Monthly Archives: February 2018

MFi volunteer awards featured in Hometown Weekly

See the article in the Hometown Weekly today

MFi opens volunteer award nominations

voty 2017 photo of nominees

The 2017 nominees. Rear: Tracey Rogers, Tracy Fedak, Anne Phipps, Nancy Irwin, and Mary Pat McSharry. Front: Jim and Patti Schwartz, Jean Mineo, and Lily Doctoroff. Photo by Colleen Sullivan. 

Do you know someone in Medfield who volunteers countless time and energy to a worthy community cause or initiative? If so, now is your chance to recognize that person as part of the Medfield Foundation (MFi) volunteer awards.

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination for one of the 2018 Medfield Foundation volunteer awards can complete the form online at http://www.MedfieldFoundation.org. Completed forms must be submitted by February 28.

The MFi’s 2018 volunteer recognition reception is scheduled for 3 -5 p.m. on Sunday, April 8. The public is invited, and assured to be moved by the volunteers’ stories of what they do. Since 2008, almost over 100 residents have been nominated for recognition by their fellow residents.

The Medfield Foundation, Inc. is a volunteer-run private nonprofit, tax deductible 501(c)(3) corporation created in 2001 to raises private monies for public purposes in the Town of Medfield. The MFi allows donors to designate their donations for particular purposes. The MFi also allows motivated groups to raise monies for Medfield purposes under the rubric of the Medfield Foundation. To date, the MFi has raised over $1,800,000.00 for the Town of Medfield, recently started an endowed fund (the MFi Legacy Fund), and celebrated over one hundred volunteers.

Election ballot summary issued

 

election
The election ballot summary (below) was issued today by the Town Clerk.  Nomination papers were due yesterday.
===============================================================
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2018
For MODERATOR (vote for one) (one year)
Scott McDermott, 17 Knollwood Rd.
Candidate for re-election
For TOWN CLERK (vote for one) (three years)
Carol Mayer, 88 West St.
Candidate for re-election
For SELECTMEN (vote for one) (three years)
Osler Peterson, 10 Copperwood Rd.
Candidate for re-election
For ASSESSORS (vote for one) (three years)
Thomas V. Sweeney, 61 North St.
Candidate for re-election
For SCHOOL COMMITTEE (vote for one) (three years)
Maryanne Sullivan, 5 Pondview Ave.
Candidate for re-election
Leo G. Brehm, 249 South St.
For LIBRARY TRUSTEE (vote for not more than two) (three years)
Maura Y. McNicholas, 64 Orchard St.
Candidate for re-election
Jean Todesca, 122 Causeway St.
For PLANNING BOARD (vote for One) (five years)
Gregory C. Sullivan, 122 Green St.
Candidate for re-election
For PARK COMMISSIONERS (vote for one) (three years)
Robert S. Tatro, 12 West St.
Candidate for re-election
For TRUST FUND COMMISSIONER (vote for one) (three years)
For TRUST FUND COMMISSIONER (vote for one) (two years)
Paul D. Hogan, 88 Adams St.

 

BoS – 2/6 – revised agenda

Changes and additions are in red

TOWN OF MEDFIELD POSTED: MEETING TOWN CLERK NOTICE POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF M.G.L. CHAPTER 39 SECTION 23A AS AMENDED. Board of Selectmen Board or Committee PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME Town Hall, Chenery Meeting Room 2nd floor Tuesday, February 6, 2018 7:00PM Announcement Disclosure of Video Recording We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. Norfolk Country Registry of Deeds will hold office hours on Thursday, February 8, 2018 10AM to 12 PM at the Town House Executive Session at the close of the meeting for the purpose of discussing land acquisition and pending litigation Appointments 7:00 PM Charlie Harris, Medfield Car Show  Request to use Medfield State Hospital 7:10PM Tony Centore, Senior Housing Study Committee  Discussion of Hinkley Property  Final Report of the Committee 7:45PM Friends of the Rail Trail  Request to sign Rail Trail Grant Application Citizen Comment Action Items Request from Dr. Marsden, Superintendent, to appoint a member of the Board of Selectmen to the School Building Committee for the Dale Street Project Request from Fire Chief Selection Committee to sign BadgeQuest contract for Fire Chief Candidate Search Maurice Goulet, DPW Director, requests the Selectmen to sign Chapter 90 request for $30,000 for conceptual design services for Main Street/Route 109 from Millis Town Line to Hartford Street Request to sign contract amendment for Community Opportunities Group, Inc for affordable housing consulting services. Vote to authorize Kristine Trierweiler to submit letter of support to DHCD on behalf of the Board of Selectmen for the 40B LIP application at 80 North Meadows Road Request from Sarah Raposa, Town Planner, for departmental review of the 71 North Street ZBA Application Accept resignation of Michael Thompson from the Grist Mill Kingsbury Pond Committee Board of Selectmen are invited to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on February 10, 2018 at 2:00PM at the Church of the Advent: Patrick Edward O’Connor Kyle Parker Heaney Evan William Sepe Mark Gerard Fitzpatrick Discussion Committee Appointment and Charter Process Discussion of Assignment of 2018 ATM Warrant Articles Discussion of the Continued Role of the MSHMPC as to Lot 3 and Hinkley Property Pending Items Town Administrator Evaluation Process Town Wide Goals Distribution Annual Appointments (Board of Health) Senior Housing Survey Update Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda) Request from Medfield High School Baseball and Softball to hold a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, May 5, 2018 (hold date of May 4th too) Church of the Advent requests permission for a one day beer and wine permit for the bi-annual auction fundraiser on April 28, 2018 from 6:00PM to 11:00PM. Request from John Kohler, Medfield High School Theatre Society, to post signs announcing spring musical PIPPIN! Reuqest from group at UCC to hold a car wash on April 28, 2018 from 12:00 to 3:00PM to help fundraise for a trip to Puerto Rico to assist in hurricane recovery efforts. Town Administrator Update Selectmen Reports Informational  MA DOR Preliminary Cherry Sheet  Norfolk Registry of Deeds, CPA Surcharges for 2017  ZBA Abutters Notice, 6 Walden Court  Verizon Annual Complaint Filing  Verizon Programming Change  ISO rating for structural fire suppression delivery system20180206-agenda-amended_Page_220180206-agenda-amended_Page_3

May I have your vote?

BoS

To my fellow Medfield residents,

This morning in turned in my nomination papers to become a candidate for re-election as selectman on March 26, 2018.  I ask for your vote.

