Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
08/05/2014 BOS Meeting Minutes

                                                        Meeting Minutes
  
                                           Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on _8/19/14_ by a vote of  5-0_                                                                            
                                                7:00 p.m. – August 5, 2014            
                                        Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:                           
              Chairman Kenneth Stuart, Vice Chair David Hall, Selectmen Mike Chizy, John Hebert and Paul Maynard     
                Town Administrator James Smith & Debbie Jacques, secretary   

 Chairman Stuart calls the meeting to order at 7:00pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance

Public Forum: no comments

Selectman Hall motions to approve July 15, 2014 BOS minutes as presented, Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 5-0
Selectman Maynard motions to approve the Goals & Objectives minutes from 7/29/2014, Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 4-0-1 (Selectman Hall abstains, absent from G&O meeting)
BOS Delegate & Alternate to the CMRPC for FY15: TA Smith says over the past several years, John Hebert was the BOS Delegate and Bruce Davis was the Alternate. TA Smith recommends reappointments of both individuals as they both wish to continue. Selectman Chizy says they both do a heck of a job and he is happy they are both willing to stay on. Selectman Hebert (Delegate) has enjoyed his time on the CMRPC, he said it takes years to understand the roles played and Sutton sits very well in this group. Vice-Chair Hall appreciates the reports he has received from both appointees, they are both committed to their work in this group, Dave is grateful to have them on this board. Selectman Maynard says this is 2 respected people doing a great job; they are two well versed members. Chairman Stuart says that Selectman Hebert does one heck of a job, he brings the historic nature to this group as well as keeping the economic future of the town in mind, Ken is very impressed. Selectman Chizy motions to reappoint Selectman John Hebert as the Towns delegate to the CMRPC for FY15, Selectman Hall seconds, passes 4-0-1 (Selectman Hebert abstains)
Selectman Maynard motions to reappoint Bruce Davis as alternate delegate to the CMRPC for FY15, Selectman Chizy 2nds passes 5-0

Power Point-5 year update on energy savings for the town: TA Smith begins by saying this is a 5 year recap of the past 5 years since we have become a Green Community. The goal began at the 2008 Goals & Objectives meeting with a request by Selectman Chizy to pursue energy conservation with renewable energy. At the 2010 Goals & Objectives meeting the BOS endorsed becoming a Green Community, after meeting the criteria, Sutton became a Green Community in July of 2011. From 2008 to 2013, a final report was done showing a 25% reduction in energy consumption. The 1st project was solar panels on the ELC roof, which was achieved with town meeting approval as well as a grant through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. This 201kWh unit will be paid off in FY16. A project done between 2013-2014 placed Solar Panels at the Manchaug Fire Station, Senior Center and Sewer Treatment Plant. These panels will create 79 kWhs and upon completion of the roof of the new school an additional 100 kWh’s will be gained from those solar panels.   This will bring a total of 379 kilowatt hours equivalent to 379 SRECS (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) for all of the Solar panels on town owned buildings. These SRECs are revenue to the town. Once funding for these projects are paid off, the revenue will then go into the local receipts to help support our operating budget. The town of Sutton has received over $300,000.00 in Green Community grants to help fund these projects to lower our energy consumption.  In our yearly Capital Plan we have a goal to commit at least 3% of capital funds for energy conservation & efficiency projects. In the FY15 Capital Plan we have $10,000.00 to invest in LED lighting. The next steps, as discussed at the recent Goals and Objectives meeting, is to create a general bylaw which states any new town owned building must be built using state of the art energy efficient systems. Also discussed was changing our street lights to LED lights, hiring an Energy Manager (paid by a Green Community Grant) and continue to pursue additional Green Community Grants. The goal is to have a system of financial sustainability. Selectman Chizy says this started in 2008-2009, not all of the current members were on the BOS but every one at that time up to present has been 100% behind it. This is all due to the hard work and cooperation by the BOS and TA Smith doing the heavy lifting with thanks also to Jen Hager. This has gone beyond our wildest dreams. Selectman Hebert agrees with Mike’s comments, John has recently been in a town with LED lighting, he said the LED lights are much brighter, this would reduce our electricity cost as well as add safety with the brightness of these new lights. Vice-Chair Hall says that it had been said with prices going up it decreases our savings but Dave sees it as we are saving more. These projects are ensuring a more sound financial future for us. Dave asks TA Smith how we saved on oil cost, TA Smith replies the Town Hall had purchased a high efficiency boiler as well as invested in a new HVAC infrastructure. Selectman Maynard was very impressed to recently stop at the Manchaug Fire Station and see the net meter which is sending the electricity made down to the Sr. Center. TA Smith said the Sr. Center should be spending close to nothing this year on electricity. Selectman Maynard questions the Hydro power that was discussed a few years back, TA Smith said a feasibility study was done (cost of $14,000.) and it just didn’t work out, the pay back was going to be greater than 20 years. Paul says great job on what has been done. Chairman Stuart says energy costs are going up and to be able to curb the cost is great. Ken states that the school project includes energy efficient products as well as taking advantage of natural lighting & LED lights. Ken applauds Mike’s vision as well as TA Smith and Jen Hager’s efforts, this shows we are committed to this.       
    
