January 4, 2005
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 6:30 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 6:41 P.M.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing real property acquisition and pending litigation and to reconvene in Open Session at 7:30 P.M.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) to reconsider the Executive Session Minutes of December 7, 2004, at the request of Selectman Heitin.
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of December 7, 2004 as amended and now printed.
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of December 21, as printed.
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of December 21, as printed.
Winter Fundraiser - Sharon Education Foundation
Kathy Hershfield and Helen Bednarsh were present to request permission to solicit funds for the Sharon Education Foundation by having students collect money near Starbucks and the Post Office as well as Shaw’s Supermarkets and at Cobb Corner. Information was provided regarding grants that have been awarded by the Sharon Education Foundation for “innovative and challenging programs and supporting professional development in the Sharon Schools.”
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to grant permission to the Education Foundation to raise funds at Post Office Square and in other areas of Town on March 12 and 13, 2005 between 10:00 to 3:00 P.M.
Water Management Advisory Committee
Chair Mike Birschbach was present as well as other members of the Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC). Items discussed included: (1) Mission Statement (2) Priorities and (3) Follow-up Items:
Mission Statement: The mission of the Sharon Water Management Advisory Committee is to advise the Water Commissioners with respect to water-related issues.
Priorities discussed:
1. Water Quantity: New Well Sites
2. Emergency Water Requirements: Water Department to investigate an emergency backup connection to Stoughton’s Water Supply at Cobb’s Corner
3. Water Quality: Water Department to identify the source of nitrates at Well # 4
Follow-up Items discussed: Access to Gobbi Property for Exploratory Test Wells
Schedule for Fe/MN Filtration Plant
Free Pilot Installations of Radio Meter Technology & formation of committee to evaluate radio meter systems;
Insertion of flyer in water bills
Chair Roach announced that the Board had taken steps this evening re Access to Gobbi property and that he supported moving forward on the WMAC’s priority items. Selectman Grasfield stated that he has attended three out of four of every WMAC meeting, congratulated the Committee on doing a “great job,” and offered to help focus on the stated mission and priorities.
Mr. Birschbach stated that the Town needs to move on identifying sites and sources for new wells as it is extremely important for the Town to have an independent water supply.
Town Administrator Ben Puritz stated he would follow-up with this at the next meeting. Mr. Birschbach requested that the Board vote again to direct the Water Department to move immediately to determine the viability of the four previously identified as possible well sites.
MOTION: (Grasfield) to direct the Water Department to move immediately to determine the viability of the four possible well sites (Gobbi Property, Canton Street, Blair Circle, and Edge Hill Road).
DISCUSSION: Selectman Heitin suggested that the WMAC be involved in the process and that they prioritize the sites after discussions with Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works and Conservation Commission. Mr. Birschbach stated that they have been prioritized and that these are four viable sites.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to direct the Water Department to move immediately to determine the viability of the four possible well sites (Gobbi Property, Canton Street, Blair Circle, and Edge Hill Road), and to keep this Board, WMAC, and other Committees in the loop throughout the process.
There was a discussion of the recommended long-term solution for an emergency backup connection at Cobb Corner with the Town of Stoughton. WMAC Member Cliff Towner reported that this is the only viable place for an emergency connection based on equal pressure, mixed water and elevation compatibility. He further stated that Mr. Jack Sulik had estimated the connection cost at $200,000 - $250,000.
VOTED: (Heitin/ Grasfield) Voted unanimously that this Board recommend to the Water Department that they investigate an emergency backup connection to Stoughton’s water supply and report back as soon as possible, no later than February 1.
VOTED: (Heitin/ Grasfield) Voted unanimously to recommend that the Water Department move forward to identify the source of nitrates at Well #4 and report back as soon as possible.
Mr. Towner discussed the need for follow-up recommendations from a 1999 study from Woodard & Curran. Selectman Grasfield requested a copy of that report.
Zoning & Development Issues - Wayne Godlin
Wayne Godlin was present to discuss safety issues related to traffic and development in the area of the Chabad School on N. Main Street. Rabbi Wolosow, Michael Jacobs and approximately 12 abutters and members of the Chabad community were also present. Items discussed included:
impact of proposed development Hunter Ridge across the Street from the Chabad Center;
proposed Annual Town Meeting petition articles (3-4) re bylaw changes;
presentation made before Planning Board;
number of accidents at this site;
Chabad -- Jewish Orthodox school - need to walk;
dangerous to cross street;
consideration of signal light within reconstruction of N. Main St.;
petition article re flexible development does not increase traffic congestion more than conventional development;
request for extension of petition deadline;
offer to expedite review of petition articles by Town Counsel;
Planning Board needs to hold hearings on zoning changes;
request that Planning Board sponsor articles; and,
request that Peter O’Cain review previous traffic study and traffic analysis.
Spring Beach Open Date
Bonnie Klane was present to request a Spring Beach Opening Date of March 21. David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, was also present. Items discussed included:
concerns with snowstorm and plowing parking lot;
flexible opening depending on weather;
use by non-residents w/o staff to control;
Mr. Clifton has concerns with both March and November;
Mr. Clifton prefers April - October beach opening;
concerns with high school students getting on ice;
need for input from Recreation Advisory Committee;
new walkways and stairs at this location;
nonresidents not a problem at the beach; and,
gates open all year for pedestrians.
Ms. Klane emphasized that she feels very strongly that the beach property be available for use year-round and that March 21 is a “glorious date.’ The Board will wait for input from the Recreation Advisory Board. Mr. Puritz promised to contact Ms. Klane by EMail as to what decision is made as she is leaving for Florida. Selectman Heitin promised that a decision would be made before the end of the month.
Community Center Repairs
Town Administrator Ben Puritz updated the Board on the response for the request for proposals. Nine firms have requested packages with the deadline of January 5. The Designer Selection Committee plans to have a recommendation to the Board by the end of January with a report available for consideration at the Annual Town Meeting. Board members requested a copy of all the RFP’s be left for their review.
Electric Supply Procurement Agreement
Town Administrator Ben Puritz discussed a proposal from Bay State Consultants to organize a group procurement for a replacement electric supply contracts for existing Bay State clients. Sharon currently participates through this procurement by Bay State and has saved 1/4 M in avoided costs over four years. Mr. Puritz stated that this was a very cost-effective arrangement and recommended the Board’s acceptance.
Selectman Grasfield noted reference to a “larger statewide procurement program” and suggested that we look at this program to compare it with Bay State. This item has been deferred pending additional information. Mr. Puritz stated he will bring this up at the MMA Conference on Friday.
Action Items
Selectman Heitin recommended putting the Consultant for Cell Tower coverage on the list. The costs of a consultant may be part of an Annual Town Meeting article for funding. There was a brief discussion of the proposal from Sideband.
Selectman Heitin also requested that the new appointments to the Council on Aging Board as a result of the retirement of Reuben Herman be placed on the Agenda.
Selectman Grasfield stated that two Action Items listed as Employee Spreadsheet Budgetary information and Detail of Free Cash will be needed for Priorities Committee. Mr. Puritz stated that the information is completed and on his desk.
Request to Place Collection Box - H.U.G.S.
The Board reviewed a request from H.U.G.S. Sharon to place a collection box for recycling used cell phones. palm pilots, blackberrys and ink/toner cartridges.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to grant permission to H.U.G.S. to place a collection box within the Lobby of the Sharon Town Offices.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel matter, and collective bargaining and, at the conclusion thereof, to adjourn for the evening.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; Roach, aye.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:12 P.M.
| 
