Hebert accepts reappointment to CMRPC; Limanek to serve as alternate

Board of Selectmen Chair John Hebert has done a lot for Sutton in the numerous roles he’s filled during his five decades of public service.

One of the those roles includes serving as the Subeast Regional chair of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. And on Aug. 7, he accepted the reappointment at the request of Town Manager Jim Smith.

“I will accept being nominated for probably my last term there,” said Hebert, who is in his final term on the Board of Selectmen. “It’s been rewarding. It’s not just Sutton. I represent 11 towns.”

Founded by the Legislature in 1963, CMRPC provides a variety of services to its constituencies and brings a regional perspective to planning and development. One of 13 Regional Planning Agencies in Massachusetts, CMRPC serves the City of Worcester and 39 surrounding communities in the southern two-thirds of Worcester County. CMRPC’s programs include Transportation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Regional Collaboration and Community Planning.

Hebert has been involved in many projects in the region including the 146 Boston Road expansion, the Millbury rotary, and Sutton Avenue construction in Northbridge, Smith said. Recently, he was a major factor in the reconstruction of the M route from Millbury to St. Mark’s Church on Boston Road and Route 16 in Douglas to Central Turnpike in Sutton. Hebert also played a significant role in the reconstruction of the Blackstone Street bridge and the Depot Street bridge in Sutton.

Selectman David Hall said he was happy to support Hebert’s reappointment.

“John has been on that board for about nine years,” he said. “What we know of the work you do there is it’s valuable, and has impacted the region and Town of Sutton in intangible ways. You spent the first couple of years finding your way. It served you well and served us well as a town.”

Smith also requested the appointment of Selectman Jesse Limanek as an alternate.

(Former alternate) Bruce Davis is enjoying retirement in Florida,” Smith said. “I talked to Jesse and he’s willing to serve in that role.”

Motions to reappoint Hebert and appoint Limanek passed by a 4-0 vote.