Category Archives: Select Board matters

Meeting Minutes
November 3, 2015

Chenery Meeting Room draft

PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Administrative Assistant Clarke

Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and made note that this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and servicewomen serving around the world.
Mr. DeSorgher expressed condolences to the family of a Medway high school senior who suffered a fatal car crash this past weekend. Our thoughts are with the Town of Medway.

VINE LAKE CEMETERY
Cemetery Commissioner Thomas Sweeny requested the Selectmen vote to approve the revised rules and regulations. He remarked that together with Town Counsel Cerel and Police Chief Meaney we made it as simple as possible for all to read and understand. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to approve Vine Lake Cemetery Rules and Regulations as presented by the Cemetery Commissioners

Mr. Sweeney went on to explain that there has been one inurnment in the Columbarium and a few sales. The completed look of the building is beautiful and purple mums have been planted at the front. Cemetery Staff Jim Callachan and Steven Della-Camera did a fantastic job as well as administrative assistant Donna Cimeno who was a great help. He hopes that appreciation letters be sent from the Selectmen.

MEETING MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to accept the minutes of October 20, 2015 with amendments and accept the minutes of October 27, 2015 as presented

BOARD OF SELECTMEN GOALS 2015-2016
Mr. DeSorgher said that this final copy of the goals includes input from Selectmen Fisher and Peterson.
VOTE: Selectman Fisher made a motion, seconded by Selectman Peterson to accept the Board of Selectmen Goals for 2015-2016
Mr. Peterson said that he would ask that Town Administrator Sullivan work to put the goals into action.

LYME DISEASE STUDY COMMITTEE
Chairman Chris Kaldy requests the Selectmen vote to appoint Barbara Thompson Gips to the committee.

Mr. DeSorgher announced that the committee would like to have additional members.
Residents are welcomed to send letters of interest to Town Hall

VOTED unanimously to appoint Barbara Thompson Gips to the Lyme Disease Study Committee and as recommended by Chairman Chris Kaldy

CHAPTER 90 REIMBURSEMENTS

VOTED unanimously to sign Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request for the Green Street project in the amount of $126,280.62 and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney

VOTED unanimously to sign Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request for $362,448.25 for the North Meadows Road, Pine/Winter/Harding Streets project and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney

BUILDING INSPECTOR
John Naff requests the Selectmen vote to appoint James Coakley as Alternate Plumbing and Gas Inspector. This will fill the vacant position made by the resignation of Assistant Plumbing and Gas Inspector Peter Navis. Mr. Coakley is the Medway Plumbing Inspector
VOTED unanimously to appoint James Coakley Alternate Plumbing and Gas Inspector and as recommended by Building Commissioner John G. Naff

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the School Committee to post signs
November 4 through November 17 advertising meetings to be held regarding the
Strategic Plan Focus Group; first meeting Thursday November 12 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall, Chenery Meeting Room

ORD BLOCK
As a copy of the ZBA’s decision was in the informational folder, Selectman DeSorgher queried if the building’s owner will maintain the new parking lot. Mr. Sullivan answered yes that he will plow and maintain the area, and there will be 12 parking spaces available for both public use the building’s tenants.

SELECTMEN REPORTS
Mr. Fisher said that last Friday was a nice day for the ceremony at the state hospital site which officially opened the new park overlooking the Charles River. We were all pleased with the terrific turnout, it’s a great spot that I’m sure will be used by many.

Mr. Peterson remarked that the state hospital master planning committee is doing a huge amount of work, doing a great deal more than the consulting firm hired by the Town. Kudos to the committee. He attended the recent meeting with the Historical Commission and Town Counsel to discuss protecting antique properties. He feels historic districts should be established to better help with preservation and that the Historical Commissions and builders should work together to achieve these goals.

