Monthly Archives: August 2020

SB 9/1

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:
    1. https://zoom.us/j/91276463647?pwd=UjA0eHNmT2d1SXNGa0pzTktxdDdLQT09
    1. Enter Password: 209002
  • 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
    • Enter the Webinar ID: 912 7646 3647
    • Enter the password: 209002

Board of Selectmen

Board or Committee

PLACE OF MEETINGDAY, DATE, AND TIME
Remote Meeting held on ZoomTuesday, September 1, 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

  1. Mike Quinlan – Update on Dale Street School Building Project
  2. Matt Cawley, Cutlets – Discuss one day beer/wine permit request

Discussion (potential votes)

  1. Discussion about Special Town Meeting
    • Potential vote to call the Special Town Meeting
    • Potential vote to open the Special Town Meeting Warrant
  1. Trailside Drive Online Wine Auction Permit

Action Items

  1. Agreement with MetroWest Medical Center for medication exchanges
  2. Accept grant of $43,852 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for the Medfield Fire Department and authorize the Town Administrator to sign grant documents
  3. Accept grant of $100,000 from the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation for the Medfield Rail Trail and authorize the Town Administrator to sign grant documents
  4. Contract with Ginivan Group, LLC for NPDES MS4 compliance (stormwater regulations)
  5. Contract with BETA Group, Inc. for an ADA self-evaluation for the Town’s sidewalk network and development of a sidewalk master plan
  6. Contract with Nitsch Engineering, Inc. to study 5 intersections and provide recommendations
  7. Contract with MHQ, Inc. to purchase a new water utility vehicle
  8. Agreement to join the BuyBoard purchasing consortium
  9. Contract with Solar Design Associates for an interconnection application and SMART application for the Town Garage
  10. Lease agreement with AT&T for the Medfield State Hospital Water Tower
  11. Contract with TSG Consulting, LLC 
  12. Medfield Meadows Sales Prices – Amendment to the Regulatory Agreement
  13. Medfield State Hospital Development Committee grant application for technical assistance from MassDevelopment

Town Administrator Updates

Next Meeting Dates

Selectmen Reports

Informational

Medfield awarded $139,316 in GCA grant

Email from the Medfield Energy Committee Chair, Fred Davis –

Announced today: Medfield is being awarded $139,316 in Green Communities funding from the Massachusetts Dept. of Energy Resources.

Congratulations and appreciation to Director of Facilities Amy Colleran, and MEC members for all the work the grant application entailed.

Leveraged with expected utility incentives of $28,858, the effort will result in a total funding of $168,174 for energy-efficiency projects.

All the work will be done at no cost to the Town.

This is the first Green Communities funding that Medfield has applied for since its initial funding as a Green Community. The initial round of projects involved upgrading to LED lighting in Town buildings, along with upgrade of the Blake Middle School controls system.

Most of this next work will involve upgrading two other control systems in the schools. Additional measures involve lighting, gas traps, weatherization, hot water.

The projects are expected to bring about reductions in greenhouse gases: gas and electricity consumption to decline by 2,107 MBtu/year, with about 3/4 of that being reduction in gas heating.

Dollar savings are projected at $41, 286 each year.

In addition, $13,490 of the funding is allocated for professional development and administrative support.
— Fred Davis
Chair, Medfield Energy Committee

——– Forwarded Message ——–

Subject:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Baker-Polito Administration Awards $13 Million in Green Communities Grants
Date:Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:39:16 +0000
From:Brown, Kelly (ENE) <kelly.brown@state.ma.us>

