Sharon Update

                                                        --- News from the Source---

There will be an important Board of Selectmen meeting on January 22nd at the High School Library.  The meeting will start at 7:30 PM.  The topic will be the proposed development across from the Shaw's Plaza on South Main Street.  The developer will be on hand to update the community and receive input.  All citizens are encouraged to attend this meeting or watch on Sharon Community Television's channel 22.

George Bailey, Chair, Community Preservation Committee

At its November 30 meeting the CPC voted to extend its submission date for a pair of projects requested by the Board of Selectmen acting for the Recreation Department and the Housing Trust, respectively. Subsequently, the Sharon School Department submitted a request for waiver which will be acted upon at the CPC's meeting of December 28, 2006.

The Board of Selectmen have set January 15 and Jan 22 as the date for Town Meeting article submission. Accordingly, the Committee, requests that any further requests for waivers be submitted, accompanied, if possible, by a specific Project submission description, to the CPC at or before its next meeting scheduled for December 28, 2006, 7 PM Sharon Town Hall.

Project submission forms and evaluation criteria are available at the Sharon Town Website under Community Preservation Committee.

As of November 30th, the Sharon Health Department still has flu vaccine available and will continue to provide free flu shots as long as supplies last...at the Health office at Town Hall during our regular office hours for blood pressure screening, which are:

Tuesdays 3-5 PM; Wed., Thurs., and Fri: 9 AM - 10:30 AM.

Anyone age 18 or over is eligible for a flu shot from our office. There is no charge --- donations are certainly welcome. For those residents age 65 or older, please bring all your health insurance information when you come to get a shot.

Please take ten minutes to complete a survey about the Sharon Public Schools.  Visit www.kopel.com/sharon beginning December 4 through December 15 to offer your opinions.  All Sharon residents are encouraged to respond.

Developed by an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of representatives from the PTOs, School Councils, Sharon School Committee and a survey professional, the survey asks about your perceptions of the Sharon Public School system.  The community's response to this survey will inform the School Committee's thinking as they embark on the planning and budget process for the 2007-2008 school year and beyond. 

As taxpayers, you have the right and a responsibility to inform the School Committee about the priorities for educating our children.  Our collective voice matters.  What do you think makes an effective and efficient public school?  What do you think the priorities should be for Sharon's public schools?  How much are you willing to spend to fund those priorities?  These are all questions addressed in this survey -- please take ten minutes to complete it.

Visit www.kopel.com/sharon  and take the survey. Your voice matters.  Questions?  Call Laura Salomons (784-3755) or Alison Rutley (784-7300).

The Fall Town Meeting concluded on November 14th, encompassing two full evenings and covering 22 articles.  The highlights for the evening were the positive actions on the Horizons for Youth property and the support for the Selectmen to lease the Wilber School property for future development.  Both initiatives met with little resistance and almost no questions.

More interesting were the discussions on the proposal by the Finance Committee to hire a financial analyst and the attempt at a third soccer field for Gavins Pond.

Horizons for Youth Property

The Town Meeting attendees passed an initiative to purchase the Horizons for Youth property from Goodwill Industries for $4.85 million.  The property, which abuts Lake Massapoag had almost unanimous support without much scrutiny from the crowd.  Even though this proposal was late breaking, the crowd was more than satisfied to hear that we had to act quickly, and that by purchasing the property we would, as a Town, control its destiny.

The final cost of a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion will be $3.65 million, with the balance being drawn from the Community Preservation Act funds.  Although only $620 thousand is currently in the fund, apparently we can utilize future Town contributions to this fund, but only for a five year period.

The final approval must be gained at a Town Election, which needs to be scheduled within 90 days.

Wilber School Lease

The request by the Selectmen to have the authority to negotiate a lease with a proposed developer of the Wilber School property met with no resistance.  It might be fair to say that regular Town Meeting attendees have grown tired of hearing about this issue.  We know that the Wilber Re-Use Committee has chosen Frontier Development for rehabilitating the building.  There has been a little information prior to the Town Meeting on the plans of the developer, which includes senior housing on the site.  With the unanimous consent of Town Meeting, the Selectmen can enter into an agreement with the chosen developer.

