Monthly Archives: February 2013

Building Committee at BoS

The Building Committee presented its plans for the new DPW garage to the Board of Selectmen at last night’s meeting.  This time they are providing lots of cogent information about why this building and why it is in this particular configuration.  See its materials at the Building Committee’s website – www.medfieldpbc.org

MFi volunteers for 2013

Medfield Foundation 2013 Volunteer Recognition

4:00 PM, Sunday, March 10
The Center

The Medfield Foundation is pleased to announce that this year the following Medfield people  were nominated by fellow residents for special recognition for extraordinary volunteer efforts:

Youth Volunteer of the Year
 
Katrina Simon

Katrina Simon for work with the Mass. Alzheimer’s Assoc., MYAC, China student  exchanges, Chinese Club at MHS, Downtown Study Committee, political campaigns, and The Zullo Gallery

Greg Lyons
Greg Lyons for tutoring work at the Medfield High School math lab, MHS Community Teens, P&C Sports

Emily Monac

Emily Monac for therapeutic horseback riding work at BiNA Farm, MHS Community Teens, and HOBY Youth Leadership

Volunteer of the Year

Beth Eby

Beth Eby for her work with the Medfield Food Cupboard, and her support and advocacy for tennis

Rick Abecunas
Rick Abecunas for his work with the Lowell Mason Foundation, Green Street & Dale Street Playgrounds, Soup to Go Medfield,     Scouts,   Medfield Music Assoc., & ANGP

Michelle Doucette

Michelle Doucette for her work with the American Legion Auxiliary, Dwight-Derby House, Veterans Day celebration, Home     Committee

Cynthia Greene

Cynthia Greene for her work with the Medfield Energy Committee, LWV. SEPAC, & Town Bylaw Review Committee

Rick McKinney

Rick McKinney for his work as scoutmaster of Troop 89 and Cub Scout Pack 200, Thunder Hill 4H, &  Youth Lacrosse

Lifetime Achievement

al manganello, jr
Albert Manganello, Jr. for his work with all things related to veterans, the Cemetery Commission, Legion Baseball, Little League, Memorial Day Parade, Children’s Christmas Party

Ann Thompson photo
Ann Thompson for her work in town government, the Library Trust Fund, Home Committee, Girls Scouts, MHS Boosters, St. Edward’s, Knitting for Cancer, and Medfield TV

BoS 2/26/13

Tuesday February 26, 2013 @7:00PM
AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Permanent Building Committee Discuss proposed town garage, safety building and Dale Street Masterplan

Humor

These fit so well they should be in a dictionary.

ADULT:
A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

BEAUTY PARLOR:
A place where women curl up and dye.

CHICKENS:
The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead.

COMMITTEE:
A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

DUST:
Mud with the juice squeezed out.

EGOTIST:
Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation.

HANDKERCHIEF:
Cold Storage.

INFLATION:
Cutting money in half without damaging the paper.

MOSQUITO:
An insect that makes you like flies better.

RAISIN:
A grape with a sunburn.

SECRET:
Something you tell to one person at a time.

SKELETON:
A bunch of bones with the person scraped off.

TOOTHACHE:
The pain that drives you to extraction.

TOMORROW:
One of the greatest labor saving devices of today.

YAWN:
An honest opinion openly expressed.

WRINKLES:
Something other people have,
Similar to my character lines.

BoS agenda for 2/19/13

February 19,2013, @7:00PM
AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7 :00 PM FY 2014 Budget Review
Fire Chief William Kingsbury

7:15 PM FY2014 Budget Review
Police chief Robert Meaney

7:30 PM Permanent Building Committee
Tom Erb, Chairman; update on proposed Town Garage, Safety Building and Dale Street  Masterplan – NB – Building Committee has cancelled and asked instead for a special meeting on 2/26/12
LICENSES AND PERMITS
First Parish Unitarian Universalist respectfully requests a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for a Fundraising Dinner to be held on Saturday March 9, 2013 in the Church Hall

Request from the Hannah Adams Woman’s Club for a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for event on Tuesday March 5,2013 at the CENTER

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE

Humor

SOME NOTABLE WOMEN

A little Jewish grandmother gets on the crowded bus and discovers that she doesn’t have correct change for the fare.

