Monthly Archives: October 2015

Angel Run registration closes Halloween

Angel Run

Dear Friends of the MFi Angel Run,

The frost isn’t on the pumpkin yet but the wings are on the angel!

Time is flying so register now for early bird pricing and the famous Angel Run t-shirt for the 2015 MFi Angel Run.

Regstration is exclusively online at http://www.medfieldfoundation.org through Oct. 31st. After that date, you can only register on race day and t-shirts will not be available. Don’t miss out! Do your first good deed of the coming holiday season by signing up today. Proceeds from the MFi Angel Run stay right here in our community to help Medfield residents in need.

 

Angel Run keepsake

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Angel Run you can purchase during registration a special Angel Run keepsake.
“Give Where You Live” and sign up at medfieldfoundation.org.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MedfieldFndn for updates on the run/walk, training tips and more opportunities to be involved in this great community event. This year features bib chip timing and as always, all paces, including strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.

Join us on Sunday, December 6th at 2pm with bells on!

With appreciation,

Your MFi Angel Run Team

 

End of a thistle era

thistle at msh

thistle at msh

The Thistle installation has run its course and is over.  This email today from Jean Mineo –


Hello Mike,

As an update, the Thistles art installation was removed from the Medfield State Hospital property yesterday afternoon.

I want to thank you and the Selectmen for granting permission for this unusual project. Nearly 75 volunteers helped make the 45 Thistles, many of them girl scouts and their leaders. The opportunity to engage directly with artist Catherine Evans on her process was highly unusual as was the ability to transform mundane materials into a large installation.

I appreciate that Selectmen fielded calls early on from residents concerned about the fate of the trees. We felt this was a positive result of attracting attention to the property and its natural resources as we begin the master planning process.

Thank you again for your support of the Art in Public Places program and this initiative.

Jean

508-242-9991

JeanMineo@aol.com

@JeanRMineo

www.LinkedIn.com/in/JeanMineo

Selectman education

This past month I attended two almost day long programs designed to educate municipal officials.  The state and the MMA both seek to assist local officials to learn how to do a better job.

MMA

  • Massachusetts Selectman Association (part of the Massachusetts Municipal Association). There I got an update on legislation issues from the MMA’s executive director, heard from the Lt. Governor about their Community Compact initiative (Medfield will join), and attended workshops on budgeting and communicating.

DLS

  • Massachusetts DOR’s Division of Local Services annual legal update, which DLS describes below –  I opted for the OPEB workshop.

Local Officials Gather to Hear “What’s New in Municipal Law”
Municipal Finance Law Bureau

Over 400 local officials attended the 30th annual “What’s New in Municipal Law” seminars held on October 1, 2015 at The Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke and October 8th, 2015 at The Lantana in Randolph.

In the morning general sessions, they heard Municipal Finance Law Bureau attorneys Kathleen Colleary, Bureau Chief, Gary Blau, James Crowley, John Gannon, Donald Gorton and Patricia Hunt review new legislation and recent court and Appellate Tax Board cases. In the afternoon session, the attorneys led three workshops on (1) assessing condominiums and time-shares, and collecting personal property taxes, (2) adopting and amending municipal operating and capital budgets; and (3) negotiating and funding retiree post-employment benefits.

If you were not able to attend one of this year’s seminars, the morning presentation materials and afternoon workshop booklets are available on our website.

We look forward to seeing you at the 31st annual “What’s New in Municipal Law” seminar next fall. The dates to save are Thursday, September 29th, 2016 at The Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke and Thursday, October 6th, 2016 at The Lantana in Randolph.

MSH by Phil Tuths

Phil Tuths share with me some of his photos of the Medfield State Hospital, and said I could share them.  Phil says -“You can see more of my photos if you go to Photos & Videos on my Twitter feed @philtuths.”

These photos show the A Building before it was boarded up, and the pump house site now and before its removal. The before pump house photo currently hangs in the Zullo Gallery.

msh-phil tuths-buildingsmsh-phil tuths-pumphousedemolished 034 msh-phil tuths-zullopumphouse 025

Scouts collecting today

GSA

This Saturday October 17th Medfield Girl Scouts are collecting a variety of items to support local charitable organizations and to celebrate their 100th Anniversary of Scouting in Medfield.

10am – 3pm on the lawn in front of the Medfield Town House 

* Halloween Costumes, gently used or new (Medfield Food Cupboard) 

* Prescription and over-the-counter reading glasses (Lions Club)

* Dog, cat food, and clumping cat litter and more!  (see needs on the Medfield Animal Shelter’s website).

