April 7, 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 7:30 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously 2-0 (N. Katz abstained) to approve the Minutes of March 30, 2004, including Executive Session, as presented.
Morse Street Pipe - Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC)
Rory McGregor, Chair, WMAC, was present to discuss the endorsement of the Morse Street Pipe project as a Water Department Capital Project for the year FY’05. The majority of the Board of Selectmen voted for this for FY’06. Mr. McGregor stated that the WMAC decided to let its original recommendation for FY’05 stand; however, he discussed a potential scenario where the Morse Street upgrade would have a higher priority for the water system if Well #4 went out of service and this would be the primary path for town water to travel from the remaining wells.
Selectman Grasfield reported that he had attended the meeting of the WMAC where there was a long detailed and thoughtful discussion on this matter, and that he agreed that this project needs to begin sooner rather than wait for another year.
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, agrees with the statement that everyone wants to do the project. He stated that this project was only one among many for the high pressure service district. Though it is not a site he is interesting in pursuing by itself, he feels it is not worth his time to go against this and that there is money available to do it.
Chair Katz and Selectman Roach supported having this project included in the Water Department capital projects for FY’05. Town Administrator Ben Puritz stated that this would be funded through the Water Surplus Account and that he would notify Finance Committee to modify the projects to reflect this within the Town Meeting Recap. Mr. Hooper stated the cost of the project is projected to be $255,000. Selectman Roach stated that this project will not be done this construction period, but is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2005.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to include the Morse Street Pipe Project within the FY’05 budget.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Real Property Negotiation and at the conclusion thereof to return to regular session.
The Board recessed to Executive Session at 7:40 P.M.
The Board reconvened in regular session at 8:20 P.M.
Interview for Zoning Board of Appeals
The Board interviewed Lee Wernick for membership on the Zoning Board of Appeals. In answer to the question, Mr. Wernick stated that he has the time to do this. He spoke briefly about his having represented the Striar family in real estate transactions in the past and that he would like to bring his real estate expertise to the Zoning Board. Chair Katz spoke about how important it is that people not feel intimidated in going before the ZBA.
Traffic Patterns & Signage at Train Station - Chief Bernstein
Joseph S. Bernstein, Police Chief, was present to discuss his Memo of March 25, 2004 and the attached Memo from Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer to address traffic patterns at the train station. The changes are recommended to keep the traffic out of the neighborhoods and to improve safety. The Transportation Advisory Board will discuss these changes at its meeting of this week.
Recommendations - On the Inbound side:
Directing exiting traffic during the hours of 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM to go under the bridge - utilize the ramp - to westbound side of Depot Street, to head west toward Walpole;
Directing traffic to exit at Chestnut Street by turning left toward Depot Street and then right to head east or inbound to Sharon; and,
If traffic flow is impeded, this will be reevaluated and possibly remove the turn restriction onto Chestnut Street.
Recommendations - On the Outbound side:
No traffic pattern changes;
Lighted Warning Signal Devices on RTE 27 on each side of the exit with flashing lights during the hours of 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM.; and,
Traffic direction officer will no longer be present.
Changes will be advertised on Cable TV and fliers put onto cars at the railroad parking lot.
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board defer voting on this issue until next week to allow for comments from interested residents.
Proposed Signage for the Sharon Train Station
No right turn between 4:30 and 6:30 PM - Exit on the inbound side parking lot;
Directing drivers under the new bridge to points west toward Walpole and I-95;
Drivers on Chestnut Street will be required to turn right onto Depot Street Between 4:30 and 6:30 P.M;
Drivers leaving the ramp to Walpole will be prevented from turning left toward Sharon center at all times;
Signs on Oakland Road, Walnut Street and Chestnut Street will prevent thru traffic to Rte 27 from 4:30-6:30 P.M., and
Solar-powered flashing lights on Depot Street to coincide with the arrival of trains from Boston and will also serve to warn drivers of entering traffic at all times of the day.
The use of the flashing signals will free up one officer that was assigned to direct traffic. The Board reviewed an invoice for the solar flashing lights in the amount of $3,770.00 (quotation valid for 60 days) from Electro Solar Products.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the projects for Railroad Traffic Patterns & Signage at the Train Station as recommended by the Police Chief pending further public input.
Resource Development Consultant - Chief Bernstein
Joseph S. Bernstein, Police Chief, was present to discuss his Memorandum of March 16, 2004.