Below I have outlined what I have been doing to earn your vote:

  • Information – Promoted dissemination and sharing of Medfield town information, and town government transparency. Initiated for the Board of Selectmen – agendas available on-line before meetings, meeting minutes posted on-line shortly after, and the recordings of meetings available on-line. Established a predictable BoS schedule, with meetings on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, and the use of an annual calendar.
  • Information sharing – Actively taking time to write about and share with residents the town information I learn as a selectman via posts at my:
  • Administered Medfield – As one of the titular chief executives of the town, I have actively informed myself about the issues the town faces, attended the meetings, set the town’s policies and priorities, and made the actual decisions required to run the town based on a thoughtful and unbiased analysis.
  • Explored new ideas – I have actively brought up new ideas to improve Medfield, such as:
    • The Town House e-newsletter that would have been put out for the town on a volunteer basis by the former 15 year managing editor of the Boston Globe.
    • Upgrading the ambulance services from EMT to paramedic services.
    • Implementing methods to avoid unfriendly 40B developments; doing an affordable housing plan; expansion of Tilden Village; converting existing housing stock to affordable housing; building on town owned land; spearheaded 40B informational meeting; gathered advance information on The Parc developer; assisted town response to the 200 unit Mega-B and achieving safe harbor.
    • Questioned whether the proper case had been made for the DPW garage.
    • Supported adoption of the Community Preservation Act, so as to get the state matching monies.
    • On-line town budgets, five year department capital budget s and planning.
    • Advocated for the formation of the Charter and Bylaw Review Committee that codified all town bylaws.
  • Medfield Energy Committee – Initiated formation the Medfield Energy Committee. The MEC has reduced the town’s energy consumption by 30%, both saving the town money and improving town’s carbon footprint. The schools alone are saving about $180,000 per year, the cost of three teacher positions.
  • Lyme Disease Study Committee – Initiated formation of committee, which successfully educates the public on tick born diseases, and reduces tick numbers by culling deer – makes the town safer and our woods more diverse – committee labeled a paradigm by state officials.
  • Medfield Foundation – Initiated the formation of the Medfield Foundation, which has raised over $1.8 m. in private monies for many public purposes in Medfield, and is now raising an endowment, the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund.
  • Medfield Foundation Volunteer Awards – Initiated honoring Medfield’s extraordinary volunteers via the Medfield Foundation volunteer awards recognition reception and awards – over one hundred residents honored over ten years.
  • Medfield State Hospital – Actively studied and negotiated the purchase and reuse possibilities for the Medfield State Hospital site. Monitored the state’s environmental clean up of the site and advocated for the most complete clean up.
  • Bay Colony Rail Trail – Early participant advocating for creation of this seven mile bike trail from Medfield to Newton.

Please let me know if you have any thoughts or questions.

vote.2

Medfield Press – full article – Nominations open for volunteer awards

voty 2017 photo of nominees

The 2017 nominees, back row: Tracey Rogers, Tracy Fedak, Anne Phipps, Nancy Irwin, and Mary Pat McSharry. Front row: Jim and Patti Schwartz, Jean Mineo, and Lily Doctoroff. (Photo courtesy Colleen Sullivan)

Nominations open for volunteer awards

The Medfield Foundation has opened nominations for its Volunteer Awards.

If you know someone in Medfield who volunteers time and energy to a worthy community cause or initiative, they may be the perfect candidate for the award.

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination for one of the awards can complete the form online at www.MedfieldFoundation.org.

Completed forms must be submitted by Feb. 28.

The MFi’s 2018 volunteer recognition reception is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 8.

“The public is invited, and assured to be moved by the volunteers’ stories of what they do,” the group said.

Since 2008 almost over 100 residents have been nominated for recognition by their fellow residents.

The categories of the award are Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for those with over 15 years of service.

“It’s quite a special event for everyone who attends,” resident Patti Garofalo said. “We all leave there feeling happier and very proud of our town for cultivating such terrific, kind people and volunteers.”

The Volunteers Awards are based entirely on the nominations submitted by the public, solely on the provided information.

The Medfield Foundation, is a volunteer-run private nonprofit, created in 2001 to raises private money for public purposes in the town of Medfield.

The MFi allows donors to designate their donations for particular purposes. To date, the MFi has raised over $1.8 million for the town of Medfield, recently started an endowed fund (the MFi Legacy Fund), and celebrated over 100 volunteers.

 

ATM warrant articles

Mike Sullivan circulated the following draft of the annual town meeting (ATM) warrant articles today, noting that the warrant articles are still a work in process, but that we are well ahead of where we usually are.

================================================================

2018 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

INDEX OF ARTICLES

Article   1. Annual Town Election. Held on March 30, 2018

Article   2. Reports of Town Officers

Article   3. Accept Perpetual Care Funds

Article   4.  Vote Revolving Funds Expenditure Limits

Article   5. Appropriate funds for prior year unpaid legal bill

Article   6. Appropriate and transfer funds for prior year unpaid sewer department bill

Article   7. Appropriate funds for prior year unpaid Sealer of Weights & Measures bill

Article   8. Appropriate funds for prior year unpaid Police Department bills

Article   9. Fix salaries and compensation of elected officers

Article 10. Amend PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION PLAN and CLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONS AND  PAY

                    SCHEDULE

Article  11. Operating Budgets

Article  12. Capital Budgets

Article  13. Appropriate funds for Town-wide Master Plan

Article  14. Appropriate funds for Owners’ Project Manager and Architect for Park & Recreation

                     Facility

Article  15. Appropriate funds for Owners’ Project Manager and Architect for addition to THE CENTER

                     AT MEDFIELD – Council on Aging

Article  16. Appropriate funds and authorize borrowing for Dale St. School feasibility study

Article  17. Appropriate funds for advanced life support services (ALS)

Article  18. Appropriate funds for advice on former state hospital redevelopment & environmental

                    Remediation

Article   19. Appropriate matching funds for study of incorporating cultural uses into former state

                    hospital redevelopment

Article  20. Study how to develop moderate income senior housing in the Town

Article  21. Amend Zoning Bylaw to create overlay district for senior housing

Article  22. Authorize Board of Selectmen to dispose of Harding St. land for affordable/elderly housing

Article  23. Petition to transfer Town-land on Harding St & Ice House Rd.  from State Hospital Planning

                    Committee to Senior Housing Study Committee and Council on Aging for affordable

                     housing

Article  24. Petition to authorize Board of Selectmen to enter ground lease with private developer for

                    development of affordable senior housing with local preference on Town-owned land off

                    Ice House Rd

Article  25. Petition to authorize Board of Selectmen to enter into a lease to develop a Local Initiative

                    Project (LIP) for moderate income senior housing with local preference & Town retaining

                    ownership of land, subject to approval of the Senior Housing Study Committee and the

                    Council on Aging

 

 

Article  26. Petition to instruct Hospital Planning Committee to incorporate more affordable

                     ownership/rental senior housing into redevelopment plan.