Town Administrator Update:
  • Replacement of Engine Two in Manchaug: 1 bid received from Pierce Manufacturing, total cost $656,113. ($100,000. Under bid) was to be paid over a 5 yr period, with reduced cost will be spread over a 4 year period.
  • Vice-Chair Hall is a little concerned with the lower price, are we sure the quality is there? TA Smith replies that Pierce is one of the best in the business, they built our Quint, TA Smith has every confidence in Pierce as well as Fire Chief Belsito who wrote the specs.
  • Selectman Maynard says this will standardize the fleet (3 from Pierce) helping with repairs and operation  
  • Fire Dept Face book: joined world of social media along with Police and Highway.  It is a great way to keep the pubic up to date.
  • Selectman Maynard says this is a good way to get information out to the public regarding storms or a lost person.
  • Chairman Stuart agrees that this is the best way to announce things happening in town such as the recent break-ins.
  • Filming at Purgatory took place last week for a movie (The Sea of Trees).
  • Environmental Bond Bill: Sen. Moore put $350,000. In the Environmental Bond Bill for a sidewalk from the school to Shaw Farm, it is awaiting the governor to approve.
  • The Tour at Manchaug Pond: took place on July 18th, very informative highlighted Manchaug Dam, Waters Farm and Beaton property (recently purchased by Manchaug Pond Foundation).
  • Selectman Chizy comments on how nice it is to see the shoreline that is town owned.
  • Vice-Chair Hall thanks the Manchuag Pond Foundation for the tour and likens it to the tour held recently with the state reps, BOS, TA Smith, CMRPC and Jen Hager. Dave states he appreciates this as it is a great way to be educated   
  • Galaxy Development informed the Planning Board last night that they reached a settlement with Stop & Shop and will begin site work by the end of the month.
  • Selectman Maynard comments on the developer, he says they maintain a phenomenal job site.
  • MRA Triathlon took place August 3, 80 people participated, the town made $400.00 and the senior center will receive food contributions as well as a check.
  • Selectman Hebert went to Marions camp on Monday and said it was cleaned up as if no one was at the lake on Sunday. Good job by Alex.
  • Selectman Maynard offers thanks to Alex for a job well done.
  • Chairman Stuart says these are all feel good updates, thank you to Jim for heading up the work at Camp Marion.  
Announcements/Correspondence:
  • Selectman Maynard thanks the Fire Dept for the letter of appreciation on a recent house fire
  • Chairman Stuart reports on the OPEB meeting just held, the town is in good shape thank you to Tim and Jim
Round Table:  
  • Selectman Chizy reminds all the need at the Sutton Food Pantry
  • Vice-Chair Hall updates the residents on the changes at the 146 intersection regarding the lights as well as a bump
  • Chairman Stuart announces a 99 mile bike ride on August 16th to benefit the Mike Elsessar fund – proceeds to go towards equipping schools with AED’s.
Hearing no further comments Selectman Maynard motions to adjourn, Selectman Hebert seconds passes 5-0
Adjourned 7:50 pm