April 19, 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, Selectmen David I. Grasfield and William A. Heitin.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield /Roach) Voted 2-0 (Heitin abstained) to approve the Minutes of April 5, 2005, as written. The Executive Session Minutes of April 5 are being held.
VOTED: (Heitin /Roach) Voted 2-0 (Grasfield abstained) to approve the Minutes of April 12, 2005, including Executive Session as written.
Downtown Sewage Treatment
Anne Bingham, Chair, and Susan Peck, of the Board of Health were present to discuss septic and sewage issues in the Town. Items discussed included:
the Board’s vote of last week for a study for a shared septic system for the Post Office Square and Wilber School to be paid with funds obtained through a CHAPA grant received earlier this year;
concerns that this issue was not discussed with the Board of Health -- found out by chance;
that the Board of Health has technical information and expertise in this area;
consideration of other locales, including the high school;
other areas with septic problems, include Glendale/Brook Road – may be higher priority;
Wilber School Reuse Committee’s urgent need re information about this site (Selectman Heitin suggested Ms. Bingham call Mr. Goldsmith before RFP is drafted);
Peter O’Cain discussed limits to the high school site, including permits and School Department plans to connect the Middle School;
specific issues within the P.O. Square area, including poor soils and need to determine whether the Wilber School Site could add this to its sewage treatment;
specific issues with the Brook Road area;
Board of Health can ask to expand the scope of the study for Wilber School/P.O.Square;
problems with sites near wells and lake;
need to look at comprehensively;
CHAPA Grant specific to mixed-use overlay district in downtown area;
all in agreement that treatment means “drinking water quality;”
misunderstanding that the term “shared septic system” did not mean it would not be a sewage treatment plant;”
Mr. O’Cain concerned with expressed “option for a gigantic septic facility next to the lake;” and,
possible use of railroad property site.
Selectman Grasfield suggested that there be a meeting scheduled with members of the Board of Health, DPW, WMAC, specifically Lealdon Langley, and Planning Board, to see if it’s feasible to add to the existing scope of work. Mr. Hooper advised that since the contract has been signed, an addition to the scope of work would require a new contract. Ms. Peck suggested that they work together to see if additional state funding would be available to do a little grander study with more comprehensive planning without stopping the study specific to the Wilber School. The need for affordable housing and more sophisticated planning was also mentioned. Mr. O’Cain expressed regrets that he did not accept an invitation to attend a meeting of the Board of Health to discuss this issue.
Selectman Grasfield requested that the Board of Health host the meeting on this subject and invite the Selectmen, WMAC, Planning Board, DPW, and any other interested parties.
Board of Health re Recycling/Beach Opening
Ms. Susan Peck, Board of Health, discussed other Board of Health issues including:
seeking RFR’s from waste management companies re flexibility to add recycling of bottles and cans to all recreation sites, schools and town buildings – will evaluate costs and options; and,
concerns with gates open to the Memorial Park Beach, re trash, and posting lack of testing.
Community Center Design - BH+A
Joel Bargmann was present on behalf of the Architects, Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc. (BH+A). He distributed copies of the Sharon Community Center, Feasibility Study, Final Report Summary, dated April 19, 2005. He stated that the building was looked at within three different levels: (1) Minimal Scheme - provides for repair and code minimum improvements (cost estimate $989,345); (2) Scheme A - provides desired program spaces, complete handicapped accessibility, upgrades all building MEP (mechanical/electric/plumbing) systems, and upgrades building structure and envelope to meet required code requirements (cost estimate $5,854,999); and, (3) Scheme B - provides desired program spaces, complete handicapped accessibility, upgrades all building MEP systems, and upgrades building
structure and envelope to meet required code requirements (cost estimate $5,899,960). There was also a look at the cost of a new building (including demolition) with a cost estimate of $8,410,000. A presentation was made with a look at the site plan and various schemes. Items discussed included:
Schemes A & B include renovation of the Community Building with a new Senior Center in the lower level with a number of shared spaces;
emphasis was placed on Scheme B that has the main entrance of the Senior Center at the rear of the facility creating a ground level access to the reception area as the preferred option;
feasibility study represents preliminary design and construction cost estimates do not include all costs (e.g., “soft” costs, FF&E);
recommended Annual Town Meeting article for design money;
available parking spaces more than adequate given diverse user groups;
possibility for expansion at end of building;
landscaping;
air-conditioning;
built-in 20% contingency – going out to bid for construction; and,
time frame for actual construction and possibility to have article to begin construction ready for Fall Town meeting.