The driver tries to be firm with her, but she places her hand delicately over her chest and murmurs, “If you knew what I had, you’d be nicer to me.
He caves in and lets her ride for free.

She tries to push her way down the crowded aisle, but people won’t move over for her. She finally places her hand delicately over her chest and murmurs,
“If you knew what I had, you’d be nicer to me.”

The crowd parts like the Red Sea and lets her down the aisle.

She gets to the back of the bus , no seats and looks significantly at several people, none of whom take the hint and get up to offer her their seat.
Once again she places her hand delicately over her chest and murmurs,
“If you knew what I had, you’d be nicer to me.”

Several people jump up and insist that she sit down and ride in comfort.

A woman  leaned over and said to her, “I know this is none of my business, but what is it that you’ve got, anyway?


The little Jewish grandmother smiled and said, “
Chutzpah.”

 

The Power of a Bible Thumping Woman

An elderly woman was returning home from a Thursday mid-week service at her local church.  As she unlocked her door, an intruder startled her.

She caught the man in the very act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled,

‘STOP! Acts 2:38!’

The burglar stopped in his tracks.

The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer handcuffed the man to take him to gaol, he asked the burglar, ‘Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was quote a scripture to you.’

‘Scripture?’ replied the burglar. ‘I thought the lady had an axe and two 38’s!’

Biblical Footnote The Book of Acts Chapter 2, Verse 38 says : Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.

The Little Old Italian Lady

A little old lady goes to the doctor and says, ” Doctor, I have this problem with gas, but it doesn’t really bother me too much. They never smell and are always silent. As a matter of fact, I’ve farted at least 20 times since I’ve been here in your office. You didn’t know I was farting because they don’t smell and are silent.”

The doctor says, “I see. Take these pills and come back to see me next week.”

The next week the lady goes back. “Doctor,” she says, “I don’t know what the hell you gave me, but now my farts … although still silent… stink terribly.”

The doctor says, “Good! Now that we’ve cleared up your sinuses, let’s start working on your hearing.”

 

OLDER LADIES: Who Is There?

Three older ladies were discussing the problems of getting older. One said, ‘Some times I catch myself with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand, in front of the refrigerator, and can’t remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sandwich’.

The second lady chimed in, ‘Yes, sometimes I find myself standing on the stairs and can’t remember whether I was on my way up or on my way down.’

The third one responded, ‘Well, I am glad I don’t have that problem; knock on wood, ‘as she rapped her knuckles on the table.  She looked up and said, ‘That must be the door, I’ll get it!’

Funny Little Old Lady Church Signs

  • · Thursday, at 5pm, there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be Little Mothers please meet with the vicar in his office.
  • · The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind and they may be seen in the church basement on Friday afternoon.
  • · For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
  • · Remember the annual spring cleaning of the Parish Hall this Saturday. We need lots volunteers to join the work crew. We have a long list of items to be cleaned. The WIDOWS will need extra attention.

Getting answers during storms

I had a call from someone last Saturday evening looking to get information on when their street would be plowed (it was not plowed until Sunday morning because the person who usually plows it on Saturday had to deal with a broken fire hydrant and flowing water on Hillcrest).  My caller had only called me after calling the police station.

This morning I asked Bobby Kennedy, Jr. about the best way for people to get questions answered by the DPW during a storm, and he said that during the storms that he always checks in with the police dispatcher, so the best course is to call the police station.

Celebrate Lord’s tonight

6:30pm to 9:30pm tonight, Lord’s Department Store, Medfield. Refreshments, entertainment, memorabilia, gift basket giveaways, and more. Bring your favorite memory on 8.5×11 paper for Memory Book, have photo taken at Lunch Counter, hear speakers from 7:30-8pm, enjoy ginger ale toast at 8pm.

