August 30, 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 and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 P.M.
Approve Minutes
Chair Grasfield requested that the approved open session Minutes of July 19 be reconsidered for the purpose of making formatting changes. Revisions were distributed.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to reconsider the approved minutes of July 19, 2005.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the revised Minutes of July 19, 2005, the Executive Session Minutes of July 19 and the Minutes of August 2, including Executive Session, and the open session Minutes of August 16 as printed.
The Executive Session Minutes of August 16 were held.
Notes from the Chair
Chair Grasfield expressed gratitude to:
Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer for his assistance and cooperation with regard to the Weston & Sampson Study on the Wilber School site;
the Board of Health and the Planning Board for working together to reach agreement on Fall Town Meeting Warrant articles; and,
the Sharon Girls under-10 softball league for taking first place in the Hockomock league.
Reappointment to Council on Aging Board
The Board interviewed Eliot Feldman for reappointment to the Council on Aging Board. He expressed his interest in continuing to work for the senior center and affordable age-qualified housing. There followed a discussion on in-law apartments and the need to do more research.
Reappointment to Conservation Commission
The Board interviewed Janet Dunlap for reappointment to the Conservation Commission. Ms. Dunlap stated that her legal background brings a balance to the Board of Health.
Reappointment to Board of Health
The Board interviewed Anne Bingham for reappointment to the Board of Health. Ms. Bingham discussed her background as an attorney for DEP and her interest in environmental issues.
Interview for appointment to the Commission on Disabilities
The Board interviewed Karen Sprung for an appointment to the Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Sprung distributed a copy of her resume and discussed her experience and interest in working for the disabled population.
Reappointment as Constable
The Board interviewed Neil McGrath for reappointment as Constable. Mr. McGrath discussed his extensive background in law enforcement and his interest in being reappointed.
Interview for Reappointment to Cultural Council
The Board interviewed Georgette Kafka for reappointment to the Sharon Cultural Council. She discussed the Cultural Council’s allocation from lottery funds of approximately $3,000 last year to various arts organizations and programs.
Interview for Reappointment to Cultural Council
The Board interviewed Ken Brody for reappointment to the Sharon Cultural Council. Mr. Brody discussed the history of the Cultural Council and the decreasing amounts of money available for allocation. The Council has two - three meetings per year.
Interview for Appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals
The Board interviewed Kevin McCarville for an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. McCarville discussed his background in technology and his interest in serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals as bringing an “open mind” and diversity to the Board.
Action Items
Chair Grasfield discussed a meeting with Robert J. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer, re applying for reimbursement from Medicare for drug benefits provided by the Town’s insurance. The revised estimate is now $70,000 - $80,000 per year based on actual claims.
Chair Grasfield requested that an appointment be set up with members of FINCOM to discuss the budget format and instructions. Mr. Puritz discussed the budget staff meeting planned for September 7 and that Gloria Rose from FINCOM has been invited to participate. Selectman Heitin indicated he was very comfortable with the current process. Selectman Heitin thought that the level of detail received from asking for the minus 5% and plus 10% gave the Board a good basis to make decisions and to know the impact of changes based on the priorities that each Department Head gave with their budgets. Selectman Roach concurred. Chair Grasfield stated that members of FINCOM have some very positive changes to suggest in the different budget scenarios, including eliminating the minus 5% and adding more beneficial
alternatives. It was suggested that this be scheduled on the September 6 agenda.
Weston & Sampson - Wilber School Site Septic Analysis
Blake Martin, Hydrogeologic engineer, and Brian Thomas of Weston & Sampson were present, as well as Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer, and members of the Board of Health, Water Management Advisory Committee and Wilber School Redevelopment Committee to discuss the findings of the Weston & Sampson hydrologic study on the Wilber School site.
