Garage rules change

SHARON — Access to the town garage is now being limited, according to First Selectman Robert Loucks, to help protect the property from vandalism and theft. “We don’t want people going in and out of the building,” Loucks explained at a meeting of the selectmen on March 13.Anne Saunders was among the approximately 25 people who attended the meeting. She was there to express concern that she could no longer get free mulch and wood chips for her garden. Saunders said Howard Randall had shown her an official notice dated March 8 on Sharon selectmen’s office letterhead signed by the first selectman stating, “For liability purposes, only town of Sharon employees are allowed on the town garage premises.” She also read a letter she had submitted to The Lakeville Journal (March 15, 2012) about the notice.“So, no more wood, no more chips, no more sand, no more dropping off brush or asphalt by Sharon residents,” Saunders said. “I wonder if this notice was sent to all Sharon residents and when this policy was initiated?”She added that, “For years, Sharon residents have used this facility to obtain wood, mulch, sand, other items, and to drop off yard waste of various types. It’s been a wonderful resource for all and will be much missed if this notice remains.”Saunders said she uses the free mulch from the town garage for her flowers.Loucks explained that town residents are still “allowed to put brush in, take chips out. If they have a reason for being there they can come to the Board of Selectmen and request that. “Some metal that had been there was stolen. An excavator parked on the property had been hit by rocks. So, we want to secure the area. ”He also indicated that there have been problems with town residents going into the garage and talking to town crew workers.“We don’t want people going in and talking with the town crew members,” he said. “If they have something to discuss, they can bring it to the Board of Selectmen, rather than stirring up the road crew. I don’t want them involved for any political reasons, for any personal reasons. They are there to do a job and not to get caught up in any political or personal items in the town.”Loucks said he checked with the town attorney, who drew up the letter limiting access to the town property.“They have a copy of these at the town garage,” Loucks said. “When people come to the town garage, they will be given a copy of this and their names will be recorded so we know who has seen it. If the notice is not clear, we can modify it.”