Monthly Archives: July 2020

Medfield Rail Trail awarded $100K state grant

Posted on July 31, 2020 | Comments Off on Medfield Rail Trail awarded $100K state grant

Congratulations Christian Donner and his Medfield Rail Trail colleagues.

Email today from DCR about Medfield Rail Trail’s $100,000 grant award towards construction of the Medfield section of the Bay Colony Rail Trail –

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please see the attached Press Release for the 2020 MassTrails Grants!  It is now okay for you to contact public, press, and partners.  

We will be in touch very soon as we work to move these projects forward as quickly as possible.  

Have a nice weekend,

Amanda

Amanda Lewis

MassTrails Program Manager

Department of Conservation and Recreation

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Community = Medfield

Organization = Town of Medfield

Project Title = Medfield Rail Trail
Brief Project Description = The Medfield Rail Trail is a proposed shared use trail following the route of the MBTA rail bed in Medfield, running approximately 1.3 miles from Ice House Road to the Dover town line. The Trail will provide connections for residents throughout the region (particularly youth and seniors) for biking, walking, jogging, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. The rail trail
will provide a direct connection to the planned mixed-use redevelopment of the 128-acre Medfield State Hospital; the planned Dover Greenway; the Bay Circuit Trail, an extensive regional trail system from Plum Island in the north to Kingston Bay in the south; as well as access to the Norfolk Hunt Club’s extensive regional trail network.

Project type = Construction

Trail use = Shared-Use Path

Award = $100,000

Match = $74,480

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $4 Million in MassTrails Grants

55 Local Projects Will Greatly Enhance State’s Network of Trails

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $4 million in MassTrails Grants to 55 local trail projects throughout the Commonwealth. The grants will support the state’s vast network of trails with projects dedicated to the construction, maintenance, and improvements for a variety of public trails, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths.

“Massachusetts has an extensive network of public trails connecting communities and regions while offering excellent recreational opportunities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By supporting local trail projects, our Administration is dedicated to building on that network and ensuring residents and visitors can hike, bike and run on safe, well-maintained and accessible trails.”

“Trails are important resources that improve our quality of life by providing great access to parks, reservations, forests, and other public properties throughout Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The MassTrails Grants Program serves as a critical funding source for our many local partners who are working to improve infrastructure, create new segments, and enhance existing trails for the public to enjoy.”

MassTrails Grants focus on the improvement of existing trails, the construction of new trails, and the maintenance of the statewide trail system. This year’s projects include:

  • The installation of trail facilities and amenities and facility landscaping;
  • The completion of trail design and engineering plans;
  • The installation and maintenance of directional and interpretive trail signage;
  • The development and creation of GIS mapping and trails guides;
  • The purchasing of trail maintenance equipment; and,
  • The upgrading of existing trails to accessible trail standards.

“Local trails are excellent resources that not only enrich our lives by providing increased opportunities to explore nature, but also enable us all to commit to healthy, active lifestyles,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “The MassTrails Grants Program is a great example of the Baker-Polito Administration’s dedication to investing and enhancing the Commonwealth’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources, and we look forward to celebrating the completion of these 55 projects.”

“The MassTrails Grant Program invests in path improvements and construction which allow for more access to important destinations, giving residents safe, healthy, and low carbon travel options as well as options for active recreational activities,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “Now more than ever, the public is seeking transportation options due to the pandemic and this funding creates, enhances, and maintains networks of multimodal, shared-use pathways which help people get to where they need to go while reducing their carbon footprint and lowering pollution.”

Funding for MassTrails Grants comes from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles including ATV’s and snowmobiles, which is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Surface Transportation Act, in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). All MassTrails Grant applications have been reviewed in consultation with an inter-agency MassTrails Team and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB).

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to foster public-private partnerships in an effort to attain mutual goals that directly benefit the public,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “The 2020 MassTrails Grants Program will assist our partners in protecting and enhancing many of the Commonwealth’s natural and recreational resources, including closing gaps within the state’s network of trails, strengthening infrastructure, and making significant improvements.”

“These grants support our tremendous inventory of remarkable open spaces and the communities that host them. North Reading now has significant state support to examine converting an abandoned rail-line into a rail trail,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Funding from MassTrails not only advances this opportunity, but it also helps bring more recreational access for people across the state to enjoy outdoor spaces and improve our quality of life.”

“Visitors from all around the world come to Western Massachusetts for its beautiful outdoor recreational opportunities all of which improve our quality of life and are important parts of our communities,” said State Senator Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield). “The MassTrails Grants Program provides critical funding for improving and supporting our public trails for all to enjoy.”

