Sharon meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Sharon boards review $75K donation, water plant costs, and solar leases

In the past two weeks, Sharon's boards and committees met to review a range of items, from a proposed $75,000 playground donation to water treatment plant invoices. No votes were taken, as minutes from these meetings have not yet been published.

School Committee weighs $75,000 donation

On Aug. 12, the School Committee considered canceling acceptance of a $75,000 donation from the Cottage PTO for the Cottage Street Elementary playground. The agenda also included a presentation by superintendent candidate Dr. Jocelyn and discussion of appointing her to the position. No vote was taken.

Building committee reviews water plant and HVAC costs

On Aug. 4, the Sharon Standing Building Committee reviewed invoice vouchers for High School HVAC work totaling $85,592.00 and received construction updates for the Water Treatment Plant. On Aug. 18, the committee will consider approving an invoice for engineering services from Weston & Sampson totaling $36,986.77.

Finance Committee reviews salaries and solar lease

On Aug. 3, the Finance Committee discussed updates on elected officials' salaries, the landfill solar lease's financial impact, and the FY2026 town budget closeout. A subcommittee met Aug. 6 to review salary findings and the Town Clerk selection method.

Economic Development and other committees plan events

On Aug. 3, the Economic Development Committee planned Small Business Saturday activities, a business directory, and attendance at Porch Fest on Aug. 30. The committee also introduced new member Bob Hertzel.

Select Board hearings on licenses and utilities

On Aug. 4, the Select Board held public hearings on an alcohol license transfer from Ginkgo Restaurant to Cooking Girl Cambridge LLC at 386-388 South Main St., and on utility poles for Verizon and Eversource on Nasir Ahmad Road and Lakeview Street. The board also considered a one-day liquor license for Castle Island Brewery C2H LLC at Ward's Berry Farm on Oct. 12, 2026, and a road closure for a block party on Robin Road on Aug. 16.

Lake Massapoag and solar committees

On Aug. 5, the Lake Massapoag Advisory Committee discussed water quality test results and considered votes on funding for NEAS DASH ($37,500-$45,000) and NepRWA design and communications ($6,000-$8,000). On Aug. 10, the Municipal Solar Oversight Committee reviewed solar project statuses, including the Mt. Street LF solar project and Middle School rooftop solar removal.

Planning Board and ZBA

On Aug. 6, the Planning Board discussed the PO Square Guidelines Proposal and entered executive session on litigation involving Sunrise Senior Living, LLC. On Aug. 12, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a hearing on an application for 125 Beach Street.

Transportation and DEI

On Aug. 12, the Transportation Advisory Board discussed 2026 projects including South Main Street signals and the Massapoag Rotary. On Aug. 13, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee elected officers and planned for Sharon Day on Sept. 27.

Coming up

• Aug. 17: School Committee executive session (not public)
• Aug. 18: Sharon Standing Building Committee
• Aug. 19: Library Trustees
• Aug. 20: Water Management Advisory Committee
• Aug. 27: Commission on Disabilities

Sharon boards weigh licenses, budgets, and school contracts; no decisions published yet

Over the past two weeks, Sharon's boards and committees met to discuss a range of items, from utility pole installations and liquor license transfers to school contract negotiations and water quality funding. As of this writing, minutes from these meetings have not been published, so no formal votes or decisions are available. The agendas, however, outline the issues under consideration.

Select Board: Hearings on licenses and utilities

The Select Board held public hearings on Aug. 4 regarding an alcohol license transfer from Ginkgo Restaurant to Cooking Girl Cambridge LLC at 386-388 South Main St., and on Verizon and Eversource utility poles and fixtures on Nasir Ahmad Road and Lakeview Street. The board also scheduled votes on appointing two alternate members to the Council on Aging Advisory Board, a one-day liquor license for Castle Island Brewery C2H LLC at Ward's Berry Farm on Oct. 12, 2026, and a road closure for a neighborhood block party on Robin Road on Aug. 16.

