Meeting Minutes
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 5/20/2014 by a vote of 4-0
(Selectman Hersom absent)
7:00 p.m. – May 6, 2014
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
Chairman John Hebert, Vice Chair Kenneth Stuart, Selectmen Mike Chizy & David Hall
Selectman Hersom absent
Town Administrator James Smith & Debbie Jacques, secretary
Chairman Hebert calls the meeting to order at 7:00pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Hebert recognizes Raymond Smith, retired Highway Superintendent that passed away last week with a moment of silence.
No comments under Public Forum
Selectman Stuart motions to approve as presented April 15, 2014 BOS minutes, Selectman Hall seconds passes 4-0
PUBLIC HEARING as read by Selectmen Hall advertised in the 4/10/14 Millbury Sutton Chronicle: Pole hearing Chase Rd/Blackstone St. BOS continue to the May 20th 2014 meeting as no representation from NGrid is available to answer a residents questions.
MRA Sports/Alex Rogozenski: TA Smith says the BOS approved 2 triathlons this summer at Marion’s Camp. Alex is here to review his plans on the use of Marion’s Camp. Jim states we have received copies of the insurances as well as calendars listing the usage. All waivers are in place. Alex has received the approval from the Police Dept and will be meeting with Fire Chief Belsito to review and address his lighting concerns. Selectman Chizy says as long as he has the Police and Fire approval he has no questions. Selectman Stuart has reviewed the paperwork, but says to be sympathetic and respectful to the residents along the lake. Alex replies that he has met with the Lake Association and is including them in daily swims and events. Selectman Hall congratulates Alex on making a strong cooperative effort
to work with the Lake Association. Chairman Hebert asks if the buoys will be in the same place as last year, Alex responds yes, Chairman Hebert says someone has to be in charge of locking the gate and notifying the Police Dept. John questions if porta potties will be available, Alex replied yes porta potties will be delivered Chairman Hebert’s last question is on the day of the triathlons will the beach close early? Alex replies the beach will remain open until the normal closing time but MRA will take over one of the parking lots to start organizing the event.
Ratify appointment of Lisa Troast, Treasurer Collector:TA Smith informs the BOS due to the resignation of Cathy VanDyne, Tim and Jim held interviews. Lisa was previously our HR/Payroll clerk but has experience as interim collector treasurer in Wales, MA. She was the ideal choice and has proven her work ethic. Lisa comes before the BOS, she states she has worked with Cathy and Tim very closely over the past few years and is enjoying her new position and the employees she works with. Selectman Chizy says she is a heck of an asset, she always has a smile; she was a good choice by Tim and Jim. Selectman Stuart offers his congratulations; Ken has heard all great things about Lisa. Selectman Hall feels promoting from within is always a good thing, congratulations! Chairman Hebert welcomes Lisa to her new position and says he
likes her mannerism. Selectman Chizy motions to ratify the appointment of Lisa Troast as Treasurer/Collector for the Town of Sutton, Selectman Stuart seconds passes 4-0
Ambulance Contract: TA Smith reviews with the BOS the breakdown of the cost associated with this contract. This is a 3 year/3 town contract. The cost to Sutton is $89,700. per year , Millbury $60,000. And Grafton zero cost. Sutton is higher due to the less number of calls. There will be an ambulance in the center and the ambulance for Wilks. will be housed in Millbury across from the Town Hall. Sutton and Millbury will share the cost of a lien to ($5,000. per town) and Millbury will cover utility costs associated with this. TA Smith offers Millbury thanks for standing by Sutton as the cost to Sutton alone would have been $290,000. per year. Selectman Chizy offers his thanks to Millbury and Grafton, Selectman Stuart mentions the reason Sutton is higher is due to less usage and says thank you to Millbury. Selectman Hall
