October 12, 2004
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:00 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 7:30 P.M.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of September 28, 2004, including Executive Session. The Minutes of October 5, 2004 were held.
Community Center Building
Jim Popkin, Insurance Adjuster on behalf of the Town, was present to give a status report on the condition of the Community Center Building. Items covered included:
roof damage due to excess weight from snow and ice;
need for specific testing of roof structure;
meeting with insurance company structural engineer and STV structural engineer;
damages need to be quantified, claim prepared to submit to insurance;
insurance company will be issuing $50,000 advance;
insurance provided two trailers at the Community Center site; and,
“real numbers” will not be ready for a few weeks.
A statement was made on behalf of the Recreation Advisory Committee that made two points: (1) need for and sentiment of the people to have this building back up and in operational use; and, (2) request to get the building “wrapped up” for winter.
Chair Roach spoke on behalf of the Board that it is the Board’s intent to support stabilization and to prepare the building for winter.
Interested citizens present raised the following issues:
listed the varied clubs and activities dependent upon the building;
the replacement of the building vs. the reconstruction would cost double to triple;
building should be saved and upgraded over time and in phases;
request to stabilize for main floor use first;
request to look at total space available; and
concerns with vote of FINCOM.
Selectman Heitin reported on presentation from STV with the following estimates:
$117,350 - for drawings, stabilization, etc., (not get people back in the building)
$556,462 - code upgrades - people back in building - First Phase
$2.9 million - all code upgrades, elevator, fire alarm, electrical work - Final Project
A letter in support of the renovation/repair of the Community Center Building by Representative Lou Kafka was read Chair Roach. Selectman Grasfield stated that he attended the FINCOM Meeting where there was a vote to FINCOM for indefinite postponement; however, nobody said that they do not want to see the building made useful or stabilized, but there was expressed a need to take slow and prudent steps.
There was a discussion re need for maintenance of town buildings. There was a discussion as to timeline of the structural analysis and insurance adjuster process. Mr. Puritz stated that next week’s Town Meeting provides for acceptance of insurance proceeds to stabilize the building. He expressed the hope that the Town more forward in a logical and consistent basis to make this building functional as quickly as possible.
It was stated that the FINCOM will be meeting at 6 P.M. before Town Meeting and, if numbers are available, there may be a reconsideration of the vote.
Pre-Town Meeting for Free Standing Senior Center
Norma S. Fitzgerald announced two meetings to be held at Thursday at 7 PM and Friday, 1 PM at Hixson Farm Road.
Budget Review - Council on Aging - N. Fitzgerald
Norma S. Fitzgerald was present to review the Council on Aging preliminary Budget FY’06 in the amounts $197,399.00 (level); $187,529.00 (minus) and $217,139.00 (plus).
Budget Review - Animal Control
This item will be rescheduled.
Budget Review - Data Processing
Rob Uyttebroek, Treasurer and Don Hillegass, Systems Administrator were present to review the Data Processing preliminary Budget FY’06 in the amounts $180,306.00 (level); $198,336.00 (plus) and $171,291.00 (minus).
Mr. Hillegass updated the Board re MUNIS implementation. He stated that MUNIS is or will soon be fully implemented with the exception of Fixed Assets. Mr. Uyttebroek expressed the wish to maintain staff levels, maintain MUNIS software, maintain website and maintain current telecommunications operations and he emphasized the need for continuing MUNIS training and support.
Budget Review - Treasurer - R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer
Rob Uyttebroek, Treasurer was present to review the Treasurer’s preliminary Budget FY’06 in the amounts $284,197.00 (level); $312,617.00 (plus) and $269,987.00 (minus).
Mr. Uyttebroek recommends the purchase of a MUNIS cash register and scanner in the amount of $7,000 in the plus budget.
Budget Review - Debt Budget - R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer
Rob Uyttebroek, Treasurer stated that as there is a sale of bonds scheduled shortly these numbers are subject to change and he will present this budget later.
Budget Review - FICA- R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer
Rob Uyttebroek, Treasurer presented preliminary FICA Budget FY’06 in the amounts $400,000.00 for Medicare and $45,000 for Social Security Expenses.
Public Hearing re Parcel “S” - Quail Ridge Subdivision
Chair Roach announced the opening of a Public Hearing for the release of the Conservation Restriction at Parcel “S.” The Board reviewed correspondence from Paul T. Fitzgerald, dated October 7, 2004.
There were no issues raised by members of the audience;
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to release the Conservation Restriction on Parcel S (pursuant to the Board’s authority under the Town Meeting Vote dated May 20, 2003, as amended by a Special Town Meeting Vote dated May 3, 2004, and Chapter 284 of the Acts of 2004).
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to accept and sign the Quitclaim Deed on Parcel “S.” (This conveys Parcel “S” to Sharon Investment Partners, LLC and Simeone Residential Properties II. LLC.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to close the hearing re Parcel “S.”
Leave of Absence Request - Wayne Walker
The Board reviewed Memorandum from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated October4, 2004 requesting that the Board grant a request for a Leave of Absence for Wayne Walker.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to grant a leave of absence for Wayne Walker for a period of less than three (3) months.
Approve Release of Executive Session Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to release as public record the Executive Session Minutes of August 4, 2003, September 9, 2003 and January 22, 2004.
Adjourn the Meeting
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
The Board adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; and Roach, aye.
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