Monthly Archives: June 2016

Westboro looking for RFP’s

Posted on June 23, 2016 | 2 comments

Medfield and Westboro State Hospitals were on about the same time trajectory in terms of their sale by the state to the respective communities, with Westboro’s deal starting out a few months ahead of us.  We also shared the same state crafted purchase model and valuation/price – they got better value, because their site is in a prime commercial location, right off Rte. 9.  However, it looks like Westboro will get to market with its site long before we will, as I am guessing we are still at least a year away.  I am also recalling that the WSH site was much more than 37 acres, so they must be selling parcels at a time.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/06/23/westboro-state-hospital-property-sale-town-taking-bids-proposals/

WSH-hospital

Photo by WBZ TV

Former Westboro State Hospital Property Up For Sale

WESTBORO (CBS) — The town of Westboro is looking for a buyer for 37 acres at the site of the former Westborough State Hospital.

“This is an exciting opportunity to acquire lake front property near Route 9 and I-495 for redevelopment for commercial and limited residential uses,” the town said in a release.

A tour of the Lyman Street property will be given on July 11, with a bidder’s conference being held on July 18.

Bids for the property are due by 11 a.m. on September 6

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Posted in Medfield State Hospital, Uncategorized

Upcoming events

Posted on June 23, 2016 | 1 comment

Email this afternoon from Mike –

A few updates on work

scheduled to start up soon

Electricity to be turned on at Hospital Water Tower – Friday

Transformer on Longmeadow to be replaced – next week

Filling of new hospital water tower – when tank is cleaned and sterilized probably next week

Old Water tower to be demolished – not yet determined

Paving of Green Street – tomorrow or Friday

Paving of North Meadows Road from West Street to Charles River – next week

Replacement of South Street gas main from Pound to Philip – next week

Hauling of fill from high school field by DPW today or tomorrow until finished

Car show at former hospital – Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. [I am not sure, but I think it is Sunday]

Sounds like a good time to go away.

 

Mike

 

1 Comment

Posted in Events, Uncategorized

Change – office hours 7/8

Posted on June 22, 2016 | Comments Off on Change – office hours 7/8

BoS

Selectman Office Hours July 8, instead of July 1

 

My monthly office hours at The Center, usually on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, for July will instead occur on July 8 (instead of July 1).

Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters.  Residents can also have coffee and see the Council on Aging in action (a vibrant organization with lots going on).

I can be reached via 508-359-9190 or my blog about Medfield matters  https://medfield02052.wordpress.com/, where any schedule changes will be posted.

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Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

SWAP needs shelving

Posted on June 22, 2016 | Comments Off on SWAP needs shelving

20160514_Swap

The SWAP has its new large and substantial tent installed (not the one above), and now needs shelving.  This from Nancy Irwin, via Medfield Green –

Please see forwarded message from Nancy Irwin.  If you have any shelving units that you are not using, please consider donating them to the SWAP.

 

Thank you!

 

From: “Nancy Irwin”
To: “hdewey”
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 12:00:26 AM
Subject: SWAP shelves

 

Helen, Would you be able to pass a message on to others? SWAP large tent has arrived!!! We would like to request any shelves,especially plastic, that anyone might have. Please ask to bring to SWAP and deliver them to a Volunteer for use at SWAP. Thanks! Nancy

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Posted in Recycling & Solid Waste, Uncategorized

Image

MCAP parent focus groups

MCAP Focus Group Communication (2)

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Posted on June 21, 2016 in MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Uncategorized

WWTP solar analytics

Posted on June 20, 2016 | Comments Off on WWTP solar analytics

The solar installation at the Waste Water Treatment Plant went on-line recently, and residents can now track how much electricity it is generating for them.  This was the email today about access to the on-line analytics, which are really pretty cool.  The school kids would love to see how much electricity is being generated, and the global warming savings it causes –

Good morning everyone,

 

Below is the link to view real-time production of the solar array.  The initial screen will show the lifetime kWh production and instantaneous kW output.  The “Site Analytics” tab will allow you to view historic data.  (Note: there is only one week of historical data available as that data logger was only recently installed.  However this doesn’t affect the lifetime kWh number.)