He is recommending that a contract be awarded for the purpose of pursuing avenues of funding for the radio project. It is hoped that when grant funds become available, the Town will be ready to apply for these funds. A prior consultant on this project has passed away.
Chief Bernstein further stated that the first step in the Town-Wide Radio Communications Project is complete, and outside funding will reduce the spending of previously approved capital funds. Chief Bernstein recommends awarding a contract to Diana Amy Chidsey, Tewksbury, MA at a fee of $100/hour with a retainer agreement for a period of six months up to $6,000 maximum.
Selectman Grasfield raised the issue of “conflicts of interest” with regard to Ms. Chidsey prior employment with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and the issue with her being new to the consulting field. Selectman Roach suggested that the Board invite Ms. Chidsey in to discuss its concerns. The Board will arrange to either have this back on the agenda or to meet during the week with Ms. Chidsey with a representative of the Board.
Town Administrator Employment Contract
Chair Katz spoke at length about misinformation, rumors and innuendo concerning publicity about the proposed contract for the Town Administrator. He stated that he wanted to make it absolutely clear, “that this Board will not be discussing any extension of the present employment contract–this will be the responsibility of future board members.”
He discussed his wanting to give our present administrator a proper incentive, “so that he would stay on the job.” He listed Town Administrator Ben Puritz years of service, sacrifice, integrity and stated that, “to see him maligned or the Boards’ actions and intent looked at in any other way but honorable is certainly not productive towards good government.” He mentioned how, compared to a similar position in the private sector, this position pays significantly smaller in anticipation of recognizing the benefits of the Municipal Retirement System.
Chair Katz further stated that he believes, “it would be in the best interest of the Town to offer Ben a contract that would insure his services through his retirement, but that would take away the oversight and future responsibility of Selectmen yet to be elected. “ He summed up his statement with a quote from Booker T. Washington, “You measure the size of the accomplishments by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals.”
Selectman Roach stated that the Town is lucky to have a Town Administrator like Ben Puritz. He stated that misquotes in the paper created a quagmire in the negotiations between the Town Administrator and the Board of Selectmen. He commended Ben Puritz for his 24 years of dedication to the community and stated that he is sure he will continue to lead this community as well as he has for the past 24 years.
Open Warrant - Special Town Meeting Within the Annual Town Meeting
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to open the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting.
Place Articles on the Special Town Meeting Warrant
Town Administrator Ben Puritz discussed the necessity of two articles to be voted upon within a Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting of May 3, 2004. The first article is to acquire land through the Water Surplus Account for the purpose of water protection. The property is located off of Maskwonicut Street and is now owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The second article is by the Conservation Commission to allow the Town to purchase land situated in the Town off of Lake Massapoag as a substitution for land identified as Parcel “S” at Quail Ridge and modifies the previous vote of Town Meeting.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to place two articles on the Special Town Meeting Warrant within the Annual Town Meeting as described above, and for: (1) Land Acquisition for Water Protection - Board of Selectmen; and (2) Land Acquisition off Lake Massapoag - Conservation Commission.
Close the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to close the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting.
Deputy Fire Chief Compensation
The Board reviewed additional information provided by Chief Dennis Mann, dated March 19, 2004 wherein he recommends a salary adjustment for the Deputy Chief in the amount of 4% plus $3,000 to total $72,202.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to accept the recommended increase to $72,202 for the Deputy Fire Chief.
Community Preservation Act - Warrant Articles
Mr. Puritz stated that he was asking the Board to reconsider placing two articles for the Community Preservation Act on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant at the request of George Bailey. Approval at the Town Meeting will allow it to be brought forth to the voters at the November election as a separate ballot question. Information was provided from George Bailey that included:
If Sharon accepts the law at the November 04 statewide election, it can begin receiving matching funds also for Jan 1, 2005 – a year earlier than if the acceptance did not occur until May 2005 election.
Selectman Grasfield raised opposition to placing so complicated an issue before the voters at so late a date for this Annual Town Meeting. Selectman Grasfield questioned whether the percentage increase for matching funds were actually included within the Real Estate Tax collections. This item was deferred waiting for Mr. Bailey to clarify.
Audit Preparation Services - High School Construction Project
The Board reviewed material as submitted by Maureen R. Doherty, Mansfield, MA, for audit preparation services to be submitted to the School Building Assistance Bureau (SBAB) for the Sharon High School Construction Project. The Town of Sharon must submit the materials in the prescribed format of the School Building Assistance Bureau under Mass General Laws.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to hire Maureen R. Doherty for Audit Preparation Services re the High School Construction Project at a fee of $28.00 per hour and not to exceed $5,000.
