November 9, 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 7:30 P.M.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of October 18, 2004, including the Executive Session, as amended by Selectman Heitin and printed.
Awards to Fire Department
Senator JoAnn Sprague was present to present an official citation to James Davenport to congratulate him on successful completion and graduation from the Massachusetts Firefighters Academy. Forest Wardens from Norfolk County and Bristol County recognized Gerry MacNamara for his construction assistance and maintenance of the Wildland Firefighters Memorial, and Senator Sprague also presented an official citation to Mr. MacNamara for his devotion and volunteer service.
Chief Mann was present to introduce Danny Greenfield (son of Captain Michael Greenfield) as a new firefighter. Mr. Danny Greenfield took the firefighter’s oath.
Chair Roach expressed appreciation to Senator JoAnn Sprague for her service to the Town. She did not seek reelection to the Senate.
Friends of the Council on Aging Raffle
Ms. Jane Desberg and Mr. Charles Marks were present on behalf of the Friends of the Council on Aging. Raffle drawings were made by various participants at the meeting and names of winners were announced.
Budget Review - Ambulance - Chief Mann
The Board reviewed the FY06 preliminary budget for the Ambulance in the amounts of $497,847 (level); $537,371 (plus) and $472,955 minus. Chief Mann expressed concerns re funds for training within the level budget. It is anticipated that Ambulance Reserves in the amount of $400,000 (level funded budget) will help to fund most of the Ambulance budget. Selectman Grasfield reiterated his opinion that the Ambulance Reserve Fund needs to be allowed to fund predictable vehicle replacement costs.
Budget Review - Firefighters - Chief Mann
The Board reviewed the FY06 preliminary budget for the Fire Department in the amounts of $1,368,009 (level); $1,504,810 (plus) and $1,299,609 minus. The Plus Budget would allow adequate training funds, including sending two new firefighters to the State Fire Academy ($40,310) and includes funds for start-up cost of central dispatch.
Chair Roach requested that the Town visit the life insurance policies for our Call Firefighters. There was a discussion re need for additional firefighters and for a substation or addition to the Fire House. Selectman Grasfield requested that the budget be reviewed for adequacy of funding the contractual increases based on indexing for the firefighters. Selectman Grasfield further requested that Chief Mann put together numbers needed for the recommended additional firefighters and space to house them as he had already informed Priorities at the meeting just held that he would be advocating for increases in Fire and Police staffing at the next Priorities meeting. Selectman Heitin noted that if they thought if was important that his two colleagues would need to push for funding as representatives for
the Selectmen on Priorities. Mr. Puritz expressed gratitude for Chief Mann’s financial management and professional development program working with consultant Austin Sennett of Emergency Response Systems.
Update - MUNIS Reports
Joan Leighton, Town Accountant, was present along with R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer, and Don Hillegass, Data Processing Manager, to discuss the reports as generated by the MUNIS system. Ms. Leighton provided samples of reports, including Department Head Monthly Reports. Selectman Heitin thanked Ms. Leighton for her presentation and requested that all boards and committees should determine what monthly reports would be useful and make formal requests to the accounting office. Selectman Grasfield requested that monthly budget reports of the Selectmen’s sector be provided for the Board’s review and that quarterly reviews similar to those presented by the School Department be done at Selectmen’s meetings for public information.
Mr. Hillegass updated the Boards re tax bills that will be going out this date and will be due back by December 14, 2004.
Fibertech - Petition for Pole Attachment
Mario Rodriguez was present on behalf of Fibertech Networks, Rochester, NY. Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer was also present. Mr. O’Cain also submitted a Memorandum, dated November 9, 2004 re the proposal for a fiberoptic cable to be installed in the right of way on Norwood Street, Edge Hill Road and Tiot Street. It was stated that though the cable will be installed between two Bayer companies, it will also be used by others and is considered to be a “public use.” A Tree Hearing must be held for any tree cutting for any trees greater than six inches in diameter or deemed significant by the Tree Warden. Other conditions include, a performance bond in the amount of $4,700.00 prior to construction as required in the Street Opening Bylaw.
Selectman Grasfield asked Peter O’Cain if Fibertech had satisfactorily addressed the many questions and concerns that Mr. O’Cain had raised in his memo, including Attorney Gelerman’s research into whether or not Fibertech was recognized by the state as a public utility. Mr. O’Cain indicated that Fibertech had.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to grant the permit to install and maintain fiber optic telecommunications facilities in the public way as requested by Fibertech Networks, LLC, of Rochester, NY, subject to compliance of Chapter 35 of the Town of Sharon General Bylaws. Work to be performed described as follows:
The installation of 1/4" strand and 48ct fiber optic cable for an approximately 1.10 miles of aerial construction on the following streets.
Norwood Street, from the Town of Walpole town line to Edge Hill Road. Edge Hill Road to Tiot Street.
