MINUTES

SHARON BOARD OF SELECTMEN

August 20, 2013

7:00pm

The meeting of the Sharon Board of Selectmen was held at 7:06pm in the Sharon Town Hall with Chairman Walter “Joe” Roach, Selectman Richard Powell, and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.

Town Administrator Puritz introduced new staff to the Selectmen’s Office, Jennifer Austrino and Lauren Barnes, and Chairman Roach welcomed the new additions.

Discussion of Emergency Generator Location for Town Hall and Fire Station

Fire Chief James Wright was present for the discussion.  Chief Wright provided a rough map to the Board of the proposed location for the emergency generator to support both Town Hall and the Fire Station.  He noted that the generator has to be kept five feet from the building and the exhaust stack must be eight feet from the building, so the best location would be adjacent to Town Hall, where the existing picnic table is located.  The generator is 112 inches long, 40 inches wide and 56 inches high and would be set on top of a concrete pad.

Selectman Powell asked if fencing is required and the Chief replied that fencing is not necessary, as it is self-contained.  Chairman Roach asked if a generator has been picked out yet and the Chief replied that they have looked into a particular model.  The Chief explained that testing would occur after Town Hall hours on a Friday.  The Chief hopes to have it in place prior to winter and Chairman Roach noted that the Board is on board with this proposal.

Speed Table for Chase Drive Hearing – Superintendent of Public Works, Eric Hooper

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To open the hearing for the Chase Drive Speed Table

Eric Hooper, Superintendent of Public Works, was present for the hearing and to present information to the Board about a proposed speed table for Chase Drive.  Mr. Hooper explained that speed tables are used in several locations around town, including the soccer fields at Gavin’s Pond and the ball fields at Deborah Sampson, and in the neighborhood near the train station.  Some of them are rubber and bolted into the ground, but are removed before winter, but these damage the street and bolts have come loose, damaging cars.

Mr. Hooper said that when they get a neighborhood request for a speed bump/table, the Department of Public Works looks at the street and determines if it is appropriate for a speed table (i.e. destination like a school or train station), then does a traffic speed study.  There is a stop sign that is not observed – people do not slow down at the intersection.  There is relatively little traffic with the exception of school dropoff/pickup.  This is a permanent, paved raised intersection, roughly a 6 foot ramp up, a 10 foot flat and 6 feet down.  The entire intersection is raised 3-4 inches.  They are fairly effective and drivers will be more likely to observe the stop sign at the intersection of Manomet and Chase.  It’s a new thing we haven’t done before.

Selectman Powell asked what kind of markings these structures have and Mr. Hooper noted that white triangles are painted on the ground as you approach the structure as well as signage.  He added that the peak speed is reduced dramatically.  Selectman Powell asked how this can be differentiated from other speed bump requests.  Mr. Hooper replied that they have been talking about creating a speed table installation policy and that MassHighway has criteria that needs to be met as well.  Selectman Powell asked about the cost and Mr. Hooper replied that $10,000 at the most, more likely $4,000, depending on how much needs to be done.  Asphalt is the likely material to be used.

Chairman Roach opened up the discussion to the public.

William Kasimer, 5 Niantic Road, noted that he is in support of anything to slow down traffic on the road, including lowering the speed limit from 30 to 20 mph.  Mr. Hooper replied that there are problems with trying to lower the speed limit.  Roads are designed for cars, not for pedestrians.  The rules and regulations of MassHighway are vehicle friendly and he added that they are better off putting in the speed bumps and tables. 

Tina Kasimer, 5 Niantic Road, thinks that removing the 30mph sign might be helpful and added that the “end school zone” sign translates into “now I can go faster” in the eyes of the drivers.  Ms. Kasimer also asked if they can tell homeowners to remove the brush, as the town shouldn’t have to cut back brush from other people’s yards?  The traffic is a problem during weekend school time, major holidays and mid-day.  She added that several neighbors also sent emails to the Board in support of the speed table.  Mr. Hooper noted that permission needs to come from the state to lower the speed limit on a road.  If the town did a speed study, there is a good chance the speed limit would be raised.  Once a speed limit sign is placed, it cannot be taken down.

Wendy Rudolph, 33 Manomet Road, noted that people come down from the mosque do not stop at the stop sign and the speed table will force them to stop.

The public hearing was closed at 7:36pm.

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To authorize a speed table at the location discussed this evening to be implemented as soon as available funds and resources are available.

Consider Approval of One-Day Liquor License at the Sharon Community Center for the Friends of the Council on Aging for September 26, 2013

Ralph Generazzo from the Council on Aging Board was present to request a one day beer and wine license for an event at the Community Center on September 26.  The social for seniors will consist of refreshments, wine and a disc jockey.  Chairman Roach noted that the paperwork is in order.

