MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Thursday, May 1, 2008
7:00 p.m.
The 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 7:00 p.m.
Chairman Roach explained that he had received a letter saying that more work has to be done before he can vote on any of the leases for the Horizons for Youth property. Therefore, the Board needed to rescind the vote from April 30, 3008 approving the lease.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted to rescind the lease voted on April 30, 2008 with Chabad for December 21 – 28, 2008 for the Horizons for Youth Property.
Chairman Roach recused himself from the following vote:
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted to approve the lease with Chabad for the Horizons for Youth property from December 21, 2008 – December 28, 2008
OTHER
Selectman Powell said that he has been contacted by the principals of Brickstone relative to their desire to discuss some modifications to the Memorandum of Understanding. He indicated to them that it would probably be better to discuss following Town Meeting and when they are ready to submit something formally they would be put on the agenda for a public meeting. .
Selectman Heitin announced that the Town was notified on April 24, 2008 that it will be receiving advance refunding for the Heights Elementary School renovation project. The Town will receive a lump-sum payment now rather than payments in the next five years. The $2.2 million would come off the debt component and would slightly reduce the tax bill.
PUBLIC READING AND VOTE ON UNIQUENESS DETERMINATION DOCUMENTS FOR PIONA PROPERTY
Selectman Powell read the following Uniqueness Determination Document:
The Town of Sharon, acting by and through its Conservation Commission, wishes to enter into an agreement with Joan Piona to acquire by purchase all or part of certain parcels of undeveloped and unimproved real estate located in Sharon, Massachusetts, containing 36.15 acres, more or less, consisting of approximately 20.65+/- acres, identified as 36R Norfolk Place; 7.50 +/- acres, identified as 36R Norfolk Place; 8.0 +/- acres, identified as R Essex Road, together with any easement and/or other rights to said parcels except as specifically limited as follows: the Seller retains a 40 foot right of way, as shown on the Land Court Plan filed with Case No. 31209, granted to Albert Piona from Julio and Eleanor Uliano on February 1, 1963 and shall convey only limited rights to the Town regarding the use of said Right of Way. The use of the Right of Way shall be limited to Town officials, employees and agents.
Pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 16, the Town of Sharon must solicit proposals prior to leasing real property at a cost exceeding $25,000.00, unless the Town of Sharon determines in writing that advertising for the submission of proposals will not benefit the Town’s interest because of the unique qualities or location of the real property needed.
The Board of Selectmen hereby declares as follows:
The Board of Selectmen has determined that advertising for proposals pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 16(d), will not benefit the interest of the Town of Sharon because the property to be acquired contains unique geologic, vegetative and ecosystem features. Specifically, the property to be acquired is uniquely situated in that it is part of a 350-acre Atlantic White Cedar (AWC) forested peatland, known as the Sharon Great Cedar Swamp, most of which is currently Town owned conservation land. The land is also in close proximity to the Canoe River Wilderness Area. Located on the surface of the Town's central, unconfined stratified drift aquifer and within a designated Zone II, the Great Cedar Swamp (GCS) is a primary source and purifier of Sharon's drinking water. Southeastern portions of the GCS lie within the lower watershed of Lake Massapoag and the Town's Surface Water Protection District, implemented to preserve this valuable resource. The Great Cedar Swamp is vital to the health and sustainability of Sharon's independent water supply and Lake Massapoag.
In light of the foregoing, it is the opinion of the Board that it is proper to waive the publication requirements of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, § 16 with respect to this acquisition.
The Board further declares that pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 16(e)(1), the Commission shall publish this determination along with the names of the parties having a beneficial interest in the property and the proposed purchase price in the Massachusetts Central Register not less than thirty (30) days before the Town of Sharon executes a binding agreement to purchase the property.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to accept the uniqueness determination for the Piona Property
AUTHORIZE PURSUANT TO MGL CH. 41 SECTION 8c THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO PURCHASE THE PIONA PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TOWN MEETING APPROPRIATION
Selectman Powell read the following:
Pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C, the Board of Selectmen hereby approve of the purchase of the above-referenced property by the Conservation Commission, subject to Town Meeting authorization and appropriation.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to authorize pursuant to MGL Ch. 41 Section 8C the Conservation Commission to purchase the Piona Property subject to Town Meeting authorization and appropriation
APPOINTMENT OF RECREATION DIRECTOR
The two final candidates who were recommended by the Screening Committee had been interviewed at the meeting of April 15, 2008. Selectman Heitin said that in his opinion he thought Brett MacGowan should be hired, though he thought the Town would do well with either candidate. He favored Mr. MacGowan because of his fundraising and programming experience. Chairman Roach agreed as did Selectman Powell. Town Administrator Puritz agreed with the consensus of the Board. He said he had had a conversation with Mr. MacGowan who agreed to accept the job for a salary of $63,000 annually with a proposed start date of June 9, 2008. In addition he would receive the Department Head’s standard benefits including three weeks of vacation for the first year. Mr. Puritz said he will have a draft employment agreement ready for the May 13, 2008 Selectmen’s meeting.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to offer Brett MacGowan the Recreation Director position with the terms as set forth by Town Administrator Puritz.
The Board wants to thank the Screening Committee for their hard work.
SIGN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH SEIU LOCALL 888 TOWN OF SHARON LIBRARY EMPLOYEES
This was a very successfully negotiation between the Town and the Library employees. The agreement changes the structure of the health insurance for new employees and increase the co-pays. The contribution mix will change for new employees to 70%Town – 30% Employees. Base salaries will increase by 3% for FY’ 07 and FY ’08.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted unanimously to accept the terms as outlined in the agreement with SEIU Local 888 Town of Sharon Library Employees for FY ’07 and FY’ 08.
CHAIRMAN ROACH TO SIGN LETTER TO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGARDING WILBER SCHOOL
Selectman Heitin explained that the Board has been asked by the Department of Environmental Protection to respond to questions about certain items associated with the groundwater discharge permit for the Wilber School. Board of Selectmen approved letter response stating part that they believe that the ZBA’s comprehensive technical review and the Town engineer’s input has addressed their concerns regarding the proposed Waste Water Treatment Plan and they encourage the DEP to issue the final Groundwater Discharge permit. The Zoning Board of Appeals is holding their final hearing on May 14, 2008 regarding this issue.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted unanimously to authorize the Chair to sign a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection on behalf of the Board
DRAFT SUMMER SCHEDULE
Chairman Roach said he would like to review the schedule and asked that this item be placed on the Agenda at a later meeting.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SHARON POLICE UNION
Selectman Heitin explained that this has been a year-long negotiation. The agreement changes certain aspects of the health insurance contribution rate for new patrolman as well as increased co-pays.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted unanimously to accept the Memorandum of Understanding with the Sharon Police Association and the Amendment to agreement through June 30, 2010
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to adjourn.
The Board adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Roach: Aye
Powell: Aye
Heitin: Aye