Category Archives: Select Board matters

Each year now, as the selectmen have sought to bring greater discipline to our task of overseeing the governance of the town, we commit to writing down our goals for the upcoming year, both to focus ourselves, but also to give direction to the town administration.  Selectmen will be discussing our goals at the meeting next Tuesday.

Listed below are my goals for us.  Let me know if I am missing anything you think should be included.

Board of Selectmen Goals for 2015-2106
Osler L. Peterson
August 18, 2015

1.    Communication
a.    Implement a system to push town government information out to residents
b.    Improve the town’s web site
c.    Create a system to receive and integrate resident input on town issues
d.    Put town budget and checkbook on-line
e.    Annual calendar for selectmen and budget cycle

2.    Planning
a.    Develop a  town master plan
b.    Work with the Town Administration to look at the future make-up of the management staff of the town
c.    Get five-year plans from department heads and committees
d.    Implement an affordable housing plan
e.    Adopt Green Community Act
f.    Solar PV: install sites, issue RFP’s to buy solar power, and develop PPA’s
g.    Work with the Solid Waste Committee to increase recycling rates

3.    Medfield State Hospital
a.    Provide direction and leadership on the clean-up and redevelopment
b.    Enact by-laws concerning future development of the former MSH

4.    Finances
a.    Create a business office for the town
b.    Implement a three-year budget forecasts
c.    Implement property tax relief for senior citizens
d.    Seek savings and increased revenue.
e.    Complete union contract negotiations before contracts expire
f.    Analyze overtime expenditures.
g.    Implement a 20 year capital improvement plan

5.    Downtown
a.    Develop a robust, business and pedestrian-friendly downtown
b.    Meet with and review all boards overseeing downtown development – analyze and combine as necessary similar committees.
c.    Explore implementing Design Review
d.    Work with Chief of Police on traffic and parking issues
i.    Traffic and lights along RT 109 and RT 27
ii.    Sidewalk expansion
iii.    Upham Road
iv.    Potential future parking sites

Meeting Minutes
August 18, 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 read the announcements.
Mr. DeSorgher said that he wants to make the audience aware that we have updated water ban restrictions. Effective immediately watering is permitted only one day per week; even numbered houses may water on Monday; Thursday is odd numbered houses. There is absolutely no watering between 9 AM and 5 PM. He hopes that the community will cooperate and adhere to the restrictions to help the Town during these serious drought conditions.

SUPERINTENDENT KENNETH FEENEY
Selectman DeSorgher queried how the word is getting out to the public about the updated water ban restrictions to which Mr. Feeney responded that notices were handed out at the Transfer Station, the notice will appear in the newspaper and it is on the Town’s website.
On tonight’s agenda there are two requests for permission to have fundraising car wash behind Town Hall. Mr. Feeney remarked that these requests are considered to be for “charity events” according to state regulations and exempt. Following a brief discussion, it was VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Medfield Student Council to hold a Car wash behind Town Hall on Sunday August 22 9AM to noon
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Medfield High School Football team to hold A car wash behind Town Hall on Sunday August 30 Noon to 3:00 PM
Mr. Feeney referenced a letter from consultant HNTB regarding their research on available grants to conduct a feasibility study for single level parking structure. The Town is giving consideration to this type of project to help with the downtown parking issue. Mr. DeSorgher commented that we should contact our representatives for their assistance.  Selectman Peterson remarked that we should consider buying a parcel or two in the downtown area to create parking. A brief discussion followed and concluded without a plan to move forward at this time.
It was noted that residents should not look to see the construction, if at all, of a parking structure in the near future; it will not happen for one to two years.
The Board is requested to vote to authorize Chairman DeSorgher sign a contract for the Causeway Street Water Main Replacement Project; contractor is CJP and Sons Construction in the amount of $103,500.00. Mr. Feeney explained that the damaged pipe needs to be August 18, 2015

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replaced. Difficult job as the pipe goes under the Causeway Street bridge. Funds were encumbered from the Water Enterprise Fund and additional monies from the DPW budget.
VOTE: Selectman Fisher made a motion to authorize Chairman DeSorgher execute contract for the Causeway Street Water Main Replacement Project, seconded by Selectman
Peterson. Vote was unanimous
The Selectmen asked Superintendent Feeney for an update on sidewalk projects to which he replied that right now the Green Street project is our focus, however, it is planned to construct the Metacomet Street sidewalk this year. The Board thanked Mr. Feeney for attending the meeting this evening.