There is a likelihood of annual income to the Town once the property is rehabilitated in the form of the lease payment in addition to the tax revenue.  It isn’t clear how much this might be, but numbers ranging from $400,000 to $550,000 per year were mentioned.

Another positive aspect of the proposal by Frontier Development is the inclusion of 52 affordable units, which essentially provides the Town with a one year waiver against 40B proposals once the units become available.

Financial Analyst

The request of the Finance Committee to hire a financial analyst to assist them in their endeavors fell mostly on deaf ears.  There presentation included many valid reasons why the position could assist the Town, but both the Selectmen and the School Committee voiced their concerns and swayed Town Meeting against the proposal.  What made this somewhat interesting is that the members of the Priorities Committee have been positive on a similar proposal in recent years.  Since the Priorities Committee is comprised of members from the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee, it was interesting to hear the other boards so vocal in their opposition.  Even more surprising was the announcement by the Selectmen that they are pursuing their own Finance Director position, apparently without the notice of the other boards.  This one will continue to have an interesting life, as the Selectmen indicated their commitment to bring their position forward within a year.

Third Soccer Field

The attempt by the Sharon Soccer Association to procure a third soccer field at Gavins Pond Road looked like a shoe-in when the discussion of the article commenced.  There were many soccer-friendly attendees in the meeting and Mr. Goldman, speaking for the Sharon Soccer Association, indicated the backing of many boards in Town.  However the tide turned on presentations from Ms. Nelson and Mr. Lauenstein, who informed the members of potential aquifer issues, loss of plant and wildlife, including the fascinating warblers who go “Peent”.  Complicating the issue was a recent interpretation of State statute that required this to pass with a 2/3 majority.  When the standing vote was counted, a majority was in favor but the 2/3 majority was not reached.

Emotions ran high as the first night closed when a motion to reconsider the failed initiative was brought to the floor by Mr. Goldman.  A smattering of catcalls rained down from the crowd who felt the integrity of the meeting was being challenged.  Mr. Liao rose, indignant at the reconsideration attempt and subsequently rallied the remainder of the crowd against the motion to reconsider.  As Monday turned into Tuesday, the reconsideration failed and the crowd went home with adrenaline flowing.

With the recent controversy surrounding the speech from Pope Benedict, the local Imam clarifies views of the Muslim faith. In a community with strong interfaith relations, it is encouraging to know informed dialogue continues.  -The Editor-

The Islamic Center of New England endorses the Washington based Islamic civil and advocacy group that goes as following.

"The proper response to the Pope's inaccurate and divisive remarks is for Muslims and Catholics worldwide to increase dialogue and outreach efforts aimed at building better relations between Christianity and Islam. This unfortunate episode also offers an opportunity for Christians to learn more about Islam, the Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic concept of jihad.

"Jihad is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g., - having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression.’ Jihad' should not be translated as 'holy war.'

"The Quran, Islam's revealed text, condemns forced acceptance of any faith when it states: 'Let there be no compulsion in religion.' (2:256) Islam calls for peace once oppression ends: 'Fight in the cause of God with those who fight against you, but do not exceed the limits...If they desist, let there be no hostility except against the oppressors." (2:190-193)

"Muslims are also asked to maintain good relations with people of other faiths, and to engage in constructive dialogue. 'And dispute not with the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) except with means better (than mere disputation). . .but say, 'We believe in the Revelation that has come down to us and in that which came down to you.'" (29:46)

"The Quran also states: '(Rest assured that) those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians, and the Sabians - whoever believes in God and the last day and performs good deeds - will be rewarded by their Lord. They will have nothing to fear or to regret.' (2:62)

"In Islam, there is no contradiction between faith and reason. The first verses revealed to the Prophet Muhammad included: 'Read! In the name of your Lord . . . Read! Your Lord is the Most Gracious, Who taught by the (use of the) pen, taught man what he knew not.' Historically, whenever Islam flourished, so did knowledge and discovery.

