Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2013
Chenery Meeting Room
draft
PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Town Administrator Sullivan; Town Counsel
Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke
Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced that this meeting is being recorded. He called for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women
serving in Afghanistan.
COMMITIEE APPOINTMENT
The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends the Selectmen appoint Jack McNicholas and Neal O’Connor Associate Members.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion to appoint Jack McNicholas and Neal O’Connor Zoning Board of Appeals Associate Members, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher. Vote was unanimous
CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION
Letter received from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation requesting approval for the annual Cycle for Life Bicycle Tour through a part of Medfield on Saturday October 5,2013. Chief Meaney was contacted and gives his approval.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to grant permission for the 2013 Cycle for Life Bicycle Tour to ride in a part of Medfield on Saturday October 5, 2013
MEETING MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve the meeting minutes of April 2, 16 and May 7,2013 with revisions
RECOGNIZE SEPTEMBER AS OVARIAN CANCER MONTH
The Selectmen agree to designate September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, however, do not endorse campaign entitled Turn the Town Teal. This will set a precedent for endorsement of other organizations.
TOWN GARAGE/SALT SHED
As the contract for the new salt shed has not been received, the vote to award is put on hold.
HUMAN RESOURCES / PERSONNEL BOARD
Board member Rachel Brown is present and the discussion revolved around management performance reviews, proposed classification study and merit increase. She mentioned that the Personnel Board is available to assist the Selectmen in Town Administrator evaluation and department head review. It was noted that as the town only has a 2% merit increase to work with, more formal procedures have not been followed for these reviews. She said that her board has had some discussion regarding a plan for succession for when department heads retire, in particular Michael. Michael has a wealth of institutional knowledge that cannot be easily passed on, however, the town has a good working rapport between the treasurer, accountant and tax assessor that may make for an easier transition. Rachel offered that she will put together some goals for the Selectmen to consider in this area. She is a proponent of a classification study as it gives us the opportunity to compare Medfield with similar towns. This may show that our salaries may be on the lower end. Mr. DeSorgher suggests that we make sure we are all on the same page; we are small and we need to keep up morale. The Selectmen thanked Rachel for her time this evening.
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson attended the public hearing regarding state hospital mediation, also the state hospital redevelopment committee meeting and the state hospital negotiating committee meeting. He remarked that the dedication ceremony to unveil the Vietnam Memorial plaque was outstanding. He enjoyed the annual firemen’s chicken bake and queried what secret sauce is used to grill the chicken. He was able to attend for a brief time the Disc Golf tournament fund raiser that Ben Lester organized. There were a lot of people having a lot of fun; $1,000 was raised. Mr. Peterson was recently interview by Jack Peterson at cable TV.
Selectman DeSorgher handed out his draft of a “Good Neighbor Policy” letter for the Board to review and discuss at the next Selectmen’s meeting; also his draft copy of Selectmen’s goals.
He took part in Medfield History Day where this year’s focus was the hospital cemetery at Vine Lake and also the cemetery on Route 27 close to the Medfield/Sherborn town line. Mr. DeSorgher attended the Girl Scout Bridging ceremony and the Vietnam Memorial dedication extending congratulations to Ron Griffin for a terrific job as host of the event. At the recent Planning Board meeting he remarked that they established at his request, to adopt a downtown aesthetics committee. The members are Michael Taylor, Matt McCormack, Bobby Kennedy, Robb Gregg, Bob Meaney, Mike Leuders, Ed Hinkley and Andy Bond. He asked the Planning Board to review the parking situation at CVS, particularly the entrance and exit on Route 27. In his opinion it is not working. He has a few additional people to add to the Economic Development committee, Jim James, Tom Nighingale, Marion Lendt and Ralph Costello, in addition to Chip Wakely; suggests that Sarah Raposa act as liaison to the committee. Mr. Sullivan noted that several ofthe previously appointed members are interested in continuing on the committee. Any additional interested residents should contact Town Hall. Mr. DeSorgher went on to report that on his almost daily walks he notes that there is a sink hole at 17 Knollwood Road, also another at Pueblo and Shawnee and have Ken look at the bricks at the First Parish Church, they are uneven. Also check the bubbler in front of Town Hall. He thanked Ken for taking care ofthe high grass at the beginning of Indian Hill so promptly. He also commended Building Inspector John Naff for his commitment to do his job to enforce the laws all with a very pleasant demeanor. Thank you John. Mr. DeSorgher advises that a letter be sent in support of the legislation regarding double poles. There must be 100 poles just in Medfield. The legislation calls for $1,000.00 fine.
