Administrator Puritz suggested that the Water Management Advisory Committee continue to review this issue and to consider making a presentation to the Selectmen to calculate the impact of specific improvement re benefit to the Hampton Road area and to the entire system.
Residences at Old Post Road
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, was present to discuss his comments as addressed to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), on January 14, 2004. He discussed his concerns with the impact of this proposed project of 66 units on the topography with a hill being leveled and land being built up on the other side, impact to uplands and wetlands, traffic, the taking down of wall on another property etc. His conclusions are that the project is too large.
Selectman Grasfield stated that he flagged this item because he felt the Board of Selectmen was not authorized to offer solutions to the Board of Appeals, and he had a problem with the content of the original letter as written from the Board of Selectmen. He wanted to send a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals in support of Mr. Hooper’s request for additional information so that Mr. Hooper could make decisions. He had originally asked for a letter to be drafted in support of Mr. Hooper’s request for that additional information.
The Board had before them two versions of a letter addressed to the Zoning Board and Selectman Grasfield prefers Version #2 that leaves out language re the conclusion for a reduction in number of structures and dwelling units.
Chair Katz agreed that we should not be telling the ZBA what to do. Selectman Roach disagreed stating that, “they asked us for advice.”
Town Administrator Ben Puritz that the concern for a reduction in number of units is the kind of comment requested and it is entirely appropriate...they asked for comments.
Selectman Roach stated that we will be asked for our comments on every 40B. If we have any concerns, we need to notify them and have input. Ben Puritz stated the Board will be asked to comment soon on Glendale Village as will the Health Department, DPW, and Conservation Commission. Chair Katz stated, “send letter #1.” (This letter asks for a reduction in the units)
VOTED: (Roach/Katz) Voted 2-1 (Grasfield opposed) to send Letter Version #1, listed on Agenda as 6-1, to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Wilber Municipal Building - Phase I Abatement and Selective Demolition
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Standing Building Committee to the Capital Outlay Committee, dated February 16, 2004. He stated that it was his understanding that the Standing Building Committee was originally going to present an option for just buttoning-up the building and that the Standing Building Committee was going to provide that information. He would like that information put back in.
Selectman Roach mentioned that there was going to be a tour of the Wilber School Building this Saturday at 10:15 a.m. Selectman Grasfield requested that the previous version of this project be found.
Whitman Homes - 40B Development - “Glendale Village”
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Board of Appeals, dated February 20, 2004 re application of Whitman Homes. A hearing is scheduled to begin on March 10, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. in the Lower Meeting Room.
Town Meeting Warrant Article
Selectman Grasfield noted letter from Richard A. Gelerman, Town Counsel, dated February 18, 2004 addressed to Dr. Barbara Dunham, Assistant Superintendent of Schools re Warrant Article amending Article 3, Section 6 of the Town’s General By-Laws relative to design and construction projects. The Board will invite Dr. Dunham in to discuss this article.
White Goods
Town Administrator Puritz noted Memo from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, revised February 19, 2004 re White Goods Fees. This will be on next week’s agenda for the continued and final hearing on this matter.
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 10:32 P.M.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; Katz, aye.
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