Additionally, each recipient matches awarded grants with a minimum of twenty percent in funding or in-kind services for the designated project. This year’s total investment, including matching funds, is approximately $7 million. In order to meet their funding obligation, an organization is able to utilize a variety of methods to fund at least twenty percent of the project’s total cost to receive the grant. Methods include in-kind labor and professional services, material donations, use of equipment, or a cash match. Funding is made available to registered non-profits and municipal, state, and federal agencies.

“I would like to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for supporting local trail programs through the 2020 MassTrails Grants Program,” said State Representative Frank Moran (D-Lawrence). “I am joyful to learn that Groundwork Lawrence has been awarded this grant which will allow them to continue their work in increasing access to the Merrimack River Trail for all residents of the Commonwealth. The 17th Essex District will benefit substantially from this grant, given that it will bring more connectivity to all three communities: Lawrence, Andover and Methuen.”

“Funding and maintaining our local trails and paths, especially at a time when it can be hard to get out of the house, is crucial to communities we serve,” said State Representative Josh Cutler (D-Pembroke). “Thanks to grants like MassTrails and the Baker Administration, Hanson can help foster outdoor recreation for its’ citizens to enjoy.”

“The people of Clinton take great pride in the town’s surrounding natural beauty,” said State Representative Harold Naughton (D-Clinton). “The parks and trails are treasured by locals and visitors alike, and I am thrilled that the Commonwealth is investing in the spaces that make our community such a special place to live.”

“I am excited to learn that Ashland has received a grant through the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s MassTrails program,” said State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis (D-Framingham). “I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and Commissioner Montgomery for their further support to enhance and expand Ashland’s vibrant trails.”

MassTrails Grant projects are located within the following municipalities: Ashland, Adams, Arlington, Ashburnham, Athol, Barnstable, Becket, Belchertown, Bourne, Braintree, Brookline, Chelmsford, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Clinton, Concord, Dalton , Dartmouth, Egremont, Fitchburg, Florida, Franklin, Great Barrington, Greenfield, Groton, Hanson, Hatfield, Hawley, Hinsdale, Holyoke, Hopkinton, Lanesboro, Lawrence, Lee, Lenox, Lowell, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Monterey, Mount Washington, Natick, Needham, New Ashford, New Bedford, Newburyport, Newton, North Adams, North Reading, Northampton, Northfield, Peabody, Pittsfield, Plainfield, Plymouth, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Southampton, Springfield, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Templeton, Townsend, Tyringham, Wareham, Washington , Williamstown, Windsor, and Yarmouth. A full list and brief description of each of the 55 projects receiving a grant can be found on the MassTrails Grants webpage.

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Posted in Financial, Medfield Rail Trail, State

DLS on state aid this year

Posted on July 31, 2020 | Comments Off on DLS on state aid this year

From DLS about the state aid for our current fiscal year that started 7/1/2020 –

Baseline FY21 UGGA and Chapter 70 Information Now Available

Dear Local Official,

I am writing to share that information about Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) and Chapter 70 education aid is now available on the Division of Local Services website.

While critical information from the federal government is still needed in order to finalize a full fiscal year budget for the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature are committing to no less than the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) level of funding for UGGA and Chapter 70 education aid as a baseline amount for FY21 funding.

The FY21 funding commitment also includes Chapter 70 increases for inflation and enrollment that will keep all school districts at foundation, under the law as it existed for FY20, providing an additional $107 million in aid over FY20. This increase comes in addition to approximately $450 million in new federal supports for K-12 schools to assist with educating students during the pandemic.

Please click here to view the UGGA and Chapter 70 amounts for each municipality. Local officials with related questions can email databank@dor.state.ma.us.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Heffernan
Secretary of Administration and Finance

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Posted in Budgets, Legislature, State

3 Bd affordable home – 8/5 deadline

Posted on July 31, 2020 | Comments Off on 3 Bd affordable home – 8/5 deadline

Affordable Housing Trust Committe

Posted on: July 20, 2020

Affordable Home Ownership Lottery – 4 John Crowder Road

4 John Crowder Rd - Picture

The Application and Lottery Process

4 John Crowder Rd - Picture

Link to Information Sheet

Link to Full Application

This is a short-term housing lottery process Will end on 08/05/2020 12 PM.

By the town’s request this opportunity is offered to households needing 3 bedrooms. For example, a couple with a child will not qualify. A single parent with 2 children will qualify; a single parent with elderly parent and a child will qualify. 

