Category Archives: Select Board matters

Selectmen discuss senior housing 12/7

Posted on November 11, 2017 | Comments Off on Selectmen discuss senior housing 12/7

COOA's Center_and_sign

Selectmen will meet from 4-7 PM, Thursday, December 7 at The Center to Discuss Senior Housing

The Board of Selectmen will hold a special meeting to address the issue of housing for seniors in Town of Medfield.  All are welcome to attend.

 

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Posted in Affordable housing / 40B, Council on Aging, Planning, Select Board matters

BoS record late ending

Posted on November 8, 2017 | Comments Off on BoS record late ending

Late meeting last night.  Even missed watching the 11PM news with dinner.

clock 11 30.jgp

Budget meeting with Warrant Committee and department heads to hear about panoply of financial constraints on town that limit the operating budgets (unfunded OPEB obligations at $48m., unfunded pensions at $18m., deferred building maintenance at $42m.).  Budgets and any annual town meeting (ATM) warrant articles must be submitted this year by December 1 to be included, so as to give the Warrant Committee sufficient time to review.  Mike Sullivan’s preliminary budget requires the use of $1.2m. from free cash to balance, more than is desired.

Meeting with Water and Sewerage and town staff to confirm steps needed to get rates set in a timely manner, where the rates were not last year, when the committee did not get the data when it was needed.  W&S looking at capital projects:

  • painting and refurbishment of the Mt. Nebo water tower this year
  • possible new wells to secure future water supply,
  • possible treatment facility for wells behind Wheelock that contain iron and manganese.

Long discussions about

  • the basketball backboard installed on the town right of way on Rockwood,
  • form of the town administror’s evaluation,
  • getting the Board of Selectmen authority to dispose of Lot 3 on Ice House Road in case the upcoming special town meeting (STM) on the Medfield State Hospital development does not vote to accept the recommended development proposal – the 2014 ATM vote already gives the Board of Selectmen broad authority to dispose of Lot 3 for virtually anything, so no new authority is needed.
  • update from Affordable Housing Trust Committee on status of projects that will keep the town in our safe harbor

Then an executive session to discuss land acquisition, LCB, and pending legal matters.

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Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

BoS on 10/3

Posted on November 4, 2017 | 2 comments

BoS

My only correction to these draft minutes would be to note that the Board of Selectmen voted to support the idea of a cultural arts center at the former Medfield State Hospital site, if the finances worked.

