Meeting Minutes
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 10/20/2015 by a vote of 4-0
7:00 p.m. – October 6, 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:
Brian Stevenson-664 Central Tpk. president of the Historical Society is here to speak against the proposed project to cut into the side of the curbing along Uxbridge road to make additional parking spaces. Brian feels this will take away from the quaint center common we now have. He offers suggestions such as the parking lot at the Congregational Church; the town property aside of the Center Store and the town owned property at 16 Uxbridge Road.
John Belcufine-75 Leland Hill Rd. agrees with the previous comments by Mr. Stevenson, he goes on to say history shows that the common goes over to the cemetery, the road is on the common not the other way around.
Scott Paul- 309 Mendon Rd., member of the Planning Board; says there are a number of options to look at. We need to have wise planning for this. This is the 1st time Planning has heard about this.
Keith Downer – 334 Boston Road, Historical Commission member; as a voting citizen of this town, it should not be up to 1 or 6 individuals (BOS) to make the decision. We voted for you; and for you to decide without public discussion sends a lousy statement. Keith suggests looking up a legal case known as Conner’s vs the City of Boston.
Milton Moss – suggests moving the Rufus Putnam House off the site and adding additional parking there.
Joyce Smith – 35 Bond Hollow Rd. feels by putting parking spots there, it would still be dangerous for people crossing the street.
Jonathan Anderson- 165 Eight Lots Rd. Planning Board member - recommends having a public hearing so all can participate in discussion. There is a lot of passion for the common, it is a sensitive area.
John Hebert- appreciates all here to speak on this subject. John would like the fence viewer before the BOS as well as the Planning Dept. Highway Surveyor and Town Admin. Before the Bandstand was there, there were people in opposition. Now it is one of the finest bandstands in New England. Before we make a decision we will have more input.
Paul Maynard- due to 2-3 accidents over the last few years we have looked into the parking issue. Parking is tight during the day shift.
Jesse Limanek-says it is refreshing to see the interest in town. We are in the exploratory stages; the fact that the Planning Board is involved is a good thing.
Mike Kenney- thanks all in attendance for this and says something will need to be done due to the hazards. There have been some excellent ideas to help offer solutions to the parking problem.
Dave Hall – we invite comments, we will work to come up with the best solution. The reason we are looking at this was due to a complaint by a citizen to clean up the common. The parking along that side is an issue and it will continue to be a problem.
Selectman Maynard motions to accept minutes from the 9/15/2015 BOS meeting; Vice-Chair Hebert 2nds passes 5-0
Selectman Limanek motions to approve as presented Executive Session minutes from 9/15/2015, Selectman Maynard 2nds passes 5-0
Public Hearing*Xtra Mart Liquor License changes* advertised in the 9/17/15 Chronicle as read by Selectman Maynard. Atty Leslie Hawkins is here on behalf of Drake Petroleum and Glen LaBossier is here as the new manager of the store. Atty Hawkins says this is all administrative changes and a manager change. Vice Chair Hebert says as the new manager, Mr. LaBossier should be TIP certified. Selectman Maynard stresses TIP training and suggests reaching out to the Fire Chief and Police Chief to introduce himself. Selectman Limanek welcomes Mr. LaBossier and asks if he will be on site or regional, Mr. LaBossier responds on site. Selectman Kenney welcomes the new manager to town and also suggests reaching out to meet the other business owners. Chairman Hall says we are reviewing and approving a new alcohol policy tonight due
to compliance issues last year, this continues to be important to us as a board. Selectman Maynard motions to Close the Hearing, Selectman Limanek seconds passes 5-0. Vice-Chair Hebert motions to approve the changes as requested for the Wine & Malt Package Store License # 125400023 doing business at Xtra Mart located at 27 Worcester-Providence Tpk. in Sutton MA Selectman Kenney seconds passes 5-0
Public Hearing*236 Manchaug Rd-61A* advertised in the 9/3/15 Chronicle as read by Selectman Maynard. TA Smith informs the Board town depts. have recommended to waive option to purchase. Chairman Hall agrees there seems to be no public value. Hearing no comments, Selectman Maynard motions to close the public hearing, Selectman Limanek seconds passes 5-0. Selectman Kenney motions to not exercise the town’s option under MGL Chapter 61A for 4.15 acres of property located at 236 Manchaug Road, Map 48 Parcel 62, Selectman Maynard seconds passes 5-0
Special Municipal Employee-Wilks Water District-Present is Shelly Gorman and Jeannie McDonald. TA Smith says Shelly is the secretary for the Water Dept. but is also the clerk of the board. She must be made a Special Employee so there are no conflicts. Selectman Limanek motions to appoint Shelly Gorman, secretary for the Wilkinsonville Water District, also serving as clerk of the Water District, a Special Municipal Employee under MGL Chapter 268A, Vice-Chair Hebert seconds passes 5-0
Selectman Limanek motions to approve an exemption to Shelly Gorman, employee of Wilkinsonville Water District under MGL Chapter 268A section D, Selectman Maynard seconds passes 5-0
Appointment to the Sutton Housing Authority- Barbara Wade of 5 Church St. is present requesting appointment to fill a vacancy. Barbara states she was born and raised in Sutton and would like to volunteer. The BOS all thank her for volunteering her time. Vice-Chair Hebert motions to appoint Barbara Wade of 5 Church Street to the vacancy on Sutton Housing Authority until the next Town Election in May 2016, Selectman Maynard seconds passes 5-0
Sutton Lion’s Club Haunted Hollows Hayride: present is John and Diane Greenlaw of 20 Newton Dr. requesting permission to hold the 2nd Halloween Hayride at Marion’s Camp on Oct. 23, 24 and 25. Vice Chair Hebert is excited to have this at Marion’s Camp. We welcome this event there is ample parking, it is safe for children. Selectman Maynard thanks the Lions Club for holding this event. Selectman Limanek says fantastic, he is looking forward to this. Selectman Kenney says this will be an incredible event for kids and parents as well. Chairman Hall is happy to hear John Hebert’s comments as he is the champion for Marion’s camp and its redevelopment. (for the record, Dave Hall, Jesse Limanek and Mike Kenney are members of the Lions Club).
