Meeting Minutes
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 04/02/2013 by a vote of 5-0
7:00 p.m. – March 19, 2013
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
Chairman Michael Chizy, Vice-Chair John Hebert, Selectmen Richard Hersom, Ken Stuart and 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
Selectman Hebert motions to approve meeting minutes from 3/5/2013 as presented, Selectman Stuart 2nds passes 4-0-1
Selectman Hersom abstains, not at 3/5 meeting
Prince Lobel Atty. Adam Braillard: Virtual Net Metering; TA Smith informs the BOS he has signed a nonbinding agreement with the company that Prince Lobel, a company that specializes in renewable energy, is representing Off Site Solar. Town Counsel is currently reviewing the power purchasing agreement then it would go before the BOS for their approval, it is a good agreement for the town. Adam Braillard begins by saying the location for this is off of John Road on the transmission side of the road. They are planning to build a 1.25 megawatt system over the site. Adam explains the process of how Sutton would be the recipient of the solar net metering credits. Adam also explains that the electricity credits can be allocated to areas of choice. Jim is proposing 1 million kilowatts to the school and 500,000
megawatts on the town side. Once the system is operational, each kilowatt earned would be worth 13.4 cents with a yearly escalation of 3.6%. Adam says they are anticipating the credit value on a 1.25 megawatt system to be $200,000.00 each year, the town would get 30% of this and 70% goes to the system owner. Selectman Hebert asks if the 13.4 cents is a guarantee or will it fluctuate. Adam replies that it will fluctuate. John replies that the town has become educated on renewable energy, at some point will the value be so low that it is not worth it, Adam responds that the good news is the town has an index deal, if the value of credit increases or decreases we will always be 30% below the price. Selectman Hersom asks how large the actual site is, Adam responds it is either 16 or 23 acres. Some of the area is commercial, some wetland and some is residential; the system will be placed in the commercially zoned area. Rick asks when this will be completed. Adam responds they are
looking to have in place by the 4th quarter of the year. Adam goes on to say Massachusetts has incentives that are beginning to be phased out. Selectman Stuart thanks Adam for the presentation, Ken says the town is obviously interested in renewable energy and asks who the owner of the property is. Adam responds Bob Gallo (BFG Development). Selectman Hall questions that this is a 20 year project and the town assumes no financial risk. Adam replies that is correct, the project owner is responsible for the maintenance of the system. TA Smith says that Prince Lobel is working on a PILOT program for this project that would have to go on the spring Town Meeting Warrant. Chairman Chizy asks for clarity on how the credits are applied on the NGrid bills. Hearing no further comments, the BOS thank Adam Braillard for his presentation.
Eagle Scout Anthony Fattman: Planning Director Jen Hager is also present. Jen briefs the BOS on the work started at Shaw Farm 2 years ago by Eagle Scout Evan Kent and before Evan, Matt Salem. Jen states that Anthony picked up where the previous Eagle Scout projects left off. Anthony and his parents were very organized and they have done a great job. Anthony goes on to thank all that were involved and said he spent 604 hours on this project. At this time, Anthony shows a 5 minute video of before his project and then the finished product. In addition to trail work, Anthony had a memorial bench placed at Shaw Farm in memory of Michael Elsessar. Selectman Hebert commented that it was a very nice project for the Town of Sutton; Selectman Hersom said we cannot describe what a project like this means and to coordinate the
tribute to Mike Elsessar, truly an incredible project. Selectman Stuart begins by saying he had the honor of sitting in on the board for Anthony’s review. Ken says they have to work hard for this achievement; they do not give them away. With today’s social pressures and distractions it’s easy to walk away. Ken states this project is for the people of Sutton, thank you for beautifying our town. Selectman Hall says congratulations on a great job, it is a benefit to the town as well as yourself and the way you included the Elsessers, great job. Chairman Chizy says thank you, you did a great job, this makes the farm more valuable and accessible for people.
Endorsement of IMA for Maintenance of Gilmore Drive: TA Smith says this IMA was previously mentioned, it involves a piece of roadway on Gilmore Drive that is owned by Northbridge. Once Northbridge accepts this as a public road this IMA will take over. Highway Superintendent Mark Brigham has no issues with this agreement. Hearing no comments or concerns Selectman Hersom motions to enter into the Intermunicipal Agreement by and between the Town of Northbridge and the Town of Sutton concerning the maintenance of the portion of Gilmore Drive located in Northbridge, Selectman Hall seconds, passes 5-0
Request to increase Capital Stabilization fund by 2.5%: TA Smith says this is the annual request; its original purpose was to purchase Shaw Farm, the benefit of this is to be able to purchase larger items and not have to ask for a debt exclusion override. Selectman Hall clarifies what TA Smith said about the original purchase of Shaw Farm. Chairman Chizy states this is one of the best things the BOS have done. Selectman Hebert motions to authorize the Assessor’s office to increase the Capital Stabilization Fund by an additional 2.5% increase to the FY2013 override figure of $537,419. to $550,854. Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0
Town Administrators Update:
- Health Insurance & the IAC: a meeting was held on March 13th. Fallon presented a 16% reduction of the enhanced value option and MIIA (previously at 11% reduction) came in at a 15% reduction. The IAC will meet on March 20th to make a final decision. This will be a $300,000.00 savings on health insurance this year. $100,000. Will go to OPEB, a sergeant’s position will be added to the Police dept and give additional funds to the school.
TA Smith thanks Cathy VanDyne for her hard work; she is a very important part of the financial team
- Heat Recovery System: Building Commissioner John Couture will be present at the next BOS meeting to offer an update.
- Public Hearing on Beaton property 61A will be held the 2nd meeting in April.
- BVT had adopted their budget on March 7th; on March 10th TA Smith was notified that in addition they were looking for approval on a 2.9 million dollar borrowing to enhance programs. Under MGL the town has 60 days to act on the request which would require a town meeting. Our town meeting is scheduled for May 13th, which would mean we would have to hold a special town meeting no later than May 6th. If we do nothing it automatically gets approved. TA Smith met with 3 other town managers yesterday, they would like to draft a letter and have each town sign asking Dr. Fitzpatrick to rescind the 2.9 million dollar borrowing until next year. TA Smith says it was poor planning on BVTs part.
Selectman Hersom says how many of the other 13 communities are in the same boat as Sutton, TA Smith replies all but 1, Uxbridge has its town meeting on May 6th. Hersom goes on to say for anyone to take that approach is unconceivable, it is unconscionable, for someone in that position to place on the shoulder of member towns is totally unacceptable. Selectman Hebert says Sutton is very frugal, to hold a dead line over our heads is not right. Selectman Stuart feels this was done by design, look at our situation with the schools, struggling to survive. The timing is not a coincidence it was done on purpose, we are all supporters of BVT but this is unconscionable. Selectman Hall says over the years it has been difficult to get a majority of the towns together to discuss the budget. The cost per
student at BVT is double to the town of Sutton cost per student. Chairman Chizy agrees with comments made, all are in agreement to have Jim sign letter.
Announcements: N/A
Round Table & Correspondence:
Selectman Hersom asks if an update to the FY13 TA Goals and Objectives can be given then we can plan on scheduling the next Goals & Objectives meeting.
Selectman Hall offers his thanks for the effort and cooperation of Jim and the IAC for the significant insurance savings to the town.
Chairman Chizy entertains a motion to enter into Executive Session under MGL c30A, Sec. 21 #3 with the sole purpose of returning to open session for adjournment, Selectman Hebert seconds passes 5-0
Selectman Stuart motions to adjourn, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0 8:15pm
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