Meeting Minutes
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 8/6/2013 by a vote of 5-0_
7:00 p.m. – July 16, 2013
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
Chairman John Hebert, Vice-Chair Kenneth Stuart, Selectmen Michael Chizy, Richard Hersom & David Hall
Town Administrator James Smith & Debbie Jacques, secretary
Chairman Hebert calls the meeting to order at 7:00 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
No comments under Public Forum
Wireless Edge Lease update: President of Wireless Edge Tower John Arthur is present to update the BOS on the cell tower project at Whittier Farms. Mr. Arthur says this goes back to August of 2011 when the 1st agreement was signed, last July the BOS agreed to a 1 year extension on the agreement. The 2 most popular cell carriers are AT & T and Verizon but due to the sluggish economy in recent years funding is weak and there is not much activity on new sites. Companies were focused on the existing towers and fixing the networks, not funding new sites. Going forward we are hoping the industry comes out of the gate in 2014. Selectman Chizy says this is not good news for Sutton, do you think next year? Mr. Arthur replies that 2013 looked like it was going to be the year; we need a carrier to move
forward on this site. Selectman Hersom asks if there is anything the BOS can do, residents are inconvenienced by the 2 major carriers. Mr. Arthur replies that carriers do listen to the public outcry and municipalities with troubled areas; it is just difficult getting the word to right chain of command. Hersom then asks what the FCC’s role is in this; Mr. Arthur replies there has to be a certain amount of population within a site and where there are holes. Selectman Stuart thanks Mr. Arthur for being before them tonight, not a day goes by that he is not questioned about the proposed cell tower. It is disappointing another year has passed with no cell tower. What concerns him is the lack of cell service at the soccer fields on Central Turnpike in the event of an emergency. I hope what you are saying comes to fruition. Selectman Hall asks for some history on this project, he goes on to ask how a site is analyzed. John Arthur says they look for holes in service with no ping
sites. Dave asks what proactive steps he will be taking to entice carriers, John Arthur says they watch the market and they visit the carrier’s office sites for starters. Chairman Hebert says it is imperative and important for the Town of Sutton to get this cell tower up and running for public safety. The BOS cannot do enough to ensure safety for Police, Fire and Highway. Hopefully this will turn in a positive direction. Selectman Hersom motions to extend the due diligence period for 1 year with Wireless Edge at the Whittier Farm proposed cell tower site, Selectman Chizy 2nds passes 5-0
Manchaug Pond Foundation update on Assignment of 61A land: Present is Andrew Mosher, Phyllis Charpentier and Dave Schmidt from the Manchaug Pond Foundation. Andrew Mosher begins by thanking the BOS for allowing them the opportunity to secure the property which is so important to Manchaug pond. Currently there is a fully executed Purchase & Sale. They have been able to secure funding and should close within a week or two. Not only were they able to secure the 61A land, they were able to purchase the entire 100 acres. Phyllis Charpentier states it is the intention of Manchaug Pond to preserve in as is condition, there is no reason or plans to develop. Phyllis goes on to say in taking this land there are expenses & bills, if any resident wishes to donate or become a member please call for further
information. This was an amazing 90 day journey. We look forward to coming back before the BOS to share more information once the closing has occurred. Selectman Hersom offers thanks for the update and looks forward to the next meeting, Selectman Stuart congratulates them on their hard work, fantastic news that we get to maintain it as it is. Selectman Hall offers congratulations and looks forward to them coming back when all is done with details. Preserving the site is a good thing leaving it in its pristine state is in the best interest of the whole town although Holy Cross would have been a good neighbor this is better for the town. Chairman Hebert says thank you for all your foundation does to improve the town.
