April 5, 2005
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 Selectman David I. Grasfield, and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of March 15, 2005, as printed.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of March 22, 2005, including Executive Session, as printed.
Approve Direct Connection - Storm Water Sewer System
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Application for 31 Sunset Drive for a License to Maintain a Direct Connection to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) of the Town of Sharon, subject to the approval of Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer.
Update Community Center Repairs/Improvement
Mr. Puritz updated the Board re the Community Center. At its meeting of April 19, at 8:00 P.M., the architects of BH+A will present a preliminary report to the Board. Mr. Popkin, the insurance adjustor, has formally filed a claim with the insurance company. Mr. Grasfield reported on a meeting that he attended last Wednesday with a presentation by the architects to the Designer Selection Committee. There will be an article on the Town Meeting Warrant seeking design money and a presentation will be made at Town Meeting.
Action Items
This item was deferred.
FY2006 Chapter 90
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Governor’s Office, dated March 29, 2005, with the announcement of $361,929 Chapter 90 monies for the Town.
Insurance Advisory Committee
Selectmen Grasfield noted and asked questions regarding Memo from Mr. Puritz to members of the Insurance Advisory Committee, dated March 29, 2005, announcing the next meeting to be April 12, 2005 at 3:30 PM in the Selectmen’s Second Floor Meeting Room. This meeting is open to the public.
MBTA Assessments
Selectmen Grasfield discussed a Memo from the MBTA Advisory Board, dated March 22, 2005. It was noted that the Town’s assessments have been reduced due to a new distribution formula since FY2000. Sharon’s assessment is $25,000 less than the previous year with the amount of $326,067 for FY2006. It was noted that the assessments will be adjusted each July 1 after FY2006 by the growth rate of the inflation index over the preceding 12 months; provided, that, after said fiscal year, in no case shall said assessment exceed 102.5 per cent of the previous year’s assessment.
Animal Control Vehicle
Selectmen Grasfield discussed a recommendation made by FINCOM that the Town consider the purchase of a used vehicle to be used for Animal Control under Capital Outlay. Mr. Puritz will follow up with the State Procurement Office and the Inspector General’s Office and advise.
Loophole Closing re Telecommunications/Personal Property
The Board discussed a letter from the Board of Assessors, dated March 14, 2005 urging the Board’s support for the closing of the loophole that the MMA had advised is being exploited by telecommunications companies to avoid local taxation.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to support the MMA in working to close this loophole.
(The Board of Assessors will discuss this further with an appointment with the Board of Assessors next week)
Overlay Release
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Board of Assessors, dated March 31, 2005 re Overlay Release. This will be discussed with the Board of Assessors at next week’s meeting.
Supplemental Tax Assessment - New Construction
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Board of Assessors, dated March 31, 2005 re Additional tax receipts for Supplemental Tax Assessment on New Construction. It is estimated that the Town will take in approximately $40,000 from this tax for FY06. Mr. Puritz noted it was a one-time benefit as the Town moved to this new cycle.
Downtown Area - Wastewater Treatment
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence to Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer, from the Board of Health, dated March 31, 2005, re plans to sewer the downtown area. He requested that Peter O’Cain and members of the Board of Health be invited to discuss this as an agenda item.
Proposed Resource Restoration of Cedar Swamp
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated March 30, 2005 with reference to an NOI filed by the Conservation Commission for placement of a check dam across the drainage ditch near the culvert at Wolomolopoag Street.
He requested a copy of the NOI filing.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of Deployment of Security Personnel, Collective Bargaining and Personnel Matter and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
Grasfield, aye; Roach, aye.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:00 P.M.
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