MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at timeHour19Minute307:30 p.m. in the Sharon Town Offices, with Chair William A. Heitin and Selectmen Walter Joe Roach, Richard A. Powell and Town Administrator, Benjamin E. Puritz.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
Chairman Heitin announced that Senator Brian Joyce will be holding office hours at the placePlaceNameSharon PlaceNameTown Hall on February 6th and February 13th from timeMinute0Hour12noon – timeMinute0Hour131pm, and Representative Lou Kafka will be holding office hours at the placeSharon PTown Hall on January 31st at 9;30am. He also announced that the Sharon Rotary Club will be presenting the Service Above Yourself Award to Pat and Barry Zlotin on March 5, 2007 at 6:30pm at Saphire Manor.
Trust for placePlaceNamePublic PlaceTypeLand (TPL)
Chairman Heitin introduces Nellie Aikenhead who is representing the Trust for placePlaceNamePublic PlaceTypeLand. TPL is a national non-profit that is focused on using “property for people” as opposed to preservation. She further explained that she was referring to utilizing the land for playgrounds, community gardens, or walking trials for example. TPL negotiates with landowners in order to purchase the property and then will turn the property over to the town with no profit to TPL. TPL facilitates the transfer of private ownership to public ownership. Ms. Aikenhead explains that the Trust for Public Land has worked in Sharon before in particular, though unsuccessfully, on the acquisition of the Rattlesnake Hill parcel. Ms. Aikenhead explains that TPL funding is
obtained approximately 1/3 from donations and 2/3 from landowners with whom they work.
Ms. Aikenhead explained that TPL becomes interested in a project at the request of partners – in this case the Massapoag Brook Neighborhood Association (MBNA). In many cases TPL doesn’t choose to become involved in a project. TPL covers the costs of the environmental assessment, title search, and appraisal. Ms. Aikenhead further explained that most towns choose to use the services of an attorney and at the very least run the title by attorney.
Ms. Aikenhead was asked to describe the process with the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). She stated that they work with the CPC to come to agreement to utilize Community Preservation Act funds. If this fails they could seek alternative funding from Town Meeting.
Ms. Aikenhead stated that she has not gone to the CPC yet. She said if the Board of Selectmen seeks their assistance then TPL will contact the CPC.
Ms. Aikenhead was asked to describe the process by which the Town of placeCitySharon could engage TPL. Ms. Aikenhead said that the Board of Selectmen should send a letter stating their interest in TPL working with the landowner to come up with an agreement. She stated the usual time period for this type of agreement is 9 – 12 months but felt it was feasible that this could happen by the annual town meeting in May.
There was discussion being Ms. Aikenhead and the Board regarding the MBNA’s ongoing negotiation with the developer regarding the purchase by homeowners in the area of three ½ acre parcels. Ms. Aikenhead was questioned as to how that would impact the outcome of the process. She explained that TPL would sell the parcels to the private parties and the rest of the parcel would be given to the town.
A member of the audience asked what the forum would be for the process. Ms. Aikenhead replied that there would be no public forum until there is an agreement between TPL and the landowner. She also explained that the end use of the parcel is not decided by the TPL but is decided by the town.
There are several questions asked by several members of the audience regarding the end use and how it relates to the CPC. Chairman Heitin stated that if the land were to be purchased with a conservation restriction then no forum will be held Ms. Aikenhead stated that she would like the request to engage the TPL come from the Board of Selectmen.
Lois Miller, representing the MBNA, states that the group has been working since May 2006 to work out an agreement with the developer. She then read a statement on behalf of the MBNA. She also stated that she is hoping the TPL will take up where the MBNA has left off. (statement attached)
George Bailey the chair of the CPC then stated that they welcome the TPL as a knowledgeable intermediary and stated that they will bring clarity to the process. He also stated that the CPC would like an outside appraisal. He disputed Ms. Miller’s statement regarding a positive vote by the CPC to utilize CPC funds. Mr. Bailey stated that the vote was 4-3 opposed.
Alice Cheyer read a statement. She wants to clarify that though she is an abutter she is not a member of the MBNA. (statement attached)
The Selectmen requested that an item be placed on the Selectmen Agenda for the meeting of dateMonth2Day6Year2007February 6, 2007 to consider engagement of the TPL.
Interview of Reese Schoeder - Alternate to Historic Commission
Mr. Schoeder stated that he was on the commission previously but took two years off to start an architectural firm. He would like to rejoin the commission in order to make a contribution and to be supportive of others who appreciate the role of the Historic Commission. At the current time he would prefer to be an alternate in order to fulfill a prior commitment. However, in the future if opportunity presented itself he would consider full time.
Hearing for Increase in Water Rates
Eric Hooper, Department of Public Works Superintendent explained that there had been no increase in rates since 2001 except for those in the uppermost block of water users. However, costs of electricity, chemicals and other water related expenses had increased.
The increases would allow the funding of infrastructure projects for the water department. If the increases are approved the average family of four would incur an increase of $39.00 from $170.00 to $209.00. The increase will impact those who use the greatest amount of water.
The Water Department’s projected revenue will increase from $1.6 million annually to $1.9 million annually. The rate increase will cover the required borrowing for impending water projects including the new meter project.
In order for the Selectmen to approve of the new water use schedule there must be a notice on Cable TV for three weeks.
SECTION II. - GENERAL BUSINESS
Approval of Minutes
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of January 2, 2007 and January 9, 2007.
Approval of Banner Request
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the banner request from March 1, 2007 to March 8, 2007 by the Cottage Street School PTO “Fun Fair”.
Signing of Town Meeting Warrant
The Selectmen agreed to sign the March 12, 2007 Special Town Meeting Warrant at the meeting of February 6, 2007.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
Resignation of Wayne Bradley from the Planning Board
The Board accepted the resignation of Wayne Bradley from the Planning Board. The Board thanked Mr. Bradley for his service to the town.
Horizons for Youth Use Committee
The Board thanked the citizens of placeCitySharon for overwhelmingly passing the override on January 23, 2007 that would allow the Town to purchase the Horizons for Youth property on addressStreetLakeview Street. The Board discussed creating a committee to be called the Horizons for Youth Use Committee. Selectmen Powell agreed to bring to the Board a recommendation at the meeting of February 6, 2007 as to the composition of the committee.
The Board also agreed that applications for a position as an at-large member of the committee would be accepted through February 6, 2007 at 5:00pm.
ADHOC SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
South Main Street Traffic Analysis
The Board discussed engaging the Professional Services Corporation to review the developer’s traffic analysis as it relates to the re-zoning initiative on addressStreetSouth Main Street. The cost of the analysis would be borne by the property owner.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to authorize the Chair to sign an agreement with the Professional Services Corporation on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to be funded by the property owner.
CORRESPONDENCE
Town Administrator Ben Puritz recommended that the Board review the list of items for the Annual Town Meeting.
Selectmen Chair Heitin and Selectmen Roach, who are members of the Capital Outlay Committee, discussed the Capital Outlay Committee’s “tour” which was held during the previous week. They reported that the Committee was “swayed” by the condition of the Memorial Park restrooms, lifeguard stand and building, and plans on relooking at the request again.
Town Administrator Puritz also spoke about the additional $1,500,000 that will be available because the Middle School roof project and the placePlaceNameWilber PlaceTypeSchool abatement project costs were lower than expected. There was discussion about the disbursement of these funds.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss real property acquisition, matters of pending litigation, collective bargaining, personnel matter, and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
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