Meeting Minutes May 19, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft
PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town
Administrator Trierweiler; town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke
Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:15PM, lateness due to technical difficulties
with cable TV.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
Treasurer Georgia Colivas reported that the Town received six competitive bids for the $18M in
general obligation bonds to finance the construction of the public safety building,a 20 year issue
and $610,000 in purpose bonds for 10 years to finance the solar array project at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
The bids were sold at a premium and it was advised that the Town reduce its principal for the
safety building from $18M to $16.375M because we will still get $18M for construction yet pay back
only $16.375M in principal. This results in a savings of about $2.SM for the 20 year issue, which
is excellent for the Town.
Regarding the bonds for the solar panels, Special Town Meeting authorized $710,000,however, this
amount was reduced by a $90,000 grant, thereby reducing the borrowing to $610,000.
The bid was awarded to Janney Montgomery Scott LLC from Philadelphia with an interest rate of
3.003%, which is below the anticipated rate of 4% used by the building committee.
Considering that we only received six bids instead of the usual 10-12 and the uncertainty of the
bond market, we did very well.
Ms. Colivas requested the Selectmen vote to finalize the bidding process as follows:
VOTE: that the sale of $16,985,000 general obligation municipal purpose bonds of the Town of
Medfield dated May 28, 2015, be awarded to Janney Montgomery Scott LLC at the price of
$18,796,013.06 is hereby approved and confirmed. The bonds shall be payable on May 15th over the
next 10 and 20 years; and
• FURTHER VOTE: That in connection with the marketing and the sale of the bonds, the preparation
and distribution of a Notice of Sale and the Preliminary Official
Statement dated September 24, 2014, was approved ty the Town Treasurer and is hereby ratified,
confirmed, approved and adopted; and FURTHER VOTE that the bonds shall be subject to redemption, at
the option of the Town as set forth in the Official Statement; and FURTHER VOTE that the Treasurer
and the of Board of
•
• Selectmen be, and hereby are, authorized to execute and deliver continuing disclosure documents
for the benefit of the bondholders; and FURTHER VOTE that
each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are,
authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates to carry
into effect the provisions of these votes.
• All in favor for a unanimous vote.
The next part of this bond process said Ms. Colivas is that I am requesting that Selectmen as the
power of authority for the Town of Medfield sign a certification of the vote awarding the bonds to
Janney Montgomery; certification that the bonds were issued pursuant to statutes and votes of the
Town; a certificate for continuing disclosure which means that the Town must provide an annual
report and audited financial statement to all federal and state agencies including bond holders;
and certification that the actual bonds amount to $16,985,000.
Please note that all of tonight’s materials has been reviewed by Locke Lord LLP our legal counsel
with respect to borrowing and First Southwest the Town’s financial advisors regarding bond issues.
The Board is very appreciative of the hard work and many hours that Ms. Colivas has given to this
bond process resulting in savings to the taxpayers.
ANTI-IDLING LAW
Fritz Fleischmann, a Medfield resident and member of the First Parish Church requests the
Selectmen’s support for a local initiative to make the public aware ofthe state’s anti-idling law.
Although this has been in effect for about 10 years several of the members ofthe church’s Green
Sanctuary Committee, who are committed to sustainable living,have noticed that many people do not
observe this law; it could be they are unaware of the fact that vehicles should
not idle over five minutes. They are not looking for the police to issue tickets to enforce the
law but rather the reverse, perhaps a thank you notice for not idling.
Mr. Fleischmann remarked that another thought to help raise awareness is to post signs in several
places around the Town reading “State law No Idling” Mr. Peterson responded that Ken may have
funds in his budget to purchase a few. Mr. DeSorgher suggested they put together a list of areas to
place the signs. Church member Eve Potts was recognized and she explained that on her walk near the
middle school she observed idling buses and called Connelly Bus Co. to let them know that was not
permitted. Thereafter, on her walks the bus
company adhered to her request. The Selectmen agree that drawing resident’s attention to the law
would be most helpful.