Free Cash/Stabilization Fund Policies- TA Smith presents these policies which have been in existence for 5 years. Jim states the BOS should revisit the policy’s every once and awhile to see if updating needs to take place. We have tried to keep them as flexible as possible. The rating agencies (S&P and Moody’s) take policies such as these into account when issuing a rating for the town. Copies of these newly adopted policies will be attached to these minutes. Vice-Chair Hebert agrees with keeping flexible. Selectman Limanek says this is excellent (He just attended a conference for new selectmen and attended the budget workshop) He says this is outstanding. Selectman Kenney agrees with Jesse and says this shows forward thinking. Chairman Hall says he is encouraged to hear from the 2 new members,
Dave says we are in good shape and it is due to years of diligence and hard work. Congratulations to the financial team. Selectman Maynard motions to accept the revised Free Cash and Stabilization Fund Policies for the Town of Sutton, Vice Chair Hebert seconds passes 5-0
Liquor License Regulations & Violation Procedures: TA Smith has incorporated K&P comments into this version. Vice-Chair Hebert has reviewed them and says they are right on track. Selectman Maynard says they are well written, Selectman Limanek says fantastic, fully articulated and maintains flexibility; they are clear and concise. Selectman Kenney asks when the license holders will get a copy, TA Smith replies when renewals go out in 2 weeks. Mike is glad Sutton will be a town underage drinkers do not want to try and buy. Chairman Hall says when the compliance issue arose last year we had nothing in place, it is terrific to have written in a clear fashion. Vice-Chair Hebert motions to approve Liquor License Regulations to be used in addition to the required ABCC State regulations and Liquor License Violation
Procedures for the Town of Sutton, Selectman Limanek seconds passes 5-0
Approve Fall Town Meeting Warrant- TA Smith comments that the Finance Committee approved 1-9 but voted not to approve #10 & #11after brief conversation, Selectman Kenney motions to approve and sign the Fall Town Meeting Warrant, Selectman Maynard seconds passes 5-0
TA Update:
- Patrolman Peter Greeno retired on Sept. 22, 2015 after 35 years of service.
- Eightlots School House rededication- took place on Sept. 20th. The Historical Society led by Brian Stevenson and Dave Pizzi did a wonderful job.
Market 32 needs a common vic signed tonight for the food court inside the store. It will be up for renewal in a month.
Police Chief contract- TA Smith has renewed Dennis Towles contract for the next 3 years.
Free Cash Certified- DOR has approved free cash as of 7/1/15 in the general fund $1,282,674. The sewer enterprise fund $281,022. And the Transfer Station $33,832.
146 & Boston Road nearing completion the final strip will be completed by next week. The North bound lane will eliminate the left turn at the lights. Drivers will have to take a right on to Pleasant Valley Road and then a left on to Boston Road.
Market 32 open house is scheduled for October 27 5:30-7:00 for a 5 dollar donation. Market 32 will donate to the Food Pantry, The sr. center and Sutton youth soccer.
- The 7th annual golf tournament to benefit the Sutton Food Pantry will be held this Friday.
Announcements:
Vice-Chair Hebert will be away on Oct. 17th which is the Marion’s Camp cook out, Oct. 19th, the Town Meeting, Oct. 19th and the Selectmen’s meeting on Oct. 20th.
Selectman Maynard reads the schedule for the upcoming Flu Clinic as well as the needs for the Food Pantry.
Selectman Kenney says the naming of the Food Pantry after Mike Chizy went well. On a sadder note, Paul Stanford passed away last week.
Chairman Hall says Mike Chizy certainly brought passion to the food pantry highlighting the needs.
Round Table:
Selectman Kenney discusses his evaluation of TA Smith that was given a few weeks ago. Mike discussed his thoughts on the 1-5 scores (5 being perfect and 1 unacceptable) Mike used the scores as 4 is great, 3 is good and 2 is needs improvement. Mike says he feels Jim is doing a fantastic job, are there things you can improve on absolutely but that is true for all of us.
8:50 pm – Selectman Maynard motions to adjourn, Vice-Chair Hebert 2nds passes 5-0
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