September 14, 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 and Selectmen David I. Grasfield, William A. Heitin and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to the approve the Minutes of August 17, 2004 and to approve the Minutes of August 31, 2004 as corrected:
Page 7 - Police Station Rehabilitation Contract
Correct Vote:
From: “VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted 2 -0 (Grasfield opposed)...”
To: “VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted 2 -1 (Grasfield opposed)...”
The Board will hold the Regular Session Minutes of September 7, 2004 and will hold the Executive Session Minutes of August 3, August 17, August 31 and September 7 for discussion within Executive Session.
Neponset Emergency Water Supply Project - Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works
Mr. Hooper was present to discuss a draft of the Neponset Emergency Water Supply Project for the Board’s information only at this time. The Board reviewed a draft Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by the Town of Foxborough, Medfield, Norwood, Sharon, Walpole and the Dedham-Westwood Water District, regarding consultation on water management issues of common interest and short-term sharing of public water resources among the parties. Items discussed included:
issues of different water treatment\disinfectant;
communities served by the MWRA and issues related thereto;
Sharon likely to get emergency water from Canton/Stoughton/Foxborough/Walpole;
Consumer Confidence Reports and details re fluoridation;
Board of Selectman act as Water Commissioners re emergency; and,
a formal presentation will be coming within the next couple of months with a consultant present.
Interviews for Wilber School Committee
The Board interviewed the following individuals for appointment to the new Wilber School Redevelopment Committee:
Craig Edwards -- attended Wilber School; would like School to be a central point in the center of Town; would like to see retail use with taxes coming back to the Town; and, respects the historic nature of the building.
Marcia Liebman – lives within 500 ft of the building; would be willing to represent the neighborhood; is Library Trustee and would like to see the Library move to the building; requested that the Board provide direction to the committee.
Selectman Heitin stated that he has given a lot of thought to potential development and would prefer that the Committee work with developers to come up with some guidelines for different approaches and uses, including land use; mixed public/private space; and lease options.
There followed a brief discussion as to the make-up of the Committee. Chair Roach recommended a mixture of backgrounds with those that had been involved in this building, including the last Plan A (combined Town Hall/Library/Senior Center) with those coming forward with a “fresh view.” Selectman Heitin stated that moving forward with new ideas is one of the Selectmen’s goals.
David Depree – has been involved with the previous Wilber Committee; has a background as real estate developer; discussed issues of tearing down or rehabilitating whether to “own or sell,” possible Post Office pre-leasing, cash-flow benefits; and need for municipal space now and in the future.
James Glaser - has real estate/mortgage/legal background; attended Wilber School, proposes the Wilber School as the “Gateway to the Town;” agrees with mixed-use; and open to other perspectives.
David Hearne - FINCOM member, feels it is a “tough piece of property;” we need plan to deal with municipal needs; would see if financial development would supplement future municipal needs; no emotion attached to the building; would like to get something built; impact of long-term lease; suggests that size of Committee be “larger rather than smaller, ” and that the size should depend on the Chair.
Reese Schroeder - serves on the Historic Commission and Historic District Commission and is an architect; interested in generating “use” ideas.
Chair Roach asked if there would be any restrictions if the Town received grants for historic preservation and Mr. Schroeder replied that it would only affect the exterior detailing in the preservation of the facade.
Joel Tran - former Planning Board Member; likes “mixed use;” does not like the restrictions that historical designation may put on building; would like to start with a “clean slate;” and enlist assistance from Town Engineer for planning.
Michael Baskin - architect primarily in urban design; served on Town-Wide Facilities Planning Committee; believes it is worthwhile to preserve the building; commercial use may not fill the building, need to balance the space needs of the Town, and urges the Board to take an active role and oversight for this Committee.
Rick Rice - architect experienced with public institutions; served on Wilber Reuse Committee and Facilities Planning Committee; need to look at the “big picture.”
Selectman Grasfield suggested that the as big picture include the needs of the taxpayers for tax relief as well as the municipal space needs, there may need to be some trade-offs.
Mr. Rice stated that it may be possible that some commercial use could help to pay for municipal use.
Melissa Shea Mills - experience in renovation of houses; sees the Wilber School as part of the center of the Town; would like to see a more walkable center; prefers “family friendly” mixed-use.
Jim Goldsmith - attorney, involved with large scale-projects; cautions that the building is deteriorating and would like something done with the space.
In answer to questions posed by Selectman Grasfield, he stated that he did not think there could be a proposal ready for the next Town Meeting. Chair Roach suggested that Town Meeting would not expect the Committee to come forward with a full project by next May, but that Town Meeting would want to be able to compare different plans.
Mr. Goldsmith stated that he brings, “fresh eyes” to the table. He believes that a Committee of 15 or more would be unwieldy.