Vote: On a motion made and seconded the Selectmen voted unanimously to offer their support to
educate and encourage the residents of Medfield to observe the Massachusetts Anti-idling law.
May 19, 2015
Page three
SOLAR ARRAY BONDS
Energy I Facilities Manager Andrew Seaman gave a report on the solar array project and commenting
that the Town will save about $70,000 over the life of the 20 year bond. Discussion continued with
focus on perhaps the next array project possibly sited at the landfill. However,
Andrew discovered that the town could not gain approval because it is only partially capped and no
DEP closure. At the high school; above the parking lot would be a concern as it would diminish the
visibility to see from the school into the lot. The best place to place the panels is on the roof
of the new Town Garage. Andrew will return next meeting to discuss a net metering contract.
CONTINUED HEARING REGARDING 3 METACOMET STREET
Present: Robert Borrelli, Attorney James Murphy, Co-Chair Historic Commission David Temple David
was recognized and he said that the outcome of the Commission’s meeting last week is that we
consider the house to be historically significant and be preferably preserved. Mr.
Borelli does not own the house so he is not inconvenienced by a demolition delay. When he has proof
that he owns the house then he can come back to the Commission for discussion about his ideas to
demo the house. The owner is not being cooperative even with Mr. Borelli who has not yet entered
the house so he cannot speak on its condition. We do know there was flooding in the basement, it is
heated by kerosene and there is no electricity. The Commission advised that Mr. Borelli keep after
the owner of the house to gain entry. Mr. Temple asked that the Selectmen in this appeal process
not overturn the Historical Commission’s decision.
Mr. Borelli’s attorney James Murphy submitted a letter to the Selectmen dated May 19 wherein he
made several points, i.e.: the closing date is anticipated to be on May 21;Mr. Borelli has been
unable to enter the property to assess the condition of the house; he has put a dumpster on the
property for the owner to empty the house; to date there has been no finding of why this structure
is important as it is not historically significant. Mr. Murphy also commented on the fact that
Mr. Borelli has worked closely with the Historical Commission on other properties in Town that had
distinctive historic value. He recently received an award from the Historical Commission for his
restoration and adaptive reuse of the Fairbanks/Chenery/Hale house on
South Street. Presently he is working on 41 Pleasant Street where he has jacked up the building
from its compromised foundation and poured a new foundation where the historic structure
will be placed. Mr. Murphy urged the Board to grant the appeal.
Attorney Cerel remarked that the owner James Tubridy has signed purchase and sale agreement and a
demolition permit. Mr. Tubridy has agreed to Borrelli cleaning the property. This appeal is being
heard because there is the matter of the Selectmen determining if 3 Metacomet Street is a
historically significant structure and should be preserved. By the Historic Commission. Also the
present owner has not paid property taxes to the Town for a number of
May 19, 2015
Page four
years amounting to well over $50,000. Mr. Cerel commented that it is now up to this Board to make a
determination.
Selectman Peterson referred to the Town’s historic preservation bylaw commenting that this building
is not historically significant or should be preferably preserved. It is not the only cape style
house on the street.
Selectman Fisher agrees with Selectman Peterson and advises to overrule the Historic Commission.
Selectman DeSorgher said that as the appointing authority, I voted to appoint the Historical
Commission and I will not second guess their efforts.
VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Fisher, seconded by Selectman it was voted 2-1 to overrule the
Medfield Historical Commission’s ruling that the property is historically significant and should be
preferably preserved
COMCAST CABLE TV LICENSE
It was announced that Government Relations Manager Frank Foss has retired from Comcast and we wish
him well. Comcast announced that Catherin Maloney will assume responsibility for Medfield until a
permanent replacement is announced. Special Cable Counsel William Solomon has been negotiating the
Comcast license renewal on Medfield’s behalf. The license term is for 10 years, May 1,2015 to April
30, 2025. Ms. Maloney was present for the meeting, however, she did not take part in the license
renewal discussion.
