MINUTES

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen meeting was reconvened at 5:30 p.m. from the prior night’s meeting, May 1, 2007, in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair William A. Heitin, Selectman Walter Joe Roach, Selectmen Richard A. Powell, Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz, Town Counsel Richard Gelerman and Associate Town Counsel Cindy Amara.

The meeting was called to order at 5:58 p.m.

RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL FOX

The Board of Selectmen presented a proclamation to Michael Fox, Sharon resident and Eagle Scout, honoring him for his accomplishments.  Chairman Heitin read the proclamation and

DISCUSS SIGNING OF SHARON HILLS AGREEMENT

Prior to the Selectmen signing the Development Agreement for the Sharon Hills at Rattlesnake Hill project Town Counsel Gelerman reviewed the terms with the Board.

He explained that the project needs to be built in compliance with the terms of the Development Agreement and the Zoning Bylaws and also needs to conform to all local, state and federal regulations. 

Town Counsel reviewed with the Board the following: The project will include 624 age restricted units and a 150 bed nursing home.  He said that all conditions in the Development Agreement should be incorporated into the site plan approval.  He stated that Brickstone will develop a $6 - $7 million high pressure water system.  He said that they would be installing a 750,000 gallon underground tank with water lines running from the underground tank to the intersection of Coach Lane and Bay Road and to the intersection of Mountain Street and the Mountain Street Extension.  This is all subjects to the developer’s ability to obtain an easement.  He added that five Coach Lane residents had asked to tie in to the water and that Brickstone has agreed.

He also said that the Developer has agreed to provide: $900,000 and 36 units at another project for Affordable Housing.  If the 36 units are not available then the developer will pay $982,000 to the Sharon Affordable Housing Trust.  Brickstone also agreed to contribute: $650,000 for Public Safety and $775,000 for other items.  In addition the developer has agreed to expand the size of the pumping building to 9,000 square feet to include a fire substation. 

Brickstone has agreed to transfer 249+ acres to the Conservation Commission prior to the issuance of the first building permit.  The Conservation Commission will designate a third party i.e. Kendall Trust, Audubon to be included on the deed.  Town Counsel added that all of the commitments run through the land and will be recorded in the deed; if the land is sold all provisions will apply.  If the project is not built then the land will not be gifted to the Conservation Commission.

The developer will select a blasting consultant who will conduct a pre-blasting survey on homes within 1000’ of the blasting site.  Similar provisions are in effect for water quality.  The developer is committed to no degradation of Briggs Pond and private wells by the wastewater system.  However, in the event that there is a problem the developer is committed to providing impacted homes with water.  Town Counsel Gelerman also discussed the bonding provisions contained in the agreement.   He added that the developer has agreed to restrict development on another 36 acres.  In addition, he said that the agreement provides that primary access is through Bay Road and that Mountain Street is available for emergency access only. 

Attorney Gelerman reviewed the purpose of the five Articles in the Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting with the Board. Article 1 and Article 2 relate to Zoning By-Law Changes.  He further explained that should another developer be interested in doing this type of project a minimum of 271.6 acres would be needed - 70 acres for the project and then over 191 acres donated to the Conservation Commission as the developer would be required to donate 2.88 acres for each of the 70 acres developed.

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted unanimously to authorize the chair to sign the Development Agreement for Sharon Hills at Rattlesnake Hill. 

Chairman Heitin added that copies will be available in the Selectmen’s Office, at the Library, at the Department of Public Works, and on the Town’s website.     

The Board recessed from 6:25p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Adopt a position on Warrant Articles for May 7, 2007 Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting

Chairman Heitin explained that the Selectmen were going to take a position on the Articles that they previously had not taken a position on for the May 7, 2007 Town Meeting. 

Special within the Annual

Changes pertaining to Rattlesnake Hill – All 5 articles Unanimous Yes

Annual Town Meeting

4.         Zoning By-Law Posting Requirements - Hold

5.         Town Meeting Debate Process - Hold

Capital Outlay Articles

13.       CPC projects funding recommendations –

                        Drake Cemetery clean up by Russell McAvoy - Unanimous Yes

Historic Inventory - Unanimous Yes

Glendale Parcel - Unanimous Yes

Defibrillator - Unanimous Yes

Heights Playground - Unanimous Yes

Elevator in Unitarian Church – Unanimous No

Water Department Building - Unanimous Yes

                        Administration of CPC – Unanimous Yes

                        Unencumbered Funds - Unanimous Yes

14.       Finance Committee Members - Unanimous Yes

17.       Stabilization Fund - Unanimous No

22.       Petition Article- Community Preservation Committee Enlargement-George Bailey - Hold

23.       Naming of Community Center

            “David I. Clifton Jr. Sharon Community Center” – Unanimous Yes

29.       Historical Building Demolition Bylaw (revision) Hold

VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to adjourn.

The Board of Selectmen adjourned at 6:45pm.