Items discussed included:
overview of the study, including limitations re flow rate at the site, and impact associated with nitrate from treated effluent;
types of data collected; including mound height using “worst case” scenario;
impact on Well #4 - estimated at “very low”;
septic field at site could accept estimated 10,000 gallons per day (gpd);
impact on abutting homes;
nitrate levels can be reduced by connecting abutting residential septic systems;
questions re modeling of soils and mound height by Board of Health members Anne Bingham and Suzy Peck;
treatment systems have engineering solutions to keep nitrates low;
travel time of nitrates to well (use of DEP standards);
concerns re abutters’ basements and septic systems of those living downhill from site;
need for additional studies re abutters;
nitrate levels present in the wells with estimated increase .15 rise from 10,000 gallons;
question as to water levels re prior reports by Marcia Liebman, Wilber Redevelopment Committee;
model wells and fluctuation of water levels;
types of treatment systems and costs associated therewith;
written questions posed by Joel Tran and read by Chair Grasfield;
costs for larger systems are linear, dependent on process;
size of leaching field and reserve area (near 40,000sq ft) can be under parking lot;
yearly costs of operating systems estimated at $60,000 - $100,000;
permeability of soils and testing used;
nitrates – calculations used as required by State;
alternative sites and piping to Cedar Swamp or Ames Street fields;
limits to CHAPA grant study;
separation of gray and black water - Marilyn Kahn - Wilber Redevelopment Committee;
questions re bylaws and permits - Michael Baskin - Wilber Redevelopment Committee;
state permit required for systems over 10,000 gallons gpd;
site photos of conceptual layout;
setbacks and buffers required;
role of Board of Health and concerns to Well #4;
Board of Health seeking larger study re impact on aquifer and wells;
questions re methodology re nitrate testing and levels;
ability to add P.O. Square and surrounding homes to system;
look at possibility of MUOD development impact at downtown or train station site;
study limited to Wilber School Site;
look at model for entire Town;
new planning grant to be available under 604b ($80,000 re water quality concerns);
estimated cost of the Wilber School septic system would be between $800,000 and $1,200,000, dependent on the type of treatment system used.
design of treatment system dependent upon use of the property;
problem with analysis paralysis - Michael Baskin;
Wilber School Building deteriorating;
pursue additional studies, including abutter impacts and other issues limited to Wilber School site only;
look at development proposals for Wilber School site - some under 6,000 gpd level;
joint meeting to be scheduled with Board of Health as to what we can put on site; and,
Peter O’Cain to work with Board of Health and other boards re add-on to Scope of Work for further investigation.
Recess
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to take a 10-minute recess.
The Board recessed at 9:50 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 10:00 P.M.
Community Center Update
There was a discussion regarding the following weeks meeting with Standing Building Committee and BH&A. Items discussed included:
48. add generator to building – consensus of Board;
49. use as emergency shelter - not costed out - no position of Board;
50. additional 2100 sq. ft above kitchen
1. Selectmen Heitin – estimated cost at $300,000, look for add-on ;
2. Selectman Roach - wants to see firm numbers before additional items are added to ensure we are not drive costs up;
3. Chair Grasfield – good return for investment, and believes we could justify additional costs and what space would be used for; but,
4. concern that addition could jeopardize project – no consensus.
Sequencing of Fall Town Meeting Warrant Articles
The Board discussed receipt of drafts for articles on the CSD (Conservation Subdivision Design) bylaw and the amendment to the MUOD (Mixed Use Overlay District). Final language will be sent by Town Counsel by Friday. Chair Grasfield read the preliminary list of articles with emphasis on those that the Board will sponsor. There was an extended discussion on the article for Residency requirement for appointment to Town Committees/Boards. It was decided not to vote on whether to support the article, but to take a consensus as to placing the article on the Fall Town Meeting Warrant.
Chair Grasfield questioned language as to “indicated by removal from the voter list.” Other articles discussed included:
Community Center Construction - consensus of the Board;
Abatement of Hazardous Materials - costs not yet known (Heitin);
Collective Bargaining Contract funding - some concerns expressed that other sectors may want to do the same at a fall town meeting (Grasfield);
Law Budget Supplement - concerns re appropriate for fall (Grasfield);
Residency Requirement - (requested by Gordon Gladstone) Roach may not support - but “helps to have Selectmen waiver language.”
It was the consensus of the Board to sequence the Fall Town meeting Warrant Articles as follows:
51. Community Center Construction/Renovation Funding
52. Abatement of Hazardous Materials - Wilber School
53. Collective Bargaining Contract(s) funding
54. Law Budget Supplement
55. Residency Requirement for Appointment to Town Committees/Boards
56. Five Member Board of Selectmen - - Petition - Marjorie L. Asnes
57. Amendment to CSD bylaws
58. Amendment to MUOD
59. Accessory Apartment - - Planning Board
60. Naming of Doris Annis Park - Historical Commission
61. Correct Vote of the Fall 2005 Town Meeting - re By-Law numbering
The Board will sign the Warrant for the November 14 Town Meeting next week.
Request for Banner - Sharon HS PTSO
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for the Sharon High School PTSO for the following dates: 11/21 - 11/24 - first position and 11/25 - 11/30 - second position.
Wilber School Redevelopment Consulting Services
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve a contract for consulting services relative to the preparation of a Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the Wilber site to Stephen Crane, Lowell, MA, in an amount not to exceed $4,980.00
Accept Conservation Restriction
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the Conservation Restriction of approximately 16.85 acres at 18 Garden Street.