President of Medfield Cable Access David Maxson spoke on the new contract saying that the license
benefits the Town; revenues pass through Town to our cable corporation. This will keep the cable
station’s four employees and we will continue to promote local programming as we have over 300
programs each year. He continued saying that Bill Solomon did a great job with negotiations
resulting in a good contract. I strongly urge the Selectmen to award the renewal license as
presented to Comcast. Mr. Maxson noted that the cable studio is in the process of moving from the
high school to North Meadows Road, hoping to be in the end of June.
Mr. Sullivan and Town Counsel Cerel have reviewed the contract as a matter of form noting also a
direct benefit to the Town is fiber optic supplied to Town buildings. They are in favor of the new
contract.
VOTE: Selectman Fisher read the following Motion; I hereby move that the Medfield Board of
Selectmen, as cable television license Issuing Authority, vote as follows:
To grant the subject cable television Renewal License, with an effective date of May
May 19, 2015
Page five
1,2015 to Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC (Comcast). All terms
and conditions contained in this renewal License have been agreed to by Comcast. Comcast, by and
through its authorized representative, will execute this renewal License (Agreement) as set out on
the Signature Page of the renewal License.
To approve the “Medfield Institutional Network: Agreement by and between Comcast and the town of
Medfield, and to authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to execute said Agreement on
behalf of the Board of Selectmen.
To recognize and acknowledge the following side-letter from Comcast: Senior discount/Education
Connections Program; and
Cable Service to Public buildings
VOTE was unanimous
MINUTES
On a motion made and seconded the Selectmen voted unanimously to approve meeting minutes of January
6 and 20; February 3, 17 and 24; March 3 and 17; April 7; May 5, 2015
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Peterson would like to continue discussion on waiving the Transfer Station sticker fee for
seniors. Mr. Sullivan and Treasurer Colivas noted that many residents have obtained their new
stickers; to go back to sort it out and issue refunds will be very time consuming. The stickers are
$50.00 for two years, amounting to about $2.00 per month.
Mr. Peterson queried about Tree Warden Ed Hinkley performing an inventory of town trees and where
we need additional planted. Mr. Sullivan replied that Mr. Hinkley will be attending the June 2
Selectmen’s meeting for discussion.
Selectmen agree that their proposed annual calendar is in good form.
TOWN OF MEDF ELD DEBT LEVEL
Town Administrator Sullivan reviewed a printout of outstanding debt from 194 to present, saying
that the town’s highest outstanding principal was in 2003, 67,052,736.00. As we have taken on
several new projects, the taxpayers will be hit hard next year. After that we are in better shape
with a savings of about $8M; next year (2016) the library renovation and town hall renovation will
be paid off. Principal and Interest as of June 30, 2015 is $77,178,088 and as of June 30, 1026 it
will go down to $69,537,273.
May 19, 2015
Page six
AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
Mr. Sullivan reported to the Selectmen that the federal government has a new mandate in 2016 with
regard to health care coverage. The Town is to provide the IRS with every employee’s name who has
health coverage. The good news is that MllA will provide the necessary forms
for Town Hall to submit to the IRS.
APPROPRIATION TRANSFER
Mr. Sullivan gave the background information regarding the transfer request from town administrator
salary line to principal assessor budget line; the new Assessor started on February 24 and Stan
Bergeron’s last day was March 16 an overlap for Stan to provide Yvonne with important training.
This resulted in a deficit for the Assessor’s budget as for that time period two assessors were
paid. The requested amount 2,857.49.
Additionally the Highway Department requires Appropriation Transfers for equipment payroll in the
amount of $3,000 and for Highway salaries in the amount of $20,000 to pay for a three
hour call out for additional personnel after snow related storms.
• VOTE: Selectman Fisher made a motion to authorize Chairman DeSorgher sign Appropriation Transfer
for the Assessors in the amount of 2,857.49 and two Appropriation Transfers for Highway Department
in the amounts of $3,000 and
$20,000, seconded by Selectman Peterson. The vote was unanimous.