Extend John Road public way: here to discuss is Planning Director Jen Hager. This request is coming from owners of 16R Worcester-Providence Tpk. (Prince Lobel has been before the BOS regarding a Solar Farm at this site) they are asking that the existing right of way be laid out as part of this pubic way. This would give the owner access to the site as well as obtain the necessary building permits. Jen states the importance as it will provide access to valuable limited industrial land in Sutton. Jen asks for direction from the BOS as to who will bring it before the Fall Town Meeting. Selectman Chizy says if it helps business it is a win win situation, Selectman Hersom asks if the Solar Farm would generate tax revenue, TA Smith replies that if the Solar Farm goes ahead there would be some tax revenue through a
PILOT program but there would also be energy credits off this site shared between the school and the municipal buildings. Selectman Stuart asks about the clearance area, Selectman Hall asks if it is low or no impact to abutters. Jen replies it is low to no impact as well as the abutter (CRV Developers) have been spoken to and is fully aware of this. Selectman Hersom asks Jen her thoughts on who should sponsor, Jen feels it would send a positive message if the BOS sponsor. Rick asks TA Smith his preference, TA Smith replies the BOS, it shows support of the BOS. Chairman Hebert says it would show support to commercial development. Selectman Stuart motions to place an article on the Fall Town Meeting Warrant to make the existing right of ways at either end of John Road part of the public way, Selectman Hersom seconds passes 5-0
Appointment of new board members: TA Smith begins by informing the BOS there are 2 positions available, there are 4 candidates as well as the 2 candidates that were put on hold have requested to be reconsidered. The 4 new candidates are Dan Moroney, Robert Tefft, Lauren Rothermich and William Wence (all are present in the audience). The 2 candidates whose reappointments had been put on hold are Jack Sheehan and Dan Rice. William Wence was late getting his volunteer action form in so he is not a candidate at this time. Selectman Chizy says he would like to have the bylaw changed to allow alternate members for all boards. This allows the alternates to sit in on the meetings and learn the ropes. Selectman Hersom feels the alternate approach is a good way to go, would this require a bylaw change revision. TA Smith replies yes
and it would go to the Fall Town Meeting. Selectman Stuart also agrees with the alternate positions, Ken asks for clarification, are there 3 or 5 candidates? TA Smith replies 5, William Wence is not considered as his paperwork missed the deadline, and the candidates are Dan Moroney, Bob Tefft, Lauren Rothermich and 2 requests for reappointment, Jack Sheehan and Dan Rice. Selectman Chizy informs Lauren Rothermich that she would be a good member and he will be looking for her once the bylaw change takes place. Selectman Hersom motions to appoint Daniel Moroney of 182 Eight lots Road to the Conservation Commission with a term to expire June 30, 2016, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 5-0. Selectman Chizy motions to appoint Robert Tefft of 202 Eightlots Road to the Conservation Commission with a term to expire June 30, 2016, Chairman Hebert seconds passes 5-0
TA Update:
- Shaw Farm: Jim and Jen Hager met with Art Allen from eco-tech to discuss the next phase of Shaw Farm development. They decided that Shaw Road and a parking lot will be the next phase as well as demolition of the Shaw Farm house. Fire Chief Matt Belsito asked if he could use the house for a controlled burning for educational training
- Marions camp: we have a septic design from Andrews Engineering. I am waiting for an estimate as to the cost of this construction. Charlton Well has also been contacted to review the well currently on site.
- Waters Farm roof repair: John Couture has hired John Marro as the architect for Waters Farm roof repair. This will be funded by the capital plan.
- Goals & Objectives meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 30 at 6pm at Blackstone golf course.
Announcements: N/A
Round Table/Correspondence:
Selectman Stuart says we live in a very unique place where we preserve and protect the history of Sutton. This shows in Shaw Farm as well as Waters Farm. The BOS offer their full support but there needs to be good balance between preserving history and moving forward as well. We have an obligation to look at opportunities to bring in commercial business.
The Sutton Historical Society is looking for donations as well as volunteers to support and preserve the Eight lots one room school house
Selectman Hersom motions to adjourn, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 5-0
Meeting adjourned 8:00 pm
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