David Gordon - will bring “new ideas; “ prefers “mixed-use with some municipal space.
Sandi Gordon - will bring a “sense of creativity;” would like project to have minimal impact on taxpayers; suggests, “business approach.”
George Mellman - has a financial background; former School Committee member, believes plan is needed now; that it should involve participation by developers and an opportunity to get the public engaged in the project.
Selectman Roach gave a brief update on plans to tighten up the building, including boarding up some of the windows. He likes the idea of a lease use. He discussed the number of people who have volunteered to serve on the Committee. Marcia Liebman suggested that there could be subcommittees within the Committee to look at the different aspects of the project.
Mr. Depree suggested that there could be two Committees with multiple scenarios.
Recess
It was the consensus of the Board to take a recess.
The Board recessed at 9:40 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 9:50 P.M.
Selectmen Appointments to Boards/Committee:
Registrar of Voters
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Anne Carney to the Registrars of Voters; appointment to expire: September 2007.
Conservation Commission
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Hanford G. Langstroth to the Conservation Commission; appointment to expire, September 2007.
Council on Aging
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Arnold Kublin, Sheila Pallay and Hy Lamb to the Council on Aging; appointments to expire: September 2007.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Faye Berzon and Millie Berman as Alternate Members to the Council on Aging; appointments to expire: September 2007.
Commission on Disability
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Chickie Monahan to the Commission on Disability. Appointment to expire: September 2007.
Board of Health
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Susan Peck and Elizabeth Barnett to the Board of Health; appointments to expire: September 2007.
Housing Partnership Committee
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Jane Desberg to the Housing Partnership Committee; appointment to expire: September 2007.
Recreation Advisory Committee
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Michael Ginsberg, Gary Bluestein and Corrine Hershman to the Recreation Advisory Committee; appointments to expire: September 2007.
Sharon Cultural Council
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Robert Levin to the Sharon Cultural Council; appointment to expire: September 2007.
Sign Committee
As many of the functions of this Committee have been assumed by the Planning Board and Building Inspector, it was the consensus of the Board to research the dissolution of this Committee by Town Meeting Vote.
Transportation Advisory Board
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint David Straus to the Transportation Advisory Board; appointment to expire: September 2007.
It was the consensus of the Board to reach out to Paul Vitali to request reappointment and to George Bailey to accept a new appointment.
Water Management Advisory Committee
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Cliff Towner to the Water Management Advisory Committee; appointment to expire: September 2007.
Zoning Board of Appeals
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Daniel Rosenfeld and Richard A. Powell to the Zoning Board of Appeals; appointments to expire: September 2007.
The Board discussed Mr. Rosenfeld’s statement that he would only serve to finish the 40B cases that he is sitting on. It was the consensus of the Board to write to new candidate Kevin McCarville and let him know that the Board will consider him for the next opening on the Board and to ask him to express his continued interest in serving.
The Board discussed the policy of moving Alternate Members to Regular Members on this Board and decided that, when available, it would request the Alternate members be interviewed to be Regular Members.
Civil Defense
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Mike Polimer to the Civil Defense; appointment to expire: September 2005.
MBTA Transportation Advisory Board
There was no voted need by the Board.
Veteran’s Agent
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Paul Bergeron as the Veteran’s Agent; appointment to expire: September 2005.
Long Range Planning Task Force
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint David Straus to the Long Range Planning Task Force; appointment to expire: September 2007.
Norfolk County Advisory Board
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Ed Little as the Representative to the Norfolk County Advisory Board to expire: September 2005.
Animal Inspector
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Ed Little as the Animal Inspector to expire: September 2005.
Dog Officer
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Diane Malcolmson as the Dog Officer; appointment to expire: September 2005.
Sealer of Weights & Measures
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint Charles Healy as the Sealer of Weights & Measures; appointment to expire: September 2005.
Town Counsel
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted 2-1 (Grasfield opposed) to reappoint Richard A. Gelerman as Town Counsel; appointment to expire: September 2005.
Government Study Committee
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board hold on making these appointments. He stated that other Boards have representation from its own members and that the Board of Selectmen should appoint one of Selectmen to serve on the Government Study Committee. It was noted that both Anne Carney and Pat Zlotin have been excellent members of the Committee and both seek reappointment. Selecman Heitin and Chairman Roach both stated that they would like to discuss this with Ms. Carney and Ms. Zlotin before the Board makes the appointments.
Wilber School Committee
The Board requested an updated list of the applicants.
Canoe River Aquifer Comm, Fence Viewer, Measurer of Lumber, Measurer of Wood and Bark
It was the consensus of the Board to prod those currently holding appointments to request being reappointed.
