MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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 A. Powell, Selectman William A. Heitin, Selectman Walter “Joe” Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session Minutes of March 31, 2009 and April 7, 2009 and the Executive Session Minutes of March 24, 2009, March 31, 2009 and April 7, 2009
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
APPROVAL OF CHAPTER 90 PROJECTS FOR 2009
Selectman Heitin read a letter from Town Engineer Peter O’Cain requesting approval of Chapter 90 Projects for 2009: Canton Street, Walpole Street, Walpole Street sidewalk, portion of Mountain Street and Castle Drive. The approval of the Selectmen will result in reimbursement for expenditures related to the paving of the roadways as listed above.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of Town Engineer Peter O’Cain related to Chapter 90 projects as discussed
OPINION FROM COUNSEL ON HORIZONS FOR YOUTH (HFY) ADMINISTRATION BUILDING PROPOSAL
Selectman Roach recused himself on this issue.
It was explained that one of the bidders for the Horizons for Youth Administration Building didn’t include the proper amount for the deposit. The RFP stated that the bidder had to provide either the greatest of 10% of the annual rent or $5,000.00. The bidder provided a check of $3,100 which is 10% of the annual rent. Chairman Powell read a letter from Attorney McCusker stating that the Town has the right to accept the proposal even though the applicant didn’t provide the proper deposit if the Board determines it to be in the best interest of the Town. It was noted that the subject bidder will be furnishing the balance of the deposit within the week.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted to waive the deposit requirement for the Horizons for Youth Administration Building RFP.
CHARITY WINE AUCTION LICENSE
Nancy Farrell appeared before the Board on behalf of the Sage School of Foxboro, Massachusetts. She explained that the school was hosting a fundraiser that included a silent auction, scheduled for May 1, 2009 at Spring Valley Country Club. In order to auction the wine they need the approval of the Board of Selectmen and the ABCC.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Charity Wine Auction License for the Sage School for May 1, 2009 at Spring Valley County Club
UPDATED STATUS OF SHARON HILLS DEVELOPMENT
In attendance: Town Counsel Richard Gelerman, Associate Town Counsel Cindy Amara, John Twohig, Esq., Chris Regnier, Esq. and Marty Spagat
Chairman Powell said that the Sharon Hills developer will be providing a status update including modifications to the project. He said that he hopes after the presentation that we will have a better understanding of why we are revisiting these issues and why we will be going to a third Town Meeting to discuss the project. Chairman Powell also asked that the developer address the continuing viability of the project.
Marty Spagat of Brickstone Properties, spoke on behalf of the developer, and said that they are very committed to the project. He believes that when the economic turn occurs, and people can sell their houses, the demand will be even greater. During the lull they are trying to redesign the project to lower costs. The main change, which will require Town Meeting approval, is the elimination of one of the six story buildings. He explained that the decision to go with five residential building won’t raise the actual elevation but will result in two of the buildings containing 10 stories. The number of units will remain the same and the nursing home is being moved to where the sixth building originally stood. The nursing home will be four stories and will contain 150 beds. He said that he is working with the Fire Chief on the details of the substation. Mr. Spagat said that in order to protect the 40B plan Brickstone will move ahead with filings, but the intent is to move forward with Sharon Hills as it is proposed.
Attorney Twohig, representing Brickstone, said that the changes in zoning are fairly minor. He said that the plan is to move the Nursing Home off Mountain Street and to adjust the amount of stories.
Mr. Spagat said that because of the new design the project will be built in one phase, which should take about three years, as opposed to two separate phases. Attorney Twohig said that Brickstone will be proposing a Finance District for the high pressure water system and other improvements which would impact only their property. The purpose of this is to allow the developer to pay off the improvements through a bond.
Chairman Powell asked about the progress of bringing water to the neighborhood homes. Attorney Twohig said that there are two alternatives: Bay Road Alternative and the Cross Country Alternative. He said that there preference is to run the water line down Bay Road if they obtain the rights. He said that they would do the work themselves and that 22 additional households would benefit with this alternative. Marty Spagat said that they have met with the Town of Stoughton and hope that they are making progress. Chairman Powell introduced Easton Selectman Colleen Corona who was in the audience. He also said that the Board will have forums in the coming months to provide information to the public. There was further discussion about the Finance District. Town Counsel Gelerman explained that the process is done through special legislation, which would require a Town Meeting vote to petition the legislature to create a special district to create bonds to finance the water system and other improvements. Chairman Powell reiterated that the district would consist only of the overlay district.
Chairman Powell said that the changes to the Brickstone agreement would be voted on at the November Town Meeting. A resident of Mountain Street asked why the developer is permitted to make changes to the agreement. Chairman Powell said that if the Town continues to believe that the project is beneficial to the Town then the Selectmen need to continue to engage in the process.
Leslie Koval said she is concerned about the age restricted component because several projects that have started off as age qualified have dropped this designation. Town Counsel Gelerman that there is a deed restriction in place and any changes would have to go to Town Meeting. Ivars Apse asked that a visual rendition of the property be provided.
The Board recessed from 8:00pm – 8:10pm
SUSAN PRICE: CANDIDATE FOR SHARON REPRESENTATIVE TO THE METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
Susan Price said that she is a two-year member of the Planning Board and hopes to serve as Sharon’s representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. She said that she has a Masters in Regional Planning and belongs to the American Institute of Certified Planners. She said that she is interested in obtaining a regional prospective and believes it will be helpful to learn about state programs.
ANNE CARNEY: CANDIDATE FOR THE WATER MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (WMAC)
Anne Carney said she is a 30 year resident and has served on a variety of committees. She retired last year and wants to become more involved in the Town. She said that she has attended a
WMAC meeting and believes that as she was the Assessor in Easton she will be an asset because she is familiar with Enterprise Accounts.
DAVID STRAUSS: CNADIDATE FOR SHARON REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MASSACHSUETTS BAY TRANSIT AUTHORITY ADVISORY BOARD
Mr. Strauss said that he is a member of Sharon’s Transportation Advisory Board. He works for Better Cities where he serves as Director of Transportation and Sustainability. He said that he would continue George Bailey’s work by trying to obtain an exemption for the disabled access mini-high platform at the train station.
CHANGES TO COMMUNITY CENTER RENTAL AGREEMENT
Recreation Director Brett MacGowan came before the Board requesting changes to the Community Center Rental Agreement because:
1. It is taking more than one hour to thoroughly clean the building after a function; therefore, he would like to raise the resident rental rate from $1,000 to $1,200 to account for the extra time.
2. He would like to charge renters who use the lobby as an actual room venue – such as for hors d’oerves
3. He would like to more clearly explain in the agreement that the rental is for six hours only
Mr. MacGowan said that from January 1, 2008 through last weekend there have been approximately 30 events. This averages to approximately two per month. He added that he is concerned at some point the staff will not want to work on weekends. Town Administrator Puritz said that the hearing has to be held open for three weeks before the Board can take action.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to hold the hearing open for three weeks and address this item at that time.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining, bargaining with non-represented personnel and real property and at the end thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:38 P.M.
Powell: Aye
Heitin: Aye
Roach: Aye