Article  27. Appropriate funds raised from local meals tax to improve the economic vitality of the

                     Town

Article  28. Appropriate funds for liability insurance policy and authorize Selectmen to enter into a

                     lease with the MBTA/MA DOT for a multi-purpose recreational trail on abandoned rail line

Article  29. Appropriate funds and authorize Selectmen to apply for grants/loans for provide for traffic

                    safety improvements at the intersection of North Meadows Rd. (Route 27) and West St.

Article  30. Appropriate funds for Town’s share of pre-disaster mitigation plan update

Article  31. Amend Bylaws, Ch. 170 Licenses and Permits, Section 170.1

Article  32. Authorize selectmen to accept sidewalk easement at South & Metacomet Sts.

Article  33. Authorize Selectmen to enter into agreement to relocate and reconfigure a Town-owned

                    water easement on private land off Harding Street.

Article  34. Transfer Sewer-betterments-paid-in-advance to Sewer Stabilization Fund

Article  35.  Transfer balance of ambulance purchase loan from Ambulance Revolving Fund to General

                      Fund Stabilization Fund.

Article  36. Appropriate fund to Other Post-employment Benefits Trust (OPEB)

Article  37. Appropriate funds from Water Enterprise Fund for iron/Manganese removal from water

                    Supply

Article  38. Appropriate funds and authorize borrowing to paint and repair Mt. Nebo water tower

Article  39. Vote to reaffirm vote to prohibit not medically prescribe marijuana sales or establishments

Article  40. Amend Bylaws to define the  composition and duties of the Permanent Planning and

                     Building Committee

Article  41. Amend Bylaws, Chapter 100 Animals, Article II Dog Control

Article  42. Amend Town Bylaws to authorize Water & Sewerage Board to adopt regulations and

                     enforcement procedures

Article  43. Amend zoning Bylaws to allow granting of waivers for landscaping requirements in certain

                    zoning districts

Article  44. Amend Zoning Bylaws to create new special permit criteria for multi-family dwelling

                     developments

Article  45. Vote to authorize election to accept Massachusetts Community Preservation Act

Article  46. Vote to authorize assessors to use free cash to reduce the tax rate.

 

 ==============================================================

 

 

TOWN OF MEDFIELD

WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

2018

 

On Monday, the thirtieth day of April, A.D., 2018 commencing at 7:30 P.M. the following Articles will be acted on in the Amos Clark Kingsbury High School gymnasium, located at 88R South Street in said Medfield, viz

 

Article 2.  To see if the Town will vote to accept the reports of the several Town Officers for the past year.

WARRANT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS PASSAGE

 

Article 3.  To see if the Town will vote to accept the following named sums as Perpetual Trust Funds for the care of lots in the Vine Lake Cemetery, the interest thereof as may be necessary for said care, viz.

PERPETUAL CARE 2017

NAME             _________                                   AMOUNT

Works, Alan and Elizabeth                                         $3,000

Leader, Kathleen                                                        $3,000

Hennessy, Christopher P.                                           $3,000

Coffin, John                                                                $1,500

Kelly, Erin C.                                                              $   750

Fitzgerald, William J.                                                 $   750

Lepley, Paul and Virginia                                           $   750

White, Jr., James G. and MaryBeth                            $3,000

Clancy, Michael                                                          $   600

Cornwell, Peter and Judith                                         $3,000

Kristof, Michael                                                          $1,500

Callachan, Betsy R.                                                    $   750

Cavanaugh, Mary R.                                                   $1,500

MacLeod Jr., Charles                                                  $   700

Beardsley, Bruce and Marianne                                  $3,000

Seeley, Theresa                                                           $   750

Goodard, John                                                            $3,000

Fernald, Edith                         `                                   $   750

O’Leary, Thomas                                                        $3,000

Peck, Charles and Stephanie                                      $3,000

Peck, Charles and Stephanie                                       $1,500

Total                                                                     $38,800

 

(Cemetery Commissioners)

 

Article 4.  To see if the Town will vote to set the expenditure limit for each revolving fund established under the Code of the Town of Medfield, Chapter 117 Departmental Revolving Funds for fiscal year 2019, as follows:

Section 5.1 Fire Alarm Revolving Fund:                                                       $  32,000

5.2 Ambulance Revolving Fund:                                                      $  70,000                                  5.3 Advanced Life Support Revolving Fund:                                   $  75,000

5.4 Community Gardens Revolving Fund:                                       $    3,000

5.5 Center at Medfield Building Maintenance Revolving Fund:      $  30,000

5.6 Library Revolving Fund:                                                             $    5,000

5.7 Respite Care Revolving Fund:                                                    $125,000

5.8 Transfer Station Recycling Revolving Fund:                              $  10.000

5.9 Former State Hospital Property Revolving Fund:                       $  80,000

TOTAL                                                                                                             $430,000

 

or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 5.   To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of paying $12,130.75 unpaid legal bills incurred in fy17, associated with representation of the Medfield Conservation Commission by the firm of Gordon and Rees, LLP in connection with appeals by the developer of the proposed assisted living facility at Main Street, or do or take any action relating thereto.

(Town Counsel)

 

Article 6.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, said sum to be transferred from the Sewer Enterprise Fund Surplus, for the purpose of paying a fy15 unpaid bill of the sewer department in the amount of $725, or do or take any action relative thereto.

 

(Director of Public Works)

 

Article 7.   To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of paying fy17 unpaid Sealer of Weights & Measures bills in the amount of $82.62, or do or take any action relating thereto.

 

(Sealer of Weights & Measures)

 

Article 8.   To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of paying fy17 unpaid Police Department medical bills in the amounts of $247.00 and $350.00, totaling $597.00, or do or take any action relating thereto.