BoS on 2/5/13

Meeting Minutes
February 5, 2013
Chenery Meeting Room draft

PRESENT: Selectmen Thompson, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant
Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke

Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
LYME DISEASE STUDY COMMITTEE
Chairman Chris Kaldy reported to the Selectmen that the 2012 fall hunting season was very successful; zero problems, complaints or incidents and 26 deer were culled. The committee posted about 30 tick warning signs around town that were donated by one ofthe hunters.  Chris remarked that she attended a forum hosted the Town of Weston last April that presented good information and at Medfield Day last September printed information about the program was distributed. The committee will also continue to educate the public that there are other diseases caused by tick bites that are very concerning and as well car accidents that are caused by the deer.  The Lyme Disease Committee requests the Selectmen vote to grant permission for a continuation ofthe program for the 2013-2014 hunting season. On a motion made by Selectman Fisher, seconded by Selectman Peterson it was
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Lyme Disease Study Committee to continue the deer culling program for the hunting season October through December 2013

TOWN COUNSEL
Attorney Cerel presented his summary of litigation and legal work conducted during the year.  He noted several projects including the Selectmen’s compliance resolution regarding FEMA Flood Program, Kettle Pond and Cole Drive street acceptance process and the West Street 40B project where he organized and conducted an  informational meeting and other various projects and transactions.
Mr. Peterson remarked that he would like to have an article placed on the warrant regarding donation bins that are around town. He feels that we need to be careful that these bins do not appear in residential areas.

7:30 PM Public Hearing; application for a wine and malt beverage license. John Carrigg, Manager Medfield Commons, 270 Main Street.  Mr. Carrigg is applying for a new license as he failed to properly renew his former license by the required November 30th date that is imposed by the ABCC. Karen Simao, attorney representing Carrigg explained to the Board that there continues to be “public need” for this license as evidenced by a petition with 117 signatures in support ofthis application. She claimed about 55 ofthose signatures were Medfield residents. As manager John spends 20-30 hours per week on site, provides in-house training for employees and keeps a 9AM to 9PM schedule for the sale of alcoholic beverages. Ms. 5imao also mentioned that Carrigg has never incurred a liquor violation at any of the family owned business locations including Medfield and wants to be a good business resident of the Town.  The Selectmen took exception to the way in which the alcoholic beverages were displayed when his former license was in effect. Mrs. Thompson said that she doesn’t want a convenience store highlighting liquor. Mr. Peterson’s opinion is that it looked more like a liquor store, not a convenience store. Ms. Simao insisted her client had permission to set up the beverages as he had because he was not limited to the 135 square feet discussed for the original license. Mr. Fisher was very emphatic when he said that he feels Carrigg took advantage and bent the rules a bit and he is not at all comfortable with the display of liquor. He said that displaying the wine right at the entrance door leads to a smash and grab. Ms. Simao continued to explain that it is customer demand for room temperature wine that led John to place the bottles where he did. Ms. Simao submitted an updated floor plan that in fact indicates the 135 square foot wine and beer area at the rear of the store. On a motion made by Selectman Fisher, second by Selectman Peterson it was

VOTED unanimously to approve a wine and beer license to Medfield Commons, John Carrigg Manager, subject to the display of products is restricted to the beer and wine area Labeled 135 square feet designated on the updated floor plan submitted February 5,2013 and further subject to ABCC’s approval

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
The Medfield Planning Board is present this evening to discuss amending zoning bylaws to allow a dispensary to be located in the IE area, Route 27 industrial area and not be near the town center or residential areas. Chair Elissa Franco said that it is necessary for us to be proactive and protect Medfield minimizing any adverse impact. The chances of a dispensary opening in Medfield are slim; however, it is better to have something in place than not at all. It is noted that there is a placement on the 2013 warrant for a town meeting vote to amend the zoning bylaw.