APPRECIATION LETIERS
The Selectmen are requested to sign letters to Pastor Jonathan Chechile and Reverend Marc Eames for
their recent community service project. A great job was done by all participants doing a spring
cleanup at several locations around Town, including Hinkley Pond, under the name of “God Loves
Medfield Community Service Project”.
LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant the Varsity Football Team permission to hold a fundraising carwash
behind Town Hall on Saturday June 20 1-3 PM
VOTED unanimously to grant MEMO permission to post signs advertising ticket availability for the
annual Discover Medfield History Day on June 13, 2015 and place the sign at the corner of North and
Green Streets on June 13 as a reminder of the event
VOTED unanimously to grant the Montrose School permission to post signs at designated locations to
advertise their Summer Program
May 19, 2015
Page seven
VOTED unanimously to grant permission for signs to be posted promoting the annual Saint Edward’s
Golf Tournament
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Fisher talked about the good turnout on May 7 at the Zullo Gallery to honor Jean Mineo as she
was selected to receive the 2015 Cultural Council Leadership Award from the Massachusetts Cultural
Council. It also turned out to be a good night for the kickoff of First Thursdays. Always a
pleasant evening at the Zullo Gallery. My Mom and cousin enjoyed the interview with Ann Thompson
for cable TV. A good amount of interesting information about the Fisher family of Medfield that
goes back a few generations.
The Lowell Mason House Committee held a fundraiser at Chiara restaurant in Westwood this past
Sunday. It was well done, a successful event with a good number of people attending.
Mr. Peterson remarked that the state hospital master planning for the site is moving forward at a
good speed. He commented that the artist’s reception for the Thistle Project was a great event last
Saturday. The goal of the project is to bring attention to the wonderful landscape of the property
and encourage people to take part in planning the hospital site.
Selectmen mentioned that when he was chair of the board he had talked about a financial summit with
the Warrant Committee, Board of Water and Sewerage, Selectmen to come together perhaps on a
Saturday to discuss the budget process. Selectmen DeSorgher and Fisher agree that it best to
coordinate the meeting for perhaps early September when the summer season is over. Mr. Fisher
remarked that the Town, Michael, Kristine, Joy do a great job putting together this process every
year.
Mr. DeSorgher received a letter from a North Street resident regarding accidents at Green and North
Street that he feels is due to the speed limit and requests it be lowered. Selectmen would like to
hear from Chief Meaney. He advised that a meeting be setup with Royal Pizza owner Stavros Tragellis
to see if he would be interested in setting up some seating in the alcove adjacent to his business
that was recently painted with an attractive scene. Outdoor seating would be good for his business
and would benefit the downtown as well. He gave kudos to
Jean Mineo who recently received the Leadership Cultural Council Circle award.
Mr. DeSorgher commented that the traffic lights in the center of Town are working pretty well, good
improvement moving the traffic along.
Motion to adjourn at 9:15 and the vote was unanimous!
Meeting Minutes May 26, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft
PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town
Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke
Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced the following. This meeting
is being recorded it is not going out live by cable TV due to technical difficulties. We want to
take a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving around the world.
Chairman DeSorgher mentioned that the Selectmen, Town Administrator, Permanent Building Committee,
Superintendent Marsden, School Committee members, Warrant Committee members and guests took part in
the ground breaking ceremony for the new public safety building that began at 6 PM this evening.
The construction of the new building should take about 18 months.
ENERGY/FACILITIES MANAGER, ANDREW SEAMAN
Mr. Seaman said that he is here this evening to explain the Interconnection Service Agreement
between the Town and Eversource (Nstar). The Town is required to enter into this agreement due to
the new solar array at the treatment plant that will be connected to the electrical grid. It is
projected that all electricity generated by this new array will be used at the facility however; in
the rare case that electricity will be sent back to the grid the Town will want to capture the net
metering credits we are entitled to. I am here this evening to request that the
Selectmen vote to authorize Chairman DeSorgher sign the agreement. Town Counsel Cerel said that he
has vetted and approved the agreement.