11am – 3pm  at the United Church of Christ, 496 Main Street

* Gently used children’s clothing, books and toys (for Cradles to Crayons) 

In addition, you will see scouts at Shaw’s and Brothers collecting donations for the Medfield Food Cupboard.

Nice work Girls!  Congratulations on 100 years of Girl Scouting in Medfield!

And don’t forget to bring your books, cds and dvds to the Medfield Green Month at the Transfer Station.
Megan B. Sullivan
508-359-8274


Medfield Green
www.medfieldgreen.org

BoS minutes from 10/6

Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft

PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke

Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and reminded the audience that the meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving around the world.

MEDFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Attending– Library Trustees James Whelan, Steven Pelosi, Maura McNicholas; Director Kristen Chin. Mr. Whelan submitted and reviewed the library’s strategic plan for 2015 – 2019. This five year plan is a requirement from the MASS Board of Library Commissioners. Mr. Whelan remarked that they had received public input of 540 survey responses, held interviews, focus groups, and observation sessions and stakeholders meetings to put together this finalized plan. He highlighted that the vision for the library is to be a community center for  earning, growth and more. Their mission is to strengthen our community by inspiration, encouragement, facilitating social interactions, exchanging information and provide cultural enrichment. The goals that have been set will be accomplished by our staff that is friendly, tech-savvy and forward thinking. Mr. Whelan continued saying that we are very pleased to have Kristen Chin as our director who started with us in April of this year. Ms. Chin remarked that she is enjoying her position very much and is thrilled to see all the activity that goes on at the library. She remarked that the library will be hiring a firm to design a new website. There have been challenges with some maintenance situations; however I have hope that the Town’s Facility Manager will be on board to put together a plan to help correct our needs. Trustee Steven Pelosi talked about the issues with the facility, i.e. the slate roof coming loose causing leaks inside the building, the portico is rotting and bricks are beginning to fall apart; noting that the library will celebrate 100 years in 2017. We may have to go before Town Meeting to request funds to take care of some of these repairs. It will be very helpful to meet with Facility Manager Andrew Seaman to go over a plan to categorize these issues.

The Selectmen noted that they are grateful for all the efforts of the trustees, the director and the staff to deliver good service and excellent programs.

OLD BUSINESS / UPDATES ON THE FOLLOWING
Mr. Sullivan remarked he has not had a response from the railroad regarding the removal of Harding Street railroad tracks. He will reach out to them.  New Verizon antennae on Main Street utility pole. This will provide service to a limited area and is covered under utility right of ways. RFP will be issued in the near future and sent to several utilities to gather their input for cell tower/ antennas on the new water tank.
Jean Mineo reported that work on the Straw Hat Park will start in the spring. Her committee has raised funds to cover the maintenance of the park’s first year; donors have come forward to pay for the irrigation system, chairs, tables and benches. Mr. Sullivan remarked that Metropolitan Electric Company is putting together pricing for electrical and water service.
Columbia Gas Company has not responded to the Town’s request to repair those sidewalks that they opened up to do work. It is suggested that a letter be written to Columbia Gas informing them that request for permits to do work in Town will be denied until they complete sidewalk repairs.

BEAVERS: Trustees did install two ten-inch beaver deceiver pipes in the area of Fork Factory Reservation. Mr. DeSorgher suggests that a committee be appointed to work with the Trustees to help resolve the issue of beaver dams. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to appoint Jim Sullivan, Alec Stevens, Bob Kennedy, Frank Perry, Michael Sullivan to meet with the Trustees of Reservation concerning beaver dams

Ms. Trierweiler will setup a meeting with Roche brothers, Greg Salvatore and abutters to discuss parking issues. Mr. DeSorgher advised that he will combine Selectmen and Michael’s goals into one format for the next meeting. Discuss Town Administrator’s merit at next meeting

MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve meeting minutes of September 15, 22 with amendments

COMMITIEE APPOINTMENTS
The Selectmen have received requests from three committee chairmen to appoint new members. Mr. Peterson advises that it should be a general policy of the Selectmen to advertise to the public when there is a committee vacancy and request candidates send a letter of interest to Town Hall. Working this way it gives citizens a fair chance to become involved.

Selectman Fisher opposes that recommendation saying that if a committee chairman recommends appointment we should act on it. Further discussion ensued and a motion was made in favor of Selectmen advertising committee vacancies. Selectmen DeSorgher and Peterson voted in favor; Selectman Fisher opposed.

Selectmen then voted on the three committee appointments before them.
State Hospital Planning member David Perini has resigned. Chairman Stephen Nolan recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint Brandie Erb to the committee and it was so voted.
Medfield Energy Committee Chairman Fred Bunger recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint new member Maciej Konieczny and it was so voted.
Council on Aging member Virginia Whyte has resigned her position. COA recommends the Selectmen appoint Robert T. Heald to their board and it was so voted.

LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
State Hospital Environmental Consultant Margaret Stolfa has joined the law firm of Gordon & Rees LLP. Selectmen are requested to vote to sign the services agreement and it was so voted

BID AWARD
VOTED unanimously to award the bid for Joint Purchase of Salt to Eastern
Minerals for a bid price of $65.80 CC delivered and as recommended by Superintendent Kenneth Feeney

CHAPTER90
VOTED unanimously to sign chapter 90 Reimbursement Request in the amount of $183,189.90 for the Elgin Pelican Sweeper and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney

COMMONWEALTH COMPACT INITIATIVE
Ms. Trierweiler explained that this initiative is actually a partnership between the Commonwealth and cities/towns to identify up to five areas on a need to know basis; i.e. budget and spending transparency, long range capital planning, citizen engagement. The Selectmen advised to have further discussion and bring to a vote at their next meeting.

SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION
Selectman Peterson remarked that he received an email from a resident who is concerned about the use of granite curbing on Green Street and from a second resident wanting a sidewalk constructed on Harding Street. Selectman Peterson said that DPW should publish their plans and have public input before a project is under way. He proposes that a committee be appointed for this purpose. Selectman Fisher objected saying the Selectmen should not be reacting to individuals that want specific things when the other two thousand residents give their support to what the town is doing. Our DPW does good work and it should be up to them to design/ build, they are the professionals.

Selectman DeSorgher brought the discussion back to sidewalk construction and made a motion, Superintendent Feeney, Chief Bob Meaney and Superintendent Jeff Marsden review areas where sidewalks are most needed. The motion carried.

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Boy Scout troop 89 to place a sign at the Transfer Station announcing their annual Christmas Tree Pick-up and Recycling Program

VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Medfield Youth Lacrosse to post signs announcing spring 2016 registration; signs in place November 1-15
VOTED unanimously to grant the Angel Run committee permission to place signs October 18 to October 31 announcing registration for the December event.
As a member of the Medfield foundation, Selectman Peterson recused from the vote

VOTED unanimously to grant the Holistic Wellness Center on Park Street a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for their fund raising event for Amilia’s Light on Thursday October 15

VOTED unanimously to grant the Council on Aging a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for the Harvest Dance on October 24; one-day wine and malt beverage permit for a December 19 event; permission to place signs two weeks prior for each Retirement Seminar that will be held once each month through March 2016

VOTED unanimously to grant the Medfield Garden Club permission to post signs advertising their annual greens sale on Saturday December 5; signs in place November 28 to December 5

VOTED to grant First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church permission to post signs advertising a fundraising event, a performance by Literary musician Regie Gibson on October 10

VOTED unanimously to grant the High School Spanish Club permission to hold a car wash on Saturday October 17 9AM to lPM

SELECTMEN REPORT’
Selectmen Fisher enjoyed the Medfield Music Association event held at the Zullo Gallery on September 24. Medfield TV planned good events for the past weekend; the open house at their beautiful new studio on North Meadows Road had great attendance.

Selectman Peterson agreed that it was wonderful to see Medfield TV’s new space that is really spectacular; also a very nice garden area dedicated to Ed Doherty. Attended the Grist Mill open house, a great place; the high school open house was very well attended.  Mr. Peterson attended the Selectmen’s Association meeting, listening to the Lt Governor present a good program. He highlighted several subjects that he found interesting and informative.

Selectman DeSorgher attended the hospital committee meeting that focused on Lot 3 and the Hinkley lot; and the Park & Recreation meeting discussed the same issue, a new building on lot 3. He met with the utility companies regarding double poles. The last 10 poles are guaranteed to be removed by the end of October.

ADJOURNMENT
Selectman Fisher made a motion at 9:05 PM to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Peterson. The vote was unanimous.

BoS on 10/20

cropped-medfield-town-house1.jpg

cropped-medfield-town-house1.jpg

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM Sergeant Promotion Ceremony for John Geary and Lars Anderson
Town Clerk Carol Mayer to conduct the swearing-in

7:10 PM Police Chief Robert Meaney
Discuss traffic control devices

7:25 PM Jean Mineo
Discuss cultural grant

7:35 PM Medfield Energy Committee
Discuss plan for Medfield to become a Green Community

8:00 PM Public Hearing — Application to solicit Brent Morgan on behalf of Vivint Solar Co., Canton

NEW BUSINESS
Selectmen are invited to attend Eagle Court of Honor for Samuel Q. Johnson on Saturday November 7 2:00 PM at the United Church of Christ

Other business that may arise


 

CAMfinal26001

Dec. 4, 2015 Holiday Stroll

List of Locations/Events as of Oct. 16, 2015
Contact: Jean Mineo 508-242-9991 or JeanMineo@aol.com

1 Brothers Marketplace, 446 Main Street
4:30 – 6:30 Cookie Decorating Party, Open House, Live Music
Bring the kids and personalize Brothers’ classic holiday cookies with your
favorite colorful frostings and edible decorations. While you’re there, sample a
delicious selection of house made holiday items for your table. Live music
provided by Medfield High and Blake School Singers.

