MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
7:00 p.m.
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 Richard A. Powell, Selectman William A. Heitin, and Town Administrator Ben Puritz
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m.
PRESENTATION OF SHARON HISTORICAL COMMISSION AWARD TO SAPHIRE MANOR
David Martin, Chair of the Historical Commission presented the 2007 Preservation Award to Saphire Estate which was previously known as Saphire Manor. Mr. Martin explained that there have only been four owners in the entire history of the Inn and that the Saphire family has owned it for 30 years. Rebecca Saphire accepted the award on behalf of the Saphire family.
SHARON PLURALISM NETWORK UPDATE
Janet Penn, Chair of the Pluralism Network stated that Father Bullock used to say, “In Sharon we have a chance to get it right.” She further explained that until recently Interfaith Action was a youth leadership program and has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized program with 60 students. She said that Sharon is mirroring changes in the United States as 10% of Sharon’s population is foreign born.
She reviewed the Pluralism Network’s background, mission, vision and strategy to accomplish the goals of the network. She also shared with the Selectmen ideas to increase awareness of our multi-ethnic population. These ideas including displaying flags from different countries on Route 27, oral history project and creation of a large quilt. The Selectmen also suggested activities with different ethnic foods and games from all cultures. Ms. Penn said she would periodically update the Selectmen on the progress of the organization.
CIVIL DEFENSE
Mike Polimer and Chuck Levine represented Civil Defense. Mr. Polimer reviewed the events of the storm of Monday January 14, 2008 when a large number of Sharon residents lost electricity and in some cases phone service as well. Mr. Levine reviewed the “Lessons Learned” including the interface with the Red Cross. He explained unless there is a regional problem the Town is basically on its own. For this reason the Civil Defense department would like to investigate opening a warming center, which wouldn’t serve as a full shelter but would still give Sharon residents the opportunity to receive some type of service. Chairman Roach asked that Town Administrator Puritz send out a memo to the Department Heads asking them to cooperate with Civil Defense in the endeavor at this early stage.
TOWN ENGINEER PETER O’CAIN: DISCSUSSION REGARDING PETITION TO NORFOLK COUNTY TO WIDEN OLD POST ROAD LAYOUT
Chairman Roach said that the Selectmen had received a memo from Town Engineer Peter O’Cain recommending that the Sharon Board of Selectmen support Sharon Commons petition to Norfolk County provided that several issues are addressed. Ken Caputo the Engineer for Sharon Commons and Developer Michael Intoccia who were in attendance said that they accept and concur with the Town Engineer’s three recommendations:
1) The applicant will provide the Sharon Engineering Division layout plans that include bearings, distances and the area calculations for all roadway areas of proposed change.
2) The applicant must perform all required legal work (such as deeds), if necessary, and provide a roadway layout plan for Laurel Road that can be registered at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, at the applicant’s expense (Note: roadway acquisition was approved at November 2007 Town Meeting)
3) The applicant is to provide the Sharon Engineering Division with any roadway layout plans and deeds approved by the County, after approval and plan recording has been completed.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to accept the Town Engineer’s Recommendations to support Sharon Commons Petition to the Norfolk County Commissioners with the three issues noted in the letter dated March 11, 2008
SUPERTINENDENT LOUIS LOPES, SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL SCHOOL – F’09 BUDGET REVIEW
Superintendent Lopes explained that Southeastern Regional School currently has 1329 students from 9 communities. There are 11 students from the Town of Sharon. The total budget for FY ’09 is $20,513,000 with Sharon’s contribution of $119,934. Superintendent Lopes said that the school has been having intergenerational programs and are working with Council on Agings to bring seniors into the school for hairdressing and culinary. Selectman Powell asked if there is a way for Sharon High School students to be exposed to some of the programs at the Southeastern Regional School. Lopes said that he would like that but that it would be very difficult logistically. He said the school has 600 applicants per year and accepts 360 students.
SPECIAL POLICE APPOINTMENT
Lieutenant McGrath introduced Deborah Trask who is a candidate for a Special Police Officer. Since 1990 she has been a part time dispatcher for the Mansfield Police Department, as well as a Seasonal Crossing Guard and a matron. Her investigation review was excellent and she has completed all of the physical and mental exams.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to appoint Deborah Trask as a Special Police Officer.
SIGN MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
Superintendent Barbara Dunham and School Committee Member Sam Liao were in attendance to ask that Town Administrator Ben Puritz sign the compliance certification to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for an addition to the Sharon Middle School. Sharon has made the first cut-off for reimbursement and needs the compliance certification to move forward.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Massachusetts School Building Authority Compliance Statement
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular and Executive Session Minutes of February 26, 2007
APPROVAL OF HORIZONS FOR YOUTH LEASE WITH THE OLD COLONY BOY SCOUTS
Chairman Roach recused himself.
The total rent for rental of the property will be $4,000.00 per month. The Horizons for Youth Advisory Committee is in favor of the lease.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted to approve the lease with the Old Colony Boy Scouts for the Horizons for youth Property from July 1, 2008 – August 1, 2008.
APPROVAL OF FIREFIGHTER UNION COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
Town Administrator Puritz explained that this was a multi-year agreement with a re-opener on the insurance and the compensation. He said that there was a change in vacation language without monetary impact to compensate for the Fire Department work schedule.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve and sign the Fire Fighter Union Collective Bargaining Agreement
INCREASE IN COMMUNITY CENTER RENTAL RATES
Recently the Board voted to increase from one year to two year the booking lead time. The Rental Rate proposal is from:
Sharon Resident and Non-profits - $ 800 - $1,000
Non-resident and for-profit - $1,000 - $2,000
The Selectmen asked that prior to their vote that this information be posted on Cable TV.
PLACING CHARTER COMMISSION QUESTION ON MAY 20, 2008 TOWN ELECTION BALLOT
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to place the following question on the May 20, 2008 Town Election ballot, “Shall a commission be elected to form a charter for Sharon? Yes_______ No _________
REQUEST BY DPW SUPERINTENENT FOR DOCUMENT STORAGE
Town Administrator Puritz advised that the Chair of the Horizons for Youth Reuse Advisory Committee asked that this be held over to give the Horizons for Youth Committee a chance to discuss this issue at their meeting next Monday.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss real property, collective bargaining and bargaining with non-represented personnel and at the end thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:35 p.m.
Roach: Aye
Powell: Aye
Heitin: Aye