Meeting Minutes October 3, 2017 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Peterson, Marcucci, Murby; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. Mr. Peterson offered sympathies to all involved with the horrific situation that happened in Las Vegas over the weekend. PARK AND RECREATION Present Mel Seibolt, Chairman, Director Kevin Ryder, Consultant Hunden Strategic Partners Consultant hired to do a programmatic needs study for a new recreational facility. The Pfaff Center was built in 1927 and no longer serves the Town's needs. The study confirms that Pfaff Center has several safety issues along with it not being functional. The consultant provided many slides to point out the community warrants space to house basketball courts, volleyball games, indoor turf field for soccer, multipurpose rooms for events such as exercise, dancing, child play area and space for a game room for teenage activities. A new facility would also provide storage rooms, a kitchen and the room to provide music and drama programs. The Pfaff Center has about 4,700 square feet; proposed new building would provide nearly 9,000 square feet of usable activity space plus a 15,000 sq ft gymnasium. Mr. Ryder talked about the increase in both revenue, fy14 $450,000 to $715,000 net in fy17 and attendance from about 600 to 1100. We lack in programs for middle and high school students; our programs are geared mostly to toddlers and up to grade 6. He went on to say that he has been contacted by sports clubs that would be very interested in rental agreements that would provide needed revenue to ease the costs of the new facility. A new building that incorporates all of the above mentioned space could cost up to $20 million, an amount that many taxpayers may not be willing to pay. Mr. Sullivan noted that the Town has $57M in debt; some tax bills are $11,000 and over; the School Department may be proposing a new school building in the near future. The largest challenge of building a new park and recreation facility is the cost. Selectman Murby remarked that perhaps there may be more creative ways to finance the building without having taxpayers bear the total cost. The Selectmen thanked Park and Recreation and their consultant for this informative presentation. DPW DIRECTOR MAURICE GOULET Mr. Goulet is present to update Selectmen on several projects: October 3, 2017 Page two Philip Street Bridge: the design has been submitted and waiting for MassDot to review and make comments. It will likely take about 16 weeks for the bridge to be fabricated so we are looking hopefully at completion and reopening the bridge in the spring. Route 109 paving: the paving project went very well. Highway Department, police and the contractor all worked very well together with minimal disruption to the Town. He appreciated the cooperation of residents and apologizes for any inconvenience. Selectman Marcucci said that completing the project in four nights was remarkable; overall the project was an A+. This paving should get us another ten years and then 109 will need to be rebuilt. Most likely this will be a state funded project under the TIP program. Pavement Management: as of now the contractor is taking measurements of all our roads. The department has been working to get the software installed that will give us information about our road conditions. He will have an update after the first of the year. Sidewalks: the new sidewalk on Metacomet is almost complete. DPW did most of the work with the help of a local contractor and it is turning out really well. A wonderful stone wall has been constructed at the corner of South Street and Metacomet; a few additional details to be completed. Note, a resident in the audience queried about a sidewalk in the Dale Street and Charlesdale Road area to which Mr. Goulet responded that there are some complications constructing that sidewalk but we will continue to look at it. Tree planting: DPW removed two trees in front of Montrose School that were making the sidewalk buckle. In all three new trees were planted by DPW. North Street Reconstruction: the Town has been trying to get this project on the TIP Program; however it seems that the state will not review for several years out. So we are faced with how to get the job done. We could use Town funds, work on the project in phases as money becomes available or somehow convince the state that it is a good project. Actually the culvert is the biggest expense. More discussion needs to take place at a later time. The Selectmen thanked Mr. Goulet for attending this evening. PROPOSED LIP PROJECT AT 93-95 NORfH STREET Developers David and Robert MacCready, Architect David Sharff and Attorney Russ Hallisey are present to make an initial project presentation to the Selectmen. Earlier this evening a presentation was made to the Affordable Housing Trust. A total of 14 rental units is proposed four of which will be affordable. All 14 units would count as affordable and would be included in the 21 housing units the Town needs per year to be in "safe harbor." There is an existing barn on the property and the plan is to relocate and October 3, 2017 Page three renovate the building to include two, two bedroom units and construct a new 10,000 square foot building for ten two bedroom apartments. There is also an existing two family house on the property that will be counted in the 14 proposed units. A 21 space parking lot is planned, plot size is .8 acre. The developer proposes to name the project Mason Place. A number of abutting neighbors are in attendance. A few were recognized to voice concerns, i.e. project too dense for the area; impact of a three story building on the neighbors; lack of green space; question regarding number of families living at existing two family house (answer husband and wife with two children; single woman with one child) as there are a number of vehicles parked near the house at most times; are zoning changes required (answer developer must have zoning board approval for the project); one abutter's opinion is that this