MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
.The Regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:00 pm in the Sharon Town Offices with Chairman Walter Joe Roach, Selectman William A. Heitin, and Town Administrator Ben Puritz
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Chairman Roach thanked Veteran’s Agent Paul Bergeron for his efforts in coordinating the activities that took place on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2007.
BUDGET REVIEW: DIANE MALOLMSON, ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Animal Control Office Malcolmson reviewed with the Board a level funded budget, plus budget and salary of the three individuals who fill-in. She reviewed some of her expenses with the Board and in particular the fact that she had to eliminate carrying a pager which cost $100.00. She said the minus budget would allow for only eight emergency calls per year. She said her total annual budget is $58,000 of which $50,000 is salaries.
BUDGET REVIEW: MARLENE CHUSED, TOWN CLERK, ELECTIONS/REGISTRATIONS
Town Clerk Marlene Chused said that FY 209 is going to be a very busy year because of the Presidential Election. She said increases in her budget can in part be attributed to an increase in the minimum wage which increases the hourly costs for election workers. She also said additional costs are going to be incurred because of a federal mandate specialized voting equipment for handicapped voters. She said that the Federal Government pays for it during Federal Election but there is no reimbursement for State and Local Elections. Chairman Roach brought up utilizing the senior work-off program in order to lower Election Day costs. Ms. Chused said she is utilizing the program and saves approximately $800.00
IRENE CARPENTER; CANDIDATE FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS AN ALTERNATE TO THE COUNCIL ON AGING
Ms. Carpenter said that she is by trade a public relations professional and uses these skills to make a contribution as an Alternate to the Council on Aging. She said she also serves as a member of the Friends of Council on Aging and is a SHINE Counselor.
ED LITTLE: ISSUES PERTAINING TO PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS RE: MAIN STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Chairman Roach asked to hold this item until Selectman Powell is in attendance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Roach asked to hold this item until Selectman Powell is in attendance.
CONSIDER SIGNING DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO DEREGISTRATION OF A PORTION OF THE WILBER SCHOOL PROPERTY AND DOCUEMNTS TO BE SUMITTED TO THE LAND COURT PERTAINING TO THE WILBER SCHOOL PROPERTY
Chairman Roach asked that this item be held until next week
CONSIDER SIGNING NET SCHOOL SPENDING AGREEMENT
Chairman Roach asked that this item be held until next week
TODD CUTRONA: CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE SHARON CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL
Mr. Cutrona explained that he would like to become more involved in the Community. He particularly enjoyed the Town’s Square Jam celebration. He is a teacher in Marlborough and prior to that was a theater company manager in New York.
BARBRA NADLER: CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE SHARON CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL
Ms. Nadler is a 25 year Sharon resident and also serves as the Director of the Sharon Public Library. She is interested in serving on this committee because she has seen how useful the grants can be for various departments. They provide a mechanism to bring people together for interesting programs. She said that in terms of a potential conflict of interest - Sharon Cultural Arts Council Chair Ken Brody said that she could recuse herself on any issues related to the Public Library.
PURCHASE OF SMALL SIDEWALK PLOW
Superintendent of Public Works Eric Hooper and Forest and Grounds Director Kevin Weber came before the Board to request that the Board approve the purchase of a small sidewalk plow for $32,415 from Norfolk Power Equipment of Wrentham, Massachusetts. Superintendent Hooper explained that the new plow would be used for the area around Sharon Center and the Railroad Station. Currently the DPW has been using a bombardier and multi-purpose tractors with a plow width of 48” – 52” to remove snow from these areas. However, because of the new construction in the downtown area the opening has been narrowed to 44” – 45”. Other features of the plow include:
· hydraulic plow which means it can be very flexible
· can accommodate a sander
· rubber track which would result in no damage to turf
· can be used in areas which formerly were done by hand
· rubber attachments make it much easier to use in “bricklike” areas
Kevin Weber said that the only other machine he could find that was narrow enough cost $60,000.00
In addition he checked with the Town of Norton which has had the recommended plow for 3 - 4 years
and reported that they had been very satisfied and had zero problems.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted to authorize the purchase of a small sidewalk plow from Norfolk Power Equipment of Wrentham, Massachusetts in the amount of $32,415.00.
Selectman Heitin announced that the Town would be sponsoring a flu clinic tomorrow evening from 6pm – 8pm at Temple Sinai.
Town Administrator Puritz said as a point of clarification all the benches, lighting, etc… were paid for through an Enhancement Grant from the Commonwealth or from other State monies meaning no Town funds were utilized.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted to enter into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining, real property acquisition and pending litigation and at the conclusion thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:55 p.m.
Roach: Aye
Heitin: Aye