 

http://www.solrenview.com/SolrenView/mainFr.php?siteId=4234

 

FYI we pay approx $0.13/kWh, so as of today we have saved $5,600 in utility costs since the system came online.

 

Best Regards,

Andrew

 

Andrew Seaman

Energy and Facilities Manager

Town of Medfield

459 Main St

Medfield, MA 02052

Office: (508) 906-3013

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Posted in Energy Committee, Uncategorized

BoS 6/7 minutes

Posted on June 17, 2016 | Comments Off on BoS 6/7 minutes

Meeting Minutes June 7, 2016 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, Marcucci; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. He announced this meeting is being recorded. Chairman Fisher asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and servicewomen serving around the world. BOARD OF ASSESSORS Tom Sweeney, Frank Perry and Yvonne Remillard members of the Board are present this evening to vote jointly a new member to fill the vacancy. The Town's March 2016 election voted for a new member, however, due to personal reasons he had to withdraw. The Assessors nominate candidate Jeffrey Skerry. They feel he is qualified and will be an asset to the Board with his legal and financial background. According to MGL Chapter 41 section 11 election is by roll call vote. Selectman Peterson, Clerk of the Board of Selectmen made a motion to close the nominations and it was so voted. He called for a roll call vote. Selectmen and Board of Assessors voted unanimously to appoint Jeffrey Skerry as a member of the Board of Assessors. Chairman Fisher offered congratulations to Mr. Skerry. PENDING ITEMS Committee appointments made by the Selectman were put on hold for the next meeting. Master Plan Steering Committee. There are three residents who submitted their letter of interest for appointment to the committee. They are Michael Quinlan, PeggySue Werthessen and Robert Herbstzuber. The Selectmen are appreciative that they have come forward. The committee's makeup includes one member each from the warrant committee and planning board. From the warrant committee Tom Marie will serve. The Planning Board will discuss their representative at their June 20 meeting and advise. VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman Marcucci to appoint Michael Quinlan, PeggySue Werthessen, Robert Herbstzuber and Tom Marie to the Town wide Master Plan Steering Committee and appoint Michael Quinlan as temporary chairman to call the first meeting. Vote was unanimous June 7, 2016 Page two Mr. Peterson suggests that the committee discuss with the Planning Board to find out if they have interest in overseeing the committee. Mr. Marcucci's idea is that the committee's prime go to are the Selectmen. Mr. Peterson agreed. Senior Housing Study Committee. Three residents are interested in serving on the committee. COA Director also submitted her letter. As an employee of the Town she would serve in the capacity of ex-officio. The Selectmen agreed that additional advertising in the newspapers, on biogs and on the Town's website is needed to gather interested residents. PROPOSED ADVISORY BOARD FOR OUTREACH PROGRAM Present Police Chief Meaney, Jennifer Polinski (Board of Health), Dawn Alcott and Chelsea Goldstein-Walsh. Ms. Alcott remarked that she selected several towns to ascertain if they currently have an active advisory board. All selected towns responded yes and ranged in size from seven to 16 members. Several have two or more youth members included. She said that Medfield had a council several years ago; however it dissolved because members didn't have the time to make a commitment. Over the past decade the youth in our society are dealing with higher levels of stress and are less able to cope. This puts more demands on families. Ms. Alcott feels it would benefit many to have a seven member board in Medfield to provide a broad scope of services and more support to families. The council would be an advocate and support the program so that more could be accomplished. Town Administrator remarked that a mission statement would need to be developed to make clear the goals of the youth outreach program. Mr. Peterson offered that perhaps a social service department could be developed with the Veterans' Agent as he helps some people in Town and between Youth Outreach and Veterans' Agent they could work together to give support to those in need. Perhaps it could be structured to also involve COA. Mr. Sullivan interjected saying that the Town has limited resources so we need to be careful when deciding how much we need to be involved as some things are beyond our scope and we can't be all things to all people. Ms. Polinski said that she has been on the Board of Health for about two and a half years and would like to have time to re-evaluate our role with Outreach. She went on that she feels BOH is not best suited to be part of the group to oversee this program. We have a broader mandate to follow with everything from septic systems to