Town Of Sutton Board of Selectmen |
Meeting Minutes
Minutes Accepted and filed with the Town Clerk on 1/17/2017 by a vote of 4-0-1
(Vice chair Maynard abstains, not at 1/3/17 meeting)
7:00p.m. – January 3, 2017
Sutton Town Hall, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Members in Attendance:
Chairman John L. Hebert, Clerk Jesse Limanek and Selectmen David Hall & Michael Kenney (Vice Chair Maynard absent)
Town Administrator James Smith & Deb Jacques, secretary
Chairman Hebert calls the meeting to order at 7:00pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Hebert calls for a moment of silence for the passing of Tom Reilly (reporter for the Millbury Sutton Chronicle that covered many years of BOS meetings and passed away unexpectedly)
Forum: no comments
Selectman Hall motions to accept as presented minutes from December 20, 2016 Selectmen’s meeting, Selectman Limanek seconds passes 4-0
Authorize Town Administrator to sign for the Police Station project: TA Smith explains this is similar to the recent Middle school/High school project, the BOS at that time authorized TA Smith to sign all contracts, change orders, etc. With interest of expediency this worked out well, if the BOS do not feel this is needed, TA Smith will have to make arrangements with the BOS Chair to come in and sign change orders. Selectman Hall says this makes a lot of sense, it is the right thing to do. Dave states he has full confidence in TA Smith and the process. Selectman Limanek agrees with Dave, he states it would be different if the BOS were a full time governing body. This is a matter of common sense to authorize TA Smith sign for the BOS otherwise it would result in the delay of the process. Selectman Kenney agrees with what
has been said, Mike is all for it. Chairman Hebert says this is a good recommendation. Selectman Limanek motions to authorize the Town Administrator to sign all contracts, change orders, etc. for the Police Station project, Selectman Kenney seconds passes 4-0
Appointment to the Sutton Historical Commission: present is Historical member Keith Downer along with Rochelle Forsythe of 33 Mumford St. who is requesting appointment to the Historical Commission. This is to fill a vacancy for the associate seat. Ms. Forsythe states she has been a resident in town for 67 years and has been a member of the Historical Society since its inception. Keith Downer states she would be a good fit for the Historical Commission and her appointment would tie in well with the MHC grant and her connection with the Manchaug area. Selectman Hall says this is one of his favorite agenda items, he enjoys meeting the volunteers that make up the town boards and commissions. Selectman Limanek says thank you for volunteering, Jesse states he is a history buff and a professor of history, he feels Rochelle
shares the same interest. Selectman Kenney says it is great to see people step up and volunteer, Mike said he appreciates her volunteering. Chairman Hebert says that Rochelle will be a cog in a factory wheel for the Manchaug area. Selectman Hall motions to appoint Rochelle Forsythe to the Sutton Historical Commission as an Associate member for a three year term (term to expire 6/2020) Selectman Kenney seconds passes 4-0
TA Update:
- FY18 Budget update: The draft capital plan is complete, the plan is to use free cash to fund in its entirety. As of June 30, 2016 the Dept. of Revenue had certified $1.3 million dollars. TA Smith has retained a consultant Human Resource Service company to do a Dept. Head salary review. The preliminary budget will be presented to the BOS on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
- Middle School/High School: after the final MSBA audit, the town was notified that we would be receiving back $240,000. This will be added to the remaining $50,000. In this account. The building committee will meet on January 11th to discuss where this could be used.
- Gate at the end of Gilmore drive- this is the gate that allows access onto Mendon road from Gilmore Drive. It is supposed to be locked but recently it has been unlocked. Thanks to jen Hager and Mike Robertson this gate now has a lock on it.
- Blue tarp on the beehive building was recently put on., this property may be rezoned at the spring town meeting. Currently this can only be a single family home. This tarp will prevent rain and snow from any further damage to the property.
- New Public records Law workshop will be held on Thursday, January 5th 10am-noon in the Selectmens meeting room.
Announcements/Round Table/ Correspondence/Business Topics:
Selectman Hall says Tom Reilly covered many Selectmen’s meetings over the years, he was quite admirable, and he will be missed.
Selectman Limanek also commented on Tom, Jesse stated his article in the weekly Millbury Sutton Chronicle was a must read.
Tom was a tough cookie and he held elected officials accountable.
Selectman Kenney also commented on Tom Reilly stating he heard he was a favorite teacher of his students, he was well loved.
Mike also asks for residents to remember to support the Food Pantry.
Chairman Hebert is in receipt of a letter from Mr. James Dwyer.
Selectman Hall motions to adjourn, Selectman Limanek seconds passes 4-0 7:40 p.m.
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