"Let us all continue the interfaith efforts promoted by the late Pope John Paul II, who made great strides in bringing Muslims and Catholics together for the common good."

Peace be with you.

Hafiz Masood - Imam, ICNE Sharon

The Finance Committee is anticipating another difficult financial year due to decreased state aid and increased labor, energy and insurance costs.

With this in mind, the Finance Committee is recommending town departments propose a level-funded budget with a 2.5 increase from the last current year, which began on July 1. Under Proposition 2 1/2 state law, municipalities’ budgets are capped at 2 1/2 percent annual increase unless residents vote for an increase via an override.

At the Finance Committee’s Aug. 14 meeting, members initiated discussion on the guidance to be given to those committees and departments whose budgets fall under the Finance Committee.

Town departments will be asked for a “wish list” of items that would provide additional benefits to the town if additional funding becomes available. The Finance Committee would like to have uniform budgets so taxpayers can easily compare the fiscal 2006 budget to the fiscal 2007 budget before Town Meeting next spring.

The Finance Committee will also send copies of the guidance documents to selectmen and the school department

Also discussed at the meeting was a fall Town Meeting article to hire a financial analyst. The financial analyst would report to the Finance Committee and assist the committee by summarizing all Town Meeting articles with potential financial impacts to the town.

Currently, the Finance Committee is responsible for making difficult financial recommendations to the town and has no professional assistance in accomplishing this task.

The financial analyst would be responsible for providing cost impact analyses and alternative analyses. These analyses are currently not performed and could provide for less expensive solutions in procurement, maintenance and operations in the town.

The financial analyst would also be available to assist town departments and committees in preparing budgets that go before the Finance Committee.

Aware of the town’s financial condition, the Finance Committee recognizes that the financial analyst must be cost effective and provide a payback to the town.

This payback will partially come from less time demands on the overburdened town treasurer and the Accounting Department. The department is operating without a town accountant.

The Finance Committee opposes hiring a finance director at this time given the expected designation of a Charter Committee, which will examine the whole structure of the town government.

Also at the meeting, the Finance Committee listened to a presentation by the Massapoag Brook Association on why they felt it was appropriate for the Community Preservation Committee to fund acquisition of the land currently being considered for a 40B housing development. They cited concerns about public safety, runoff into wetlands and septic system issues as concerns why  40B housing was inappropriate for the area.

The Community Preservation Committee(CPC) has scheduled an important public hearing on Tuesday, August 29th, at 7pm at the Town Hall. At that time, the Committee will review five applications for funding, including two projects submitted by the Sharon Housing Authority to repair flooring and roofs in low-income housing for $12,000 and $136,000 respectively; the purchase of an approximately 12 acre open space parcel submitted by the Massapoag Brook Neighborhood Association for $1,000,000 funded  through a 20-year bond; an update of the Town's Open Space and Recreation Plan for less than $10,000 submitted by the Conservation Commission; and the purchase of ADA-compliant drinking water fountains for Ames Street Playground and Deborah Sampson Park for approximately $4,800 submitted by New Friends of the Playground. The CPC is seeking input from the public regarding these funding requests.

The CPC, consisting of seven members, administers the Community Preservation Act (CPA) locally. CPA is a statewide enabling legislation which, once adopted locally, allows communities to address important local needs. At Town Meeting last year, Sharon residents voted to endorse the CPA and a 1% surcharge of the property tax. Funds collected from the surcharge go into a local Community Preservation Fund, which then receives state matching funds. CPA funds are used to address three core concerns: the acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space; the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic resources; and the creation, preservation, and support of affordable housing. The Act requires that a minimum of 10% of the funds raised be distributed to each of these three categories. The remaining 70% can be distributed to any of the three categories plus recreation at the discretion of the CPC. Currently, there is approximately $300,000 in the Community Preservation Fund. After state matching in October, the total will be approximately $600,000.The CPC is charged with reviewing project applications according to specific criteria and making recommendations to Town Meetings. Projects recommended by the CPC will go before voters at the November Town Meeting.

