MINUTES

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

 

The Regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:00 pm in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair Walter Joe Roach, Selectman Richard A. Powell, Selectman William A. Heitin, and Town Administrator Ben Puritz.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m.

 

POSITION ON ARTICLES FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2007 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

The Board voted on their respective positions on Articles for November 5, 2007 Town Meeting.

U = Unanimous

#

Article

Position

1

Amend Zoning By-Laws such that Senior Living Overlay District as approved at May 2007 Town Meeting is eliminated in its entirety

U No               

2

Amend Subsection 4385 of the Senior Living Overlay District By-Law by reducing some of the dimensional standards in the By-Law

U No                           

3

Amend Section 4389 of the Zoning By-Laws by such that the Senior Living Overlay District would require a special permit rather than site plan approval

U No                             

4

Limit to Reconsider Motions at Town Meeting

U Yes

5

Technical corrections to the Business D district Zoning By-Law adopted at March 12, 2007 Town Meeting.

                     Hold

6

Accept for use as a public way lands adjacent to the current layout of Old Post Road

                     U Yes

7

Amend the sign general By-Law to provide signage regarding a lifestyle retail center in Business District D

U Yes                        

8

Amend the Zoning By-Law to allow off premises directional signage in residential district regarding a lifestyle retail center in Business District D

U Yes                          

9

Amend Zoning By-Law regarding drive-thru accessory uses within Business District D

U Yes                  

10

Establishment of Horizons for Youth Revolving Fund

U Yes

11

Former Horizons for Youth Property Capital Maintenance/Improvement funding

U Yes

12

Lot SHAPE Article

Hold

13

Inclusionary Housing

Hold

14

Name Ballroom in Community Center

U Yes

15

Accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 43D for expedited permitting program

U Yes

16

Acceptance of Ch. 90 Funding for Roadway Improvements

U Yes

17

Easement 145 Beach Street

U Yes

18

Release easement Eisenhower Drive

Hold

19

Funding mechanism for Community Preservation Account Land Acquisition – Billings Street

U Yes       

20

Funding mechanism for Community Preservation Account Acquisition of Affordable Housing – 9 Glenview Road

 U Yes       

21

Community Preservation Account –

Transfer for Administrative and Planning Purposes

U Yes

22

Funding mechanism for Community Preservation Account

 Land Acquisition – Horizons for Youth property

U Yes

23

Establish Revolving Fund re 9 Glenview Road lease proceeds

U Yes

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session Minutes of October 2, 2007 and October 9, 2007 and the Executive Session Minutes of October 9, 2007

 

FATHER BULLOCK ROAD RACE PRESENTATION

 

The 3rd Annual Father Bullock road Race was held on June 10, 2007 with over 200 participants.  Dave Martin who spoke on behalf of the group said that the large number of participants is a tribute to the memory of Father Bullock.  The race raised over $20,000.00 - $10,000.00 was presented to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and $10,000.00 to the program titled Facing History and Ourselves.  Father Bullock was a founder of the Facing History and Ourselves program.

 

AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN CONSULANT AGREEMENT FOR HISTORICAL COMMISSION

 

Dave Martin, Historical Commission Chair explained that the Commission had received a grant to conduct a survey and planning project being funded by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.  The Sharon Historical Commission had interviewed four consultants to assist them with the project and had selected Julie Ann Larry. 

 

 VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to authorize Chairman Roach to sign the contract with Julie Ann Larry for $25,000.00 on behalf of the Board.

 

Selectman Powell wanted to commend the Boy Scouts and in particular Eagle Scout Russell McAvoy for his restoration of the Drake Cemetery.  He noted that some of the graves in the cemetery date back to the Revolutionary War.

 

VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of a personnel matter and then at the conclusion reconvene in Regular Session. 

 

Roach: AYE

Powell: AYE

Heitin: AYE

 

The Board adjourned into Executive Session at 7:35 p.m.

 

 VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted unanimously to reconvene in Regular Session

 

The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 7:56 p.m.

 

 

FINDING ON DOG HEARING HELD ON OCTOBER 16, 2007

 

Chairman Roach said that this was a very difficult decision.  He also said that information and comments provided by Mr. Nebenzahl and Mr. Wasserman were not allowed into the hearing as Mr. Wasserman’s information was received after the hearing was closed and Mr. Nebenzahl was not sworn in.

In terms of the hearing though he appreciates the efforts of both parties, the attack was vicious and he also took into account the feelings of the 25 residents who signed a petition expressing their concerns. Therefore, he was voting to remove the dog from Sharon.

