MINUTES

     BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Tuesday, April 1, 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.

CANDIDATE FOR CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Betsy McGrath interviewed for the open position on the Conservation Commission.  Ms. McGrath explained that she is a geologist who has lived in Sharon for 11 years.  She is currently a naturalist and teacher at Moose Hill and previously served as Cottage Street School PTO President.  She is interested in serving as a member of the Conservation Commission because she believes it is a good fit with her background.  She has attended several Conservation Commission meetings in order to learn about current issues and the legal requirements.

The Board explained that they don’t traditionally vote the same night as someone is interviewed but would be in contact with Ms. McGrath.

REQUEST TO USE THE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE AFTER GRADUATION PARTY

Nancy Herrig and Margaret Marder explained that the After Graduation Party is scheduled for June 8, 2008 from 11pm – 5am.  Prior to the Community Center’s renovation the event had been held at the Community Center for 14 years.  They are asking permission to use the ballroom and the front foyer.  Ms. Herrig explained that the event will be attended by about 90% of the class or 250 students. They are still finalizing the various activities for the event.

There will be a police detail and approximately 12 – 15 volunteers who commit to staying all night. 

The Selectmen discussed and agreed that the rental fees should be waived because this is a Town event. Ms. Herrig and Ms. Marder agreed to pay for the custodial fees.  Ms. Marder said that the Sharon High School PTSO’s insurance police will cover the insurance requirements. 

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the use of the ballroom and front foyer for the Sharon High School After Graduation Party on June 8, 2008 and to waive the rental fees while the custodian fees will be paid by the organizers of the event.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session minutes of March 11, 2008

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session and Executive Session minutes of March 25, 2008

COMMUNITY CENTER RENTAL FEES

Chairman Roach explained that this was a continuation of a hearing to increase the rental fees for the Sharon Community Center. Selectman Heitin explained that the rates are being increase because of the costs associated with rentals.

Increased rates: $800 - $1,000 for residents and non-profits and $1600 - $2,000 for non-residents. 

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to increase the Sharon Community Center Rentals Fees as provided in a handout and as described by Selectman Heitin

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to close the hearing for the increase in rental fees for the Sharon Community Center

AWARD BID FOR 2008 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to award the bid for the 2008 Annual Town Meeting Warrant to Overnite Printing, Foxboro, Massachusetts at a price of $59.00 per page for 32 pages - $55.50 per page for 56 pages. 

SEQUENCING AND SIGNING OF 2008 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT

The Board said that they were comfortable with the sequencing of the Articles as presented to them.

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to sequence the Annual Town Meeting Warrant as written.

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to sign 2008 Annual Town Meeting as presented

There are 35 Articles including the Annual Articles some of these articles include adoption of quarterly tax bills and the purchase of land by the Conservation Commission.

RESCIND HORIZONS FOR YOUTH LEASE WITH CHABAD FOR DECEMBER 2008

Chairman Roach recused himself because he lives on Lakeview Street in close proximity to the Horizons for Youth property. 

Selectman Heitin explained that upon the advice of Bond Counsel the Selectmen need to rescind their vote to lease the Horizons for Youth property to Chabad in December 2008 because Chabad is also leasing the property for the summer of 2008 and the two leases need to be voted on and signed at least 15 days apart per advice of bond counsel.

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted to rescind Chabad’s December 2008 lease to rent the Horizons for Youth property

Chairman Roach explained that he had just received a letter from Town Counsel regarding his ability to take part in votes related to the Horizons for Youth property and once he files the letter with the Town Clerk he will be able to vote on matters related to Horizons for Youth.

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA

APPROVAL OF INSERT IN APRIL 2008 WATER BILL

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the insert for the April 2008 water bill. 

The Selectmen would like Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) Chair David Crosby to come before the Board and give an update on matters related to the WMAC.

OTHER

Selectman Heitin explained that prior to the Selectmen’s meeting he had met with representatives of Sharon Commons.  He said even though the economy has slowed down they are still planning on clearing the property and look forward to begin signing up tenants in 60- 90 days.

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

The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:40 p.m.

Roach:  Aye

Powell: Aye

Heitin:  Aye