In order to participate in the lottery your first step is to understand the character of the program and your responsibilities as an owner of an affordable home, review the application and information to determine if you qualify (maximum annual income for all family members, maximum assets, first time home buyer status, available down payment and being pre-approved for a loan that is a fixed rate product.

Fill out the application and send with all the documents listed below. These documents must reach to Omega Ventures 55 Loring Street, Westwood, MA 02090 with a postmark NO LATER than 08/04/2020. NO online submissions will be accepted!

Since this is a short-term lottery, we will ONLY consider submissions with the completely filled-out and signed application, pre-approval letter, and all supporting documents as listed in the checklist. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

It is important that you explain all deposits not itemized in your bank statements (where is says “deposit” etc.). If the deposit is payroll, transfers between your accounts these do not have to be itemized. If deposits are not itemized, your application will not be considered!

NOTE: FHA, VA, and most mortgages DO NOT ACCEPT THE DEED RESTRICTIONS! It is your responsibility to verify.

Your completed application will be reviewed and if you qualify you will be considered for the lottery.

There will be ONLY one open house hosted by the owner on 08/01/2020.  12PM – 4 PM.  You are invited to visit property. See details below

You must show proof of having at least 3% as a down payment and closing costs in your bank account

The lottery will be scheduled by the Town of Medfield and applicants will have a higher priority determined by their household size (for example a house hold of 4 will have priority on a house hold of 3 and so on).

After an offer is accepted, the purchase process will include inspection, purchase and sale agreement (P&S). You will be requested for 2 deposits held by seller’s attorney in escrow as binder to your offer and P&S.

You will need to take a first-time home buyer class offered by a certified (by CHAPA) agency (www.chapa.org)  before the closing. 

OPEN HOUSE INSTRUCTIONS 8/1/2020

This protocol will be strictly enforced! No Exceptions will be made.

  • You must register to the open house a head of time and show up 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment! Make sure you register ASAP. No registration after 7/29/20
  • No walk in or late showing will be allowed
  • Each visit is scheduled for 15 minutes SHARP
  • Only one family will be allowed to see the home at the scheduled time.
  • Each of visitors MUST have mask and gloves. 
  • You must pre-register onlinehttps://doodle.com/poll/pgvtqh2aekknuytm

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Posted in Affordable housing / 40B

State aid level funded

Posted on July 30, 2020 | Comments Off on State aid level funded

From the Massachusetts Municipal Association this afternoon –

STATE LEADERS ANNOUNCE LEVEL FUNDING FOR MAJOR LOCAL AID ACCOUNTS

FY21 UGGA TO BE LEVEL FUNDED AT FY20 AMOUNTS

FY21 CHAPTER 70 SCHOOL AID AT LEAST LEVEL FUNDED FOR ALL

 

July 30, 2020

After months of uncertainty regarding the size of the state’s fiscal crisis, state leaders today announced a framework for protecting the two main sources of local aid in the state’s fiscal 2021 state budget. According to a statement issued by A&F Secretary Michael Heffernan, the Governor and Legislature are committing to no less than level funding of Unrestricted General Government Aid and Chapter 70 education aid as the baseline amount for fiscal 2021 funding for each community.

Because of the difficulty in projecting tax collections, unanswered questions about whether the federal government will provide fiscal relief, and the unknown impact that the coronavirus will have this fall, the Legislature has enacted a bill to continue with a temporary budget through October 31. The state had previously adopted a one-twelfth budget through July, and has added a 3-month extension. This will give lawmakers and the Administration more time to gather information and shape their budget plans.

Knowing that local officials need firm information on local aid and school funding in order to finalize their municipal budgets, the state’s top leaders have joined together to provide guidance to cities and towns, and the news is good for communities.

In an alert issued via the Division of Local Services, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that House and Senate leaders and the Governor would be protecting the two major local aid accounts, UGGA and Chapter 70, from cuts as they set the state’s fiscal 2021 budget later this fall.

They announced that the $1.13 billion Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) program will be level funded at fiscal 2020 amounts for all communities, and that all cities and towns will receive at least level funding of their Chapter 70 education aid. Some school districts will receive school aid increases due to inflation and enrollment under the current formula. In total, Chapter 70 school aid will increase by $107 million, bringing that account up to $5.28 billion.

Click here to download the topline local aid UGGA and Chapter 70 numbers for each community and school district, as released by DLS this afternoon.

Local officials with questions about the numbers can email DLS at databank@state.ma.us.