echoes his colleagues, Grafton was out of the agreement but TA Smith worked with Millbury and Grafton came back into the agreement making this agreement happen. Chairman Hebert says the Public Safety Depts., Police and Fire sat in on these meetings and have open communication with Med Star. TA Smith says Fire Chief Belsito took the lead on this, he did a great job. Selectman Stuart motions to approve as presented the 3 year Ambulance Service Agreement between the Towns of Sutton, Millbury and Grafton with Med Star Ambulance, Selectman Hall seconds passes 4-0
3 yr reappointment of Town Accountant: TA Smith is requesting the board ratify Town Accountant Tim Harrisons 3 year reappointment. Jim likes to bring Tim before the BOS separate from the other reappointments to recognize the job he does. Jim goes on to say Tim does a wonderful job, he offers great advise and Jim values his support and input Selectman Chizy says Tim has always done a good job with some not so good administrators. Mike appreciates Tim’s work along the years. Selectman Stuart is a big fan of Tim and his wife Denise; the Harrisons are a fabric of our community. Look at our towns finances compared to other towns. Thank you for your efforts Tim. Selectman Hall says the praise Jim has for Tim says a lot, thank you for your years of contributions to our town. Tim has brought his long term conservative
financial approach to the table; thank you. Chairman Hebert says our financial team works well with Jim and our bond rating of AA Stable is something to be proud of. Thank you. Selectman Hall motions to ratify the 3 year reappointment of Tim Harrison as Town Accountant for the Town of Sutton Selectman Chizy seconds passes 4-0
Tim Harrison takes this time to thank the BOS for their comments and goes on to praise Jim as well as the staff and the jobs they do for the town. The staff and Jim motivate me to do a good job. You need the right leadership at the top and staff that does 100% every day. The leadership starts with Jim and the BOS so we can all perform as well as we do. Tim offers Jim his thanks.
Stonebridge Estates/Colonial – Bond Expenditure: TA Smith says this is the last of the remaining funds from a $15,000. bond Settlement. This request is for $2872.20 to replace worn or missing street signs. Hearing no issues Selectman Stuart motions to ratify the 3 year reappointment of Tim Harrison as Town Accountant for the Town of Sutton Selectman Hall seconds passes 4-0.
Town Administrator Update:
- Green Community Grant Application: The town has submitted an application in the amount of $169,796. The total project cost is $213,000. and a utility incentive of $43,300. Some of the projects include LED parking lot & exterior lights @ the Elementary school, a high-efficiency water heater for the Town Hall. Jim thanks Jen Hager for her work. Jim informs the BOS the Towns of Sutton and Millbury were recently awarded a $24,000. Energy Manager grant, it is fully funded in year 1, 50% year 2 and by the 3rd year it is hoped the town will fund.
Goals & Objectives meeting: Will take place in July per the BOS request, please check your schedules.
Greenline Velo Bike Race: scheduled to take place on Sunday June 8 from 7am to 6pm Police Dept and Fire Dept have approved event. A donation will be made to the Sutton Food Pantry.
Announcements:
Selectman Chizy thanks Jen Hager, Tammy Mahoney, Senator Moore, 4th grade teacher Mr. Keefe and all involved with Arbor Day which took place at the ELC on Monday, April 28th 4 trees were planted and it was a good time.
The annual Memorial Day parade is Monday May 26th participants will leave center at 11:10 and March to the Simonian ELC due to the school project.
Selectman Stuart announces that on Aug 16, 2014 there will be a 99 mile bike ride to benefit the Michael Elsessar fund. Those wishing to learn more about the organization can go to ALFWrides.com
Selectman Hall had the pleasure of attending the Sutton youth baseball parade on Sunday, Dave throw the 1st pitch and the catcher Matthew Graves did a great job catching it. Dave commends Joe Chicarelli, President of the organization for doing a great job with the fields.
Round Table: N/A
Hearing no further comments Selectman Stuart motions to adjourn, Selectman Chizy seconds passes 4-0
Adjourned 7:55 pm
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