                                                                                                                        (Chief of Police)

 

Article 9.   To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of the following elected officers: Moderator, Town Clerk, Selectmen, Assessors, School Committee, Trustees of the Public Library, Park and Recreation Commissioners, Planning Board, Housing Authority and Trust Fund Commissioners, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Board of Selectmen)

Article 10.   To see if the Town will vote to amend the PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION PLAN and CLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONS AND PAY SCHEDULE, effective July 1, 2018, as set out in the warrant, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Personnel Board)

 

Article 11.  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds, sums of money requested by the Selectmen or any other Town Officer, Board, Commission or Committee to defray operating expenses of the Town for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2018, or such other sums as the Town may determine, as required by General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 108, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 12.  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from the fy19 Tax Levy and/or transfer from available funds and/or borrow for capital expenditures, including the following:

 

FY19 CAPITAL BUDGET

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

 

 

 

,and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell or trade Town-owned equipment and/or property, as set out in the warrant report, the proceeds of which shall be applied to the fy19 Capital Budget procurements, or do or act anything in relation thereto. (This year will include items from 20-year Capital Budget prepared by Energy/ Facilities Manager, as well as traditional requests. Estimate: None yet.)

(Capital Budget Committee)

 

Article 13.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of preparing a Town-wide Master Plan, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Master Plan Committee)

 

Article 14.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of hiring an owner’s project manager (OPM) and an architect or other design professional to prepare a conceptual design, including investigatory site work, and cost estimate for a new Park and Recreation facility, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Park and Recreation Commissioners)

 

Article 15.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of hiring an owner’s project manager (OPM) and an architect and/or other design professional to prepare schematic plans, including investigatory site work, and cost estimates and construction plans and bid documents for an addition to the Center at Medfield, or do or take any action relating thereto. (Estimate: None)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (Council on Aging)

Article 16.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, an amount of money to be expended under the direction of the School Building Committee for the purpose of paying costs of a feasibility study to review potential solutions to the problems identified in the Dale Street Elementary School Statement of Interest including, but not limited to, obtaining soil borings, topographical studies, land surveys, wetlands surveys, preliminary site development plans, schematic designs, architectural and engineering designs, cost estimates, and construction alternatives, and any incidental or related services, for the addition and/or renovation to or replacement of the Dale Street Elementary School located, located at 45 Adam Street, Medfield MA, 02052, for which feasibility study the Town of Medfield may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of the School Building Committee; and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, or pursuant to any other enabling authority. Further, the Town acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the Town; and further provided that the appropriation hereunder shall be subject to and contingent upon an affirmative vote of the Town to exempt the amounts required for the payment of interest and principal on said borrowing from the limitations on taxes imposed by M.G.L. 59, Section 21C (Proposition 2½ so-called), and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Feasibility Study Agreement that may be executed between the Town of Medfield and the MSBA; and to act in any manner relating thereto.

(School Committee)

 

Article 17.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) services for the Town, including, as necessary, hiring of personnel, contracting for services, purchase of supplies, equipment and materials, certification training, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Advanced Life Support Study Committee)

 

Article 18.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of hiring consultants, engineers and/or attorneys to assist the Town with the redevelopment/reuse of the former hospital and surrounding areas and to advise the Town on matters concerning the site’s contracted redevelopment, and environmental remediation, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, with the understanding that the Board of Selectmen may authorize any other Town board, commission, committee or department to expend a portion of said funds for such purposes or do or act anything in relation thereto.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 19.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be used for the purpose of providing matching funds for a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or other sources, the purpose of which is to create architectural and engineering plans incorporating cultural uses into the redevelopment of the former state hospital site or do or take any action relating thereto.

 

(Board of Selectmen and Cultural Alliance of Medfield)

 

Article 20.  Selectmen’s article re senior housing.

 

Article 21.  Amendment to the Code of the Town of Medfield, Zoning Bylaws, to create a 55 and over overlay district to enable the Town to provide moderate-priced senior housing.

 

                                                                                    (Town Counsel & Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 22.  To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell or otherwise dispose of all or a portion of Town-owned land off Harding Street, commonly known as the Hinkley property, identified on the Board of Assessors Maps as Lot 1, Map 64 for affordable and/or elderly housing, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

 

(Senior Housing Study Committee)

 

  Article 23.  To see if the Town will vote to :

To determine whether the Town in order to expedite development along Ice House Rd. will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to remove Lot 1 (Hinkley Property) and Lot 3 from the control of the Medfield State Hospital Planning Committee and transfer said control to the Medfield Senior Housing Study Committee and the Council on Aging (COA) or other Town Board. Further to direct the Board of Selectman to expeditiously enter into a Local Initiative Project (LIP) on Town owned land on Lot 1 (Hinkley Property) off Ice House Rd. The land or any portion thereof shall be incorporated into said project at no cost by donation to the Affordable Housing Trust. The project shall contract with a developer to build appropriate and affordable Senior 65 + housing featuring ranch type condominiums with price points between $350,000 to $500,000 with preference for Medfield Seniors. Land will continue to be owned by the Town. In addition the details of said housing shall be subject to approval of the Senior Housing Study Committee and the Council on Aging. Or take any other action in relation thereto.

(Citizen Petition)

 

Article 24.   To see if the Town will vote to:

To authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a ground lease with a private developer for the whole or any portion thereof, of a parcel of town owned land off Ice House Road (Hinkley Property), shown of the Board of Assessors Maps as Map 64, Lot 1 (aka Hinkley Property), for a period not to exceed 99 years to develop affordable senior housing with preference for Medfield Seniors on such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen deem to be in the best interest of the Town of Medfield and its Senior citizens; and, if deemed necessary or desirable, to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the Massachusetts General Court to enact special legislation authorizing the Town of Medfield to enter into such lease(s), or do or act anything in relation thereto.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               (Citizen Petition)

Article 25.   To see if the Town will vote to:

To determine whether the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a Local Initiative Project (LIP) on Town owned land on Map 64, Lot 1 (Hinkley Property) off Ice House Rd. The land shall be placed in the recently approved Affordable House Trust or any portion thereof shall be incorporated into said project at no cost. The project shall contract with a developer to build appropriate and affordable Senior 65+ housing featuring ranch type condominiums with price points between $350,000 to $500,000 with preference for Medfield Seniors. Land will continue to be owned by the Town. In addition the details of said housing shall be subject to approval of the Senior Housing Study Committee and the Council on Aging, or take any other action in relation thereto.

(Citizen Petition)

Article 26.   To see if the Town will vote to:

To recommend that the Board of Selectmen instruct the Medfield State Hospital Planning Committee to incorporate more appropriate and affordable Senior 65+ housing featuring ranch type condominiums/apartments with price points between $350,000 to $500,000 and apartment rental not to exceed $2,000 per month. Or take any other action in relation thereto.