mosquitoes, ticks, as well as mental health. Selectman Marcucci said that when the Warrant Committee reviewed the Outreach budget it was sometimes difficult to allocate the resources requested. We need to give additional thought as to where the best place Outreach should be and which department to oversee schools or police department. June 7, 2016 Page three Chief Meaney remarked that his department has a strong relationship with Outreach. In the past Outreach has become involved with older members of the community along with fuel assistance and this can be difficult. The remaining comment was that perhaps Dawn could put together a draft of services to be covered and reach out to residents to join an advisory board. PUBLIC HEARING -TO SOLICIT As applicant Kaylene Leroux did not appear for the hearing, the Selectmen postponed their review. PROPOSED ENERGY REDUCTION PLAN Andres Seaman, Energy/Facilities Manager reported that he investigated and has prepared charts that show the overall baseline for 2015 municipal usage. He presented a graph presenting the highest to lowest usage per building. The first graph indicated the high school and middle school were the highest users. The second graph showed that the town garage was very high, however Andrew remarked that there were initial startup problems with natural gas usage that have been corrected. The premise for this research is that the Town needs to plan to reduce energy usage by 20% in order to qualify under the Green Communities Act. The Energy Committee proposes to work with town departments to come up with reduction strategies for each facility. CONTRACTS Andrew explained that he has two agreements that require the Selectmen's signature. The first is with Solar Design Associates, Inc., Harvard, MA for services to design and construction of a photovoltaic solar array at the Town Garage property. The work involved is to develop a detailed structural analysis that the building can hold the roof mounted solar electric system. The cost is $10,700.00 VOTED unanimously to sign agreement with Solar Design Associates as indicated above The Selectmen are requested to sign agreement with New Ecology, Inc., Boston for installation of a rooftop solar array at the Town Garage for a cost of $15,100.00 and it was so voted. Andrew also reported that the new solar array at the Wastewater Treatment Plant is up and running to full capacity. He said that for the next Selectmen's meeting he will have a preventive maintenance contract to be signed for the annual maintenance on the solar array. June 7, 2016 Page four BID AWARD VOTED unanimously to award the bid for Bituminous Patch to T.L. Edwards, Inc. for $56.00 I ton , at plant, with an alternate with Lorusso Corp. $60.00 I ton at plant and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney HNTB CORPORATION Superintendent Feeney remarked that this contract is for the reconstruction of North Street. Selectman Peterson had queried why the long delay to begin this project to which Mr. Feeney replied that we were set to go a few years back, however, the Chapter 90 financial structure changed. Total cost of project is 2.3M and estimated completion in 2019. VOTED unanimously to accept HNTB Agreement and authorize Superintendent Feeney to execute HOSHOSPITAL ROAD PROJECT~ ~~E:' Se/f!_Ctf!l~r}_(lre r20160607_Page_220160607_Page_320160607_Page_420160607_Page_5

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Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

BoS agenda for 6/21

Posted on June 17, 2016 | Comments Off on BoS agenda for 6/21

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Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

Girl Scouts turn 100

Posted on June 15, 2016 | Comments Off on Girl Scouts turn 100

Medfield Girl Scouts turned 100 years old today, and were congratulated by Representative Denise Garlick, above, amongst others, at the Gazebo. It is officially Girl Scout day in town.

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Posted in Children, Events, Uncategorized

Scanned history

Posted on June 15, 2016 | Comments Off on Scanned history

For some fascinating history of Medfield, go to https://archive.org/ and type in the search term “Medfield.”  That website is home at the Boston Public Library to a project that is scanning old books, including Medfield town reports.

I was just reading the speech given in 1872 when the Town House was originally dedicated, which recounted the town’s history, back to its burning by the native Americans in King Phillip’s War in about 1675.  The speaker was surprised that Medfield was so badly impacted, where he said there was advance notice of the attack , such that there were lots of soldiers garrisoned in two garrisons in town.

Based on recent discussions with Medfield Historical Society members, MHS yearbooks are being scanned soon and will be available online.

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Posted in History, Uncategorized