 

Selectman Powell also said that this was a tough decision.  He said he is not comfortable leaving the dog in the neighborhood.  He also noted that the second trainer reported in his written memo that the dog was mildly aggressive with other dogs.  Selectman Powell said that doesn’t have a level of comfort regarding leaving the dog in the neighborhood and he believes neighborhood safety should be paramount.

 

Selectman Heitin said that he agrees with his colleagues.  The attack was very vicious and he is fearful for the safety of younger children in the neighborhood.  He too would like to remove the dog from the community.

 

VOTED: (Roach/Heitin) Voted unanimously to find that the McCabe dog be removed from the Town of Sharon.  Mr. McCabe has a ten day period to appeal the decision to the District Court or ten days to comply.  He can either return the dog to the Medfield Animal Shelter or he can release the dog to the Sharon Animal Control Officer.  There is an understanding that once the dog is removed from Town the Board of Selectmen or Animal Control Officer be notified which Town the dog has been relocated.

 

PAUL BERGERON: BUDGET REVIEW VETERANS/VETERANS GRAVES AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

 

Mr. Bergeron announced that the Veteran’s Days Celebrations will be taking place on Sunday November 11, 2007 and will consist of two programs. There will be a flag raising ceremony at 9 A.M. in front of the American Legion Post across from the Plaza.  At 2:00 P.M. the Sharon Community Band will be hosting a musical program in recognition of Veterans Day.

 

Mr. Bergeron stated that for the past three years all three of his budgets have been totally expended.  In fact last year he had to ask the Finance Committee for a $10,000 Reserve Fund Transfer for Veteran’s needs.   He said that the plus budget for Veteran’s graves will allow him to maintain the flower size.  He also said one major expenditure is not included in the budget – he said he is hoping to add funds in order purchase additional flags and flag poles because the North/South main Street project has almost doubled the number of light poles. 

 

ED LITTLE: BUDGET REVIEW ANIMAL INSPECTOR

 

Mr. Little said his budget is the same as last year, $3,477.00. He said his responsibilities include inspection of domesticated animals other than cats or dogs.

 

MICHAEL GINSBERG: CANDIDATE FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

Mr. Ginsberg gave a very thorough review of the activities of the Recreation Advisory Committee including the new field permitting process.  He also recognized Mike Polimer who Mr. Ginsberg said has done an incredible job at the athletic fields and has saved the Town thousands of dollars.  He also said that Recreation Director Marshall Bradstreet has done a great job and that there has been a seamless transition since he took over from former Recreation Director Dave Clifton.  Mr. Ginsberg said he would like to be reappointed among other reasons because he is a baseball addict and would like to see a new 90 foot baseball diamond built.   

 

GARY BLUESTEIN: CANDIDATE FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

Mr. Bluestein said he would like to see the Recreation Department continue in the direction it is moving with lots of new ideas and new opportunities.  He said that they are currently reviewing the field use by sport and need to take into account the growing lacrosse program.  He believes there is potential for additional fields at both the closed landfill and on the Horizons for Youth property.  He said he would like to find a place for the Sharon Theater Group as they lost their location when the Community Center was renovated.

 

NEAL GROSSMAN: CANDIATE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

Mr. Grossman said he currently serves as an at-large member of the Sports Coalition Committee.  Also for the past three years he has coordinated the Recreation Basketball Association for the Recreation Department and in the past has spearheaded the building and running of the concession stand at no coast to the Town.  He also has spent many years as a volunteer coach. He believes the Town needs more athletic fields and would like to see the groups that make up the sports coalition pool their resources. 

 

Chairman Roach asked if there is an opening on the Recreation Advisory Committee.  It was explained that long-time member Corinne Hershman is not seeking reappointment.  Chairman Roach asked that a letter be prepared to thank Ms. Hershman for her long-time volunteer work as a member of the Recreation Advisory Committee, School Committee and other Town Boards and Committees.

 

 VOTED: (Roach/Heitin) Voted unanimously to send a thank you letter to Corinne Hershman in recognition of her service to the Town.

 

CONSIDER FUNDING FOR PURCHASE OF SMALL SIDEWALK PLOW

 

This item was removed from the Agenda because the piece of equipment doesn’t meet the necessary specifications.

 

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE

 

Chairman Roach explained the he heard from a member of the Canton Board of Selectmen asking that the Sharon Board join them in sending a letter to MEPA regarding the impact of the Westwood Station Project on the traffic on I-95 and other area resources.  The Board agreed that they don’t have enough information regarding the specifics as to traffic and other relevant topics.  Town Administrator Puritz said he felt there might be information available through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. 

 

VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining, pending litigation and real property acquisition and at the end thereof adjourn for the evening.

 

The Board of Selectmen adjourned to Executive Session at 8:53 p.m.

 

Roach: Aye

Powell:Aye

Heitin: Aye