Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2013 draft
PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke
The meeting convened at 7:00PM 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.
7:00 PM Public Hearing and Vote
Town Counsel Cerel explained that this pUblic hearing has been advertised. It is a statutory process for the Selectmen to exercise General Law Chapter 61, Section 8 First Refusal Option regarding Land of Robin Kenny, et als.; Trustees of Red Gate Farm Realty Trust containing approximately 31 acres located on Foundry and Philip Street for the purchase price of $1,385,000. Resident John Harney was recognized and he asked why this hearing. It seems to him that something is not right that this is now happening after the Town’s overwhelming vote at the polls. Counsel Cerel explained that this process is taking place so that the Town will not be challenged going forward with the purchase; closing in 90 days. The hearing closed at 7:08PM.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion to adopt the order as presented and sign the purchase and sale agreement, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher. Vote was unanimous
Mr. Peterson remarked that Mr. Harney has raised a few issues and I want to stress that the Board of Selectmen has been forthright with all the details surrounding the purchase of Red Gate Farm.
MEDFIELD CULTURAL COUNCIL
Member Susan Parker said that she is here this evening to discuss a proposal for the town to support the council’s request to match the state allocation of $4,250 for FY 2015. She explained that several cultural events took place due to the state grant; however, because we did not have funding ten other events did not take place. Mr. Sullivan remarked that the matching amount of $4,250 will be placed in the Selectmen’s budget and must be approved by Annual Town Meeting. The Selectmen agree that the Cultural Council has done a tremendous service to the Town with the events that have taken place; Selectmen support the matching fund proposal.
VOTE: On a motion made by Selectmen Peterson, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, to recommend a line item in the FY2015 budget of $4,250 designated to the Medfield Cultural Council and to be voted at annual Town Meeting. Vote was unanimous.
PRSENTATION FOR PROPOSED CLARK TAVERN, EAST MAIN STREET
Attorney Ted Cannon introduced his clients residents John and Michelle Linnert who will give an overview oftheir proposed project. It is understood that the Selectmen have no jurisdiction
concerning the project. Michelle Linnert said that they plan to renovate the house located at 353-355 Main Street and return it to its former use as a tavern adding a five room bed and breakfast and a function room for receptions, parties, meetings with seating capacity for 90 maximum. We will do everything we can to keep it as authentic as possible. Parking will meet the Town’s requirement; here will be an exit and entrance on the west side of the property; landscaping is minimal. A traffic study was conducted which concluded that the proposed gravel driveway on the east side (close to the Peak House) should be eliminated for safety reasons. When the subject of a sidewalk was introduced, Mr. Linnert responded that they are willing to extend the sidewalk at our expense.
Mr. Peterson said that the Selectmen have received copies of letters from the direct neighbors to the property which raises many questions and concerns and was surprised at their reactions to the project.
Selectman DeSorgher remarked that he hopes the Linnerts and the abutters have an opportunity to talk and work out the legitimate concerns of the neighbors as this project is a win-win situation for the Town. As this house has been empty for several years it may face demolition by neglect; it would be very sad to lose this historic property.
MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL
Negotiating Committee members Steve Nolan and Ken Richard spoke about the proposal to have the town purchase 132 acres of hospital land. The first price from the state was 4.4 million; Medfield’s counter offer was 1.9 million. In their November 7 letter, DCAMM’s offer is $3.1 million that includes a stipulation that the conveyance ofthe property to the town is no later than December 2014. The Negotiating Committee recommends the town accept this offer as it is the best that will come along.
Mr. Peterson agrees as he feels the Town will control the use of the property should we buy it.
Mr. DeSorgher notes that a new administration is on the horizon that could be to our detriment. The offer to accept or not will be in the hands of a Town Meeting vote.
It was mentioned that at this purchase price the Town would be paying the state $30,000 an acre while a building acre in Medfield costs $350,000. An on-line survey is available for townspeople to have input as to what they would like to see on the property. Also, a Public session will take place on January 11 at the CENTER to gather and discuss any and all ideas about what will happen to it. The Negotiating Committee recommends that the Selectmen on behalf of the Town continue to move forward with the process and sign the term sheet prepared by DCAMM. It does not mean in any way that the Town is buying the property; it is just the first step.
VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman Desorgher it was voted unanimously to adopt the term sheet as written.
ACTION ITEMS
On a motion made and seconded, it was VOTED unanimously to appoint Ron Gustavson to the Medfield Cultural Council and as recommended by Cultural Council Chair, Jean Mineo
The Selectmen are invited to attend Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Nicholas Sauro on Saturday January 4, 2014 and for Peter Whelan on Saturday January 18, 2014
Mr. Peterson noted that the November S, 2013 meeting minutes listed Ron Griffin as resigning from the Committee to Study Memorials when in fact it is Rob Gregg.
On a motion made and seconded it was VOTED unanimously to accept the meeting minutes of October 22 and November 5,2013 with revisions
LICENSES & PERMITS
On a motion made and seconded, it was VOTED unanimously to approve all alcoholic licenses for the calendar year 2014 to: Basil, Jing’s Garden II, Kingsbury Club Medfield, Noon Hill Grill, Takara, Zebra’s; a club license to American L:egion Beckwith Post #110-; all alcohol package store license to Bullard’s Market, Larkin’s Liquors and Palumbo Liquors; wine and malt license to Medfield Wine Shoppe and Medfield Commons
On.a motion made and seconded it was VOTED unanimously to grant permission to High School student Kathleen Lanzilla to post signs in designated location promoting a food drive to benefit the Medfield Food Cupboard
Mr. DeSorgher interjected that he would like to have the Building Inspector be on the lookout for signs that are non compliant
On a motion made and seconded, it was VOTED unanimously to grant a one-day wine and malt beverage permit to the Council on Aging for the December 18, 2013 Supper Club
PENDING
Nominations have been submitted for appointments to the Pocket Park Steering Committee.
VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Peterson to appoint Jean Mineo, Matt McCormack, Tim Larkin, Monique Allen, Minta Hissong, Sarah Raposa and Jim Snyder to the Pocket Park Steering Committee, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, it was voted unanimously
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson announced that the Angel Run will take place this Sunday December 8 at 2 PM. The Run will start and end at the Wheelock School. Also, the Medfield Foundation is looking for Volunteer ofthe Year nominations. Please submit by January 31,2014. He went on to say that it was suggested to him that a sidewalk/pathway from Wild Holly road to the Wheelock School be constructed. Mr. Sullivan replied that it there may be issues with involves conservation land (wetlands) and private property.
Mr. Desorgher requests that Ken should review a DEP sign in the area of Elm Street and Knollwood Road to see if it can be removed. Also have Ken check potholes that should be tarred and filled in at: Philip Street and Elm Street; Harding Street and Longmeadow Road; also in front of 17 Knollwood Road. Mr. DeSorgher brought up the subject of styrofoam containers and plastic bags noting that Brookline recently approved a ban; Great Barrington has banned plastic bags effective this year; Manchester by the Sea their ban goes into effect in July and Nantucket has enforced a ban since 1990. Perhaps the Selectmen should appoint a committee to research the subject of banning plastic bags and Styrofoam containers in Medfield to present to Town residents. He attended the Planning Board meeting listening to the Roche bros. project.
Selectman DeSorgher offered condolences to the family of Bob McCarthy who recently passed away. Many years ago Bob was a Medfield Policeman, always had a smile and just a great individual.
Mr. Fisher reminded the audience that this Thursday December 5 is First Thursday and invited all to go to the Dwight Derby House and Zullo Gallery, always a pleasant evening. Friday evening the Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at Baxter Park along with caroling. Saturday at 1PM the Christmas Parade will begin. He urges residents and neighbors to come and enjoy. The Medfield Lions Club is selling Christmas trees, a good selection and good quality trees that come from Maine.
INFORMATIONAL
Mr. Sullivan highlighted a letter from Nstar wherein they write that they will not reimburse municipalities for police details used during emergency events.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.
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