Sharon, MA - 11/2/04

11/2/04

November 2, 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 7:32 P.M.

Approve Minutes

The approval of the Minutes of October 18 and October 26 were deferred until the next meeting.

Capital Outlay Request - DPW

Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works was present to present his Capital requests for FY06 as follows:

$450,000 Roadway Improvements - includes Massapoag Avenue - Phase I at $300,000

$150,000 Sidewalk Projects - includes Lakeview Street

$215,000 Equipment Replacement

4. Large Dump/Plow Truck: $80,000

5. Small Dump Truck: $60,000

6. Bobcat: $40,000

7. DPW Garage Doors $25,000

8. DPW Office Carpet and HVAC maintenance: $10,000

In answer to questions raised by Selectman Grasfield, Mr. Hooper reported on unused balances for previously appropriated capital outlay projects of approximately 1.1 million as of the date of the meeting and end of the construction season.. Mr. Hooper stated Chapter 90's monies were used rather than capital outlay funds for the intersection improvements for Norwood/High Plain Streets and Bay Road resurfacing, and Chapter 90 monies were being held for any issues related to the North and South Main Street reconstruction. Mr. Hooper stated due to the success of the roadway improvement program and significant capital investment made thereto, he would relook the amount of funds requested for capital outlay for roadway improvements each year.

Selectman Grasfield requested that information provided to auditors re large vehicles, i.e., how many, relative ages (or usage) and depreciable life, be provided to the Board.

Budget Review - Town Accountant

Town Accountant Joan Leighton was present as the Board reviewed the preliminary FY’06 Budget for Town Accountant in the amounts of $183,319.00 (level); $174,153.00 (minus); and $201,648.00 (plus).

Budget Review - Recreation Department

David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, was present as the Board reviewed the preliminary FY’06 Budget for Recreation in the amounts of $266,599.00 (level);) $253,269.00 (minus) ; and $293,259.00 (plus).

There was a discussion re moving costs of lake testing ($5,000) from the Revolving Fund to the Operating Budget. Mr. Clifton expressed concerns as to being able to pay waterfront summer staff. Mr. Clifton gave an overview of the Recreation Revolving Fund 53E ½ Budget of $73,000 with no balance carried forward. Selectman Grasfield wants to keep Lake Testing in the Revolving Fund to match revenues.

Capital Outlay Request - Recreation Department

David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, was present to present his Capital Request for Improvements to the Community Center Building, estimated at $400,646 for Phase II and $2,381,702 for Phase III.

There was a brief discussion on the need to move forward quickly on the design for the improvements to the Community Center to get this building open as soon as possible. Selectman Grasfield recommended that this be added as an Agenda Item each week to keep the taxpayers updated on this issue. A report from the insurance company should be available next week.

Facilities Planning Committee - Michael Baskin

Michael Baskin of the Facilities Planning Committee was present and the following issues were discussed:

Facilities Planning Committee has been dormant;

Mr. Baskin also serves on the new Wilber School Redevelopment Committee;

Worthwhile reactivating the Facilities Planning Committee;

Committee was charged with updating the Space Needs Study;

Committee was charged with addressing identified space needs;

History of proposed building projects of the past few years, including Free Standing

Senior Center with Wilber School for School Administration, Town Offices and Public Library, then integrating the Senior Center into the Wilber School and removing School Administration to Library Building; Use of Town Offices Building as part of Police/Fire Public Safety Complex and expanded DPW with the Police Station.

Long-range plans for the Sacred Heart Property, including swimming pool and gymnasium;

Some municipal control of the Wilber School property within future proposals;

Need for new members of the Facilities Planning Committee;

Revisit scope of the charter of the Facilities Planning Committee;

Need to coordinate capital needs of the Town and create master plan;

Need for 5-10 year plan with estimate of costs; and,

Consider dissolving Facilities Planning Committee and forming new Committee.

The discussion of the Facilities Planning Committee will be continued.

Continued Hearing Re: “Little House” - Teen Center Location

Chair Roach updated the Board re the move of the “Little House” to be used as a Teen Center. He stated that the house would be relocated further back within the Deborah Sampson parking lot in front of the skateboard park. He stated that the abutters, though not thrilled, believed this to be a better plan. Abutter from 90 Cedar Street expressed concerns as to the long-term use of this property. Chair Roach replied that the Engineering Department has looked at the site; and, there is enough room for the proposed senior center and recreational facilities.

VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to close the hearing.

Administrative Investigation Report & Related Follow-up

Town Administrator Ben Puritz stated that the Board has received the report on an Administrative Investigation from Labor Counsel and that this is a time-sensitive matter. He stated that specific details not be given that could be prejudicial to any potential proceedings or confidentiality issues.

Selectman Grasfield stated that the letter from counsel had little recommendation as to the next step. He further stated that the Board has asked repeatedly that Counsel provide guidance to the Board and that he is reiterating that request . Selectman Heitin agreed that we need guidance from counsel, and he also stated that it is important to move forward as quickly as possible.

MOTION: (Heitin) to engage an independent hearing officer and to authorize the Chair and Town Administrator to conduct interviews and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen as soon as possible.

DISCUSSION: Chair Roach expressed the opinion that based on information and guidance received from Labor Counsel, that the Board should hire a Hearing Officer and that the Board should not act as the Hearing Officer.

MOTION SECONDED: (Roach)

DISCUSSION: Selectman Grasfield stated that per the limited information provided, the Board may act as the Hearing Officer. He stated that the Board absolutely could and should serve as the Hearing Officer. Selectman Heitin stated it is his motion that the Chair and Town Administrator make the recommendation to the Board, and that it is very important to have an independent view of findings of facts and an independent hearing officer will add an additional level of credibility to the process. Selectman Grasfield stated that if that be the goal, then the State can be asked to provide a reasonable person to act as the hearing officer and recommended that we ask the State rather than the Chair and the Executive Secretary (same title as Town Administrator).

Selectman Heitin stated that he agreed that the Chair and Town Administrator should call for that list and that this Board will make the decision as to the independent person

VOTED: 2-1 (Grasfield opposed).

MOTION CARRIED

Selectman Grasfield asked for the date for the hearing and Mr. Puritz replied that it would be premature to set a date until the engagement of the hearing officer. Mr. Puritz agreed that he would have a list of names with qualifications and availability ready by the next meeting.

High School Students Parking Restrictions - Robin Road - Charles Marks

Mr. Marks was present to discuss a letter sent to the Board requesting an extension of the parking restrictions on part of Robin Road (No Parking 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on School Days” to cover the whole street.

VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to extend the parking restrictions on Robin Road subject to the recommendations of Department of Public Works, Fire and Police Departments.

Community Center - Designer Selection Committee