2 Location TBD: Town Hall OR Gazebo? Contact: Ron Gustavson
4 – 6:30, Ice sculpture carving demonstration by Donald Chappelle of
Brilliant Ice Sculpture

3 Zullo Gallery, 456 Main Street
4 – 9 pm, artisan’s work for sale

4 Medfield Library, 468 Main Street
4 – 9 pm, artisan’s work for sale
4:30 pm, Children’s performer Jeannie Mack presents Winter Songs: Fun,
interactive program with songs about all things winter. Suggested ages 1 – 6.

5 United Church of Christ, 496 Main Street
4- 9 pm, artisan’s work for sale
7:30 community carol sing

6 Park Street Books, 504 Main Street
TBD, Pictures with Santa

7 Baxter Park, Corner of Main and Spring streets
6:30 – 7:15 Performers from M.E.M.O’sjoy to the World singing contest,
Holiday Tree Lighting, and carol sing-a-long


 

BSA-2

Jeninifer Weis-Rothstein
6 Richardson St.
Medway, MA 02053

September 28, 2015

Selectman Richard DeSorgher
Medfield Town Hall
459 Main Street
Medfield, MA 02052

Dear Selectman DeSorgher,

Samuel Q. Johnson has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts of America. He will receive this award at an Eagle Court of Honor on Saturday, November 7, 2014. The ceremony will take place at the United Church of Christ, 496 Main Street, Medfield, MA at 2:00 PM. Your presence at the ceremony would be a great honor.

For his Eagle Project, Sam designed and constructed a bridge to cross a creek at the Kingsbury Grist Mill in Medfield. After the construction was completed, the path leading to the bridge was cleared of weeds and bushes. Sam has been involved in Scouting for 10 years, has earned 33 Merit Badges, and has held the positions of Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Instructor. ·

Boy Scout Troop 10 is proud of its Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle. Since only a small percentage of all Scouts reach this rank, an appropriate commemorative citation from your office to the above named Scout would be especially appreciated. The citation may be sent to:

Jennifer Weis-Rothstein
6 Richardson St.
Medway, MA 02053

Sincerely,

Jennifer Weis-Rothstein
Eagle Committee Chair
Troop 10, Medfield
Old Colony Council, BSA
508-321-1304

RSVP requested

Green month week 3

From Medfield Green –


Medfield Green

This Saturday is Week 3 of Medfield Green Month

9-1 at the Transfer Station

Friends of the Medfield Library will be collecting soft and hard cover books, audio books, CDs and DVDs (no encyclopedias please).  Any donations that they do not want will be placed in the Recycle That bin at the Transfer Station to benefit the Home Committee (which usually benefits from the donations) and Medfield Green. A monetary donation will be given to both organizations based on weight.  Clean out your bookshelves and bring your unwanted books to the Transfer Station.

Compost Bin Starter Kits will be sold from 9-1 at the Transfer Station.  The kit includes an outdoor compost bin, kitchen bucket and biodegradable liners.  Cost is $47.81 by check made out to town of Medfield.  Subsidized by a grant from the Mass Department of Environmental Protection.  Retail cost is approximately $131 – a terrific discount!  If you ever thought about composting, now would be the time!

Take advantage of this great offer!  See attached flier and order form.

 

Upcoming Collections:

10/24:  Mattresses, small kitchen appliances and pots and pans for New Life Home Refurnishing

10/31   Styrofoam, including bubble wrap

Only a few more weeks for the Swap!  It will be closing for the season on Oct 31st.

 

Hope to see you at the Transfer Station, the place to be in October!

Gas line exploded

This email just now from Kris –


There was a gas line explosion in the road at South and Philip. This line was currently undergoing work by the Gas Company. There are flames visible at the site. Both Medfield Police and Fire are at the scene. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

Traffic in that area is being detoured.

Kristine Trierweiler
Assistant Town Administrator

MCAP’s new website

MCAP Logo_1C_300

Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) has a brand spanking new website.   Check it out at www.MedfieldCares.org.

  • looks great,
  • works great,
  • great content to help Medfield residents and youth find assistance.

Thanks to Medfield’s own Evan Weisenfeld for the website.