Finance Committee: Salaries, solar lease, budget closeout

The Finance Committee met Aug. 3 to discuss updates on elected officials' salaries and the Town Clerk selection method, the financial impact of the landfill solar lease, the FY2026 town budget closeout, and work to facilitate hybrid meetings. The committee also voted to approve minutes from its June 29 meeting. A subcommittee met Aug. 6 to review findings on salaries and the Town Clerk selection method, preparing an update for the full committee.

School Committee: Contract talks and litigation

The School Committee held several sessions focused on negotiations. On July 29, it discussed the Superintendent's contract and entered executive session on pending litigation (AAA No. 01-26-0000-1807). The Negotiations Subcommittee met in executive session on July 30 and Aug. 5 for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association and strategy discussions. No public votes were scheduled.

Building Committee: HVAC invoices

The Sharon Standing Building Committee reviewed $85,592.00 in invoice vouchers for High School HVAC work on Aug. 4. It also received construction updates for the Water Treatment Plant, including process piping, Tree Lane pavement prep, building HVAC, electrical conduits, and pipe painting.

Lake Massapoag: Water quality and funding

The Lake Massapoag Advisory Committee met Aug. 5 to review water quality test results, including phosphorus and E. coli levels. Members discussed votes on funding for NEAS DASH ($37,500-$45,000) and NepRWA design and communications ($6,000-$8,000), a DEP 604b grant for a septic phosphorus loading study, updates on VMB lot construction and the MVP grant decision, and TRC test results on lake seepage and outfalls.

Economic Development: Porch Fest and business activities

The Economic Development Committee met Aug. 3 to plan remaining 2026 activities, including Small Business Saturday, a town business directory and calendar, and attendance at local events. The committee introduced new member Bob Hertzel and discussed Porch Fest, scheduled for Aug. 30.

Planning Board: PO Square guidelines and litigation

The Planning Board met Aug. 6 to discuss the PO Square Guidelines Proposal and entered executive session to discuss litigation strategy in Sunrise Senior Living, LLC v. Town of Sharon Planning Board, et al. (Land Court Case No. 26 PS 000212). No substantive votes were scheduled.

Coming up

• **Aug. 10** – Energy Advisory Committee and Municipal Solar Advisory Committee joint meeting to review solar project status reports, production updates, and off-bill credit allocations, and to vote on July minutes.
• **Aug. 17** – School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee executive session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association.

Sharon Boards Tackle Carnegie Building Deal, School HVAC Costs, and Solar Lease Review

Sharon's town boards had a busy late July, with the Select Board scheduled to weigh a land development agreement for the Carnegie building and the Standing Building Committee set to review nearly $250,000 in project invoices. All recent meetings were agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published — so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Select Board: Carnegie Building and Appointments

On July 22, the Select Board was scheduled to discuss and potentially vote on a land development agreement with developer Rich Derosas for adaptive reuse of the Carnegie building. The agenda also included votes to appoint Anthony Fortunato, Jillian Jennett, and Matthew Zinno to the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, appoint Griffin Weiner as student representative to that committee, and approve an India Association of Greater Boston flag raising ceremony on August 16, 2026.

Standing Building Committee: Water Treatment Plant and High School Costs

The Standing Building Committee met July 21 to review several project invoices. The agenda listed Apex Invoice #14114 for Water Treatment Plant engineering services at $139,310.69 and Weston & Sampson invoice #26070213 for Water Treatment Plant engineering services at $24,361.38. High School HVAC work invoice vouchers totaled $85,592.00. The committee was also set to receive construction updates on Water Treatment Plant piping, sitework, electrical ductbank, and window gasket repair coordination.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Massapoag Avenue Hearing

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a July 22 hearing on an application at 194–4/168 Massapoag Avenue (case 1944). The agenda included review of May 13, 2026 minutes and other business not posted within 48 hours. The meeting was conducted via Zoom with possible Sharon TV broadcast.

