Meeting Minutes
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 4/7/2015 by a vote of 5-0
7:00 p.m. – March 17, 2015
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
Vice-Chair Hall motions to accept as presented minutes from the March 3, 2015 BOS meeting; Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 4-0-1
(Selectman Chizy abstains)
Historical Society presentation: present are members Brian Stevenson, David Pizzi, Walter Baker, Joyce Smith. Brian Stevenson begins by saying they are here to re familiarize the public with the Historical Society and the revitalization of the 8 lots school house as well as the goals and objectives for the next 2-3 years. David Pizzi presents an overview to the board. It touches on the Blacksmith shop with its recent roof replacement, the canon shed that houses the Big Ben Civil war canon, ownership of the Benjamin Franklin mile marker installed by Franklin in 1771 and the the near completion of one of the oldest one room school houses in the United States known as the 8 Lots School House. The next major restoration project being planned is the restoration of the Rufus Putnam Museum which will include
archiving the contents as well as preserving the building itself. Work at the school house was done by volunteers with donated material as well as monetary donations. They are planning a rededication of the school house on September 20th this year. The Historical Society now has a facebook page as well as a web page. Anyone interested can donate or volunteer time to help with the ongoing preservation projects. They are also hoping to gain the interest of students to volunteer as well as educate them on the history of Sutton. (hand out attached to minutes). Selectman Chizy says the work that they put into the school house is unreal; people do not realize how much work is done by volunteers. Thank you for taking care of our historical properties. Selectman Hebert thanks them for an enlightened presentation, residents are very fortunate groups like you do what you do. Vice-Chair Hall says he is a big fan of the work done by this group, people are drawn to our town because
of its beauty, and historical preservation goes hand in hand. Dave asks about grants and donations for these projects; Dave Pizzi responds that there were about 75 private donations for the school house. Brian Stevenson says that when large donations come in it makes it easier to get the job done. Selectman Maynard says this is over the top, good work. Chairman Stuart thanks the Historical Society; he goes on to say they are the stewards of history in our town, it is very important for everyone to know the importance of what you are doing, Sutton was such a large part of the Revolutionary War. Thank you and good luck with your endeavor.
T.I.F.- 9 Harback Road: present is Planning Director Jen Hager, Raffaella DeGruttola (owner of Pro Event) Ben Gould in charge of remediation and Matt Grenier, in charge of the renovation. TA Smith says this is a win win for the town. The site will be cleaned up and back taxes paid using a Brownfields loan through Dept. of Energy & Environmental Affairs. Jen Hager says they are looking for a TIF from the town to help their business grow within the community. Ms. DeGruttola briefly describes their current business. They set up flooring for large field events. Selectman Chizy welcomes this business to town, as far as a TIF; Mike is a big believer, especially to good deserving companies. He backs this 100%. Selectman Hebert says this property has been overlooked for many years, John is all for the TIF, it is a win win for
you and us. We like to promote goodness on 146. Vice-Chair Hall says it is a good opportunity to have the site cleaned up and back taxes paid, Dave absolutely backs a T.I.F. Selectman Maynard says thank you for cleaning up the site. Chairman Stuart says it is great to have your business in town; this is a good return on an investment (TIF). Planning Director Jen Hager states by obtaining the Brownfield loan they cannot get a state investment tax credit so if the BOS would like to increase the TIF amount that would be great. Selectman Hebert motions to sponsor the proposed article for approval of the T.I.F. Agreement and Certified Project application for 9 Harback Road at the May Town Meeting, Selectman Maynard 2nds passes 5-0
Layout of Hillside Drive: Planning Director Jen Hager states this is just a housekeeping issue as currently it is not on the chapter 90 funding list although it has been maintained as a town road. Hearing no comments, Vice-Chair Hall motions pursuant to MGL c82, sec.’s 21-24 to layout Hillside Drive as a town way as shown on a plan entitled “Modification Hillside Subdivision in Sutton, MA” prepared by Lavallee Brothers Inc., dated January 13, 1992, which layout was referred to the Planning Board for its report as required by law. The aforementioned description and layout plan is hereby forwarded to the Town Clerk for filing and reported to the town for acceptance, Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 5-0
May Town Meeting Warrant Draft: TA Smith reviews the warrant but notes it is in draft form and there may be changes. The final Warrant will be presented at the next meeting.
NGrid Transmission line request: TA Smith informs the BOS the NGrid liaison for Sutton, Michael Peterson has requested NGrid be able to work on Patriots Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day as well as from March to May work on Saturdays & Sundays between 5AM and noon to cross over 146. There will be State Police details as traffic will be interrupted. Hearing no issues, 2 motions are made: Selectman Maynard motions to authorize National Grid to do construction work on the transmission lines on the following State holidays: Patriots Day April 20th, Columbus Day Oct. 12th and Veterans Day Nov. 11th from 7AM to 5PM. Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 5-0. Selectman Maynard motions to authorize National Grid beginning in March through May to install new transmission wires over route
146 to be done on Saturdays & Sundays between the hours of 5AM to 12 noon, Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 5-0
Request to increase Capital Stabilization fund by 2.5%: TA Smith says this will allow the FY15 override figure of $564,625. Increase to $578,741. originally this was established for capital purchases. Our goal is to allow this fund to grow to afford larger purchases without having to go for debt exclusions. Vice Chair Hall says this makes a lot of sense, Chairman Stuart says he fully supports this. Vice-Chair Hall motions to authorize the Assessor’s office to increase the Capital Stabilization Fund by an additional 2.5% increase to the FY2015 override figure of $564,625. to $578,741. Selectman Hebert 2nds passes 5-0
TA Update:
- Healthcare increase: our health care is scheduled to increase 10.9 % for FY16. We are currently working with the IAC and EBS Foran for plan design changes. We are also looking into increasing the copay for MRI’s/Ct’s.
- MRA Multisport road race to take place March 29th. It will begin in Northbridge and enter Sutton for a short period. 2 police details have been requested.
- The Gov.’s budget was released on 3/4/15; there was an increase of $29,800. In chapter 70 and $25,006. In lottery.
- Charmin has offered a donation of 960 rolls of toilet paper to the Sutton Fire Dept. (Saving the butts that save our butts) Selectman Chizy motions to allow the Sutton Fire Dept. to accept the generous donation of toilet paper, Selectman Maynard 2nds passes 5-0.
- Tour of the High School to be held on April 1st @ 5pm. This is open to the BOS as well as the School Committee
Modular Class rooms sold to Triumph Modular for $45,000. They will be removed the 2-3 week in April.
Announcements: N/A
Roundtable:
Selectman Chizy reminds all the Food Pantry can use donations
Selectman Hebert requests TA Smith to send a letter to MA Highway-District 3 in regards to the deplorable condition the roads on the M route are. John would like someone to come here and view, he would like to be present at site meeting.
Chairman Stuart says the BOS are in receipt of a letter from Mr. Dwyer but have not yet reviewed. Ken also congratulates the Boys Basket Ball team for being State Finalists. They had a great year.
Chairman Stuart motions to enter into Executive Session under M.G.L., c30A, Sec. 21 #3 and enter back into regular session for the sole purpose of adjournment, Selectman Chizy seconds, passes 5-0 8:30pm Roll Call Taken
8:45 pm enter back into regular session, Selectman Chizy motions to adjourn, Vice-Chair Hall 2nds passes 5-0
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