BoS minutes from 9/15

Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft
PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Administrative
Assistant Clarke; Selectman Fisher absent
Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read announcements, adding
that we want to take a moment to remember the events of 9/11 and the lives lost at the World
Trade Center, the skies over Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.
7:00 PM Public Hearing, earth removal bylaw violation by Larkin Bros. constructing new
development on North Street. Larkin’s contractor Chris Conti remarked to the Board that he
had removed the earth as it was a surplus amount of material, lack of space to store at the site
and did not anticipate any further use for the material. It was trucked to Sam White’s and
received no compensation from them nor did he pay for them to accept. Mr. Conti went on to
say that he was not aware of the fact that he needed to obtain an earth removal permit; many
towns where he has worked did not have this requirement.
Michael Larkin said that they do not have any need for the material so it will not come back to
the site and it amounts to about 275 cubic yards.
Mr. DeSorgher queried if Sam White has sold any of the material or truck it out of Medfield;
response was we don’t know.
Selectman DeSorgher said that it is your responsibility to find out procedures in any town that
you work so there is no excuse of not knowing. In Medfield we had one other incident such as
this a very long time ago that carried a heavy fine. However, since Selectman Fisher is not here
this evening I suggest we postpone this hearing until the next meeting. Town Counsel Cerel
was recognized and informed the Board that the hearing cannot be held over; a decision must
be made tonight. Discussion ensued and a fine of $3-5,000 was mentioned. Mr. DeSorgher
asked for a motion.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion to impose a fine of $5,000.00 seconded by
Selectman DeSorgher and the motion carried
BOARD OF HEALTH
Members present: Marcia Aigler, Jennifer Polinski, Gabriele Harrison, Health Agent Bridget
Sweet and Nancy Bennotti, Administrative Assistant; Wendy Jackson absent
Jennifer Polinski gave an update to the Selectmen on some of her board’s activities that
included grant received for a needs assessment to dispose syringes and sharp objects used for
medical service. BOH has received many requests for proper disposal due to it being illegal to
use public trash. There are high numbers of pediatric/adult diabetic patients and other forms
of health issues that require almost daily injected medication causing backups of these medical
instruments. Ms. Polinski went on to report that application was made and awarded for a
second grant for the purchase and maintenance of a Disposal Kiosk for these items that
presently is temporarily located at the Town Garage.
September 15, 2015
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Board of Health revisited and updated tobacco regulations resulting in amending to raise the
age from 18 to 21 for the purchase of tobacco and e cigarettes. A public hearing was held on
July 14, 2015 and the amended regulation goes into effect January 1, 2016. Discussion ensued
regarding vaccinations for children particularly focused on kindergarteners whose parents must
submit a record of proof to the school department.
The Selectmen are very appreciative of the good work of this very important board that covers
so many aspects of public health.
The next topic on tonight’s agenda is Beaver Dams. Bridget Sweet remarked that the Board
of Health may issue a 10 day emergency permit only if a beaver dam is causing a threat to a
resident’s property such as flooding of septic system, flooding of a public or private driveway or
a threat to public health or safety. If not remedied may apply to Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife
Present for this discussion from the Trustees of Reservation Michael Francis and Russ Hopping
Ecology Director; from the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Board Dave Lawson and Caroline
Haviland; wildlife trapper Barry Mandell; Frank Perry member of Medfield Lyme Disease Study
Committee.
Prior to the beaver dam discussion Selectman DeSorgher read from a prepared statement
about his serious concerns; the potential loss of Hartford Street should there be a serious
rainstorm such as a nor’Easter causing the road to be closed and the large expense to the Town
to rebuild; losing many trees that will/have died due to flooding; he is aware of a beaver
deceiver pipe that is only six inches in diameter. This size will not carry huge currents of water
in the event of a major rainstorm. Knowing that the Trustees are Medfield’s largest landowners
it is his hope that the town and trustees will together develop a management plan to help
eliminate these concerns.
Barry submitted a map of Medfield outlining those areas where he inspected and observed
active sites. Almost all of these sites have had beaver dams through the years causing flooding
and other concerns. Presently active sites are along the Charles River, Stop River watershed
near Clark Road, Juniper Lane and near Stagecoach Road. Less active at this time and mostly
due to lack of rain is in the Mill Brook area from Main Street to downstream of the Fork factory
Reservation.
David Lawson talked about mosquito breeding areas, the potential of West Nile Virus and triple
E as flooding is causing stagnate water and swamp like conditions. He continued saying that
the use of safe pellets will help in mosquito control, however the Trustees put into effect last
year a policy of no mosquito control spraying on their properties and continue to enforce their
policy this year.
September 15, 2015
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Resident Alec Stevens was recognized and he spoke about his concern with Jewells Pond
(Philip Street area) that is on his property and the serious threat if a major storm happens
causing the beaver dam to break and the water flow into the pond will destroy the surrounding
structures. Right now there are large amounts of algae and weeds growing that he feels is due
to the lack of water flow. He monitors the pond frequently.