Release Executive Session Minutes
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to release and make public the redacted Executive Session Minutes of January 8, 1998 - December 29, 1999.
The Board received another package of Executive Session Minutes from January 2, 1997 - December 18, 1997 for its review.
Proposed Outdoor Watering Restrictions
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works was present to discuss his proposals for the same watering restrictions as last summer. The Board reviewed a Memo from Mr. Hooper, dated April 11, 2005. He stated that DEP is in the process of further restricting the water withdrawal permit for the Town and that restrictions will need to be enacted every year. There are no restrictions on hand-held watering and waivers are available from the DPW for new lawns.
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to approve the recommended watering restrictions as follows: Outdoor water use will be permitted only for a two-hour period from 6 – 8 pm, two days per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday depending on address, to be effective April 25, 2005.
Community Center Design - Public Forum
It was announced that the Selectmen will host a Public Forum on the Community Center Design, 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 28 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.
Contract Amendment - Connection Capacity Estimates
The Board discussed the Memo from Mr. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, dated April 8, 2005 with recommendations for a Contract Amendment with Watermark Environmental to evaluate possible short-term connection capacity in conjunction with the upcoming spring hydrant flushing program. Mr. Hooper answered questions posed by Selectman Grasfield as to why an outside firm is needed to do this work, citing specialized metering equipment, required in quantity. This amendment is in the amount of $6,450 bringing the total contract amount up to $63,652.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to award a contract amendment to Watermark Environmental, Lowell, MA in the amount of $6,450 for connection capacity estimates.
Consumer Confidence Reports
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works was present to discuss his Memo, dated April 8, 2005, with recommendation to award a contract for the preparation of the Consumer Confidence Report per the State and Federal requirements of the Water Department to Weston & Sampson Engineers. He praised the work that Weston & Sampson Engineers has done for the past several years in preparing this State mandated document. He answered questions posed by Selectman Grasfield re a proposal received from Gemini Group at a much higher cost that would include initial evaluation costs. Selectman Grasfield thanked Eric Hooper for securing competitive bids and summarizing the different approaches that surrounding towns take in meeting this requirement.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to award a contract to Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., Peabody, MA, to prepare the 2004 Consumer Confidence Report in the amount of $2,300.
Farnham Road Pit
Eric R. Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, discussed a significant increase in the use of Farnham Road pit for use by contractors as a dump for stumps and logs as contained within his Memo of April 11, 2005. He stated that it is not a huge problem.
Council on Aging - Alternative Member
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Irene Carpenter as an Alternate Member of the Council on Aging Board with an expiration of September 2007.
Wilber School RFP for Consulting Services
Selectman Heitin recommended that the Board move forward on this request made by the Wilber Reutilization Committee last week. He stated that this Committee has $50,000 previously authorized that could be used for purposes of a Consultant to help prepare an RFP.
VOTED: (Heitin/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to support the Wilber Reutilization Committee moving forward with an RFP for the Wilber School site.
Net School Spending Agreement
The Board reviewed Memo from Barbara Dunham, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, dated April 13, 2005 requesting that the Board sign a revised Net School Spending Agreement.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to authorize the Chair to sign the New School Spending Agreement for FY04 between the Sharon School Committee and the Town of Sharon.
Request for Banner - First Congregational Church
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve a request to hang a banner from the First Congregational Church for the dates of November 25 - December 3, 2005.
Approve Direct Connection - Storm Water Sewer System
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Application for 23 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.
Out-of-State Travel Request - Police Department
The Board reviewed a request for Out-of-State travel from Chief Bernstein, dated April 13, 2005 to send Lt. McGrath to Old Saybrook, CT for a two-day training seminar re Homeland Security. The Board previously approved training for Lt. McGrath to attend training in Virginia on a similar topic but it was canceled for lack of enrollment.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve Out-of-State Travel for Lt. McGrath for training in Homeland Security with an estimated cost of $200.
Wilber School Property Insurance
The Board reviewed a letter from the Weiner Company, Inc., dated April 14, 2005. It states there is a $600,000 limit, subject to a $5,000 deductible for all covered perils, except vandalism for which there is a $25,000 deductible. It includes a $10,000 coverage extension for Pollutant Clean-up and Removal. The Board will discuss this further when Mr. Puritz returns from vacation.
American Legion -- Request for Outdoor Location
The Board reviewed the annual request from the American Legion, dated April 11, 2005 for an Outdoor Location for its liquor license.
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the request for outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages at the rear of the American Legion property at 727 South Main Street from May through October of this year.
