Monthly Archives: September 2014

Tesla wins in SJC

Posted on September 15, 2014 | Comments Off on Tesla wins in SJC

Other car dealers had sued Tesla, under a Massachusetts statute designed to prevent car manufacturers from competing against its own brand’s dealerships, to stop Tesla Motors from displaying cars at the Natick Mall, and this afternoon the Supreme Judicial Court said those other dealers did not have the right (legally called “standing”) to try to use that statute to force Tesla to close its showroom.  The language below is from the SJC’s holding –

Conclusion. With a proper understanding of the language, history, and purpose of the statute in mind, we hold that G. L. c. 93B, § 15, does not confer standing on a motor vehicle dealer to maintain an action for violation of G. L. c. 93B, § 4 (c) 24 (10), against a manufacturer with which the dealer is not affiliated. We therefore affirm the Superior Court’s judgment dismissing the plaintiffs’ action for lack of standing.

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Posted in Legal

Solar Coaches needed

Posted on September 15, 2014 | Comments Off on Solar Coaches needed

From Medfield Green, for the Medfield Energy Committee –

Are you interested in Solar Energy?  Do you want to help bring Solar Energy to Medfield?  If so, read on for a great opportunity to make a difference!  Marie Nolan, Chair of the Medfield Energy Committee forwarded the following email about the Solarize Mass Program looking for “Solar Coaches” to spearhead the effort in various communities.  Please contact Marie at (508) 361-8766 or mznolan@comcast.net if you are interested or would like to discuss further details.  Proposals are due Oct. 15th.

 

2015 Solarize Mass – Community RFP

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and DOER are seeking proposals from Massachusetts cities and towns to demonstrate local interest and engagement in the 2015 Solarize Massachusetts program.

This program will drive community adoption of solar PV projects through a partnership focused on localized marketing and installation efforts, which help to drive down the installation cost of small-scale solar electricity within the selected communities. The MassCEC and DOER plan to select a minimum of ten (10) communities (or groups of communities) to participate.

Click here to access the Community RFP documents. All inquiries should be submitted by email to Solarize@MassCEC.com and must contain “RFP for Communities” in the email subject line.

Community applications are due October 15, 2014.

Energy Efficiency from Coast-to-Coast:  New Blog Post

Read the new Energy Smarts blog post, “Building Efficiency Gurus Exchange Ideas on Just About Everything,” from DOER’s Municipal Efficiency Coordinator, Aimee Powelka. The blog is based on her exchange of ideas with other states and the presentation of her paper, Massachusetts Green Communities: A Model Program for Energy Efficiency, at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) summer study on energy efficiency in buildings.
NSTAR’s Distributed Generation Interconnection Workshop

The interconnection process is complex and being improved. Utility-hosted “Distributed Generation Workshops” are helpful for anyone seeking to get more familiar with the process. They are free and sponsored by the Massachusetts utility companies as part of their agreement filed with DPU in October 2013. To register for the September 10 seminar, attendees can emailElaine.Zimmerman@NU.com no later than Sept 9th, 2014. Please include your full name and company name along with your e-mail and telephone number.

If you are registering more than one person, please include their contact information, too. Due to limited space NSTAR will not be able to accommodate on-site registration, so pre-registration is required.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.
One NSTAR Way Westwood, MA 02090

Are Your Neighbors Saving More Than You?

DOER is pleased to offer two municipal meetings focused on energy efficiency opportunities through the Mass Save® program:

  • Tuesday, Sep. 30 in Dartmouth – this meeting will bring together municipalities in the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to discuss energy efficiency in the region. Agenda and registration.
  • Thursday, Oct. 2 in Hudson – this meeting will bring together municipalities with municipal lighting plant electric service to highlight gas efficiency opportunities available through Mass Save. Agenda and registration.

Please contact your Regional Coordinator with questions.

 

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Posted in Energy Committee, Green

Food Cupboard needs donations

Posted on September 15, 2014 | 1 comment

From Susan Maritan –

The Medfield Food Cupboard is in Serious Need of Donations.

“Summer is always a difficult time for the Food Cupboard,” said Martha Sherman, a volunteer with the Medfield Food Cupboard. “It’s sort of a perfect storm resulting in bare shelves: our clients’ children are home from school, so families’ food needs are higher. Likewise, Medfield residents are out of town, so food donations are way down. Food drives are not happening as they do the rest of the year, and also, unfortunately, our food collection bin is no longer residing at Shaw’s. As a result, the food on the shelves at the UCC Food Cupboard are the lowest I’ve seen them in a many, many years.”

