June 22, 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 7:30 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the minutes of June 15, as printed and to hold the Executive Session Minutes of June 8 and June 15.
Interview for Cultural Council
The Board interviewed Elizabeth Davis for membership on the Cultural Council.
Borrowing Policy
R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer, was present to discuss the Town's borrowing policy and to answer any questions from the Board. Selectman Grasfield asked a few questions having to do with the length and terms of borrowing. Mr. Uyttebroek stated, " that the terms are defined by statute in the General Laws." Noting that our repayment schedule is heavily weighted toward the first four years and that this has been squeezing operating budgets recently, Selectman Grasfield asked that a schedule of all debts be presented so that debt policy can be discussed in a more thoughtful manner.
Chair Roach had questions about temporary notes and short-term borrowing and its effect on the terms of the borrowing. Mr. Uyttebroek stated that, " the clock starts when we issue the first note." In answer to questions posed by Selectman Heitin, Mr. Uyttebroek stated that he is assisted by a financial advisor, bond counsel and Palmer & Dodge in going to the bond market and that we do this every year. He stated that for items approved by Town Meeting, monies are borrowed as needed (relying on the Department Heads advice), and he relies on the Capital Outlay Committee to do the vetting of those items. He further discussed the savings due to the elimination of the Emergency Finance Board that will have the Town going to the bond market earlier and will reduce the issuance of
temporary notes.
Selectman Grasfield referenced a request from Mr. Gladstone for additional schedules in the Town Warrant, including a comparative tax recapitulation, and expressed the opinion that the Town needs this information as well as information on borrowing and reimbursements.
Selectmen Heitin followed up with questions as to whether the bonds were negotiated or part of a competitive bid and volunteered to work with Mr. Uyttebroek during the process. Mr. Uyttebroek stated that the Town has a AA2 Bond Rating.
Ten-Year Revenue Analysis History
Mr. Uyttebroek prepared a Comparison of Tax Rate Recapitulations from FY95 to FY04 with three major Sections: I. Tax Rate Summary; II. Amounts to be Raised; and III Estimated Receipts & Other Revenue Sources. This Analysis is now posted on the Town's Website. Items discussed included:
• Tax Levy vs. Growth
• Impact to Increases in State Aid
• Details of Other Available Funds
• Impact of Overrides
• Excess Levy Capacity and Bond Rating
• Reimbursements from School Projects
• Additional Aid for Education Reform
• Questions about the Year FY01 with a 4 Million-Dollar Increase
• Override for Teachers' Salaries during year when State provided more money
• Why property taxes did not go down when debt was retired
Selectman Grasfield thanked Mr. Uyttebroek for this information and asked that additional information be provided for the years in question so that the annual spending increases could be better understood.
Water Resources & Recharge
Cliff Towner, Chair of the Lake Management Advisory Board was present to ask for the Board's support in efforts to mitigate the loss of groundwater with the rehabilitation of streams. This effort is being supported by the Conservation Commission. Norfolk County Mosquito Control has agreed to assist to prevent the loss of wetlands and water from feeder streams by reversing some of the things that they have done. Mr. Towner feels the current situation is serious. The Board is being asked to direct the DPW to offer its assistance to the Conservation Commission in the cleaning of the streams and the placing of riprap. Mr. Towner stated that even with the increases in rain, the Town has continued to lose water in its aquifers and they would like the "go ahead" to begin this project this
summer.
In answer to the question from Chair Roach, Mr. Towner stated that assistance from DPW would be done on its own schedule to dump the riprap, build dams, and grade retention basins. Conservation Officer Greg Meister was present and discussed agreement with the Town of Foxborough to bring the levels back up at Gavins Pond. Mr. Meister stated that measures that are planned will not be creating new wetlands. Selectman Grasfield suggested that the Boy Scouts are looking for projects and may be available to assist and that the ConCom also seek volunteers from the Friends of Conservation and others. Town Administrator Ben Puritz stated that he would like to see the Conservation Commission work collaboratively with the DPW, and that he would like to see some rudimentary plans, project
schedules, etc. Greg Meister stated he would provide the requested information.
Fall Town Meeting Warrant Articles - Peter O'Cain
Peter O'Cain, Assistant Engineer, gave an overview of two proposed Warrant Articles for new General Bylaws, entitled: (1) Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Bylaw; and (2) Stormwater Discharges. These articles were necessary to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Storm Water Management Program (Phase II) and were written with assistance from the Southeast Regional Services Group. Additional changes will need to be made within our Zoning Bylaws, and another Warrant Article is being drafted to be sponsored by the Planning Board.
It states that the goal of the Illicit Discharge Bylaw is to protect the waters of the U.S. as defined in the Act and implementing Regulations from uncontrolled Discharges of Storm Water or Discharges of Contaminated Water which have a negative impact on the receiving waters by changing the physical, biological and chemical composition of the water resulting in an unhealthy environment for aquatic organisms, wildlife and people.
Residents will be required to get a permit for direct connections to the Town's drainage system. Town Counsel is presently reviewing the language for this article. Fees for violations are being reviewed.
It states in the Stormwater Discharges Bylaw that, in partial fulfillment of the obligations of the Town under the Clean Water Act and under the Town's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit, the Town hereby establishes a comprehensive and fair system of regulation of Storm Water Discharges generated as a result of Construction Activity. An application fee of $400.00 will be associated with this bylaw for construction activity which disturbs one acre or more of total land.
