March 1, 2005
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 7:03 P.M.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending litigation concerning insurance negotiations and at the conclusion thereof to return to open session.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:05 P.M.
The Board reconvened in regular session at 7:40 P.M.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to hold the Executive Session Minutes of February 8, 2005 for discussion within Executive Session, and to approve the Minutes of February 8, 2005, as corrected:
Page 2 - Delete Section re Question of Outstanding Liability
Page 2 - Employees Computer Use Policy - Add - at the end:
He also requested that the MMA be asked for “best practices.”
Page 3 - Next Agendas - Change: (Grasfield/Heitin) to (Heitin/Grasfield)
Community Center Update
Representatives from the architectural firm BH+A, Joel Bargmann and Tom Scalani, were present to provide an interim report to the Board. Items discussed included:
existing conditions;
necessary building improvements;
outstanding issues to be addressed in the next two-three weeks;
development options with or without a change in use;
code issues re egress and handicap accessibility;
bearing conditions;
indication of sub-par materials;
programming;
expansion of footprint (additional 5,000 sq. ft.);
options for shared areas;
senior center to be located on the first floor;
new multipurpose ballroom;
options for second floor;
options for basement level;
expansion of theater;
options for: a. minimum, b. good and c. new facility; and,
going back to programming groups - looking for additional savings.
Questions were asked re locations for building expansion, parking, additions for 2nd or 3rd floors, and looking for pushbacks. Mr. Bargmann discussed finding out what is affordable for the community and getting the best scheme. There are questions whether some programming is for vendor purposes and not town programming and if the community is prepared to spend the money for additional space. There will be a cost/benefit analysis re use/programming of the building. The role of the Designer Selection Committee was discussed to ensure that we make the best decision looking at the three options. Further meetings are scheduled. The Board is looking for a presentation for the Annual Town Meeting in May.
Commission on Disability
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Sheila Advani as a member of the Commission on Disability. Appointment to expire: September 2007.
Triathlon Agreement
The Board reviewed Memo from David I. Clifton, Recreation Director, dated January 31, 2005.
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the New England Triathlon Tour – Duties and Responsibilities Agreement for the event to be held on August 21, 2005.
Approve Applications - Direct Connection to the Municipal Storm Sewer System
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Application for 186 Morse Street for a License to Maintain a Direct Connection to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) of the Town of Sharon (installed 1977), subject to the approval of Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Application for 190 Morse Street for a License to Maintain a Direct Connection to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) of the Town of Sharon (installed 1967), subject to the approval of Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Application for 194 Morse Street for a License to Maintain a Direct Connection to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) of the Town of Sharon (installed 1967), subject to the approval of Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer.
Next Agenda
The Board will approve the release of redacted Executive Session Minutes at its next meeting.
Action Items - Review/Update
Selectman Grasfield announced a meeting on Affordable Housing by the Housing Partnership Committee on March 16 at 7:30 P.M. at the Hixson Farm Club House.
Selectman Grasfield discussed a meeting with the WMAC on February 20 re concerns with water issues on parcels identified for affordable housing. A subcommittee will be discussing this issue next week.
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board of Assessors be scheduled at its meeting of March 15 to discuss the Supplemental Tax Assessment on New Construction.
Selectman Grasfield initiated a discussion re comparison of premium-based employee health insurance. Mr. Puritz discussed the difficulties involved, including needing the approval of 17 bargaining units to change providers. Selectman Grasfield encouraged Mr. Puritz to move forward with whatever needs to be done to get information and data in order to receive quotes for premium-based insurance. Selectman Heitin requested that a 10-years claims history be established. Selectman Heitin (?) suggested that this could be done by Cook & Company, the Town’s Claim’s Monitoring Service Provider. Mr. Puritz stated he would have an update for the meeting of March 15. Selectman Heitin cautioned that a premium based (Town is self-insured) insurance would need to factor in the risk
factors and profit and that the overall costs are not going to be reduced. Selectman Grasfield noted that the taxpayers bear 100% of any deficit within the health insurance trust. There followed a discussion of the increasing costs of health insurance for the Town and the employees.
Horizons for Youth
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Goodwill Industries, dated February 11, 2005 announcing that Goodwill is in discussion with Horizons for Youth to provide camping opportunities for the children they have served now that Horizons for Youth will no longer operate its camp. Mr. Puritz stated that acquisition of this property by Goodwill has not yet been finalized.
Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC)
Selectman Grasfield noted Email from Paul Lauenstein, WMAC, dated February 11, 2005 with two votes taken by that Committee (1) to endorse an FY-06 Water Conservation Budget and (2) to recommend that the Selectmen instruct the Water Department to revise the rebate policy for water-efficient washing machines, and suggested that this be scheduled on the next agenda. Selectman Heitin directed that an opinion be sought from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works re positive benefits and costs.
Federal Aviation Administration
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the FAA re study to reduce noise impacts from aircraft overflights. Residents interested in further information or involvement in this study are requested to call the Town Offices for further information or go to the project website at www.bostonoverflightnoisestudy.com.
Finance Committee Nominating Committee (FINCOM)
Selectman Grasfield noted an Email from Corey Snow of the FINCOM Nominating Committee announcing that they are seeking candidates to serve on the Finance Committee. Interested candidates should submit letters of interest/resumes to FINCOM Nominating Committee c/o Town Hall. A notice will be placed on the Town’s website.
Award Delivery of the Town Report
The Board reviewed correspondence from Boy Scout Troop 95 with a bid for the delivery of the Annual Town Report in the amount of $1,200.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to award the bid for the delivery of the Annual Town Report to Boy Scout Troop 95, the sole bidder, in the amount of $1,200.
Snow & Ice Budget Status
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works was present to discuss his Memo of March 1, 2005 re DPW Snow and Ice Budget Status. Items discussed included;
As of 2/28/05 the budget line for Snow and Ice Control is $39,819.39 over the appropriated amount of $107,099;
The overtime labor for snow and ice related activities stands at $139,586.97 or $50,000 over budget;
the Town will receive reimbursement of up to 75% of expenses incurred during the January blizzard.
This does not include bills for last week’s expenditures (over $30,000) and costs incurred during last night’s snow removal effort. It was suggested that this Memo be updated and a copy forwarded to FINCOM.
Selectmen Heitin commended Mr. Hooper on the excellent job of snow removal in the railroad parking lot, roads and sidewalks and Selectman Grasfield added his words of appreciation.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of collective bargaining, acquisition of real property, pending litigation, and personnel matter, and, at the conclusion thereof, to adjourn for the evening.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; Roach, aye.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:00 P.M.
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