Meeting Minutes--
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 01/05/2010 by a vote 4-0
7:00 p.m. – December 15, 2009
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
John Hebert, Chairman; Richard Hersom, Vice-Chair; Kevin Geraghty, Clerk; Members Michael Chizy and Ryan Fattman
Also in Attendance: James Smith, Town Administrator; Debbie Jacques, Administrative Secretary
Chairman Hebert calls the meeting to order at 7:00 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
No comments under Public Forum
Selectman Hersom motions to approve December 1, 2009 minutes as presented, Selectman Geraghty seconds passes 5-0
Appointment of Michael Roach of 40 Dudley Lane, to the School Building Committee: A position was left available due to the early resignation of David Suhl. Michael Roach is present at this time as he had previously expressed an interest in this committee. Selectman Chizy asks his background; David replies that he has a Bachelors Degree in project management as well as a degree in electrical engineering. Selectman Geraghty feels it is good to have a new member as it will add new perspective to a very dynamic committee. Selectmen Hersom and Fattman both offer thanks to his willingness to serve the community. Selectman Chizy motions to appoint Michael Roach to the School Building Committee, Selectman Geraghty seconds passes 5-0
2010 License Renewals (as attached): Selectman Geraghty read the list of 2010 license renewals for Class I, II & III, Common Victuallers, Amusement Devices, All liquor licenses, Music & Dance. Selectman Hersom motions to approve as presented, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 5-0. Selectman Geraghty motions to approve the following licenses (as attached) contingent upon payment of delinquent taxes, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 5-0. Selectman Geraghty motions to approve the following license (as attached) contingent upon payment of license fees, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 5-0.
Update on the Sutton Food Pantry by COA Director Michelle Edelstein: Michelle begins by saying the Sutton Food Pantry is a very successful organization. Due to the location in the Senior Center, Michelle has become the director of the Food Pantry and wishes to educate people on it. Michelle states that the Senior Citizens (60 + population) and the Food Pantry (families in Sutton) are both at 19 Hough Road but are two separate services. Often times, seniors contribute to the Food Pantry and over the past 5 years only a handful of seniors have utilized it. Approximately 11 to 20 families use the Food Pantry a week. Michelle makes a point to say “no one is turned away”. This is a short term aid until the families can get back on their feet. Michele reviews the process in which a family goes through to get the assistance.
Michelle sets up a meeting and discusses the family’s needs, number of family members and their ages, as well as an electric bill to show proof of residency. Michelle goes on to state that there is tremendous accountability and the importance to maximize the use of donations. There is a constant need 12 months out of the year but people tend to donate more around the holiday season. The pantry is pretty low during the summer months due to kids being home from school. Michelle goes on to say that the food drives in town by various churches, groups etc. really help out but contributors should check the dates on the donated items prior to donating. Any food goods that are expired or opened must be discarded. Michelle states “if you won’t eat it, don’t give it out”. The volunteers also make this a success, Barbara Bessette, the Rawinski family, Katie Hebert, Jeanette Carter are a few to mention but certainly many more volunteers help to stock and
keep the food pantry running. Michelle states that prior to the economy crisis she began getting quotes on expanding the Senior Center for the Food Pantry. One reason is for the confidentiality as well as safety for the volunteers. Some people will not use the pantry as they are embarrassed. A separate entrance to the food pantry would assure people confidentiality as well as the much needed expansion for the food pantry stock. The Board of Selectmen all offer their praises and gratitude for Michelle’s hard work as well as the volunteers and the generous contributors in Sutton assisting those families in need.
Town Administrator Update:
- Solar Grants 2 grants submitted totaling $200,000. 21 packets taken out for the RFP
- Secretary Reveille-Education secretary for the State held a hearing here at the Sutton Town Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 9th. The message that was received was a real budget gap for the next fiscal year budget. This would mean less in local aid.
- Shaw Conceptual Plan: specifications written, forwarded copy to Gates, Leighton. Job does not require a bid process
- Opticom: permit from MA Highway has been issued. This will be paid for through the MORE Grant.
Round Table:
Selectman Hersom: requests the process in which licenses are renewed. Selectman Hersom states a deadline is a deadline but acknowledges that TA Smith is trying to maintain a business friendly community. If you have taxes owed or do not get your renewal in then you do not get your license. TA Smith replies that with the end of the year approaching and this was the last scheduled BOS meeting that is why we had some contingencies on the approvals. Jim states that he is open to feed back on this process and he will take this into consideration the next license renewal period.
Announcements:
Selectman Fattman: offers congratulations to Bill Jacques for graduating from the Police Academy and offers all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Selectman Geraghty: another drive in town run by Tracey and Sonny Zuliani where they have back packs that they fill with food and distribute to school kids in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Zulianis home.
Selectman Fattman motions to adjourn the meeting, Hersom seconds passes 5-0
Meeting Adjourned 8:05 pm
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