The proposed land purchase, which meets the criteria developed by the CPC for open space, historical preservation, and recreation value, is receiving much scrutiny because of the significant funding request. Proponents, including the Sharon Conservation Commission, have determined that a 20-year bond would, at maximum, use only 15% of CPA funds in the first years and less as time goes by. Most of the general fund (85%) would be available for other purposes.

Sharon residents are encouraged to come to and participate in the public forum on August 29th. In doing so, residents can help insure the Community Preservation Act is working as they had hoped and expected.

08-01-2006

Proposed Changes to Conservation Subdivision Zoning Bylaw

One of the proposed articles for the upcoming Fall Town Meeting will attempt to modify the current Conservation Subdivision zoning by-law. The draft by-law can be found in the appendix while the summary of the changes are listed below:

To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following changes to the CSD Zoning Bylaw:

SUMMARY OF CSD BYLAW CHANGES

·       Minor modification in language of both Primary and Secondary Purposes to describe the nature of the town character to be preserved.  4361 (1) (f), (2) (f).

·       Conflicting opinions by the PB and either BofH or ConCom would trigger ZBA review.   4361 (4)

·       Correction of the definition of CSD.    4363 (CSD) 2^nd line.

·       The Planning Board shall engage services of professional planner to assist in the review of a special permit application   4364 (1)

·       The Site Context Map shall identify all primary and secondary natural resource areas including woodlands, etc. and include identification of heritage trees.        4364 (2) (b)

·       Include heritage trees as a secondary conservation area resource.                          4365 (1) line 5

·       Clarify description of step 3 (street layout) in the 4-step design process.                 4365 (3) line 1

·       Include Low Impact Design (LID) features as a desired element in storm water design.   4366 (2) (l)

·       Rewrite and limit density bonuses – reduce age qualified bonus from 1.75 to 1.40; eliminate affordable housing bonus which will be mandated by IZ; provide additional bonus for additional usable open space, limit maximum total bonus to 1.5.    4367 (2),(3),(4),(5),(6).

·       Correct wording in the design standards    4370 line 1 and 4370 (1)

·       Increase the perimeter buffer and applicability to open space calculation.  4370 (2) ( c).

·       Modify traffic impact requirement    4370 (2) (i)

·       Enforce flexible development front setback requirement as noted in 4351 ( c).       4371 (1)

07-12-2006

The Future of Rattlesnake Hill?

The revised future of Rattlesnake Hill had its first public introduction on Tuesday evening in the Selectmen’s Office. The principals from Brickstone Properties were on hand to present their vision of the development they would like to pursue called the Woodlands at Sharon. The crowded roomful of citizens was instructed by Chairman Bill Heitin that the appearance by Brickstone Properties was for a presentation only and that there would be future meetings in which questions could be asked. Heitin also informed the attendees that the next scheduled meeting has been changed from July 18th to August 15th and subsequent meetings would also be scheduled.

The attorney for Brickstone Properties, John Twohig of Goulston & Storrs, introduced the project and outlined what the intended message for the evening would be: Who is Brickstone, Why did they choose Sharon and What was the vision for the property. He also noted that this was just the beginning of a process that would seek the Town’s approval and acceptance, culminating in a change to the zoning by-laws to allow the type of development they intend to build.

Marty Spagat from Brickstone gave a summary of past work by his company. This included high end condominiums in Atlanta, rehabilitation work in Philadelphia, including the Wannamaker Building and work around Boston, mostly with the conversion of mill buildings into corporate headquarters for the likes of Marshall’s and CMGI.

