Meeting Minutes--
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 8/16/2011 by a vote of 3-0
(Selectman Geraghty & Hersom absent)
7:00 p.m. – August 2, 2011
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
Chairman Kevin Geraghty, Vice-Chair Michael Chizy, Clerk John Hebert, Members Richard Hersom & Kenneth Stuart
Also in Attendance: Town Administrator James Smith & Debbie Jacques, Administrative Secretary
Chairman Geraghty calls the meeting to order at 7:00 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
No Comments under Public Forum
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Hersom motions to accept as presented July 19th, 2011 meeting minutes, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0
COA Director Michelle Edelstein: Michelle begins by thanking the BOS for allowing her to come before them; she extends a hearty welcome back to TA Smith. Michelle again publicly thanks the anonymous donor for the generous donation for the addition at the Senior Center. She also thanks John Couture for his patience as well as getting a fantastic price on the expansion; funds will be left over to provide shelving as well as stocking the shelves with food. Michelle informs the BOS that according to the 2010 census, Sutton had 1606 seniors (60+). This is a 69.2% increase since the year 2000. The COA is very thankful for all the donations and has set their next goal on a 2012 Dodge Caravan that is handicap accessible. This will help transport the seniors in need of rides to various appointments. The current van is difficult to get
the wheelchair seniors into. The current van also assists Douglas seniors in which Douglas is billed for the services. The cost for the new van is $40,000.00. Also discussed was a list of services provided (see attached) at the Sr. Center. Many thanks go out to the volunteers (over 100) that give of their time to assist with the services provided. Michelle says that her face is associated with the food pantry but her actual job is the Council on Aging Director. Due to the economic times, this is the first year Michelle has had seniors utilize the Food Pantry. Continued town wide support is needed for the Sr. Center/Food Pantry to help those in need. Selectman Chizy asks what the budget is for the Sr. Center, Michelle responds $124,000.00. Mike goes on to say, all the services that they provide for $124,000.00, Michelle responds it is possible thanks to the volunteers which she estimates to be a $7000. - $10,000. savings. Selectman Hebert says it was a very nice presentation, he
said it is nice to share this information with the residents and he thanks her for all she does. Selectman Hersom says great presentation, he is amazed at what is provided at the Sr. Center, Rick says he is eager to reach 60 yrs so he can partake in it. Rick asks what will happen to the old van if they are able to replace it, Michelle responds that she would like to keep it in circulation; she says that maybe Douglas can take it over and be responsible for their senior’s transportation. Selectman Stuart says fantastic job on the presentation, Michelle’s enthusiasm is amazing. Not all towns offer this to their senior residents, Kudos to Michelle and the Senior Center. Chairman Geraghty thanks Michelle for a thorough rundown of all the services provided.
BOS Delegate & Alternate to the CMRPC for FY12: Selectman Chizy states that John Hebert and Bruce Davis have done one heck of a job as representatives for Sutton. Selectman Hersom states that they have played active and effective roles. Selectman Chizy motions to re-appoint John Hebert as BOS delegate to the CMRPC for FY12, Selectman Hersom second’s passes 5-0. Selectman Chizy motions to re-appoint Bruce Davis as BOS alternate to the CMRPC for FY12, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0.
