Town Of Sutton Board Of Selectman |
Meeting Minutes--
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on April 6, 2010_ by a vote 4-0_
7:00 p.m. – March 16, 2010
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
John Hebert, Chairman; Richard Hersom, Vice-Chair, Kevin Geraghty, Clerk: Member Michael Chizy
Selectman Fattman entered at 7:20 pm
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 Geraghty motions to approve March 2, 2010 minutes as presented, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 3-0-1
*******PUBLIC HEARING*********
Class II License request by Stanley Fleming dba Flemings Garage at 32 Boston Road.
Chairman Hebert opens the public hearing: Selectman Geraghty reads the public hearing as advertized in the Millbury Sutton Chronicle on February 25, 2010. TA Smith requests for the hearing to be continued pending site plan review with the Planning Board on April 12th. Selectman Hersom motions to continue the Public Hearing until April 20th, Selectman Geraghty seconds passes 4-0
Refunding of Elementary School Borrowing: TA Smith and Tim Harrison update the BOS on the annual review process of debt roll off. During this review Tim Harrison, Clark Rowell and Cheryl Ouillette were all in agreement that it was time to call in the note (bond) for the Elementary School which was pulled back in the late 90’s. Having paid 10 years on this with a payment structure in level principle payments (more principle up front then at the end of the loan) had advantages. This is due to Tims conservative borrowing plan. The lower interest rates are also an advantage at this time. By eliminating this debt exclusion it will add 5-600,000.00 back on the books. In FY12 the 5 debt exclusions will be Shaw Farm, Whittier Farm, the ELC roof, the Quint Fire truck and the Sewer Treatment plant. TA Smith says this
reaps great benefits for the town. Tim Harrison feels this will put the town in a good position for the vote of the new Middle School/High School. Selectman Chizy says this brings out what Tim Harrison does behind the scenes. Selectman Hersom says this is a great story; it is wonderful news, great conservative foresight. Selectman Geraghty echoes all comments, Kevin feels Sutton residents continue to benefit from the work done by employees like Tim and Cheryl Ouillette. Selectman Hebert thanks Tim for his continued effort in all that he does.
Surplus of Town owned property: 86 Duval Road and 134 Dodge Hill Road were acquired by the Town through Tax Title Foreclosure. 86 Duval Road (assessed at $130,900.) is 3.68 acres and a final decree was issued to the town in 1968, 134 Dodge Hill Road (assessed at $169,800.) is 2.23 acres and the final decree was issued to the town in 2004. They appear to be buildable lots but a perc test will be performed. Ta Smith is asking the BOS to vote to surplus these parcels and sell under MGL C60 section 77B. TA Smith has also requested that the auctioneer establish a minimum bid at market value. Cheryl Ouillette is the Tax Title custodian and will be working with Jim and the Auctioneer. Selectman Chizy motions to surplus, pursuant to MGL Ch60 § 77B, town owned parcels of land located at 86 Duval Road and 134 Dodge Hill Road,
Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0
Presentation on Meals and Hotel Tax: TA Smith contacted the DOR to get clarification on a few areas for the BOS. The estimates for the Town of Sutton are based on actual gross sales reported to the US Census from 3-4 years ago. Jim had asked for an updated list of establishments in Sutton to make sure the information is correct. The question about Millbury’s estimates being close to Suttons was also explained. Chain restaurants report to their home office towns but the towns with restaurants do reap the benefit of the tax. TA Smith is asking the BOS to vote to send to Town Meeting for approval. Selectman Chizy was 100% against this as he hates new taxes but just receiving news of the 4% cut in State aid has made him change his mind. Mike goes on to say he would hate to see layoffs. Selectman Geraghty shares Mikes thoughts but
during his travels has noted that Meals & Hotel Tax is very common in municipalities. It is prudent to enact, it will positively help us with very little impact on the residents (100.00 meal check would now be $100.75). Selectman Fattman shares the sentiment with the other members but will not vote for it. He says to look at the packaging of the municipal relief. He then says to go back to 2002 when the lottery was capped, the money was never given back to the cities and towns. He will not support. Selectman Hersom agreed with the previous comments but feels with this being crunch time and our budget at the bare bones standpoint it makes sense. If this vote would impact our residents he would not support but with very few choices it is in the best interest of the town. Selectman Hebert agrees with the other board members, he was not for it at the first but will be in support of this. Selectman Hersom motions to place the Local Option Meals & Hotel Tax increase (3/4’s
of 1% increase in the meals tax and a 2% increase on the hotel/motel tax) on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for further consideration by Town Meeting, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 4-1 (Selectman Fattman opposes)
Municipal Lien Certificate Fee: Cheryl Ouillette is present to present to the BOS a request to increase the current $25.00 fee to $50.00. A MCL is a legal document put together by the Treasurer’s office that lists all taxes, assessments and water charges on the parcel. This information is requested for sale of property or refinancing. Hearing no questions Selectman Fattman motions to increase the Municipal Lien Certificates from $25.00 to $50.00 as allowed under MGL Ch40 § 22F Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0.
TA Update:
- Solar Project awarded and contract signed with Ostrow Electric.
- Route 146 Roadway & water main project: bids currently are picked up in TA office. Graves is the project manager. This is being paid for from the MORE grant.
- Marions Camp: going out to bid for parking lot pavement, drainage and beach access improvements.
- Open Government Award: Sutton has received for the second year the “with distinction award”
- Budget Update: Finance meetings have been held, great job with questions asked. Dept. Heads spoke of struggles with continued cuts. Will meet again in mid April.
No Announcements
Round Table: Selectman Fattman great news about the work to be done at Marions Camp.
Selectman Fattman motions to adjourn the meeting, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0
Meeting Adjourned 7:50 pm
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