MINUTES

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

                                                                March 12, 2013

                                                                      7:00 p.m.

 

The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:03 p.m. in the Sharon Town Hall with Chairman William Heitin, Selectman Walter Joe Roach, Selectman Richard Powell and Town Administrator Benjamin Puritz.

 

ALICE CHEYER CANDIDATE FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (CPC)

 

Ms. Cheyer said that she was one of the three people that brought the Community Preservation Act (CPA) to the Town.  She said she has followed the workings of the Sharon’s CPC over the years.  She said that the Town of Sharon has received $1.3 million from the state as a result of the Town’s acceptance of the CPA.  She said in the six years since its acceptance twenty projects have been funded.  She reviewed several of the projects funded.  She also said that the Town receives a 26% return on the monies received.  Chairman Heitin said there is discussion about removing the State’s contribution for the program.  Ms. Cheyer said even if the State removes their contribution she personally would support keeping the CPA in Sharon but believes the voters should have the final say. 

 

FIRE CHIEF JIM WRIGHT: DISCUSSION REGARDING SUPPORT OF HOLBROOK’S “911” DEVELOPMENT GRANT

 

Chief Wright said should the grant be approved it might be necessary to set up an agreement between Sharon and Holbrook. However, the letter that he is asking Chairman Heitin to sign just says the Town is in support of the grant.

 

VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to authorize Chairman Heitin to sign the letter in support of Holbrook Fire Department’s application for an emergency communication system.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session and Executive Session Minutes of February 28, 2013

 

APPROVAL OF BANNER REQUESTS

 

VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the banner request by SYBSA to hang a banner from April 22 – 29, 2013 and May 2 – 6, 10`2 (2nd position).

 

 VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to approve the banner request by the First Congregational Church from December 2 – 9, 2013 (1st position)

 

ATTORNEY ROBERT SHELMERDINE: ZONING AMENDMENT REGARDING SHARON RESIDENCES

 

In attendance: Attorney Robert Shelmerdine representing the property owner, Associate Town Counsel Cindy Amara and Tom Houston of Professional Services Corporation were in attendance.

 

Attorney Shelmerdine said that the proposal includes rezoning the south parcel – 669 and 675 South Main – six acres in total to permit an Assistant Living facility.  He said Mr. Houston has put together the zoning amendment and he added that the zoning amendment also will include an overlay district.  He said discussion pertaining specific development of the northern parcel is premature.  Attorney Shelmerdine said that he had appeared before the Finance Committee several weeks ago and is appearing before the Planning Board tomorrow night and then the Finance Committee again next Monday.  There was discussion about the wastewater treatment system.   Tom Houston said originally there was supposed to be one treatment facility for the commercial and residential areas.  However, now the plan includes two separate waste water treatment facilities.  Mr. Shelmerdine said he expects that the entire six acre parcel will be used for assisted living. Abutter Ed McSweeney said that the rezoning will include a wastewater overlay near his house.  He asked that the Selectmen not approve the plan tonight so that he can study the proposed plan. Chairman Heitin said that the Selectmen will not be taking a position on the plan tonight. Mr. Houston said the plan requires that all of the structures including the waste water treatment plan will be at least 150 feet from existing structures.  Mr. McSweeney said that all waste water treatment plants give off an odor.  Chairman Heitin said that the Wilber School Apartment’s treatment facility is in the basement of the building.  

 

ELISHA GALLER: APPROVE REQUEST TO TIE BANNERS AROUND TREES FOR EPILEPSY AWARENESS WEEK

 

Mr. Galler said he is a senior at Maimonides High School and his senior community service project in conjunction with Massachusetts General Hospital is to promote epilepsy awareness.  He said that he had seen the ribbons promoting Ovarian Cancer awareness and thought that it would be a good idea to do the same for Epilepsy Awareness. 

 

VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to allow Elisha Galler to tie purple ribbons around trees in recognition of Epilepsy Awareness Day from April 22 – 29, 2013.

 

MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

VOTED:  (Roach/Powell) Voted unanimously to discuss SMEA negotiations, real property transfer and at the completion of Executive Session adjourn for the evening.   Discussion of these items in public session would be detrimental to the Town’s bargaining position and at the end of Executive Session will adjourn for the evening. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

 

Heitin:   Aye

Roach:  Aye

Powell:  Aye