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09/01/2015 BOS Meeting Minutes
                                                           Meeting Minutes
  
                                           Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on  9/15/2015 by a vote of     5-0
                                                                                                         
7:00 p.m. – September 1, 2015
                                       Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:                           
        Chairman David Hall, Vice-Chair John Hebert, Selectmen Paul Maynard, Jesse Limanek & Michael Kenney  
        Town Administrator James Smith & Debbie Jacques, secretary   

Chairman Hall calls the meeting to order at 7:00pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
Public Forum: No comments

Selectman Limanek motions to accept minutes from the 8/18/2015 BOS meeting; Selectman Maynard 2nds passes 5-0
 
Peregrine Energy Group presentation: Energy Mgr. Doreen DeFazio is present along with Peregrines CEO Paul Gromer and Director of Communications Marlana Patton. TA Smith begins by saying this company was the preferred provider by the selection committee which was made up of Jim Smith, Jen Hager and Doreen DeFazio. Paul Gromer goes in to detail about his company. Paul was the MA Commissioner of Energy Resources and co-authored the MA Guide to Municipal Aggregation. Peregrine works with Bay State Consultants whose role is electric procurement, contract negotiations and solar procurement.  Peregrine prides themselves in 4 core municipal aggregation tasks: Plan development & approval, regulatory & utility support; supply procurement & contract negotiations; customer education and developing & implementing a renewable energy strategy. Marlana gives a brief overview of what they would offer to residents to educate and answer any questions they may have. Paul Gromer states that there would be roughly 2500 customers. All residents, providing they have not already chosen a different supplier then NGrid will be included unless they opt out.  Vice-Chair Hebert says thanks to Mike Chizy and Jim Smith we are a very green community, will that help us in this process. Mr. Gromer states that this would further the goal of a green community.  Electricity aggregation overall is greener and you can buy from a local project. Selectman Maynard says we have 2 zip codes and some PO Boxes so when mailings go out please be aware of this. Selectman Limanek asks what the advantage is to residents. Paul replies that depending on the path they choose, it would be a lower price than they are paying now and more stability on the cost year round as well as offering transparency as there are no hidden costs. Jesse also asks who sets the rate, Paul replies the BOS choose the bid that sets the rate but you can assign that to the Town Admin. the bid rates are good for 1day. Selectman Kenney asks how many bids come back when a town goes out for electric aggregation, Paul answers 3-5. Mike also mentions a few of towns that are currently working with Peregrine and their satisfaction but says one of the comments was prepare yourself as it does take time.  Chairman Hall asks if residents will get more than 1 bill, Paul replies they will get 1 bill with a different name as the supplier. Dave asks for them to explain a little more about the opt in or opt out for residents and asks if business are included, Paul replies businesses are part of the program. TA Smith says that this will provide another option for residents, the more options we are able to offer the better we are doing as a board. Selectman Limanek motions to approve Peregrine Energy Group as the town wide electricity aggregator; Vice-Chair Hebert 2nds passes 5-0. Doreen DeFazio says she went through the referral process and everyone was very enthusiastic about their experience with Peregrine.

Local T.I.F. Field Protection Agency- 9 Harback Road: Present is Mike Zorena, owner of Pro Event Inc. presently at 6 Harback has purchased the property at 9 Harback for a new company Field Protection Agency (FPA). They have paid the back taxes due ($17,000.) and are in the process of cleaning up the site with a $500,000. brownfields loan. This TIF was approved at the May Town Meeting and will go to the EACC on September 23rd.  After brief discussion, all agree this property was in a bad state and in need of cleanup. Chairman Hall states he is always in support of TIF’s but this property absolutely warrants a TIF.  Vice-Chair Hebert motions to approve the Tax Increment Financing Agreement (TIF) by and between the Town of Sutton, Field Protection Agency, LLC and New Covenant Partners IV, LLC for 9 Harback Road; Sutton; Selectman Maynard 2nds passes 5-0