 

The Food Cupboard is in need of any and all items, but if you’d like some guidance, the following supplies are always needed:

  • Cereal
  • Juice
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly
  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauces
  • Tunafish (water-packed)
  • Canned chicken
  • Canned fruits
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels

Food donations to the Medfield Food Cupboard can be dropped off in the lobby of the the United Church of Christ (496 Main Street, Medfield) or at other local churches. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation may send a check to the Medfield Food Cupboard, PO Box 172, Medfield, MA  02052.

1 Comment

Posted in Charity

BoS for 9/16

Posted on September 12, 2014 | Comments Off on BoS for 9/16

Tuesday September 16, 2014 @ 7:00 PM

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

6:30 PM  The Medfield Board of Selectmen needs to meet in executive Session (closed session) for
the purpose of discussing Kenny land litigation

7:00 PM  Permanent Building Committee
Discuss Town Garage and Public Safety Building

ACTION

Sign Water Tower contract with Environmental Partners and Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, Inc.

MMA announces Fall Legislative Breakfast Meetings

Update from Selectman DeSorgher regarding Route 109 railroad crossing

PENDING

Council on Aging Board appointment Selectmen goals

LICENSES & PERMITS

Medfield Youth Lacrosse requests permission to post signs promoting spring 2015 registration

Medfield Foundation Angel Run requests permission to post sign October 12 – October 26 promoting registration for the December 7, 2014 event

Other business that may arise

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Posted in Select Board matters

MCPE trivia – bigger & better

Posted on September 12, 2014 | Comments Off on MCPE trivia – bigger & better

This from MCPE’s Susan Maritan, the MCPE Publicist, this morning.

TRIVIA IS BACK — BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!! 

 

MCPE is pleased to announce not one, but TWO trivia events this fall featuring an all new trivia company: Putterboy Productions. These events promise to be fast-paced and humor-filled, testing your knowledge in geography, sports, music, science and history. Mark your calendars, gather a team and support our fantastic Medfield Schools! Tickets for our amazing Legacy Place gift basket (valued at over $450) can also be purchased in advance, and the winner need not be present to win. To register and purchase raffle tickets, please visit www.MedfieldCoalition.org. Proceeds from these events will be used by MCPE to support public education in Medfield.

Community Trivia Night
Friday, November 14, 2014 (Round 1, 7PM; Round 2, 9PM)
The second annual MCPE Community Trivia Night will bring together players from across our community, who will compete for prizes at the American Legion on Peter Kristoff Way. The cost is $140 per team of up to four adult players (21 and over, please). Registration begins TODAY!

Student Trivia Challenge
Monday, November 10, 2014 (Blake 3PM, MHS 4:30PM)

New this year, the Student Trivia Challenge will allow students in grades 6-12 to get in on the fun! Held in the high school cafeteria, teams will compete for prizes in either the Blake or MHS division. Teams of teachers will increase the challenge! The cost is $40 per team of up to four players. Registration begins TODAY!

 

Thank you for making the success of our schools a community effort!

 

The Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE or “The Coalition”) is an independent, non-profit organization funded to provide system-wide support and academic enrichment for the Medfield Public Schools, with particular attention to academic needs that exceed the parameters of the school budget. We strive to encourage and maintain academic excellence in the face of increasing financial constraints. MCPE awards grants to support the development of innovative programs, curriculum and enrichment. 

Please visit MedfieldCoalition.org for more information.

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Posted in MCPE - Medfield Coalition for Public Education

MMA on needed steps

Posted on September 11, 2014 | Comments Off on MMA on needed steps

The Massachusetts Municipal Association‘s alert today tries to focus candidates for office on the broken elements in the state and municipality relationship.  Having watched and lived the problems for fourteen years now as a selectman, I agree that all of the ten issues are deserving of repair.

September 11, 2014

MMA ISSUES 10 PARTNERSHIP POLICIES TO BUILD A STRONGER COMMONWEALTH

MMA Urges All Candidates for Governor and the Legislature to Support These Important Policies to Ensure a Powerful and Productive State-Local Partnership

Please Encourage All Candidates Seeking Office to Embrace These 10 Partnership Policies to Invest In and Support Local Government

Local leaders across Massachusetts are committed to working very closely with the Commonwealth’s next Governor and all incoming legislators to deepen and strengthen the partnership between cities and towns and state government, because a powerful state-local partnership is absolutely essential in order for Massachusetts to achieve lasting social and economic progress and prosperity for our communities and residents.