Mr. Fisher commented that the hospital mediation public hearing was well attended and he was very impressed with the Girl Scout Bridging ceremony. It was a very well organized efficient program and it is wonderful to see the number of scouts that participate. We learned that they sold 17,496 boxes of cookies this year, quite impressive. MEMO held its end-of-year meeting recently and he attended the dog adoption agency fund raiser held at the CENTER. The CENTER is a great facility and we are lucky to have it.
Mr. Sullivan mentioned that we have an intern at Town Hall this summer, Kyle Andrulonis who is a sophomore at Gettysburg College.
The existing town garage is set for demolition in a couple of weeks and the general contractor hopes to begin construction of the new building in mid July.
At this point in the meeting the Selectmen were made aware that the State Hospital Mediation committee requested additional time for their discussion before coming before the Board.
Mr. Peterson gave his list of goals to be considered by the Board. He then brought up the subject of property tax break for residents who have lived here for decades. He said that it seems to make sense if we indeed want to keep seniors from leaving Town because of the high tax bills. Mr. Sullivan noted that other towns have tried to come up with a formula; however it would require special legislation and it comes to a standstill at that point.
Mr. DeSorgher reminded the audience that Tuesday June 25 is the Special Election for our new Senator. The polls will be opened from 6AM to 8PM, the location is the CENTER.
It was agreed at 8:25PM to recess while waiting for the Mediation Committee.
Resume Selectmen’s meeting at 8:30 PM
STATE HOSPITAL MEDIATION COMMITIEE
Ken Richard, member of the hospital redevelopment committee and the hospital negotiating committee remarked that he would like to bring the Board up to date on their recent meeting with DCAM. Our committee, Steve Nolan, John Harney, Bill Massaro and Pete met with Deputy Commissioner Dana Harrell, Marybeth Clancy, Martha McMann and John Burela who is DCAM’s development consultant to begin the ground work on how to move forward to consider a potential purchase price. DCAM let us know that the existing legislation on reuse of the property will need to be replaced; if the town goes forward to acquire the land we may not have restraints on use. DCAM let us know that sunk costs would be available in mid July as they will accelerate their process. Deputy Commissioner Harrell noted that Westborough operates under the new sales partnership plan and their intention is to keep the property as open space. The state would like to see any land put back on the tax rolls and the opportunity for employment should be at the forefront within the development of the area.
Peg Stolfa, the town’s consultant on the mediation committee reported to the Board that the Town members and DCAM were willing to mediate and come up with a plan that is satisfactory to all. We have had about a year of meetings and this evening we had two remaining issues to work out regarding maintenance. They have been resolved and I recommend that the Selectmen adopt the proposal subject to my review and the Mediation Committee.
Committee Member John Thompson remarked that the town had very strong and serious objections to the first proposed plan. This new remediation and restoration plan is excellent. Mr. DeSorgher questioned if a section of the plan that called for two-year testing ohhe soil is near the pipeline. He queried if this was inside or outside of the zone II aquifer as he is uncertain if this is enough time to determine if the area was safe. The members of the committee believe that the plan is safe for present and future generations. Mr. Massaro said that the risk is to anyone who comes in direct contact and that will not happen as there are layers of soil for protection. Ann Thompson remarked that she is also confident that the plan protects future generations to come.
Mr. Fisher said that he appreciates receiving the document ahead ohime for reviewing. We thank all of you for all your work. On a motion made and seconded, it was
VOTED unanimously to authorize Chairman Fisher sign the settlement agreement subject to Attorney Stolfa’s review
The meeting adjourned at 9:0S PM