The two files linked below have the background and informational materials for the 6/5 meeting of the Board of Selectmen next Tuesday. Look at the detailed documents produced by both the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Medfield for the 40B projects and the Conservation Commission on the applications before them – that is a lot of volunteer time and input to make our town be well run.
Comments Off on BoS agenda for 6/5
Posted in Conservation Committee, Select Board matters, Zoning
These were my suggested corrections to the minutes below:
Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
7:00PM
Chenery Hall
Present: Osler Peterson, Michael Marcucci, Gus Murby, Michael Sullivan, Mark Cerel, Kristine Trierweiler
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 7:00PM and the following announcements made:
Appointments
7:00 PM Olivia Price and Sophia Slesar (Blake Middle School, 8th Grade), Proposal for the Kids PMC Ride, June 2018
Olivia and Sophia are members of the Anti-Defamation League and the Blake Community Service Club. The PMC is close to Olivia’s heart, as her dad has been riding them for 10 years. The kids PMC started in Medfield. Similar to previous years, high and middle school, ride around the campus, there will be a tot lot in the teacher parking lot.
They are shooting for June 9, 2018 and there no conflicts anticipated at this time. They will talk to MEMO about sponsorship. They hope to get kids involved at a young age and spreading cancer awareness. It’s also a good way to kick off to the summer.
Chairman Peterson thanked them for the presentation and commended them on quality of the presentation. Selectman Murby asked how far the kids ride. Olivia and Sophia responded that it is not really a race just riding around the Middle School and High School. Ms. Trierweiler noted that Chief Meaney approved the project.
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to support the project as well as the usual signage, second by Gus Murby and the vote was unanimous.
7:10 PM Deputy Chief John Wilhelmi, Request for Sergeants Promotion
Chief Meaney is at another meeting, so Deputy Chief John Wilhelmi is presenting and asking for an officer promotion. The promotional exam was held in October which consisted of a written test and a grueling assessment center. Five officers took the test. He is looking for a replacement for Sergeant that retired last year. Filling this position allows them to put a sergeant back on midnight shift. Civil Service allows you to choose between the top three candidates, asking that Officer Colby Roy. He is a Medfield High School graduate, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University; he is a certified firearms instructor, a member of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council. Deputy Chief is seeking approval of his promotion as Officer Roy has a good work ethic and sound judgement. Chief and Deputy Chief both endorse the number one candidate.
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to appoint Colby Roy as Sergeant effective immediately, second by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Citizen Comment None
Request from Sarah Raposa, Town Planner, to sign the 2018 Planning Grant Contract for $32,500
Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Trierweiler noted that the Board voted to approve the contract at their last meeting. Selectman Murby would like to see the scope of the project as there was a post-it on the scan that was sent. The 40R language was removed and is focused on the planning work. Selectman Murby would like to see paperwork going forward but won’t hold up and voted to support.
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Request from Megan Sullivan Transfer Station and Recycling Committee to appoint Rick Fink and Andrea Costello to the committee.
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to appoint Rick Fink and Andrea Costello to the Recycling Committee. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Discussion of Board of Selectmen 2018 ATM Warrant Articles
Mr. Sullivan distributed a draft copy of the updated draft of the 2018 ATM Warrant Articles
Changes from last week:
Article 18: Incorporated the changes regarding MSH that were made by Selectman Murby. He removed the references to master planning; this point of this article is to move forward with the development.
Article 19: No change made
Jean Mineo clarified that this is for schematic designs for the MSH Chapel. The maximum that the State will allocate is $50,000 but they don’t generally fund that full amount. They plan to ask the Town Meeting for match funding and will pursue private funding. Selectman Murby asked if MSHMPC is of the mind that the cultural center should be located at the Chapel. Ms. Mineo and Gil Rodgers responded yes.
Selectman Marcucci asked if this requires matching funds. Ms. Mineo said that the town has two years to raise the match to get the state funding. He reviewed the possibilities for getting the funding versus it not passing at town meeting. He also asked if the master plan doesn’t pass is this grant still useful? Ms. Mineo said yes, we can continue even if the STM doesn’t move forward. This is at least a year long process. Selectman Marcucci asked how flexible is it to use the funds? Ms. Mineo said it must be used for the cultural center, so there is no flexibility.
Attorney Cerel indicated the there is no specific reference in the warrant language. Mr. Sullivan and Selectman Murby asked about the timeline and using the funds and concluded that the use is not authorized until the $75,000 is raised for the schematics. John Harney stated that here is nothing in the language to the specificity of the proposal. The Board noted that the grant is specific to the Chapel and the Infirmary. They could possibly specify by using the building numbers. Selectman Marcucci suggested making it specific.
Bill Massaro stated that if hospital plans don’t go through, the consultant said that the cultural center adds value to the property and that it will bring a benefit. Mr. Sullivan responded that the town will have to provide utilities and infrastructure.
The Board paused their review of the 2018 ATM Warrant Articles to take the 7:30 agenda item.
7:30 PM Matthew Borelli, Needham Investment, Inc. Request to sign Completed LIP Application for 80 North Meadows Road
Matthew Borelli, Needham Investment, Inc., was here in January for approval, and received favorable feedback from the Board. He has the completed application for their review and signature. There was some discussion about adding a play area which they have done. They hired consultant and added two 3-bedroom units (one will be affordable), instead of seeking a waiver. They met with the Fire Dept. and made some changes to the rear wall. He has also met with the Planning Board, DPW and discussed snow removal and some other changes. They will need a signature on the application and letters of support from the Affordable Housing Committee and the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Marcucci has no questions. Mr. Sullivan asked if the exterior design was finalized. Mr. Borrelli confirmed that it was. The marketing plan, pro forma and appraisal were submitted.
Chairman Peterson said that some neighbors have not heard about the project. Selectman Marcucci stated that notices were sent to all abutters within 300 feet. Selectman Marcucci advised that they could read Pete’s blog for additional information. Ms. Trierweiler will draft a letter of support.
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion for Chairman Peterson to sign the LIP Application. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.
The Board resumed their review of the 2018 ATM Warrant Articles.
Article 20: Selectman Marcucci met with Courtney and Roberta regarding the Hinkley property articles for the Town Meeting and a resolution of an article that would pass legal muster. They have come up with a legal way to do it which will be okay with the Senior Housing Study Committee recommendations. The consultants believe that deed restrictions on the houses won’t fly so it has to be done on the design of the units to keep the prices where we want them. It will be done through a senior housing zoning overlay district. Courtney will draft the articles and will touch base Kathy McCabe. It can fit with the 40R or the MSH overlay district. Design is the only way to keep the affordability, make the units and lots small enough to keep the prices down over time. Courtney and Mark felt that the public purpose standard is an issue.
Selectman Murby clarified that we would be selling units and land at fair market price but they’d be small enough that the price is reasonable. He also clarified that the units would not contribute to the SHI. Selectman Marcucci said the floor plans and layouts that are pitched towards seniors maybe some would be bigger to get high fair market prices.
Chairman Peterson asked if rentals would be better. Selectman Marcucci said it is still public purpose for the rental issue in that you are suppressing market rate value.
Mr. Sullivan asked about resales and noted that Allendale affordable units went up $100,000 in value and then they sell, so he is concerned about no restriction as it could defeat the purpose of affordable senior housing. Selectman Marcucci agreed that this is a risk.
Selectman Murby asked if the zoning will prevent future teardowns and larger homes being built. Selectman Marcucci said the zoning would prohibit that.
Selectman Murby does not want the overly to require high density on the northern part of the Hinkley Property. Mr. Massaro gave approximate lot lines to the Mark Cerel to look at for the property and asked Steve Nolan and get the property described. Selectman Marcucci even in the over lay district the house size is limited. Selectman Murby is concerned about a possible apartment complex in area where we’re not planning on developing.
The Board discussed the entrances from the north and the south. The COA is willing to have the access through the property. Selectman Murby asked if the lot for COA is used by Center and now using a portion of that lot for this project, can you take a piece of property like the COA and now use it with a different property? Mr. Cerel is not sure if there was a formal process. From a zoning and title standpoint we need to clarify the parcel. Mr. Sullivan asked about the approved industrial subdivision, will the subdivision plan have to be amended? Selectman Marcucci said that COG will be drafting a zoning and a disposition article.
Selectman Murby said that we need to make sure that the units stay for their intended purpose so people in the future don’t circumvent this process.
Mr. Massaro asked about Lot 3. The Board will discuss that after. They discussed the MSHMPC plan for Hinkley which included 25% affordable units and 42 rentals on Lot 3.
John Harney asked about the number of units? Selectman Marcucci responded 16-20 on Hinkley.
Mr. Harney asked about the Town’s purpose in doing this? Selectman Marcucci responded to give the town meeting the opportunity if they want to do this. The MSHMPC proposed the project to address senior housing.
Article 21: Mr. Cerel says portions some of the Citizen Petitions are illegal but they still go to a vote. There will be an assessment of legality, we can’t rule them out, but the petitioners can withdraw, or no there may be no positive motion.
Selectman Murby said those articles that transfer the ownership to the Senior Housing Study Committee, how can the COA be responsible for this project? Town meeting can only authorize to take action, not compelled to take action.
Article 26: Downtown Article. There was a suggestion made that some of the projects worthy of funding by the meals tax are outside of the Downtown, so this article should be expanded anywhere in town.
Selectman Murby said the wording of improving the economic improvement and promotion of business and economic activity. Once it is moved out of the downtown but it is to promote economic development or economic attractiveness or economic vitality of the Town, i.e. the garden club at the entrances were approved out of this fund, and Dwight Derby.
Article 27: Rail Trail. Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Trierweiler spoke to Christian Donner and he thought they had been dissolved, but the committee does exist. He will meet with the committee to see if they can develop wording for this article.
Selectman Murby asked why are we keeping this Committee around if it’s done. He admires the work they have done on this project but it goes beyond study to advocacy. The Committee is pushing a particular position.
