MINUTES

     BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

       Tuesday, May 27, 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.

 

REORGANIZATION OF BOARD

 

Chairman Roach announced that the Board was going to reorganize.

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted to approve Selectman Richard Powell as Chair

 

VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted to approve Bill Heitin as Clerk of the Board

 

Chairman Powell said that he would like to bang the gavel in honor of his mother Cynthia Powell and aunt Davida Newman.  Chairman Powell discussed upcoming goals for the coming year including the maintenance of essential services.  He also would like to review the Town’s Energy policy and improve the Town’s recycling rate.

 

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR BRETT MACGOWAN

 

Brett MacGowan the Town’s new Recreation Director was in the audience and signed his employment agreement.  Town Administrator Puritz explained that Mr. MacGowan’s first day of employment will be June 9, 2008.  His appointment is for one year with a salary of $63,000.00 with three weeks of vacation.

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to sign an employment agreement with Brett MacGowan as Recreation Director for a one year appointment to expire June 30, 2009

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session Minutes of May 1, 2008, May 5, 2008 and May 13, 2008 and Executive Session Minutes of May 13, 2008

 

APPOINTMENT OF MARLENE CHUSED AND JANE DESBERG AS REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint Marlene Chused and Jane Desberg as Registrar of Voters with a term to expire 2011.

 

PROCLAMATION FOR FLAG DAY

 

Selectman Heitin read the Flag Day. proclamation.

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to adopt the Flag Day proclamation.

 

SIGN CONTRACT WITH GAILFORCE FENCE, INC.

 

Town Administrator Puritz explained this was a bid item for 2000 feet of fencing as part of the Memorial Beach Project with funding provided by Brickstone Corporation per Development Agreement.

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously that the Board approve and issue award to Gailforce Fence for 2000 feet of fencing on Memorial Beach for a total cost of $51,480.0.0

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT

 

Selectman Heitin explained that the Audit Committee will be meeting with the Auditor prior to the commencement of the FY’08 audit and then upon its completion.

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint David Fixler to the Audit Committee.

 

RESIGNING OF SUPPORT LETTER TO ALTER ROADWAY LAYOUT FOR OLD POST ROAD

 

Town Administrator Puritz explained the Board needs to revote this item - the alteration of the roadway layout for Old Post Road, because there has been a minor change in the location and coordinates. 

 

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to sign the support letter to the Norfolk County Commissioners for the altered roadway layout for Old Post Road

 

SIGN CONTRACT WITH C.J.M. SERVICES, INC. 

 

Selectman Roach explained that Community Preservation Committee Funds are paying for this project as this is considered a Historic Renovation. 

 

 VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously that the Board approve and issue award to C.J.M. Services for the replacement of windows at the Sharon Water Department and cupola repair for $6,900.00

 

SIGN COLLECTIVE BARGANING AGREEMENT WITH THE SHARPON POLICE DISPATCHERS UNION

 

Selectman Roach and Town Administrator negotiated with the Police Dispatchers Union.  This is the wage reopener for a three year agreement with a 3% wage increase across the board, provides for higher co-pays and that new employees hired after June 30, 2007 will pay 30% of insurance premiums.  Town Administrator Puritz said that the bargaining committee has approved the agreement. 

 

PROPOSED TAXI FARE INCREASE

 

John Dellorusso the owner of Sharon Taxi appeared before the Board to request permission to increase taxi rates.  Mr. Dellorusso said that he needs to increase the rates because of the escalating gas prices.  The price increases are for in-town transportation only and not for trips to the airport.   He said he is seeking approval from the Selectmen in the other Towns where he does business. 

 

Distance                      Current rates              Proposed rates

 

1st mile                           $3.00                               $4.00

each addl. mile               $2.50                                  $3.50

waiting time                 $24.00/hour                         $24.00/hour

senior discount             75 cents/trip                           75 cents/trip

 

Selectman Powell requested that the 1st mile charge increase to only $3.50.  Mr. Dellorusso agreed with the understanding he might need to return in a month to request the additional increase.

 

A public hearing is needed for this and the hearing needs to be advertised on cable TV for three weeks.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPANT

 

Bryan Florek of  147 Old Post Road was in the audience and spoke to the Selectmen about his concerns regarding truck traffic from the construction of Sharon Commons and its impact on South Walpole Street and in particular as it relates to school busses between 7am – 8am.   Town Administrator said he would speak with the Town Engineer and the Police Chief and they will coordinate their efforts with the truck company re compliance with condition and limitations in the Special Permit stipulations issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals.  

 

JAMES WANG – FUNDRAISING EFFORT FOR CHINESE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

 

Mr. Wang spoke about the devastation of the earthquake with over 67,000 people killed and 361,000 injured.    He and his team fundraised in PO Square and at Shaw’s Plaza in Sharon on May 17th and May 18th raising almost $3,000.  He said the money was donated to the American Red Cross.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Chairman Roach said that Mr. and Mrs. Saphire the owner of the Saphire Estate have brought to his attention that they have an oil painting of Michael Rothberg, a victim of the 911 tragedy.  The painting depicts Mr. Rothberg with an American Flag and the Twin Towers in the background.  There was discussion about hanging the picture in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room since it is near the clock that was dedicated to Mr. Rothberg by his family.  Iris and Jay Rothberg the parents of Michael Rothberg would be in attendance for the dedication.  Both Chairman Powell and Selectman Heitin are tremendously supportive of the idea.

 

Selectman Heitin also commended Veterans Agent Paul Bergeron and the rest of volunteers who have taken part in this week’s celebration.

 

VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and real property and at the end thereof adjourn for the evening.  

 

The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:00P.M.

 

Powell: Aye

Heitin: Aye

Roach: Aye