June 28, 2005
The Regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair David I. Grasfield and Selectmen A. Heitin, Walter Joe Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 6:12 p.m.
Approve Minutes - June 14 and 21
Action on the Minutes of June 14 and 21 were deferred.
Community Center Update
Town Administrator, Benjamin E. Puritz reported that two firms are being considered for the design of the Community Center. There were three firms being considered with one withdrawing leaving BH+A and Kaestle Boos.
Useful Life of Department Equipment
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the memo from R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer dated June 20, 2005 in re “Useful Life of Department Equipment”. Bond Counsel has requested that the Board of Selectmen vote to the useful life of all departmental equipment authorized for purchase with bond proceeds by the Annual Town Meeting and must be attested to by the Clerk of the Board. By certifying that the maximum useful life is five years, five-year bonds for this procurement will be issued.
VOTED: (Roach/Heitin) Voted unanimously to have the Clerk of the Board of Selectmen to sign the “Useful Life of Departmental Equipment” and that the “maximum useful life” of all items be five years.
Sharon Dog Park - Request for Excavation Work - Supply Water
The Board reviewed a memo from Mr. Robert B. Maidman, Volunteer, Sharon Dog Park requesting permission from and support of Sharon’s Board of Selectmen to provide water excluding the winter season for animals using the Dog Park. There will be a pressure foot pedal tap which would be positioned inside the fence perimeter and entry of the water beginning at the intersection of Cedar Street. Upon the Board of Selectmen’s approval, the Sharon Dog Park will determine the precise Cedar Street connection with the Water Department and arrange the work schedule; mark the intended path; contact digsafe for inspection and confirmation of no underground obstructions; arrange for digging of trench and prepare all equipment; and, install in coordination with Water Department; restore land. The water will
only be used for dogs and not humans. The following concern by Selectman Joe Roach were discussed: (1) “Who will pay for the water?”; vandalism; “Has this project been brought to the attention of the Recreation Advisory Board?” and safety precautions. Chair David I. Grasfield concurred with Selectman Roach’s concerns and inquired as to turn-off valves or other technology to prevent unintentional water waste or vandalism. Town Administrator, Benjamin E. Purtiz stated that he will be attending the next meeting of the Recreation Advisory Board and will discuss the above with them.
Selectman Heitin concurs with the concerns brought forth by Selectman Roach.
It is the consensus of the Board that before the water supply to the Sharon Dog Park can go forward, the Recreation Advisory Board should also review the memo sent by Robert B. Maidman.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of real property acquisition, pending litigation, collective bargaining, and personnel matters and to reconvene at end of Executive Session to the Sharon High School Library.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 6:31 p.m.
The Board reconvened in Regular Session at the Sharon High School Library at 8:35 p.m.
Avalon Bay LIP Proposal - Public Hearing
Ms. Elizabeth Smith, spokeswoman for the Avalon Bay Company and representatives from Avalon Bay were present in presenting their proposal in developing a 156-unit rental housing development in the north parcel of land in Sharon.
Ms. Smith said Avalon Bay currently has a purchase and sale agreement on a 27-acre parcel of land on Norwood Street owned by the Goodband family that is located at the rear of I-95;
Ms. Smith stressed this proposal is intended to be what is termed a Local Initiative Program project (LIP) or a “friendly 40B”.\;
Will need comprehensive permits from the Town to construct their housing developments;
Selectmen must endorse the proposed project (has not been endorsed as of yet). There will be other negotiations going on before Selectmen endorsement;
Once endorsement is granted, a LIP application is filed with the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development and the DHCD then issues a project certification letter;
Proposal then goes to the ZBA for a hearing and special permit;
40B Comprehensive Permit - single permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals;
Each type of housing must include 25% of its housing units as “affordable” units;
156-unit apartment complex being proposed by Avalon Bay developers - three-story, two-story and split-level apartment house buildings on the Norwood Street/Goodband site;
56 one-bedroom units; 76 two bedroom units; and 24 three-bedroom units;
Active and passive amenities include fitness center, outdoor pool and spa, clubroom, resident lounge, tot lot and picnic/cookout areas;
Access to the complex would be from Norwood Street with an emergency, gated access from Edge Hill Road;
Concerns from the abutters included questions relating to two possible sewage solutions, municipal or on-site traffic and safety issues; and infrastructure problems such as water pressure in the area;
Recognition of efficiency appliances;
What would be the impact on the School system;
What about snow removal (impact of salt melt) and is trash pickup provided;
If built, the development is estimated to generate about $400,000 in property tax revenue and about $90,000 in vehicle excise taxes per year;
1.7 occupants per unit; 1.5 cars per unit
Construct sidewalks on Edgehill Road issue;
Will retention pond be fenced in;
Will landscape buffers, barriers and fencing be put in to adjacent neighbors;
Executive Session
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss matter of real property acquisition, collective bargaining, pending litigation, and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 10:20 p.m.
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