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11/15/2011 BOS Meeting Minutes
  Meeting Minutes--
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on12/06/2011 by a vote of  _3-0-2_
                                                                             (Selectmen Hersom & Stuart abstain)
                                                 7:00 p.m. – November 15, 2011
                                        Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:                           
             Chairman Kevin Geraghty; Vice-Chair Michael Chizy & Clerk John Hebert
                                        (Selectmen Richard Hersom & Kenneth Stuart absent)  
                                                                                           
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

Selectman Hebert motions to approve as presented the Board of Selectmens Minutes from November 1, 2011, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 3-0

Public Hearing: Chapter 61A land 169 Eightlots Road, William Cronin: Public notice read by Selectman Hebert, Chairman Geraghty opens the meeting. Selectman Chizy motions to continue the Public Hearing until the next Board of Selectmen’s Meeting scheduled for December 6, 2011 per written request of Mr. William Cronin Selectman Hebert seconds passes 3-0.

Public Hearing: Tax Classification Hearing with the Board of Assessors: Public notice read by Selectman Hebert. Chairman Geraghty opens the Public Hearing. Present from the Assessor’s office are Joyce Sardgnola and Knick Nunnemacher.  TA Smith says the BOS have the decision to continue with a single tax rate or change to a split rate.  Mr. Nunnemacher states that Sutton historically has had a single tax rate for all classes of property. The choice is to continue with a single rate or a split rate for residential/open space and commercial/industrial /personal property. Knick states this was a three year revaluation, the average $300,000.00 residential property will have a tax increase of about $284.00.  The new tax rate when approved by DOR would be $14.53 per thousand from $13.25 last year. Chairman Geraghty opens up for discussion. Selectman Chizy states he has always voted for a single tax rate, Sutton does not have much in the way of commercial property Seclectman Chizy would like a single tax rate. Selectman Hebert echoes Chizys comments and goes on to say he strongly supports a single tax rate. He feels it invites business into our town. Chairman Geraghty asks if the school project has affected the tax rate yet, Knick responds yes. TA Smith states there is 2 million dollars attributed to the school project added into the borrowing this year. Geraghty goes on to say he concurs with Mike and John that it makes sense to have a single tax rate. Chairman Geraghty asks if there is any one in the audience wishing to offer comments, hearing none Chairman Geraghty motions to close the public hearing, Selectman Hebert motions to adopt a single tax factor for Fiscal Year 2012 Selectman Chizy seconds passes 3-0

Housing Authority Appointment: TA Smith informs the BOS that the Housing Authority has requested an appointment of Mr. Russell Boutiette to the Housing Authority to fill a vacancy. This appointment will only be until May 2012 town election as this is an elected position. Mr. Russell Boutiette and member of the Housing Authority Richard Lindstrom are present. The Board of Selectman all offer thanks to Mr. Boutiette for volunteering. Selectman Chizy motions to appoint Mr. Russell Boutiette to a vacant seat on the Sutton Housing Authority until May 2012 town election Selectman Hebert seconds passes 3-0

Regulatory Agreement between Blackbrook Realty and the State: Present are Planning Director Jen Hager, developer of Leland Hill Estates John Burns and his Atty Steven Rodolakis. Jen begins by saying this is a friendly 40B project. The Zoning Board has worked closely with the developer and feels it is a beneficial project. This agreement completes the process. It states who does what as well as information on the affordable unit lottery. DHCD ensures compliance, Jen states there were some small adjustments to this agreement but it is project specific. Selectman Chizy has no questions as he has confidence that if Jen says it is ok it is ok. Selectman Hebert asked if there would be a project manager such as the project mgr. for the school project, he goes on to say who watches out for the town. Jen Hager states Zoning Board as well as Building Commissioner John Couture and herself, all checks and balances are ensured. Chairman Geraghty appreciates that the developer prefers the affordable units go to Sutton residents if they meet the criteria. Out of the 52 single family units, 13 are affordable (25%). Geraghty goes on to ask the difference between affordable and not affordable units. John Burns states that from the outside you cannot tell, it is the counter tops and things like that. Selectman Hebert motions to allow Chairman Geraghty to endorse the Regulatory Agreement for Leland Hill Estates between the Town, DHCD and Leland Hill Estates LLC Selectman Chizy seconds passes 3-0

Appointments to the Charter Review Committee: Selectman Chizy requests to postpone for the next meeting as 2 members are absent, Mike goes on to say he will strongly argue to not have more than 1 Selectman on the committee, he feels 2 Selectmen take the balance out of the committee. Selectman Hebert concurs with Chizys comments Chairman Geraghty would like interested residents to send letters of interest to the Town Hall. Agenda item moved to December 6, 2011

Holiday Opening Schedule: Read by Clerk of Selectmen John Hebert. Hearing no questions Selectman Chizy motions to approve as presented the 2011 Holiday opening schedule for All Alcohol License holders, Selectman Hebert seconds passes 3-0

TA Updates:
  • Change in 2012 BOS meeting schedule. Presidential Primary on March 6, 2012. (after discussion reshec to March 13th
Halloween party parade held on Thurs Nov 3 due to storm.
Marions Camp: John Couture has received confirmation that BVT will design as well as build the pavilion.
Green Communities Grant: town received $143,000.00 to help implement a heat recovery system at the Town hall, replacement of exterior lighting at the ELC, energy audits as well as implementation of audit findings.
  • Chain of Lights to be held on Dec. 3rd 10-4 Manchaug Christmas Parade Fri Dec 2 @ 6pm
Announcements:
  • Selectman Hebert mentions the Veterans Day Breakfast at the Sr. Center held on Friday, Nov 11th. Mike Chizy and John Hebert as well as Jim Smith attended. John represented the BOS as well as the Sons of the American Legion post #414.
Selectman Geraghty congratulates the fall sports teams for awesome season.

Round Table:
  • Selectman Chizy reports there are 50 Thanksgiving baskets going out from the Food Pantry (may be a few more) Mike reads the list of items needed to fill the baskets. Also mentions that during the Chain of Lights the Sr. Center sells handmade items and jewelry.
Chairman Geraghty entertains motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the sole purpose of retuning to open session for adjournment, Selectman Chizy seconds  3-0

  Time entered back in to regular session 8:05. Selectman Chizy motions to adjourn Selectman Hebert seconds passes 3-0