Town Of Sutton Board Of Selectman |
Meeting Minutes--
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on-_03/16/2010_ by a vote _3-0-1
7:00 p.m. – March 2, 2010
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
John Hebert, Chairman; Kevin Geraghty, Clerk: Members Michael Chizy and Ryan Fattman
Selectman Hersom is not present
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 Fattman motions to approve February 16, 2010 minutes as presented, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 4-0
Selectman Fattman motions to approve Executive Session minutes from February 16, 2010 but not to be released at this time, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 4-0
Common Victualer License for Kings Campground: Selectman Chizy asks if there are any issues with this, TA Smith informs BOS that the new managers have been working with DEP and the town regarding septic issues. Selectman Chizy motions to approve the Common Vic for Kings Campground Selectman Fattman seconds passes 4-0
Xtra Mart “Change of Manager” for Liquor License: TA Smith informs BOS that this is a change in manager only. Due to the Liquor License at this location it must go before the BOS. The manager on file is John Taylor; the new manager is Sean Kane. This information must be forwarded to the ABCC. Selectman Geraghty motions to authorize the change in manager from John Taylor to Sean Kane, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 4-0
FY11 Budget Update: TA Smith gives a brief power point to show the changes in the proposed FY11 budget gap from the $92,000.00 to the current figure of $164,000.00. To help close the gap, Jim has proposed that Dept. Heads will forgo their 3% raise in July until January, Dept. cuts, reduction in staffing, maintenance; reduction to school and an increase in the use of free cash. This would leave a remaining gap of $42,200.00. If approved by the BOS and town vote, the Meals/Hotel tax would bring in approximately $45,000.00. TA Smith informs the BOS that several area towns, including Millbury are moving the Meals/Hotel tax to Town Meeting as a revenue option. If there are additional cuts to Local Aid and Chapter 70 some solutions may be to increase the current Municipal Lien fee from $25.00 to $50.00, reduce hours/staffing in departments
and sale of tax title property(one time revenue). Selectman Chizy questioned Powerball in Massachusetts and if that would bring additional revenue to the towns, Chairman Hebert asks Jim to confirm with DOR the figure that the town would see if the Meals/Hotel tax was passed and bring it before the BOS at the March 16th meeting, Selectman Geraghty is hoping that we can avoid delaying the Dept. Heads increases, although it shows leadership they fall behind every year. The school and the unions have not gone without increases. It is an element of fairness. Kevin questions at what point do we use rainy day funds? Selectman Chizy is against using our stabilization funds as it helps us with bond ratings and we use the interest off of it now. Selectman Fattman asks if the figure DOR had given the town is legitimate; could the decline of the economy have changed the figure? Ryan also questions if the town would get 100% of the money; TA Smith will discuss with DOR the
methodology in arriving at the figure.
Town Administrator Update:
- Solar Grant: Sutton was awarded 2 grants for the Solar project. There is a meeting with the #1 company on Thursday
- Millbury Gas Problem: TA Smith informs BOS that Mgr. Bob Spain requested help while their gas tank issue is resolved. This is a win win situation and a way to be a good neighbor.
- Economic Development Council: Senator Moore is proposing to reinstate county tax on cherry sheet ($12,800.00) to cover staffing of the Regional Economic Development Council. This would provide a permanent tax and they are looking for support. The BOS all agree to discuss at next meeting.
- Sutton has received for the 2nd year, the Open Government Award with distinction for transparency. Jim thanks Pam Nichols for her hard work on the web site.
No Announcements at this time
Round Table:
Selectman Chizy- The food pantry is in need of food
Selectman Fattman congratulates the Boys Varsity Basketball team in the Clark Finals as well as a 2003 graduate of Sutton Liz Rooney for her appearance on American Idol.
Selectman Chizy motions to adjourn the meeting, Selectman Fattman seconds passes 4-0
Meeting Adjourned 7:50 pm
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