PLANNING BOARD – SPECIAL ELECTION
Member Elissa Franco resigned her position from the Planning Board due to her moving out of Town. Planning Board members Keith Diggans, Wright Dickinson, George Lester and Stephen Browne are present this evening to vote jointly with the Selectmen to fill the vacancy. The Planning Board nominates Associate member Paul McKechnie as their candidate. According to General Laws Chapter 41, Section 11 election is by roll call vote.
By unanimous roll call vote the Board of Selectmen and the members of the Planning Board elected Paul McKechnie as a full member of the Planning Board
The Selectmen offered congratulations to Paul McKechnie.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN GOALS
Mr. Peterson submitted a draft of goals for 2015-2016 for consideration. Selectmen fisher and DeSorgher will also draft their ideas for goals and discuss at September 1st meeting.

MEETING MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve the August 4, 2015 meeting minutes with amendment

CHAPTER90
VOTED unanimously to sign Chapter 90 Reimbursement Form in the amount of
$152,394.00 pertaining to DPW’s purchase of a Milton caterpillar model 930M and as
recommended by superintendent Feeney

August 18, 2015
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RESIGNATION
The Selectmen received a resignation notice from Medfield Historic District Commission member Barbara Jacobs who has moved out of Town. She has been a member of the commission for almost 20 years.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
VOTED unanimously to appoint John Mee as additional alternate Building Inspector and as recommended by Building Commissioner John Naff
VOTED unanimously to appoint Ted Pidock to the Bay Colony Rail trail Study Committee and as recommended by Selectman Richard DeSorgher

PEDESTRIAN TRAIL EASEMENT
Keith Mozer, 29 Hospital Road grants to the Town a trail easement that will connect at Canal Street and the hospital property. Mr. Mozer proposes a four lot single family subdivision, known as Country Estates, in that area. The Selectmen are requested to vote to sign the document which will be recorded at the registry. VOTE: Selectman Fisher made a motion, seconded by Selectman Peterson to execute Grant of Pedestrian Trail Easement given by Keith Mozer to the Town. Vote was unanimous

DISMANTLE RAILROAD TRACKS
The Town has been in contact with the MBTA regarding the removal of the railroad tracks at Farm Street and at Harding Street. In their current state the tracks and the slope of the roads have made for hazardous driving. The Harding Street project will involve removing the rails and paving. Farm Street is a more complicated project because the road will need to be reconstructed. Mr. Sullivan has done research on the removal and discovered the Town will need to file for a license with the MBTA in order for the work to be done. He requests the Selectmen vote to authorize him to execute and file the necessary documents. The Selectmen as pleased that steps are being taken to make some headway with this project.
VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to authorize
Town Administrator Michael Sullivan execute necessary documents relating to applying for a license with MBTA for removal of Farm Street and Harding Street railroad tracks

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Chairman John Thompson gave a summary of their activities for the past several months. They have hired some crews to board up windows, install fencing, new gates, changing locks, grass cutting and removal of brush around the buildings. DPW has helped tremendously. He continued saying that the security issues are manageable and are not as very serious as we first August 18, 2015

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thought. The same security company that the state hired remains on the property during night time shifts which gives some relief to our own police department. Police Chief Meaney remarked that the company who worked on boarding up the buildings did a great job and we plan to secure the chapel clock to deter any serious damage. He feels that having the large number of people walking their dogs around the campus is very helpful; they are vigilant in reporting anything they feel should be investigated. Police cruisers do patrol the campus. Chief Meaney continued saying that our DPW guys have been right there when we need them, extremely helpful.