Frank Perry said that the Trustees are very cooperative with the Lyme Committee and the
management opportunities given to us with the deer culling program. We are very
appreciative. He went on saying that he wants to address the beaver issue; yes the dam is a
concern, however, there are a number of devices that will help to alleviate beaver dams. This
particular area of Hartford Street should be closely looked at because if we have hard rains it
will become a treacherous issue.
Michael Francis and Russ Hopping provided some information about their beaver management
program and that they are very tolerant of beaver activity. Beavers have great effects on the
ecosystems. There will always be conflicts between humans and the beavers.
Their population once was about 24,000; it has increased to over 70,000. The Trustees will
monitor the activity at Hartford Street.
Selectman DeSorgher recommends that a committee be formed between the Town and
Trustees so that we may work together on this serious issue. The Selectmen thanked all in
attendance for their input and considerations.
MEETING MINUTES
VOTE: Motion made by Selectman Peterson to accept the September 1, 2015 minutes
seconded by Selectman DeSorgher. Motion carried
CHAPTER 90
Superintendent Feeney requests the Selectmen vote to sign a Chapter 90 Project Request in the
amount of $150,000.00 for the resurfacing of Green Street.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion to sign Chapter 90 Project Request in the
amount of $150,000.00 and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney, seconded by
Selectman DeSorgher. Vote was unanimous
BROTHERS MARKETPLACE / SIZE OF PARKING SPACE
Selectman DeSorgher is concerned with the size of delivery trucks that go into the Marketplace
parking lot and in general these very large delivery trucks that sometimes cannot make a turn
from one road into another. Mr. Sullivan advised that there is a downtown summit meeting
planned to take place within several weeks and perhaps talking with Sarah this discussion may
September 15, 2015
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be an agenda item. Another item for that agenda may be downtown parking or lack thereof. A
discussion regarding a parking structure should be another summit topic.
SOLID WASTE STUDY COMMITTEE
Chair Megan Sullivan requests the Selectmen vote to appoint Rachel Brown to the committee
and requests the size of the committee be increased up to nine members from seven. Two
members of the Committee Carl Mellea and Scott Colwell have submitted their resignations
VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously and with deep regret to
accept the resignations of Solid Waste Study Committee members Carl Mellea and Scott
Colwell; appoint Rachel Brown to the Committee and allow the Committee to increase
their number of members up to nine
MEDFIELD GIRL SCOUTS
The Girl Scouts are celebrating their 10oth Anniversary. As part of their celebration they request
permission to have a booth outside of Town Hall collecting items to donate to worthwhile
organizations. Another event that they request permission is to use the Town Gazebo for a
celebration on June 15, 2016. A motion was made and carried to grant permission for the Girl
Scouts booth outside of Town Hall on October 17, 2015 and permission to use the Town Gazebo
on June 15, 2016 for a celebration. and the use
VOTE: On a motion made and seconded to grant permission to the Medfield Girl Scouts
booth outside of Town Hall on October 17, 2015 and grant permission to hold a June 15,
2016 celebration from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Town Gazebo
LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Medfield High School Student Council to
hold their annual Sleep Out for the Homeless on Friday September 25, 2015 beginning
at 6:00 PM on the lawn outside Town Hall
VOTED unanimously to grant Medfield Green permission to post signs from September 28
to October 12, 2015 advertising October as Medfield Green Month at the Transfer Station
VOTED unanimously to grant the Medfield Lions Club permission to post signs from
October 25 to November 7, 2015 announcing the annual Chowder Fest November 7 at
the Senior Center and permission to display the Town’s VMS sign at the Transfer Station
announcing the event
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Medfield Soccer 3v3 Tournament to display
signs September 16 through September 30 promoting the October 4, 2015 event
September 15, 2015
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SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson remarked that he attended the Energy Committee meeting. The committee will
be attending the Selectmen’s October 20 meeting. Also attended the hospital planning
committee meeting and Medfield Cares About Prevention.
Mr. DeSorgher reported that a resident had contacted him about his concern of a broken
sidewalk at Dale Street and Charlesdale Road; DPW will make the repair. Tree Warden Ed
Hinkley very quickly responded to removing a dead tree; thank you Ed.
Mr. DeSorgher went on to say that Medfield is a Tree City and he would like to make a motion
to encourage replanting trees when one comes down; Selectman Peterson seconded and it was
so voted.
Mr. DeSorgher continued with his report giving kudos to Chief Meaney and the new program he
has in place “Stop-Lock-Walk” that is a very good policy. Mr. DeSorgher would like to see
additional advertising of the water ban, even numbered houses may water on Mondays and
odd number may water on Thursday. It remains very confusing to the public.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:45 PM Mr. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. DeSorgher; it was
unanimously voted.