ICE HOUSE ROAD / GROUND LEASE
Paul Kenney, attorney for developer Robert Borrelli spoke on his behalf regarding Borrelli’s proposal to construct a 120,000 square foot building for indoor recreational activities on Lot 3 Ice House Road. Mr. Kenney said this would be a ground lease not only generating revenue for the Town, also at no cost. We understand that the Medfield’s Park and Recreation has a plan in mind to construct athletic fields, however, the taxpayers would pay for it .There is a need in the community for this type of facility as many families now go elsewhere for various sporting activities. Mr. Kenney went on to say that as this proposed location is near the Kingsbury Club February 5, 2013 we feel it very complimentary and would help generate more members for them. In conclusion we ask that an article be placed on the warrant for town meeting vote. Mr. Peterson spoke up saying that he has to recuse himself as an abutter to the property. Mr. Sullivan mentioned that years ago there was a proposal for a YMCA that did not move forward. He said that there will be two articles on the warrant; one for the ground lease proposal and the second for Park and Recreation to be given control ofthe parcel of land for recreational purposes. Mr. Fisher remarked that there needs to be more open discussions as to the best use of the land for the Town.

BOARD OF APPEALS APPOINTMENT
VOTED unanimously to appoint Charles Peck as a full member of the Board of Appeals On Zoning

LORD’S DEPARTMENT STORE
After 73 years of being in business and being an important part of what makes Medfield, Medfield, Lord’s will be closing its doors for the final time on February 28, 2013. On Friday February 15 there will be a community event in the store for friends and neighbors to be able to extend good wishes to the Kelly family as they journey forward. The Selectmen agree it is a very sad time, however, we wish June, Nancy and Tom Kelly all the best in the future. On a motion made by Selectman Fisher, seconded by Selectman Peterson, it was

VOTED unanimously to declare Friday February 15, 2013 Lord’s Department Store Appreciation Day

KINGSBURY POND COMMITTEE
A letter was received from the Committee outlining a proposal to do construction work at the Grist Mill that will involve the building of a 10 foot in diameter waterwheel. This wheel along with additional parts will allow the rotation of the millstone. The Committee is requesting $9,000.00 for this project. Mr. Sullivan reported that there is a fund account that could be used by the committee for mill restoration. The Selectmen agree that the funds be used for the purpose outlined in the Committee’s January 31,2013 letter.

EAGLE SCOUT
The Board received notice that Kyle James Cuccia has attained the rank of Eagle Scout and will be honored at a ceremony on Sunday March 3, 2013 at Saint Edward Church.

MEETING MINUTES
The meeting minutes for October 16, December 18, January 15 and January 29 were forwarded to the Selectmen for their review. Mr. Peterson said that he did not receive the December 18 or January 15 minutes and, therefore, could February 5,2013 not approve. However, as the Board received October 16 and January 29, on a motion made and seconded it was

VOTED unanimously to accept the October 16, 2012 minutes and the January 29,2013 minutes as submitted motion was made to accept those minutes as submitted

2013 TOWN MEETING WARRANT
VOTED unanimously to close the 2013 Annual town Meeting Warrant

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Medfield Coalition for Public Education to post signs promoting the Spelling Bee event to be held March 20, 2013

PENDING ITEMS
At the January 29, 2013 meeting Gil Rodgers a member of the Norfolk Hunt Club requested the Selectmen give their support and sign a letter to DCAMM requesting the use of Medfield State Hospital land for equestrian activities. The Selectmen agreed to sign the letter drafted by Mr. Rodgers.

Constable: At the January 29, 2013 meeting the Board received a letter from Ronald Spear, a Mansfield resident requesting the selectmen appoint him as a constable in Medfield. The Board
requested input from Chief Meaney regarding the community need for this appointment. In a memo to the Selectmen, Chief Meaney responded that when a constable is needed he contacts the Norfolk County Sheriffs Office who has county wide jurisdiction for this service.  The Selectmen agree to not appoint Ronald spear as a constable in Medfield.