Planning Board: Community Center Hearing Continues

On July 23, the Planning Board continued a public hearing on a Minor Site Plan Review for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center at 414 N Main St, 414A N Main Street, and 4 Nasir Ahmad Road. The board also planned to discuss PO Square Guidelines and enter executive session regarding litigation with Sunrise Senior Living, LLC (Land Court Civil Action No. 26 PS 000212).

School Committee: Superintendent's Contract and Teacher Talks

The School Committee met July 29 to discuss and potentially vote on the Superintendent's contract, with an executive session planned for pending litigation (AAA No. 01-26-0000-1807). On July 22 and July 30, the Negotiations Subcommittee met in executive session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Finance Committee:** Will review elected officials' salaries, the landfill solar lease's financial implications, FY2026 budget closeout, and hybrid meeting facilitation.
• **Aug. 3 — Economic Development Committee:** Plans 2026 activities including Small Business Saturday, a business directory, and Porch Fest on August 30. New member Bob Hertzel to be introduced.
• **Aug. 4 — Select Board:** Public hearings on a Verizon and Eversource utility poles on Nasir Ahmad Road and Lakeview Street, and an alcohol license transfer from Ginkgo Restaurant to Cooking Girl Cambridge LLC at 386-388 South Main St. Also: a one-day liquor license for Castle Island Brewery C2H LLC at Ward's Berry Farm on October 12, 2026, and a road closure vote for a Robin Road block party on August 16.
• **Aug. 4 — Standing Building Committee:** Will review $85,592.00 in High School HVAC invoice vouchers and receive Water Treatment Plant construction updates.
• **Aug. 10 — Energy Advisory Committee and Municipal Solar Advisory Committee:** Joint session to review solar project status, including the Mt. Street landfill solar project, Middle School rooftop removal, and production updates for multiple town solar sites.

Sharon Boards Tackle Water Plant Costs, Carnegie Building, and Solar Projects in Busy Week

Sharon's town boards had a packed schedule in early July, with committees scheduled to review more than $800,000 in construction invoices, discuss the Carnegie building redevelopment, and weigh in on solar, housing, and zoning matters. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, outcomes of scheduled votes and discussions are not yet confirmed.

Building Committee: Water Plant and High School Invoices

The Sharon Standing Building Committee met July 7 and was scheduled to review and approve two large invoices: $715,869.86 for construction work at the Water Treatment Plant (Invoice #43) and $85,592.00 for HVAC work at the High School. The committee was also set to receive a construction update covering process piping, sitework, electrical conduits, and a start-up plan due July 10. Minutes are not yet available, so final action on these items is not confirmed.

Select Board: Carnegie Building and Appointments

The Select Board met July 14 and was scheduled to discuss a draft land development agreement with developer Rich Derosas for the adaptive reuse of the Carnegie building. The agenda included interviews for board vacancies: Jesus Villanueva for a DEIC appointment and Barry Kasindorf for a COA alternate appointment. Scheduled consent calendar votes included appointing Robert Hertzel to the Economic Development Committee, approving a successor collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 362 through June 30, 2029, and approving one-day liquor licenses for Castle Island C2H at Ward's Berry Farm events and for a Max Performance Triathlon event at Memorial Park Beach.

Planning Board: Mosque Site Plan and Sunrise Litigation

The Planning Board held a July 9 public hearing on a minor site plan review for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center at 414 N Main St, 414A N Main St, and 4 Nasir Ahmad Rd. The board was also scheduled to discuss PO Square guidelines presented by consultant Emily Innes and to enter executive session on litigation strategy in Sunrise Senior Living, LLC v. Town of Sharon Planning Board (Land Court case 26 PS 000212).

Conservation Commission: Sunrise Senior Living Permit

The Conservation Commission met July 16 and scheduled a public hearing on Land Disturbance Permit LDP-0003 for Sunrise Senior Living at 313 Norwood St, 317 Norwood St, and 5 Edge Hill Rd. The agenda also included a continued hearing on aquatic invasive management at The Cape Club (NOI SE280-0672) and a new hearing for LMAC Lake Massapoag aquatic management (AOOC SE280-0425). Discussion items included a single-family addition at 7 Summit Ave and a synthetic turf proposal for JM Pet Resort at Sharon Gallery Building B.