The Governor-House-Senate framework closely matches the MMA’s request to state leaders, which the association delivered earlier this week. MMA has asked state leaders to protect local aid from cuts by preserving aid at fiscal 2020 levels at a minimum.

Please click here to read MMA’s July 27 letter to state leaders.

MMA immediately applauded the local aid framework, issuing the following statement:

“This is very welcome news for cities and towns in every corner of Massachusetts. With the state facing a budget shortfall of between $6 billion to $8 billion due to the COVID-19 recession, local leaders have been very concerned about the potential impact on local aid. Today, the Governor, House and Senate have demonstrated that the state-local relationship is a true partnership. “By protecting local aid during this crisis, the state will maintain vital financial support for cities and towns. With this key financial guidance, communities can finalize their fiscal 2021 budgets, allowing them to continue their work fighting the coronavirus pandemic and delivering the essential quality-of-life services that drive our economy. This framework will benefit every resident and business in the Commonwealth, and we are deeply grateful to Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito, Speaker DeLeo, President Spilka, House and Senate Budget Chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues, and their colleagues in the Legislature.”

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Posted in Budgets, Legislature, State

Sign-up to get news bulletins for Dale St. Project

Posted on July 27, 2020 | Comments Off on Sign-up to get news bulletins for Dale St. Project

From Tracey Rogers –

Sign-up to receive updates and news about the planning for a new Dale Street School.  Click here and the sign-up box is on the top left of page.  For specific questions on the project, email dalestreetschoolproject@gmail.com.

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Posted in Buildings, Schools

Medfield Mascot forum 5:30pm 7/30

Posted on July 25, 2020 | 1 comment

From Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke –

Public Forum on Medfield Mascot on July 30 at 5:30pm

The Medfield School Committee invites all interested individuals to submit their comments regarding the continuing use of the Warrior LOGO to represent the Medfield Public Schools at a Public Forum on Thursday, July 30 at 5:30pm. School Committee members will review all submitted comments. In addition, please indicate on the form whether or not you would like to share your comment with the public via Zoom video participation at the meeting on July 30th.

The Committee will vote on the continuing usage of the Warrior logo at their scheduled meeting on Thursday, August 13 at 5:30pm

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. The Committee will not accept or read comments submitted via the “chat” or “Q&A” feature during the Public Forum portion of the Committee’s regular meeting on July 30, 2020.
  2. Requests to video comment must be submitted by Thursday, July 30 at 8am and will be limited to 3 minutes.
  3. General comments will still be accepted and considered until Aug. 9, so that the School Committee may have time to consider all statements before the August 13, 2020 vote.

Public Forum Participation Form HERE

THANK YOU!

1 Comment

Posted in Medfield High School

Medfield’s 7/23 microburst

Posted on July 25, 2020 | Comments Off on Medfield’s 7/23 microburst

Photos shared by Kristine Trierweiler, that appeared to be from Chief Carrico, showing the Wilkins Glen and other tree damage. The first three show the building at Wilkins Glen that had to be evacuated – not sure of current status. I believe emergency food assistance was provided to some people by Medfield Outreach and others.

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Posted in Uncategorized

Medfield SHI now at 9.62%

Posted on July 25, 2020 | Comments Off on Medfield SHI now at 9.62%

DHCD Places Town’s Affordable Housing at 9.62%

The Department of Housing and Community Development’s July 8, 2020 letter says the town’s affordable housing units, including that 56 units at Aura, are now at 9.62%. The town was given two more years of safe harbor from unfriendly 40B’s as a result, through May 7, 2022. Based on these figures, we need about 16 more units to get over the 10% threshold, however, that number will go up once we have the new number of residents in town based on the 2020 census.

July 9, 2020 Mr. Osler L. Peterson Chairman, Select Board Town of Medfield 459 Main Street I Town Hall Medfield, MA 02052 Dear Mr. Peterson: Commonwealth of Massachusetts DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Charles D. Baker, Governor + Karyn E. Polito, Lt Governor + Jennifer Maddox, Undersecretary The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has reviewed the Town of Medfield's May 7, 2020 (received electronically on June 25, 2020), request for certification of compliance with its Housing Production Plan (HPP). DHCD makes the following findings: 1. Medfield has an HPP which is valid from October 19, 2016 to October 18, 2021. 2. The project for which certification is requested is Auro at Medfield (Subsidized Housing Inventory SHI ID # 10461). 3. The 56 units constitute enough units for a two-year certification period (42 units). 4. The housing development is consistent with the production goals outlined m Medfield's Housing Production Plan. This certification is effective for a two-year period beginning on May 8, 2020 to May 7, 2022. Please note that all units must retain eligibility for the SHI for the entire certification period. If units are no longer eligible for inclusion on the SHI, they will be removed and will no longer be eligible for certification. This action may affect the term of your certification. I have included an updated list of SHI eligible units. Medfield's current SHI stands at 9.62%. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Phillip DeMartino, Technical Assistance Coordinator, at (617) 573-1357 or Phillip.DeMartino@,mass.gov. Director, Division of Community Services cc Senator Paul R. Feeney Representative Denise C. Garlick . Kristine Trierweiler, Town Administrator, Medfield Susan Raposa, Town Planner, Medfield

