September 6, 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, Walter Joe Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m.
Moment of Silence
The Selectmen began the meeting with a moment of silence for lost of lives and the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Notes from the Chair
Chair Grasfield thanked the representatives of the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, the Conservation Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Health in attending the meeting of September 5, 2005 to discuss Pine Woods and South Walpole Street.
Selectman Heitin commented that he was very disturbed that he did not know about the meeting held on September 5th at the developer’s office in Foxborough. Selectman Roach and Town Administrator, Benjamin Puritz also had no knowledge of such a meeting. Selectman Roach commented “I am disheartened that I did not know about the meeting and would liked to have known that this meeting was taken place.”
Chair Grasfield informed the Board of the conversation with Greg Meister that these folks were willing to meet together with the developer on September 5 at his office in Foxborough due to the fact that the Sharon Town Officers would be closed because of the Labor Day Holiday. Chair Grasfield sent out email notices to the task force which constituted members of the seven various committees.
There must be better communication and we must work as a team were comments by Selectmen Heitin and Roach.
Selectman Roach indicated that this conversation is not going anywhere and that all we want as colleagues is to be notified about any meetings in the future being held.
Reappointment to Commission on Disabilities
Chair Grasfield read the email from Shirley Brownstein stating that she would appreciate being excused from appearing in person. Ms. Brownstein states in her email that she would like to be reappointed to Sharon’s Commission on Disibility to continue the work which was started over 15 years ago to monitor access and support Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Reappointment to Water Management Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Lealdon Langley for reappointment to the Water Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Langley is able to offer his expertise in the water supply of the Town. He stated that this committee works very actively in re wetland protection and water safety. Mr. Langley did, however, comment that much more needs to be done in the area of the water supply protection and waste water disposal.
Reappointment to Water Management Advisory Committee
The Board interviewed Jack Sulik for reappointment to the Water Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Sulik stated that we must vigorously pursue new sources, sound engineering and good business practices. Mr. Sulik would very much like to be reappointed to this committee.
Reappointment to the Cable TV Oversight Committee
The Board interviewed Charles Levine for reappointment to the Cable TV Oversight Committee. Mr. Levine has been involved with this committee before cable came about. The main function of this committee is to see that the cable company (Comcast) is meeting the requirements of the cable license. He is the only one on this committee at this time. Mr. Levine recommended that “this committee needs someone with a legal background.”
Reappointment to the Transportation Advisory Board
Nancy Rubinstein was unavailable for an interview with the Board for reappointment to the Transportation Advisory Committee. A date will be rescheduled at a future time.
Appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals
The Board interviewed Larry Okstein for an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Okstein is an attorney in Dedham and practices law. He would like to be considered for an appointment to the Board of Appeals.
Community Center Design - BH+A
Mr. Tom Scarlata, the principal architect of BH+A was present to inform the Board of its progression on the renovation of the existing Community Center. Mr. Scarlata discussed the following:
new roof
structural repairs - plumbing - improving parking lot;
full handicapped accessibility - renovating existing ramp;
landscaping - wetland buffer (need to go to the Conservation Commission);
elevator to service all four floors;
fitness room, classroom, computer room and pantry designed for flexibility;
outdoor gathering areas;
main lobby and ballroom renovated (multi-purpose room);
kitchen for commercial cooking;
upper level: town offices i.e., Conservation Commission, Standing Building Committee; multi-town programs, permanent storage, choral groups, etc.;
proper drainage on roof;
fully ventilated/air conditioned;
Goal is to revitalize;
met with Rec., COA and Ben to find out what activities take place, what type of users;
Grasfield - come to Town Meeting with final design October qualified November 1 - Construction cost estimate;
Kublin - Chair of COA met with BH&A+ re COA requirements i.e., functional space and flexibility - COA in excess of 40 programs - programming with Recreation Department need place for large meeting for the people of the Town of Sharon - truly a Community Center to serve the whole Town - very pleased with BH&A+ - we have very active seniors, retirees and we are quite excited;
Schantz - member of Recreation Advisory Board - good plan support/flexibility revenue possibilities;
Bingham - Chair of Board of Health concerned with septic system and where it will be located;
Clifton - Recreation Director very pleased everyone is going down the same road - Boards/Committees need to know what is being proposed - want the Community Center to be safe and usable for many years of enjoyment;
Heitin - grant opportunities - possibility CPA (are we qualified?) - CPA Committee would make recommendations for these funds - there are four permitted areas in which we are qualified to use these funds and they are for historical purpose, open-space, conservation and affordable housing - CPA to make recommendation to Town Meeting ;
Fitzgerald - COA Director reported that a possible Senior Center grant potential for a up to $800,000 grant/competitive grant - more information forthcoming;
Lesco. - Member of the Recreation Advisory Board thanked all the committees involved in the continuing support and interest in the renovation of the Community Center.
Grasfield - BH&A+ is certainly doing a good job.
Recess
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to take a 10-minute recess.
The Board recessed at 8:38 p.m.
