MINUTES
SHARON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
September 19, 2013
7:00pm
The meeting of the Sharon Board of Selectmen was held at 7:05pm in the Sharon Town Hall with Chairman Walter “Joe” Roach, Selectman Richard Powell, Selectmen William Heitin and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
One-Day Liquor License – Sharon Recreation Department – October 17, 2013
Christine Kasparian, Assistant Recreation Director, was present, along Recreation Director Amanda Levasseur and a representative from 90+ Cellars. Ms. Kasparian explained the Wine & Paint Night event on October 17 and noted that there will be a two ticket limit per participant over the course of the event, which is expected to run 2-3 hours. 90+ Cellars will be serving the wine, they have licensed servers, and they will be checking IDs. Selectman Powell said it sounds like fun. Ms. Kasparian said there are 24 registrants so far.
MOTION: To approve the one-day liquor license at the Sharon Community Center for the Sharon Recreation Department and to waive the fee for the Sharon Recreation Department on October 17, 2013 for the Wine & Paint Night
(Powell-Heitin) 3-0 PASSES
Two One-Day Liquor Licenses – Koopman Lumber – September 27 & 28, 2013
David Freshman from Koopman Lumber was present. He noted that a registered bartender from Mick Morgan’s will be present. Additionally, Koopman Lumber has hired police details for both days and will only be serving beer.
MOTION: To approve two separate one-day liquor licenses for Koopman Lumber for their Grand Opening, one for Friday, September 27 and the other for Saturday, September 28
(Powell-Heitin) 3-0 PASSES
Sacred Heart Park Development Proposal
The Sacred Heart Re-Use Committee was present, as well as Peter O’Cain, Town Engineer.
Selectman Heitin thanked Peter O’Cain, Town Engineer, for his edits. He moved the picnic tables across the way, away from the neighbors. Selectman Powell asked about moving the trail down slightly. Sacred Heart Reuse Committee member Carl Gladstone noted that the full repave is not on the final plan and Selectman Heitin confirmed that only the 9 new spaces will be paved.
A member of the Sacred Heart Re-Use Committee asked about post-and-rail fence between the parking lot and the field. Selectman Heitin noted that the Police Department wants to ensure access.
Karen Friedman noted that the Committee is in agreement and are meeting with the Community Preservation Committee tonight to submit their application.
MOTION: Recommend to the Reuse Committee a budget of $70,245 to be requested by CPC for the construction of 9 new parking spots and the open field as discussed, which includes sprinklers
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
David Straus – Interview for reappointment to the Transportation Advisory Board
Mr. Straus was present for his interview to be reappointed to the Transportation Advisory Board.
Selectman Powell asked how things were going at the train station and Chairman Roach noted that construction will begin soon at the Train Station and that while some spots will be lost, we are trying to pick up some spots at other locations.
Mr. Straus said that he is happy to serve and hopes others will join the Advisory Board. Selectman Powell said that we are comfortable reaching out to Mr. Straus when there are issues. Town Administrator Puritz noted that David is the sole member of the Board at this time. The Board thanked Mr. Straus.
MOTION: To re-appoint David Straus for a three-year term to the Transportation Advisory Board
(Powell-Heitin) 3-0 PASSES
Arnold Kublin – Interview for reappointment to the Council on Aging Board
Chairman Roach noted that Mr. Kublin was unable to attend tonight’s meeting due to a foot injury and that he interviewed him at length. He said that Mr. Kublin has a lot of good ideas and would like to be reappointed to see those ideas come to fruition.
MOTION: To reappoint Arnold Kublin to the Council on Aging Board for a three-year term to expire on December 31, 2016
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
Sharon Youth Lacrosse Banner Request
MOTION: To approve Sharon Youth Lacrosse’s banner request for October 14- 21, 2013 (1st position), November 18-25, 2013 (1st position), and December 16-23, 2013 (1st position)
(Heitin – Powell) 3-0 PASSES
H.U.G.S. Sharon Banner Request
MOTION: To approve H.U.G.S. Sharon’s banner request for October 21-28, 2013 (1st position)
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
Sharon High School Banner Request
MOTION: To approve banner request by Sharon High School for November 7-15, 2013 (1st position) for an anti-drug initiative program
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
Reappointment of Anne M. Carney to the Board of Registrars
MOTION: To re-appoint Anne M. Carney to the Board of Registrars for a three-year term to expire on December 31, 2016
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
Sharon Lions Club Spring White Cane Day Fundraising Event Permission Request
MOTION: To approve Sharon Lions Club’s request to hold their Spring White Cane Day fundraising event on Saturday, October 19 from 9am-1pm in Sharon Center
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: To approve the regular session minutes and executive session minutes of September 3, 2013
(Powell-Heitin) 3-0 PASSES
Melanson Heath & Company, PC – FY13 Audit
Selectman Heitin said that this was approved by the Audit Committee at their meeting two weeks ago and they recommended that the Board approve the contract.
MOTION: To approve the contract as written and authorize the Town Administrator to executive and sign said document
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
Sign November 4, 2013 Fall Town Meeting Warrant
The Board is postponing the signing of the Fall Town Meeting warrant until Friday, September 27 at 4:00pm.
Initial Positions – Fall Town Meeting Articles
Town Administrator Puritz asked if any changes/suggestions be sent to him ahead of time so we can have a fully executed copy to be signed on September 27.
Sheila Pallay – Interview for reappointment to the Council on Aging Board
Mrs. Pallay noted that serving on the Council on Aging Board is a joy in her life. The Board is focusing on areas in our town that can be made more age-friendly. Housing and transportation are very big issues. We are trying to think out of the box and trying to come up with ways to better serve a greater group of people. Mrs. Pallay went to a Mass. Gerontology Association meeting recently and they talked about making communities more age friendly, with things like signage, etc. We concentrate on our children here in Sharon and the schools are great, but the demographics are changing. We need to come up with better ways to keep people in their homes.
Chairman Roach talked about in-law apartments and Mrs. Pallay noted that Mr. Kublin has been working on that issue for years. Chairman Roach said that the assisted living facility next to Sharon Commons is moving forward, which will help. Mrs. Pallay said that we have a lot of challenges but there is a diverse and great Board.
MOTION: To re-appoint Sheila Pallay to the Council on Aging Board for another three year term to expire on December 31, 2016
(Heitin-Powell) 3-0 PASSES
Town Administrator Puritz said that in February, he’ll have been in the position of Town Administrator for 33 years. He will retire from the position within the next six months, around the end of February. Town Administrator Puritz said that it would be beneficial for the Town and the Board to discuss the formation of a screening committee for the Town Administrator position. The town’s by-laws dictate the compositon of the committee. He asked that the Board place an item on the October 1 agenda to discuss the formation of the screening committee.
Selectman Heitin noted that the Town Administrator has done yeoman’s work for the Town and thanked Ben for his hard work. The town has benefited from his services over the years.
Chairman Roach hoped he wasn’t the cause of the Town Administrator’s gray hairs. It’s unheard of for someone to stay in this position for that long. He thanked the Town Administrator for his service.
Selectman Powell echoed the sentiments of the Board.
MOTION: To enter into Executive Session to discuss Police Superior Officers Collective Bargaining, pending litigation, and a real property transfer and at the end to adjourn for the evening. As the Chairman, any of these that, if discussed in the open, would be detrimental to the Town.
Roach: Aye
Powell: Aye
Heitin: Aye
The meeting adjourned at 8:07pm.