MINUTES

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

7:00 p.m.

 

The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:02 pm in the Sharon Town Hall with Selectman Richard A. Powell, Selectman Walter “Joe” Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz

 

DPW Superintendent Eric Hooper: Consider recommendations regarding traffic on streets off South Main Street near train station

 

Superintendent Hooper said that as part of the Wilber School mitigation signs and crosswalks were installed. He said those mitigation items has been completed and that the DPW had conducted a speed study on South Pleasant Street and Edgewood in order to submit a request to Mass Highway for more 25 mph speed signs.  He said the amount of traffic and average speed was around 25 mph which doesn’t justify the stop signs.  He said that the study was conducted before and after the four way stop signs were installed.  He said the traffic pattern was clustered around the train schedule – but the numbers still do not justify additional 25 speed limit signs per MHD regulations. 

 

Superintendent Hooper said that the DPW could install temporary speed bumps.  He said they also have looked at constructing additional sidewalks. Though he said the sidewalks are very expensive and take a while to work through the Town’s capital outlay process.  He also said that they have asked Mass. Highway’s permission to install 25 mph speed limit signs in the neighborhood. 

 

Neighborhood resident Lisa Beatty asked about the timing of the light on South Pleasant Street.  She also spoke about prohibiting non-resident traffic on Edgewood Road during the rush hour.  Selectman Powell asked what the Selectman could do besides install 25 mph speed signs.  Superintendent Hooper said police enforcement is very helpful.  However, once the cruisers are no longer present people return to their habitual driving patterns.

 

There were questions about the current location for the speed bumps.  Selectman Powell said that speed bumps cannot be used in the winter because of snow removal.  There was no objection from anyone in the neighborhood regarding placement of the speed bumps.

 

Superintendent Hooper explained that in order to obtain Chapter 90 funding the Town must comply with all Mass. Highway regulations - which is why he is waiting to hear from Mass. Highway on the placement of the 25 mph signs.

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted to support the letter to Mass. Highway and to contact the legislative delegation regarding placement of the 25 mph speed limit signs. 

 

It was also stated that the speed bumps will be installed in early spring and then removed during the fall.  A resident suggested that if anyone receives a violation in the neighborhood that they not be permitted to purchase a train station parking permit.  The Selectmen said they will look into the legalities of establishing that type of regulation. The Board also agreed that at this time they are supporting the 25 mph speed limit and if necessary they will support a Home Rule Petition that could possibly lower the speed limit to 20 mph.  There was discussion about where the speed bumps should be placed.  Town Administrator Puritz suggested that a neighborhood delegation work with the DPW regarding placement of the speed bumps.

 

Shane Brandes: Ping pong tournament to benefit the Jimmy Fund

 

Shane Brandes who is 12 years old spoke to the Selectmen about a Ping Pong Tournament he is sponsoring on February 17th at the Community Center from 9pm – 4pm for children and teenagers and from 7pm – 9 pm for adults.  There is a $15.00 admission fee and the proceeds will benefit the Jimmy Fund.  Recreation Director Brett MacGowan has been working with Shane on the tournament.

 

PERMIT FOR MAX PEROFRMANCE FOR 2010 TRIATHLON

 

Recreation Director MacGowan said that the Recreation Advisory Committee is recommending that Max Performance be granted a permit for the 2010 Triathlon.  The permit was reviewed by Town Counsel.  Tim Richmond of Max Performance was in attendance and available for questions.   

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted to approve the individual event permit for the triathlon for Max Performance on August 15, 2010

 

2010 BEACH TAG FEES

 

Recreation Director MacGowan said that the only change on beach tag fees from the prior year is that    handicapped stickers will be available at 50% of the normal price. In prior years they were available to handicapped residents at no cost. He said that the Recreation Advisory Committee is in support of the change.

 

Selectman Roach brought up lowering the walk-in fee from $15.00 to $13.00.  Selectman Roach and Selectman Powell said they would like to wait to vote on this until there is a full board.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted to approve the Regular Session Minutes of February 2, 2010 and the Executive Session Minutes of February 2, 2010 as written

 

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED FY ’11 BUDGETS

 

Town Administrator Puritz said that the Selectmen sector consists of 31 separate budgets including the fixed & uncontrollable portion of the budget.  He said the process begins in September and culminates at the Annual Town Meeting.  He said the Town is in a favorable position as there has not been a tax increase in FY’10 (current year) and nor is an increase in FY ’11 projected. He said that town reserves are in a healthy position and the health insurance rates have been frozen for two years.  In addition the Town has not tapped into year 2 and year 3 of the three-year general override that was approved several years ago.  The Town’s strong financial positions is in large part due to several projects including the Wilber School, Avalon Bay and Sharon Commons which have all contributed revenue to the Town.  Town Administrator Puritz said he is in the process of setting up a meeting with Brickstone.  He added that the Horizons for Youth leases will remove expenditures that have been borne by the Town and will add additional revenue. In total he said the Selectmen’s operating sector of $11,461,741 has increased by 2.47%.  Once the Board approves the budget it will be moved to the Finance committee for their review on February 22nd.

 

 VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted to approve the FY ’11 budget as submitted and detailed by the Town Administrator

 

FY ’11 COMPENSATION FOR NON-REPRESENTED POSITIONS

 

Town Administrator Puritz said that the budget contains a 1% increase for non-represented personnel.  He said this is part of Article 4 of the Warrant and will be before the Personnel Board for their consideration. 

 

VOTED: (Powell/Roach) Voted to approve the recommended FY ’11 compensation for non-represented personnel

 

VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to enter in executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and real property and at the end thereof to adjourn for the evening.

 

The Board adjourned at 8:40 P.M.

 

Roach:    Aye

 

Powell:  Aye