MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, March 17, 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 7:05 p.m.
ENDORSEMENT OF OPEN SPACE PLAN
Chairman Powell said that the plan was very thorough. Selectman Heitin read a letter dated March 17, 2009 from the Board of Selectmen to the Open Space Planning Committee expressing support for the plan.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to sign the letter to the Open Space Planning Committee as read.
APPROVAL OF BANNER REQUEST
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to authorize the hanging of a banner for the Temple Sinai Craft Fair from April 20th – April 27th (1st position)
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
Chairman Powell read a memo from Department of Public Works Superintendent Eric Hooper regarding the closing of Castle Drive from March 23rd – March 25th. He also said that Superintendent Hooper had faxed notices to both Stoughton and Easton and the Sharon School Committee had been notified as well.
OTHER BUSINESS
Selectman Roach asked about the status of the dam safety reports. Town Administrator Puritz reviewed the status with the Board and said that the Town has met required submittals to the State and is waiting for a response.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR HORIZONS FOR YOUTH PROPERTY
Mike Bossin, Chairman of the Horizons for Youth Reuse Advisory Committee explained that the second RFP for the property is ready. He is he is asking for the approval of the Selectmen in order to move forward and place the RFP on the Central Registry. He further explained that the second RFP differs from the first in that it covers the rest of the property minus the Administration Building which was included in the first RFP.
He reviewed the criteria with the Board for the successful applicant:
1 – Use: Cultural, recreation or education
2 – Applicant will need to take on the entire inventory of buildings
3 – Lease amount is a minimum of $55,000
4 – Provide an improvement plan for buildings and grounds at no cost to the Town of Sharon
5 – Applicant should encourage community access
6 – Clear and comprehensive plan for site management on a day to day basis
7 – Applicant should have a green plan and be cognizant of environmental sensitivities
8 – Plan to preserve unique characteristics of the site and should be consistent with the Town’s Open Space Plan
9 – Applicant should have the capability and staff to maintain property.
Chairman Powell said that he is in support of the RFP and would like to place it on the Central Registry. There was discussion regarding the impact on groups that are currently renting the facilities at the HFY Property. Mr. Bossin said that it is an open issue and would have to be resolved. Another issue is who would be in receipt of the rental income from the current renters. The bid opening date is Aril 27, 2009.
Selectman Roach recused himself because he lives on Lakeview Street.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted to authorize the issuance of the Request for Proposal for the remainder of the Horizons for Youth Property
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to adjourn into executive session to discuss Collective Bargaining with non-represented personnel, pending litigation and real property and at the end thereof to reconvene in Open Session.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:24 P.M.
Powell:Aye
Heitin: Aye
Roach: Aye
The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:54 P.M.
Chairman Powell introduced Southeast Regional School Superintendent Louis Lopes who provided the Board with an overview of the proposed Southeast Regional School District budget. Because of level funding by the Commonwealth there is a shortfall of $890,000. He said that the FY ’10 budget will be less than the FY ’09 budget. He is hoping to salvage all positions by increasing health insurance co-pays. Superintendent Lopes reviewed the assessment process with the Selectmen and said that Sharon’s assessment will be $141,643 for FY ’10. This is an increase of $21,709 or 18% which matches the increase in the percent of students from Sharon who attend the school. Currently 13 students from Sharon attend the school He also provided an overview of the programs at the school and said he is very proud of the school’s decreased drop-out rate. He also said that 60% of the students go on to higher education. Selectman Roach thanked Superintendent Lopes for the work that Southeast Regional does in our community.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board discussed the FY ’10 salary adjustments for non-represented personnel which primarily consist of the Executives and confidential employees.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted to give the Executives and other non-represented employees a 2% increase for FY ‘10
Chairman Powell said he is recommending a different route as he says this is premature as the Selectmen are still in negotiations with the unions and these are very difficult fiscal times. He said he would prefer a 0% increase but respects and understands the vote of his colleagues.
Heitin: Aye
Roach: Aye
Powell: No
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining, pending litigation and real property and at the end thereof to adjourn for the evening.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:20 P.M.
Powell:Aye
Heitin: Aye
Roach: Aye