Solar Committee: Project Status Updates

The Municipal Solar Oversight Committee met July 13 to review solar project statuses, including Mt. Street LF, a library construction update with a mechanical completion target of August 13, an Ames Field Pond Street canopy start date of August 10, and a Middle School rooftop project removal report from Solect. The committee was also scheduled to review off-bill credit allocations for DPW projects, Well #5, Middle School, Pond Street canopy, and Syncarpha.

Other Meetings

The Housing Authority held a July 6 public hearing on its proposed FY2027 Annual Plan, covering a 3-year Capital Improvement Plan, Maintenance and Repair Plan, Operating Budget, Performance Management Review findings, and EOHLC regulation waivers. The School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee met July 6 in executive session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association. The Transportation Advisory Board discussed South Main Street signals, the Commuter Rail/Train Station, and the Massapoag Rotary project on July 14. The Finance Committee met July 16 to review its governance committee structure and subcommittee timeline.

Coming Up

• **July 21 — Standing Building Committee:** Scheduled to review Water Treatment Plant invoices totaling $139,310.69 (Apex) and $24,361.38 (Weston & Sampson), plus $85,592.00 in High School HVAC vouchers.
• **July 22 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing for a case at 168 Massapoag Avenue, via Zoom.
• **July 23 — Planning Board:** Continued public hearing on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center site plan, plus PO Square guidelines and executive session on Sunrise Senior Living litigation.
• **July 30 — School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee:** Executive session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association.

Sharon boards weigh $1.3M in invoices and transfers, teacher contract, mosque site plan

Sharon's town boards convened across a busy stretch of meetings in early July, with agendas covering more than $1.3 million in proposed payments and reserve transfers, a teacher contract vote, and a public hearing on a community center site plan. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what agendas listed for discussion or action — not confirmed outcomes.

Finance Committee — $500,000 in reserve fund transfers

The Finance Committee's June 29 agenda called for votes on $500,000 in reserve fund transfers across town departments: DPW ($249,120), Fire Department ($180,000), IT ($30,000), Norfolk Aggie ($18,325), and Unemployment ($22,555). The agenda also listed authorization for inter-departmental fund transfers under state law, appointments to the Standing Building Committee and a Town Clerk salary review sub-committee, and liaison assignments to the Community Preservation, Schools, Library, and Planning/Zoning boards. Minutes are not yet published.

Standing Building Committee — $801,461.86 in invoices

On July 7, the committee was scheduled to review and approve two large invoices: $715,869.86 for construction work at the Water Treatment Plant (Invoice #43) and $85,592.00 for HVAC work at the High School. The agenda also included a construction update covering process piping, sitework, electrical conduits, and a start-up plan due July 10, plus approval of June 23 meeting minutes. Minutes are not yet published.

School Committee — teacher contract and assistant superintendent amendment

The July 1 School Committee agenda listed a vote on a Memorandum of Agreement with the Sharon Teachers Association and a potential vote on an Assistant Superintendent employment contract amendment. The meeting was set to begin with an executive session on negotiation strategy for nonunion personnel and collective bargaining. A separate July 6 Negotiations Subcommittee meeting was devoted entirely to executive session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association. Minutes are not yet published for either meeting.

Planning Board — public hearing on Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center

The July 9 Planning Board agenda included a public hearing on a minor site plan review for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center at 414 N Main St, 414A N Main St, and 4 Nasir Ahmad Rd. The board was also scheduled to discuss PO Square Guidelines presented by consultant Emily Innes and enter executive session on litigation strategy in Sunrise Senior Living, LLC v. Town of Sharon Planning Board (Land Court case 26 PS 000212). Minutes are not yet published.