Tiot Street to the Town of Norwood & I_95 Overpass.
The excavation of approximately 546 feet on Tiot Street in the Town's Right_of_Way and directional/core bore of 28 feet at asphalt driveway. From pole # NTC196/BE6, then approx. 20 feet directional/core bore east across Tiot Street to proposed manhole.
The excavation will result in placing & installing (1) 4" PVC conduit, (1) 4" HDPE conduit, (1) 4'x4'x4' proposed fiberglass manhole, (3)_ 1 1/4" innerducts and fiber optic cable, per drawings attached to the Petition.
Water Management Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Michael Sherman for membership on the Water Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Sherman has been active in Town on the Friends of Conservation and has a professional history related to water conservation activities. He has been attending the meetings of the Water Management Advisory Committee.
Community Center - Designer Selection Committee
The Board reviewed its Policy XIII, entitled, Designer Selection Policy and Procedures. Section 6a. states that the Committee shall be composed of the following members:
1. Town Administrator
2. Superintendent of Public Works
3. Town Engineer who will serve as secretary to the Committee
4. One or more public members, preferably Massachusetts registered architects or engineers, appointed by the Board of Selectmen
5. When applicable, the proponent Department Head.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to establish a Designer Selection Committee for the Community Center Project as follows: Rick Rice; David Clifton, Recreation Director; Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works; Town Administrator Ben Puritz; Norma S. Fitzgerald, Director of Council on Aging; David Hearne, Finance Committee Member; and to be announced: a representative of the Recreation Advisory Board; a representative of the Friends of the Council on Aging; and another engineer (Standing Building Committee).
Consolidated Capital Outlay Requests
The Board reviewed the list of Consolidated Capital Outlay Requests within the Selectmen’s sector, minus the Community Center Building Improvements, for a total estimated cost $4,205,668.75. Selectman Grasfield expressed his opinion that Internet Accessibility Enhancement for Data Processing and Telephone System Replacement in the Fire Department would be top priorities. Selectman Grasfield also suggested that the Board make its own independent prioritization of the list after a Board of Selectmen tour of the facilities/buildings re capital projects.
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to forward the existing list of the Selectmen’s Capital Outlay Requests to the Capital Outlay Committee, schedule a tour of all requested items, and that the Board come up with a prioritized list of those items to be presented to the Capital Outlay Committee.
Accept Deed - Parcel “S” Sale - Conservation Commission
The Board reviewed the Memorandum from Greg Meister, Conservation Administrator, dated November 8, 2004 requesting acceptance of the Deed for 5 Manor Lane with Conservation Restriction. Proceeds of the sale of Parcel “S” were used to purchase this property as approved by Annual Town Meeting of May 3, 2004.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to accept the Deed for 5 Manor Lane with Conservation Restriction.
Promotion of David Hicks - DPW
This item was deferred until next week. Selectman Grasfield would like to review the union contract before voting.
Award Bids DPW - SERSG
The Board reviewed the bid information from the Southeastern Regional Services Group for DPW Services for the Calendar Year 2005.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to accept the bids for DPW Services for a twelve-month period as listed as part of DPW Services for a Twelve-Month Period Commencing 1/1/05 for items 1 -14, with the exception of 9 & 10 (Towns will need to contract for Asphalt Plant Inspectional Services on their own).
Contracts will be prepared for the Board’s signatures from the low bidders by SERSG.
Stabilization Fund Discussion
Selectman Heitin followed up with the Board’s position at the Fall Town Meeting of support and funding of the Stabilization Fund. It is being suggested that a minimum of $100,000 be allocated for this fund before the priorities process of allocation of funds within the Priorities Committee. Selectman Grasfield noted that Priorities had already voted this level of funding unanimously at its first meeting.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to direct Town Administrator Ben Puritz to do a survey of comparable communities re targets and actuals for savings for Stabilization Funds.
Pro-Active Approach to Cell Towers- Discussion
Selectman Heitin discussed the need to hire a consultant to study the Town re gaps in cell tower service and areas suitable for cell towers. The Board would like to get the names of additional consultants in this area. A meeting with members of FINCOM will be set up to discuss a Reserve Fund Transfer for this purpose. Selectman Grasfield volunteered to contact the County Club abutter’s group re the names of consultants.
Containerized Rubbish Disposal Bid - Board of Health
The Board discussed Memo from Linda Rosen, dated November 1, 2004 re bid proposal for municipal rubbish pickup (schools, beaches, and all municipal buildings). Selectman Grasfield expressed his desire to include recycling. Selectman Grasfield raised questions re specifics for the bid that may have an impact on costs and requested that members of the Board of Health be invited in to discuss this bid with the Board.