Mr. Peterson went on to report that he, Richard and Michael attended a meeting in Wrentham at which Jay Ash, Secretary of Housing Development spoke, a very informative meeting. He said that it seems to me that Mr. Ashe was not aware of the hospital site until that meeting; after which he made a visit to the site. Now that he has seen it there may be grants available for the town’s use and more importantly with his (Jay Ashe) recognition talk about it to many developers.

Mr. Peterson queried about the situation of trees near the Pfaff Center. The abutting homeowner has expressed his wanting to have the town take them down. Kevin Ryder, Park and recreation Director was in the audience and he explained that Tree Warden Ed Hinkley looked at the trees and determined they are healthy and will not remove them. The brush and some overgrowth were removed. This was about two months ago and all is good now. Michael interjected that the home owner wanted the trees down to make it easier for them to install solar panels on their roof.

Selectman Peterson remarked that he heard from a resident who attended a meeting here and was not recognized by the Selectmen to give input into the conversation. Mr. DeSorgher said that I try very hard to let people speak and Mr. Fisher queried when this happened. Mr. Peterson said that it was at the neighborhood meeting regarding lot 3. Mr. Peterson requested that the Selectmen’s calendar be brought up to date; secondly wants to schedule the meeting for a discussion with the Water and Sewer Board.

7:30 PM FY 2017 Budget Meeting / Warrant Committee / Town Departments
Warrant Committee Chairman Michael Marucci said that there does not appear to be a need for an override. He advises departments to adhere to a 2.5% increase in their budgets and would like to see as many budgets level funded as possible. Procedurally not every department needs to meet with the full committee but only with your warrant committee representative.
He continued saying that as we become more involved with the state hospital site we will have to be mindful of the budgeting impact on other town departments. 2014 town meeting voted a $200,000 amount for maintenance and should it need to be higher it could crowd other budgets. OPEB contributions will be another figure to keep close watch. The committee would very much appreciate non-financial articles be submitted as early as possible for thoughtful review. Please be mindful to submit budgets as soon as possible. Any department considering new positions is to go first before the Personnel Board and not add to the budget until it has been reviewed.

Mr. Sullivan remarked that the town realized a 7.8% tax increase mainly due to the new construction of the town garage and public safety buildings. FY17 will see some relief as past projects will be coming off the tax rolls. Health insurance and pension costs usually are our largest percentage increases. Now and in the near future of particular concern is the high cost of prescription drugs.
Town Accountant Joy Riccuito made available the FY17 budget packets. They are due back to the accounting office by December 4, 2015.

SELECTMEN REPORTS CONTINUED
Selectmen DeSorgher extended appreciation to the Highway Department for planning trees on Green Street because of the new project. He is concerned about the very possible aging gas line in South Street and advises that the gas company attend a selectmen’s meeting in the very near future.

Mr. DeSorgher would like to have Chief Meaney look at the town’s leash law. Recently he was walking in the Noon Hill area and a dog was off leash, came toward him and then ran off with his sunglasses. The on command theory does not always work.

ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Selectman Fisher, seconded by Selectman Peterson the meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Tuesday November 17, 2015@ 7:00 PM

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:15 PM Public Hearing-Tax Classification
Yvonne Remillard, Tax Assessor

NEW BUSINESS
Selectmen are invited to attend Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Ethan Murby and John Walsh on Saturday November 28, 2015

Update on Route 109 railroad closure

Review draft of Town Administrator’s goals

LICENSES & PERMITS
MEMO invites the Selectmen to attend the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling Friday December 4 at 6:30 PM, lead the 2015 Christmas Parade Saturday December 5, 2015 and vote to issue a parade permit

Other business that may arise

Selectman Office Hours this Friday

Selectman Osler “Pete” Peterson holds regular monthly office hours at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.  Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters.

Residents can also have coffee and see the Council on Aging in action (a vibrant organization with lots going on).  Peterson can be reached via 508-359-9190 or his blog about Medfield matters  https://medfield02052.wordpress.com/, where any schedule changes will be posted.

