June 1, 2004
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Walter Joe Roach, Selectmen David I. Grasfield and William A. Heitin and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimous to approve the minutes of May 25, as corrected:
Under Dog Park
Page 3, Para 4, Line 2:
Change: “. . . subject to the final approval of the rules and regulations by the Recreation Advisory Committee”
To: “. . . subject to the final approval of the rules and regulations of the Board of Selectmen acting as Park Commissioners.”
Under Schedule of Memorial Day Activities
Page 7, Line 1
Change: “Selectman Grasfield read the schedule. . . ”
To: “Chair Roach read the schedule. . .”
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of May 25 as printed.
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
Christine Turnbull was present to express her appreciation for all the help the Sanctuary receives from the various departments in the Town and to encourage Sharon Residents to make use of the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary where they can hike for free, watch birds and visit the nature center.
Reserve Fund Transfer Request
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works was present to discuss his Memo of May 21, 2004 addressed to the Finance Committee. It states, “ The Department of Public works is requesting a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $56,699.83 to cover budget line item overruns due to winter snow and ice removal efforts and the large increases in gas and diesel fuel and natural gas prices.”
Mr. Hooper discussed the role of state law in setting the budget amount for snow and ice, but added that consideration for overtime and other line item expenses were included within the 75% FEMA reimbursement for the December storm. In answer to questions asked, Mr. Hooper stated that he does participate in the SERSG bid process for gasoline diesel but that the discounted price fluctuates. He also reported that monies transferred from other budget lines to reduce the amount of the requested transfer will create small delays in some projects being put off until the next fiscal year beginning July 1.
Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection Contract
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works was present to discuss his Memo of May 20, 2004 wherein he recommends that the Board award the contract for Curbside Recycling to BFI, Fall River, for a three-year period, commencing on 7/1/04.
Mr. Terry Grady from BFI was also present to discuss the specifics within the proposed three-year contract for solid waste and recyclables collection. Residents will now be allowed to leave one “bulky item” per week out for free with trash pickup, and “white goods” can be scheduled for pickup at the curb with the fee billed directly to the resident. Mr. Grady stated that any complaints re missed pickup, would be taken care of the very next day.
The Board discussed the pay-per-throw option. Mr. Hooper does not recommend it for the Town at this time due to the low tipping fees paid to SEMASS. Mr. Hooper explained that our solid waste is delivered to SEMASS where it is burned and electricity is produced. The Town receives a credit for electricity.
The impact of the new bids on residential quarterly fees is approximately a 10% increase and Mr. Hooper is recommending increasing the quarterly per household fee to $50.00, an 11.1% increase. Selectman Grasfield stated that he favors graduated increases. Selectman Heitin questioned why the costs for trash collection could not be built into the tax rate thereby making it tax deductible. Town Administrator Ben Puritz indicated that it would require in excess of a million dollars through an override to provide for the cost of this service via the tax levy. The contract needs to be in place by July 1. Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board delay action on awarding the contract until next week to allow sufficient time to read the documents.
Award Contract - Water Supply Pre-screening Site Evaluation/Hydrogeologic Testing
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, stated “the wheels are turning” but that he is still waiting for access to the properties. This will be rescheduled.
Main Street Project Equipment/Material Staging Area
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, stated that he spoke with people in the state and that they would be willing to send someone to discuss this. He repeated that the staging area will continue to move as the work moves during this two-year project.
Chair Roach stated that the Board should be more pro-active in notifying neighborhoods as to where the staging areas will be. Selectman Grasfield stated that the Town can suggest to the State the best possible and least disruptive locations to lessen the impact on neighborhoods. Resident Pat Zlotin expressed concerns about the staging area is blocking access to the walking trails at the Deborah Sampson Park site. Todd Arnold, abutter to the Sacred Heart, staging area, described the loud noises associated with early morning dump trucks. He stated that he called the Recreation Director and was told by him that he was not aware of this land being used for a staging area. Mr. Arnold suggested that the staging area be moved to the DPW or Farnham Road Site described as areas with a natural buffer
with less impact to those neighborhoods. Mr. Hooper stated that the Farnham Road site will be used as a staging area. Mr. Arnold wants to know who approved the Deborah Sampson site and Chair Roach stated that he would have an answer for him next week.
Water Management Advisory Committee - Cliff Towner
Mr. Cliff Towner was interviewed for a position on the Water Management Advisory Committee. He read off an extensive resume of volunteer experience with the Town, including serving as Chair of the Lake Management Advisory Committee and assisting the Conservation Officer in managing the lake. Mr. Towner is retired from a company involved with large water piping projects. He stated he is familiar with the hydrology of the Town and that his goal is to insure the quantity and quality of the Town’s water. He stated that the Town needs more wells and does not think the Town needs a new Water Tank at this time.
Review Draft Schedules of the 2004 Fall Town Meeting and the 2005 Annual Town Meeting
The draft schedules were reviewed. Items discussed included:
Petition articles need signatures of 100 registered voters for the Fall Town Meeting.
Important to Stick to Deadlines for Closing of the Warrant.
Will only open the warrant for emergency items–otherwise must wait until the next meeting.
Problems with July and August Meetings for FinCom.
May want more time before sending the Warrant to the Printer.
May be worth it to pay extra money for 7-day turnaround time.
Consider writing bid specs with different schedules.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to announce the Opening of the Fall Town Meeting Warrant to be held on October 18, 2004 with a Closing Date for Petition Articles of June 21, 2004 at noon, and the Closing of the Warrant for all others of June 28 at noon.