LICENSES AND PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant the Medfield Public Library permission to use the Gazebo Park to hold the annual Teen summer’s end reading event on Tuesday

August 25, 2015
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Fisher remarked that MEMO’s summer concert series has come to the end. It was a good season, one of the best with great attendance each week.
Mr. Peterson attended the State Hospital Master Planning Committee meeting and is pleased to see them very organized and moving forward exploring ideas for the property. He went on to explain that he is involved working on a grant application specifically for communications.  The amount of the grant is $35,000.00.
Mr. DeSorgher queried about Lot 3 RFP; where do we stand with interested proponents. He asked about the status of the gas company repairs to our sidewalks/ roads where they have worked. Ms. Trierweiler responded that Superintendent Feeney has been in contact with them to return and repair those areas. Columbia Gas has assured that they will be returning.

Mr. Sullivan reported that the Green Street construction project is moving forward and by the end of this week all of the underground work will be completed. The area should be in good shape for the opening of school.

ADJOURNMENT
At 8:35 PM Mr. Fisher moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Peterson. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM  Cultural Alliance, Jean Mineo  (tentative)
Discussion regarding Straw Hat Park and other downtown initiatives

OLD BUSINESS
OPEB Trust Agreement; vote to appoint Trustees

Discuss:  Water ban

Green Street project

FY15 Goals

Review Selectmen calendar; discuss topics for next meeting

Vote to approve August 18, 2015 meeting minutes

Other business that may arise

Tuesday August 18, 2015 @ 7:00 PM
AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:30 PM  Planning Board
Selectmen and Planning Board vote to elect candidate to fill vacancy

7:50 PM  Medfield State Hospital Building and Grounds Committee Update on activities

OLD BUSINESS
Vote to approve August 4, 2015 meeting minutes

Review Selectmen calendar; discuss topics for next meeting

Selectman Peterson wishes to discuss Selectmen’ s previous goals and accomplishments; give consideration to developing new goals

NEW BUSINESS
Vote to sign Chapter 90 – Reimbursement Request in the amount of $153,394.00. This pertains to the purchase of a Milton Caterpillar model 930M by DPW

Resignation notice received from Barbara Jacobs, Medfield Historic District Commission

Other business that may arise

Meeting Minutes
August 4, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft

PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke
Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read the announcements.

Selectman DeSorgher said that he feels it is important to highlight the water ban restrictions as he has heard from a number of residents that not everyone is following the rules. He cited the water ban restrictions: there is no outside watering allowed between the hours of 9AM to 5PM every day. If your house number is an odd number you may water on that calendar day. Even numbered houses may water on even calendar days. Selectmen concur that Police Chief Meaney and Superintendent Feeney be advised to be observant if there are  citizens abusing the water ban. Town Bylaw stipulates that any violation of the water ban carries a fine: 1st offense $25.00; second $50.00; third and subsequent $100.00.

OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (OPEB)
Attorney Cerel submitted to the Chairman his memo outlining the process for implementing the OPEB Trust. It is necessary for the Board to appoint two citizens at large and three staff members. These Trustees will decide where to invest and authorize the Treasurer to make those investments. The Board of Selectmen will have the authority to amend the OPEB Trust when necessary.
Names mentioned for consideration are Treasurer Georgia Colivas, Town  Accountant Joy Ricciuto and Michael Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan will contact residents Peter Moran and Warrant Committee Chairman Michael Marcucci who may have interest in joining. The Board agreed that the OPEB discussion continue to the September 1, 2015 meeting.

