Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 4-0 by a vote of 02/21/2012
Chairman Geraghty absent from 2/21/12 meeting
7:00 p.m. – February 7, 2012
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
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.
Public Forum: James Dwyer 142 Ariel Circle Sutton begins by saying he had previously expressed interest in being appointed to the Charter Review Committee. He went on to say our local government has 3 areas represented by the letter T: Taxes, Truth and Transparency. Mr. Dwyer is here to discuss what he feels are 3 windows in transparency: the annual town report, the web site and agendas/minutes. Mr. Dwyer feels there are missing reports in the Town Report; the Web site has some out dated areas and the Board of Selectmen do not address correspondence as they should. With all this being said, Mr. Dwyer feels there is no transparency and the window is closed. A copy of Mr. Dwyer’s notes are attached.
Selectman Stuart motions to approve as presented the meeting minutes from January 17, 2012, Selectman Hebert seconds passes 4-0-1 (Selectman Hersom abstains as he was not present at 1/17 meeting)
Presentation of Retirement Awards to 3 Sutton Fire Dept members:
- Recognition read by Selectman Hebert for Robert “Knick” Nunnemacher 51 years of service
- Recognition read by Selectman Hersom for Don Conlon 25 years of service
- Recognition read by Selectman Stuart for James Chestna 13 years of service
Selectman Chizy says it is a sad day when 3 retire at the same time; Selectman Hebert says it is an honor to recognize all 3 tonight. John calls Knick a role model and the 3 retirees have done a great job. Selectman Hersom says words cannot express what they did for the town. They gave selflessly and inspired others to follow. Selectman Stuart says all 3 have made a tremendous commitment making the town safe. Chairman Geraghty says there is no amount of gratitude the town can give for what a Fire Dept. does for a town. They serve and protect by putting their own safety in jeopardy.
Fire Chief Paul Maynard takes this time to present to each retiree an award and thank them for their commitment. Chief Maynard thanks all in attendance at tonight’s meeting (many Sutton firefighters present along with a few chiefs from surrounding towns).
Presentation of FY2011 Audit by Melanson Heath: Scott McIntyre is here to present a brief overview of the FY2011 Audit, also present Alan Goodwin (performed actual audit) Scott states that the audit went well and no significant audit entries were made. Books and records were reconciled with no disagreements with town and auditors. In the Financial statements there is one significant liability that stands out, the net OPEB obligation. Two key events that stand out for FY11are the 25 million in school bonds sold and the implementation of new accounting standards and terminology changes. Scott goes on to say FY 2011 was a breakeven year for the Town of Sutton, the town is very stable. Scott gives a brief overview of the annual financial statements. The revenues were up and the expenses down. He then switches to
the management letter saying that the responses from the town were read and the auditor approves of the responses made by the town. This includes the improvement of Capital Asset records, and to establish a formal department receipt policy. Consistency between departments is key. Selectman Chizy comments that this audit reinforces the confidence he has in Tim and Jim. Selectman Hebert says he has a lot of pride in the financial team, they are top notch. Selectman Hersom thanks the auditor for a good presentation. Selectman Stuart echoes the comments and says the finances are being handled very well. Tim and Jim do a fantastic job. Chairman Geraghty states the town is performing well with financial stability. We are doing what we should be doing.
Presentation of Shaw Master Plan by Gates Leighton: Don Leighton and Ashley Iannuccilli are present to address the Board. Ashley (project manager) presents the completion of the preliminary phase noting there are environmental challenges do to the vernal pools and wetlands on site. Some of the uses the Town would like to see at this site are a little league field, a track, a DPW, a cell tower site and trails for school and resident use. Also requested is the possibility of a community garden. Frontage for this property is on Putnam Hill Road and Central Turnpike. Also shown on the presentation is a phasing plan recommendation. Selectman Chizy has no questions but comments the presentation is easy to understand. Selectman Hebert appreciates the work put in to the presentation and says he will take it
step by step in moderation. Selectman Hersom states it is exciting but a lot to digest. One area of concern is on Central Tpk. where the entrance/exit would be for the DPW. There is a slope in this area and may make a dangerous area for large vehicles going in and out. Selectman Stuart says this is one of the best purchase made by the town, Ken states this plan shows tremendous balance. Ken asks if there could be a second baseball field located on site as it would attract baseball tournaments. Also mentioned was if a cell tower is placed here to make sure it is aesthetically pleasing for the neighbors. Chairman Geraghty asks why the baseball field is little league size; TA Smith confirms it is due to space limitations. The high school is adding a baseball field for the older grades. Kevin also states he would like to see a 21st century DPW facility, the current location is commercially zoned and may be a valuable piece of property. Planning Director Jen Hager
invites all to the 1st of many trail guides to be held by Howard Bottemly this Sunday at Shaw Farm.
Villas Phase 1 partial bond release: Jen Hager is present to ask the BOS to approve payment out of the bond for the Villas to Graz Engineering in the amount of $4600.00 for As built plans, hearing no questions Selectman Hersom motions to allow payment of $4,600.00 from the bond funds for the Villas at Pleasant Valley Phase 1 to Graz Engineering for preparation of the 1st draft of as built drawings, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0.
Approve & Sign Special Town Meeting: Ta Smith reviewed the Special Town Meeting. There are 4 questions, 2 are sponsored by Robert Maki for the zoning bylaw for Solar Photovoltaic’s and 2 are financial, 1 to fund the Teamsters contract ($13,000.) and one for a previous year bill ($157.) Jim does inform the BOS that the Planning Board voted to not recommend Mr. Maki's 2 items on the warrant. Jen Hager (present) did say the Planning Board is not against the solar, they just want to make sure Zoning changes work for the town as a whole. Jen Hager informs the Board that Mr. Maki will be on a Missionary trip the date of the Special Town Meeting but his wife will represent him, Jen went on to say she will be meeting with Mr. Maki tomorrow and he will at that time decide if he goes forward with this or pulls it
from the Town Meeting. If it goes to Town Meeting and is voted down he cannot bring it before the town for 2 years but the Planning Board could request it be revisited. The BOS all agree that they are upset this special town meeting (with a cost of approximately $5,000.) has been planned for this particular item and now it may be pulled from the warrant. This is an expense to the Town and due to the applicant not doing his homework it will not be on the warrant. Jen Hager said that she believes there was time pressure for state incentives and that is the reason Mr. Maki pushed to get on a special town meeting. Selectman Hersom states that if this does go forward to town meeting he would like the town aware of what is being presented. Hearing no further comments, Selectman Hebert motions to approve and sign the Special Town Meeting warrant to be held on Monday February 27th 2012 at 7:30pm in the Simonian Early Learning Center, Selectman Hersom seconds passes
5-0
TA Updates:
- RFP for Telecommunications Easement at Stone School Road: Current easement expires 2024, looking for a company to lease in 2024 with an upfront payment to the town and 60% of net rent.
- Solar Power at Manchaug Fire Station: Feasibility study to be performed, also looking at Sewer plant and Station 3
- Manchaug Dam: Title search went well; it is a clean piece of property. Should be closing over next few months.
Manchaug Dam Hydro: awarded to Weston Sampson for cost of $12,400., should be complete in 12 weeks
- SRECS @ ELC: sold 3rd quarter SREC’s received $40,750. (Total collected in first 3 quarters $90,000.)
Announcements: Not at this time
Round Table:
- Chairman Geraghty mentioned correspondence from Mr. Dwyer regarding request to inspect notice of vacancies in regards to the Charter Review Committee
Selectman Chizy motions to adjourn the meeting Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0
Meeting Adjourned 8:50 pm
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