August 16, 2005
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair David I. Grasfield and Selectmen William A. Heitin and Walter Joe Roach.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
Approve Minutes
The Executive Session Minutes of July 19 and the Minutes of August 2, including Executive Session, were held.
Notes from the Chair
Chair Grasfield thanked all those that participated and worked at Square Jam, including Police Firefighters, and DPW employees.
He also expressed his appreciation to those that participated in the Planning Board’s public hearing on their warrant articles, including Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, ZBA, and Alice Cheyer.
Community Preservation Act Committee
Janet Sargent Tracy did not appear for her appointment. This will be rescheduled.
Reappointment as Constable
The Board interviewed Dan Sirkin for reappointment as Constable. Mr. Sirkin discussed the duties and activities of a Constable and his interest in being reappointed.
Reappointment to Conservation Committee
The Board interviewed Katherine Roth for reappointment to the Conservation Commission. Ms. Roth discussed the Committee’s focus on Rattlesnake Hill and her desire to get involved in local initiatives once Rattlesnake Hill is settled. She discussed returning to School for a graduate degree in environmental policy and planning, her work in wetlands research and the Community Preservation Coalition.
Reappointment as Constable
The Board interviewed Robert McGrath for reappointment as Constable. Mr. McGrath discussed the duties and activities of a Constable and his interest in being reappointed.
Reappointment to Conservation Committee
The Board interviewed Peg Arguimbau for reappointment to the Conservation Commission. Ms. Arguimbau has served as Chair (since 1985). She discussed her longevity on this Committee and her interest in serving. She discussed the focus on other goals beyond Rattlesnake Hill that will include working closely with the Board of Health, Zoning Board and Planning Board re housing issues and construction on marginal land.
Selectman Roach discussed a meeting with representative of Moose Hill re mowing of grass on the Griffin Land. He stated that there is an agreement that the grass would be mowed in September. Ms. Arguimbau expressed concerns about it being “late,” and asked that the agreement be reworked to reflect a previous understanding to have the grass mowed after July 15. The broken sign that was purchased by the Commission for this site was also discussed. Selectman Roach asked if she knew how much it would cost to repair.
Historical Society
Ms. Shirley Schofield was present to request the Board’s support for the conveying of a small parcel of town land, abutting the property on High Street and used by the Historical Society, to the Historical Society for the purpose of constructing a storage building. Selectman Roach stated that he knew that both Selectman Heitin and he had viewed the site. The Board stated that the abutters should be notified. Ms. Schofield stated that the Society would like to begin a capital campaign to raise funds for this storage building that is projected to take
from three - five years. This item will be continued.
Conservation Commission
The Board interviewed Stephan R. Glicken for reappointment to the Conservation Commission. He discussed his interest in wetlands, in preserving other resources and working closely with Water Management Advisory Committee and the Lake Management Advisory Committee.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
The Board interviewed George Bailey for reappointment to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. His appointment ended August 6, 2005 and he has served as the Town’s representative since 1967. Mr. Bailey discussed his extensive involvement on the Council, including the Conservation Subdivision Design, Executive Order 418 and the Community Preservation Act, and regional transportation and planning. He discussed problems with “unfair” taxation and lobbying efforts to close the “tax loophole” for telecommunications.
VOTED: (Roach/ Heitin) Voted unanimously to reappoint George Bailey, effective August 6, 2005 for a three-year appointment on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
Water Division Regulations re Efficient Fixtures
Paul Lauenstein, Jack Sulik and Cliff Towner of the Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) were present to discuss a vote of that Committee to recommend that the Selectmen amend the Town of Sharon Water Division Rules and Regulations by adding a requirement that ultra low flow toilets and washing machines be required for all new construction.
Mr. Lauenstein discussed the estimated price of $250.00 for low-flow toilets and discussed the high efficiency of the new models. Selectman Heitin requested a financial analysis be done re savings of water and Mr. Lauenstein stated that he has this information and will provide it to the Board. Selectmen Heitin was concerned that WMAC had not reviewed such analysis prior to making their recommendation to the Selectmen. Mr. Lauenstein stated any extra costs would be offset by a reduction of the water bill over the years. Selectman Heitin raised concerns that the Town has already made great strides in conservation and more than surrounding communities and the fact the we have
not been focused on solving the long term issue of water quantity. He stated that we need to identify and secure a source.
Selectman Heitin suggested that the WMAC is all over the place on water issues and should focus on the long term and that conservation is not going to resolve the overall water problems. He suggested that the WMAC refocus on finding more sources and additional well sites. Other items discussed included:
Selectman Grasfield’s update of Cemetery site - working with Greg Meister of ConCom and volunteers from Water Management Advisory Committee;
timing schedule for drilling of new wells;
appreciation expressed to WMAC by Chair Grasfield;
Selectmen Roach and Heitin noted that a review of the role and structure of the WMAC was needed and ask to have it placed on a future agenda;
MWRA as a last resort for water - Selectman Heitin;
follow-up needed on well testing;
need to revise and reform the scope of WMAC – Selectman Heitin;
Selectman Roach noted that the Board previous approval of $150,000 for drilling;
Selectman Roach stated that WMAC does not set the well exploration schedule/Selectmen are the Water Commissioners that is our responsibility with assistance from the Superintendent of Public Works;
Selectman Roach asked to invite Eric Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, in to discuss drilling schedule and restructuring of WMAC;
Cliff Towner’s issues with Email from Mr. Hooper dated July 26, 2005 re Water Main Break and estimated costs of $250,000 for Morse Street Pipe with allegations that Morse Street Pipe did not help;
Mr. Towner’s claim that it actually cost $130,000 for the Morse Street Pipe;
Mr. Towner’s claim that well pumping records prove that Morse Street Pipe was working and is a benefit;
Mr. Towner’s concerns about Well #4 being left off all day;
Board reluctant to discuss Mr. Towner’s concerns without Mr. Hooper present–schedule on another agenda with Mr. Hooper.
