June 27, 2006
The Regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 p.m. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair William A. Heitin , Selectmen Walter Joe Roach, Richard A. Powell and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m.
Interview for Reappointment to Council on Aging
The Board interviewed Marilyn Stewart for reappointment to the Council on Aging. Ms. Stewart has been on the Board for five years. Ms. Stewart and Council on Aging appreciates the support of the Board of Selectmen re the activities and concerns of the committee.
Interview for Reappointment to Council on Aging
The Board interviewed Robert Maidman for reappointment to the Council on Aging. Mr. Maidman brings to the Council on Aging diversified activities in a non-denominational/non-political manner. He also would like to encourage the younger generation (ages 45 to 55 pre-seniors) to participate in Council on Aging.
Mr. Arnold Kublin, Chair of Council on Aging commented how these reappointment candidates have been quite modest in their interviews and has nothing but praises for his Committee.
Interview for Reappointment to Commission on Disabilities
The Board interviewed Leslie Kriger for reappointment to the Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Kriger remains proactive in the dog park. Her concern is how can the COA help in getting the disabled to the dog park and handicapped parking.
Interview for Reappointment to Commission on Disabilities
The Board interviewed James Waters for reappointment to the Commission on Disabilities. Mr. Waters monitors the ADA re availability of handicapped parking.
Interview for Reappointment to Commission on Disabilities
The Board interviewed Susan Myerson for reappointment to the Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Myerson commented on a new program sponsored by a non-profit committee which goes into the Sharon schools to inform the students what it is like to be handicapped. This program has become an annual event.
Interview for Reappointment for Animal Inspector and Norfolk County Representative
The Board interviewed Edwin Little for reappointment as Animal Inspector and Norfolk County Representative. Mr. Little explained the role of Animal Inspector i.e., inspects domestic animals, barns and places where animals are kept for sanitary conditions and contagious diseases. He represents the Board of Health and responds to reports of animal bites and, if necessary, quarantines the animal.
The Board also interviewed him for reappointment to the Norfolk County Advisory Board. Mr. Little stated that they meet four times a year and that the County budget is 32 million dollars. He provided the Board with an update and status on the Regional Fire Dispatch. Mr. Little informed the Board that Holbrook, MA has a new Fire Station and that the Regional Fire Dispatch will be located there and work off on a mutual aid system. If a town decides to join the Regional Fire Dispatch, they will then pay Holbrook. Sharon is the only town that has signed up and obtained Town Meeting approval There are four other towns interested.
Interview for Reappointment for Sealer of Weights and Measures
The Board interviewed Charles Healy for reappointment as Sealer of Weights and Measures. Mr. Healy informed the Board of the role of Sealer of Weights and Measures i.e.,to seal all measuring, weighing and scanning devices used by vendors within the Town and to enforce the laws, rules and problems. He also reported that there is now 10% ethanol added to the tanks at gas stations and he is responsible to make sure that there is no water in these tanks.
Interview for Reappointment for Animal Control Officer
The Board interviewed Diane Malcolmson for reappointment as Animal Control Officer. Ms. Malcolmson informed the Board that many of the problems that face the Animal Control Officer is the arguing between neighbors re barking dogs and number of dogs a resident may have without having a licensed kennel. She commented that at this time of year there are many skunks, coyotes, fox, wild turkeys and racoons. Ms. Malcolmson stated that there are one hundred thirty overdue dog licenses.
Celebrating The Life of Leonard Bernstein in Sharon
Selectman Richard Powell thanked all who participated in the Celebrating the Life of Leonard Bernstein on June 24, 2006 and for the permanent placement of his portrait in the Sharon Public Library. Leonard Bernstein lived in Sharon during his teenage years. Selectman Powell also thanked the Committee to Celebrate the Life of Leonard Bernstein in Sharon: Davida and Walter Newman, Arlene and Richard Davidson, Tandee and Paul Newman, Nancy and Bill Hall and Alice and Mel Springer - in stating that, “this was truly a family affair for me”.
Interview for Reappointment to Council on Aging
The Board interviewed Ellen Bender for reappointment to the Council on Aging. Ms. Bender stated that taxes are a major concern for the elderly here in Sharon. The elderly want to stay in Sharon, but do find it difficult due to the taxes. She also commented on the inter-generational activities with the young people and the Council on Aging and how they are learning from each other.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of June 20, 2006 including Executive Session.
Appointment to the Board of Health
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted unanimously appoint Jay Schwab to the Board of Health, appointment to expire: September 2009.
Appointments to Wilber School Redevelopment Proposal Evaluation Committee
It was the consensus of the Board to put this item on next week’s agenda.
Appointments to the Energy Advisory Committee
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously appoint the following to the Energy Advisory Committee: Lynn Wolburst, Joan Spiegel, Rosemary Tambouret, Thomas D’Avanzo, David McCabe and Edward Connelly.
Request for Banner
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve a banner for Girl Scout Registration for the dates of September 5-10, 2006 in the first position.
Employment Recommendations - Special Police Officers
The Board reviewed Memos from Joe Bernstein, Chief of Police, dated June 12, 2006 recommending that Jeffrey Lurie and Stephen Cheney be appointed to the Sharon Special Police.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to appoint Jeffrey Lurie and Stephen Cheney as a member of the Sharon Special Police, expiration date: September 2007
Accessory Housing
The Board reviewed the Memo from Norma Simons Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Council on Aging dated June 23, 2006. Ms. Fitzgerald is requesting the Board to reserve space in the Town warrant for the Fall Town Meeting for a zoning bylaw change regarding accessory housing.
It was the consensus of the Board to put this item of the next agenda and also to invite Ms. Fitzgerald and Arnold Kublin, Chair of COA to attend the meeting.
Closing of Warrant Deadlines
VOTED: (Roach/Heitin) Voted unanimously to send a letter to all Boards and Committees reminding all of the closing of the warrant deadlines.
Third Soccer Field
The Board reviewed a letter from Rich Goldman, member of the Board of Directors - Field Development Coordinator dated on June 19, 2006. Rich Goldman, on behalf of the Sharon Soccer Association, is requesting that two items be added to the Warrant for the Fall Town Meeting. The two articles are 1. a third soccer field and 2. revising the lease for the fields. Selectman Roach advised that a petition article would be in order. Mr. Goldman wasn’t sure he could get enough signatures due to the holiday and the that closing of petition articles were due at noon on July 5, 2006.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted unanimously that the Board of Selectmen will be supporting the two articles and placing said articles on Fall Town Meeting warrant.
Smart Growth Development Grant Signature Authorization
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to authorize Town Administrator, Benjamin E. Puritz, to sign on behalf of the Town to apply for the Smart Growth Development Grant.
New Business
Brickstone Development for proposal of Rattlesnake Hill will be discussed at the July 11 and 18, 2006 Board of Selectmen meetings.
Rattlesnake Hill
Rita Corey, a Mountain Street resident and a member of the Rattlesnake Hill Open Space Association, raise an objection to scheduling meetings in re Brickstone Development during resident’s vacation schedules. Ms. Corey would like the meetings to be postponed until September.
Selectman Powell replied, “We just want to have the initial presentation and then have our questions answered. We want an open dialogue. It’s only the beginning of the process.”
Chair Heitin stated that multiple meetings will be held during the upcoming months. “These (July meetings) will only be a start,” he said. Residents can always send their comments to the Board of Selectmen via e-mail at selectmen@townofsharon.net or mail to 90 South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Executive Session
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) 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 9:20 p.m.
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