Request for Street Closing - Our Lady of Sorrows Church
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to close off Cottage Street between Woodland Street and Ames Street from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for the Centennial Celebration Mass on September 18, 2005 outside of Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
Sale of Bonds
Chair Grasfield discussed Memo from Robert J. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer, dated August 22, 2005 re sale of General Obligation bonds with intention to structure an offering of $7,010,000 for mid to late September. Selectman Heitin expressed concerns about borrowing the entire amount. Selectman Heitin stated that he would confer with members of the Standing Building Committee, Mr. Uyttebroek and Ken Wertz of the School Department since he did not think the entire amount was needed.
Police Station Renovations
Selectman Roach discussed a six-week late start date on this project and that he has signed, on behalf of the Board, a change to the end date within the Contract. This project will still take place within the same timeframe.
Intersection Improvements - Route 27/Coney Street
Selectman Roach updated the Board re pole and tree removal, and stated that construction work will begin next week.
Water Meters - RFP
Selectman Roach discussed the internal controversy regarding the preparation of an RFP for water meters and suggested that there be a new committee formed for this purpose. It was suggested that this new Committee have four - five members. Chair Grasfield stated that because of the technical and complicated nature of this issue that it should be turned back to Water Management Advisory Committee to contribute different members. Selectman Roach stated he wanted all new people. Mr. Puritz supported Selectman Roach’s idea to have a fresh look at the issue. He suggested that the Selectmen appoint a technical evaluation committee to prepare the RFP with input from the Inspector General’s Office and review the results of the bids. Selectman Heitin stating that he was intrigued by Joe’s thoughts, added that it is his goal to redesign and refocus the Water Management Advisory Committee as a whole not just for this project. Selectman Roach agreed that a full review was needed.
Selectman Heitin also suggested that a person from the Water Department be included on the new committee. This will be discussed further next week.
Payroll Services - Bank of Canton
Selectman Heitin discussed meeting with Mr. Puritz and a representative from the Bank of Canton about recent payroll problems. He related that there was a bank change re outsourcing of services and that the bank was extremely disturbed by issues with the Town’s payroll. As a goodwill gesture, the Bank has promised a donation to the Town’s defibrillator fund of $5,000.
Sharon Independence Day Celebration Committee
Chair Grasfield noted appreciation letters sent to the Selectmen and to various Departments by Paul Bergeron of the Sharon Independence Day Celebration Committee, dated August 17, 2005 for their assistance and support.
Authorization to Issue Preliminary Tax Bills
Chair Grasfield noted letter from Mark J. Mazur, Administrative Assessor, dated August 18, 2005 re authorization from the Commissioner of Revenue. Mr. Puritz stated that this for the Board’s information only, and he does not believe the Town will be issuing preliminary tax bills for FY 06.
Decennial White House Conference on Aging
Chair Grasfield noted information in the form of a Press Release sent by Norma Simons Fitzgerald, Director of the Council on Aging. He commended Ms. Fitzgerald and the other local Council on Aging organizations for their activities on the national and state level on behalf of the senior citizens.
Pine Wood 40B Project Eligibility
The Board discussed comments on this proposed 40B development as compiled by Peter O’Cain, Assistant Town Engineer, dated August 18, 2005. This proposed project is located on Norwood Street. It was stated that it is possible this could be a friendly 40B or LIP with partnership of the Town. Chair Grasfield volunteered to draft comments from the Board and to send copies to the other Board members. The Board will discuss this further on its next agenda of September 6.
Hands Across The Water
Chair Grasfield noted Email from the Hands Across the Water organization seeking books for third-world countries. A box will be available at the DPW site for this purpose.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Chair Grasfield announced that he will be “arrested” tomorrow as part of a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and requested that residents help make “bail” with contributions to that organization.
Ride for Kids
Mr. Puritz noted request for permission from the Rodman Ride for Kids for its annual event that will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2005.
VOTED: (Roach/Heitin) Voted unanimously to grant permission to the Rodman Ride for Kids to pass through the Town on October 1, 2005, subject to the approval of the Chief of Police.
Request for Speed Limit Sign - Old Wolomolopoag Street
Mr. Puritz noted letter requesting speed limit sign and other safety improvements to Old Wolomolopoag Street, from Matt Reingold, dated August 16, 2005. He stated that Eric Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works would be responding.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending litigation, collective bargaining, personnel issue and real property acquisition, and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session 11:00 P.M.
Q:\Word Perfect\MINUTES\083005.wpd
| 