MINUTES
VOTE: Motion by Selectman Fisher, seconded by Selectman Peterson to approve the July 21, 2015 meeting minutes with amendments. Vote was unanimous

GREEN STREET PROJECT
Mr. Sullivan reported that the project is on hold due to some employees on vacation and DPW waiting for the delivery of castings. This is a priority project to complete before school opening. Much of the underground work has been completed. We appreciate the patience of residents.

SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL A VACANCY
Planning Board member Elissa Franco has resigned her position as she moved out of Town. The Planning Board gave notice to the Selectmen that they recommend the appointment of Paul McKechnie to fill Ms. Franco’s term. As Planning Board member Stephen Browne was present this evening he was informed that MASS general law, chapter 41, section 11 stipulates that the boards meet jointly to elect the candidate. It is agreed to hold this election at the next Selectmen’s meeting August 18, 2015 8:00 PM.

STATE HOSPITAL MASTER PLANNING COMMITIEE
The Committee was invited to attend the Selectmen’s meeting to present an update on their activities to the Selectmen. Chairman Stephen Nolan gave an overview of their work and explained that members of this committee and the state hospital resource committee formed several subcommittees to focus on the process so that the project moves forward in a timely manner. A draft copy of the committee’s report was presented to the Selectmen and each subcommittee gave a brief overview of their accomplishments.

Following are the names of the subcommittee members and highlights of their focus:
Working with the design consultant VHB/RKG (financial advisor) as Project Liaisons are Teresa James, Randal Karg and Sarah Raposa, Town Planner.
Teresa James reported that her group met with VHB on May 6 to begin the year-long planning process. The focus is to provide reasonable economic and financial impacts on the Town while maintaining the residents’ values. Public
workshops are planned over the next several months Communications members Ralph Costello, Randal Karg, Gil Rodgers, Brandie Erb, Lucille Fisher, Ros Smythe, Alec Stevens, Sarah Raposa Brandi Erb and her committee set up a website to update and keep the public current on issues relevant to the
property; put together press releases and notifications that will be inserted in the Thursday school packets; plan informational sessions with local organizations. In addition they will have a booth at Medfield Day to provide up to date information.

Survey subcommittee, Patrick Casey, Teresa James, Jean Mineo and high school interns:
Olivia Taylor, Marykate McNeil and Dana Cruickshank
Pat Casey remarked that his sub-committee was happy to receive
1,073 responses to survey #1 which had asked for ideas of
what should be or should not be explored. Survey #2 is
currently open until August 9 and hopefully again
We will receive a good response. There was a walking tour of
the property on July 22 with good attendance and another is
planned for Tuesday August 18.

Financial Advisory, Stephen Nolan, Ken Richard, Gil Rodgers, Bill Massaro, Mike Marcucci Gil Rodgers spoke on behalf of the sub-committee commenting
they hope to develop realistic assumptions for financial analyses; obtain student projections for the next 10 years along with costs per student. A major focus will be developing an RFP to help define demolition costs for buildings that will require demolition

Developers Roundtable, Stephen Nolan, Ralph Costello, Ken Richard Ralph Costello talked about their approach to reach out to qualified developers to come see and discuss the project that will be followed by a roundtable discussion. At present 12-14 individuals from a variety of housing communities have responded for the date of August 11

Lightning Strike, Stephen Browne, Ralph Costello, Gil Rodgers Stephen Nolan
Stephen Browne reported that they are moving forward to identify potential users for the property in the fields of educational, non-profit, bio-tech.

Committee Outreach for Seniors, Stephen Browne, Ralph Costello, Gil Rodgers
Stephen Browne explained that they have met with the Council on Aging to discuss the type of housing seniors favor along with size and price range

Committee Outreach for Cultural Visioning is led by Jean Mineo
Jean said that the Cultural Community is developing a vision For the potential to re-use existing building(s) where possible to provide programs for inspiration, discovery and education for residents and visitors to the area

Committee Outreach Reports, Ros Smythe and Stephen Browne
Reached out to the Medfield Energy Committee to discuss the
best practices of energy use and energy conservation for the
buildings and consider space for solar energy generation

The Selectmen recognized resident John Harney.
Mr. Harney remarked that this project needs very careful consideration. We will not do this a second time. He is concerned that the committee’s thrust is on development and if we head in that direction it may be more than necessary, therefore more than the Town could handle.  He feels the committee is moving much too fast.