Housing Authority — FY2027 Annual Plan hearing

The Sharon Housing Authority held a July 6 public hearing on its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Plan, covering a 3-year Capital Improvement Plan, a Maintenance and Repair Plan, the current Operating Budget, responses to Performance Management Review findings, and waivers from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities regulations. Minutes are not yet published.

Other meetings

The Economic Development Committee on July 6 discussed signage regulations using the former yoga studio on Billings as an example, planned a town business website and directory, and reviewed a May 17 food truck festival at Veterans Memorial Park Beach, with Porch Fest scheduled for August 30.

The Recreation Advisory Committee on July 9 was set to review a final presentation from the Athletic Field Working Group, make a Citizen of the Year recommendation to the Select Board, and receive updates on summer beach pass sales and program registration.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Energy Advisory Committee and Municipal Solar Advisory Committee:** Status reports on solar projects including Mt. Street LF, Library construction (mechanical completion target August 13), Ames Field Pond Street canopy (start date August 10), and off-bill credit allocations.
• **July 14 — Select Board:** Discussion of a draft land development agreement with Developer Rich Derosas for the Carnegie building; interviews for board vacancies; votes on an AFSCME Local 362 collective bargaining agreement through June 30, 2029, and one-day liquor licenses for Castle Island C2H at Ward's Berry Farm and a Max Performance Triathlon event at Memorial Park Beach.
• **July 14 — Transportation Advisory Board:** Discussion of South Main Street signals, Commuter Rail/Train Station, Massapoag Rotary, and an East Street sidewalk letter. No votes listed.
• **July 15 — Library Trustees:** Director probationary review, treasurer budget report, and building and grounds report.
• **July 22 — School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee:** Executive session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association.

Sharon boards met in late June, but outcomes not yet confirmed; $500,000 in reserve transfers and water plant invoices on the agendas

Sharon's boards held a busy stretch of meetings in late June, but because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, outcomes of scheduled votes are not yet confirmed. The largest items on the agendas included $500,000 in proposed reserve fund transfers, Water Treatment Plant invoices, and School Committee votes on the superintendent evaluation, the FY27 budget, and a teachers association agreement.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee was scheduled to vote on $500,000 in reserve fund transfers: DPW ($249,120), Fire Department ($180,000), IT ($30,000), Norfolk Aggie ($18,325), and Unemployment ($22,555). The agenda also included authorization for inter-department fund transfers per state law, appointments to the Standing Building Committee and a Town Clerk salary review sub-committee, and liaison assignments for Community Preservation, Schools, Library, and Planning/Zoning boards. Minutes are not yet published.

School Committee

The School Committee met June 24 and July 1. The June 24 agenda listed votes to approve the Summative Superintendent Evaluation, Middle School Sports Fees, the FY27 Budget as voted at Town Meeting, and out-of-state field trips for DECA to the Boston Convention Center (overnight, March 14-16, 2027) and the Anaheim Convention Center (April 16-21, 2027). The July 1 agenda listed a vote on a Memorandum of Agreement with the Sharon Teachers Association and a potential vote on an Assistant Superintendent employment contract amendment, following an executive session on negotiation strategy. Minutes are not yet published.

Standing Building Committee

The Standing Building Committee met June 23 to review Water Treatment Plant construction updates, including Fe/Mn pipe, pump installation, building enclosure, and electrical conduits. The agenda included approval of Invoice Voucher #42 and a final agreement with Tavares Family Mitigation, plus approval of June 9, 2026 meeting minutes. Minutes are not yet published.

Board of Health

The Board of Health was scheduled to vote on transferring the Field Agent for Engineering role from Kevin Davis to Ethan Pipes, and to discuss septic project updates, a presentation on kratom, and a Care Solace update. Minutes are not yet published.

