BoS minutes for 10/1 & 10/5

Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2013
Chenery Meeting Room
draft
PERESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant
Town Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistance Clarke
The meeting convened at 7:00 PM.
Chairman Fisher announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of
appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.
SENATOR TIMILTY AND REPRESENTATIVE GARLICK (Timilty’s arrival was delayed)
Representative Garlick opened her discussion by saying that we are all sorry to hear that
Representative Dan Winslow is resigning. I would like to take the opportunity to commend Dan
for his diligent work the past few years. I feel that Senator Timilty, Representative Winslow and
I have made a good team these past few years along with a great staff to work with the people
of Medfield.
Representative Garlick said that Senator Timilty has been a great partner to work with on the
state hospital issue. We try to be cognizant of what the Town needs and how to move forward.
Timilty has been the leader on legislation revolving around the hospital to help make it pass.
They have had recent talks with MASS Historical commission whose opinion about the Odyssey
House differs from the Town as the Town does not feel it should be preserved. Mr. Peterson
brought up the subject of the water tower and the well fields as that will come before the
Special Town Meeting vote next Monday October 7. Timilty said that if it is approved at the
meeting the legislation should not take very long with all the local support and DCAMM’s
approval. Mr. DeSorgher pointed out that we hope the state will do their part to revitalize the
memorial honoring two WW1 veterans from the state hospital. It is really embarrassing how
bad the area has become. Timilty assured that it will be taken care of. DeSorgher thanked him
for his involvement with Medfield State Hospital.
Another subject is Lyme disease being a real concern in Medfield. Right now bow hunters are
to keep 500 feet away from any house dwelling. Is there any possibility that a law would pass
to decrease to 150 feet. Response was that it’s hard to predict at the moment. Timilty said
that he is aware that Medfield is outstanding in the pursuit to eliminate Lyme disease.
Selectman Peterson said that the issue of not knowing the figures of reimbursements from the
state does not leave the Town much time to plan our budgets for town meeting. Both reps
agree that it can be frustrating for you, however we cannot make budget projections on money
that we don’t have. Timilty also responded by saying that the Towns we represent are not seen
as needy but I consistently try to make it known that it is necessary to keep them strong.
October 1, 2013
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The Selectmen thanked Senator Timilty and Representative Garlic for all the time you give to
Medfield.
SWAP AREA AT TRANSFER STATION
Bob Swanson, one of the volunteers at the SWAP area is the spokesperson this evening. He
said that the SWAP area lends itself to a large amount of recycling thereby saving the Town
money on removing tonnage. We are looking for a seasonal structure to store some of the
better items like couches or dinette sets to protect these items from the weather. Sometimes
these are left over and we really do not want to put them in the trash as there still maybe
people looking for them at the next swap day. We do not intend to become a thrift store but it
a shelter would allow people to browse during the coming weeks. DeSorgher suggested that Tri
County be contacted to see ifthey may be interested in building a temporary structure to which
Swanson replied that it has to be temporary such as a carport as the Town needs access during
the winter for snow storage. Selectmen agree that a temporary shelter should be put up.
Swanson went on to say that we do need more volunteers. Interested people should call Nancy
Irwin volunteer coordinator for more information.
JOINT SALT BID
Superintendent Feeney requests the Selectmen vote to award the Joint Salt Bid to Eastern
Minerals.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to award the
2013-2014 Joint Salt Bid to Eastern Minerals, low bidder, in the amount of Solar
$47.20/del and CC $47.20/del and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney.
Vote was unanimous
SPECIAL ELECTION WARRANT
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to call
a Special Town Election for October 21, 2013 and to sign the October 21, 2013
Special Town Election Warrant pertaining to Proposition 2 Yz Debt Exclusion Question
regarding the purchase of Red Gate Farm, Philip Street. Vote was unanimous
REVIEW OCTOBER 7TH SPEICAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES
Mr. Peterson remarked that he supports the purchase of Red Gate Farm consisting of
approximately 31 acres. The town has the right offirst refusal and the price of $1.4 million is
exceedingly advantageous. It was noted that walking this land through the trails will lead to
Bubbling Brook in Walpole.
