Meeting minutes
January 7, 2014
Chenery Meeting Room
draft
PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Town Administrator Sullivan; Administrative Assistant 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. There was a moment of silence in honor of the Serviceman from Abington who was recently killed in action.
REVIEW TOWN MEETING ARTICLES
Mr. Sullivan highlighted several of the articles beginning with articles 11, 13 and 14 saying that each refers to veterans’ benefits requested by Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffin; article 19 involves the senior tax work-off program. Beginning this year the residents involved in the program will be paid through the town’s payroll system to conform to IRS regulations, which will require withholdings. Mr. Peterson is of the opinion that the work off amount should be raised from $500 to $1,000 and it would help those seniors make up for the deductions they will now face. However, it was noted that the Assessors feel the overlay cannot handle this high of an increase. Article 20 asks for an amendment to the Town’s bylaws to regulate public consumption of marijuana. The Selectmen would like to have conversation with Chief Meaney and the Board of Health about this subject. Article 25 deals with the proposed public safety building; article 26 asks for funds to reconstruct the sidewalk on Main and South Streets and transfer any monies designated to preserve the Lord’s sign for this purpose. Additionally conversation is needed for several more articles, i.e. Energy Committee proposes the Town adopt the stretch code for building construction; funds for hiring a consultant regarding the state hospital site; construction of a pocket park between Starbucks and Zebra’s; Community Preservation Act proposal and a connecting path from Wild Holly Lane to the Wheelock School. Discussions will continue.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
VOTED unanimously to appoint Maryalice Whalen to the Capital Budget Committee and as recommended by Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler
VOTED unanimously to appoint Claire Shaw to the Medfield Cultural Council and as recommended by Chairman Jean Mineo
VOTED unanimously to appoint Michelle Doucette to the Committee to Study Memorials and as recommended by the Committee
SELECTMEN’S CALENDAR
The Board was advised that Park & Recreation Commission will attend the January 21 meeting to discuss their fy15 budget, Council on Aging will come to the February 4 meeting to discuss their budget and also the Insurance Advisory Committee will attend for discussion regarding OPEB actuarial study and status of Norfolk County Retirement system.
SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION
Selectman DeSorgher has been in discussion with Roche Bros regarding a new design for the sidewalk running from South Street along Main towards the library. The proposal is for a new sidewalk with a two foot strip of bricks closer to the curb, similar to the sidewalk on Pound Street; one-third of the sidewalk is Roche Bros. and two-thirds is the Town’s. Roche Bros. has agreed to contribute to the cost of construction. Mr. DeSorgher requests the support of the Board for this jOint venture. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to support a joint venture with Roche Bros. to construct a new sidewalk from the parking lot on South Street continuing onto Main Street ending at the jewelry store near the public library and as recommended by the. Aesthetics Committee
LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant Council on Aging a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for three events: January 15 supper club; February 15 valentine’s Dance and March 15 Irish Dinner
VOTED unanimously to grant St Edward Parish a one-day alcohol license for annual Parish Dance to be held Saturday January 25, 2014 7-11 PM
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Medfield Coalition for Public Education to Post signs January 26 to February 15 promoting their spring fundraiser
MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
This Saturday January 11 the State Hospital Advisory Committee will hold a Public Visioning Workshop at the CENTER to gather input for potential reuse of the property. The Committee is looking forward to good attendance.
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson commended Nicholas Sauro for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout saying that the ceremony was done differently, however as always well done. He announced that the Angel Run held in December was very successful with both attendance and financially and the proceeds will be donated to help needy families in Medfield. Also the Foundation requests nominations for Volunteer of the Year awards are submitted by January 31,2014. Mr. Peterson attended last night’s Planning Board meeting learning about the proposed Clark Tavern on Main Street. He favors the idea of the old building being reused; however, he feels a commercial building should not be in a residential neighborhood. He is glad the Selectmen do not have to make a choice because it is a complicated issue, a Hobson’s choice. He went on to say “I would not want to live next door to a commercial building.”
Mr. DeSorgher questioned the status of Medfield being designated a Tree City, however, Ms. Trierweiler was not present to comment. He is concerned that library employees need to park their vehicles in the Janes Avenue lot and it is not well lighted. Mr. Sullivan responded that recently the Fire Department did change some light bulbs so it should be ok now. Mr. DeSorgher commented that a section of the stone wall on South Street opposite Grist Mill Road was damaged after a tree fell on the wall; isn’t sure if the wall is town property or private but he feels it has been that way for a long time and should be repaired. He had a successful meeting with Columbia Gas Company representatives regarding the condition of Adams Street after the gas company did work and he also let them know that there are four holes, actually gas valve holes that need to be filled in. The reps told him that Adams Street will be first on the list to repair/repave in the spring and the valve holes will be hot tarred immediately. He attended the weekly meeting at the Town Garage site where progress is slowly being made mostly due to weather conditions. He agrees that Nicholas Sauro’s Eagle Court of Honor was impressive. Mr. DeSorgher extended condolences to the families of Ed Doherty and Anita Daniels. He said that Ed was a great person very active in his community with sports programs, Medfield cable TV and taking part in celebrating the Town’s anniversary. Anita a long time resident was very involved through the years with kids sport programs. They will be greatly missed. The next mini Town Hall meeting will be held at the home of John and Mary Harney on Maplewood Road January 16. He hopes that a schedule will be made for him to attend surrounding town’s selectmen’s meetings. Also noted that it is difficult for vehicles to maneuver on Upham Road that is very narrow and now the snow banks add to the difficulty. He would like to have an update on the proposal to have employees at Thomas Upham House park at the Dwight Derby House. Mr. DeSorgher went to the Planning Board meeting and it is a difficult decision and the neighbors have legitimate concerns. He hopes that the traffic study will address some of those issues. He mentioned that at the meeting Michael Taylor, Historic District Commissioner talked about historic preservation of the old building saying that the tavern and the Peak House will be made a historic district. The proponents plan a bed and breakfast that will greatly benefit Medfield. The Planning Board will continue the hearing on February 3 and this Thursday the project will be presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mr. DeSorgher commented that it is unfortunate that the owner of the former Lord’s building Mr. Salvatore would not plow the rear parking lot after the storm; the Town did and they did a great job.
Mr. Fisher applauded the highway employees who really were creative and really good to remove the snow from the downtown. He wished Ann Thompson happy birthday celebrating her 80th
• He extended a heartfelt thank you to highway employee Malcolm Gibson who helped Andy Thompson after he fell on the snowy sidewalk on his early morning walk. Mr. Fisher enjoyed the Eagle Scout ceremony saying that it was a nice presentation and had wonderful displays. He said that he will be interviewed by Jack Peterson next week discussing town happenings. This Saturday is a big day for the Town to hear the public’s ideas for the reuse of the hospital property. He urges residents to have their thoughts heard as much effort went into planning the event. It will be well worth attending.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher the vote was unanimous to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 PM.
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