VOTE: Selectman Fisher made a motion, seconded by Selectman Peterson to authorize Chairman
DeSorgher sign the Interconnection Service Agreement (ISA) between the Town of Medfield and
Eversource. Vote was unanimous
Mr. Seaman continued explaining the second agreement, Net Metering Credit Sales Agreement. Net
metering is a process where electricity generated by a renewable energy facility that is not used
on-site is sent back to the electrical grid. A solar farm in Walpole is due to come online in early
2016 that will generate 6.2 million kWh of solar electricity. This electricity will be sent to
Eversource and in return they will issue one net metering credit per kWh generated to the owner of
the facility. This credit carries cash value but needs to be liquidated in order for the owner of
the facility to make money. By entering into this agreement the Town will be credited with
1,000,000 credits to their electric bill and in exchange the town will pay the seller the cost of
750,000 credits, resulting in an immediate 25% savings on our electric bill. Right now one
net metering credit is worth 25.2 cents. This results in a bill credit of $252,000 while we pay
$189,000 giving us a savings of $63,000 in the first year alone. He pointed out that the credits
will be used toward savings for Town Hall Library, the garage and public safety building.
May 26, 2015
Page two
The contract is structured so that the price we pay for the credits are tied to the Eversource net
meter rate tariff. This ensures that regardless of the credit price, the Town will realize the 25%
savings every year. Mr. DeSorgher queried if other towns are doing something like this.
Seaman said yes, however, the location must be right load zone, i.e. southeast or northeast.
Medfield is fortunate to be able to gather these credits. As with the ISA town Counsel has vetted
and approved this agreement. The Selectmen are requested to vote to authorize Chairman DesSorgher
to sign the agreement and it was so voted.
ECONOMIC DEVEWPMENT COMMIITEE
As Lot 3 Ice House Road is the topic, Selectman Peterson as an abutter, he recused from the
discussion.
Chairman Pat Casey reported that an RFP has been issued for Lot 3. This is a long-term ground lease
for 11acres and advertised as any development is consistent with the existing buildings,
i.e. Kingsbury Club, COA center and current zoning. He went on to say that the site walk is planned
for June 16, bids are due August 28. We feel that perhaps the date of June 16 will give us some
idea of what we may expect to receive in the way of proposed development.
In attendance are members of MEMO, Brandi Erb, Lucille Fisher, Aditi Thatte; from the Cultural
Council Jean Mineo for discussion about downtown parking Straw Hat Park and other issues
Pat Casey went on to talk about the downtown business survey that his committee is conducting.
There are about 60 businesses to interview and members of the committee have talked with several at
this point. The focus of conversations so far is parking,traffic and signage. Member Ann Thompson
was recognized and she said that within her interviews the business owners told her that they were
very pleased with the snow removal this winter in the downtown by the highway department.
Interestingly she was asked if there is any way the Town could limit the number of new pizza
establishments or real estate offices opening.
Frequent comments have been from the Park Street business about signage as their main concern is no
easy visibility to their area. Perhaps we could develop a plan for larger signs and still maintain
a cohesive approach. In particular the corner of Park and Main Streets with public and private
property does not give us much room for signage. A downtown summit is planned for the fall and
this concern as well as crossing Main Street between Park Street Books and the Butterfly business
will be one of the main topics.
Jean Mineo went on to discuss the development of the park between Starbucks and Zebra’s. The
Selectmen gave praise to Jean for all her efforts for the development of the pocket park.
May 26, 2015
Page three
Ms. Mineo reiterated the steps so far for the park; the Selectmen approved the proposed design in
February and April Town meeting voted to appropriate $32,000 that will help with regrading, replace
the broken and cracked sidewalk and new drainage. Hopefully this part will be completed by fall.
She said we were hoping to get $75,000; the advantage being construction would be done in one phase
as spreading it out may be more expensive. Mr.
