MINUTES

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

 

The Regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:30 pm in the Sharon Town Offices

with Chair Walter “Joe” Roach, Selectman Richard A. Powell, and Town Administrator Benjamin

E. Puritz.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m.

 

Historical Commission Chair Robert Young

 

The Board thanked Historical Commission Chair Robert Young for his service to the community.

Mr. Young is moving out of state.  The Board presented Mr. Young with a proclamation as did the

Historical Commission.

       

Horizons for Youth Reuse Committee Chair Michael Bossin

 

Mr. Bossin reviewed with the Selectmen the Mission Statement proposed by the Horizons for Youth Reuse Committee.  Mr. Bossin explained that the Committee is in the process of  researching the names of planners and also in the process of securing funds to pay the planner.  Mr.Bossin said that the Committee will be meeting with Department of Public Works Superintendent Eric Hooper, and Building Inspector Joe Kent in order to develop a maintenance line-item for the budget.  Selectman Powell stated that the goal is for the property to be self-sustaining. 

 

Robert Young commented that the state has recognized the land as an archaeologically sensitive site. 

 

Town Administrator Puritz added that in the Methodology Section of the Mission Statement it should be clear that the Horizons for Youth Use Committee is an Advisory Board to the Board of Selectmen and all recommendations are to be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen.  Gary Bluestein, a member of the Horizons for Youth Reuse Committee said that the Committee recognized that they serve the Selectmen in an advisory role.  All agreed that the Mission Statement would be changed to more clearly reflect this.

 

  Approve minutes

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session Minutes of May 29, 2007 and June 12, 2007 and the Executive Session Minutes of  June 12, 2007.

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the portion of the minutes that Selectmen were in attendance of at the Horizons for Youth Reuse Committee meeting on June 11, 2007

 

 

 

 

Permission for Rodman Ride for Kids to pass through Sharon

 

It was explained that the Rodman Ride for Kids is a charitable race that passes through the Town of Sharon.  The Selectmen asked that Police Chief Bernstein and Fire Chief Mann be notified.

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted unanimously to authorize the Rodman Ride for Kids to pass through the Town of Sharon on September 29, 2007

 

 

Consider appointment of Lauren Canavan and Philip McEnany to Sharon Police Special Police Force

 

Chairman Roach explained that Police Chief Bernstein had provided the Board with background on Lauren Canavan and Philip McEnany. 

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Lauren Canavan and Philip McEnany to the Sharon Police Special Police Force

 

Discuss Public Works/Water Department Seasonal Personnel

 

Chairman Roach explained that the Department of Public Works was requesting permission from the Board of Selectmen to hire up to four summer seasonal employees – three to be assigned to the Forest and Grounds Department and one to be assigned to the Engineering/Water Department. Because of a retirement and a resignation, new employees were hired at a lower wage rates, freeing up approximately $12,000 which would cover the salaries of the four seasonal employees. 

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted unanimously to authorize the Department of Public Works to hire up to four summer seasonal employees.

 

Request Banner Approval: Sharon Garden Club 6th Annual Daffodil Drive –  

September 24 – October 3 (2nd position)     

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted unanimously to give permission to the Sharon Garden Club to hang a banner from September 24, 2007 – October 3, 2007 in the 1st position for the Annual Daffodil Drive.

 

School Committee Chair Sam Liao – School Crossing Guards

 

In addition to Mr. Liao, Acting School Superintendent Barbara Dunham was in attendance.

 

Mr. Liao explained that because the Police didn’t have sufficient funds to place Crossing Guards at three locations, thus far two of the crossing guards had been recalled leaving one location without a crossing guard.  Mr. Liao explained that he had asked to meet with the Selectmen in order to try and resolve the situation so that all the crossing guard positions are restored.

 

Chairman Roach explained that a crossing guard costs approximately $10,000.00.  The Selectmen are prepared to contribute $2,500.00 and are hoping that the schools can contribute $7,500.00.

 

There was discussion about increasing the fees at the high school parking lot to cover all or a portion of the $7,500.00.  There was also discussion about increasing the number of spots by opening up the lake for parking by the high school students in order to increase revenue.   Chairman Liao said that he would bring back to the School Committee a proposal to increase their contribute by $7,500 but asked that at the same time he would like the Selectmen to explore increasing the cost of parking for high school students and opening up the lake to allow for additional parking spots which would generate additional revenue as well.  Selectmen Powell said he was reluctant to allow parking at the lake because of environmental issues.

 

New Business/Other Business

 

Chairman Roach read a Certificate of Appreciation to Department of Public Works employee Walter “Wally” Brown that will be read at Mr. Brown’s retirement party on Friday, June 29th after 35 years of service to the Town.

 

 

VOTED: (Powell/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.

 

The Board of Selectmen adjourned at 8:33pm.

 

Roach: Aye

Powell:Aye