Alternate appointment to the Planning Board: present is Walter Baker. TA Smith says Wally currently serves on the Historical Commission as well as COA. He is also interested in being an associate member to a vacancy on the Planning Board. Wally states he is semi-retired and has the time and energy to volunteer for this. The Selectmen all offer their thanks to Wally for his dedication to the town and are very supportive of his appointment. Selectman Maynard motions to appoint Walter Baker to the Planning Board as an Associate member; Selectman Kenney 2nds passes 5-0
      
Draft-Liquor License Regulations & Hearing procedures: TA Smith informs the BOS he would like the BOS to review and welcomes feedback. Town Council is currently reviewing. Jim would like to have something in place and mentions the violations we encountered last year by all but 1 establishment (they were closed for business). Jim would like to have the regulations and hearing procedures in place should we need them in the future.  Selectman Maynard and Kenney ask about monetary fines, TA Smith will look at other towns to see but says that if a business is made to close for a day or 2, that does end up costing the business. All agree this is an important policy for the board.    
 
TA Update:
  • Tennis Courts- bid opened 8/20- 2 bids received Tasco at $274,000. And EH Perkins at $207,000.
  • Selectman Limanek says once these are done they will be an asset to the town.
  • Chairman Hall says this is the only public courts in town; it is time for an upgrade.
  • The Algonquin gas transmission proposed project is looking to increase its natural gas supply to the Northeast region. This project will run along its current right of way on Blackstone Street and includes the Towns of Grafton and Millbury.
  • Selectman Maynard requests that any work to be done please contact each town 1st.
  • 7th annual golf tournament is scheduled for October 9th 9-12 noon. Proceeds will go to the Food Pantry.
  • TA performance evaluation in packets. Please get back by Sept. 8th and we will put it on the Sept 15th meeting unless the BOS would like to push off.
  • Vice-Chair Hebert would like to get Jims eval. done soon and feels all can have back by Sept. 8th.
Selectman Limanek agrees with John and says there is no reason to delay Jims eval.
Chairman Hall also feels that there is no reason to hold up the eval.
  • Martha “Fritzi” Petri will be retiring from the COA. There will be a gathering on Sept 11th at the COA.
  • Vice-Chair Hebert says Fritzi is an asset to our town.
  • Selectman Maynard speaks highly of Fritzi’s experience and her outlook on life.
  • Ribbon cutting at the Middle/High School Wed. Sept 2nd @ 5pm
  • Vice-Chair Hebert requests the BOS wear suits and ties as there may be photos taken.
  • Selectman Kenney agrees with John in regards to suits.
The BOS all comment on the Farm Tour held by Congressman McGovern and the stop at Whittier Farms. All were very impressed with the tour and the many state and federal representatives present.  Selectman Maynard states that he was shocked to find it took 4 years for Whittiers to get the proper voltage of electricity to the farm that was needed to operate machinery.

Announcements:   
Selectman Maynard mentions the annual Labor Day breakfast to be held on the common as well as the 8-lots school house dedication to take place mid-September.  Paul goes on to offer congratulations to Mike Chizy for receiving his 60 year pin from the American Legion and Atty. Dave Suprenant for being named Lawyer of the year. Paul reads the list of items needed at the Food Pantry as well as the replacement for Fritzi- Clark Alderman.
Selectmen Limanek says Wayne Whittiers bumper sticker says it all- No Farms No Food. School opens tomorrow, be mindful there are kids on the roads, sidewalks.
Selectman Kenney went to meet the coach night – they are stressing good sportsmanship and importance of good academics.  Mike also reminds residents to be aware there are no sidewalks on Putnam hill and kids will be walking to the field on Shaw Farm.
Chairman Hall says the BOS all did a great job at the Farm Tour, Sutton is a farming community and the number of farms has diminished over the years.  We appreciate all of Congressman McGovern’s efforts.  

Round Table:   N/A


8:35 pm Selectman Maynard motions to adjourn, Vice-Chair Hebert 2nds passes 5-0