Community Preservation Act - Warrant Articles
Mr. George Bailey arrived to answer question concerning the Community Preservation Act Articles. He urged the Board to place these articles on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. A positive vote at Town Meeting and on the November Ballot would allow the Town to start receiving matching monies from the State in FY’06. He expected the reimbursement rate to stay at 100% for a number of years and then to decline. He stated that funds may be used toward the purchase of Rattlesnake Hill. Selectman Grasfield asked if the CPA would mean extra taxes collected. Mr. Bailey, replied that it had to be a surcharge on the real estate taxes, over and above the property taxes.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to place two articles re the Community Preservation Act on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
Annual Town Meeting Warrant
The Board discussed whether or not to allow a petition article as presented by Richard Kramer on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to add Richard Kramer’s petition as Article 36 on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
The Board reviewed the articles to be placed on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant as follows:
1. Finance Committee Members
2. Act Upon Reports
3. Funds
4. Personnel Bylaw
5. Budgets/Compensation of Elected Officers
6. Norfolk County Retirement
7. Annual Audit
8. Unemployment
Capital Outlay Articles
9 . School Committee
10. Public Works - Streets & Sidewalks
11. Public Works - Vehicles & Equipment
12. Recreation
13. Wilber School Stabilization
14. Fire
15. Police
16. Data Processing
l7. Clause 41C - Increase Exemption
18. Tax Relief/Senior Citizens
19 Clause 41A - Criteria Changes - Petition General Court
20. Property Tax Work-Off Program
21. Veteran's Exemption
22. Community Preservation Act
23. Community Preservation Committee
24. Wireless Communications Bylaw Revision
25. Design & Construction Projects/SBC - School Department
26. Petition Article _ Absentee Ballots/Voting Town Meeting - Samuel Zisblatt
27. Third Historical District - Historical Commission
28. Naming of Land and Buildings - Historical Commission
29. Reallocate contributions to the Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical School
30. Chapter 90 _ Street Funding
31. Revolving Funds _ Omnibus Article (Rec’d Library - waiting for others).
32. Non-Criminal Violation for Septic Violations - Board of Health
33. Noise Ordinance
34. Noise - Police Regulations
35. Street Acceptances _ Aztec Way, Inca Trail, Bramble Lane, Burnt Bridge Road
36. Department Heads Salaries - Petition Article -- R. Kramer
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to close the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting with 36 Articles and to sign the Warrant.
Award Contract - Vehicle Exhaust System - Chief Mann
The Board reviewed letter from Dennis F. Mann, Fire Chief, dated April 5, 2004, recommending
that the Board award a contract for the installation fo the “Plymovent,” vehicle exhaust system in the Fire Station. This will be funded by a federal grant, applied for and received by Lt. Bert Cummins, with 10% of the total cost from the FY’04 capital article.
It was the consensus of the Board that Lt. Cummins be sent a letter of appreciation.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to award the contract to Air Cleaning Specialist’s of Hanover, MA in the amount of $97,685.
Requests for Banner
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the following banners:
First Congregational Church - November 29 - December 4, 2004 - First Position
Sharon Garden Club - May 3 - May 10, 2004 - Second Position
Beech Tree Park
The Board will schedule Miriam and Joel Gopen to discuss requests for water connection and electricity at the Beech Street Park as per their letter of March 30, 2004.
Mountain Street Repairs
Chair Katz requested that a letter be sent to Richard Mandell in reply to his letter of March 24, 2004 telling him that the Board is not in favor of paving Mountain Street nor in having another hearing, but stands by its majority vote to repair the section in front of Mr. Giorgio’s house.
Appreciation to County Commissioners
The Board noted Letter of Appreciation from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works to the County Commissioners re approving survey and traffic study work on Lakeview Street and the Edge Hill/High Plain/Norwood Street intersection It was the consensus of the Board to send its own letter of appreciation.
Letter of Appreciation to Firefighters
The Board paused to note a letter of appreciation from a resident commending firefighters Mike Greenfield, Mike Rychlik, Jim Davenport, and Jerry MacNamara for its response to a medical emergency.
Reserve Fund Transfer
The Board noted a request to the Finance Committee from Marlene B. Chused, Town Clerk, for a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $4,814.83 for the past Special Town 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 to adjourn at the conclusion thereof.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; and Katz, aye.
The Board exited Open Session at 10:00 P.M.
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