October 24, 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 and Selectmen Walter Joe Roach and Richard A. Powell and Benjamin E. Puritz, Town Administrator.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of October 10, 2006, including the Executive Session, as printed.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of September 26, 2006, as printed.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of October 3, 2006, as printed.
Update N/S Main Street Reconstruction Project
Selectman Roach gave an update re the moving of the WWII Monument and construction of a stone wall in front of the Town Offices, and the installation next week of new planters in front of Star Bucks at Post Office Square. Mr. Puritz reported that wires and utility poles were in the process of being moved as part of the project. New traffic lights have been installed in front of the Town Offices.
Update - Other Projects
Mr. Puritz reported that we are waiting for the electricity to be turned on for the traffic lights at the Intersection of Route 27 and Norwood Street.
Wilber School Redevelopment Project
Mr. Puritz reported that a fence has been installed around the Wilber School Building in preparation of the abatement project. Chair Heitin reported that this Board has been in discussions with Frontier Enterprises as the Company whose RFP for redevelopment of the Wilber School was chosen by the Wilber Redevelopment Committee. He anticipates a Memorandum of Understanding with Frontier Enterprises prior to the Fall Town Meeting, and a presentation is planned for Town Meeting re the Warrant Article to enter into a ground lease for up to 99 years.
Horizon For Youth/Goodwill Property - Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
Chair Heitin mentioned that the acquisition of this property is part of the discussion with the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) downstairs this evening. He reported that members of this Board have been in ongoing discussion with Goodwill. He further noted that the CPC Committee has three different land acquisitions on its agenda: (1) Glen View - Pending 40B; (2) Horizon For Youth property; and, (3) Pine Woods.
Review of FY’08 Fire Capital Projects - Chief Mann
Chief Mann was present to discuss his FY’08 Capital Requests in the amount of $590,000 for: (1) Bathroom Repair; (2) Class 1 Pumper; and, (3) Chief’s Car. He reviewed his Five-Year Capital Improvement Program that includes Refurbish Tanker, Water Rescue Craft, New Ambulance, Personal Protective Gear and a new Sub-Station.
Interview - Water Management Advisory Committee - David Ferestien
The Board interviewed David Ferestien for membership on the Water Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Ferestien has a background in the lawn/garden business and expressed an interest in water conservation efforts re lawns.
It is the Board’s intention to make reappointments and appointments to this Committee next week.
Review of FY’08 Police Capital Projects - Chief Bernstein
Chief Bernstein presented an overview of the present year’s Capital Outlay Requests regarding replacement of Police vehicles. He presented his FY’08 Capital Requests for three vehicles in the amount of $93,000 and replacement of service weapons in the amount of $22,646.
Review of Warrant Articles - Zoning Board of Appeals - John Lee
Mr. Jon Lee, Chair of the ZBA, was present to discuss two Fall Town Meeting Warrant Articles sponsored by the ZBA. Article 12 will allow a member of any Board or Committee to miss one hearing and still be able to vote on the matter after reviewing the records and reviewing the tape recordings. Article 19, relates to payment of unpaid legal bills of prior year in the amount of $2,887.50. He further stated that FINCOM has voted for indefinite postponement, but that the Town has an obligation to pay this bill due Town Counsel. Selectman Roach suggested frequent meetings between the Boards and Town Counsel to keep a handle on the law bills.
Review of Warrant Article - Financial Analyst - Ira Miller
Mr. Miller was unable to attend this evening. This item will be rescheduled.
Recess
It was the consensus of the Board to enter into a recess. The Board recessed at 8:25 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 8:35 P.M.
Review of Warrant Article - School Insurance - Jim Popkin and Don Gilligan
Don Gilligan, Chair of the School Committee, and Jim Popkin, Insurance Adjustor, were present to discuss Article 22 which will allow the School Department to accept and use funds from any insurance settlement proceeds for damages caused by the fire at the Middle School. Mr. Popkin discussed the damages to the roof and miscellaneous damages and the status of repairs, abatements, and mitigation of smoke damage to books. Negotiations are taking place for the settlement to the School Department.
Recess
Chair Heitin suggested that the Board enter into a Recess to check on the status of the CPC Committee and to reconvene at 8:50 P.M. for the appointment to review the CPC Committee Warrant Article with George Bailey
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to enter into a recess until 8:50 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 9:07 P.M.
Review of Warrant Article - Community Preservation Committee - George Bailey
It was announced that members of the CPC Committee may not appear this evening.
Classification Hearing - Board of Assessors - Mark Mazur
Mark Mazur, Administrative Assessor, and Richie Gordon, were present on behalf of the Board of Assessors. Items discussed included:
Selectmen requested to take three votes this evening;
Assessors recommend Residential Factor of “One;”
consequences of shifting tax burden onto CIP (commercial/industrial/personal) class;
every $1.00 decrease in the residential class, would increase CIP classes $16;
Assessors recommend not adopting a Residential Exemption;
Residential Exemption used by those few communities with significant apartment buildings and non-resident owners;
estimated amount of new growth;
expecting new taxes of up to $400,000 per year from new Lexus dealer;
Assessors recommend not adopting a Small Commercial Exemption;
22 commercial properties would qualify for up to 10% exemption, but 165 commercial properties would pay more to compensate; and, residential and personal property tax rates would not be affected;
estimated tax rate is $14.16;
there is a 6.3% decline in assessments, but taxes increase 3.3% on average;
the process of setting the tax rate;
valuations calculated re 2005 sales/one year lag; and,
suggestion to make information available on the website.
VOTED: (Heitin\Roach) Voted unanimously to agree with the Board of Assessors and to choose a Residential Factor of “One” for Fiscal Year 2007.
VOTED: (Heitin\Roach) Voted unanimously to agree with the Board of Assessors and to choose NOT to adopt a Residential Exemption for Fiscal Year 2007.
VOTED: (Heitin\Roach) Voted unanimously to agree with the Board of Assessors and to choose NOT to adopt a small commercial exemption for Fiscal Year 2007.
Executive Session
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing items of Personnel Matter, Collective Bargaining, Real Property Acquisition and
Pending Litigation, and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
Roach, aye; Powell, aye; Heitin, aye.
The Board recessed to Executive Session at 9:40 P.M.
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