MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
6:30 p.m.
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 6:30 pm in the Sharon Community Center with Chairman William A. Heitin, Selectman Richard A. Powell, Selectman Walter “Joe” Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m.
APPROVAL OF
MINTUES
Chairman Heitin announced that the minutes of July 28, 2009 would be held until the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
CONSIDER SIGNING APPLICATION FOR PLANNING ASSISTANCE FOR GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM
The Board of Selectmen met two weeks ago re the State Green Program to improve energy efficiency in building, transportation and planning. There was much concern and questions on the program. Mr. Mark Sylvia, Division Director of Green Communities, came before the Board to discuss the Green Communities Grant Program. Mr. Sylvia explained that the Green Communities Grant Program could be in the range of $30,000 in grant funding to cities and towns that met the five criteria.
The Board stated that the use of town employees would be stretched to the limit due to the many projects now going on in the town. Chairman Heitin said “I really like the idea of this but our DPW is very busy and the building inspector (Joe Kent) is among the busiest right now.”
Selectman Roach asked “What kind of commitment are they looking for from the Town?” He also commented that the Town’s Budget would be higher if we had to buy new cars instead of the current practice of handing down retired police vehicles to other town departments. The Town saves money by passing down the town vehicles.
Mr. Sylvia told the Board that some 20 towns, out of a total of 361 in the state, had applied for the grant to join the program but that that list had been prioritized so that towns which already had achieved three of the five criteria conditions would receive higher benefits than those with two or one.
Sylvia said “By not joining this program now, doesn’t mean that we in the Green Communities department will not help – we are set up to offer assistance where it is needed.”
Chairman Heitin asked the Planning Board Chairman Paul Lauenstein in the audience if there was money available for the Energy Committee to go forth with their own program. (The money is from the Kendall Fund and is to be used for planning issues.) Mr. Lauenstein said there is money in the fund.
It was the consensus of the Board of Selectmen not to take part in the Application for Planning
Assistance for Green Communities Grant Program.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT – KYLE SOGGELIN
Mr. Soggelin, of Troop #95, explained that as his Eagle Scout Project he would like to create an exercise path for the public to enjoy. His objective is to blend in the Deborah Sampson Park and the Dog Park. The tasks would be to remove old exercise elements and install new exercise elements, directional and informational signs for each element. Then he would install kiosks. Kyle has spoken to Steve Lesco and the members of Recreation Advisory Committee, Brett MacGowan, Recreation Director and Eric Hooper, DPW Superintendent re this project. Long-term maintenance would be performed as part of Troop 95’s community service project. Mr. Hooper has offered DPW assistance in the digging of holes for each sign and station. Mr. MacGowan mentioned that this was one of David Clifton’s, the former recreation director, unfinished project before he retired. Mr. Soggelin is hoping this project will be completed by September 2010.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to accept and support Kyle Soggelin’s Eagle Scout Project at the Deborah Sampson Park.
SPRING VALLEY COUNTRY
Scott Thibault of Spring Valley Country Club came before the Board for approval of placement of bar stools in accordance with the new Alcohol Rules and Regulations.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve placement of bar stools in accordance with the new Alcohol Rules and Regulations at the Spring Valley Country Club.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON JOHNSON DRIVE – JANE DESBERG AND SUSAN SAUNDERS
Susan Saunders (Jane Desberg was unable to attend the meeting) came before the Board to continue the discussion from the July 28, 2009 Selectmen’s meeting re building affordable housing on the Johnson Drive site. Ms. Saunders reported to the Board that the Sharon Housing Partnership Committee is working on an application for affordable housing, but has not yet been finalized to date. Susan Saunders also indicated that talks had been held with neighbors in the area and that no engineering plans have been finalized.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to support the Sharon Housing Partnership continuing to pursue development of affordable housing on Johnson Drive.
CONSIDER SPONSORING ZONING ARTICLES FOR SHALRON HILLS AND FORWARDING TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR REVIEW
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to forward above to the Planning Board for review and convening of zoning articles hearing.
APPROVAL OF BANNER REQUEST
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve and waiving the $25.00 fee for the banner request of the Council on Aging from September 21-28, 2009 for the “Many Traditions” Photo Exhibit.
VOTED: (Roach/Powell) 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 at 8:45 P.M.
Heitin: Aye
Roach: Aye
Powell: Aye