(Citizen Petition)

 

Article 27.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of making improvements to the economic vitality of the Town, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

                                                                                                                       (Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 28.   To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of providing matching funds for construction of a multi-purpose recreational trail and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a lease with the MBTA and/or Mass Department of Transportation (DOT), or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Rail Trail Study Committee?)

 

Article 29.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be used, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for and receive grants and/or loans from federal, state, or private parties for the purpose of providing traffic safety improvements at the North Meadows Road (Route 27), West Street intersection, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Chief of Police and/or Supt. of Public Works)

 

Article 30.  To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of providing the Town’s matching share ($4,875.) of the cost of preparing an update to the Town’s pre-disaster mitigation plan, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for and receive federal, state and/or private grants and/or loans to accomplish same.

(Board of Selectmen)

 

 

Article 31.  To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of the Town of Medfield, Bylaws, Chapter 170 Licenses and Permits, Section 170.1 by deleting in the third line, the words “ shall Annually” and replacing it with the phrase ”may periodically”, or do or act or do or take any action relating thereto.

(Town Counsel and/or Treasurer/Collector)

 

Article 32.  To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept a sidewalk easement on a property identified on at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds as Book 33271, Page 500 and on the Board of Assessor’s Maps as Map 37, Lot 159, located at the intersection of South Street and Metacomet Street, to provide for a sidewalk from Pleasant Street to South Street, or do or take any action relating thereto.

                                                                                                        (Director of Public Works )

 

Article 33.  To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into an agreement with property owners of two parcels of land located on Harding Street and shown on Medfield Assessors Map 64 as Parcel 26, title reference: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Book 5763, Page 53, and Parcel 27, title reference: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Book 31011, Page 94, to relocate and reconfigure an existing Town-owned water easement, upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen determine to be necessary to protect Town’s interests, and to execute any documents and take any other action required to implement said agreement, or do or act anything on relation thereto.

                                                                                                                                (Town Counsel)

 

Article 34.  To see if the Town will vote to transfer $106,235.54 from sewer-betterments-paid-in-advance, to the Sewer Stabilization Fund, or do or take any action in relation thereto.

 

                                                                                                                        (Town Administrator)

 

Article 35.  To see if the Town will vote to transfer $20,000 from the Ambulance Revolving Fund to the General Fund Stabilization Fund, which amount is for the final reimbursement to the Stabilization Fund for a loan to purchase a Town ambulance, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

                                                                                                                                    (Town Administrator)

 

Article 36.   To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money and determine in what manner said sum shall be raised for the purpose of making an annual contribution to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

          

                                                                                                                       (Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 37.   To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds in the Water Enterprise Fund a sum of money for the purpose of continuing to study the most effective method to remove iron and manganese deposits from the Town’s water supply and to design the appropriate facility to accomplish this, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

                                                                                                                                   

(Water and Sewerage Board)

Article 38.   To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds in the Water Enterprise Fund a sum of money for the purpose of making repairs to and repainting the interior and/or exterior of the Mount Nebo water tower, and to purchase and install circulating equipment in this water tower to maintain the appropriate water quality levels, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Water and Sewerage Board)

 

Article 39.   To see if the Town will vote to ratify and affirm the action of voters at the 2017 ATM in voting to approve Article 48, which amended the Code of the Town of Medfield Chapter 175 Marijuana and Tetrahydrocannabinol by adding a new Section 175.3 Marijuana, Not Medically Prescribed, Prohibited, in light of the General Court’s subsequent passage of Chapter 55 of the Legislative Acts of 2017, which specifically authorized this type of local legislation, or do or act anything in relation thereto.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     (Town Counsel)

 

Article 40.   To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of the Town of Medfield, by adding in Chapter 10 Boards, Commissions, and Councils, a new Article IV, Permanent Planning and Building Committee, Section 10-20 Municipal Facilities as follows:

 

10-20 There shall be a Permanent Planning and Building Committee (hereinafter “Committee”)

responsible for overseeing the planning, prioritizing, design, approvals, construction,

reconstruction, alteration or enlargement of all buildings owned by the Town or constructed on

land owned, leased, or operated by the Town.

10-20-1 The Committee shall consist of five members appointed by a majority vote of the

Town of Medfield Board of Selectmen.

10-20-2 Each member of the Committee shall be a resident in the town of Medfield. No

member of the Committee shall be a paid employee of the Town.

10-20-3  Among the members, the Board of Selectmen should endeavor to appoint

Member with expertise in Architecture, Building Engineering, Commercial or

Municipal Construction, and/or Construction Law/Contracts. If volunteers with

This expertise are not available for appointment, the Board of Selectmen shall

have the discretion to appoint instead any individual meeting the qualifications

set forth in

10-20-4 The Town Administrator, or his/her appointed designee, the Town Facility

Manager and one member of the Town Warrant Committee each shall be

appointed as ex-officio  members in addition to the five member Committee.

10-20-5 Committee members shall serve a term of 3 years.

10-20-6 If a Committee member chooses to resign his or her term, the Board of

Selectmen shall appoint a replacement to complete the unexpired portion of that

term. Expiring terms shall end on June 30th of each calendar year. A member

may hold his or  her seat after his or her term expires until a successor is

qualified.

10-20-7 The Committee shall have supervisory authority and oversight for all projects

that fall under MGL,Ch.149,MGL Ch. 149A, Ch. 30, Section 39M, and MGL,

Ch. 7C. The committee may, with the consent of the Board of Selectmen,

delegate its authority to another governing board, committee, commission or

town official should the Committee’s involvement be deemed unnecessary.

10-20-8 The Committee, in consultation with the Town Facility Manager, shall be

responsible for assessing the current conditions of all Town facilities and

projecting their useful life.

10-20-9 The Committee shall be responsible for projecting the need to replace and/or

renovate existing facilities and maintain a Facilities Master Plan with a

prioritized list of future needs.

10-20-10 The Committee shall, subject to Town Meeting project authorization and

appropriation, conduct feasibility studies and final designs, oversee

construction of  projects, procure project management (if required), procure

design, architectural and engineering services as it deems necessary or as

required by law.

10-20-11  Prior to commencement of a project or feasibility study, the relevant user

Department shall designate up to two people to serve as ex officio members to

support the completion of the project or feasibility study and represent the

needs of that Department.