An article to accept Bramble Lane is also being considered. Mr. O'Cain stated that it is too soon to say whether or not this street will be ready for acceptance, and he will update the Board with what needs to be completed before Fall Town Meeting.
New Ideas - Public Forum
Selectman Grasfield initiated this topic and encouraged town-wide participation in ways of generating new revenues for the Town. The following ideas were discussed:
• A Tour of Historical Homes within the Town - Debi Pitman;
• Alumni Fundraiser for Wilber School Fund - Shirley Schofield;
• Rezoning of land for commercial development - Arnold Kublin;
• Town actively pursue businesses - promote the Town - Arnold Kublin;
• Development of Multi-family housing downtown - Michael Baskin;
• Promote more development in the center of Town - Michael Baskin;
• Improved Communication between Town Boards to plan for new development – Robert Young;
• Encourage developers to move historic houses to town land for low-income housing – Robert Young;
• Reuse of Wilber School with business partnership or land-lease options – Joel Tran;
• Fitness Center at the Sacred Heart Site - Chief Bernstein;
• Contest for Reducing Waste in the Town - Marcia Liebman;
• New England Cookbook project - Marcia Liebman;
• Farmer's Market – Debi Pitman re: Selectman Grasfield’s suggestion;
• Christmas Tree Farm on Town land - Kathy Byrne;
• Town Cruise - William S. Kraus;
• Auctions for Surplus Equipment/Supplies -– a citizen who called Selectman Grasfield; and.
• Rent out school buildings re college classes - Selectman Grasfield.
Selectman Grasfield stated that he would like additional and ongoing suggestions on this topic.
Water Management Advisory Committee
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Cliff Towner to the Water Management Advisory Board, expiration September 2004.
Designer Selection Committee
The Board reviewed Memo from Town Administrator Ben Puritz, dated June 16, 2004 re Community Center Repairs. Ben requested that the Board constitute the Designer Selection Committee.
The Board was updated re the status of the Community Center. It is possible that the Town may want to consider a reconfiguration of the second floor of this building during the ceiling repairs. The Board would like a structural engineer to also serve on the Committee
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Richard Rice, Joel Wolk (public member) and, David Clifton (proponent Department Head). Eric Hooper and Ben Puritz will also serve on the Committee.
Request for Warrant Article
Firefighter John McLean was present to request holding a place for an article by the Firefighters for placing the Firefighters within the Civil Service. He stated that it was too late to include this article as a petition article and he asked that the Board consider sponsoring this article. He outlined the benefits to the firefighters and to the Town by becoming members of Civil Service. Existing members would not have to take a test to belong, but would be eligible to take the promotional tests offered by Civil Service. Chief Mann is out on vacation, but Firefighter McLean does not believe he had any objections.
MOTION: Grasfield/ to hold a place for the article and consider sponsorship as well.
Chair Roach stated that he is not willing to do that.
Town Administrator Ben Puritz stated that this request was "news to all of us," and cautioned that if the Board holds a place for the article the Board would then be advancing it.
MOTION TO AMEND: (Heitin) to hold this article through next Tuesday when the Chief comes back and if the Chief is receptive, then include the article on the Fall Town Meeting Warrant.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted 2 - 1 (Roach opposed) to extend the deadline for including articles on the Fall Town Meeting Warrant to the end of the meeting on June 29.
Downtown Revitalization - Brick Sidewalks
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Sid Rosenthal of the Disability Commission, dated June 1, 2004 advising that the Commission is opposed to brick sidewalks. Town Administrator Ben Puritz stated that this design is being evaluated in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Wetlands Enforcement Initiative
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Department of Environmental Protection showing Sharon's Wetlands Loss Data with a very small loss of wetlands for Sharon. He announced, " kudos for the Conservation Commission."
Executive Order 418 Housing Certification
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Department of Housing & Community Development, dated June 9, 2004 re Housing Certification criteria. Town Administrator Ben Puritz announced that the Town is Certified for FY'04, but that the criteria for FY'05 is more challenging. Selectman Grasfield stated, "let's help them" re work that must be completed by June 30, 2004 for the Community Development Plan.
Public Service Announcements
Fourth of July Road race - Sunday, June 27
Historical Society - Strawberry Festival - Saturday, June 26, 1 - 3 P.M.
Tribute to Norman Katz - Thursday, June 24, 6 - 9 P.M.
Preliminary List of Fall Town Meeting Articles
The Board review 12 articles. Selectmen Grasfield requested that Mr. Gladstone's request for schedules be added to the list.
Free Standing Senior Center
Arnold Kublin, Chair, Council on Aging Board, was present to again request support for a free-standing senior center at the Sacred Heart Building site. He requested that monies transferred to the design of the Wilber School Municipal Building be returned for design of this building. Town Administrator Ben Puritz announced that there is only a balance of $13,000 from the $400,000 appropriated to the Standing Building Committee, but there are balances in other Wilber School accounts that may be available. The Council on Aging will be the proponent of an article for the Fall Town Meeting for this purpose.
MassHousing Priority Development Fund
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Planning Board be invited in to discuss the MassHousing Priority Development Fund at its meeting of June 29 or July 6.
Environmental Bond Bill
Selectman Grasfield expressed his appreciation to Selectman Heitin for taking the initiative to draft a letter to the Governor re funding for Rattlesnake Hill acquisition.
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 10:55 P.M.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; and Roach, aye.
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