On behalf of the cities and towns of Massachusetts, the MMA has issued 10 Partnership Policies to Build a Stronger Commonwealth, and is asking all of the candidates for Governor and the Legislature to publicly embrace this powerful agenda. These policies cover a wide range of vital issues, reflecting the extraordinary breadth of shared responsibilities that are held by state and local leaders.

The MMA’s 10 Partnership Policies are explained in a special 12-page publication that was posted on the MMA website and mailed to local officials, legislators and the candidates for Governor earlier today. You can download a copy of the MMA’s 10 Partnership Policies to Build a Stronger Commonwealth by clicking here.

Taken together, these 10 Partnership Policies will rebuild a strong and lasting state-local financial relationship, invest in communities for economic development and progress, ensure effective and sustainable government administration, and create a working state-local partnership for the future.

THE 10 PARTNERSHIP POLICIES TO BUILD A STRONGER COMMONWEALTH ARE:

1 – RESTORE REVENUE SHARING. We must build a new and enduring state-local fiscal partnership that shares future state tax revenue growth with cities and towns in order to fund local government services and reduce our overreliance on the property tax.

2 – FIX THE SCHOOL FINANCE LAW. We must update and modernize the Chapter 70 school finance law to ensure that all students have access to high-quality and adequately funded public education programs, and state and local governments share fairly in the cost.

3 – FUND KEY PROGRAMS AND OBLIGATIONS. The state must meet its commitments and obligations to fund essential aid accounts for targeted municipal and school programs, including full funding of all state mandates.

4 – SUPPORT FAIRNESS IN LOCAL TAXATION. We should reform and improve the cumbersome state-local system of property exemptions, abatements and tax relief to ensure that needy taxpayers are protected from an excessive property tax burden, and to provide that local property tax exemptions are only granted where truly warranted.

5 – OPPOSE UNFUNDED MANDATES. State government must fully fund all mandated programs, laws and regulations, and must commit to a process that reviews and identifies the cost of all proposed mandates and regulatory changes prior to their enactment.

6 – INVEST IN ESSENTIAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE. State government needs to increase its investment in the “bricks and mortar” underpinnings of our public infrastructure at the local and state level to ensure that we can sustain and expand a modern economy and vibrant communities.

7 – INVEST IN ESSENTIAL PUBLIC TECHNOLOGY. State government needs to invest in public technology at the local and state level to ensure that Massachusetts will be competitive in the modern global economy.

8 – EMPOWER CITIZEN-DRIVEN PLANNING AND ZONING. State government should carefully update the state’s Zoning Act and related laws to provide cities and towns with new authority and flexibility to guide residential and business land use decisions toward local and state goals.

9 – ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE. State government should recognize that the archaic personnel management and benefit system in Massachusetts imposes burdens on municipal budgets, makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified employees, and is in need of “stem to stern” modernization.

10 – COMMIT TO CONSTANT COMMUNICATION AND DIRECT DIALOGUE. Municipal leaders ask the Governor and Lt. Governor to both attend and actively participate in the Local Government Advisory Commission.

A strong and enduring partnership between cities and towns and state government is essential to a healthy and expanding economy and to the ability of local government to provide world-class education and municipal services, ensure safe streets and neighborhoods, and maintain local roads and vital infrastructure. This partnership is fundamental to our state’s economic success and competitiveness, which is why the MMA is offering these 10 Partnership Policies.

By Working Together, Local and State Leaders Can Build a Strong and Prosperous Future for Massachusetts

Please Encourage All Candidates and Community Residents to Embrace These 10 Partnership Policies to Invest In and Support Local Government

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Posted in Legislature, Massachusetts Municipal Association

Lyme Disease Committee

Posted on September 10, 2014 | Comments Off on Lyme Disease Committee

Town of Medfield Lyme Disease Citizen Study Committee

Meeting Minutes – Monday, June 23, 2014 – 7:00 pm

 

Attendees: Chris Kaldy (Chair), Frank Perry, Erica Reilly, Carolyn Samson, Pete Peterson
Minutes – reviewed meeting minutes from May 19.

 

Controlled Hunt – looking toward next fall

Frank attended the ConComm meeting and received permission to hunt on their lands again next fall and to post a few “No Hunting without Permit” signs. Frank agreed to help clear their trails, etc. in return. Frank & Barry purchased tree stands and trail cameras for the committee. Reviewed hunting season sign wording for the fall. Next fall 3 hunters will not be returning to the program. Want to send out applications in late July; no proficiency tests or background checks needed for the current hunters.