The Little House
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board discuss whether or not the Town should acquire "The Little House," and if so, the timeline and requirements that need to be met.
Mr. Puritz updated the Board re fundraising efforts on behalf of the Teen Center to move this historical home to the Deborah Sampson Parking Lot for this purpose. Additional support may be coming from the Hockomock "Y," and assurances of in-kind donations from contractors.
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Town acquire this building for long-term use by the Town. The sum of $40,000 to move the house could be brought before Town Meeting for a vote.
Selectmen Heitin expressed concerns, based on the Hockomock Y study of the house, with other expenses needed to repair and bring this building up to ADA requirements, etc., that could add an additional $100,000 plus to the project. He recommended that the Board focus on its current facilities before moving to acquire this small home. Chair Roach echoed Selectman Heitin's concerns with additional costs, including septic and maintenance expenses. He stated that the project has not been brought before the Recreation Advisory Committee nor has it had a public hearing with the neighborhood.
Selectman Grasfield suggested that this could be part of the "big picture" including the preservation of this historic house and recommended that we pursue the acquisition of the house He also suggested that its use for affordable house be researched. Selectman Heitin disagreed that it was in the Town's best interest to acquire this property that has such limited use.
David Hearne suggested that the building inspector look at the Affordability and other uses for this house. He stated its use for affordable housing takes the maintenance issues out of the picture.
Selectman Heitin requested that Mr. Puritz follow-up for its use for affordable housing with Jane Desberg of the Housing Partnership. Chair Roach and Selectman Heitin both stated they would be in favor of saving the building.
The Board will wait to hear from Marjorie Mitlin on fundraising efforts and Jane Desberg on affordable housing.
MOTION: (Grasfield) to propose acquisition of the “Little House.”
NO SECOND - NOT CARRIED
Request for Out-of-State Travel - David I. Clifton
The Board reviewed Memo from David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, for permission to attend the National Recreation & Park Conference from October 12 - 16 in Reno, NV at a cost of $1,000.
Selectman Grasfield asked if it is always the Recreation Director that attends conferences and suggested that maybe the Assistant Recreation Director should start getting more involved as Mr. Clifton has indicated he is near retirement.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve $1,000 for out-of-state travel to attend the National Recreation & Park Conference in Nevada, and that it should be considered at the discretion of the Recreation Director who attends.
Fixed Asset Depreciation/Departmental Budgets
Town Administrator Ben Puritz discussed concerns with the installation of certain software not yet installed to include Fixed Assets within the Department Budgets at this time.
Selectman Heitin outlined the benefits for including Fixed Asset Depreciation within the budgets and to include fixed and uncontrollable items such as Health Insurance costs for each department. He suggested that this be discussed next week with the other members of FINCOM at the appointment for Revenue Forecast.
David Hearne, FinCom Member, expressed the opinion that it makes sense to move very quickly to move Health Insurance out of the fixed and uncontrollable and into the Department budgets. He stated that having assets and depreciation within the Department is a management tool. Selectman Grasfield noted that the fixed assets have been compiled within the Auditor’s reports and the information is available without needing the software. This will allow for better planning within the capital outlay process and stated that, “there is no reason to wait another year.”
Mr. Puritz stated he will check with the IT Department re MUNIS software, and report back at an upcoming meeting. Selectman Grasfield stated that this could be done in parallel to using the data that is available and that we not lose time. Mr. Hearne stated that this is a long-term goal of Capital Outlay Committee and a way to get down to what a department needs.
It was discussed that this could be a separate and not integrated part of the departmental budgets. Mr. Puritz cautioned that there is enormous detail re fixed assets.
Proposition 2 ½ Policy Decisions/Underride
Selectman Grasfield stated he requested that this item be kept on the agenda until a decision is made. He discussed several policy decisions that need to be made by the Board or have been influenced by the Selectmen’s Office in the past, including the authorization of “free cash; ” “motor vehicle excise tax calculations,” and “debt policy.” Selectman Heitin suggested that this Board can make appropriate policy decisions and that it is not necessary to carry over an item week after week. Selectman Grasfield suggested that this be added to a list of “action items” to insure the discussion.
Selectman Heitin suggested its being premature to discuss this item. Selectman Grasfield stated that, “folks have a right to know when the decisions will be made.” The fluctuations of the revenue forecasts figures was discussed as well as the bottom-line changes and the history of revenue projections. He further requested that an explanation of data – who provides the information, when it will be available, and who if anyone needs to make a policy decision related to it -- be added to the Revenue Forecast.
There was a discussion as to the responsibilities of the Priorities Committee. Selectman Grasfield stated that it is this Board that makes the policy decisions. Mr. Puritz disagreed with Selectman Grasfield as to the charge of the Priorities Committee.