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities was set to discuss an ADA self-evaluation and accessibility of Community Beach, Memorial Beach, athletic fields, playgrounds, and accessible fishing. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 6 — Economic Development Committee:** Discussion of signage regulations, using the former yoga studio on Billings as an example; plans for a town business website and directory; review of the May 17 food truck festival at Veterans Memorial Park Beach; upcoming Porch Fest on August 30.
• **July 6 — Housing Authority:** Public hearing on the FY2027 Annual Plan, including a proposed 3-year Capital Improvement Plan, Maintenance and Repair Plan, current operating budget, responses to Performance Management Review findings, and review of waivers from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
• **July 6 — School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee:** Executive session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association.
• **July 7 — Standing Building Committee:** Review of Invoice #43 for Water Treatment Plant construction at $715,869.86 and High School HVAC invoices at $85,592.00; construction update on process piping, sitework, and electrical conduits, with a start-up plan due 07/10.
• **July 9 — Planning Board:** Public hearing on a minor site plan for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center at 414 N Main St, 414A N Main St, and 4 Nasir Ahmad Rd; PO Square Guidelines proposal presented by consultant Emily Innes; executive session for litigation strategy in Sunrise Senior Living, LLC v. Town of Sharon Planning Board (Land Court case 26 PS 000212).

Sharon Finance Committee takes up $500,000 in reserve fund transfers

The Sharon Finance Committee was scheduled to vote on a package of reserve fund transfers totaling $500,000 during its June 29 meeting, one of several significant items that appeared on recent town board agendas. The transfers would support the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, information technology, and other obligations.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee’s agenda included five specific transfers: $249,120 for the DPW, $180,000 for the Fire Department, $30,000 for IT, $18,325 for the Norfolk County Agricultural School, and $22,555 for unemployment costs. Members were also expected to authorize inter-departmental fund transfers under state law, appoint representatives to the Standing Building Committee and a Town Clerk salary review sub-committee, and assign liaisons to the Community Preservation, Schools, Library, and Planning/Zoning boards. Meeting minutes were not yet available.

School Committee

The School Committee held two meetings during the period. On June 24, the committee was set to vote on the superintendent’s summative evaluation, middle school sports fees, and two out-of-state field trips for DECA—to the Boston Convention Center in March 2027 and the Anaheim Convention Center in April 2027. It also planned to confirm the FY27 budget as approved at Town Meeting. Minutes have not been published.

On July 1, the committee scheduled votes on a Memorandum of Agreement with the Sharon Teachers Association and a possible employment contract amendment with the Assistant Superintendent. The meeting began in executive session for negotiation strategy.

Building and infrastructure

The Sharon Standing Building Committee convened on June 23 to review progress on the Water Treatment Plant project, including process piping, pump installation, building enclosure, and electrical conduits. Approval was sought for Invoice Voucher #42 and a final mitigation agreement with the Tavares family. The committee was also to approve minutes from the June 9 meeting. A subsequent meeting on July 7 will include votes on two major invoices: $715,869.86 for water plant construction (Invoice #43) and $85,592.00 for high school HVAC work.

Health and accessibility

The Board of Health on June 24 included a vote to transfer the Field Agent for Engineering role from Kevin Davis to Ethan Pipes. The board also discussed septic projects, received a presentation on kratom, and reviewed a Care Solace update.

The Commission on Disabilities met June 25 to consider accessibility improvements at community beaches, athletic fields, and playgrounds. An ADA self-evaluation and accessible fishing were also discussed.

Coming up

• **Housing Authority** (July 6): Public hearing on the proposed FY2027 Annual Plan, including the capital improvement plan, maintenance plan, operating budget, and responses to state performance reviews.
• **Economic Development Committee** (July 6): Discussion of new signage regulations for businesses, using the former yoga studio on Billings as an example. The group will also plan a town business website, directory, and brainstorming sessions, and review a successful food truck festival and August’s Porch Fest.
• **School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee** (July 6): Closed-door session for collective bargaining with the Sharon Teachers Association.
• **Planning Board** (July 9): Public hearing on a minor site plan for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center at 414 N Main St. The board will also discuss a PO Square guidelines proposal and hold an executive session on litigation with Sunrise Senior Living.