Mr. Towner left the Board with copies of well pumping data and tank levels provided by the Water Dept. for the period in question.
Selectman Roach did not like being blind sided by these accusations without facts prior to the meeting;
Selectman Heitin stated that he would not entertain any further discussion or recommendations unless a formal written analysis was done and given to the Board with sufficient time to review and comment.
Yearly Appointments
The Board reviewed list of yearly appointments for Special Police, Crossing Guards, Town Counsel and Constable appointment for Chief Bernstein.
Chair Grasfield requested that the reappointment of Richard A. Gelerman, Town Counsel, be held as the position was not advertised widely enough. Selectman Roach discussed Mr. Gelerman’s favorable hourly rate for the Town and Selectman Roach stated that it would be detrimental to the Town, because of his long historical knowledge, to not reappointment Mr. Gelerman. Chair Grasfield asked for “two weeks.” Both Selectman Heitin and Selectman Roach indicated that they would not vote for someone else. Chair Grasfield stated that he is asking for two weeks to seek a better alternative for the Town.
MOTION: (Heitin/Roach) to reappoint Richard A. Gelerman as Town Counsel.
Discussion: Selectman Heitin stated that Chair Grasfield did not raise issues re Town Counsel previously with the Board. Selectmen Heitin wanted to know why Chair Grasfield did not us the interview with Mr. Gelerman to discuss his issues and noted that this was an indication of a communication issue. Chair Grasfield stated that he had discussed issues directly with Mr. Gelerman and with the Board.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) 2 - 1 (Grasfield opposed) to reappoint Richard A. Gelerman as Town Counsel.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint the following as
Special Police: |
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Daniel J. Allman |
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Maggie Powell |
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Kelly Fitzpatrick |
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James Keating Neil McGrath David Skulsky-Aux. Police Donald Brewer Gale Simpson
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint the following as: Crossing Guards |
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Beverly Blackler - Crossing Guard & Parking Clerk |
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Marcia Bloom - Crossing Guard & Parking Clerk |
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Barbara Morrison - Crossing Guard & Parking Clerk |
Cheryl Rintala - Crossing Guard |
Simone Rudinsky - Crossing Guard |
Laura Stanley - Crossing Guard (Part-Time) |
Leah Stella - Crossing Guard |
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Judy Townsend - Crossing Guard
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VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint the following as |
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Constable: |
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Joseph Bernstein
Action Items
Chair Grasfield requested that the following items be added to the Action Items:
four agendas prepared in advance;
another hearing on Avalon Bay;
invite FINCOM in to discuss budget instructions; and,
structure and goals of WMAC.
Award Contract for 2005 Audit
The Board reviewed the Contract Letter from Melanson Heath & Company for the 2005 Audit, dated June 27, 2005. The Board agreed that this firm has served the Town well.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the audit for the year ended June 30, 2005 with Melanson Heath & Company, Andover, MA, in the amount of $49,000.
As Melanson and Heath has had this contract for five years, Chair Grasfield discussed putting this contract out to bid next year with encouragement for Melanson and Heath to participate.
Community Center Update
Selectman Roach discussed items previously discussed at a meeting with the Standing Building Committee last Thursday, including operating costs, and proposed offices for Veteran’s Agent, Conservation and Dog Officer, and not using the building for storage space. He further projected that good solid numbers to move forward on this project will be available in November.
There followed a discussion of using the Conservation Room/Dog Officer Office for storage for the Town Offices. The Board will also pursue a document storage system through the Capital Outlay process.
Award Bid - High Plain/Norwood Street/Edge Hill Road Intersection
The Board reviewed a Memo from Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer, dated August 15, 2005 recommending that the Board sign the Notice of Award to the low bidder Capone Brothers.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the award for the High Plain/Norwood Street/Edge Hill Road Intersection improvements to Capone Brothers Inc., Canton, MA, the low bidders, in the amount of $362,545.00.
It was noted that the contract costs will be subject to Chapter 90 reimbursement from the State.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to authorize the Chair to sign the Notice of Award on behalf of the Board.
Changes to GASB45
Chair Grasfield discussed letter from citizen re changes to GASB45 and that he had called Melanson & Heath, the Town’s auditors to discuss their understanding of it with them.
Drug Benefit Reimbursement to Town
Chair Grasfield discussed reimbursements due the Town under the federal drug benefit program for retirees that participate in the Town’s health insurance (up to $650 per participant). He indicated he would work with Robert J. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer, to find someone to do an actuarial assessment. He expects at least $130,000 to be returned to the Town.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing items of real property acquisition, collective bargaining, personnel matter and pending litigation and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9:25 P.M.
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