Chris received permission from MWL to use their name on our pamphlet and printed some for Frank to hand out. She reported that per Barbara Roth, the Sunday bow hunting vote passed in the House for the 2015 season. Frank thinks it’s for private land only.

 

Actions:

  • Frank to hand out pamphlets for new land to hunt.
  • Frank to review hunting rules for fall.
  • Chris to update Hunting Season sign and send to Frank to approve.
  • Chris to send out fall hunting applications over the summer.
  • Erica will update website to say fall hunting program is full but can put name on waiting list by emailing the Hotmail account.
  • Pete to send a letter to our state reps & senator (Garlick, Dooley, Timilty and Richard Ross of Wrentham) with our pamphlet, asking them to sponsor legislation to reduce the setback law.

 

 

Tick & Lyme Education / Website

Facebook: Erica opened a Facebook account for us and invited her Medfield friends to join. Will add Chris as an administrator so both can post information.

 

Medfield Patch: Erica was told by Matt to post her article on the Patch, which she did early June. It’s on the right side under Posts and may not get much traffic there. She’ll see if she can get him to give it more attention.

 

Park & Rec: Erica gave tick-warning signs to P&R to post, and they were thrilled. Asked about spraying fields – see below.

Cable 8: Carolyn found (2) 30 second tick videos from MDPH and received their permission to air them on our station. She’s waiting to hear back from Cable 8. Discussed asking station to run video as much as possible from now through November and then start again in March. Also will ask about adding our information at the end of the video airing.

Video addresses:

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/cdc/mosquito-tick/protect-yourself-from-tick-bites.wmv

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/cdc/mosquito-tick/keep-ticks-away-from-your-yard.wmv

 

School update: Chris reported for Nancy that Dan Wolff donated to each of the 5 nurses one of his tick removal devices.

 

  • Erica will make Chris an administrator of our Facebook account
  • Erica will keep trying with Medfield Patch for a headline article!
  • Chris will follow up with Cable 8 on airing the tick videos.
  • Chris will order the new educational materials from MDPH and/or CDC.

 

  • Chris to buy small plastic dispensers for tick cards and take to local vendors to put at points of purchase.
  • Xxx to ask library to consider posting information again on their bulletin board.

 

 

Other:

Resignation – Carolyn announced she is resigning from the committee. Her time and efforts are greatly appreciated.

 

Spraying fields – Erica spoke with Park & Rec to find out why they voted down spraying McCarthy fields for $1500 and learned that they thought they needed to cut back a lot of brush surrounding the fields. She told them a border was another option. They’d be open to a donation of $1500 to spray. J She learned Wheelock fields are owned by the School dept.

Michelle told us last meeting that Memorial school field was sprayed last year.

 

Frank suggested dragging the fields to see if ticks are present; others said their kids often come home with ticks from the fields. It’s a very large area to treat so perhaps just treat the border, or consider an investment in a 3’ barrier border. Discussed writing a position paper to send to Park & Rec and School Dept. We’d like to be a partner in any decision made. Tickencounter.org mentions the most effective chemicals.

 

Michelle was not present to report what she learned since last meeting:

  • Michelle will contact Superintendent about how to go about getting this done.
  • Michelle to find out who sprayed Memorial School.

 

  • Xxx to create position paper to send to P&R and School Dept

 

Budget – new budget started on July 1; same as last year though okay to go over a bit if need be.

 

 

 

Next Meeting: Monday, Sept 15, 2014 in the Warrant Meeting Room at Town Hall, 7 pm

Submitted by Chris Kaldy

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Posted in Wildlife Management & Lyme disease

MSH-PC notes from last night

Posted on September 10, 2014 | Comments Off on MSH-PC notes from last night

The Medfield State Hospital Planning Committee heard from Beth Murphy of MassDevelopment about her “carrier” redeveloping the Northampton State Hospital.  Fascinating insights from someone who has recently already done what we are about to undertake.