Selectman Marcucci said we need better charters. He discussed closing the warrant on January 30th and petitioned articles. If it is an advisory or study committee then the product should be the BOS. Selectman Murby said that there are 104 boards/committees. Selectman Marcucci has a proposal for revamping the Committee proposal, every committee has to submit annual updates, July 1st to June 30th all reported back in writing.
Article 28: Chief Meaney expressed concern about the intersection of West Street and Route 27. There are no funding grants at this time. Mo Goulet wrote a letter to Rep. Garlick to try and do some improvements. The Chief and Mo are going over the changes they would like to see at the intersection. Striping, dedicated turning lanes left –turn arrows, and crosswalks are ideas. Chairman Peterson talked to Sen. Feeney and he was asking for projects to help us with. He told him that the bridges and the intersection are priorities. Sen. Feeney offered to come for a formal introduction at a meeting in February.
Article 29: Town’s share of the Hazard Mitigation Planning cost.
Article 30: Waiting on wording from John Thompson. Mr. Cerel will connect with John. Discussion on enforcing and hearing bodies.
Article 31: Solar Facility Discussion. Mr. Sullivan needs to speak with Jerry McCarty about the entire garage roof or a portion of it. He might need about $200,000 more. This article may be pulled.
Article 32: “May periodically”
Article 33: Sidewalk easement on Metacomet Street
Article 34: Relocation of a property easement (water)
Article 35: Recycling Committee will vote to put the article on at their next meeting. She would like to see it petitioned by the Scouts, but they can’t do it unless they are 18. There are 30 recycling containers that need to be emptied and cleaned (Big Belly Solar). Who is responsible for doing this?
Article 36: Citizen petition for street lights is not yet received.
Article 37: Routine article for sewer betterments
Article 43: Permanent Planning and Building Committee bylaw mission statement. Waiting for final draft from Mike Quinlan.
Article 44/45: Two zoning changes: flexibility for landscaping requirements and special permit criteria for multi-family developments.
Article 46: voted at the last meeting to put CPA on the Warrant.
Selectman Murby asked who from the public brought this up? Town Counsel brought it up. Dan Bibel was Chairman of the Committee and he held the article to educate the public and tie in with the state election. The BOS voted to put it on the warrant 2-1 at the last meeting. He is not sold on the merits. He said that that nobody has said they want it, it is a unilateral action. Mr. Cerel said that a positive motion would also need to set a percentage, waivers, etc., all have to be done in the motion.
Ms. Trierweiler said that Abby Marble sent an email asking that the charter commission be enacted and to have an appointed town clerk. A charter review commission would need to be elected. Mr. Cerel reviewed his memo. Discussion of rationale of why you may want a five-member committee. BOS will look into the process with Mark Cerel.
Veterans Service Officer
There is an agreement with Walpole that both Town Counsels have reviewed which was before the Board for approvals and signatures. Once signed by Medfield it will be sent to Walpole for their actions. Benefits are divided 2/3 and 1/3 split for salary and benefits. Medfield will be billed monthly on the vendor warrant to the Town of Walpole. We will receive day a week with Veterans Service Office and more if needed. Folks can also go so the VSO in Walpole. His name is John Cogan and he and Ron Griffins used to cover for each other. Ron Griffin recommends as well.
Board members asked about additional funding requirements such as stamps, flags, foot markers, etc. The VSO will be operations vs salary. The monthly invoices will be taken out of the operations budget. Selectman Murby said that it sounds like we want to check with the Legion and see if they want to do the Memorial Day Planning, and the VSO is very active with the Memorial Day Committee and he is willing to work with them.
Selectman Peterson would like to see Veterans Breakfast come back to Town. Selectman Murby said that maybe members of the Legion would like to do some of the things that Ron did that are not officially part of the job. The Board would like Frank Iafolla to remain the flag agent.
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve and sign the Veterans Services Agreement with the Town of Walpole. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Discussion of Lot 3/Hinkley Property
Chairman Peterson recused himself from the discussion and left the table.
Selectman Marcucci noted the memo from Steve Nolan re: 42 units at Lot 3. Mr. Sullivan submitted memo from about the Kingsbury Club and taxes. Selectman Marcucci think we need an RFP for each use (residential vs. commercial). Evaluation criteria would be based on financial impact and ancillary benefits to the Town; can be reviewed for both.
Selectman Murby felt that you can’t look at Lot 3 in a vacuum; there is no reason why you can’t put the housing at the MSH and commercial at Lot 3. Timing on MSH is unknown. He said that we are putting in more housing than the town wants. There is no pressing need for housing on Lot 3. He’s not looking for the Forekicks but perhaps a smaller facility can be looked at for this site. He is concerned there is so little commercial in Medfield, people have wanted to develop Lot 3, there is now a plan for housing instead, and we don’t even know the MSH uses yet. This type of housing is why we bought the MSH. He’s afraid this will leave the MSH empty.
Selectman Marcucci feels that we should find out what the market says about the value of this property; if purely economic and the best benefit to the town. The Board discussed artificially inflating the market and noted other undeveloped properties in Medfield and noted the strong housing market in Medfield.
Selectman Murby discussed the 2014 ATM warrant article and proposed doing both; athletic complex and housing to supplement Lot 3, in another location, such as south of Hospital Road. If housing on Lot 3, then you can put the sports complex on the other site. This would be for a commercial site not the Park and Rec facility. This is a consistent position on Lot 3.
Selectman Marcucci suggests moving on, a decision will be made for the MSH, we don’t know what/when that will be. Lot 3 needs to happen now and not be tied to the MSH disposition process. It has sat for 22 years, one viable use with zoning, two concepts (sports complex or housing) and might even get another proposal that surprises us.
Selectman Murby asked why drive-up the housing needs in town when we don’t need it? Selectman Marcucci said implements the Housing Production Plan and it moves us closer to the 10% goal. Selectman Murby said, but you squander the MSH campus.
Mr. Massaro said you didn’t buy it for housing; we bought it for control with multiple potential uses. He said that Mr. Murby’s notes differ from his. The number of rentals is driven at the MSH by what a developer needs to do to make the property work, not Town safe harbor. Regarding the dual purpose RFP, if MSH doesn’t happen can you meet your safe harbor targets until 2021. If you can, then let it go, but not sure you can make it safe harbors.
Selectman Marcucci summarized the SHI tracking and projection spreadsheet. Right now most of the projects that are approved or in the range are within ½ mile of each other. It’s the best we can do but that we should diversify all over town. McCabe says that Lot 3 with 42 units is tax flow positive. The AHT doesn’t count the MSH at all, it’s too great an unknown and we can’t control the timing. There is no master plan, no approved zoning changes, no town meeting vote, and no market predictions.
Selectman Murby except for arts and culture center we have no plan for what will happen up there. There is 3 years gone now and he wants to put pressure on the Town to start making a plan for development.
Selectman Marcucci asked why Lot 3 an adjunct victim of the slow process? Selectman Murby said if we want to drive taxes down then we need to diversify tax base and we have a business in Town looking to expand and can pay taxes on the property. Selectman Marcucci said maybe the Lot 3 RFP is deferred until May when we know more about the MSH.
Selectman Murby wishes to proceed now with an RFP for a commercial development; we don’t know what we will get, we know there is interest, will we go out to the RFP or with a facility that looks like what the Town would like to see. Selectman Marcucci said the RFP should say to build something with current zoning or a LIP. They debated the benefit of housing. Selectman Marcucci suggested housing is 15% more beneficial and Selectman Murby countered that housing would have to be 50% more than commercial development.
Mr. Massaro said he specifically asked at the AHT meeting, I asked several times for the timing of the Tilden Village expansion and they did not make me feel comfortable. Five years is not okay. What isn’t clear to the resource members is what happened to an incremental sale; not rental housing as it was thought more of single family/ condos, etc. That would be initial piece of property sold. When do you actually get into selling and building these rental units, all have affordable and historic tax credits associated with them; and infrastructure. He doesn’t see anything happening at the MSH beyond the front part of the property 2021.
Selectman Murby said that all the advice he’s been getting is for a master developer for the site.
Mr. Massaro said that if you are going to sell the town on a $500 million project you will have objections at Town Meeting. There are issues such as control of the property and 40R. None of this is within a reasonable time frame.
John Harney asked if there is a Park and Rec warrant article. Doesn’t this come into play in this dialogue? They are committed to having their own facility.
Selectman Murby said they dropped the piece for an indoor turf field. The land for the Parks and Rec facility or a commercial facility is not clearly designated? Mr. Harney said that Parks and Rec is clear where they want it, they aren’t happy about Kingsbury. Selectman Murby said that he thinks they heard us loud and clear that a private facility piece should be out of the public Parks and Rec Plan. Mr. Harney doesn’t think town meeting will have your plan, they want a sense of community, if we wanted 440 units we would have gone with the MSH project. Selectman Murby said that the MSHMPC has a plan which is concept that has 392 units, he is making the argument that 42 of them don’t need to be on Lot 3. Mr. Harney said that 3 years empty on this planning and sorrowful, and he has asked alternatives for this development.
Selectman Murby said to give the committee a chance to present this plan. We thought demo/ remediation was $12-15 million if this plan is more than that; why would we pay more than that?
Selectman Marcucci asked Selectman Murby if he would accept that if the 42 units will beat the commercial by 50%. Yes. Would he accept the McCabe construct? No, not yet. Town benefits vs. tax benefit.
Selectman Murby asked about marketing senior housing to the region and asked about evaluating 40B. Selectman Marcucci responded that 40B is a regional goal; benefits are diversification of the tax base, less demand on town service at 55+, any concept that generates net tax benefit, and, from AHT standpoint, diversity the geographic housing locations.
Selectman Murby asked how the RFP works and the timing? He wants to do it now. He suggests pulling it from MSHMPC and issue the RFP now. He is going to write it, what does it look like? The board discussed the parameters of what they are looking for to be in the RFP. The board reviewed Steve Nolan’s memo. Discussion about the LIP process and 40R. They discussed the prior RFI process.