development is irresponsible. Selectman Marcucci remarked that the town needs to reach the state's requirement of 10% affordable housing. We have a Housing Production Plan to give us control as to how we reach that number. The Board of Selectmen has to decide if each proposed project is worthwhile and in the best interests of the Town. The Board agreed to have developers continue discussion at their November 7 meeting. CULTURAL CENTER Jean Mineo said that she is here this evening to ask for the Selectmen's support for the concept of the reuse of the Lee Chapel and infirmary as a multi-purpose center for the arts. She went on to say that state hospital consultant Kathy McCabe had advised the Cultural Alliance to apply for tax credits and she feels that having a cultural center may add more value to the entire project. Ms. Mineo would like to make application for a cultural grant as deadlines are coming up and this potential funding may be used for a feasibility study. It may take 6-8 months to learn if approved. Jean said that she has also requested a letter from the state hospital master planning committee and they will have discussion at their meeting tomorrow night. Resident Jerry Potts was recognized and he remarked that applying for grants needs matching dollars to show that there is an interest from the town in a project like this. Then we can move forward to raise the matching dollars. Selectman Marcucci said that his concern is that by the Selectmen writing this letter will it appear that we are fully committed to a cultural center. We should be of the mind that if another use for the building comes about, perhaps a business headquarters we would be in a position to explore that possibility. Resident Gil Rodgers remarked that there is no definite decision the cultural center would be at the Chapel. Jean reiterated that this letter will be viewed as a show of support from the Town. October 3, 2017 Page four JOINT SALT BID VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to award the bid for 2017-18 Joint Purchase of Salt to Eastern Minerals in the amount of CC $45.20, Solar $45.20 and Treated $62.20 and as recommended by DPW Director Maurice Goulet CHAPTER 90 REIMBURSEMENT VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was VOTED unanimously to sign Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request for Main Street and North Street paving, amount $38,024.43 And as recommended by DPW Director Maurice Goulet BOARD OF APPEALS ON ZONING Stephen Nolan, Chairman requests he Selectmen vote to accept the resignation of board member Douglas Boyer and appoint Associate Member Jack McNichols as a full member. In addition appoint Douglas Boyer, William McNiff and Michael Whichter as Associate members and it was so voted 71 NORTH STREET VOTED unanimously to authorize Chairman Peterson sign letter in support of developer Robert Borrelli's LIP project at 71 North Street and addressed to the Department of Housing and Community Development and as recommended by Assistant Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler MIIA HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST VOTED unanimously to authorize Town Administrator Michael Sullivan sign acceptance of January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018 renewal rates for Medex 2 and Blue Med Rx STATE HOSPITAL CONSULTANTS McCabe Enterprises, Kathy McCabe Principal, consultants to the Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee requests a change order to cover additional work to develop a strategic reuse master plan for the hospital site in the amount of $20,120.00. Additionally another consultant to the committee, Consensus Building Institute requests approval for revised scope of work and in the amount of $13,295. Committee Chairman Stephen Nolan is in attendance and he remarked that his committee discussed these two items and recommends the Selectmen vote to approve. VOTED unanimously to approve the change order request as outlined in the McCabe Enterprises letter dated September 27, 2017 and the revised scope of work planned by October 3, 2017 Page five CBI for $13,295 and as recommended by the State Hospital Master Planning Committee LICENSES AND PERMITS (CONSENT AGENDA) Granted as noted by the Chair: Medfield Foundation Angel Run Committee permission to post signs announcing November 1 is the last day to register for the December 3 event One-day wine and malt beverage permit for October 21 Derbyfest at the Dwight Derby House 1 Church of the Advent Bazaar Committee permission to post signs promoting annual Holiday Bazaar on November 11 PENDING ITEMS It was noted Facilities Director Jerry McCarty will present the Town's 20 Year Capital Plan at the October 17 meeting; attending will be the Permanent Building Committee, Energy Committee and the Capital Budget Committee. The Selectmen are appreciative of the work by Facilities Director in putting together this report The Selectmen agreed to table the Annual Appointments until the next meeting Veterans' Service Officer Discussion tabled until October 17 meeting; invite COA Director Roberta Lynch to attend MEETING MINUTES VOTED unanimously to accept the August 15 and September 5 minutes as submitted TOWN ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Mr. Sullivan remarked that Sudbury will be a candidate for a seat on the MPO Board. They are requesting support from Town's in their district in order for them to be placed on the ballot. VOTED: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to support the Town of Sudbury as a candidate for a seat on the MPO Board Medfield received the quarterly update on investment of OPEB Trust Funds Investments which are 100% reserves PRIT. A discussion followed regarding what steps the Town may consider to contribute more to the fund. SELECTMEN'S REPOITT Mr. Murby remarked that the ALS Committee is moving towards a fundamental plan for this service. He will have additional information very soon. The meeting adjourned at 19:55 PM20171003_Page_220171003_Page_320171003_Page_420171003_Page_5