The intent of Brickstone is to make their mark in the high end senior development market, recognizing that the growth of the senior population is increasing rapidly and the desire for high end senior living is outpacing the current capacity. When looking for a suitable location for their project, Mr. Spagat noted that while driving through Sharon for the first time he recognized the unique nature of the Town and felt like “he could live here”.

The type of property envisioned would be a self contained senior development, containing a 9 hole golf course, restaurants, shops, underground parking and other amenities for its residents. The property’s entrance would be off of Bay Road and begin with a 6 building first phase, each building providing 100 units. Two other phases would eventually be built as well, totaling 1800 units altogether. Overall, 40 acres would be needed for the buildings and their access roads, leaving almost 300 acres in a “green” state, with 260 acres undisturbed once the area for the golf course is subtracted.

The Town would need to consider the cost of services such as Police and Fire support, but Brickstone estimates that the net revenue for the Town after just the first phase is completed would amount to $2.5 million dollars per year, increasing to over $8 million per year when the entire project is completed.

The next key step will be when citizens can ask questions at the planned August 15th public hearing. Before that time, Brickstone promised to provide more information as it becomes available.

07-12-2006

Standing Building Committee - Volunteers Needed

There are openings on the Standing Building Committee. This committee reviews construction projects for the Town, ultimately making recommendations to Town Meeting about the project's viability. Letters of interest for this very important committee should be sent to the Board of Selectman's office at Town Hall, care of Marc Bluestein.

06-27-2006

Wilber School Request for Proposals - Final Version

The Wilber School Redevelopment Committee, on behalf of the Town of Sharon Board of Selectmen, will receive sealed proposals and bids for the long-term lease (up to 99 years) and rehabilitation of an historic building and land located at 75-85 South Main Street, Sharon, MA with an end use of commercial/mixed-use development. The Request for Proposals (RFP) can be down-loaded from the Committee's website at:

 www.townofsharon.net/boards&committees/ wilberschoolredevelopmentcommittee

or is available at the Board of Selectmen office in Sharon Town Hall. Potential developers/bidders who receive a copy of the RFP must fill out and return a "Receipt Acknowledgment Form" so that they can be contacted for any updates.

06-24-2006

Conservation Agent Greg Meister Offers Thanks

Musings and a Little More

I wish to express how sincerely touched I have been by the many kind thoughts, gifts and acknowledgments that have come my way since receipt of the Environmental Service Award from the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. I am so appreciative and frankly, overwhelmed by the genuine joy expressed by my friends, many fellow employees, and various citizens of the fine and fair Town of Sharon. From simple handshakes, to an impromptu celebration at Town Hall, arranged by Marlene Chused, to a very special night of appreciation sponsored by the Board and members of the Sharon Friends of Conservation and the Sharon Fish and Game Club, my family and I have been greatly moved.

I have tried to be as gracious as I am capable of, in accepting this individual award while clearly knowing that many of my accomplishments would not have been at all possible without the support, and actions of so many others; not the least of which, are the citizens of Sharon, in general, who have consistently supported the adoption of strong environmental regulations and the completion of many projects over the years.

I have often reflected upon the good fortune of finding my way to your Town. With many starts and stops in between, it entailed… a journey that began on the family farm in Illinois, then to the rural hills and valleys of Western Massachusetts to a stint with Massachusetts Audubon Society in Marshfield and eventually Moose Hill in Sharon.

Do you ever get the What ifs? I often do.

What if …

You can be sure that Peg has shouldered her own "special burden" over the years by her continued support and acceptance of me. Despite my faults and foibles, she has given me the long rope that I have desired and the friendship I so value. Thank you for nominating me for this special award.

            And what a challenge it must surely have been for you. After nearly 17 years, I would suspect that every letter of the alphabet has been used by folks to describe me, both bad and good. Starting with the letter A… I am considered Arrogant or worse by some, simply an Advocate by others. I am a "Big mouth" and a "Buff," "Caustic" and "Caring." I am labeled both a "Demagogue," and a "Dealmaker," a "Fanatic," and/or "Firm and Fair," "Grouchy and Gracious," an "Idiot and/or Innovative," "Naive and/or a Nemesis," "Parochial" and "Passionate," a "Pest and Persistent," "Terminally Annoying" (my personal favorite, Peter) and "Tenacious." Choose the letter E for "Everything" above and you would be right, I suspect.