Selectman Murby noted that Lot 3 is a 10-acre lot and only 3 or 4 acres are buildable, because of a man-made retention basin that could be moved; what can we responsibly do at the site in an environmental responsive way.
Deb Bero lives adjacent to Lot 3 so she is speaking as a citizen not as a member of the Conservation Commission. She suggested speaking with the conservation agent as the man-made basin is actually a natural wetlands; plus the riverfront and vernal pool and you have less area than you think. Those resources need to be protected. Selectman Murby is not trying to push the limits of those areas. He was told it was movable basin. He is concerned that we bought land in 1995, and now we can’t do anything with it. Deb Bero suggested that the Board should be attentive to this environmental issue. She noted that Selectman Murby has used interchangeably, indoor and sports club, Kingsbury club. If Kingsbury RFP, would you make sure that Kingsbury doesn’t sublet that to another commercial facility. Selectman Murby noted the restriction that they can’t sublease. He has talked to the Kingsbury Club and they said that they will either sublease or develop it themselves.
Ms. Bero said that this should be an RFP process and not an individual selectmen negotiating on behalf of the BOS. This is a concern because he comes across as a proponent. Selectman Murby made it clear that he is not a proponent and that he only wants to see a diversification of the tax base; he is neutral on how it gets done.
Ms. Bero referred to the assessments on how the Board would move forward primarily about financial impact and nothing about impact on the neighborhood and the people on West Mill Street. She urged for them do some planning for yourselves and do a traffic plan. She said that Sam White has more vehicles, Leuders is now on West Mill with their trucks, plus the trailer business expanded. There is more traffic. When you talk about the money and the impacts of the proposal also talk about the people that live there. She can’t get out of Copperwood Road in the morning because traffic is backed up. There are significant increases and changes in traffic patterns that you factor into this analysis. This is just dollars. They discussed traffic impacts of MSH and Chapel Hill Estates. She noted that the neighborhood is thoughtful and are not screaming and objecting to everything but please keep thinking about this, they have talked publically about this for years.
They discussed issuing a single RFP with specific criteria. They discussed whether, Kathy, Mark or Sarah can do the RFP. To be discussed: criteria, details. Staff will start drafting the RFP.
Mr. Massaro asked about building in the wetlands. Mr. Sullivan noted that another restriction of Lot 3 is that it there a perennial stream and buffers to residential abutters. Selectman Murby would like to have a full picture of the lot with accurate acreage. Ms. Bero said to please start with conservation agent regarding the date of the unmaintained basin. Selectman Marcucci said to ask the MSHMPC why they want to keep Lot 3. They will be at the BOS meeting on January 30th and can talk more about it then.
Town Administrator Evaluation Process
Mr. Sullivan submitted all goals and self-evaluation (for FY2017 and FY2019).
Town Wide Goals Distribution
Selectman Murby and Ms. Trierweiler will make a recommendation. One issue is figuring out how to distribute them (multiple channels) and feedback in one spot. It can be done through the Town website.
Annual Appointments
Ms. Trierweiler is waiting to hear from the Board of Health
Senior Housing Survey
Selectman Murby updated the Board of the work that Dick Scolari, Barbara Gips and Jack Wolfe are doing. He outlined the goals and objectives of the survey (type, location, demand, purchase vs. rental, and demographics of respondents), costs of data collating, and sending out the surveys, appropriate to pay them for doing the survey. If we are going to pay them then we have to consider other options. Out of pocket costs will be covered. They discussed doing a full survey vs research sampling.
Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda)
Request from Roberta Lynch, COA Director, to serve wine and beer at the following monthly Supper Club events from 4PM to 7PM on 1/17, 2/21, 3/14, 4/18, 5/16
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve as on the consent agenda for COA. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Request from Margo Hayes, MPS Teacher to hold a 5K road race for her Boston Marathon Fundraiser for Dana Farber
Selectman Murby held the 5K Road Race; this is for a runner for the Boston Marathon. We have plenty of people in town that might want to hold 5K races each year; would it be better to run a race like this, on the HS cross-country course to minimize disruption to neighborhoods and traffic.
VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve this request but each future request will have to be considered individually. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Town Administrator Update
Storm meeting update.
Insurance Advisory Committee had a meeting on the high deductible plan. Peter Moran and Ted Nugent will meet with MIAA representatives and Blue Cross soon. There is interest in the plan this year amongst younger teachers.
BOS Reports
Selectman Marcucci said that at the last AHT meeting John Kelly presented the revised proposal for Dale Street and the Trust and Board need to discuss the process. There is one more meeting for the AHT and a recommendation will be made. There is no urgency for the project, doesn’t have to happen, we have all done enough work to decide if endorsed as a LIP.
Next AHT meeting is Saturday, January 27th and the goal is to review process, procedures and planning meeting.
The Legion will be on the AHT agenda on 2/6 and also a joint meeting with AHT and BOS to deal with Kelly’s proposal. Selectman Peterson thinks 36 units seems high. The BOS should not give him bonus density but create a reasonable profit. Can someone review that? The neighbors seem very accepting of Mr. Kelly at this point. Is it Mary Sullivan who is still concerned about the number? Perhaps COG can review. Selectman Murby asked if MRAH took a position.
Selectman Murby reported that the COA 10 year anniversary event was great; they are doing something great there. Selectman Peterson said that this is our human services department.
Selectman Murby and Selectman Peterson attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor which was great. Selectman Marcucci was sorry to miss it.
Selectman Peterson reported his busy office hours, MSH meeting, COA, Medfield Foundation meeting, AHT, and Energy Committee met.
Informational
Meeting adjourned at 10:25.
Comments Off on BoS minutes for 1/16
Posted in Select Board matters
I will hold my regular monthly office hours at The Center this Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.
Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters. Residents can also have coffee and see the Council on Aging in action (a vibrant organization with lots going on).
I can be reached via cell at 508-359-9190 or my blog about Medfield matters, where any schedule changes will be posted.
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Posted in Select Board matters
The Select Board held a special meeting at The Center on December 7, 2017, specifically for seniors to discuss senior housing issues in town and options going forward. Below are the draft minutes of that meeting:
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Posted in Affordable housing / 40B, Select Board matters, Seniors
The original plan was to have a joint meeting this evening with the Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee, the Planning Board, and the Warrant Committee, for the MSHMPC to present and discuss its plan, but the MSHMPC had not finalized its plan, so that meeting was re-scheduled to June 12, and we opted to proceed tonight with a shortened agenda of some of the other important pending matters.
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Posted in Select Board matters
Present: Osler Peterson, Michael Marcucci, Gus Murby, Michael Sullivan, Mark Cerel, Kristine Trierweiler
Selectmen Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00PM and disclosed the meeting is being video recorded.
Selectmen announced a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world.
Appointments
7:05 Holiday Stroll Road Closures
Chief Meaney has had numerous discussions with the stakeholders from MEMO as well as the businesses regarding closing Route 109 for the Holiday Stroll due to safety concerns. Chief Meaney proposed creating a safety zone with blockades/jersey barriers to double the size of the sidewalk and create a true barrier between pedestrians and traffic. Arts Council agrees to move the ice sculpture to the library to limit crossing Route 109. Additional lighting will be brought in for the railroad track area, and Eversource will be notified of any lights that need to be replaced along Route 109.
Selectmen discussed adding additional police to assist in anyone crossing Route 109. Jennifer Sleaser, owner of the Noon Hill Grill, thanked the Selectmen and the Police Chief for working to not close Route 109 completely for the evening. It is one of their busiest evenings of the year.
7:15 Medfield State Hospital Building and Grounds Committee
John Thompson, Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee. Mr. Thompson provided a quick update of the work done by 20th Century Fox. Mr. Thompson is still repairing things that were left behind. Volunteers have been working on brush pick up; heavy wind storms caused some tree damage and debris. Little to report on vandalism although there are still people being caught trying to enter the buildings.
Mr. Thompson discussed the revolving fund established at Town Meeting. The money will go to landscaping, keep grass cut and tick population down, fall clean up etc. Committee has been spending money on fixing the roofs of the buildings, masonry work on the buildings, and there may need to be more high value masonry work completed. Masonry is affected by water and neglect, etc. The revenue from the movie has offset the cost of some of the roofs and the plan is that the Committee would not need to ask for money at town meeting in 2018.
Selectmen Marcucci requested the Selectmen retain control of the revolving funds to be spent. Requests can be made to the Board of Selectmen for expenditures. Mr. Thompson discussed that the Committee tries to avoid expending money on buildings that will come down instead spending funds on buildings that are in the plan for reuse. Ms. Trierweiler will work on the bid for landscaping for 2018 which was a large expense last year. Would still like to request funds for the fall clean up which was estimated at $20,000.
Selectmen Murby agreed using the revolving funds gained from the movie was a better approach then appropriating additional funds at Town Meeting in 2018. Selectmen agreed to control the expenditures from the revolving fund.
Selectmen discussed that a stabilization fund had been created for the sale of items at MSH that would need to be declared surplus by the Town. Mr. Thompson suggested that he have a consultant come in and conduct a survey of what was valuable in the buildings and on site. Mr. Massaro stated concerns if no appropriation for the funds for MSH what happens if additional legal, environmental work is required for the disposition. Ms. Trierweiler has money available in the MSH planning article for this purpose.
Selectmen Peterson thanked Mr. Thompson for all of his work at MSH, his ongoing tours and his work with the movie company. The revenue from the movie should fund ongoing maintenance for 2-3 years.
Action Items
Selectmen invited to the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Saturday, December 2, 2017 for the following: Garrett Theodore Gipson
Robert A. Raine
Tyler James Hatch
Stephen Daniel Williams
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve and sign all Eagle Scout Certificates, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Discussion of Selectmen 2018 ATM Articles
Selectmen will be putting forth an article on Hinkley Property not on Lot 3.
