MINUTES

     BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

    Tuesday, March 10, 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 7:03 p.m.

ONE-DAY LIQUOR LICENSE

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the request of Shani Winton of Young Israel for a one-day liquor license on  March 29, 2009 from 7pm – 11pm at the Sharon Community Center                                                              

SHARON HOUSING PARTNERSHIP – PROPERTY ON JOHNSON DRIVE

Jane Desberg and Susan Saunders of the Sharon Housing Partnership said that they have been trying to locate land for affordable housing.  They said that thy have learned of the land on Johnson Drive and have spoken to both the Planning Board and Mr. Chitivani the owner of the land about purchasing the land for affordable housing.  They are still in the preliminary stages but they would like to obtain the support of the Selectmen. They would like to put multi-family or duplex dwellings on the property. Jane Desberg said that Mr. Chitivani would like to sell the property.  Originally he had hoped to create a parcel of 60,000 square feet and build an office building on the site.  Chairman Powell said that he would like to reach out to Mr. Chitivani.  Jane Desberg said the funds to purchase the land could come from the Community Preservation Fund or possibly from the sale of the Glenview Road property.  Selectman Heitin said he was wondering if the site might lend itself to a mixed-use development. Ms. Desberg and Ms. Saunders said that they are open to that suggestion.

SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM

Paul Vitale came before the Board to suggest changes to the Senior Work-Off Program.  He said that the service that the seniors provide is a benefit to the Town. He reviewed a chart that he had created that computed the value of the work being done by the seniors.  Mr. Vitale would like the number of hours that the seniors are allowed to work as part of this program to be increased.  Currently by State Law the maximum annual taxable benefit is $750.00.  He also would like the seniors to be allowed to carry-forward the tax-work off benefits to future years. Mr. Vitale said the idea is to allow people to work when they are able. Selectman Roach said a letter was sent to the Department of Revenue regarding the cap of $750.00 per year.  Town Administrator Puritz said the Town has requested an opinion from the State on the carry forward concept.  Selectman Roach suggested that the Committee that originally worked on the program be reconstituted.

APPLICANT FOR CABLE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

Ed Ruvich said he has lived in Sharon for 40 years.  He wants to open up competition in the Town among the cable providers.  He would like to see FIOS come to Town.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

VOTED:  (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Executive Session Minutes of February 19, 2009 and the Regular Session and Executive Session Minutes of March 3, 2009

APPROVAL OF CLOSING OF ROAD FOR SALAMANDER CROSSING

Selectman Heitin read a letter that was received from Christine Turnbull of the Massachusetts Audubon Society requesting permission  to close Norwood Street three times for salamander crossings.  The Selectmen receive this letter annually.

VOTED:  (Powell/Heitin) Voted unanimously to approve the request of the Massachusetts Audubon Society to close Moosehill Street for salamander crossings

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA

UPDATE ON STATE APPROVAL OF 40R PROJECT

Town Administrator Puritz explained that the Town had received approval from the Attorney General for the articles passed at the November 2009 Special Town Meeting.  Of particular significance is the zoning articles associated with the 40R payment to the Town of $200,000. 

OTHER BUSINESS

The Selectmen have been receiving feedback from residents regarding the potential location of a cell tower behind the DPW headquarters. Selectman Roach said that Farnham Road might be an alternative site and asked that this possibility be investigated. The Selectmen were in consensus that the cell tower company be contacted regarding this possibility of locating the cell tower off Farnham Road as opposed to the DPW headquarters.  

VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted 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 8:10 P.M.

Powell:Aye

Heitin: Aye

Roach: Aye