Medfield is planning

Posted on February 29, 2016 | Comments Off on Medfield is planning

planning

The following memo, about the various planning efforts that are underway and will get addressed in various ways at the annual town meeting on April 25, was circulated this afternoon by Kristine Trierweiler.  After a 50+ year hiatus we are initiating lots of planning –

20160229-KT&SR-Proposed Studies for ATM2016_Page_1MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN Town Administrator TOWN OF MEDFIELD Office of BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN HOUSE, 459 MAIN STREET MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 02052-0315 (508) 359-8505 To: Board of Selectmen Michael Sullivan, Town Administrator From: Kristine Trierweiler, Assistant Town Administrator Sarah Raposa, Town Planner Re: Plans and Studies for the ATM2016 Capital Improvement Plan A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) allows for a systemic evaluation of all existing municipal buildings. Planned infrastructure investment can reduce operating costs and help avoid future high replacement costs or unexpected crisis in the future. This twenty year plan will inventory existing building infrastructure, identify building maintenance projects that need to be undertaken, indicate a method to finance those improvements, and ultimately establish project priority. The MA DOR states that a full CIP can have the following benefits:  Facilitates coordination between capital needs and the operating budgets.  Enhances the community's credit rating, control of its tax rate, and avoids sudden changes in its debt service requirements.  Identifies the most economical means of financing capital projects.  Increases opportunities for obtaining federal and state aid. ·  Focuses attention on community objectives and fiscal capacity  Keeps the public informed about future needs and projects.  Coordinates the activities of neighboring and overlapping units of local government to reduce duplication.  Encourages careful project planning and design to avoid costly mistakes and help a community reach desired goals. The Capital Budget Committee has received bids for the project and anticipates a cost of $80,000 to complete the CIP. The Town received a Commonwealth Community Compact Grant for $30,000 to defray the overall cost of the plan. The request for the CIP at the 2016 ATM is $50,000. Capital Budget Capital Budget is the authorization for spending for the upcoming fiscal year as part of the annual operating budget. This is the main method of implementing the Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Budget considers projects identified in the Capital Improvement Plan as well as vehicle fleet needs and other departmental needs. An item must be at least $5,000 and a useful life of five years to be considered for inclusion in the capital budget. Municipal Building Needs/Feasibility Study A feasibility study of municipal buildings is the first step in identifying a long term solution for future municipal building infrastructure needs. The feasibility study provides a physical needs assessment, programmatic needs assessment, and development options. The development options will analyze cost and timing of the projects, ranking each municipal building. The most recent feasibility study completed in December 2012 was an examination of a new Police/Fire Station and a planning study for Dale Street Campus, which was completed under the direction of the Permanent Planning and Building Committee. Town Wide Master Plan Master plans are considered "blueprints for the future" and are long-range planning and policy guidance. A careful, thoughtful planning process better directs a town’s future actions than sequential "adhockery." Master plans are promulgated under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41Section 81D and contain the following required elements: Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Natural and Cultural Resources, Open Space and Recreation, Services and Facilities, Circulation (Transportation). The last master plan was prepared in 1964 with a brief update in 1997 (a Master Plan is considered current for 10-15 years). The rational planning process enables us to steer growth and redevelopment where it is more easily absorbed, and identify resources and partners to sustain open spaces, habitats, and historic assets that need protection. Master plans are important because the process of creating a local master plan increases citizens’ involvement in their self- governance, and helps town officials and volunteer boards and committees coordinate their work. Furthermore, if land use regulations are challenged, a consistent master plan can help in court. Master plans ensure eligibility for state grants and also allow for better bond ratings. Medfield State Hospital Master Plan The Medfield State Hospital Master Plan Committee (MSHMPC) is currently engaged in a planning process for a strategic reuse plan for the Medfield State Hospital property. The MSHMPC is working with a consultant to facilitate the creation of a conceptual use scenario(s) for the MSH property as well as adjacent properties. The strategic reuse plan will include identification of best uses relative to the Town’s objectives, economic analysis, implementation plans, design and zoning guidance, as well as assistance with disposition for redevelopment if necessary. The MSHMPC is currently in Phase I of a proposed three phase plan:  Phase I - Create Conceptual Plans & Economic Analysis for the Land Reuse  Phase II - Develop Zoning Modifications and Design Guidelines  Phase III - Disposition Plan20160229-KT&SR-Proposed Studies for ATM2016_Page_3

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