Selectmen Notes - Sutton Opts To Keep Single Tax Rate
By Robert Fucci / editor@millburysutton.com
Posted at 10:10 AMUpdated at 10:10 AM
During its Nov. 13 meeting, the Board of Selectmen was presented a way to decrease the property taxes for Sutton residents during a public hearing with the Board of Assessors. Robert Nunnemacher and Ray Nichols of the Board of Assessors said by changing to a split tax rate, which would put more of a tax burden on business owners, residents would save $460.The BOS unanimously declined the option for Fiscal Year 2019, saying it would present a challenge attracting new businesses to town.
“We’re trying to encourage commercial development in town if possible,” Selectman David Hall said. “To have that tax rate hit is hard to swallow. My vote is to stay with the single tax rate.”
Residential taxes make up just over 86 percent of the town’s share, with commercial and industrial accounting for 8.5 percent. “We need businesses to come in town,” Selectman Chair John Hebert said. “That’s our mission, to bring solid commercial businesses in town.”
Raise a glass
Vallaincourt Folk Art requested two one-day wine and malt on-site licenses for its scheduled two-day performance of A Christmas Carol on Nov. 24-25. Vallaincourt started producing and selling its own special Christmas red wine this year and plans to sell it by the glass, along with white wine and beer options, in the theater area. A motion to approve the licenses passed by a 5-0 vote.
Reservoir Avenue easement
At Fall Town Meeting in October, residents passed an article to allow Sutton to gain an easement off of Reservoir Avenue to the Manchaug water tank. The town has a public safety communication tower on top of the water tank, and because Sutton is using fiber, it wants to run this underground through a conduit. In order for this to happen, the town needs the owner’s permission. “We have been working with Metacomet Land Trust, who was in the process of acquiring that land,” Town Manager Jim Smith said. “They have purchased that parcel and we are working very closely with them to dig a trench, put the conduit in and eventually receive the fiber cable.” Smith applauded the efforts of former Selectman Paul Maynard, who was the lead on the project. “In addition, I would like to thank Lisa Mosczynski from Metacomet Land Trust, Andrew’s Engineering, Matt Stencel, Larry Morris and Dennis Towle for their team effort in making this happen.”
Budget process
Smith said it’s time to start the FY20 budget process and that department heads and Superintendent Ted Friend have received capital plan requests. The requests are due back on Dec. 14. Smith told the Board he included a copy of the FY20 budget process and that he plans to give the Board regular updates.
Storage at Shaw Farm
With the police station project in its final stages, the town will store a container at Shaw Farm in order to begin final grading and paving. The 8x20 container will be at Shaw Farm through January.
Transfer Station schedule
The station will be closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 22. It will reopen on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23-24, for normal hours.
Chain, chain, chain!
The annual Chain of Lights is set for Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free trolleys will be available starting at First Congregational Church. Santa will visit the Common at 5:30 p.m. Christmas lights will be turned on shortly afterward.
Jingle all the way!
The annual Jingle Jaunt 5K road race will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10:30 a.m., starting at First Congregational Church. Smith thanked Howard Bottomly for continuing the tradition.
Passing on land
During two public hearings, the Board voted 5-0 and 4-0, respectively, to not exercise the town’s options on land parcels at 211 Boston Road, and 188 and 199 Mendon Road. Selectman Jesse Limanek recused himself from the Mendon Road discussion, saying his family was involved in the matter.
Conservation Commission update
Chair Joyce Smith provided the BOS an update on the latest happenings with CONCOM. She stressed the importance to retain the town’s wetlands for flood control purposes and discussed the five great ponds of Sutton. A great pond is defined in Massachusetts statutes as a pond or lake that is in its natural state at least 10 acres in size. Massachusetts General Law states that all great ponds must be open for fishing and boating, including providing reasonable access to the pond, except for reservoirs.
Website update
Communications Director Pam Nichols discussed the recent upgrades to the town’s website and encouraged residents to follow the town on YouTube to watch taped board and committee meetings. Board members praised Nichols for her efforts. “What I like most is the innovation you’ve been bringing,” Hall said. “Facebook, the new website, that’s a product of a lot of thought of what the town could benefit from. Moving to YouTube is such an advancement for those videos. It’s really helpful. I love the look of the new website.”