            I usually have difficulty in graciously handling things that are, "all about me" and I don't care for myself very much on those occasions when I like "me" a little too much. I don’t highly regard those who "too" highly regard themselves, either.

I don’t like most things political. I do not afford politicians the respect they just presume they deserve. I have a tendency to disregard the organizational structure of the Town administration. I do, however, recognize that the responsibilities and functions of the Board of Selectmen and Ben Puritz as Town Administrator are much more complex and varied than are my own. I would not want their job, but in doing mine, I will probably never fully master the concept of "agreeing to disagree." I consider some issues just that important.

I have, for sometime recognized that much of what gets accomplished often results from the cooperation and partnerships forged through the political and administrative structure and with the assistance of other town boards, committees, staff and citizens. When we have found common ground together, the town has greatly benefited. I wish we could all manage to make it happen more often.

During my tenure, I suppose I have left my fingerprints upon most things environmental in this Town. By no means do I deserve sole credit for many of our successes. For example, although I first drafted and, proposed a Development Coordination procedure in 1991, it took the efforts of Ben Puritz,  Joe Kent - Building Inspector, a consultant, the Board of Selectmen, as well as myself, to implement an official policy some years later. Joe and I now provide that service to applicants who choose to take advantage of it.

I did not solely develop the Lake Level Management Policy. I just thought it was ludicrous when I was told shortly after taking the Agent's position, "…that the Commission had no jurisdiction over the Lake, the Selectmen control the Lake." Hello! It is, after all, a 350± acre water body that was nearly unusable at the time. I told the Commission at that time, "Don't be silly, of course you have jurisdiction and should act to protect it."

It was through the efforts of Cliff Towner and the Lake Management Committee, Peg and the Commission and with a strong arm from former Selectmen Henry Katz, that a new comprehensive management policy was adopted in 1992. I have managed the Lake watershed since that date with consistent counsel and assistance from Cliff.

What of the long saga of Rattlesnake Hill? At the time of my nomination, a deal was ready to sign. There upon, the property was sold out from under us with no prior warning. This project has had as many fits and starts, ups and downs, back and forths as the Wilber School. The Commission and I have never quite given up on this venture, and neither have many citizens of Sharon. We are fortunate in the latest thrust to have had the support of the Board of Selectmen, and the Finance Committee. We will all have to see what options the new owners of the property will offer the Town. I am hopeful that the Boards can continue to work together. Regardless, the next chapter of this tome will surely engage us all.

I do welcome and enjoy working with developers and applicants who exert the extra effort to make their projects better for the Town. I have little regard for those who take too much from the bounty that the Town has to offer and unreasonably push the envelope. Those that knowingly violate our environmental regulations have my particular disdain. They demean by their actions, the efforts of others who do comply. 

I do not do a perfect job. I have tried the patience of many, including my long suffering secretaries, first Diane Malcolmson, and presently, Irene Nasuti. Irene tolerates my antics and "creative" management style. Considering that I have never provided her with a clear view of my desktop, she deserves special consideration and has my sincere gratitude.

For many reasons, I would like to thank David Grasfield, Christine Turnbull and Cliff Towner, but particularly at this time, for providing Peg with their wonderful letters of recommendation, which she included in the nomination. You all somehow managed to hide your actions and afforded me a wonderful surprise.

I would like to thank past Conservation Commissioners and present members,

Peg, Hank Langstroth, Janet Dunlap, Kathy Roth, Steve Glicken, Stephen Cremer, Christine Turnbull. And Thank You…

                        Dan, Alice, Rita and Leslie M….

                        David, Chuck and Irene N…..