Mr. Centore has requested that Town staff create the plan, the warrant article on behalf of the Senior Housing Study Committee. COG is currently working on the article for the ATM. Selectmen Murby stated concerns regarding no clear agreement on ownership, rental, layout etc. The affordable units will need to stay affordable in perpetuity not just the first owner. Selectmen discussed the type of services that may be necessary to support this type of housing.
Proposed daycare is putting in a forced main sewer and has requested that Water and Sewer allow them to tie into the public sewer. Both parties have met but no decision has been made. Mr. Sullivan does not support this project or sewer connection. Water and Sewer will seek consultant and peer review before making a decision.
Veterans Service Officer
Mr. Sullivan in still in talks with a nearby town to create a joint Veterans district. Mr. Sullivan will continue to discuss the details with the Town Administrator, but Veterans Agent is interested and willing to work with both Towns.
MSH RFP for Facilitation Services
Steve Nolan from the MSHMPC presented a change order on the main consulting contract with CBI as timetables have shifted. Schedule is preparing for a March Special Town Meeting and will need CBI to continue working with the Committee. At this point the CBI contract has run out and we are looking at a new RFP for facilitation services.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to solicit three quotations for facilitation services for $25,000, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Lot 3 Discussion
Selectmen Peterson recused himself from the discussion and moved to the audience.
Selectmen discussed Lot 3 and the overlay zoning concept and the possibility of doing commercial or having housing as an overlay zone. Selectmen asked Mr. Nolan to review the 40R vs 40B district including incentive payments, quicker timeline, etc. Concerns were raised by Mr. Sullivan that if Medfield agreed to a 40R, the zoning could become denser without local approval. Concerns were raised by Selectmen Murby that if Lot 3 and Hinkley were not included in the master plan that will be presented in March then there appears to be a miscommunication between the Selectmen and the Committee that this was to be a priority area to be analyzed.
Board of Selectmen discussed that if a special town meeting does not happen then there needs to be consideration of the disposition articles at the Annual Town Meeting so that the property is moving forward in 2018. Mr. Massaro suggested the Selectmen still investigate 40R so that there is no delay. Ms. McCabe will meet with COG to begin drafting language for the 40R and other disposition articles. Selectmen agreed that 40R discussions need to move forward at the ATM and not be an obstacle for moving forward.
Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Nolan discussed that that the RFP for Lot 3 proposals contain evaluation criteria so that the Selectmen can evaluate multiple uses for the property.
Selectmen discussed whether a referenda from the ATM about senior housing or a sports complex or the RFP is the appropriate way to determine what is best for the Town’s best interest. Selectmen Murby did not feel the RFP was the mechanism to utilize. Selectmen Marcucci did not feel a referenda was the best way to go. Information is still missing such as costs of proposals, property taxes, how to evaluate the proposal, market intelligence. Selectmen still need to determine if the proposal is net tax positive and how that will be determined.
Selectmen discussed the process at the Special Town Meeting. Will Lot 3 be disposed of separately or as part of the Master Plan? Will Master Plan be presented in phases? The issue that arises in voting Lot 3 as part of the Master Plan is that it results in only two members of the Selectmen able to vote on the Master Plan. Mr. Nolan indicated the intention of the Committee was not segment the Master Plan particularly when looking for a 2/3 vote. The Committee could consider removing Lot 3 from the Master Plan as a separate vote. Mr. Cerel advised another discussion with the Ethics Commission regarding Lot 3 and Selectmen Peterson.
Mr. Massaro indicated he still has concerns about the numbers being presented at a special Town Meeting in March. Selectmen Murby questioned why Lot 3 was included in the MSH Master Plan. The voters voted in 2014 at the ATM to give the lease/sale opportunity to the Selectmen. Selectmen Murby indicated he has concerns too regarding the Committee not speaking to the abutters of Lot 3 or cost/benefit numbers from the Committee on Lot 3.
Selectmen Marcucci favors the open ended RFP accepting multiple uses for evaluation. Town Meeting has already committed the property to the Selectmen. There are potential developers interested in the property that should be investigated.
Selectmen discussed there are two constituencies interested in Lot 3: those that want a sports complex and those that want senior housing. Selectmen Murby stated that senior housing in other areas of Town may be acceptable to the senior housing constituency. Seniors also want tax relief which could come in the form of commercial development on Lot 3. Mr. Massaro asked the Selectmen to look at Ms. McCabe’s charts from over six months ago that indicate housing is more beneficial than commercial use. Mr. Nolan indicated the Committee would like approval of the plan as presented including Lot 3 as a change from housing to commercial on Lot 3 could make the disposition of the core campus more difficult.
Dale Street 40B
Selectmen Peterson rejoined the Board of Selectmen.
Selectmen Marcucci updated the Selectmen on Mr. Kelly’s proposals for Dale Street. Currently he has two proposals for the DPW side of Route 27. Mr. Kelly is looking to present to the AHT Board in December. The AHT will hear a proposal for a 12-14 unit development at 90 North Meadows Road and on 12/5 the BOS/AHT joint meeting will take place to discuss the 93-95 North Street proposal. The discussion for Dale Street will be extensive so will look to schedule meeting with the Selectmen in January. Selectmen discussed timing of the meeting, neighborhood concerns, and impact to the SHI.
Town Administrator Evaluation
Mr. Sullivan updated the Selectmen that he is working on the evaluation and will be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Selectmen Murby would like to separate the compensation and performance discussion. Selectmen need to more forward and identify goals for the next fiscal year. Selectmen discussed the types of goals, day to day operations that could be used to form metrics that would assist in the evaluation.
Appointments
Selectmen discussed Constables and their role in Medfield. Mark Cerel updated how Medfield has used Constables as primary keepers of the lock up.
Board of Selectmen reviewed the appointments as presented, would like more clarification on the Bay Colony Rail Trail at a future date.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve all appointments as discussed, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda)
Katie Walsh, owner of Capsule at 70 North Street, requests a one day Liquor permit for the Holiday Stroll on December 1, 2017 and from 5PM to 9PM and on December 7, 2017 from 6-9PM for Sip and Shop.
MEMO requests a Parade Permit for the Annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 1:00PM. MEMO also invites the BOS to lead the parade and participate in the Tree Lighting Festivities on December 1, 2017 at Baxter Park.
Friends of the Dwight Derby House request approval for signs at official sites as well as a yard sign at top of Frairy on 12/1/2017 to direct visitors to the Dwight Derby House.
Selectmen discussed with Mr. Cerel the need for Ms. Walsh of Capsule to apply for a permit for this type of event. After the discussion it was determined that Ms. Walsh does not need to apply for a permit.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve all items in the Consent Calendar except for the request by Ms. Walsh as it is not necessary, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Town Administrator Update
Mr. Sullivan provided an update on the November 11, 2017 meeting with the DOT and Legislators regarding West Street/Route 109 Bridge. Legislators will work with the Towns to try and secure funding for the 109 bridge.
Selectmen asked to get an update on North Street for the next meeting.
Citizen Comment
None
Selectmen’s Report
Selectmen Murby updated everyone on the ALS study committee. At this time the Committee is still moving forward with the concept of hiring staff in the department as the most economical way to provide this service.
Selectmen discussed the implications of the appropriating funds for the OPEB liability or issuing a bond to address the issue. Mr. Sullivan stated that an appropriation is better long term under tax reform rules.
Selectmen Peterson provided an update on Veterans Day activities, MCAP meeting, and the Coalition for suicide prevention subcommittee activities. Selectmen Peterson thanked Maurice Goulet and Chief Meaney for coming up with a solution at Gun Hill and Millbrook to slow the traffic turning into the neighborhood.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:30PM, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Posted in Select Board matters
NB – the Board of Selectmen is catching up on approval of its minutes at tnonight’s meeting.
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Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
7:00 PM
Town House, Chenery Hall
Minutes
Present: Osler Peterson, Michael Marcucci, Gustave Murby, Michael Sullivan, Mark Cerel, Kristine Trierweiler
Selectmen Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and disclosed the meeting was being recorded. A moment of appreciation was taken for our troops serving in the Middle East and around the world.
Selectmen Peterson extended their condolences to the families of Dorcas Owen and Jack O’Toole, two former employees for the Town that passed away this week.
Selectmen Peterson announced the following:
Appointments
7:00 PM Council on Aging Director Roberta Lynch
Board of Selectmen discussed the vacancy at the COA and the possibility of it being combined with the Veterans Service Officer. Ms. Lynch stated that she did not feel cutting the FT position in ½ would be work for the clients of the COA as it would limit services, duplication some services, and be an administrative challenge to manage. Recruitment would be difficult and add to the inability of Ms. Lynch to attend conferences outside of the building. Ms. Lynch reminded the Board of Selectmen that her department requests had been unmet in terms of personnel requests. A part time receptionist has not been funded; there is no full time building maintenance person. The staff at the COA is doing the shoveling, mowing, etc., and it’s not fair to the employees. Some of the work is outsourced to a private company but that money could be spent elsewhere.
The COA board member Richard Ryder agreed with Ms. Lynch that there would be issues of confidentiality if the staff person was two people versus one. They are fully in support of keeping one Outreach Worker as it is now as job sharing is not effective. This position has been vacant almost eight weeks which is unacceptable and this is the wrong department to try and put the Veterans Agent into.
Selectmen Marcucci said the premise of the discussions would be a FT VSO, assigned to the COA, a second PT employees assigned to the COA as Outreach. Essentially creating a 1.5 position versus the one person the COA structure currently has in place. Selectmen were looking for a hybrid model of a social worker and VSO to meet the law and increase staffing at the COA.
Perry Costas from the COA board disagreed with the idea and suggested that the two positions need to be separate from each other and both should be filled immediately. Ms. Trierweiler confirmed she has spoken with the Boston College Department of Social Work and she had no response from someone who is a licensed social worker as well as a veteran.
Selectmen Murby stated that the Selectmen have not made any decisions but there is overlap in the populations serviced, former VSO Ron Griffin suggested there is a synergy with the COA outreach worker.
Mr. Morrill, resident, stated that the VSO Ron Griffin was extremely helpful to him as well as the Outreach workers and has allowed him to age in place and both of these positions are crucial to the Town.