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
Ms. Trierweiler informed the selectmen that the balance in the state hospital environmental review is nearly depleted 445;00 remains from the $75,000 town meeting appropriation. A reserve fund transfer will be necessary as there are various consultant invoices that need to be paid. A total figure will be determined and the required paperwork will be submitted to cover these expenses. The Town Mediation Delegation will meet on February 13, in Town Hall. The Mediation Delegation Committee will meet on February 26 at the Medfield Library.

SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
Mr. Fisher said that plans are underway for the Lord’s Farewell party on Friday February 15; invites the community to please come by. Last Saturday the Jazz Band Fundraiser was very well attended, standing room only. Mr. Fisher mentioned that there was a very good turnout at the Permanent Building Committee’s presentation on the proposed plans for the police and fire station that was held at the North Street station. Both chiefs spoke very well.

Mr. Peterson agreed that the presentation was a good meeting. He held First Friday Office Hour at the CENTER; huge selection of day old bread. Senator Timility’s aid joined him. Bill Massaro and other residents came by for good conversation. Mr. Peterson announced the nominations for Medfield Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year awards; Youth volunteer, Katrina Simon, Emily Monac and Greg Lyons; adult volunteer Rick Abecunas, Michelle Doucette, Beth
Eby, Cynthia Green and Rick McKinney. Life Achievement award, AI Manganello and Ann Thompson. The recognition reception will be held on March 10 at the CENTER.

Mrs. Thompson said that she was asked to name fellow selectmen she served with through her 30 year career; Bob Larkin, Bill Nourse, Ken Childs, John Ganley, John Harney, Henry Tidal,
Harry Pritoni, Clarence Purvis, Paul Rhuda, Pete and Mark; a distinguished list. Mrs. Thompson attended the Permanent building committee presentation and she enjoyed the Jazz Band event.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Mr. Sullivan highlighted a notice from the Norfolk county Mosquito Board that they are proposing to change the schedule for mosquito spraying from overnight to after sunset. that they feel will be more effective.

Ms. Trierweiler remarked to the Selectmen that she will need a Selectman to be a member of the Capital Budget Committee and on Collective Bargaining.

ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Selectman Fisher, seconded by Selectman Peterson the vote was unanimous to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 PM.

Architectural options to Bld. Comm.

This morning the architects presented their proposed options to the Building Committee for the Dale Street municipal campus.  Their preferred option was for a new 38,000 sq. ft. public safety building at the current site. 

A second option included a 25.000 sq. ft. Park & Rec. behind the new public safety building, which had problem of eliminating most of the parking.

A third option was the re-purposing of the Dale Street School into a combined public safety and Park & Rec, with fire between current school and Pfaff, police in existing school, and Park & Rec in a new building on the Memorial School side.

Next option renovates existing police and fire into the fire alone and puts police where Pfaff is now.

Next option is the first option, but with Dale Street School re-purposed as the Park & Rec facility, with a new double gym built where the current classroom wing sits.  This option is suggested as the most economic future re-use of the Dale Street School.  Mass School Building Assistance will not pay towns to renovate schools when it is cheaper, as it probably is here, to build new.  Also, to use it for public safety would trigger seismic and other building codes that make it uneconomic for public safety use.  Using it for Park & Rec would not require renovations that would trigger the code mandated updates, thus making it more  economically feasible.  The gym could become a town auditorium.

Any re-use of Dale Street School is going to be more expensive than tearing it down and building new, due to renovations above 30% of its value (it is assessed for $5.4 m.) triggering upgrades to meet the newer building  codes and the seismic code.  Public safety in Dale St. would clearly cross the threshold, making it a too expensive option.  Park & Rec there may not trigger those required upgrades, making it more feasible. 

Question was raised of whether the existing Dale Street School building is of such significance to residents that they are willing to pay the large extra cost that it will require to re-use it, instead of the cheaper route of tearing it down and building new.