Peterson promises a system to better manage and control the wait after the issues last month.

Tuesday November 3, 2015@ 7:00 PM
AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM Cemetery Commissioners, Thomas Sweeney Chair
Request Selectmen vote to approve revised Vine Lake Cemetery Regulations

7:30 PM Annual Budget Meeting with Warrant Committee, Departments, Boards, Commissions
Discuss FY 2017 budgets

Other business that may arise

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM Solid Waste Study Committee, Meaghan Sullivan Chair
Discuss recycling program, renewal of recycling contract (expires December 30, 2015); organic food waste recycling; report on SW AP area

NEW BUSINESS
Vote to sign Arbor Day Proclamation

The Planning Board recommends the appointment of Greg Sullivan as Associate Member of their Board ,

Vote to sign Eversource pole location permit for Green Street

ARBOR DAY
Whereas,
In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture
that a special day be set aside for the planning of trees, and
the holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of
more than a million trees in Nebraska, and
Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and
trees can reduce the erosion on our precious topsoil by wind and water,
lower our hearing and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the
air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife, and,
trees are a renewable source giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for
our fires, and countless other wood products, and
trees in our own town increase property values, enhance the economic
vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and
trees wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,
and
a total of fifty five trees of twelve different varieties were planted at the
Medfield Charles River Gateway

NOW, THEREFORE, we the Medfield Board of Selectmen, do hereby proclaim Friday, October 30, 2015 as ARBOR DAY
In the Town of Medfield, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and Further, I urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the wellbeing of this and future generations.

Dated this TWENTY SEVENTH, day of OCTOBER, in the year 2015.
MEDFIELD BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Memorandum
To: Richard DeSorgher, Chair, Board of Selectmen
CC: Michael Sullivan, Town Administrator
From: Sarah Raposa, Town Planner

Date: October 20, 2015

Re: Planning Board Associate
At their duly posted meeting on October 19, 2015, the Planning Board unanimously recommended appointment of Greg Sullivan as Associate Member of the Planning Board.

His letter of interest is attached for your consideration.

Town of Medfield 459 Main Street Medfield, MA 02052
(508) 906-3027

Gregory C. Sullivan, Architect
122 Green Street • Medfield, MA 02052
p 857.719.3147 • gregorysullivan@verizon.net

September 29, 2015

Evelyn Clarke
Town of Medfield
Town House
459 Main Street
Medfield, MA 02052

Re.: Town Planning Board Associate Member position

Dear Ms. Clarke:

This is a letter of interest in the Associate Member position on the Medfield
Planning Board.

I have been a Medfield resident for over thirteen years and have served
on the Town’s Warrant Committee the last five years and will finish my sixth
and final year in 2016. My experience on the Warrant Committee has
given me an understanding of how many things are accomplished in
town and the politics behind these accomplishments. I have reviewed
many Zoning Bylaw changes as part of my Warrant Committee
responsiblities and understand that public education and clearly
articulating the intent and consequences of Zoning Bylaw changes is
critical in getting such changes approved by the residents. Sitting on the
Warrant Committee I have learned that our recommendations, no matter
how well intentioned and based on in the best interest of the town, can
still lead to controversy. I have also come to understand the residents of
Medfield’s general libertarian leanings that they don’t want government
telling them what they can and cannot do, especially when it concerns
their property. A very compelling reason is required for them to allow such
changes.

I am registered architect with almost 30 years of experience ranging from
single family residential projects to large office buildings. I have had
experience presenting projects to various Planning Boards, Zoning Boards
of Appeals, and Historic Commissions over my career. Through my
education and experience as an architect I know how important Planning
Boards are to a town and how it can shape a town’s built enviroment
both for good and the bad. I know that the qualities of the built
enviroment is integral to a vibrant and well functioning town.