Selectmen Peterson suggested since the COA was not welcoming of this idea that it might be more appropriate to talk to Youth Outreach to see if they would be interested.
Mr. Sullivan reminded the BOS that there are candidates that have applied for the position and we need to move forward on filling this position to meet our VSO obligations. Selectmen Murby suggested we have more discussions with the State about the inability to fill it with a full time position and ask for consideration of a part time VSO.
Selectmen will look into the other personnel requests including maintenance at the COA. There is a need for a consistent plan for all Town buildings and grounds.
Ron Griffin was present and asked the Selectmen to view the POW/MIA chair in the meeting room. Mr. Griffin gave a brief history of the chair and informed the Selectmen that it represented one less serviceman missing in action. LT Richard Horwitz was lost in the mountains over Northern Italy on 2/28/1945. The LT was from Canton and was buried in West Roxbury earlier today. Mr. Griffin asked that a moment of silence be had for Mr. Horwitz.
7:15 PM Facilities Director Jerry McCarty, Permanent Building Committee, Capital Budget Committee, Medfield Energy Committee
Jerry McCarty presented a twenty year capital that is a culmination of site inspections, information gathering, out sourced engineering. Plan examines existing conditions of items in need of repair and plan for anticipated fixing. Life cycle of items and replacement costs are included in the spreadsheets as part of the plan. One of the major take aways is the need for a roof replacement plan for town buildings.
PBC will be crucial to the next steps of the process which is to determine priority. Additional engineering work will need to be done at Dale Street School as most of the maintenance has been deferred resulting in major expense. Mr. McCarty explained that in prior towns where he has worked, the Facilities Department had a capital repair account to address these items in the capital plan as part of operational expenses every year. The PBC in those towns would weight and prioritize what would be accomplished each year. Without funding it is impossible to address the items in the plan and items that need emergency repairs.
Mr. Sullivan pointed out the plan was developed looking at the energy efficiency of projects as well. Mr. Alinsky, Chair of the Energy Committee, echoed Mike’s comments that the projects identified as part of Green Communities Act have been included in this plan including LED light replacement, building reconditioning, HVAC system upgrades, etc, all things that could tie into the use of the Green Community Funds. Committee is now looking out farther than a five year plan with the help of Mr. McCarty. Mr. McCarty pointed out an example of a GCA project would be the middle school water heater which is at the end of its lifecycle. Town could look for reimbursement on that project through the GCA.
Selectmen Peterson asked for comments from the Board of Selectmen:
Selectmen Murby
Concerned when reading the executive summary but reading of the report was a great explanation of why the costs of the plan seem so high. Report is tremendously detailed but concerned there are still some items that need more information. Selectmen Murby would like to see what other funding is available from existing budgets to cover some of the capital expenses. Need to identify the difference between routine maintenance and the capital projects. Projects should not all fall to Facilities Manager; some responsibility lays with other departments and the department heads. Selectmen Murby questioned that Public Safety, DPW, Dwight Derby and the WWTP are not in the plan yet.
Mr. McCarty will be adding those assets to the plan. They are newer assets and didn’t require the research for the older buildings. Facilities budgets have been consolidated, if COA has a building maintenance issue she calls the Facilities Department to handle it. A facilities maintenance person has also been hired to manage the daily routine maintenance items. The budget is new this year and is closely being tracked.
Selectmen discussed setting up a reserve account or stabilization funds to allow the PBC and Mr. McCarty to expend throughout the year on some of these projects that can’t wait for ATM approval every year. Selectmen Murby asked Mr. McCarty to continue to work on the report and refine the capital request amounts so that we can look at them for the Annual Town Meeting. Mr. McCarty agreed while pointing out that the requests will be “school heavy” as they are the biggest buildings in town that are used the most. You can anticipate a 60/40 split in terms of repairs/expenses between school and town buildings.
Mike Quinlan, Chair of PBC stated that is so valuable and Mr. McCarty should be commended on the report. This report reflects years and years of deferred maintenance. This isn’t an issue ready to be solved in April. Town needs to start having conversations about how best to address the issue, add in the other assets and develop a capital funding plan. Selectmen Murby agreed but didn’t want to not address some of these issues in April. An ongoing plan of how to address all the issues will need to be developed.
Selectmen Marcucci cautioned this plan can’t be looked at in isolation. This year’s town meeting will need to look at OPEB, pensions, pavement management, fleet management all together. Should the town be breaking it down into 5, 10 and 15 year segments for funding? Town needs to examine best way to fund all of these issues in terms of bonding, capital expenditures, and map out the lean years where the town can fund more projects. The capital budget committee could be a year round committee working with the PBC as we develop building capital projects and non-building capital projects.
Board of Selectmen thanked everyone for attending the meeting and thanked Jerry McCarty for all his work on this plan.
CITIZEN COMMENT
None
ACTION ITEMS
Mike Quinlan Chairman, Permanent Building Committee
Requests Selectmen’s review of proposed draft charter for Permanent Building Committee
Committee is currently ad hoc without formal governing principles. Committee is looking for approval to have this Charter incorporated into the town bylaws, in order to have a structure so that it memorializes the process. Selectmen have seen this draft before so seeking comments and direction at this point. If the Selectmen approve, it will go to bylaw committee, town counsel and final draft to Town Meeting.
Selectmen Murby asked for clarification on several items
Selectmen Murby suggested it is okay to appoint non taxpayers whom are willing to serve if they have expertise. Suggested the Committee should have staggered terms of three years versus five years. A flow chart for how the process works may be helpful.
Mr. Quinlan stated the first is to create a formal process of how departments work with the PPBC and Jerry McCarty. If the structure is in the bylaws then Committee can develop policy on process.
Selectmen Marcucci suggested that town employees not be included on this committee. Facilities master plan should be defined as to when updates will occur. Goal is to make it clear in the bylaws that the PPBC is the gate keeper of these projects. A proposed change to Section 1.12 is that it should be filed with the BOS and then referred to the PBC by the BOS.
Selectmen Peterson stated concerns those departments such as the COA says they have their own money for projects but it is a town asset and would like ensure they follow this process. Also, some concerns that some of the recently constructed buildings are starting to need work after only eight years.
Selectmen opened to questions from the audience:
Bill Massaro, Longmeadow Road
Cited concerns that the facilities plan should include MS as they are town owned buildings and repairs are being done. Mike Quinlan suggested once an actual plan for MSH is in place and if they are Town owned facilities then yes they would be Town assets then the PPBC would be overseeing the capital projects related to them.
Selectmen Murby discussed at this point the only building that PPBC should be looking at is the chapel building as it is still the only building that has a plan for the future.
Mike Quinlan thanked the BOS for their time, will incorporate the comments and contact the bylaw review committee for their input.
Rockwood Lane
Town Counsel Mark Cerel requests the Selectmen vote to authorize action regarding encroachment issue within Rockwood Lane.
Selectmen Marcucci went to view the Rockwood Lane basketball hoop, and feels it is in the discretion of the BOS, there is a curb cut that was not approved. There doesn’t seem to be an issue, if there is any damage the homeowners would be liable for the damage. Issue appears to be the equivalent to mail boxes. The benefit of living in a small town is the BOS can make accommodations like this for residents and would favor not asking them to remove it.
Selectmen Murby was concerned permission was not requested to put this in the right of way. Citizens can’t just do what they want on town property and requested the homeowners come speak to the BOS to discuss further. It would appear to be a bad precedent for the Board to set if there is damage to Town property.
Selectmen discussed the possibility for a policy or license agreement that would address liability, accidents, property damage, insurance etc. It could be the neighbors need to have an agreement with each other regarding the roadway. Homeowners will be invited in to discuss the issue.
Director Public Works Maurice Goulet requests the Selectmen vote to sign:
Chapter 90–Final Report (1) Resurfacing Green Street, $176,794.72
(2) Resurfacing North Meadows Road $973,773.15
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the Chapter 90 as requested by Maurice Goulet, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Maurice Goulet requested the BOS sign a contract with Environmental Partners Group, for landfill monitoring, $30,600.00
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the contract for landfill monitoring as requested by Maurice Goulet, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Maurice Goulet requested the BOS sign a contract with Eastern Minerals for joint purchase of road salt for 2017-18 to the following: CC $45.20, Solar $45.20 and Treated Salt $62.20
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the contract for joint purchase of road salt as requested by Maurice Goulet, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
Town Administrator Merit
Selectmen discussed the process for the Town Administrator merit and the need for a formal evaluation. Ms. Trierweiler reported that a new process will be in place for the following fiscal year. Selectmen Peterson cited concerns that a formal process should be adopted and the BOS are not fulfilling their responsibilities to evaluate the Town Administrator. Goals for the coming year will need to be decided and work with the Annual Calendar is one of those main goals. Selectmen will review the process as proposed and discuss at the next meeting.
Pending Items
Selectman Murby discussed a draft letter in support of cultural uses at MSH. Selectmen agreed letter was fine and Selectmen Peterson will sign.
Selectman Murby discussed updated status of Town Goals. The plan would be to continue to update the goals with the edits that have been received; at this point they are being tracked in one document. Selectmen discussed new edits to be made to the capital maintenance section. Edits identified will be made and Ms. Trierweiler will send out via email to everyone. If additional edits are necessary please send to Ms. Trierweiler before the next meeting.
Annual appointment discussion will be deferred to the next meeting.
Selectmen continued the discussion of the Veterans Service Officer. Retired VSO Ron Griffin stated his concern that for twelve weeks the Town has not named a replacement. Selectmen Murby stated that Town is trying and has tried to locate a district to join, or create shared positions in the Assessors Department and the Council on Aging. The Town is trying to make this work for everyone. It will be discussed at the next meeting.