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Posted in Select Board matters

11/7 agenda of BoS

Posted on November 3, 2017 | Comments Off on 11/7 agenda of BoS

Lessons learned today:  When I insert the OCR’d text from the 150+ pages of backup materials into the JPG of the agenda as alternative text, so that the post will be word searchable, it creates so large a file that the file will not load to the site.  Hence, this is the agenda page without all the pages of text inserted.

20171107-agenda and materials

 

 

20171107-agenda_Page_120171107-agenda_Page_2

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try #3

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Posted on November 3, 2017 in Select Board matters

BoS agenda for 11/7

Posted on November 3, 2017 | Comments Off on BoS agenda for 11/7

I assure you both agenda pages were included the first time – the Internet just deleted the first page.  20171107-agenda and materials

 

20171107-agenda_Page_2

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Posted in Select Board matters

BoS agenda for 11/7

Posted on November 3, 2017 | Comments Off on BoS agenda for 11/7

BoS

The agenda and backup documents are available via this link

20171107-agenda and materials

20171107-agenda_Page_2

 

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Posted in Select Board matters

No office hours tomorrow – week later instead

Posted on November 2, 2017 | Comments Off on No office hours tomorrow – week later instead

BoS

Office Hours postponed one week, from this Friday to the next Friday (11/10/17)

I hold regular monthly office hours at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM (my litigation schedule permitting).

This month my office hours need to be postponed one week from Friday 11/3 to Friday 11/10/17 due to a late re-scheduled deposition.

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

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

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Office hours postponed one week to 11/10

Posted on October 31, 2017 | Comments Off on Office hours postponed one week to 11/10

Center_and_sign

Office Hours postponed one week, from this Friday to the next Friday (11/10/17)

I hold regular monthly office hours at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM (my litigation schedule permitting).

This month my office hours need to be postponed one week from Friday 11/3 to Friday 11/10/17 due to a late re-scheduled deposition.

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

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

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Posted in Select Board matters