Positions on Town Meeting Warrant Articles
The Board took the following positive or negative positions on the May Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles:
1. Finance Committee Members
The Board took no position on this article.
2. Act Upon Reports
The Board took a positive position on this article.
3. Funds
The Board took a positive position on this article.
4. Personnel Bylaw - Personnel Board
The Board took a positive position on this article. (2-1 Grasfield negative position) wanting a slightly reduced number).
5. Budgets/Compensation of Elected Officers
The Board took a positive position on this article. (2 - 1 Grasfield negative position) wanting a slightly reduced number).
6. Norfolk County Retirement
The Board took a positive position on this article.
7. Annual Audit
The Board took a positive position on this article.
8. Unemployment
The Board took a positive position on this article.
9. Rattlesnake Hill
The Board deferred taking a position until next week.
10. Community Center Design
The Board deferred taking a position until next week.
11. Board of Selectmen - Capital Outlay
The Board took a positive position on this article.
12. School Committee - Capital Outlay
The Board took a positive position on this article.
13. Standing Building Committee - Cottage Street - Capital Outlay
The Board deferred taking a position until next week.
14. Standing Building Committee - East - Capital Outlay
The Board deferred taking a position until next week.
15. Public Works - Vehicles & Equipment - Capital Outlay
The Board took a positive position on this article.
16. Fire Dept - Capital Outlay
The Board took a positive position on this article.
17. Police Dept - Capital Outlay (2-1 Grasfield negative position)
1.
The Board took a positive position on this article.
18. Data Processing Dept. - Capital Outlay
The Board took a positive position on this article.
19. Animal Control Officer - Capital Outlay
The Board took a positive position on this article. (2-1 Grasfield negative- preference for pre-owned)
20. Stabilization Fund - Town Accountant
The Board took a positive position on this article.
21. Central Dispatch - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article.
22. Wireless Plan Consultant ($20,000)
The Board took a positive position on this article.
23. Facilities Maintenance Consolidation Study - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article.
24. Standing Building Committee-- Revision - School Department
The Board took a positive position on this article.
25. Petition Article - Increase Number of Selectmen - Marlene Budd
The Board took a negative position on this article. (2-1 Grasfield positive)
26. Clause 41A - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article.
27. Property Tax Exemptions - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article.
28. Veterans’ Exemption - Veteran’s Agent
The Board took a positive position on this article.
29. Section 4300 - Flexible Sub Division Bylaw - Planning Board
The Board deferred taking a position until next week.
30. CSD Bylaw Change Section 4367 - Planning Board
The Board took a positive position on this article.
31. Modify MUOD- Section 4805 - Planning Board
The Board took a positive position on this article.
32. Modify Allowed uses in Business Districts - Section 2323 -
The Board took a positive position on this article.
33. Petition Article - C. Charles Rendino - Expand Conservation Subdivision Design
The Board took a positive position on this article.
34. Petition Article - Michael Jacobs - Expand Flexible Development Requirements
The Board took a positive position on this article.
35. Petition Article - Wayne Bradley - Expand Conservation Subdivision Requirements
The Board took a positive position on this article.
36. Petition Article - Gerald Wine - Amend Conservation Subdivision Design
The Board took a positive position on this article.
37. Naming of Community Center Bldg - Historical Commission
(Frank I. Sullivan)
The Board took a negative position on this article. (2-1 Grasfield positive).
38. Naming of Park after Mrs. Annis - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article. (2-0 Grasfield abstained)
39. Non-Criminal Disposition - Septic Regulations - Board of Health -
The Board took a positive position on this article.
40. Non-Criminal Disposition - Pooper Scooper - Board of Health
The Board took a positive position on this article.
41. Septic Loan Program - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article.
42. Revolving Funds _ Omnibus Article - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article.
43. Chapter 90 _ Street Funding - Board of Selectmen
The Board took a positive position on this article.
Action Items
This item was deferred.
Public Health Notices
Selectman Grasfield read public health notices from the Board of Health re Mosquitos and precautionary measures related thereto, and re rubbish, including that Trash may not be left out prior to noon on the day before scheduled pickup.
Water Management Advisory Committee
Selectman Grasfield noted correspondence from the Water Management Advisory Committee, informing the Board that three motions were passed at its meeting of April 7. The Board will consider these motions on its next agenda.
Selectmen’s Sector FY’05 Budget Update
This will be scheduled on the next agenda.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of Real Property Acquisition, Personnel Matter and Collective Bargaining, Personnel Matter, and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; Roach, aye.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9:30 P.M.
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