LICENSES AND PERMITS (CONSENT AGENDA)
Medfield Garden Club requests permission to post signs advertising the annual Greens Sale to take place December 2. Signs in place November 26 to December 2
Matt Triest requests a one-day permit for November 8 event from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at his shop Be Charmed located at 70 North Street
Katie Walsh requests a one-day permit for Holiday Season event at her shop CAPSULE 70 North Street to take place on November 2 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Resident Tom Marie requests permission for sign posting advertising high school boys sign-up for a 3 v 3 tournament on Friday November 10 (added item)
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Mr. Sullivan presented an update on the meeting in Millis regarding the bridge repairs at Bridge Street and Route 109. Maurice Goulet met with the Millis Town Administrator as well as local delegation to discuss the cost sharing arrangement.
Ms. Trierweiler updated the Selectmen on the site visit for 93-95 North Street.
MINUTES
September 19, 2017
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to accept the minutes of September 19, 2017 seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
Selectmen Marcucci asked Mark Cerel to investigate an MOU for LIP projects including the terms and agreements of the BOS support for a project. The AHT is currently working with several local developers interested in presenting LIP projects to the state. Selectmen Marcucci would like to have draft in place for the December Affordable Housing Trust Board meeting.
Selectmen Marcucci is also working with Chief Meaney on the closing Main Street for the Holiday Stroll. Chief Meaney is working with MEMO to come up with a plan to make the street and event safer for everyone. Chief will update the Board when a plan is in place.
Selectmen Murby provided and update on the ALS study committee. Committee is making progress and optimistic not zero cost to the Town but less than what we originally thought. Committee is meeting with stakeholders including the Medical Review Officer for the Town.
Selectmen Murby attended the annual Board of Selectmen conference and would like to look into and adopt the remote participation statute if possible. Public Records Law is going to continue to be an issue for Town.
Selectmen Peterson also attended the fall BOS meeting and the Mass Municipal Association did a nice job putting the meeting on and the presenters all provided everyone with good discussions.
INFORMATIONAL
Mark Cerel is addressing on Thursday, issue has been going on for months, lack of response, no approvals, has to be something done. Residents will not address and have missed the first two hearings.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:45PM, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
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Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 7:00PM
Chenery Hall
Minutes
Present: Osler Peterson, Michael Marcucci, Selectmen Murby, Michael J. Sullivan, Town Counsel Mark Cerel
Meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00PM. Chairman announced the meeting was being recorded. Chairman asked for a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the World. Selectmen extended their condolences to the victims of New York City and Sutherland Springs Texas.
Mike Sullivan asked the Board of Selectmen to acknowledge that Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11, 2017. There is no Veteran’s Day Breakfast this year.
Chairman announced that there will be an executive session at the conclusion of the meeting to discuss pending land acquisition and pending litigation.
Citizen Comment
Ms. Reed was present to discuss an issue under Citizen Comment portion of our agenda. Ms. Reed wanted to briefly follow up on application and intention to serve on Board of Health. Ms. Reed sent a letter to Mr. Sullivan requesting appointment Ms. Reed is asking for consideration to serve on the BOH as an appointed member.
Selectmen discussed the size of the Board of Health: 3 vs 5 members. The BOH has indicated they are looking for someone with engineering and/or septic background to fill the vacant third spot. Selectmen will discuss the issue with the Board of Health.
Action Items
Board of Selectmen asked to ratify Animal Control Officers order regarding constraint of dangerous dog at 12 Adams Street.
Mark Cerel stated that there is a tenant in an apartment on Adams Street that has a pit bull, owned by her father in Marshfield, there have been two issues with the dog in Marshfield. It has been here since September and the incidents include a dog killed in Marshfield and a person bit in Pembroke. The dog owner from Marshfield would like Medfield to handle. The owner is leaving Medfield with the dog at the end of November and is agreeable to conditions imposed by the ACO. The other towns have not taken action, State Department of Agriculture does not have jurisdiction but have also weighed in. The letter is an order of the board and the dog will be gone at end of November. If order is violated before then, I would advise a dangerous dog hearing. No incidents in Medfield. The letter was written into the record. Chief Meaney stated that the dog will be licensed per the Animal Control Officer and the owner. The owner has been very receptive to working with the ACO, it is behind three locked doors, muzzled on a leash. Owner has agreed to terms of the letter.
Vote: Motion to adopt the Letter of the Animal Control Officer as read by Selectmen Marcucci as an order of the Board of Selectmen, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
DPW Director Maurice Goulet requests the Selectmen vote to sign Chapter 90 Forms as follows:
Reimbursement Request for Main and North Street paving, amount $257.837.26
Final Report for project Main and North Street paving $295,861.69
Final Report for FY17 Street Resurfacing $210,404.45
Maurice Goulet stated this is a request for the final reimbursement for North Street and two final reports for the projects.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to authorize the Reimbursement Request for Main and North Street paving, amount $257.837.26 and accept Final Report for project Main and North Street paving $295,861.69 and Final Report for FY17 Street Resurfacing $210,404.45, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.
John Naff, Building Commissioner requests the Selectmen vote to appoint Donald J. Colangelo as an additional alternate Building Inspector. Also requests the Selectmen vote to appoint William A. Cooke Jr. as additional alternate Wiring Inspector.
John Naff stated that alternative inspectors from Medway and Westwood are getting busy. We need to bring in more alternates to cover the work here; both local people and can help cover the inspections.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to appoint Donald J. Colangelo as an additional alternate Building Inspector and to appoint William A. Cooke Jr. as additional alternate Wiring Inspector, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote is unanimous.
Board of Selectmen received a letter of resignation received from Rebecca Erlichman, Associate member of the ZBA. Sarah Raposa stated that additional associates have been appointed as the resignation was in September. This letter serves to formally acknowledge her resignation.
Ms. Trierweiler requests the Selectmen vote to sign the Local Initiative Project application for Robert Borelli’s affordable housing development at 71 North Street. Mr. Sullivan explained it is located on North Street next to the current development at Jacob Cushman Project. Selectmen Murby stated there have been no negative discussions about this project. This will provide eight of 21 units necessary for second year of safe harbor under the Town’s Affordable Housing Production Plan.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the Local Initiative Project application for Robert Borelli’s affordable housing development at 71 North Street, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
Selectmen Peterson asked about the project at 93-95 North Street as he is receiving multiple inquiries and letters from abutters. Selectmen Marcucci updated the board that that the item was not on the agenda for the AHT or the BOS tonight, not aware that they are requesting money for the project, and no revisions to the plan have been submitted to the AHT. The AHT and the AHC will both be involved and are currently laying out a formalized process for LIP projects as well as projects looking for funding from AHT.
Appointments
FY2019 Budget meeting /Warrant Committee/Town Departments Boards/Commissions
Chairman Tom Marie gave the opening remarks from the Warrant Committee. He cautioned that while the Revenues and expenses are being closely monitored the services and community expectations are ever changing. The Town is tasked with meeting those changing services with a 62-63 million dollar budget. Local aid is not increasing even though Massachusetts economy is performing well.
Town has major projects on horizon: MSH, OPEB, Norfolk County Retirement, Park and Rec facility, Dale Street School, Iron and Manganese Facility, Expansion of COA Respite Care, Burying Utility Lines, Collective Bargaining for Fire fighters and Teachers, ALS, ongoing 40B, Lot 3, Master Plan, deferred maintenance/Capital Plan, as well as rising Health Insurance costs.
Warrant Committee is asking all departments to be waste adverse and very conservative. Departments will be asked to fully justify the need to add any full time staff. This year the Warrant Committee is diving deeper into historical analysis for budgeting. In recent years we have funded our greatest asset the Medfield Schools at the expense of other departments. This may compromise services from other departments.
The Warrant Committee is the watchdog for the taxpayer, we want long range revenue and expenditure forecasts. In the past we have held the line and we have avoided prop 2 ½ overrides. The Warrant Committee thanked all the department heads for a workshop where the agenda was to discuss cost savings and efficiencies. The Warrant Committee looks forward to working with departments over the next few months as we develop a budget.
Chairman Peterson asked for questions from the Board of Selectmen:
Selectman Marcucci
Concerns about funding OPEB and employee costs, in the past it was not attributed to a particular department. We have made a small dent in existing liability but nothing towards future liability. Have you thought about moving it to each department so the full cost of hiring employees is included in that budget? OPEB and health insurance costs should be moved to individual budgets.
Mr. Marie stated that has not been considered at this point, but Committee will talk about it. Selectmen Marcucci suggested feathering it into the budgets. The OPEB deficit reflects this as a promise of benefit to our employees. We should be paying for our benefits to employees as we go.
Selectmen Murby agreed that there is a need to decide how we are going to recognize the full impact of hiring someone. We recognize the current cost in salary, we recognize current benefit cost in terms of paid time off, but we don’t look at long term financial obligation. Retiree health insurance for active employees is the long term commitment. There are issues with how to recognize the long term implications, that can’t easily be recognized from actuarial factors, and then be budgeted. The OPEB Trust Fund is looking at how to manage the trust as well as all the these challenges; we should have a briefing by December for the Board of Selectmen.
Selectmen Peterson suggested another long term budget issue will be the building survey completed by the Facilities Manager, Jerry McCarty. This plan indicated tens of millions of dollars of deferred maintenance that can’t be ignored.
Mr. Sullivan said the unfunded pension liability is also an issue for the Town including Norfolk County and Mass Teachers Retirement. He discussed the long term impacts to local, state and federal budgets. It is an issue that the country needs to address not just Medfield.
Selectmen Murby believes Medfield is in relatively better shape than any other town in the state, not that we don’t have a problem but we have done things to address this, and Medfield’s health care obligation percentage is lower than most towns. Selectmen Murby addressed how the actuaries arrive at their numbers and how it impacts their calculations.
Selectmen Marcucci suggested the Warrant Committee a look at long term planning as it relates to the capital planning. The Town has to address the 20 year capital plan and cannot do that by funding a $350,000 capital budget each year. It may require an update to the scope of the capital budget committee.
Mr. Sullivan reviewed the preliminary articles for the Annual Town Meeting for 2018. Submission of warrant articles and budgets should be received by December 1, 2017. Warrant will close mid-January but any articles requiring legal review need to be submitted ASAP. If articles are not submitted by the deadline they will not be included in the warrant this year.
