May 18, 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.
Election/Retirement
Family and friends of Chair Katz were present for his last meeting before retirement. The Board will continue this evening’s meeting until after the election results, and it is anticipated that the newly elected Selectman will appear to be welcomed by the Board.
In Memoriam Frank I. Sullivan
Chair Katz sadly mentioned the death of former Selectman Frank I. Sullivan and his long service to the Town on many boards and committees. He mentioned the tribute paid to Mr. Sullivan last year by the naming of the land on and around the Community Center after him.
Special Police Appointment - Neil McGrath
The Board of Selectmen reviewed Memorandum from Joseph S. Bernstein, Police Chief, dated May 11, 2004. Chief Bernstein recommends the appointment of Neil McGrath as a Special Police Officer, subject to a waiver by the Personnel Board as outlined in the Personnel By-Law, Chapter 15, Section 4, Nepotism.
Town Administrator Ben Puritz stated that this is a volunteer position though Mr. McGrath would be eligible for paid details which cannot be filled by regular officers. Mr. Neil McGrath lives in North Attleboro and is the brother of Lt. McGrath.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to appoint Neil McGrath as a Special Police Officer, subject to a waiver of the Nepotism By-law by the Personnel Board.
Request for Outdoor Liquor License Location - American Legion
The Board reviewed a request for outdoor drinking in the back of the Post at 727 South Main Street.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the request for an outdoor liquor license location at the rear of 727 South Main Street during the dates of May through October, 2004.
North/South Main Street Contract Amendment
The Board reviewed Memo from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated May 10, 2004, wherein he recommends that the Board amend its contract with VHB for oversight services as part of the North/South Main Street Reconstruction project. The scope of services includes:
1. Provide streetscape construction services, which include shop drawing review and inspections to ensure that the items procured for this aspect of the project match what was envisioned during the planning process. ($11,000)
2. Provide additional signal inspections services as now required by the Massachusetts highway Department. ($12,000)
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to amend the contract with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., (VHB) Watertown, MA, to provide construction services for the estimated 18-24 month project duration at a cost not to exceed $23,000.
Award Bid - Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
The Board reviewed Memorandum from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated May 11, 2004 recommending that the Board award the bid to Jones Environmental.
Town Administrator Ben Puritz announced that the date of Wednesday, June 2 between the house of 3 PM - 7 Pm will be the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day and this year certain electronic gadgets will also be collected free of charge per the suggestion of Alice Cheyer.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to award the bid for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day to Jones Environmental, Lowell MA, the low bidder in the amount of $23,570.
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program
Town Administrator Ben Puritz noted correspondence from the Bureau of Justice announcing an award to the Town for Bulletproof Vests. Chief Bernstein was present and reported that this grant will be matched with additional funds from the State for almost full reimbursement of the costs of the vests.
The Kendall Foundation/The Trustees of Reservations
Town Administrator Ben Puritz noted a News Release, dated May 11, 2004 by the Trustees of Reservations announcing the donation by the Kendall Foundation of a 347-acre Moose Hill Farms property to the Trustees of Reservations. Together with the Audubon Society sanctuary and other adjoining protected land, this will be part of a 2,300 -acre block of protected publicly accessible open space and important wildlife habitat.
Chef’s Classic
Selectman Grasfield publicly commended Jill and Kevin Crawley of Coriander Restaurant for the wonderful events of May 16 as part of its annual fundraiser for Rett’s Syndrome.
Chair Norman Katz - Last Meeting
Chair Katz made a moving speech about his years of service on the Board and thanked the other members of the Board and staff. Town Administrator Ben Puritz spoke about how much Chair Katz will be missed and read a citation from Representative Kafka’s office.
Recess
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to enter into a recess and to reconvene after the newly elected Selectman arrives.
The Board recessed at 7:55 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 8:40 P.M.
William A. Heitin
The Board received a telephone call from Marlene Chused, Town Clerk announcing the results of the election with William A. Heitin winning the Selectman’s seat. Mr. Heitin appeared before the Board and thanked the community for its support.
Citation from the Senate
Senator Brian Joyce appeared and presented a citation from the Senate on behalf of Senator Sprague to retiring Chair Norman Katz for his 27+ years of service to the Community.
Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye; and Katz, aye.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P.M.
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