December 12, 2006
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 6:30 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 6:35 P.M.
Approve Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of November 28, 2006, including Executive Session, as printed.
Budget Review - Board of Selectmen - Ben Puritz
The Board reviewed the preliminary FY’08 Budget for the Selectmen in the amounts of $260,737.00 (Primary - 2%); $262,466.00 (Plus .7%) and $247,700 (-5%). Mr. Puritz discussed how the staff level within the Selectmen’s Office is the same level as in 1968 and how it is understaffed re comparable communities.
Budget Review - Accountant - Ben Puritz
The Board reviewed the preliminary FY’08 Budget for the Accountant in the amounts of $205,835.00 (Primary); $195,543.00 (Minus) and $216,126.00 (Plus).
Budget Review - Police Department - Joe Bernstein
The Board reviewed the preliminary FY’08 Budget for the Police Department in the amounts of $2,616,602.00 (Level); $2,747,432.00 (Plus 5%); $2,485,772.00 (minus) and $2,878,261.00 (plus 10%). Chief Bernstein stressed personnel needs stating that , “minimally, we should have 32 sworn officers; currently, we are authorized to have 27.” The 10% plus budget, allows for the hiring of two additional officers. The Board discussed the impact of the elimination of some crossing guards within the level-funded budget, and more within the minus budget.
First Amendment - Cingular Wireless Lease
The Board reviewed the letter from Richard A. Gelerman, Town Counsel, dated December 5, 2006, re the First Amendment to Wireless Communications Facility Lease Agreement. Enclosed were two checks: $10,000 to reimburse the Town for its legal costs and $8,784.50 as a rent adjustment. This pertains to property located at Upland Road Water Tower.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to sign the First Amendment to Wireless Communication Lease Agreement with Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC.
Grant Wavier to Linda Callan under MGL 168A §20
This item was deferred pending additional information.
Fiscal Management Review Request
Board reviewed letter as drafted by Mr. Puritz for a request for a Fiscal Management Review from the Division of Local Services, Department of Revenue in conjunction with the Board’s intention of placing an article on the upcoming May annual town meeting warrant to establish a Department of Municipal Finance/Finance Director position.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to authorize Ben Puritz to sign a letter on behalf of the Board to the Department of Revenue for a Financial Management Review.
Award Presentation - Sharon Historical Commission
Members of the Sharon Historical Commission were present to honor the Rosenthal family of 178 N. Main Street for their work after a fire in the restoration and preservation of the Lothup Sevall Home, perhaps the oldest home in Sharon.
Recommendations of the Economic Development Committee - Eli Hauser
Chair Eli Hauser and members of the Economic Development Committee were present to discuss its findings and recommendations. Items discussed included:
creation of Economic Development Team to attract new businesses;
undeveloped land in Town;
limited land allocated for business use;
ways to increase revenues re commercial development;
at the current rate of expenditures, the residential tax rate will double within 10 years;
school budgets yearly average 7.3% increases;
potential in attracting and upgrading new businesses;
study for economic program in Town of Stoughton;
request Board’s approval for Economic Consultant Study;
Waste Water Management Study for P.O. Square;
request Board’s approval for Waste Water Assessment Study/Consultant; and,
estimated costs of consultants of $80,000 - $100,000 each.
Presentation by Mr. Intoccia re Development and Life Style Center
Chair Heitin introduced Mr. Michael Intoccia to present his vision for development of 2500 acres of land near Route 95 off South Main Street. Items discussed included:
vision for life-style center, with restaurants, shops, professional buildings and landscaped walking areas;
residential apartments/condos to be constructed closest to residential areas;
construct a friendly LIP;
existing residential areas to be buffered from development with dead-end streets;
Intoccia has bought up a number of houses in the area;
plans for waste-water treatment;
have discussions with other boards/committees;
need for rezoning/Special Town Meeting;
Intoccia willing to do whatever the Town wants;
estimated revenues to Town of 3.5 - 4 million;
land for town library or town hall relocation;
notify abutters in advance/residential areas to be kept residential; and,
work out dates for Special Town Meeting.
Interview for Recreation Director Position
The Board interviewed Marshall Bradstreet for the position of Recreation Director. Mr. Bradstreet has extensive experience in recreation and youth programs, including with Boys & Girls Clubs. Questions were also asked by members of the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Budget Review, Veterans, Veterans Graves, Community Celebrations - Paul Bergeron
This item was rescheduled until next week.
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.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:22 P.M.
Roach, aye; Powell, aye; Heitin, aye.
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