CPA Ballot Question for November Election
This item has been postponed waiting for final language from Town Counsel.
Housing Partnership Committee
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Alan D. Lury to the Housing Partnership Committee. Appointment to expire: September 2006.
Proclaim Flag Day - June 14, 2004
Selectman Grasfield read the Flag Dag Proclamation.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to proclaim June 14, 2004 as Flag Day.
Veterans Agent Paul Bergeron
Selectman Heitin took this opportunity to thank Veterans Agent Paul Bergeron for the wonderful Memorial Day Service and activities and noted that Mr. Bergeron is now Chair of the Independence Day Celebration Committee. He noted that the Celebrations are funded by private donations and that donations are still greatly needed, and can be sent to Friends of the Fourth, PO Box 54, Sharon.
Request for Banner - Friends of the Fourth
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for the Friends of the Fourth from June 21 - July 5, 2004 in the first position.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to waive the banner fee for the Friends of the Fourth.
Ideas to Raise Revenue
The Board will sponsor a public forum on this topic and invite everyone to participate in ways to increase revenues for the Town.
Bargaining in Good Faith
The Board would like to invite someone in from the District Attorney’s Office to speak on this subject within a public forum.
Increase in Liquor License Fees
This will be scheduled as a public hearing and advertised on Cable TV.
Motorized Scooters
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence addressed to the Police Chief, dated May 21, 2004, from Jane B. Kelly re: Motorized Scooters used by young boys on Massapoag Avenue and Gorwin Drive.
Joseph S. Bernstein, Police Chief, will be scheduled on the next agenda to discuss this matter.
Warning from the Board of Health
Selectman Grasfield read a warning from the Board of Health, re Septic Pumpers that “no septic pumper should pump out a system without prior authorization by the homeowner.”
Planning Board - Meeting June 2, 2004
Selectman Grasfield read the agenda for the June 2 Planning Board Meeting.
Blood Drive
Selectman Grasfield noted EMail from Linda Rosen re Blood Drive at Sturdy Memorial Hospital from 11 AM to 5 PM on July 1.
Approval/Disapproval of By-Laws re Attorney General’s Office
Selectman Grasfield noted Memo from Marlene Chused, Town Clerk, dated May 27, 2004. with Articles 24 (Wireless Communication) under the defect-waiver authority and a notice of such will be published in the Advocate, and Article 32 (Sewage Treatment Penalties) returned from the Office of the Attorney General with disapproval.
Community Health Assessment Plan
Selectman Grasfield noted reference to a Community Health Assessment Plan, and requested that the Board of Health be invited in to make a presentation on this topic.
Town Planner & Financial Director Positions
Selectman Grasfield asked that other Towns be contacted as to whether or not they have positions of Town Planner and Financial Director.
Yearly Selectmen’s Calendar
Selectmen Grasfield requested that a Yearly Selectmen’s Calendar be created.
Insurance Advisory Committee
Selectmen Grasfield requested that a member of the Insurance Advisory Committee be invited in to make a presentation.
Borrowing Policy
Selectmen Grasfield requested that R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer be invited in to discuss Borrowing Policy prior to borrowing for approved town meeting articles.
Community Preservation Act Resolution
It was the consensus of the Board to defer voting on this resolution.
Fall Town Meeting Articles
The Board reviewed a preliminary list of articles for the Fall Town Meeting as follows:
1) School Budget transfer _ to offset additional Special Education "Circuit Breaker" funding (up to $550K). Options for use of funds include: Stabilization Fund; Health Insurance; and/or taxation reduction via unused levy capacity.
2) Wilber School _ researching prior Town Meeting votes re stipulations governing use of three (3) account balances totaling $81,087.38. More to follow ...
3) Zoning _ (1) National Flood Insurance Program update/revisions, (2) PO Square Intensive Development District and other affordable housing or economic development initiatives.
4) Rattlesnake Hill _ consider modifying vote to allow for greater flexibility re acquisition/negotiation options with owner.
5) Community Septic Management Program _ technical correction with no financial impact, transfer $21,997 to proper account (Septic System Improvement Loan Program).
6) Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage Rules & Regulations _
(re_submission) with revised non_criminal disposition fine schedule.
7) Street Acceptance _ Bramble Lane
8) Community Center - Ceilings $$$???
9) By-Law - Storm Water Discharges re Construction Activity
10) Discharge Detection and Elimination By-Law
Community Center Ceiling
Town Administrator Ben Puritz updated the Board re the Closing of the Community Center Building to the public due to defects in the ceiling. Meetings will take place with a structural engineer and members of the Finance Committee. Activities have been relocated. Selectman Grasfield requested that a list be prepared of organizations that are helping be prepared so that the Board can express its appreciation. After the reports are in, he also suggested that members of FINCOM, Standing Building Committee and Capital Outlay be invited in to discuss this matter. Ben Puritz stated that Joel Wolk was offering his resources to review the engineering report.
Beach Stickers
Town Administrator Ben Puritz announced that a portion of the Community Center Lobby has been cordoned off so that residents can still get to the window to purchase beach stickers.
Repairs to Mountain Street
The Board noted letter from Menotti Giorgio, dated June 1, 2004 re another hearing to be held on the Repairs to Mountain Street. Abutters have been notified of a public hearing at 8:30 P.M., June 8, 2004.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending litigation and collective bargaining and to adjourn at the conclusion thereof.
The Board exited the Open Session at 10:02 P.M.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; and Roach, aye.
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