                        Kyla, Kurt, Ira, and Leslie K….

                        family, friends and colleagues

                        who put up with me each day…

                        Jack, we share adjectives from the alphabet; we don't stay mad at

                        each other for long…

                        Kathy B. we share the letter T above; have you even once in your

                        life been wrong?  (Oh, just kidding.)

As I look back, it might have been difficult to earn this special award, working for just any other Town. In another setting under a different structure, who knows?  I do know that I have always had the need to secure a reasonable level of achievement just to remain "reasonable". After all, on those occasions when my frustration has reached unacceptable levels, and my face has taken on an unhealthy tone, my good friends at the Department of Public Works are known to start up Greg's "stroke pool", hoping for the big day at last and the big payoff. Clearly, in another setting, where environmental initiatives have little chance, I could easily see myself being drawn and quartered for conduct unbecoming a sane human being.

Sharon residents, however, expect, demand and deserve results. They care about the environment where they have chosen to live and they have supported many efforts to maintain the character of their Town. I believe in the wisdom of Town Meeting where all have the opportunity to govern instead of an "all knowing few." I don't believe that it is a mistake or travesty that over 40% of Sharon will remain undisturbed as it is today, forever or that attaining a higher percentage is without merit.

This award acknowledges that my achievements are of a caliber beyond the norm. Many of you have traveled this road with me. In this regard, you truly must share the recognition that this award represents.

                                                             Heartfelt thanks to you all!

                                                                        Greg Meister

P.S.  Ha! Ha!, Maddie and Darah. See, your Dad doesn't spend hours at home writing only "nasty" letters to people!! Love you two.

06-19-2006

Conservation Sub-Division Study Group

The second meeting to examine the CSD ByLaw was held at Town Hall on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 7:30 pm. It was a public (legally posted) meeting.

Present were:

Wayne Bradley, meeting chair

Alice Cheyer

George Bailey

Greg Meister

David Hearne

Paul Lauenstein

Amanda Sloan

David Grasfield

(Greg and David Hearne needed to leave before the discussion ended, David Grasfield arrived for the 2nd half)

The meeting format was a brainstorm where participants had a forum in which to offer short-statement critique/suggestions regarding the current CSD bylaw and its relation to the Hunter’s Ridge development. All statements were recorded in writing in order to give us a document from which to move forward. The following questions were addressed:

1. What does the town want in a CSD bylaw?

2. Did something go wrong at Hunter’s Ridge? If so, what?

3. What can be done?

4. Was the 2003 amendment to the CSD a mistake? If so, why? If not, why not?

5. What revisions to the existing bylaw make sense?

In traditional brainstorm format, no conclusions are reached at the initial stage but the questions and issues are put forth in order to be examined in the next steps. Following are the questions listed in the order they were discussed and the comments/questions/issues each raised. Repetition occurs where an idea was brought up more than once.

1. What does the town want in a CSD ByLaw?

2. Did something go wrong at Hunter’s Ridge? If so, what?

3. What can be done?

4. Was the 2003 amendment to the CSD a mistake? If so, why? If not, why not?

5. What revisions to the existing bylaw make sense?

06-13-2006

Board of Health Update

On Monday, June 5th, the Board of Health voted to post a hearing for a further amendment to Article 7 (septic) preserving the requirement that shared system applicants be required to demonstrate that they could have constructed an equivalent number of conventional systems (recently removed from Title 5.)

New and comprehensive massage regulations have just been promulgated.

The Board of Health is also coordinating with the Animal Control officer on a warrant article for the Fall Town Meeting limiting number of dogs that can be owned in a residential setting.

The Board also will continue to look for partners/support to increase plastics and metal recycling at recreational venues and paper and plastic and metal in schools

06-13-2006

Father Bullock Road Race

The Father Bullock Road Race took place on Sunday, June 11th. The good weather brought out many runners and spectators.