Mr. DeSorgher supports the purchase of Red Gate Farm.
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Mr. Fisher said that we are all in agreement to support the purchase ofthis property which will
allow us to preserve the open space.
Articles 1 is seeking the Selectmen to petition for legislation to transfer to the Town the
hospital water tower and the tubular well-field for no or nominal consideration and Article 2
relates to conducting preliminary design and get cost estimates for a new state hospital water
tower. The Board supports these articles.
Chairman Fisher announced to the listening audience to please attend Town Meeting on
October i h as it is very important to the Town to be sure to pass these important articles. We
need a quorum of 250 and a 2/3 vote in favor of the purchase of Red Gate Farm. The next step
for the land purchase should it pass town meeting vote will be the Special Election.
BOARD OF HEALTH APPOINTMENT
The Board of Health requests the Selectmen vote to appoint Jennifer Polinski as a member.
Her work history and education support her qualifications to serve on the board.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to appoint
Jennifer M. Polinski as a member ofthe Board of Health. Vote was unanimous
MEETING MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve the September 17, 2013 meeting minutes with revision
UNITED NATIONS DAY
The United Nations Association of Greater Boston requests Medfield recognize October 24,
2013 as United Nations Day. The Selectmen agreed to proclaim the date, however, no
proclamation be issued.
ELM STREET / UTILITY POLE
Ms. Trierweiler remarked that a new house is under construction at 94 Elm Street and the
owners Eugene and Julianne Inozemcev request permission to place a pole to supply the
electricity to the house on town owned property. The owners wrote in their letter that should
the town need to move the pole in the future, they agree to pay any expense. Ms. Trierweiler
suggests that the letter be recorded at the Registry. The Selectmen support the request.
LICENSES & PERMITS
Selectmen Fisher and DeSorgher voted to grant permission to the Medfield Foundation to
post signs promoting the 8th Annual angel run to take place on Sunday December 8,2013.
Signs in place three weeks prior to the event
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As a member of the MFi Selectman Peterson recused from the vote
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Medfield Public Library to set up a
Storywalk along the path leading to the Library, October 4 through November 1, 2013
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the High School Field Hockey Team to hold a
fundraising car wash behind Town Hall Saturday October 19, 2013 10 AM to 1 PM
MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
Ms. Trierweiler announced that the next joint coordination meeting will be held on October 21
In Town Hall with John O’Donnell attending. She also announced that the towns of Dover and
Millis will attend the meeting at the Dwight”Derby House this Thursday October 3 at which time
Mr. DeSorgher will present an update on the status of the hospital site.
PENDING
Mr. Sullivan remarked that the MMA Fall Conference for Selectmen will take place this Saturday
October 5 at Tri-County High School.
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson attended the recent Safety Committee meeting and learned that the Police chief
is recommending stop signs installed in a few locations. He went on to say that the town of
Dover will not have an article on their town meeting warrant regarding the proposed rail trail.
The town is not interested and did not accept any money toward the project. He commends
the Grist Mill Committee on doing a great job with the new mill installation and it was a terrific
celebration.
Mr. DeSorgher said that he had talked with people at the MHS Alumni booth at Medfield Day
and then went on to Medway’s 300’h Anniversary Celebration Parade that was fantastic with 20
bands and Clysdale Horses. He queried Kristine about the Tree city application to which she
answered that it will be mailed in January. He would like Attorney Cerel to come to a meeting
to discuss the bylaws that pertain to the hospital as Cerel had offered his assistance.