TOWN OF MEDFIELD

       Medfield State Hospital

Planning Committee

  

MEETING OF:

September 9, 2014

MINUTES

Committee Members:

Stephen J. Browne

Patrick Casey

Ralph Costello

Theresa James

Randal Karg – absent

Stephen M. Nolan

David Perini – absent

Kenneth J. Richard

Gil Rodgers


 7:00 pm: Beth Murphy, VP Real Estate, MassDevelopment, Springfield Office

Beth described MassDevelopment’s role in the redevelopment of Northampton State Hospital. She toured MSH prior to the meeting with Gil Rodgers. Her main points of advice are:

  1. A thoughtful master plan is essential; allows the Town to be clear about what it wants from developers
  2. Develop as a whole to get full value out of the site. The Town may decide to sell to one developer or multiple developers for different uses. Consider strategy as one developer might be able to underwrite the high cost of demolition and infrastructure prior to development.
  3. Take the time to do a comprehensive job; five years is realistic
  4. Don’t skimp on maintenance, security, and demolition; do demolition up front
    • Discussion on Mass Historical Commission’s position on demolition and the integrity to the historic designation versus use of state and federal tax credits for commercial redevelopment
    • Historic Preservation consultant as part of the planning process to identify the best development plan in concert with development plan
  5. Manage community expectations; Citizen Advisory Committee held regular public participation meetings
  6. Northampton was zoned using a “Planned Village Overlay District” special permit and each lot is subject to Site Plan Review by the Planning Board. The overlay removes dimensional requirements and allows flexibility in design to achieve the overarching goal of a walkable, dense community. Discussion of Northampton demographics and target market.
  7. Despite the immense costs associated with redevelopment Village Hill is successful for the following reasons:
    • Increased tax revenue
    • Green building
    • Fits within the overall community
    • Elimination of blight

 

Gil’s extensive notes on Village Hill can be viewed here:

http://mshvision.net/downloads/notes-on-nsh-010914.pdf

 

Village Hill Northampton website: http://www.villagehillnorthampton.com/

 

Upcoming Events and Updates:

  • Saturday, September 20, 2014 9:00 to 3:00 pm – Medfield Day
  • Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 7:00 pm – Lessons from Foxborough State Hospital
  • Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 2:00 pm – Site tour of Foxborough State Hospital

Gil’s Foxborough notes can be viewed here:

http://mshvision.net/downloads/foxborough-comparison.pdf

  • Saturday, September 20, 2014 9:00 to 3:00 pm
  • Change regular meeting to first and third Wednesdays starting in October due to member conflict
  • Alec Stevens will remain the facilitator of MSHVISION.NET but all info should be pre-written before given to him
  • The History of Medfield State Hospital prepared by Richard DeSorgher and John Thompson was distributed to committee members
  • Steve Nolan to schedule MSH building tour (tentatively for Friday, October 3, 2014 at 3:00 pm)
  • Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 7:00 pm – RFP Subcommittee meeting (planning office)

 

Committee Organization

  • Ken Richard nominated Steve Nolan as Chairman; Seconded by Steve Browne; The Vote: 6-0 (Nolan abstained)
  • Notes will be prepared by committee members on a rolling basis

8:45 pm: Adjournment

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Raposa, Town Planner
 

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Posted in Development, Medfield State Hospital

Rte. 27 repaving at night 9/14-19

Posted on September 10, 2014 | Comments Off on Rte. 27 repaving at night 9/14-19

This today from Mike Sullivan –

 

KENNETH P. FEENEY
Superintendent

TOWN OF MEDFIELD
Office of

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

(508) 359-8505, x3002

September 10, 2014

Dear Resident,

Effective Sunday, September 14, 2014 – Friday, September 19, 2014, there will be work performed on Route 27 from 8pm – 5am from Granite Street to West Street. They will be grinding and paving.

Please contact Ken Feeney, Superintendent of Public Works, at (508) 906-3002 if you have any questions or concerns.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Posted in DPW

Medfield Green

Posted on September 8, 2014 | Comments Off on Medfield Green

This email from Helen Dewey of Medfield Green –

It’s time to gear up for fall and the cooler weather! Roll up your sleeves and start cleaning, de-cluttering and saving styrofoam!  We will be hosting another Medfield Green Month, Saturdays in October at the Transfer Station….more details coming soon… Electronics (10/4), Reusable Building Materials for Resale (10/4), Furniture/Household Items for Resale (10/11) and Styrofoam (10/25).
Come visit us on Medfield Day, Saturday, 9/20 at our new location on North St (Booth #92).   We’ll have a free raffle of “green items”, a trivia game and an opportunity to ask your “green/recycling” questions and get some answers. Stop by and write down your questions and we’ll be sure to find someone who has the answer.  We’ll then compile all of the questions and answers and send them out to the membership.   Just another way to spread the green….
Do you or someone you know, own a green business or green service?   Would you like to donate an item/service for the raffle basket?  Reply to this email if you are interested.  We would appreciate it.
Have you been meaning to get more involved in the community and volunteer some time?  Now is your opportunity!  We currently have two open positions on the very friendly, Medfield Green Board, Vice President and Treasurer.  Please respond to this email if interested.

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Posted in Green