Meeting Minutes--
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 1/3/2012_ by a vote of 4-0-1
(Chairman Geraghty abstains/absent from 12/20/11 meeting)
7:00 p.m. – December 20, 2011
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
Acting Chairman Michael Chizy; Clerk John Hebert & Selectmen Richard Hersom & Kenneth Stuart (Chairman Geraghty absent)
Also in Attendance:
Town Administrator James Smith & Debbie Jacques Administrative Secretary
Chairman Chizy calls the meeting to order at 7:00 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Forum:
Mr. Thomas Kulp 36 Wachusett Drive is present to bring to the Board of Selectmen’s attention disturbing noise which he can hear from his residence from Atlas Box which is 2/3 of a mile away located on route 146. Mr. Kulp states it is a loud droning noise and refers to it as noise pollution. He goes on to say the Town of Sutton and DEP have addressed the issue with Atlas Box. Some work was done to address the situation but it is still a nuisance. He feels it is a violation of MA State Laws.
Mr. Peter Cruickshank of 38 Stone School Road is also present to discuss the same issue. Mr. Cruickshank states it is a monotone bothersome noise that has damaged his quality of life as well as his property value. This needs to be addressed.
Chairman Chizy says the BOS will take this under advisement and get back to them.
Selectman Hebert motions to approve as presented the Board of Selectmen’s Minutes from December 6, 2011, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 4-0
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUANCE: Chapter 61A land 169 Eight Lots Road: Selectman Hersom motions to continue the hearing for Chapter 61A Land 169 Eight Lots Road for William Cronin with the understanding this is the final continuance, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 4-0
PUBLIC HEARING: Charter Renewal- read as posted in the Millbury Sutton Chronicle by clerk of the Board John Hebert. Present to discuss is PEG Access Coordinator for the Town of Sutton Pam Nichols and the director of government relations for Charter Thomas Cohan. Pam Nichols states the town has negotiated a 10 year contract with Charter that is similar to the Verizon contract. Mr. Cohan commented that Charter looks forward to continuing to serve the town and it is important to operate on a level playing field when other cable providers are involved. The contract will be before the BOS within the next month for their approval. Included in the contract will be a grant which Pam will use on Public Access which will go towards a studio opened to the public. Hearing no comments from the public Selectman Hersom motions to
close the public hearing Selectman Hebert seconds passes 4-0
Road Acceptance for Gilmore Drive: Planning Director Jen Hager is present and says this was voted on at the Fall Town Meeting. The BOS are simply accepting the deed for Gilmore Drive. Hearing no comments or concerns Selectman Stuart moves to accept the deed for Gilmore Drive~pursuant to the vote under Article 12 of the October 17, 2011 Town Meeting Selectman Hersom seconds passes 4-0
Decertification of Schwan Foods: Planning Director Jen Hager presents a request to the BOS for a vote to decertify Schwan Foods which once was a business in Sutton. Jen contacted Schwan Foods to ask if it was something the Town could have done to prevent their closing. The response received earlier today stated it was nothing the town did it was the economic times that forced them to close. Hearing no comments Selectman Hersom moves to decertify Schwan Foods of 65 Gilmore Drive, the company having ceased operations in the Town of Sutton Selectman Stuart seconds passes 4-0
Teamsters Contract: TA Smith informs the BOS this contract has been signed by the union and is awaiting the BOS approval. Jim goes on to say the contract was up in June of 2011 but due to his absence the union held off. It is a one year contract expiring in June 30, 2012. The total cost of the contract is $7550.00. Wage increases will only go to those not on maximum steps. There is also a shift differential for dispatchers, increase in longevity and wording changes in performance evaluations. Hearing no comments Selectman Hebert motions to approve as presented the contract between the Teamsters Union Local 170 and the Town of Sutton for the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 Selectman Stuart seconds passes 4-0.
Appointments to the Charter Review Committee: TA Smith says there are 3 positions available in addition to the 2 made by Town Moderator Carl Licopoli, up to 2 selectmen and 1 resident. Chairman Chizy says nominations will be accepted at this time: Selectman Hersom motions to nominate Selectman Kevin Geraghty to the Charter Review Committee, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 4-0. Selectman Stuart motions to nominate Louis Ciavarra to the Charter Review Committee, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 4-0 Selectman Chizy motions to nominate Ross Whittier to the Charter Review Committee, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 4-0. Mr. Whittier speaks about his volunteering at the Senior Center. Chairman Chizy takes this time to thank Mr. James Dwyer (present) for offering to be on this committee.
OPEB Trust Agreement: This is a trust fund that was voted on at Town Meeting. The agreement has been reviewed by Kopelman and Paige. Fifty thousand dollars will be deposited from FY11 free cash to help start funding this account. Medicare part D reimbursements will be deposited on an annual basis into this account. There will be 5 trustees which will include the town accountant, the town treasurer, one person from the BOS and 2 members appointed by the BOS. This OPEB Agreement will be before the BOS on January 3rd, 2012 for their vote.
Peking Garden Common Vic.: This is a renewal for the Common Victualler. The owner had been out of town and his paperwork did not reach the BOS for the previous meeting. Hearing no comments, Selectman Stuart motions to approve the 2012 Common Victualler license for Peking Garden, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 4-0
TA Updates:
- Marions Camp- TA smith thanks Groundscapes for their pro bono work with swales to protect the beach. Also a thank you to Tim Harrison (younger) who also did some swale work at the boat house.
- Shaw Farm- working on finalizing the Shaw Farm Master Plan, presentation to the BOS will be at the January 17th 2012 meeting.
- Benefit for Mike Ellsessar to be held on January 1st at Marions Camp. A group of individuals plan to have a polar bear plunge as a fundraiser in his memory.
Announcements: none at this time.
Round Table:
- Selectman Chizy says he was recently invited to Post #414 as the Town Nurse asked for members of the Sons of the American Legion to donate gifts. A collection was held this past weekend. Mike thanks the Legion Post and Mary Krumsiek for their help.
Selectman Hersom motions to adjourn the meeting, Selectman Hebert seconds passes 4-0
7:30 pm
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