On his walks around town Mr. DeSorgher made note of the following: at 10 Marlyn Road the
sidewalk is dug up and boards were put across; Valley Road sign missing at Birch Road;
Millbrookto Philip intersecting with Foundry several trees have blue ribbons; there is a sink
hole on Harding Street at Longmeadow Road; appears to be a water leak at a valve on Pleasant
Street near Medfield Gardens. Mr. DeSorgher said that he received a telephone call from a
fellow that wants to have the Transfer Station Wednesday hours extended to 7 PM all year long
as he has difficulty getting there by 4 PM. Ms. Trierweiler responded that it would mean
personnel working overtime and keep in mind that during the summer at 7 it is still light, in the
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winter it will be dark so it could be a safety issue. CVS has a new plan to widen the
entrance/exit at route 27 which they will present to the Planning Board.
Selectman DeSorgher was the first selectman to attend a Mini Town Hall Neighborhood
Meeting, this one in the Stuart Street neighborhood. It was held at the home of Mike and
Caroline Quinlan. He said that the discussion revolved around the following items; Flynn’s Pond,
is it Town owned and will the roots/algae be cleared away; the neighbors would like to see
extra police patrols particularly near the cui de sac in the summer; on Butterfield Lane seems to
attract teenagers who come to party; neighbors queried if town sewer could be extended into
their area; the island at the entrance to Pondview needs clearing and mowing (is this something
DPW will do). Mr. Sullivan responded that an association was setup when the development
was planned and he believes one ofthe stipulations was to maintain the island. He will have
Sarah research the decision for that neighborhood. Mr. DeSorgher said that the October
meeting will take place in the Indian Hill neighborhood with Mr. Fisher attending. The
Committee to Study Memorials is planning to dedicate the area of Snyder Road and Lee Road to
two Medfield veterans, Earl Lee, World War II and George Snyder who served in the Korean
War. A forum on substance abuse and prescription drugs was held at the Endicott House in
Dedham. Chief Bob Meaney and Outreach Worker Dawn Alcott attended. Roche Bros made a
presentation oftheir proposed plan to the Downtown Study Committee and the Historic
District Committee. Father Owens a priest for 50 years will be leaving St. Edwards in June. He
will be greatly missed. St Edwards will combine with Norfolk’s St Jude to serve the community.
Mr. Fisher said that we had a great Medfield Day, very good attendance and perfect weather.
Many organizations had their own tents and Town Planner Sarah Raposa did a good job setting
up her area to give people an opportunity to talk about the state hospital. The Woodland
Theatre performed at Medfield Day. It’s phenomenal the quality oftalent within that group.
Congratulations to Zullo Gallery as they celebrate 25 years. I want to mention how Very
important it is for residents to come to the October 7 Special town Meeting, important for the
residents and important for the Town. A 2/3 vote is necessary for the purchase of Red Gate
Farm and then a majority at the special election on Monday October 21.
INFORMATIONAL
A special election to replace Rep. Dan Winslow will be held on January 7, 2014; the primary will
be on December 10. As Rep. Winslow’s district covered only two of our four precincts, the
election in Medfield requires only precincts three and four to vote.
The Selectmen received a thank you note from summer intern Kyle Andrulonis.
The warrant Committee will meet Sunday October 6 to review the warrant articles.
The new Town Garage is really coming along; paving was completed today. The building fits
into the site just great. DPW did an outstanding job with the site work.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM
Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2013 draft
PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town
Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke
The meeting convened at 7:00 PM in the Chenery Meeting Room.
Chairman Fisher announced the meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of
appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT, SCHOOL COMMITIEE CHAIRMAN
Chairman Tim Bonfatti remarked that we were fortunate to have Bob Maguire as
Superintendent of Schools for the past 14 years. He gave us incredible service. We are now
happy and excited to have Jeffrey Marsden with us.
Superintendent Marsden opened his remarks by saying that he is impressed with the great
pride Medfield takes in their schools as shown by the recent very well attended open house
school nights. I am pleased to see the good accord between school principles. I want to thank
everyone especially Chief Meaney and Chief Kingsbury for their support in my transition to
Medfield. We opened this new school year with 2,625 students, down 85 from prior year and
we have 18 more kindergarteners than anticipated, 156 total. As part of our compliance with
state standard initiatives we are implementing a new system for teacher evaluations; classroom
observations up to ten times per year. This will be helpful seeing how the teaching staff put
their professional practices in place and also learn their goals for students. Teacher quality is
one of our main focus pOints. This year a new program began BYOD (bring your own device) to
school to help increase student learning. Parents gave tremendous support to the program
purchasing the particular device for their student.