Action Items
Stabilization Fund Discussion was deleted from the list. Update of the Design/Improvements to the Community Center Building will not be an Action Item but will be scheduled separately as a weekly agenda item. Selectman Heitin will meet with Treasurer R. Uyttebroek to discuss placing the trash pick-up within the property taxes. Regarding the Position of Finance Director, Selectman Grasfield referred to survey information already provided by Linda Morse re comparable Towns and encouraged the Board to review the material so that it could be discussed shortly. Town Administrator Ben Puritz suggested that the Town consider a lower position than a Town Engineer and possibility a project manager.
Selectman Grasfield advocated for an update from Avalon Bay on the status of their efforts towards doing a LIP with the BOS. The Board would like to invite members of the Avalon Bay Neighborhood Committee to meet with the Board. There was a discussion as to whether members of the Zoning Board of Appeals could be present. Mr. Puritz stated that he expects an opinion from Town Counsel that it would be appropriate for them to do so within Open Session.
The Board would like to schedule a meeting with the Planning Board re Overlay District, Senior Housing, and Affordable Housing issues. Selectman Heitin stated he would like to reconstitute the Facilities Planning Committee and re-interview existing members that wish to continue/look at the municipal space problem. The Board also requested that the entire Government Study Committee be invised to its meeting of December 7th. Selectman Grasfield noted that, before the Board’s representatives heard the Board’s input re goals for Government Study, the entire Government Study Committee voted for a change of governance to a Town Council form of government. He thought the previously requested meeting with the Selectmen’s appointees was likely moot. Selectman Heitin disagreed.
The Board will schedule a meeting with the Planning Board to discuss Overlay District/Affordable Housing and the Chair and the Vice-Chair of the Post Office Square Committee to discuss the downtown.
Selectman Grasfield requested that another action item be added re Competitive Bids for Premium Health Insurance. Town Administrator Ben Puritz discussed the obstacles including having to negotiate for a change with 17 employee unions (including the schools).
Request for Banner
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve a Banner for the Martin Luther King Celebration Committee for the dates of January 10 - 17, 2005 in the first position.
Selection of Hearing Officer
Chair Roach updated the Board members on names/interviews to select a Hearing Officer for a Personnel Matter. After the interviews are completed, Chair Roach and Town Administrator Ben Puritz will make a recommendation to the Board.
“Little House”
Town Administrator Ben Puritz updated the Board re move of “Little House” from Wolomolopoag Street to the site at the Deborah Sampson Park to be used as a Teen Center. A notice will be going out to abutters between Wolomolopoag Street and Main Street and East Foxboro Street. The possibilities of cutting/removal of trees and need for tree hearing were also noted with Wolomolopoag Street being a Scenic Road. The date for the move is Sunday, November 21 beginning at midnight. People along the route can expect temporary loss of telephone/cable/electrical services and are urged to call the Department of Public Works for information.
Flu Clinic
Selectman Grasfield read information pertaining to the Flu Clinic scheduled for Monday, November 15 at Temple Sinai.
Letter of Appreciation
Selectman Roach asked Selectman Grasfield to read a letter of appreciation addressed to Chief Bernstein from Superintendent of Schools Claire Jackson re Police Departments efforts of November 5.
Memorial Service - Father Bullock
Selectman Grasfield announced the Memorial Service for Father Bullock on November 21 to be held at Temple Israel.
New Growth/Overlay
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board of Assessors be invited in to discuss their estimates for New Growth/Overlay Account.
Acquisition of Real Property on Upland Street
Selectman Grasfield noted letter from the State Division of Capital Asset Management re items outstanding for the acceptance and release of the deed for land near the RR Station Parking Lot.
Mr. Puritz noted that the deadline has been extended until February 28, 2005.
Smart Growth - CHAPA
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), Inc. re Smart Growth Demonstration initiative to provide technical and financial assistance to three - five communities. Mr. Puritz stated that Assistant Engineer Peter O’Cain is following up with this. Selectman Grasfield requested that the BOS be sent copies of the application as it progresses.
Cannon Forge Road to Forge Road
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Chad Blair re 54 Forge Road re dangerous situation on the roundabout that connects Cannon Forge Road to Forge Road. He asked that something be done right away to prevent the kind of tragic accident that the homeowner feared. Selectman Heitin stated we should get recommendations from the Police Chief and Superintendent of Public Works or Assistant Town Engineer to discuss.
Rotary Club - Memorial Beach Project
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Jane Desberg, President of the Rotary Club, re announcement that as its centennial project, the Rotary Club would like to create a picnic area on the beach behind the bandstand.
Wilber School Redevelopment Committee
Selectman Grasfield updated the Board that Wilber committee members had presented zoning issues and preliminary grant availability related to the parcel at the Redevelopment Committee’s last meeting. Some committee members would like to include mixed use including retail, but retail is currently not allowed by the zoning by-law for that district.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing items of pending litigation, collective bargaining and real property acquisition and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; Roach, aye.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 10:55 P.M.
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