The Selectmen agree that the Committee is building consensus to find out the desires of the community and this is the time for the townspeople to come forward with ideas and visions as to what should be on the site. Altogether there is remarkable talent exploring all the different options which makes it very exciting to move forward.

CHAPTER90
Vote: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to sign Chapter 90 Reimbursement Form pertaining to North Street and Green Street project in the amount of $52,741.64

ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS
The Board reviewed the lists of names of committee, commission, board appointments for 2015-2016. Mr. DeSorgher noted that the Downtown Study Committee has not met in a very long time and feels the committee needs to be restored. We should try to find additional members for this important committee.

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant Medfield Youth Basketball Association permission to post signs from August 24 to September 15 advertising registration for the 2015-2014 basketball season

VOTED unanimously to grant a Block Party Permit to the neighbors of Cypress Street, Partridge Road, Erik Road, Morse Lane and Curtis Drive for September 19, 3-9PM

VOTED unanimously to grant Emerson Road neighbors a Block Party Permit for Saturday September 19 4-8PM

SELECTMEN REPORI’
Selectmen Peterson announced that he will conduct his first Friday of the month office hour at The CENTER this Friday August 7 from 9-10 AM. Beginning Years Children’s Center, North Street is conducting their annual fund raising Lemonade Stand August 3-7, 10:30-11:30 AM. He encourages residents to stop by and donate to a good cause.

Selectman DeSorgher said that the Sheriff’s Department scheduled to send a crew to Medfield this week to help clean up the debris on Causeway Street, however, he said he called their office to postpone as he observed that the weeds are very high in that area and it would be difficult to do a complete clean up. Perhaps they will come in the early spring to do the work. He remains very concerned with the beavers on Hartford Street and the amount of damage to the trees along with the possible flooding of that road. Mr. Sullivan remarked that the Trustees and Board of Health will be attending our September 15 to discuss the issue. Selectman DeSorgher had received comment from a resident who has observed that the Police Officers are not in the vicinity of downtown. He spoke with Police Chief Meaney and learned that the Chief is instituting a “Park, Lock and Patrol Program” to place officers in the area on foot patrol for perhaps 20-30 minutes a few times per day. Mr. DeSorgher learned that the ABCC has issued a Notice Hearing pertaining to Medfield Commons, 270 Main Street for violation of selling alcohol to a person under 21. He is concerned and asked Town Counsel what options do we have. Counsel advised the Selectmen could request a hearing with the owner.  Selectman DeSorgher addressed an email directed to the Board from a former resident who is dismayed about the condition of the former Clark tavern building on Main Street. Mr. Cerel advised the Board that the land court has yet to render their decision and feels that the  case may go to trial. If that happens it could be another two years before the matter is settled. Mr. DeSorgher queried what can be done now. Mr. Cerel said that he is willing to contact the attorneys and perhaps set up a meeting with the parties involved to try and work out a plan for the tavern that will satisfy all involved. Selectman Peterson volunteered his services as mediator.

ADJOURNMENT
Selectman Fisher moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Peterson. It was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM.

I am holding my monthly Selectman Office Hours tomorrow, at The Center, it being the first Friday of the month, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.

Any resident is 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 my blog about Medfield matters  https://medfield02052.wordpress.com/.

For those who like to plan ahead, mark your calendars for my selectman office hours at The Center from 9-10AM next Friday, August 7.  No appointment is necessary.

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).  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 at 508-359-9190 or via my blog about Medfield matters  https://medfield02052.wordpress.com/, where any schedule changes will be posted.