Mr. Sullivan reviewed the tax rate estimate that showed the Town’s debt is being financed from Free Cash. The amount of free cash used every year is increasing and we are headed for trouble if we continue at this rate. There is significant additional debt that is being discussed tonight.
Selectmen Peterson strongly suggested the Town adopt financial policies as recommended by the Mass Municipal Association.
Board of Water and Sewerage and Maurice Goulet, DPW Director
Bill Harvey, Chairman of Water and Sewerage, have finished the rate setting process, a little later than would have liked, but have a process in place for going forward. Need to look at the expenses and capital plans with rigor and to develop rate setting process that takes several months to complete. Have to keep in mind that this process requires public meetings before the rates are set and the rates are supposed to be set in April in order for that to happen. Need to get information on operating expenses many weeks earlier than we have been able to get them from the Town in order to complete the models for rate setting. Board wants to look several years ahead in terms of rate setting. Starting this week the Water and Sewer Board is working to get this process back on track for the timeline to happen.
Selectmen Marcucci asked what else was needed for rate setting right now. Bill Harvey stated that in looking at the timeline the Board needs to review the capital projects. Maurice stated that information would be available at the next meeting. Bill Harvey stated they need the analysis of the debt to complete the process.
Michael Sullivan stated that the Assistant Town Accountant has developed a model for the Water and Sewerage Board to look at for this collaboration. Bill Harvey said we know what we need to do; we just need to do the tasks sooner than we have doing.
Mr. Harvey discussed the Iron Manganese capital project which is a much larger project than the Board has done in the past ten years. Project has evolved into something larger than originally anticipated in both design. Board is still trying to understand if it is a 2 million project or a 12 million dollar project. Board is looking at alternatives to treating the worst well in the system and maybe another source is available by utilizing test wells that are currently being explored.
Mr. Harvey also discussed the repainting project for MT Nebo Water Tower. Work on Nebo was delayed due to the construction of the State Hospital Water Tower. Results of the tests on MT. Nebo to determine costs are expected shortly. A warranty item, the static mixer, will also be addressed at the time of painting. Board is discussing the need for an engineer to write the specifications for the work at the water tower. Estimate of one million dollars would covers the painting inside and outside of the tank, but inspections will determine if the inside needs to be definitively painted.
Selectmen discussed further the timeline for rate setting. Board has all the information necessary but is still looking at the amount of water sold, questions have arisen that the Board has sold a lot less water this cycle due to the weather patterns. Revenue is being examined to determine if there is a shortfall based on the initial projections. Bills were issued in November and the analysis is available from the Water Department and will be reviewed at the next Water and Sewer Board Meeting. Maurice will prepare a draft operating budget by the December Water and Sewer Board Meeting as well as the Warrant Articles: Mt. Nebo and Iron Manganese Engineering/Design. Water and Sewer Board will work with the Warrant Committee on setting up meetings between the two groups. Mr. Harvey will notify the Selectmen
Selectmen Murby questioned the timing of the rate increase for 2018. Concerned that in the past billing cycle rates were increased just before the billing. The process as laid out and presented tonight, will it be a problem to meet any milestones? Mr. Goulet stated that the Board is meeting more often and it should be fine. Mr. Violette stated the iron manganese plant estimates made it hard to predict how the rates should be effected which contributed to the delay in setting the rates. Mr. Harvey agreed that the questions surrounding the iron manganese issue did delay the project but going forward that should be easier to address with the new research that is happening now.
Christian Carpenter recognizes that the town departments involved have other departments to work with as well but with the Board finding it difficult to meet missing a deadline could make it hard for Water and Sewer to meet the deadlines as it could push off things for an additional month. Selectmen discussed the process has to work as laid out or it needs to change.
Mr. Harvey updated the Selectmen on the last item he wished to address. The Water and Sewer Board is updating the rules and regulations. Haven’t been updated since 1995, and they should be available to the public on the website. The fees that are charged and process should be updated as well.
Selectmen Peterson appreciated Mr. Peligian’s spreadsheet on the rate setting process and the variable tool. Is it being used by the Town? Mr. Harvey stated that the tool that Mr. Peligian designed would utilize a 20 year look ahead for the rate structure. It was very advanced and no one here could take it on as a user. The Town is using a five year model that was designed by Mr. Violette which simplified the tool for the town. Mr. Violette said no matter the tool the revenue is always a guess because they are weather dependent.
Selectmen requested notification if the timeline is not being reasonably met for whatever reason.
Action Items
BOS asked to sign the SERSG contract for DOT Drug Testing
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the contract for the SERSG DOT drug testing, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
BOS asked to review RFP for facilitation services
Selectmen discussed having Steve Nolan review the request at the next state hospital meeting for further clarification. It will be brought back at a later date.
BOS asked to sign license agreement with Draper Labs for use at the MSH property
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the license agreement for Draper Labs, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
BOS asked to award contract for HubTech for risk assessment project in the amount of $15,000 for town’s systems. Selectmen Murby spoke with Ms. Trierweiler who has stated that there are two hacks at the town Hall including the lighting system at the Public Safety building. A second phase will be for the training and protocol system on an ongoing basis.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the contract subject to Mark Cerel’s review and approval, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
Warrant Committee requests the BOS appoint Abby Marble to the Warrant Committee.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to appoint Abby Marble to the Warrant Committee, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
Board of Selectmen requested to open the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to open the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
PENDING ITEMS
Town Administrator Evaluation
Ms. Trierweiler circulated a form that she recommended be used for the evaluation. Selectmen Peterson distributed items that were collected at MMA meetings for review as well. Both process start with asking the Town Administrator for his goals and self-evaluation. Selectmen Murby suggested that the process going forward should be a set of new goals.
Selectmen discussed with Mark Cerel the laws regarding an evaluation of an employee’s performance in open or closed session. Selectmen Murby had concerns about violations of basic human resources principles. There were no formal goals set for the current year, so Mike will work on listing of accomplishments that occurred over the past years.
Selectmen Peterson would like to see the Annual Calendar put in place so that there is predictability for the residents. During the summer after the town meeting the Selectmen and the Town Administrator should be establishing goals for the coming fiscal year.
Selectmen Marcucci agrees time to set goals is after the Town Meeting and then review at the end of the year. Mr. Sullivan has been here 42 years and there has never been a process for his evaluation. Difficult to retrofit a process for someone with that tenure, instead develop a new process for the next Town Administrator.
Mr. Sullivan will give an update on accomplishments for the prior year and the goals for the next six months. Selectmen Murby credited Mike for his service and stated that may not be reflected in a one year project goal but is an ongoing asset for the Town.
Town Wide Goals
Discussion will be continued to next meeting.
Rockwood Lane Basketball Hoop
Selectmen discussed the Selectmen’s authority to allow this type of diversion of public property to private use. Mr. Cerel stated limited authority and can be done under a licensing agreement. The hoop has been installed on town land so Mr. Sullivan questioned the liability for the Town and injuries to people walking in the cul de sac. Selectmen Marcucci asked if the Town has inventoried all incidents of this throughout Town.
Selectmen Murby was concerned a private contractor installed the basketball hoop and made adjustments to the Medfield roadway. His concerns included snow plow operations, dog walkers, safety issues that could arise from this location. Would the Town allow this on the front lawn of someone who doesn’t live in a cul de sac or if one neighborhood puts it up in another neighborhood?
Selectmen Marcucci would like to see a policy in place for a situation like this that is communicated to all residents. It is a discretionary act by the Selectmen, and the Town would be able to recover any cost of damage to town property from the homeowners.
Mr. Cerel has drafted a license agreement and advises that this situation is not allowed unilaterally and should be decided on a case by case basis. Selectmen Peterson suggested that a better location would have been on their own property would have been a better location and is concerned about what precedent this will set. Selectmen Marcucci discussed the need to identify all the areas in Town that this has occurred if we are not going to allow this one on Rockwood.
Vote: Selectmen Murby made a motion to notify the owners of the Rockwood Lane Basketball Hoop and advise them it needs to be removed as it was not authorized by the Town, seconded by Selectmen Peterson, opposed by Selectmen Marcucci. Vote was 2-1.
Selectmen Marcucci asked Mr. Sullivan to have an inventory of all Town Owned property where this type of situation has occurred as well as an update on all laws not being followed in Medfield including the speeding laws. Selectmen continued a discussion regarding the necessity of a policy to allow this type of installation to occur.
Veterans Service Officer
Dawn Alcott sent an email to the Selectmen she is interested in taking on the VSO position in her department. Mr. Sullivan has been in contact with Ron Griffin and there is the potential but needs a few weeks to finalize discussions. It would allow the Town to share a full time VSO with another Town.
Annual Appointments
Ms. Trierweiler asked that voting on the Annual Appointments be held until the next meeting when she would be present. Selectmen Murby has spoken with Ms. Trierweiler and has sorted, identified and listed the committees that the Selectmen are responsible for appointing. There are over 100 appointed positions and boards in Town. The SWAP collaborative can be removed from the listing and the MSH development Committee should be added to the grouping.
Selectmen Marcucci asked to discuss the MSH Master Planning Committee. It was brought to his attention that Mr. Costello is the listing agent for the 40B Larkin Brothers development on Hospital Road that has been rebranded as Chapel Hill Landing and uses the Lee Chapel in the branding materials. Selectmen Marcucci met with Mr. Costello as well as the MSH Committee and discussed conflict of interest concerns. It was not disclosed to the Selectmen or the MSH Committee and could color the work of the MSH Master Planning Committee.
Committee discussed the timing of the reappointment and the impact. Selectmen Peterson was obligated to talk to the State Ethics Committee for his own property being close to Lot 3. After thinking about it has determined what happens at MSH will have an economic impact on Chapel Hill Landing.