Good morning Green Communities,

Below is the Competitive Grant 2020 press release announcing $13 Million in grant awards to 103 communities. Over the next week you will receive more information from the Green Communities Division on next steps. Congrats to all the awardees!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2020
CONTACT
Eric Noreen
Eric.Noreen@mass.gov
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $13 Million in Green Communities Grants
103 Communities Receive Funds for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Projects BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $13,000,558 in Green Communities competitive grants to 103 municipalities across Massachusetts to fund clean energy projects. With today’s announcement, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has awarded over $136 million to Green Communities in Designation Grants and Competitive Grants since 2010. “The Green Communities program continues to make significant progress in helping municipalities reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is committed to supporting clean energy and energy efficiency efforts that make the Commonwealth’s cities and towns cleaner, healthier, and more affordable places to live.” “As we work to meet our net zero by 2050 emissions goals, the Green Communities program gives our dedicated municipal partners the resources they need to continue making progress in increasing energy efficiency and lowering energy costs,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to seeing the continued growth in energy innovation and energy savings that these grants will enable in towns and cities across the Commonwealth.” Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding. 271 Massachusetts cities and towns have earned the Green Communities designation, which accounts for 84 percent of the Commonwealth’s population. This ninth annual round of DOER Green Communities competitive grants is awarded to existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants and previous competitive grant awards. The grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals. Grants are capped at $200,000 per municipality. Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). “The Green Communities program helps cities and towns make important investments at the local level to combat climate change by reducing emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Air-source heat pumps, ventilation system upgrades, and electric vehicle charging stations are just some of the exciting new projects that these grants will fund in order to increase energy efficiency and clean energy innovation in municipalities across the state.” “Municipalities play a crucial role in achieving the Governor’s ambitious net zero by 2050 emissions target,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Patrick Woodcock. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the Green Communities team and the many hardworking and dedicated municipal partners across the state who successfully implement these projects that lower energy costs and provide long-term greenhouse gas savings.” The grants announced today fund a range of projects from ventilation system upgrades and high efficiency lighting to the installation of insulation and energy management systems at municipal buildings and facilities. Also included are the installations of air-source heat pumps, hybrid police cruisers, and electric vehicle charging stations. The following municipalities received grant awards: 

. . . Medfield $139,316 . . .

  All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. These commitments amount to collective savings of 2,534,787 MMBtu, energy use equivalent to heating and powering nearly 20,000 homes and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 233,640 tons, equivalent to taking over 45,000 cars off the road. For additional information on awarded projects and funding amounts, please see here.

42 confirmed, 1 active

August 27, 2020 01:45 PM

The Board of Health has announced the following case numbers of COVID-19 in Medfield: 42 confirmed, 1 active Read on

Click here for more information

New Mutants opens Friday

Maisie Williams, Henry Zaga, Blu Hunt, Charlie Heaton and Anya Taylor-Joy in ‘The New Mutants.’
Maisie Williams, Henry Zaga, Blu Hunt, Charlie Heaton and Anya Taylor-Joy in ‘The New Mutants.’

I think I know those two locations – so cool.

Trailer is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_vJhUAOFpI

Hearty soups for MFC come September

From the Medfield Food Cupboard –

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

Put a Little Love in Your Shopping Cart this September

Almost six months have passed since Massachusetts began experiencing the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the Medfield Food Cupboard has worked steadfastly  and successfully to continue its mission of providing supplemental and emergency food to all Medfield residents in need.

As we approach the Fall, we are once again in need of several essential shelf-stable food items. “Due to low inventories of these items at the Food Cupboard, we are reaching out to our neighbors for their support through a month-long, targeted food drive starting September 1st,” noted Abby Marble, Director of Food Donations. 

The Food Cupboard’s most needed food items are: hearty soups, rice pilaf, solid white tuna in water, canned fruits in juice, canned or jarred tomato products, macaroni & cheese and grape jelly. “September, coincidently, is Hunger Action Month – a month where people all over America stand together to fight hunger. With this said, we are asking folks to please consider purchasing these needed food items for our clients. This food drive will help feed our neighbors in need,” continued Marble. “We are so grateful for the community’s ongoing and committed support — our community is truly remarkable.”

The food drive will run the whole months of September. A trailer provided by the Department of Public Works will be parked in front of the Police/Fire Station in which donations can be dropped off. Please do not go inside in the Police Station. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the DPW and to Police Chief Michelle Guerette for facilitating this drive for us,” added Marble.

For more information on the Food Cupboard, visit their website at medfieldfoodcupboard.com or their Facebook page.

If you are a Medfield resident in need of food, you are encouraged to contact the Medfield Food Cupboard at 508-359-4958 or by email at info@medfieldfoodcupboard.com

Marketing artwork provided by Rogan Robbins Advertising

Saturday storm damage

Trees line the Pfaff Center’s northerly property line, and one lost a limb in last Saturday’s late afternoon thunder storm, landing on the Medfield Park & Recreation Commission’s van..

Ironically, Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler had approved the cutting of the trees shortly before. The tree closest to North Street in that line had fallen on the neighbor’s fence earlier this year, causing the trees to be re-examined. Even more ironically, those neighbors had requested several years ago for the town to allow them to pay to have the trees removed for their solar installation, but at the time the town declined, feeling that the trees were healthy.