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To authorize a one day liquor license for the Friends of the Council on Aging for September 26, 2013

Approval of Minutes

VOTED 2-0:  (Powell/Roach)           To approve the Regular Session Minutes and Executive Session Minutes of August 6, 2013

Consider Approval for the Sharon Firefighters to conduct Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association “Fill the Boot” Fundraiser on August 31 and September 1

VOTED 2-0: (Powell Roach)                        To approve the request for the Sharon Firefighters to conduct the Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association “Fill the Boot” Fundraiser on August 31 and September 1

Consider Approval of Chapter 90 Funding Requests

DPW Superintendent Eric Hooper was present.  The request to use Chapter 90 funds is typically done at Town Meeting.  We are asking for funds to do the project in-house, as the sidewalks are a mess.  Equipment can be funded through Chapter 90, but it is typically done as part of a capital request.  The request is for approximately $32,000 for the project, but the project is reimbursable by the state.

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To approve the request for Chapter 90 projects – West Street Sidewalk Overlay and Vibratory Roller

Consider Approval of Revised SERSG Water and Sewer Treatment Chemicals IFB Contract

Town Administrator Puritz noted that there was a miscue on the original paperwork and this is a technical correction that required a re-vote.

VOTED 2-0:  (Powell/Roach)           To approve the contract award for SERSG Water and Sewer Treatment Chemicals IFB with an estimated quantity of 1,500 gallons at $1.0740 per gallon at an estimated value of $1,611.00.

Consider Approval of Bond Authorization Note

Finance Director William Fowler was present.  This temporary bond authorization note is for $4,810,950.  This is the un-borrowed capital money that was approved at the May Town Meeting and the $165,000 that was approved at the last Fall Town Meeting for the school track.  This will all be converted into a long-term bond issue within 45 days.

VOTED 2-0:  (Powell/Roach)           To approve the sale of $4,810,950 1.50 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes (the “Notes”) of the Town dated August 30, 2013, and payable November 1, 2013, to TD Securities (USA) LLC at par and accrued interest (if any) plus a premium of $10,247.32.

FURTHER VOTED:  that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Notes, the

Preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated August 12, 2013, and a final Official Statement dated August 15, 2013, each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted.

FURTHER VOTED:  that the Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen be, and hereby authorized to execute and deliver a significant events disclosure undertaking in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be approved by bond counsel to the Town, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference in the Notes for the benefit of the holders of the Notes from time to time.

FURTHER VOTED:  that each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes.

Reserve Fund Policy Discussion – Finance Director William Fowler

Finance Director Wiliam Fowler was present for the discussion.  He said that at a recent Selectmen’s meeting, he submitted a draft reserve fund policy and noted that the need for reserves is a little more urgent than in previous years.  The purpose of the policy is to maintain and improve the credit worthiness of the town for purposes of debt issuance at favorable interest rates; provide capital to meet cash flow needs during the year for unforeseen emergencies; and attempt to stabilize fluctuations from year to year in town’s property tax levy.

Mr. Fowler went on to say that we used reserves in previous years and that can’t be done for a period of time.  He thinks this is picking the best of the industry’s standards.  Selectman Powell asked about OPEB and if this would address that issue, and Mr. Fowler replied that this does not address OPEB but he hopes to address it by drafting a policy and the issue will come up at a future Town Meeting. 

Mr. Fowler asked that the reserve fund policy be given more immediate attention for the time being.  Chairman Roach asked what would happen if we vote this policy in and we can’t put away the amount we had hoped for and Mr. Fowler replied that this does not lock us down.

Chairman Roach said that he has asked for $100,000 right off the top and it gets voted down and that he’s asked for ten years.  Selectman Powell added that we tried to keep the revenue estimate low to begin with.

Mr. Fowler added that once we get the first downgrade, the second downgrade can come more easily.  It’s a touchy policy but we need to get some consensus and we need to have a serious discussion.  Chairman Roach said that he is fine with the policy and Selectman Powell asked if we should adopt the policy without a full Board.  Chairman Roach said that Selectman Heitin is on board and noted that we aren’t handcuffed to it.

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To approve the reserve fund policy as discussed and outlined by the Finance Director

Underground Storage Tank Public Hearing – Tedeschi’s

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To open the underground storage tank hearing for the Pond Street location.

The hearing was opened at 8:10pm.

Robert Shelmerdine, attorney representing Tedeshi’s, introduced interested parties affiliated with Tedeschi’s, including Dave Coonan from Tedeschi’s, Paul Schmid, Legal Counsel from Tedeschi’s, Tom Pozerski, Engineer from Merrill and Associates, and property owner Bill Welch.

