MINUTES

     BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

    Tuesday September 2, 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 Richard Powell, Selectman William A. Heitin and Selectman Walter “Joe” Roach and Town Administrator Ben Puritz

The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m.

UPDATE: SHEILA PALLAY, CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING

Ms. Pallay spoke about the great programming efforts of the Adult Center since it opened its doors.  She said many of the programs have been filled to capacity.  She also spoke about the Art Gallery which will feature three local artists and is opening September 10, 2008.  She said she is hoping that this bring new people into the Adult Center.  She also encouraged people to read The View which is the monthly newsletter of the Council on Aging.

UPDATE: JOHN LEE, CHAIR OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL (ZBA)

Mr. Lee said that the members of the ZBA encompass varying skills and experience. He said that the Board has had several large projects to deal with including Sharon Commons, the Wilber School and Avalon Bay.  In addition the Board has worked on residential projects including additions, tear downs, screen porches etc…  He also said that currently the Board is reviewing plans for a cell tower on Route 1.  He reviewed the site plan process and spoke about the ZBA’s efforts to communicate with the various Boards and the public.

UPDATE: COREY SNOW, CHAIR OF THE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Snow explained that the Community Preservation Committee has approved their Community Preservation Plan for FY 2008.  There is a $0 balance.  He said for this upcoming Town Meeting cycle he didn’t anticipate any additional expenditure except perhaps for Camp Gannett Conservation Restriction.  He reviewed the Sharon Community PC Expenditure Receipts for FY 2007 and FY 2008.  He said that FY 2008 will be the last year of 100% state matching monies.  He said that they were told to expect matches of approximately 30%.  He also said that the Town Clerk had spoken to him about using funds for the restoration of Town documents.  He said currently that there are no openings on the Committee and that the Committee meets every 4^th Thursday of the month.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Minutes of August 19, 2008 and August 27, 2008 and the Executive Session Minutes of August 19, 2008.

APPROVAL OF BANNER REQUEST

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the request of the Unitarian Church to hang a banner from September 2, 2008 – September 8, 2008 (2^nd position) for the Annual Bean Supper

APPROVAL OF WILBER SCHOOL GROUND LEASE

Chairman Powell asked that this item be held.

APPROVAL OF NEW DATE FOR BLOCK PARTY

Roni Thaler reported that the Board had received an email from Debbie Milley requesting that the date of the block party on Woodland Street, which had originally been approved for September 7, 2008, be changed to September 14, 2008.

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the request of Debbie Milley for the closing of Woodland Street from Pond Street to Grove Street on September 14, 2008 from 2pm – 7pm for a block party.

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA

CONSIDER SIGNING A LETTER TO THE NORFOLK COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGARDING JOHNSON DRIVE

Town Administrator Puritz explained that the Board had visited the Johnson Drive site upon a request that they send a letter to the Norfolk County Engineers regarding their support for the creation of a legal layout for the southern portion of Johnson Drive.  He said should the Board determine that the layout is conceptually acceptable that this is only the first of many steps which would result in a parcel which would site a commercial building.  He also said that there is a placeholder article regarding this issue on the November 17, 2008 Town Meeting.

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously that the Selectmen sign a letter to the Norfolk County Commissioners regarding the Board’s support of the creation of a legal layout for the southern portion of Johnson Drive.

145 BEACH STREET EASEMENT

The Town Meeting twice passed articles giving the Selectmen the authority to provide this easement at 145 Beach Street.  In addition the legislature also passed a bill in support.

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to sign an easement for 145 Beach Street as passed by Town Meeting two times.

CORRESPONDENCE

Selectman Heitin said that the Audit Committee had met twice since its formation.  The Committee had met with the Town’s Auditors  prior to this evening's Selectmen meeting.  The Town had received a clean opinion for the FY 2007 Audit.  He said two positive findings were an increase in free cash and a surplus in the Health Insurance account.  He reviewed the findings in the Management Letter including concern about delayed cash reconciliations.  He requested the Finance Director and Accountant appear before the Board of Selectmen with a timeline for completion of the outstanding cash reconciliations. 

The Board also announced that Sharon resident had been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was going to be inducted in to the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum on April 26, 2009. It was requested that the Board name that day as Andre Tippett Day in Sharon.  

Chairman Powell reminded people who had received a letter about water meter replacement to contact the DPW or they could have a break in service. 

VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into  Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining, a personnel matter and real property acquisition and at the end thereof adjourn for the evening

The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:10 P.M.

Powell: Aye

Heitin: Aye

Roach: Aye