10-20-12 Any user Department seeking to construct, reconstruct, alter or enlarge a

Building under its jurisdiction shall file a project application with the Board of

Selectmen; if the Board of Selectmen determines that the project should

proceed, it shall refer the application to the Committee. The Committee shall

meet with the applicant. Department and if the project is deemed viable by the

Committee shall present its findings to the Board of Selectmen for approval to

start a feasibility study.

10-20-13 If, after the completion of a feasibility study, it is deemed by the Board of

Selectmen that the proposed construction project is necessary, the Committee

shall conduct the final design process subject to Town Meeting approval of all

funding and review of projected budgets with the Board of Selectmen and

Warrant Committee

10-20-14 The Permanent Planning and Building Committee shall report its progress on

all capital projects on an as needed basis or as requested by the Board of

Selectmen.

 

, and to authorize the Town Clerk to renumber, re-letter, and/or take any other action necessary to reformat this new bylaw to fit within the established format of the Code of the Town of Medfield, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 41. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of Town of Medfield Chapter 100 Animals Article II Dog Control by striking existing Section 100-6 Violations and Penalties and adding new sections: Section 100-6 Prohibited Dog Behavior, Section 100-7 Confinement or Muzzling, Section 100-8 Penalties and Enforcement, and Section 100.9 Non-Waiver of Statutory Remedies, as follows:

 

  • 100-6 Prohibited Dog Behavior.

 

The owner, keeper, or person otherwise in control of a dog shall not cause or permit a dog:

  1. To be unrestrained as required by Section 100-5.
  2. To be unlicensed when a license is required by law.
  3. To be without current license and rabies vaccination tags when off the owner’s

property.

  1. To bite, physically injure, assault or threaten any person, without legally recognized

justification or provocation.

  1. To bite or physically injure any domestic animal, without legally-recognized

justification or provocation.

  1. To chase any motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian on any public way, street, or sidewalk or

in any public place.

  1. To be off the property where the dog resides, if subject to a confinement order.
  2. To be off the property where the dog resides, unmuzzled, if subject to a muzzle order. i. To disturb the peace and quiet enjoyment of any residential neighborhood by

continuous or repeated barking, yelping, howling, or whining, without legal

justification.

 

  • 100-7 Confinement or Muzzling. The Board of Selectmen may order a dog confined to the premises where it resides or to other premises or to be muzzled when off said premises if the Board finds, after a public hearing, that the dog has:

 

  1. Bitten, physically injured or assaulted any person without legally-recognized

justification or provocation.

  1. Bitten or physically injured any domestic animal without legally-recognized

justification or provocation.

  1. Chased any motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian on any public way, street, or sidewalk or any public place on at least two occasions.

Said order may be in addition to or in lieu of any fine authorized by §100-8. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Board of Selectmen from utilizing the procedure contained in MGL c.140, §57, as amended by Chapter 193 of the Legislative Acts of 2012, to determine that a dog is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog and from employing one or another of the remedies specified in that statute.

 

  • 100-8 Penalties and Enforcement. The owner, keeper and/or person otherwise in control of a dog shall be subject to a fine for each violation of any section of this chapter as follows:

 

First offense: $ 50

Second offense: $100

Third offense: $150

Fourth and subsequent offense: $200

 

In the case of a continuing offense, each day shall constitute a separate violation

.

The Medfield Police Chief and his designee, including the Animal Control Officer, and any Medfield Police Officer shall have authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

 

  • 100-9 Non-waiver of Statutory Remedies.

 

The provisions of this chapter are intended to be in addition to and not in lieu of those contained in MGL c.140, §136A, et seq., as amended by Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2012; nothing contained in this chapter shall deprive the Town from employing the remedies provided in those sections, including but not limited to disposition of a dog found to be a dangerous dog or nuisance dog, as provided in MGL c.140, §157, as amended. To the maximum extent possible, the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be consistent with and/or supplementing those contained in MGL c.140, as provided in MGL c.140, §§173 and 173A, as amended.

 

and by renumbering the two existing subsequent sections Section 100-7 Definitions and Section 100-8 License Fees as Sections 100-10 and Section 100-11, respectively, and to authorize the Town Clerk to renumber, re-letter, and/or take any other action necessary to reformat this new bylaw to fit within the Code of the Town of Medfield, or do or act anything in relation thereto.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     (Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 42.  To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of the Town of Medfield Chapter 270 Water Article II Public Water Supply System by adding Sections 270.16 and 270.17 as follows:

 

  • 270.16 Authority for Board of Water and Sewerage to Promulgate Regulations.

 

The Board of Water and Sewerage is hereby authorized to promulgate written regulations governing the operation of the public water supply system and the regulation of its customers/consumers.  Said regulations once promulgated, shall be filed with the Town Clerk and posted in a conspicuous place in or near its offices in the Town House to which the general public has access.

 

  • 270.17 Violations and Penalties.

Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by said regulations and not otherwise prohibited by Massachusetts General Laws or these Bylaws shall be subject to a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, $300 for the third offense and $300 for each subsequent offense; in the case of “continuing offense”, each day shall constitute a separate offense.  The Board of Water and Sewerage Commission, DPW Director or his designee and the Medfield Police Department shall each have authority to enforce the provisions of this Bylaw.

 

, and to renumber the succeeding sections of Chapter 270, accordingly, and to authorize the Town Clerk to renumber, re-letter, and/or take any other action necessary to reformat this new bylaw to fit within the established format of the Code of the Town of Medfield, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

 

Article 43.  To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of the Town of Medfield Chapter 300 Zoning 300-6.2.J. as follows (new text is shown in bold):

300-6.2.J. (Area Regulations)

In a Business District, a Business-Industrial District or a lot in an RU District on which a multifamily dwelling is placed, there shall be a landscaped buffer strip along each boundary which adjoins a residential lot. The strip shall be at least 25 feet in width and shall contain a screen of plantings in the strip not less than five feet in width and six feet in height at the time of the occupancy of any lot. Individual bushes or trees shall be planted not more than six feet on centers, and shall thereafter be maintained by the owner or occupants so as to maintain a dense screen year round. All of the plantings shall be evergreen. No building, structure, driveway, or other artificial improvements, except such fencing as the Planning Board may require, shall be placed within this buffer strip. A waiver of the required plant spacing may be granted if, in the opinion of the Planning Board based on evidence submitted by applicant, the wider spacing allows the proposed plantings to thrive and fully mature while providing a long term healthier vegetative screen.   The relief of plant spacing will allow for plantings to be concentrated in areas where a fuller vegetative screen is required or desired.  A waiver on the plant spacing does not allow for a reduction in the overall plant quantity.