Selectman Peterson commented that with the lower enrollment perhaps there will be less
spending which could help lower taxes. Selectman DeSorgher commented that one of our
goals is to work with the school department to assure that we maintain a high quality of
education and high quality town services. We have implanted a Good Neighbor Policy;
whenever work or change will occur in a neighborhood make contact with the residents to let
them know what is being planned. I hope you will participate by informing parents even if the
work is being done inside the school. He continued saying that as a teacher he feels civic
education is being pushed aside; the more civic education a student receives the better
informed.
Selectman Fisher said that we will work hard together. The Selectmen are an advisory board,
however, the more we work together the high quality of education will be maintained. The
Selectmen thanked Superintendent Marsden and Chairman Time Bonfatti for attending this
evening and offered that joint meetings will be welcomed.
October 15, 2013
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POLICE CHIEF
Chief Meaney said that he has had several requests for new stop signs at several intersections.
In his opinion he feels that the signs need to be installed. The locations are, Erik Road and
Partridge (both sides of Erik), Rocky Lane at Granite Street, West Mill at West Street and West
Mill at Harding Street. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to change the traffic rules and orders to reflect the installation of
new stops signs, locations noted above
HONORING VETERANS
Chief Meaney remarked that high school junior Danielle Miano is in the audience and would
like to let you know about a plan for a fundraising event that she has discussed with me.
Danielle then explained that she would like to hold a “walk for warriors”. The plan is to conduct
a 2.4 mile walk the weekend before Thanksgiving in the area from the high school through to
Philip and Foundry Streets and back to the high school. She plans to use the money raised to fill
and send gift boxes to our servicemen and women; monies left over will be donated to
wounded service men, our warriors. Mr. DeSorgher remarked that I salute you for your efforts;
Selectmen Fisher and Peterson agreed it is a very worthwhile event. Mr. Sullivan added that
perhaps Danielle should be in touch with our Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffin for his assistance.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to
grant permission for a 2.4 mile Walk for Warriors. Vote was unanimous
UPHAM ROAD
Mr. DeSorgher is concerned with vehicles that park on both sides of Upham Road which then
gives little space for other vehicles to travel the road. Chief Meaney responded that yes it’s
difficult to get through and most of the vehicles belong to the staff at the Upham House. A
thought as to how to make a correction is that perhaps the Dwight Derby House would allow
four to six cars to use their parking area, particularly because they don’t usually use the area
during the day. This may help to alleviate the parking issues. Mr. DeSorgher thought that
making Upham a one-way street will help; Meaney replied all that does is shift traffic to
another street. DeSorgher suggested the Chieftalk with Cheryl O’Malley about parking at the
Dwight-Derby House.
IN EVENT OF DISEASTER
Mr. DeSorgher queried how are we prepared in the event of any disaster. Chief Meaney replied
that about five years ago the Board of Health put together a plan to handle a situation.
Police, Fire and Schools continue to hold meetings to discuss how to take care of issues. The
Chief continued that town is part of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council so that in an
event he has lots of resources to draw upon. Times have definitely changed regarding power
outages. Years back the electric company would have at least two of their trucks standing by to
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help and it would be the employees time after time familiar with the locations of streets in
Medfield. Recently that is not the case. We have to call for assistance with outages and
workers are then dispatched to the area and they can be from just about anywhere, so no
institutional knowledge. We then have to give directions not only about the situation but
telling them where to go. Nstar employees are only dispatched by Nstar. If anyone goes to an
area unauthorized they could be laid off from their job. The Selectmen thanked Chief Meaney
for all his input.