Sullivan advised that a meeting with DPW be organized as with their may help it may cut down on
expenses.
Ms. Mineo reported to the Selectmen that with the assistance of Medfield Foundation a mailing has
been prepared to alert residents as to how they may help with fundraising for the park.
Specific items listed are for the fountain, signage boards, chess/checker table. Any gift would be
most welcomed as if we raise $50,000 the park could be completed by fall. She also mentioned that
it is planned to put in a brick walk and and the notice has space for those who desire an
inscription on the paver. At this point Town Counsel Cerel remarked names only on the brick, no
messages of any kind. Ms. Mineo requested the Selectmen’s permission for this town-wide mailing.
VOTE: Selectman Fisher made a motion, seconded by Selectman Peterson to allow the Cultural Council
conduct a town-wide mailing to raise additional funds for the Straw Hat Park. Vote was unanimous
CULTURAL ALLIANCE
Jean Mineo explained to the Board that when the Cultural District voted to adopt a larger vision of
cultural activities, we chose to put together a more comprehensive platform to include the
cultural council, cultural district and name it Cultural Alliance of Medfield. With this new
program many town organizations and cultural events will benefit greatly. She remarked that the
council has applied for a 501C3 designation. Selectman Peterson and the Board agree it will be
very beneficial to the Town.
MEMO
Brandi Erb introduced Lucille Fisher and Aditi Thatte commenting that Aditi was very recently Voted
president of MEMO. Congratulations Aditi. She went to say that MEMO would agree that signage and
parking in the downtown are two key issues for further discussion.
Mr. DeSorgher mentioned that cable TV has a plan to put in a nice park in memory of Ed Doherty at
Meetinghouse Pond. MEMO is fine with that. Discussion ensued about planting trees along Frairy
Street however tree planting should not be in the way of Medfield Day booths. Mr. Sullivan
commented that Tree Warden Ed Hinkley will be at our meeting June 2 for discussion about trees.
May 26, 2015
Page four
Developer Dave Mccready renovating the Ord Building next door has a plan to add about 15 spaces
behind the building. Mr. Sullivan said that he suggested to him that a separation from the town
parking lot and this new area should be put in, perhaps a low stone wall. There has been some
discussion about building a two story parking garage on the town lot however, that could be very
expensive.
At this point Selectman brought up the subject that the Selectmen have not given the EDC a formal
charge for them to follow. Mr. DeSorgher said that I recall that each of us had written down some
ideas for this charge that I don’t have with me this evening. Suggests we hold off considering a
charge until after the summer and discuss at the downtown summit.
RAILROAD TRACKS
Mr. Sullivan informed the Selectmen that he has found that in order to remove the tracks at Farm
Street and at Harding Street we would need to apply for a formal license and the fee would be
$3,600 for each. Mr. DeSorgher thought that this is ludicrous as it is has been an abandoned line
for many years. He suggests that our Representatives and Senator be involved with this issue to do
away with these fees.
HOSPITAL PROPERTY
Ms. Trierweiler said that she has a letter for Chairman DeSorgher to sign addressed to DCAMM
Commissioner carol Gladstone that outlines the Town’s desire for the access road new parking lot
and canoe launch.
VOTE: Motion made and seconded to authorize Chairman DeSorgher sign letter addressed to
Commissioner Gladstone. Vote was unanimous
NEW BUSINESS
The Selectmen were made aware of a recently built beaver dam that threatens the foundation of
Hartford Street. Even though we are in a semi-drought in the event of heavy rains the flooding that
is there already could worsen and we would lose part of that street. Also part of the property is
on Trustees of Reservation land and they need to be involved. Mr. Sullivan will schedule a meeting
to discuss the procedure to resolve this issue.
Girl Scout Emily Piersiak has installed a new bridge at the Meetinghouse Pond spillway. This was
her Gold Award project and she did a really good job. It is suggested that Building Inspector John
Naff inspect the bridge.
The Selectmen signed the May 26, 2015 Vendor warrant.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM
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