 

, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Planning Board)

     

Article 44.   To see if the Town will vote to amend the Medfield Town Code Article 300 Zoning by inserting a new Subsection 300-14.15.G to create new special permit criteria specifically for multi-family dwelling developments by the Planning Board and re-number the remaining existing subsections for consistency with new Subsection G, as follows (new text is shown in bold, deleted text is shown as strikethrough):

  1. Multi-family dwelling developments shall be permitted subject to the following special criteria:
  • The development of multiple dwellings does not detract from the livability, scale, character or economic value of existing residential neighborhoods
  • There shall be no more than two garage bays (or two interior parking spaces as defined by the Zoning Bylaw) per unit and they should be oriented so that they are in character with the streetscape and surrounding properties.
  • Each dwelling unit should have access to private yard, patio, or other private outdoor space.
  • Negative visual impacts of the development, if any, are screened from adjacent properties and nearby streets by landscaping or other site planning techniques. The Planning Board, in its discretion, may require additional screened buffer zone for the privacy of directly abutting properties. Screening can include use of existing trees and plants, new vegetation, fencing, or a combination of these options.
  • Each parking space or driveway serving a multi-family dwelling shall be set back at least 10 feet from any side lot line and rear lot line and shall be designated on the site plan.
  • Adequate provisions for snow removal or on-site storage should also be demonstrated.
  • The access, egress, and internal circulation are designed to provide a network of pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.
  • The dwellings are sited and oriented in a complementary relationship to: each other, the common open space, and the adjacent properties with respect to scale, mass, setback, proportions and materials;


G H. 
Historic preservation incentive for two-family dwellings in the RU Zoning District.

(1) A special permit pursuant to § 300-14.15A through F for a proposed project that preserves a structure that has received a determination from the Medfield Historical Commission that the structure is a “historically significant structure” (as defined by Town Code § 150-13, as the same may be amended from time to time) may allow a lot coverage of up to 30% upon finding the property complies with the following criteria:

(a) As to the existing historic structure, the project:

(i) Preserves the primary part of the existing historic structure, particularly that portion which is visible from the street, integral to the historic character of the property and important for its relationship to neighboring structures.

(ii) Preserves the historic structure’s existing scale, massing, height, setback, orientation, roofline, materials, and architectural details.

(iii) Maintains the size, type and spacing of existing windows and doors.

(iv) Maintains any historic outbuildings on the property whenever possible.

(b) It shall be a prerequisite to requesting such increased lot coverage that the applicant shall have submitted to Medfield Historical Commission information relating to the historical features of the structure to enable the Commission to make a determination as to whether such structure is a “historically significant structure.” Where such increased lot coverage is sought, a copy of the Commission’s determination must be included in the applicant’s application for a special permit pursuant to § 300-14.15A through F.

 

(2) As to new construction directly related to an existing historic structure, the new construction respects and reflects the scale, massing, roof forms, materials, windows, doors, and other architectural details of the related historic structure.

 

H I. Waivers to special permit criteria for a two-family dwelling. One or more of the special permit criteria specific to two-family dwellings required by Subsection F(1) through (6) may be waived if, in the opinion of the Planning Board, based on compelling reasons of safety, aesthetics, or site design and evidence submitted by the applicant at the public hearing, the proposed project can be built without substantial detriment to the neighborhood, the proposed building is compatible with the neighborhood and surrounding properties, and the proposed project is otherwise consistent with the requirements of Subsection E, F, and F G of this Section.

Note: Waivers granted to one project do not mean future projects may automatically receive the same waivers.

 

,or do or act anything in relation thereto.                                                                                                                          (Planning Board)

 

Article 45.  To see if the Town will accept Sections 3 to 7, inclusive of Chapter 44B of the General Laws, otherwise known as the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act, by approving a surcharge on real property for the purposes permitted by said Act, including the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space, the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources, the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing and the rehabilitation and restoration of such open space and community housing that is acquired or created as provided under said Act; to determine the amount of such surcharge on real property as a percentage of the annual real estate tax levy against real property and the fiscal year in which such surcharge shall commence; to determine whether the Town will accept any of the exemptions from such surcharge permitted under Section 3(e) of said Act; or take any other action relative thereto.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (Board of Selectmen)

 

Article 46.  To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Assessors to use a sum of money from free cash in the Treasury for the reduction of the tax rate for the fiscal year 2019, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Board of Assessors)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And you are directed to serve the Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof, in the usual place for posting warrants in said Medfield, seven days at least before the time of holding said Town Meeting.

 

 

 

Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon, unto the Town Clerk at the time and place of the Town Meeting aforesaid. Given unto our hands this ____     day of April, Two-Thousand and Eighteen.

 

Osler L. Peterson /s/

 

Michael T. Marcucci /s/

 

Gustave H. Murby, Sr. /s/

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 

By virtue of this Warrant, I have notified and warned the Inhabitants of the Town of Medfield, qualified to vote in elections and at town meetings, by posting attested copies of the same at five public places seven days before the date of the Town Meeting as within directed.

 

 

 

 

Constable:

 

Date:

 

A TRUE COPY ATTEST:

Carol A. Mayer, CMMC, /s/

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article    .   To see if the Town will vote to transfer care, custody and control of a portion of a parcel of land on Green St., identified on the Board of Assessors Maps as map   , lot    together with the building thereon, generally known as the Lowell Mason House, and as shown on a plan in this Warrant Report, from the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners to the Board of Selectmen in accordance with the provisions of G.L., Chapter    , Section     , and to grant the Board of Selectmen authority to lease said land and buildings to the Lowell Mason Foundation for no more than 99 years for the sum of $1 per year, to be used for the purposes of promoting music education in the public schools, hosting music recitals, concerts, symposiums, instructional classes and a museum featuring artifacts and memorabilia from Lowell Mason and for such other purposes as the Foundation may see fit to carry out its mission of promoting music education in the public schools, or do or act anything in relation thereto.

(Board of Selectmen)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New DLS dashboard

I get newsletters from the Division of Local Services (DLS) that are often interesting.  Today’s one has a link to a new state DOR dashboard where we can compare Medfield to other towns.  When you try it out, be sure to check the 351 compare box to get the data point for all the cities and towns.  I wish they stated a preferred data point for each of their metrics.

Interesting point learned today:  Cambridge has a budget of about $600m., and they have reserves of 30% (i.e. – about $200m. banked).