Application for Reserving Band Stand & Town Common: TA Smith states this is a housekeeping item as this application up until now was only filed with the Town Clerk. With the new food regulations we have included the Board of Health if food is to be sold. Another question is if the BOS would like to set a fee for the usage. Fees collected would go towards the maintenance of the Band Stand. TA Smith says that records show that the intentions of the Band Stand Committee were free usage for residents. Selectman Chizy states that the band stand was built by all volunteers, the BOS were very enthusiastic to accept it for the town. Mike has no issues with getting the proper permits for the usage but is dead set against charging a fee. Selectman Hebert says this is one of the nicest band stands in New England, this was built by
volunteers with donated supplies, John feels this should be free of charge for our residents but we must be conscious of food handlers. John says he would have no problem with budgeting $1000.00 yearly for maintenance. John says this is one of the last simplest things in Sutton, keep it free. Selectman Hersom agrees that the Board of Health should be involved if food is present, to insure they are not endangering anyone by violating safety codes. Rick agrees with John and Mike and feels it would be a travesty to charge a fee; Rick will vehemently oppose a fee. Selectman Stuart says it is a no brainer to involve the BOH when food is sold. He goes on to say when he drives through the center and sees Polly’s Antiques and the gazebo, these are
the reasons he stayed in town. Out of respect for the town and why it was built it should be free; the intentions in 1999 were to not charge it should not be changed. Chairman Geraghty agrees 100% that the BOH should be involved if food is present. Kevin goes on to say that there should be a different fee process for the multitude of groups that use the common. We should encourage the opportunity for anyone wishing to make a donation or if it is a commercial enterprise group they should be charged a fee. Hearing no further discussion, Selectman Hersom motions to approve the updated application for reserving the Band Stand and or Town Common as presented to us with the exception of any fee connected with this particular motion, Selectman Chizy
seconds passes 5-0 Chairman Geraghty puts forth the following trial motion, amend the application by adding a $100.00 fee when used for commercial purposes as well as adding a box for those willing to donate for the upkeep and maintenance on the band stand, hearing no second, the motion dies.
Cell Tower Lease Review: TA Smith offers a brief explanation of some of the issues but states that Shirin Everett (Kopelman & Paige) has worked on this and feels it is a good lease. Selectman Chizy says Jim has done a good job on this, Selectman Hebert says this is 1 heck of a big stepping stone, good job. Selectman Hersom says there is a radical need for this in the community, Rick says that if Jim can look him in the eye and say this is a good deal and it is backed up by Town Council he is in full support. Selectman Stuart sees the necessity for safety services, he hopes that Wireless Edge shows due diligence and it moves quickly. Kenny goes on to say he does not question anything TA Smith does. Hearing no further comments, Selectman Stuart motions to approve as presented the Cell Tower Lease between Wireless Edge Tower’s, LLC (tenant), and the Town of Sutton (landlord), for the tower site to be located on Town Farm Road, Map 34 lot 6 Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0
Town Administrators Office Update:
- Sr. Center roof IFB out 8/3/11 bids due back 8/25 @ 11am
- Goals & Objectives meeting scheduled at Blackstone National Tues, Aug 23rd @ 5:30 pm
- Sign @ Boston Rd & Route 146 being installed this week. It was purchased by the Town of Sutton and the Lions Club. The sign was purchased with money from the Lions club in memory of Rene Hebert
- SREC’s: 44 srec’s were sold in the 1st quarter, we will be receiving a check for $21,269.00
Board of Selectmen Announcements:
Selectman Chizy: breakfast at the Sr. Center on Friday 8/5, Sheriff Evangilidis will be delivering food to Food Pantry on Wed. 8/3
Selectman Hebert: thanks Jim for his efforts on the new sign, John states this means a lot to the Hebert family. John also thanks Bruce Davis for his role in CMRPC and says he is very proud to be part of CMRPC. There was a Public Meeting held in the Sutton Town Hall last week with CMRPC regarding Boston Road/146 improvements. This 6 million dollar project will help with safety as well as traffic congestion.
Selectman Stuart: Commends Jim for a great job on the solar project. Kenny also offers his respect for Rene Hebert saying he was a man of few words but a lot of action. Rene Hebert and Ken’s dad were founding fathers of the Lions Club. In regards to the Boston Rd & 146 project, Kenny states something must be done, you will never make everyone happy but you should not have to play Russian roulette to get improvements done. He offers to sit on any committee for this project.
Chairman Geraghty: Says Rene Hebert was an interesting guy. Kevin, a Lions Club member, said the group thought this sign would be a great way to remember him. Kevin went on to say that Rene Hebert fought at the Battle of the Bulge along with Kevin’s uncle. Rene stood for all that Sutton is all about. In regards to the project @ Boston Rd and 146, Kevin states that it is important to show support for the following reasons: safety, environmental and economical development. It is not perfect but will improve issues dramatically. Kevin extends a Happy 25th Anniversary to his wife Lisa.
Board of Selectmen Round Table:
Selectman Chizy reminds all the importance of donating to the Food Pantry.
Hearing no further discussion Selectman Stuart motions to adjourn the meeting, Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 3-0
Meeting Adjourned 8:15 pm
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