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Posted in Affordable housing / 40B

SB 7/28

Posted on July 25, 2020 | Comments Off on SB 7/28
TOWN OF MEDFIELD MEETING NOTICE Posted in accordance with the provisions of MGL Chapter 39 Section 23A, as amended Due to the COVID-19 emergency, this meeting will take place remotely. Members of the public who wish to view or listen to the meeting may do so by joining via the web, or a conference call. 1. To join online, use this link: a. https://zoom.us/j/95650907195?pwd=YkNmdHRoR3NWNUE0V0htZWRHV WdWUT09 b. Enter Password: 636000 2. To join through a conference call, dial 929-436-2866 or 312-626-6799 or 253-215-8782 or 301-715-8592 or 346-248-7799 or 669-900-6833 a. Enter the Webinar ID: 956 5090 7195 b. Enter the password: 636000 Board of Selectmen Revised Board or Committee PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME Remote Meeting held on Zoom Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 7:00 pm Agenda (Subject to Change) 7:00 PM Call to Order Disclosure of video recording We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving around the globe in defense of our country Appointments Meeting with Planning Board to accept resignation of Greg Sullivan and to make joint appointment of Seth Meehan to fill the vacant seat until next Town election Posted: Town Clerk Chief Michelle Guerette requests Board of Selectmen appoint Terrence Teehan to the position of police recruit, effective on his start date at the police academy and accept withdrawal of Joseph Sherbertes Kathy McDonald, Medfield Youth Outreach Director to discuss name change for MYO David Cashman to discuss Medfield Meadows 2020 sales prices Discussion (potential votes) COVID-19 Status Update/Operations Action Items Vote to call the Special Town Meeting Vote to open the Special Town Meeting Warrant Maurice Goulet requests Board of Selectmen approve the Software User Agreement with Sensus USA Maurice Goulet requests Board of Selectmen approve a contract with Environmental Partners Group, Inc. (EPG) for Engineering Consulting Services for the Final Design for the iron and manganese Water Treatment Facility Chief William Carrico requests the BOS sign new agreements with Beth Israel and Good Samaritan Hospital Jean Mineo requests the BOS vote to sign letter of support for grant Accept resignation of Ken Richard from the Medfield State Hospital Development Committee and appoint: • Patrick Casey • Randal Karg • Michael Metzler • Christopher McMahon Appointments to the Affordable Housing Trust: • Newton Thompson • Greg Sandomirsky ZeLus Beer Garden sign request Rocky Woods requests approval of one-day permits: • Hike for Beer – Bonfire and Brews on Friday, July 31 from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm • Meteor Shower Campout on Wednesday, August 12 from 5 pm to 7 pm • Family and Friends Beaver Discovery Hike on Saturday, August 15 from 6 pm to 8 pm • Family and Friends Subset Hike Campout on Saturday, August 22 from 5 pm to 7 pm Town Administrator Update Next Meeting Dates Selectmen Reports Informational • Housing Choice Community Designation • Housing Production Plan Safe Harbor Certification through May 7, 2022 • CDBG-CV grant award of $683,100 for microenterprise assistance and food assistance for local food banks (regional application with Bellingham, Foxborough, Franklin, Walpole, and Wrentham) • 4 John Crowder Road Housing Lottery (applications due August 4 at 5 pm) • Bike to the Beach

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Posted in Select Board matters

Thursday evening micro burst

Posted on July 24, 2020 | Comments Off on Thursday evening micro burst
Tree against house on North Street. See Colleen Sullivan’s Medfield Patch photo of the end of the tree by the sidewalk, and generally much better photographs.
https://patch.com/massachusetts/medfield/fast-furious-was-there-microburst-medfield?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
Colleen Sullivan got a lot of great photos of the storm damage – see her Medfield Patch article.

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Posted in Events