===========================================================================

DLS

DLS Unveils the Municipal Finance Trend Dashboard
Sean Cronin – Senior Deputy Commissioner for Local Services

I’m pleased to announce that for the first time, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is offering a comprehensive Municipal Finance Trend Dashboard currently available on the Division of Local Services (DLS) website! Governor Baker highlighted this initiative at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) Annual Meeting on January 19th and I now welcome the opportunity to provide additional information here.

The dashboard is comprised of key municipal fiscal health indicators based upon data that is part of required municipal submissions to DLS, annual financial statements, state agency databases, and the US Census. It graphically displays trends in revenues and expenditures, municipal operating positions, demographic information, unfunded liabilities, property taxes, Proposition 2 ½ data, and debt. These municipal fiscal health indicators are displayed through dashboard data compiled over multiple fiscal years. Within each dashboard panel, we also identify the source for the live data point such as the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented.

The Municipal Finance Dashboard offers a wide array of metrics broken down by subject that can be viewed both at the individual community level and on a state-wide basis. They include:

  • Operating Position – Trends in certified free cash, stabilization fund balances, overlay reserves, general fund unassigned fund balances and outstanding receivables
  • Unfunded Liabilities – Trends in pension liabilities, OPEB liabilities and fund balances for those municipalities that are self-insured for health insurance
  • Property Taxes – Trends in average single family tax bills, new growth, levies, assessed values, excess and override capacity and Proposition 2½ ballot questions
  • General Fund Revenues and Expenditures – Trends in general fund revenues and expenditures
  • Demographics – Trends in labor, income, population and equalized property valuations (EQVs)
  • Debt – Trends in outstanding debt, debt service, bond ratings, and authorized but unissued debt

Below are a few example graphs from the dashboard:

For decades, the Municipal Databank has served as an invaluable resource for local and state officials, professional associations, academic institutions, bond rating agencies, advocacy organizations, think tanks, the media, and interested taxpayers for research, analysis, and policy development. We are now leveraging that resource to provide those same stakeholders a clearer portrayal of the fiscal health of all of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. Whether it’s a finance director meeting with the finance committee, a member of the board of selectman referencing statewide trends, or the general public looking to learn more about certain financial metrics for their community, we think the information contained in the dashboard can serve innumerable purposes. To see how it could best suit your needs, we highly encourage you to take our Municipal Finance Trend Dashboard for a test drive.

The new dashboard makes it easier to get the information that you need. No longer will you need to pull down multiple spreadsheets, combine different datasets, and create charts and graphs. For these key metrics, that is done for you. (However, if you want the data for all 351 municipalities over multiple years, you can still download that. So no fears for those who like the raw data!) This is also a great transparency tool and hopefully helps simplify the analysis that goes into determining the fiscal health of a community.

I want to thank the entire DLS team for their hard work identifying the metrics, building the dashboard, and retrieving the data. As we move forward, we will provide updates and pursue additional metrics and variables, so if you have any feedback, please let us know by emailing me at croninse@dor.state.ma.us. We hope you enjoy and utilize the dashboard!

MFi volunteer awards in Medfield Press

Medfield Press article appearing in the paper this week.

Medfield Foundation accepting nominations for volunteer awards

Residents interested in submitting a nomination for one of the 2018 Medfield Foundation volunteer awards can complete the form online at http://MedfieldFoundation.org.

Completed forms must be submitted by Feb. 28. The MFi’s 2018 volunteer recognition reception is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. April 8. Almost over 100 residents have been nominated for recognition by their fellow residents since 2008. The Medfield Foundation Inc. is a volunteer-run private nonprofit, tax deductible 501(c)(3) corporation created in 2001 to raise private monies for public purposes in the town of Medfield. To date, the MFi has raised over $1.8 million for the town of Medfield, started an endowed fund and celebrated over 100 volunteers.

BoS on 2/6

Meeting back up materials – 20180206-materials

TOWN OF MEDFIELD POSTED: MEETING TOWN CLERK NOTICE POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF M.G.L. CHAPTER 39 SECTION 23A AS AMENDED. Board of Selectmen Board or Committee PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME Town Hall, Chenery Meeting Room 2nd floor Tuesday, February 6, 2018 7:00PM Announcement Disclosure of Video Recording We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. Norfolk Country Registry of Deeds will hold office hours on Thursday, February 8, 2018 10AM to 12 PM at the Town House Executive Session at the close of the meeting for the purpose of discussing land acquisition Appointments 7:00 PM Charlie Harris, Medfield Car Show  Request to use Medfield State Hospital 7:10PM Tony Centore, Senior Housing Study Committee  Discussion of Hinkley Property  Final Report of the Committee Citizen Comment Action Items Request from Dr. Marsden, Superintendent, to appoint a member of the Board of Selectmen to the School Building Committee for the Dale Street Project Request from Fire Chief Selection Committee to sign BadgeQuest contract for Fire Chief Candidate Search Maurice Goulet, DPW Director, requests the Selectmen to sign Chapter 90 request for $30,000 for conceptual design services for Main Street/Route 109 from Millis Town Line to Hartford Street Request to sign contract amendment for Community Opportunities Group, Inc for affordable housing consulting services. Accept resignation of Michael Thompson from the Grist Mill Kingsbury Pond Committee Board of Selectmen are invited to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on February 10, 2018 at 2:00PM at the Church of the Advent: Patrick Edward O’Connor Kyle Parker Heaney Evan William Sepe Mark Gerard Fitzpatrick Discussion Committee Appointment and Charter Process Discussion of Assignment of 2018 ATM Warrant Articles Pending Items Town Administrator Evaluation Process Town Wide Goals Distribution Annual Appointments (Board of Health) Senior Housing Survey Update Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda) Request from Medfield High School Baseball and Softball to hold a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, May 5, 2018 (hold date of May 4th too) Town Administrator Update Selectmen Reports Informational  MA DOR Preliminary Cherry Sheet  Norfolk Registry of Deeds, CPA Surcharges for 2017  ZBA Abutters Notice, 6 Walden Court  Verizon Annual Complaint Filing  Verizon Programming Change  ISO rating for structural fire suppression delivery system20180206-agenda_Page_2

Office hours tomorrow

Center_and_sign

 

Selectman Office Hours Tomorrow

Selectman Osler “Pete” Peterson holds regular monthly office hours at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM (his litigation schedule permitting). 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). Peterson can be reached via 508-359-9190 or his blog about Medfield matters https://medfield02052.wordpress.com/, where any schedule changes will be posted.