BoS on 6/20/17

Posted on September 1, 2017 | Comments Off on BoS on 6/20/17

Meeting Minutes June 20, 2017 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENf: Selectmen Peterson, Marcucci; Town Administrator Sullivan; Administrative Assistant Clarke; Selectman Murby absent Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00. He announced this meeting is being recorded and asked for a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. POLICE DEPARI'MENf As Chief Meaney was not available this evening, Sgt Wilhelmi is present to explain the Delegation Agreement between Medfield Police and MASS Human Resources Division pertaining to the selection process for police sergeant. Civil Service will now allow the sergeant exam and assessments to be available locally. Chief Meany will be the Delegation Administrator to ensure that all aspects of the exam will be adhered to. Exam results will be available in three weeks and the cost to the Town to administrator the exam process is minimal. The Board is requested to authorize Chairman Peterson execute the document and it was so voted. MEDFIELD ARI'S INITIATIVES / JEAN MINEO AND CHRISTINE POTTS Jean Mineo gave the Selectmen a printout of "Economic Impact" regarding cultural events in Town. Medfield was one of 341 organizations country wide participating and she was happy to report that the 17 arts and cultural institutions in Medfield has been recognized as an excellent supporter for cultural events. The event "Arts in the Park" is planned for Thursday June 22 to highlight artists and their works in Straw Hat Park. Also a new banner will be on display that reads "We Celebrate Medfield Arts" and highlights those sponsors and supporters of all things cultural. Chris Potts remarked that the Town has a banner gift account and requests the Selectmen approve the cost of the banner, $265.00 to be paid from this account. VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Marcucci, seconded by Selectman Peterson it was voted unanimously to authorize payment of $265.00 to cover the cost of a new banner and as requested by the Medfield Cultural Council STATE HOSPITAL MASTER PLANNING COMMITIEE Chairman Steve Nolan remarked that his committee has agreed that we will not be ready to present a plan for the site at a Special Town Meeting in November but rather tentatively aim for a meeting in January. He continued saying that the one consistent proposal that has been voiced from the public outreach meetings is that the focus should be on the Town reaching the 10 percent for affordable housing and safe harbor. June 20, 2017 Page two Many older residents would very much like to see affordable housing (not 40B) planned for some of the property to help provide those seniors who would like to stay in Medfield living in moderately smaller homes. Selectman Marcucci posed the idea that Lot 3 and the Hinkley property be split off from the hospital committee and be given to the new Affordable Housing Trust for consideration for a housing project. Mr. Nolan said that the committee continues to work on options and we welcome concerns. Selectman Peterson noted that reviewing the two plans for the property he feels that having a cultural center, create a destination and other attractions could be really exciting for the Town. Mr. Sullivan is of the opinion that the public has had their say and now it is up to the committee to do their work and formulate something more solid. CHAPTER90 Director Goulet requests the Selectmen vote to sign a Project Request for various roads preventive maintenance and it was so voted to sign PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The Selectmen are requested to sign an Agreement with BETA Group, Inc. Norwood for their services to develop the pavement program; total cost $29,500.00 VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to execute the · Pavement Management System Agreement and as recommended by Director Goulet SOLAR MAINTENENACE AGREEMENT Facilities Director Jerry McCarty requests the Selectmen sign agreement with Select Energy Development, LLC, located in Hopkinton. This service agreement provides support for the solar system at the Public Safety Building and at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to execute the Solar Maintenance Agreement with contractor Select Energy Development and as recommended by Facilities Director Jerry McCarty TRASH REMOVAL CONTRACT Director McCarty issued a request for bids to provide trash removal for all municipal buildings and the schools. Lawrence Waste Services, Medway is awarded the bid and the Selectmen are requested to sign the contract. VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to execute the Trash Removal Agreement with Lawrence Waste Services and as recommended by Director McCarty June 20, 2017 Page three WEBSITE SERVICES Ms. Trierweiler and the IT Team recommend that CivicPlus, Manhattan, Kansas be retained to provide a website redesign for the Town. Fee for services is $29,882.00. The Board is requested to sign the agreement and it was so voted. LETTERS OF RESIGNATION VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Marcucci, seconded by Selectman Peterson it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Council on Aging Board member Neil Du Ross, member since 2006 VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Fire Chief Search Committee member Tanya Quigley-Bolan due to personnel reasons LICENSES AND PERMITS CONSENT AGENDA On motions made by Selectman Marcucci, seconded by Selectman Peterson, the Board voted to grant permission to the high school football team to hold a car wash behind Town Hall Saturday August 26 behind Town Hall; to grant permission to Kathy and Abe Schickel to hold the annual Run Like a Maverick SK Race on Sunday May 6, 2018. SELECTMEN'S REPORfS Selectman Marcucci enjoyed the Zullo Gallery Art Festival, a great event in a nice location. He noted that the beaver devastation in Rocky Wood is really serious. Mr. Sullivan will reach out to the Trustees to place beaver deceivers in the area; noting beavers are a problem around Town. Selectman Peterson remarked that it was a wonderful proclamation from the Town to Richard DeSorgher conducting his last Medfield History Day tour. He said that this is the 25th Anniversary of the event and through the years Richard conducted 150 tours. Mr. Sullivan noted the Medfield Conservation Commission passed Larkin Developers proposed housing development on Hospital Road with conditions. Becausethere will be affordable units included it allows the Town to reach safe harbor. Sullivan highlighted that DEP has postponed for the moment storm water regulations. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM

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