Selectmen Murby appreciates the work that Mr. Costello has done on projects in Town but in this case it appears to be a conflict of interest. At this time we need convey it to Mr. Costello that he is not being reappointed. Mr. Cerel discussed the process of asking the Ethics Commission for an opinion on this situation as well as an opinion on doing any work on the MSH ground going forward. Selectmen Marcucci will contact Mr. Costello and notify him that while no vote has been taken, what the sentiment of the Selectmen is after tonight’s discussion.
Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda)
Medfield Music Association requests permission to post signs for the following 2017/2018 school year:
Spaghetti with Santa and Guests: Wednesday, December 8, 2017
Ithaca A Cappella Night: Tuesday, January 19, 2018
Jazz Night: Friday, May 4, 2018
Lions Club Member Barbara Gips requests a one-day wine and malt permit for the Holiday Luncheon for Seniors on Sunday, December 10, 2017 Noon to 2:00 PM at the Legion.
William Pope, Exec Director of the Zullo Gallery request a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for live music event Friday November 17. In addition, he requests one-day wine and malt beverage permits for First Thursdays January through June 2018.
Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.
Selectmen’s Report
Selectmen Marcucci presented the Affordable Housing Trust tracking sheet for potential projects with the AHT. Jim Brand has put it together for the Board and it shows approved projects, items being discussed etc. Next application will be a LIP for 90 North Meadows Road on property with Goddard School. In December the AHT will talk with Lifeworks about a group home proposal in Town. The Trust has recommended $25,000 be expended by the Trust for work related to the expansion of Tilden Village legal review. The timeline for Tilden proposal is most likely two years out.
Currently there are no developments in Town that are impacted by the new bylaw for inclusionary zoning. Selectmen discussed the LCB proposal and the impact on the 40B count for Medfield. Mr. Sullivan discussed statewide zoning changes that are being proposed that could impact Medfield as well.
Selectmen Murby thanked Medfield TV for all of their work. The Selectmen were not able to attend Mr. Centore’s housing presentation at the COA but Selectmen Murby was able to watch it on the Cable 8 Channel and proposed that the Selectmen hold a hearing at the BOS to clarify information and update seniors regarding senior housing and the Medfield State Hospital. Selectmen Murby will work with Ms. Lynch to get a date for a hearing in the afternoon. Selectmen discussed senior housing options: rental vs ownership, floor plans etc.
Selectmen Peterson attended new committee meeting for the Coalition for Suicide Prevention. Interface is a new referral service provided by the Schools and the Police. All Town residents are eligible for the service. Interface is not a crisis team but a referral service.
Lot 3 Discussion
Selectmen Peterson recused himself from the Lot 3 Discussion and moved to the audience.
Selectmen Marcucci asked to discuss Lot 3 with the impending deadline of Warrant Articles. Selectmen Marcucci and Selectmen Murby agreed to talk about the procedure for handling Lot 3 since there is a difference of opinion between them.
Selectmen Murby is on record that commercial development is the appropriate use for Lot 3. Hinkley should be utilized for Hinkley Farm Property. MSH Committee plan for 16 units on the site is a good and a good project for the AHT to delve into community housing. On the other side of the designated wetlands there is another buildable lot on the property that the MSH Committee should be addressing. It is an asset that needs to be included in the discussions. Senior housing format is not an issue on this lot.
Selectmen Murby indicated that Town Meeting has already voted on Lot 3 to sell/lease the property for commercial purposes so no reason to include a warrant article on the 2018 Annual Town Meeting. Selectmen Murby cited the need to diversify the tax base and Icehouse Road has no neighborhood issues and there is a demand for a Fore Kicks type facility. There has been commercial interest in the property. Parks and Recreation are discussing an indoor turf field which is complicated process when there is a commercial developer that is already interested. Kingsbury Club is interested in developing it himself or subleasing the property to get the project completed.
Selectmen Marcucci agrees with Selectmen Murby that it never made sense to transfer Lot 3 to the MSH Committee. The MSHMPC consultant has analyzed the property and a senior housing project is more marketable than a commercial development. It satisfies a Town Goal in providing much needed senior housing, synergy with the Hinkley Property and at a low cost to the Town it addresses the 40B. No reason to rezone Lot 3, but an RFP that could be a proposal for senior housing or could propose the commercial project.
Selectmen Murby discussed conversations with Ms. McCabe, MSH Consultant, regarding her analysis on Lot 3 and what was dictated by the MSH Committee. In 1995 the taxpayers were told the Town was buying these three lots to keep commercial/industrial property in Town. In 2014 the taxpayers voted to proceed with the commercial proposal for the site. The BOS less than a year later referred the property to the MSH Committee. Lot 3 is suitable for a scaled down Fore Kicks facility as an extension of Kingsbury Club.
Selectmen Marcucci agreed with the history of the site as discussed. The RFP could be issued with actual proposals on the revenue, which then the Selectmen could review for the tax benefits vs impact on services. An RFP could be a compromise between the two positions.
Selectmen discussed what the senior population is really looking for in terms of housing and where that should be located: Lot 3 or Downtown. Selectmen Murby doesn’t want to draw housing away from Lot 3 or take commercial property away. Dale Street redevelopment could be an impact to this process as well.
Selectmen discussed the procedure for issuing an RFP and additional votes necessary from a Special Town Meeting in order to utilize the site for senior housing. Selectmen would prefer to enter Town Meeting on a unified front.
Mr. Casey, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, did an RFI in 2014. There were three proposals received in 2014: two senior housing and one Fore Kick type facility. MSHMPC is looking at senior housing due to the location of the CENTER at Medfield. Selectmen discussed the location so far outside of Town may not be the best place for seniors. Mr. Casey asked if the mix of uses at the MSH site would influence the decision for Lot 3. There is commercial space called for at MSH including assisted living and office space. Selectmen discussed other catalyst opportunities and Ms. McCabe’s reluctance for commercial space at MSH. Selectmen discussed the demand for a Fore Kicks facility and the indication from voters that they are interested in that type of facility.
Selectmen were in agreement for an article for Hinkley Property. The TM Article/RFP can include what the contribution could be from the AHT. Selectmen Marcucci will work with COG on drafting the article for Town Meeting.
Selectmen Marcucci opposed rezoning for Lot 3 as it could be done as a Comprehensive Permit. Mr. Cerel confirmed that 2014 Town Meeting Article allowed for a ground lease to a private developer for 99 years.
Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing land acquisition, as having those discussions in open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s Position. Selectmen will not resume in open session. Selectmen Marcucci asked for a roll call vote:
Selectmen Murby—Yes
Selectmen Peterson—YES
Selectmen Marcucci—Yes
Comments Off on BoS from 10/17/17 & 11/7/17
Posted in Select Board matters
Lyme Disease Study Committee: Medfield deer hunt costs town $1500 to cull 30 deer, or $50 per deer, versus state deer hunt at Blue Hill which cost nearly $300,000 in 2015 and 2016, translating to a cost of at least $2,200 per deer. Medfield’s annual number of deer/vehicle crashes continues the decline that started with onset of the deer hunt eight years ago. The committee’s primary goal is to reduce the incidence of ticks, with one secondary goal being to reduce the adverse effects on our forests from the over grazing by too many deer.
Comments Off on 5/8 BoS minutes
Posted in Animals, Select Board matters, Wildlife Management & Lyme disease
Agenda and informational materials for the Board of Selectmen meeting on May 22 – 20180522-agenda & information
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Posted in Medfield Rail Trail, Police Department, Select Board matters
Evelyn circulated this clarifying vote this afternoon for this evening’s meeting, that will make the June 11 ballot questions somewhat clearer –
WHEREAS, voters at the 2018 Annual Town Meeting held on April 30 and May
1 voted to approve five (5) articles: Articles #43, 45, 16, 14 and 13, each subject to
passage of an override question pursuant to one or another paragraph of G.L. Ch. 59, Section 21 C, so-called Proposition 2 1/2, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Selectmen held a meeting on May 3, 2018 and voted
to place the five Proposition 2 1/2 override questions on a ballot and to hold a special election on June 11, 2018, and
WHEREAS, Proposition 2 1/2 mandates the form of each ballot question and
limits the information which can be contained therein, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Selectmen desires to provide guidance to future
members of its Board, as well as other Town officials involved with managing the Town’s finances,
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Selectmen does hereby clarify and ratify its
May 3, 2018 vote placing five (5) override questions on the ballot for a special election to be held on June 11, 2018 as follows:
Ballot Question #1 relates to vote on 2018 ATM Article #43 and constitutes a dedicated permanent operational override to fund a capital stabilization fund specified in the article, as provided on G.L. Ch. 59, Section 21C, Par. g.
Ballot Question #2 relates to vote on 2018 ATM Article #45 and constitutes a
permanent operational override to increase school and departmental operating
budgets specified in the article, as provided in G.L. Ch. 59, Section 21 C, Par. g.
Ballot Question #3 relates to vote on 2018 Article #16 and constitutes a permanent operational override to provide funding for the provision of Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, as specified in the article, as provided in G.L. Ch. 59, Section 21 C, Par. g.
Ballot Question #4 relates to vote on 2018 ATM Article #14 and constitutes a one-year capital outlay override to fund a feasibility study for a new park and recreation facility, as specified in the article, as provided in G.L. Ch. 59, Section 21 C, Par. i 1/2.
Ballot Question #5 relates to vote on 2018 ATM Article #13 and constitutes a one-year capital outlay override to fund the preparation of a town wide master plan, as specified in the article, as provided in G.L. Ch. 59, Section 21C, par. i 1/2.
So-Voted this 8th day of May, 2018.
Medfield Board of Selectmen
Michael T. Marcucci, Chair
Gustave Murby, Clerk
Osler L. Peterson, Member
2
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Posted in Budgets, Elections, Select Board matters, Town Meeting
Medfield Select Board member
I started this blog to share the interesting and useful information that I saw while doing my job as a Medfield select board member. I thought that my fellow Medfield residents would also find that information interesting and useful as well. This blog is my effort to assist in creating a system to push the information out from the Town House to residents. Let me know if you have any thoughts on how it can be done better.
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