Meeting Minutes
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 11/20/12 by a vote of 4-0
(Selectman Hersom absent)
7:00 p.m. – October 16, 2012
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
Chairman Michael Chizy, Vice-Chair John Hebert, Clerk Kenneth Stuart, Selectmen Richard Hersom & David Hall
Also in Attendance:
Town Administrator James Smith & Debbie Jacques, secretary
Chairman Chizy calls the meeting to order at 7:00 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
No comments under Public Forum
Chairman Chizy takes this time to welcome new Selectman David Hall (previously on Finance Committee)
Selectman Hebert motions to approve as presented meeting minutes from 10/2/2012, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 3-0-2 (Selectman Hersom and Hall abstain, not present at 10/2/12 meeting)
Public Hearing: NGrid Transmission Line Project: Clerk of the Selectmen Ken Stuart reads the Public Hearing notice as run in the Sept. 24, 2012 T&G. Chairman Chizy moves to open the Public Hearing, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0. Representatives from NGrid include Lauren Peloquin, David Beron, Margaret Neves & Scott Ryder. This hearing is to allow NGrid to cross 8 public roadways in the Town of Sutton. Currently there are 3 towers of Transmission lines, 2 are working 1 is not. This will replace the tower currently not in use. Mr. Beron explains it is the next step in the permitting process on a 26 million dollar investment in Sutton. This project has been ongoing for a few years; NGrid has previously been before the Board of Selectman explaining this project as well as going door to door to abutters and
holding 2 open houses. Selectman Hebert has no questions but comments that NGrid leaves the areas that they perform work on in its natural state of what it was or better. Selectman Stuart says the presentation from last year was excellent and asks when the project is expected to be complete. Mr. Beron responds they expect to have permitting process complete in late 2013 with work to begin early 2014, new lines in use in 2015. Selectman Hall asks if there will be minimal traffic impacts during construction, Mr. Beron responds that the primary work is to be done in rite of ways so there should be no impact on traffic. Jeff Freeman of 107 Stone School Road (abutter) questions how they are going to get the equipment over private property. Mr. Beron responds that they have equipment and techniques to do the job. Mr. Freeman goes on to say NGrid did some work a while back and left brush and damage from trucks. How will you avoid this damage again as well as maintain the rocks and
vegetation? Margaret Neves responds restoration is part of the project. Mr. Freeman asks who from the Town will oversee the project, Chairman Chizy responds Conservation, and this hearing is only for going over the public ways. Mr. Freeman feels maybe this is the wrong meeting for him to be at. NGrid will schedule a meeting at Freeman’s house to review his specific complaints. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Chizy moves to close the Public Hearing, Selectman Hersom moves the motion, passes 5-0. Selectman Hersom motions to approve the petition presented by NGrid for the Transmission Line Franchise in accordance with the plans filed with the Town Clerks office Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0
COA Directors update: Michelle Edelstein is present to update on the Food Pantry. Michelle begins by thanking 2 residents from town for donations made earlier today. Chris Moran (Eagle Scout project) held a food drive in town as well as a 7 year old named Freddie who had a recent birthday and asked for food for the Food Pantry rather than gifts. Michelle goes on to say this is the 1st time she is reporting back that a large number of seniors are now in need of the Food Pantry but donations are down due to the economy. Approximately 17 families a week use the food pantry. It is not the same 17 families each week. Michelle goes on to say that besides the food pantry, fuel assistance as well as prescription assistance is requested. Selectman Hebert mentions the cost of heating oil, any help is appreciated.
Selectman Hersom asks how much is needed to handle the requests monthly; Michelle responds approximately $5,000.00 a month. Selectman Stuart says there is no one with more passion or cares more about the community then Michelle, the Town is lucky to have her. Ken goes on to say it is the forgotten generation, families in need are increasing, and we as a community want to help support each other. The call for assistance is increasing and it is difficult as you have to prioritize the needs. Selectman Hall responds that he needs to get his Venture crew out to help the Food Pantry as they have done in the past. Chairman Chizy says the Town of Sutton has good Dept. heads but Michelle goes over and above what she was hired to do.
Public Hearing Tax Classification hearing: Clerk of the Selectmen Ken Stuart reads the Public Hearing notice as run in the October 4th 2012 Millbury Sutton Chronicle. Chairman Chizy opens the public hearing. Present from the Assessor’s office are Robert Nunnemacher, Ray Nichols, Joyce Sardgnola and Michelle Reed. 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 that the values for this year decreased 1.5% but the change in taxes increased primarily due to the school project. The new tax rate, pending DOR approval would be $15.57 per thousand. Chairman Chizy opens up for discussion. Selectman Hebert asks what last year’s tax rate was; Knick responds $14.53, John states he has always voted for a single tax rate. Selectman Stuart welcomes Michelle Reed and then states he believes the single tax rate is the way to go, we are looking to bring business onto 146, and this is the way to attract new business. Selectman Hall is in support of the single tax rate, if the intent is to attract new commercial business the potential savings from a split tax rate is not that great of a savings for the town, he continues to be in favor of the single tax rate. Hearing no further comments, Selectman Stuart motions to close the public hearing Selectman
Hersom seconds passes 5-0. Selectman Hersom motions to adopt a single tax factor for Fiscal Year 2013 Selectman Hebert seconds passes 5-0
November Election Warrant: TA Smith reviews the warrant. Hearing no questions Selectman Hersom motions to approve the November Election Warrant as presented Selectman Hebert seconds passes 5-0
Holiday opening schedule for Alcohol licenses: Selectman Stuart reads as written, the notice of holiday opening hours for alcohol licenses, Selectman Hebert says this is all standard, it is done every year, Selectman Hersom asks if we are a 11am or 12 noon opening, TA Smith responds a 12 noon opening. Hearing no further comments Selectman Hebert motions to approve as presented the 2012 Holiday opening schedule for All Alcohol License holders Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0
Town Administrators Update:
- Update on Green community grant: projects to include Sutton schools interior lighting, heat recovery @ the Town Hall, Hydro feasibility study on Manchaug & Stevens Dam
- Flu Clinic to be held October 22 @ 9am
- Prioritizing annual goals: The Beehive, Marions camp upgrades, solar panels for sr. center, sewer plant, fire station 2&3, strategy for route 146, goal meeting moved from late August to July.
- Golf Tournament raised $2600.00 for the Sutton Food Pantry. Special thanks to Laura Caruso for organizing.
Announcements:
Selectman John Hebert announces there will be a roast beef lunch for veterans on November 11th at the Dudley Gendron Post 414.
John would also like to update the BOS on his CMRPC meetings. He is the South East Sub Representative Regional Representative for CMRPC. Transportation needs on roads and bridges are discussed at these monthly meetings. There is a 5 year out reach. Area projects include the bridge @ 146 & W. Main Street, Rte 146 & Boston Road, the Singing Falls bridge on Blackstone Street.
Selectman Hersom reminds all the importance of getting out to vote on November 6th 2012
Selectman Stuart: offers congratulations to Lynn Arsenault for her work in the Peace Corps. Currently she is in Vanuatu. Ken also offers congratulations to his son David Stuart who is at Hanscom Base being sworn in to the Army Reserves.
No discussion under Round Table & Correspondence:
Hearing no further discussion,
Selectman Hersom motions to adjourn, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0 Meeting adjourned 8:20pm
| 