Mr. Shelmerdine noted that last year, they spent a significant amount of time in front of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals to get permits to do work at the site.  The plan is to renovate the building façade, rotate the gas dispensers, which will result in a new traffic pattern, and upgrade the existing gas tanks from 22,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons.  They need to obtain a license from the Board of Selectmen to remove and update the gasoline tanks.  They also met with the Board of Health and received approval of these plans and the Fire Department has reviewed the plans as well as the State Fire Marshal and the Fire Chief has signed the Chapter 148 application, approving the plans. 

Chairman Roach said that as far as the Board of Health is concerned, he thought that they hadn’t approved the plan.  Mr. Shelmerdine noted that the Board of Health closed the hearing and was waiting for Tedeshi’s to get them some additional paperwork.  The hearing was closed and a vote to approve these plans was taken and it was unanimous.  The one condition was for Tedeschi’s to submit all of the paperwork.

Selectman Powell asked about any environmental hazards. Mr. Pozerski noted the Fire Department must supervise the removal and the cleanup.  They haven’t found any leaks or problems so far.  Then the installation will commence and everything will be tested for leaks.  Selectman Powell asked how old the tanks are and the response was that they were installed in 1980.  Mr. Pozerski noted that they complied with all federal, state and local regulations.  A brief discussion took place to describe the fire suppression system.

Mr. Shelmerdine noted that the new tanks are significantly better, in their technology and also for the environment.  He noted that the Board of Health’s regulations haven’t kept up with technology. 

A brief discussion took place about employee training and how to handle emergencies.  Selectman Powell asked the Fire Chief about the diesel and Chief Wright said that diesel is a safer liquid and that while it’s a bigger environmental hazard, it’s a state of the art system.  Regular testing will occur.

Selectman Powell asked about the time frame and the response was that the station will be shut down for eight weeks after the façade is improved.  Mr. Shelmerdine noted that since the gasoline tanks are increasing from 20,000 to 40,000 gallons, they require a new license.  Chief Wright noted that since the gas tanks are larger, refueling happens less frequently, which is a plus. 

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To close the hearing

The hearing was closed at 8:28pm

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To approve the license for 30,000 gasoline and 10,000 diesel fuel tanks at 68 Pond Street to Tedeschi’s Convenience Store Shops pursuant to the application made and discussed and contingent upon satisfaction of submittals to the Board of Health

Working List of Identified Articles for November 4, 2013 Fall Town Meeting

Town Administrator Puritz noted that there may be nine or ten articles.  There will be a presentation on September 3 about the Sacred Heart redevelopment and associated cost estimates.  With respect to SEMASS/Covanta, we are trying to migrate to the lowest possible costs and the article will be a contract authorization – no town appropriation.  There will be an article to consider a contribution to the stabilization fund, an article to provide a working appropriation of $25,000 for the 250^th Anniversary Celebration, possibly two articles for Brickstone, and an article relative to adult zoning.  The Attorney General’s Office has noted that this is a good time to take action on this amongst recent judicial interpretation.

Town Administrator Puritz added that we will get information to the Finance Committee as soon as possible and Chairman Roach noted that the Finance Committee asked the Board of Selectmen to vote as early as possible on the articles.

Alice Cheyer, 1 Glenview Road, expressed concern about a lack of a meeting with the Sacred Heart Reuse Committee.  Chairman Roach said that we are hoping to do a lot of work in-house and the Board will have a discussion with the Sacred Heart Reuse Committee to discuss costs/plans, but haven’t met due to vacation schedules.  Ms. Cheyer asked if there are changes in the design and Chairman Roach replied that he wasn’t aware of any changes.  Town Administrator Puritz reiterated that there is a presentation on September 3.

Ms. Cheyer said that it isn’t a re-allocation of CPC.  It’s a new proposal that needs to be submitted on a form to the CPC and then they have to vote on it.  Town Administrator Puritz said that he will never use the word “re-allocation” again.  There is additional capacity to be redirected with the approval of CPC and Town Meeting.

Consider Approval of Banner Request for Sharon Basketball Association: September 2-9, 2013

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To approve banner request for Sharon Basketball Association, September 2-9, 2013 in the second position.

Consider sending letter in support of Hockomock YMCA’s application for funding from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for education and training for adults on child sexual abuse prevention

VOTED 2-0: (Powell/Roach)                        To submit letter in support of Hockomock YMCA’s application for funding from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for education and training for adults on child sexual abuse prevention.

Chairman Roach asked anyone interested in serving on the 250^th Anniversary Celebration Committee should contact the Selectmen’s Office.  We hope to be up and running by the end of September.

VOTED 2-0: (Roach/Powell)            To enter into Executive Session to discuss Police Superior Officers Collective Bargaining, real property transfer, pending litigation on 411 East Foxboro Street cellular facility and at the end to adjourn the evening.  As the Chairman, any of these that, if discussed in the open, would be detrimental to the Town of Sharon.

Roach:  Aye

Powell:  Aye

The meeting adjourned at 9:25pm.