Request for Banner - HESSCO Elder Services
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve a Banner for HESSCO Elder Services announcing its “Young at Heart” Walk on October 17, for the dates October 8 - October 18, 2004 - Second Position.
Request for Outdoor Music - Art Event
The Board reviewed a request to have one classical musician perform in P.O. Square as part of an outdoor art event on Saturday evening, September 18.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to grant permission for one or more musicians
to perform in connection with Gallery in the Square art event on Saturday, September 18 between 7 - 9 P.M.
Request for Wetlands Mitigation Banking Review Team Members
The Board reviewed a letter from the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, dated September 2, 2004 requesting names of appropriate individuals to serve as part of a wetlands banking review team within the Taunton River Watershed. This item will be forwarded to the Conservation Commission.
Sharon Family Week 2004
Chair Roach announced Sharon Family Week 2004 to be held October 2 - 10. He announced that the programs are available as well as buttons for a $1 donation at various locations around Town, including the Town Offices.
Shaw’s Plaza Site - Monitoring
Selectman Grasfield noted letter from Resource Controls, dated August 25, 2004, re Groundwater Sampling Event, July 2004 at the Shaw’s Plaza site. Periodic monitoring at this site revealed that certain concentrations of volatile organic compounds were detected. He asked if there needed to be a follow-up. Mr. Puritz responded that this is information being provided to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and is included for the Board’s information only. Selectman Grasfield suggested that, in the future, the cover letter would be sufficient and not include the 12 pages of lab tests.
Voter Registration
Selectman Grasfield noted EMail from the Town Clerk announcing that the Town Clerk’s Office will be open on Wednesday, October 13, 2004 until 8:00 P.M., the final day, for Voter Registration and Party Change Enrollment for the November 2 Presidential Election.
Commonwealth Capital Fund Application
Selectman Grasfield asked questions about the application sent to the Massachusetts Office for Commonwealth Development by Mr. Puritz. Mr. Puritz stated that this is a Master Application that is a pre-requirement to apply for other grants.
Additional Local Aid
Selectman Grasfield announced that the Town has been notified by Representative Kafka’s Office that it will receive an additional $128,000 in local aid money on a one-time bases that will go to the General Fund.
Pre-Town Meeting Meeting
Selectman Grasfield announced that this meeting will be held after the Selectmen’s Meeting at 8:30 P.M. on October 12, 2004. The Board will meet at 7:00 P.M. this evening.
Action Items
Selectman Grasfield requested that a list of Action items be added to be discussed as part of the weekly agenda to include: “The Little House,” Revenue Forecast, Town Planner/Financial Director; etc.
Water Exploration Update
Selectman Grasfield requested that Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works update the Board re Water Exploration at either the next meeting or the meeting thereafter.
Appointment Policy Changes - Alice Cheyer
Selectman Grasfield noted Letter from Alice Cheyer, dated September 13, 2004 suggesting changes to the Board’s Policy #2. This will be discussed at the meeting of September 28, 2004.
Items in the News
Selectman Grasfield noted item in the news concerning Police Collective Bargaining with respect to Sgt. Williams. Selectman Grasfield asked that the Board clarify the conflicting claims that were made in the Sharon Advocate article and rectify the situation concerning Sgt. Williams as the Letter to the Editor had suggested Mr. Puritz stated this item would be more appropriately discussed within Executive Session. It was the consensus of the majority of the Board to discuss this item in Executive Session. Selectman Grasfield disagreed.
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board be updated re an investigation by the Inspector General’s Office. Mr. Puritz stated that an update will be provided next week.
Agenda
Chair Roach discussed the need to limit the amount of items on the Agenda as 24 items on this week’s agenda was getting ridiculous. Selectman Grasfield stated he would have preferred to have scheduled another meeting for the 15 interviews for the Wilber School Committee and that there were more pressing items that needed discussion, including the follow- up of a public investigation discussed in the press. Chair Roach pointed out that the Wilber School project is one of the Selectmen’s goals and that they had a strong message at Town Meeting to get something done.
Selectman Heitin disagreed with adding some items week after week assuring Selectman Grasfield that each item raised will be followed up. Selectman Grasfield again requested that Action Items be added to each Agenda.
The Board discussed the next week’s agenda. Mr. Puritz objected to Selectman’s Grasfield “mischaracterizing” improprieties within the bidding procedure as an “Inspector General’s Investigation.” Selectman Grasfield responded that it was his understanding that the term “investigation” did accurately describe the Inspector General’s recent activities.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending litigation, collective bargaining and a Personnel Disciplinary matter and to adjourn at the conclusion thereof.
The Board exited the Open Session at 11:50 p.m.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; and Roach, aye.
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