MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
7:00 p.m.
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:05 pm in the Sharon Town Hall with Chairman Richard A, Powell, Selectman William A. Heitin, Selectman Walter Joe Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin Puritz.
annual historic commission award: susan jo rich, chair
Susan Rich presented the 2011 Preservation Award to Ed Ruvich of East Street. The William R. Mann homestead which Mr. Ruvich has maintained was built in 1881.
RECREATION DIRECTOR BRETT MACGOWAN: discussion regarding 2012 triathloN and RECOMMENDATION for summer 2012 beach tag pricing
Recreation Director MacGowan recapped the 2011 Triathlon. He said it was very successful and for the first time there were no complaints. He said, in anticipation of the 2012 Triathlon, the Recreation Advisory Committee had met with Tim Richmond of MaxPerformace and unanimously endorsed MaxPerformance as the 2012 vendor. The Triathlon is scheduled for August 12, 2012. Tim Richmond said that he expects about 550 participants. In addition, MaxPerformace is going to donate $3,000 to the Town.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted to approve the August 12, 2012 Annual Triathlon contract with MaxPerformance
Recreation Director MacGowan reviewed the 2011 beach tag fees and income. He said there was a decrease of 45 tag sales from 2054 tags in 2010 to 2009 tags in 2011. He said that the Recreation Advisory Committee had reviewed last year’s beach tag fees and was recommending no change in the fee structure. He reviewed the fees with the Board. Selectman Roach said that some people feel that out-of-town residents are getting passes from Town residents. Mr. MacGowan spoke about the ways in which he tries to prevent this - by asking for utility bills and other proofs of residency. Mindy Kempner thanked the Selectmen for implementing the new policy on family visitors. Rick Schantz of the Recreation Advisory Committee also discussed the issue of a gate closing time during the summer and the necessity of lifeguards in attendance.
VOTED: (Powell/Heitin) Voted to adopt beach tag fees as proposed by the Recreation Advisory Committee and Recreation Director Brett MacGowan
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session of November 29, 2011 and December 13, 2011 and Executive Session Minutes of December 13, 2011.
CONSIDER MASSAPOAG YACHT CLUB REQUEST TO PLACE MARKERS AND/OR BUOYS ON LAKE MASSAPOAG
Chairman Powell explained that the Massapoag Yacht Club makes this request annually.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to allow the Massapoag Yacht Club to place markers and buoys on Lake Massapapog for 2012.
APPOINTMENT OF CONSTABLES
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to appoint the following constables to a term to expire December 31, 2014: Daniel Sirkin, Robert McGrath, Joseph Bernstein, Leonard Segal, Neil McGrath
APPROVAL OF BANNER REQUEST
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the banner request for the Lakeside Gallery, Sharon Adult Center from February 13 – 20, 2012 for the Lake Gallery Exhibit – “Reflections
DISCUSSION REGARDING SUPPORT OF SHARED ENERGY MANAGER WITH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Chairman Powell said there is a grant program through the MAPC that could potentially allow Sharon to share an Energy Manager with other communities. The questions included how much benefit would the Town receive, would we proceed without the school as Town Administrator Puritz explained that the School is not going to participate in this program. Lynn Wolbarst and Silas Fyler of the Energy Advisory committee were in the audience and presented the Selectmen with many projects that could save energy and be pursued by an Energy Manager. Chairman Powell asked what the Town would be agreeing to if they decided to participate especially since the schools are not participating. Lynn Wolbarst said that according to Erin Brand of the MAPC even if the Selectmen sign the letter tonight the Town is still not committed to participating. She also said the cost would be approximately $10,000 per year for two days per month and that the obligation is for one year. Chairman Powell said that he isn’t worried about a one year commitment because the Town’s exposure is limited. Lynn Wolbarst said she had spoken to Department of Public Works Superintendent Eric Hooper who said that the savings initiated by the Energy Manager would be multiplied over the years which is a robust Return on Investment over the years. Chairman Powell said he would like the support letter to state that the Town’s commitment is limited to one year. Selectman Roach said he feels there are too many unanswered questions. Selectman Heitin said it is short money for a potentially long-term benefit.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted to support the Energy Manager for the Town of Sharon as proposed by the MAPC and the Energy Advisory Committee as discussed this evening
Powell: Aye
Roach: No
Heitin: Aye
DECLARE FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES SURPLUS
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to declare surplus and sell the 1985 Ford F-800 Farrar Tanker and the 2001 Ford Explorer.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to move into Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining - Fire Department negotiations, Police Dispatcher negotiations, Health Insurance negotiation strategy. Pending Litigation re Glassman, Real Property negotiations re South Main Street eminent domain. Discussion of these items in Open Session would be detrimental to the Town. At the end of Executive Session the Board will adjourn for the evening.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Powell: Aye
Roach: Aye
Heitin: Aye