Dave Martin hands the microphone to Father Scott Euvrard (red shirt) for the race benediction

The Father Bullock Road Race proceeds down Pond Street

06-12-2006

Finance Committee Reserve Fund Requests

The Finance Committee has been busy since Town Meeting. Last week the Committee reorganized, electing Ira Miller as the new Chairman. Rounding out the executive committee is Joel Alpert and Gloria Rose as the new Vice-chairs and Jon Hitter as the Clerk.

Last night the action continued with further deliberations on requests for expenditures from the Reserve Fund. Eric Hooper appeared to make the case for a $45,000 request to fund the purchase of a trailer formerly used at the Community Center and the School Committee presented their case for additional funds to cover the unexpected cost of energy.

As always seems to be the case, the dialogue between Hooper and the Finance Committee took a turn to the heated side. Several members of the Finance Committee questioned the validity of the request as a Reserve Fund Transfer, which requires specific criteria as an unforeseen and extraordinary request. There were also conflicting opinions from the Department of Revenue on the appropriateness of the request. In the end of the evening, the Finance Committee voted 5 to 5, which defeated the motion to allow the reserve fund transfer.

The conversation with the School Committee, accompanied by Superintendent Claire Jackson, was long and at times, also heated. Concern was raised that the request needed to be centered on current year fiscal issues, not savings that could help in next year’s budget. In the end, the request was framed as strictly to cover the extraordinary energy costs incurred this year, due largely to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. After a long discussion, the request was approved for $300,000, which will fund items such as textbooks and teacher training which would have been deferred due to the need to fund the additional cost of energy and fuel.

Also approved was a request by the Conservation Commission for $4500 to fund additional staff hours this past year. The rationale was the increased hours were unforeseen as they were required to work on the various 40B issues before the Town this year.

06-01-2006

Override Recount Results

The override vote for the School Department budget was challenged by a recount. On May 31st, the recounting yielded the same 6 vote margin. The results from the Town Election are upheld and the override has been defeated.

05-16-2006

Potential for Windmill Electricity in Sharon

Mr. David Brooks, Norwell, MA 02061, 781-826-4259, presented about windmill-generated electricity at the Economics Committee this evening.

First a "met[eorological]" tower, 100-200 ft tall, would be erected to get wind data (how much wind does the site have), cost $50,000 with possible $40,000 reimbursement from masstech.org. Should be done in summer months (least wind season). After three to six months, the "met" tower is taken down and a turbine (with wind blades) erected. On a scale of wind classes low 1-8 high, Sharon might have class 2 wind.

Recommended would be a smaller turbine right next to the building using the electricity (like a school). If the turbine is not right next to the building, the electricity would have to be sent over the grid (wires), NStar would have to be paid, and any savings are reduced. (The Town could set up a municipal lighting company, but this would be "a major undertaking.") One small turbine could be at a school and one small turbine next to the fire department or DPW. One would have to figure out which building uses the most electricity and put the turbine there. This is disappointing: one had imagined a windmill at one place that could supply electricity for the whole town.

I was interested in the possibility of using the landfill for a windmill, hoping to learn that a windmill tower would not require digging down. But it does. One would have to dig down to bedrock, including breaking through the plastic. I had thought it was not permissible to break through the plastic because toxics could leak into the groundwater. This rather disposes against using the landfill for windmills (although Hull did, http://www.hullwind.org/). Vestas, a Danish company, put up the Hull windmill.

Given Town land, Mr. Brooks's company does everything for the town: publicity with neighbors for buy-in; buying, installing, and running the windmill, usually for 3-5 years before town takes over. His company does not make turbines as Vestas does. There is a queue for new turbines (2008), but used ones may be available.

Additional Web sites are

http://www.awea.org/

http://www.nrel.gov/

I did not hear details about costs and potential savings, except possibly 10% savings on the $2 million electricity bill with a small turbine. Michael Bossin of the Economics Committee is the leader of the subcommittee on new revenues (or at least on windmills).

Alice Cheyer

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Last modified: 10/08/07