The Board reconvened at 8:48 p.m.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the open session minutes (revised) of August 30, 2005.
The Executive Session Minutes of August 16, 2005 were held.
Treasurer’s request for bond offering
The Board reviewed the memo from R. Uyttebroek, Town Treasurer dated August 22, 2005 re bond sale for September 2005 in which he stated that he is now ready to offer a sale of General Obligation bonds. Treasurer Uyttebroek intends to structure an offering of $7,010,00 for mid to late September. Selectman Heitin was dissatisfied with the treasurer’s numbers that was given to the Board. I am uneasy with the current process and I am unwilling to go forward with the bond offering. I need to know the exact cash flow. Selectman Heitin said he would like to receive a cash flow analysis from the treasurer. Town Administrator, Benjamin E. Puritz will speak to the Town Treasurer.
Revisit Water Main Break
Selectman Roach requested Superintendent Eric Hooper be present at the next Selectmen’s meeting of September 13, 2005, along with the Water Management Advisory Committee already scheduled on the Agenda, to revisit the water main break and to resolve any outstanding issues.
Signing of the Fall Town Meeting Warrant
Anne Bingham, Chair of the Board of Health was present to discuss Articles 7 and 8 of the Town Warrant. Ms. Bingham stated that it looked good to her but just had a few technical changes which the Board of Health will submit.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to close the Warrant and be signed by the Board of Selectmen.
Pine Woods
Chair Garfield has drafted a response letter to Anne Good, Production Analyst of MassHousing regarding Pine Woods in response to her request seeking information on the Pine Woods application. It is the sense of the Board that all three Selectmen sign the letter with edits indicating that the letter was from the Board as a whole.
Technical Evaluation Committee for Water Meter RFP
Selectman Heitin stated that there has been a lot of controversy over the water meter RFP. We need to look for a totally independent group of people to oversee the RFP process. Selectman Roach suggested that we get one member from the Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) who has not participated in earlier analysis of the RFP, one from the Water Department who has also not participated and perhaps three community people at large experiences in water. Michael Birschbach thought it might be appropriate if the WMAC work together with Superintendent Hooper in the selection of members for this “new committee”. Mr. Hooper himself should be the appointing authority for this committee and start fresh. Selectman Heitin said the Mr. Hooper does not want to be a part of
the RFP evaluation. Selectman Roach commented that we have been working a year on this RFP and nothing has been done. Let’s start fresh. Selectman Heitin concurs with Selectman Roach in coming up with a few names for the “new committee”. We must find people who are versed in electronics, water and related technology. Chair Grasfield suggests that topic will be added to next week’s agenda when the WMAC scheduled in on September 13, 2005.
New Business/Other Business
Homeland Security
Town Administrator, Benjamin E. Puritz reported that we are in the early stages in conversations with the Fire and Police Chiefs who are coordinating with Metro LEC in what manner Sharon can provide assistance in re Hurricane Katrina. They are very anxious to go forward to help to improve the situation. And on a related matter Jill Crawley of Coriander Bistro, together with friends and colleagues in the restaurant business are planning to co-host a fundraiser for Relief for Hurricane Katrina Survivors on Sunday, September 25, 2005 from 12:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with all proceeds from this fundraiser going to the American Red Cross to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
FEMA
Selectman Roach mentioned that FEMA has asked for assistance from the Fire Services in response to Hurricane Katrina. The request is for a 2-man teams that can operate for approximately 30 days at a time. FEMA will reimburse the Town for the salary for these teams while they are deployed as FEMA employees. The Town will pick up any overtime which would be approximately $5,000.00. Any medical expenses with also be picked up the Town’s insurance. Anyone applying for this 2-man team must past a strict criteria in order to qualify.
Gelerman & Buschmann
Chair Grasfield shared correspondence from Attorney Richard A. Gelerman, Town Counsel stating “I am pleased to enclose a copy of a letter received from James R. Johnson, Director of Accounts for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, which approves the borrowing of up to $7,500,000 for the contemplated Rattlesnake Hill transaction as an increase in the levy limo for such years as the bonds or note are outstanding. This is welcome news for which we have been waiting.”
Motion to Rescind vote of August 30, 2005 Open Session Minutes
Town Administrator would like to make a motion to rescind the vote taken earlier in the approval of the August 30, 2005 open session minutes. Mr. Puritz on page 5 “under sequence the Fall Town meeting Warrant Articles” as follows: change number 5 to 6 and 6 to 5 reading as set forth below:
5. Five Member Board of Selectmen - - Petition - Marjorie L. Asnes
6. Residency Requirement for Appointment to Town Committees/Boards
and on page 6 under “Water Meters - RFP” the sentence reading “He suggested that the Selectmen appoint a technical evaluation committee to evaluate the responses to the RFP prepared by Eric Hooper with input from the Inspector General’s Office.”
Other Business
Selectman Heitin sends sincere sympathy to James Rehnquist and his family on the passing of his father, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Rehnquist.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matter 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 at 9:50 p.m.
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