MEDICARE PLANS
Mr. Sullivan said that it is necessary for the Selectmen to vote to award the renewal contracts
for the retiree Medicare health plans. The Insurance Advisory Committee recommends the
passage.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to
Award renewal contracts effective January 1, 2014 to MilA / Medex 2 and Blue
Medicare Rx and Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Rx Plan and as recommended by
the Insurance Advisory Committee
MEDFIELD CULTURAL COUNCIL
Chairman Jean Mineo requests the Selectmen vote to accept the Disclosure by Special
Municipal Employee of Financial Interest in a Municipal Contract. This involves herself and
cultural Council members, Diane Borrelli, Steve Catanese, Susan Parker, William Pope and
Isabelle Wood and pertains to grant applications. On a motion made and seconded it was so
voted.
FORM A STEERING COMMITTEE
Selectman Peterson feels that a committee should be appointed to establish guidelines for the
proposed Pocket Park located on North Street adjacent to Zebra’s Bistro. Jean Mineo reported
that the Kiosk setup on Medfield Day in that area attracted about 150 written comments from
residents and neighbors for the park. A steering committee comprised of members to include
the Downtown Study, Park and Rec, Cultural District would draft a plan and hopefully carry it
through to implementation. Selectman Peterson requests that Jean Mineo be appointed as
acting chairman to organize the committee and it was so voted.
Ms. Trierweiler let the Board know that she has received a resignation letter from Downtown
Study Committee Chairman Brandi Erb.
VOTED: On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher it was
voted to accept the resignation of Brandi Erb with deep regret
October 15, 2013
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LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant Medfield Youth Soccer permission to post sandwich board
signs November 2 through November 16 advertising upcoming soccer registration
VOTED unanimously to grant Boy Scout Troop 89 permission to post a sign at the Transfer
Station announcing the 18th annual Christmas Tree Pickup and recycling Program
VOTED unanimously to grant Medfield Coalition for Public education a one-day wine and
malt beverage permit for Community Trivia Night to be held Friday November 15
MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
Ms. Trierweiler reported to the Board the joint Mediation Committee will hold a meeting on
October 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM here in Town Hall
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson reported that MCAP will move forward with plans to do fundraising;
unfortunately the town did not receive the grant. Drug Take-back Day will take place on
October 2610AM – 2 PM at the Police Station. He continued that he attended the October 5
Selectmen Conference held at Tri-County listening to interesting sessions; in particular one on
sustainable water management.
Mr. DeSorgher remarked that a recent Committee to Study Memorials it was announced that
the dedication of streets to Earl Lee and George Snyder will take place on the Saturday before
Veterans Day. He is happy to announce that CVS has the Planning Board’s go ahead to correct
the entrance / exit at Route 27. Recently I met with John Harney and Bill Massaro and Millis
Selectman Charles Vecchi and Dover Selectman James Dawley atthe Dwight derby House to
discuss and bring the Selectmen up to date on the status of the Medfield State Hospital site.
Also about 100 people showed up for a walking tour of the site that Mike Taylor organized. He
continued that Nstar worked to remove some ofthe double poles, poles without other utility
wires. As I would like to see all double poles removed, a meeting with Nstar, Comcast and
Verizon will take place on Tuesday October 22 at 10 AM to form a plan for the removal. Also
thank you to the Highway Department for painting the guard rail on Elm Street and clearing the
path at the Scribner property to the hospital grounds. It was seriously overgrown with brush.
Mr. DeSorgher wishes to review Selectmen’s goals at the November 5 or the 19th meeting.
Mr. Fisher thanked Brandi Erb for her many years of service on the Downtown Study
Committee. She gave a tremendous amount of her time and talents to move forward with
downtown initiatives. The Special Election concerning the purchase of Red Gate farm will be
held this Monday October 21, 2013 6 AM to 8 PM at the CENTER. Please come and vote on this
very important issue. He continued his report saying that at the recent MEMO meeting it was
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good to see new faces; I will be at the mini town hall meeting this Thursday at the home of
Connie and Roger Sweeney, and the Woodland Theatre production of Les Miserables was just
stunning and happy to see it was very well attended.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher the meeting
adjourned at 8:50 PM.