Gregory C. Sullivan, Architect
122 Green Street • Medfield, MA 02052
p 857.719.3147 • gregorysullivan@verizon.net

I understand how critical this particular time in the town’s history is with the
future development of the Medfield Hospital site. The Medfield Hospital
development will impact the town like no other project has or will in the
foreseeable future. The town has a unique and historic chance to create
something special that will be jewel in our crown for many decades or
something that can be a burden on the town for just as long. The
Planning Board will play an important part in shaping and steering of the
development of the Hospital site.

The Planning Board is also a big part of the stratagies to address the 40B
issues that are on every citizens mind now adays. I think that this issue
cannot and should not be solved with one large project in a single
location. I believe that this could create more problems than they were
meant to solve. I think that the solution to this challenge is to spread
smaller projects around in strategic locations that add to our affordable
housing stock throughout the town based on the content and density of
each particular project.

Medfield is no longer the sleepy rural community it was fifty or more years
ago. The Town of Medfield is also not just a suburban bedroom
community that is totally dependent on the Metro-Boston area but is and
should be town with a center that is thriving and independent. The town
should have both commerical and residential uses that complement
each other instead of competing against each other. The density of
Medfield will only increase and it is imparative to manage this growth such
that we are able to preserve some of the rural and open parts of the town
as well as the remaining historic structures while creating a vibriant and
lively town center that is a magnet for not only Medfield town residents
but those of the surrounding towns. I think that there are types of
development such as small Mixed Use projects the town can use to
create such places. Mixed Use projects can be things such as live/work
projects and retail/housing projects that would enliven the town and even
help with the 40B issues. I also think that a comprehensive look at parking
issues in the commercial districts is an important part of managing the
growth of the town and that the Planning Board should be a leader in the
planning and management of this endevor.

Gregory C. Sullivan, Architect
122 Green Street • Medfield, MA 02052
p 857.719.3147 • gregorysullivan@verizon.net

I know that the Planning Board is a instrument to control and manage the
growth of the community it serves. It can also be an organization that
can lead in the creation of an enviroment that will promote and
encourage the types of development that are beneficial to the town and
that creates a community that we are all proud to be a part of.
I am very interested in being part of the Planning Board. I believe that I
can be a benefit to the town in this capacity during this exciting time of
changes and the growth of the Town of Medfield.

Sincerely,
Gregory C. Sullivan

This email from Mike yesterday afternoon –

We met with the MBTA, Oliveria Construction and Mass Coastal Railroad today and they will be putting the water main under the tracks at the Hospital Road crossing starting at 7:00 a.m. on October 30. No trains will run from Friday morning until Sunday night. After the pipe is installed, they will also replace the grade crossing and on Monday morning, when the asphalt plants are open will pave the disturbed roadway, up to the new railroad crossing. The railroad people would also like to replace the railroad crossing on route 109 the weekend of November 13 – 15, Friday the 13th. We will have a pre-construction meeting before that to work out the details of the traffic patterns, business interruptions, etc. Ken and the Chiefs are aware of this and are on board.

Columbia Gas was here today repairing the sidewalks. We also received the license from the MBTA to work on the Harding Street rail crossing. I’ll sign it and send it back with our insurance certificate. We have to notify them five days before we start, so I’ll check with Ken and Bobby to see when they will be able to do it.  Ken is meeting tomorrow with the Eversource folks to go over the pole relocation on Green Street. We need some kind of approval from the Board for Eversource to work on our public way so we might have something on next week’s agenda for that. The boiler at the Pfaff center has to be replaced so, given the weather, we are trying to get it done as quickly as possible. We will probably need a reserve fund transfer.

That’s all for now. Mike

Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft

PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke

Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and reminded the audience that the meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving around the world.

MEDFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Attending– Library Trustees James Whelan, Steven Pelosi, Maura McNicholas; Director Kristen Chin. Mr. Whelan submitted and reviewed the library’s strategic plan for 2015 – 2019. This five year plan is a requirement from the MASS Board of Library Commissioners. Mr. Whelan remarked that they had received public input of 540 survey responses, held interviews, focus groups, and observation sessions and stakeholders meetings to put together this finalized plan. He highlighted that the vision for the library is to be a community center for  earning, growth and more. Their mission is to strengthen our community by inspiration, encouragement, facilitating social interactions, exchanging information and provide cultural enrichment. The goals that have been set will be accomplished by our staff that is friendly, tech-savvy and forward thinking. Mr. Whelan continued saying that we are very pleased to have Kristen Chin as our director who started with us in April of this year. Ms. Chin remarked that she is enjoying her position very much and is thrilled to see all the activity that goes on at the library. She remarked that the library will be hiring a firm to design a new website. There have been challenges with some maintenance situations; however I have hope that the Town’s Facility Manager will be on board to put together a plan to help correct our needs. Trustee Steven Pelosi talked about the issues with the facility, i.e. the slate roof coming loose causing leaks inside the building, the portico is rotting and bricks are beginning to fall apart; noting that the library will celebrate 100 years in 2017. We may have to go before Town Meeting to request funds to take care of some of these repairs. It will be very helpful to meet with Facility Manager Andrew Seaman to go over a plan to categorize these issues.

The Selectmen noted that they are grateful for all the efforts of the trustees, the director and the staff to deliver good service and excellent programs.

OLD BUSINESS / UPDATES ON THE FOLLOWING
Mr. Sullivan remarked he has not had a response from the railroad regarding the removal of Harding Street railroad tracks. He will reach out to them.  New Verizon antennae on Main Street utility pole. This will provide service to a limited area and is covered under utility right of ways. RFP will be issued in the near future and sent to several utilities to gather their input for cell tower/ antennas on the new water tank.
Jean Mineo reported that work on the Straw Hat Park will start in the spring. Her committee has raised funds to cover the maintenance of the park’s first year; donors have come forward to pay for the irrigation system, chairs, tables and benches. Mr. Sullivan remarked that Metropolitan Electric Company is putting together pricing for electrical and water service.
Columbia Gas Company has not responded to the Town’s request to repair those sidewalks that they opened up to do work. It is suggested that a letter be written to Columbia Gas informing them that request for permits to do work in Town will be denied until they complete sidewalk repairs.

BEAVERS: Trustees did install two ten-inch beaver deceiver pipes in the area of Fork Factory Reservation. Mr. DeSorgher suggests that a committee be appointed to work with the Trustees to help resolve the issue of beaver dams. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to appoint Jim Sullivan, Alec Stevens, Bob Kennedy, Frank Perry, Michael Sullivan to meet with the Trustees of Reservation concerning beaver dams

Ms. Trierweiler will setup a meeting with Roche brothers, Greg Salvatore and abutters to discuss parking issues. Mr. DeSorgher advised that he will combine Selectmen and Michael’s goals into one format for the next meeting. Discuss Town Administrator’s merit at next meeting

MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve meeting minutes of September 15, 22 with amendments

COMMITIEE APPOINTMENTS
The Selectmen have received requests from three committee chairmen to appoint new members. Mr. Peterson advises that it should be a general policy of the Selectmen to advertise to the public when there is a committee vacancy and request candidates send a letter of interest to Town Hall. Working this way it gives citizens a fair chance to become involved.

Selectman Fisher opposes that recommendation saying that if a committee chairman recommends appointment we should act on it. Further discussion ensued and a motion was made in favor of Selectmen advertising committee vacancies. Selectmen DeSorgher and Peterson voted in favor; Selectman Fisher opposed.

Selectmen then voted on the three committee appointments before them.
State Hospital Planning member David Perini has resigned. Chairman Stephen Nolan recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint Brandie Erb to the committee and it was so voted.
Medfield Energy Committee Chairman Fred Bunger recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint new member Maciej Konieczny and it was so voted.
Council on Aging member Virginia Whyte has resigned her position. COA recommends the Selectmen appoint Robert T. Heald to their board and it was so voted.

LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
State Hospital Environmental Consultant Margaret Stolfa has joined the law firm of Gordon & Rees LLP. Selectmen are requested to vote to sign the services agreement and it was so voted

BID AWARD
VOTED unanimously to award the bid for Joint Purchase of Salt to Eastern
Minerals for a bid price of $65.80 CC delivered and as recommended by Superintendent Kenneth Feeney

CHAPTER90
VOTED unanimously to sign chapter 90 Reimbursement Request in the amount of $183,189.90 for the Elgin Pelican Sweeper and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney

COMMONWEALTH COMPACT INITIATIVE
Ms. Trierweiler explained that this initiative is actually a partnership between the Commonwealth and cities/towns to identify up to five areas on a need to know basis; i.e. budget and spending transparency, long range capital planning, citizen engagement. The Selectmen advised to have further discussion and bring to a vote at their next meeting.

SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION
Selectman Peterson remarked that he received an email from a resident who is concerned about the use of granite curbing on Green Street and from a second resident wanting a sidewalk constructed on Harding Street. Selectman Peterson said that DPW should publish their plans and have public input before a project is under way. He proposes that a committee be appointed for this purpose. Selectman Fisher objected saying the Selectmen should not be reacting to individuals that want specific things when the other two thousand residents give their support to what the town is doing. Our DPW does good work and it should be up to them to design/ build, they are the professionals.

Selectman DeSorgher brought the discussion back to sidewalk construction and made a motion, Superintendent Feeney, Chief Bob Meaney and Superintendent Jeff Marsden review areas where sidewalks are most needed. The motion carried.

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Boy Scout troop 89 to place a sign at the Transfer Station announcing their annual Christmas Tree Pick-up and Recycling Program

VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Medfield Youth Lacrosse to post signs announcing spring 2016 registration; signs in place November 1-15
VOTED unanimously to grant the Angel Run committee permission to place signs October 18 to October 31 announcing registration for the December event.
As a member of the Medfield foundation, Selectman Peterson recused from the vote

VOTED unanimously to grant the Holistic Wellness Center on Park Street a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for their fund raising event for Amilia’s Light on Thursday October 15

VOTED unanimously to grant the Council on Aging a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for the Harvest Dance on October 24; one-day wine and malt beverage permit for a December 19 event; permission to place signs two weeks prior for each Retirement Seminar that will be held once each month through March 2016

VOTED unanimously to grant the Medfield Garden Club permission to post signs advertising their annual greens sale on Saturday December 5; signs in place November 28 to December 5

VOTED to grant First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church permission to post signs advertising a fundraising event, a performance by Literary musician Regie Gibson on October 10

VOTED unanimously to grant the High School Spanish Club permission to hold a car wash on Saturday October 17 9AM to lPM

SELECTMEN REPORT’
Selectmen Fisher enjoyed the Medfield Music Association event held at the Zullo Gallery on September 24. Medfield TV planned good events for the past weekend; the open house at their beautiful new studio on North Meadows Road had great attendance.

Selectman Peterson agreed that it was wonderful to see Medfield TV’s new space that is really spectacular; also a very nice garden area dedicated to Ed Doherty. Attended the Grist Mill open house, a great place; the high school open house was very well attended.  Mr. Peterson attended the Selectmen’s Association meeting, listening to the Lt Governor present a good program. He highlighted several subjects that he found interesting and informative.

Selectman DeSorgher attended the hospital committee meeting that focused on Lot 3 and the Hinkley lot; and the Park & Recreation meeting discussed the same issue, a new building on lot 3. He met with the utility companies regarding double poles. The last 10 poles are guaranteed to be removed by the end of October.

ADJOURNMENT
Selectman Fisher made a motion at 9:05 PM to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Peterson. The vote was unanimous.