The Medfield Park & Recreation Commission van was dented slightly.

MEC 8/24

Your Medfield Energy Committee has tons of irons in our local fires – Zoom in next Monday at 7 PM to hear and see what is happening

  • Medfield Environment Action – new group
  • Community Aggregation – for next town meeting
  • Climate Goals – for next town meeting
  • Solar Projects – e.g. Kingsbury Club solar is large enough to be a power plant
  • New Dale St. School – building to net zero can save the town money
  • Green Community Act – (Municipal) Operations – how state grants are being used to make our town better

The agenda and Zoom link are below:

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/98488657066?pwd=U1FsZVR5SFYzRlV5bmRwdENBVlBxdz
09
b. Enter Password: 221674
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: 984 8865 7066
b. Enter the password: 221674
Medfield Energy Committee
Board or Committee
PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME
Remote Meeting held on Zoom Monday, August 24, 2020 7:00 pm
1. Report from the Chair – Fred
2. Approval of minutes from past meeting: 7/20 – Penni
3. Committee Roster update – Cynthia
4. Medfield Environment Action – Megan
Community Forums: CCA, Climate Goals
5. Community Aggregation – Megan / Bob / Paul / Jeremy
a. Warrant Article – wording
b. Jul 22 Public Forum, other publicity
Posted:
6. Climate Goals – Jim
a. Warrant Article – wording
b. GHG Inventory tool – Hilli
c. Aug 17 Public Forum, other publicity
7. Solar Projects – Penni
a. PPA vs ownership; SDA
b. Kingsbury Club: zoning
c. DPW roof: grant application – Hilli
d. Old landfill
e. Other sites
8. New Dale St. School – Alec
a. Arrowstreet: Acton-Boxborough
b. Eversource funding available (Cullinane; Thornton Tomasetti?)
c. BoS support of NetZero goal
d. Sandeen analysis tool – Megan
9. MassEnergize – joint MEA-MEC meeting
10. MSH Subcommittee: MSH Development Committee activity
11. Municipal and Community Partnership with Eversource – Tricia
12. Liaison with other orgs: MCAN, CRGC, MAPC, IECC
13. Medfield Long-Range planning process – Cynthia
14. Green Community (Municipal) Operations – Amy
a. 2020 Green Communities Funding-- $139,316 applied 5/1; answered q’s 6/19
b. Exterior and Interior lighting controls at High School, Middle School
c. High School: Trane / ESPO / interval data / scoping study – Alec
d. MAPC Regional Energy Planning Assistance Funding – Paul
$2500: Help prep, complete annual report
$1500: Competitive grant prep
e. Consumption during shut-down?
f. LED Streetlights: invoices adjusted
g. Energy Management function: Susan McPhee to be invited to BoS
And, any additional business that came in after the deadline that must be discussed prior to
the next meeting.

Poll of 4th Congressional District

The following poll was shared with me by an email from candidate Dr. Natalia Linos, and since I had not seen any other poll results, I thought others might be interested as well. The source, Data for Progress, looked reputable from a quick scan of its website –

Time to VOTE!

August 19, 2020
Early Voting
Early Voting will begin at the Town House on Saturday, August 22, 2020 and run through Friday, August 28,m 2020.… Read on

Jay Hajj helping Beruit

See the long article in today’s Globe about Medfield resident Jay Hajj going back to his hometown to help after the explosion –

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

DEVRA FIRST

‘People say: You came from Boston for what? I came for this.’

After the explosion in Beirut, chef Jay Hajj returns to his hometown to volunteer with World Central Kitchen

By Devra First Globe Staff,Updated August 18, 2020, 4:08 p.m.4Jay Hajj returns to his hometown to volunteer with World Central Kitchen

0:50After the explosion in Beirut, chef Jay Hajj returns to his hometown to volunteer with World Central Kitchen

On Aug. 4, a massive explosion in Beirut killed more than 150 people, injuring and displacing many others and devastating the city. Lebanon was already in crisis, its economy and currency in collapse, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, since October 2019, as the Lebanese lira lost about 80 percent of its value, food prices increased 109 percent. Hunger was a serious problem even before the blast.

Jay Hajj on the ground in Beirut.
Jay Hajj on the ground in Beirut.COURTESY OF JAY HAJJ

Read the full article here – https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/08/18/lifestyle/people-say-you-came-boston-what-i-came-this/?p1=StaffPage