Category Archives: Select Board matters

Meeting Minutes
September 17,2013 draft
PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Mark Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke; Mr. Sullivan, absent

The meeting convened at 7:00 PM in the Chenery Meeting Room
Chairman Fisher announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.

MUNICIPAL BONDS, TOWN GARAGE
Treasurer Georgia Colivas reported to the Board that on Thursday September 12, 1013, the Town along with its financial advisor, First Southwest accepted nine competitive bids from bond underwriters for $9.5M general obligation municipal purpose bonds. This 20 year issue includes the $9.5M in new bonds to finance the construction of the new town garage. The bid was awarded to Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. with an interest rate of 3.2% The bond proceeds amount to $9,546.199.50; 46,199.50 is the bond premium which will be used to pay the bond’s borrowing costs. All of the material has been reviewed by Edwards Wildman our legal counsel. Ms. Colivas feels that this interest rate of 3.2% is excellent and said that as our bonds are regarded as high quality, the Town maintaining a very low credit risk and our healthy financial position Moody’s affirmed the town’s AAl rating.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to award the sale of $9.5M Town of Medfield general obligation garage bonds to Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., at the price of $9,546,199.50 and accrued interest, if any, be hereby approved and confirmed. The bonds shall be payable on September 15th for the next 20 years. Vote was unanimous
Ms. Colivas outlined the many items that require the Selectmen signatures; a certification of the vote taken, a certification that the bonds were issued pursuant to statutes and votes of the Town and approval of the bonds; a certificate for continuing disclosure which means that the Town must provide an annual report and audited financial statements to all national and state repositories; a tax certificate detailing the use ofthe bond proceeds and that the bonds are qualified tax exempt obligation and the actual bonds amounting to $9.5M.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectmen DeSorgher to approve the bonds in accordance with what the Treasurer/Collector Georgia Colivas has read above .

Vote was unanimous

The Selectmen appreciate all the hard work done by Ms. Colivas regarding the bond issuances.

BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Present: Frank Perry, Tom Sweeney and Ed Beard; Tax Assessor Stan Bergeron.

Mr. Bergeron began his presentation by explaining the process for property revaluation highlighting that a full review is completed every three years. Each year there is a review of the properties that have been sold to see if it requires an adjustment of land values. He went on to say that property values have not changed much in Medfield and we recovered more quickly from the recession compared to other areas.
Bergeron said that he had heard the idea of raising the tax work off program from $500 to $1,000. The Board of Assessors are not in favor of this change as it would require having less people involved in the program and the possibility of having to tax it on a W2 as  income.’ He reported that this is for seniors to take advantage of; veterans do not qualify for this program, however, we are in the process of offering a work-off program for veterans.
Another topic discussed is the motor vehicle excise program. This will be a new version of collect pro that will go live on October 1. Bergeron said that we had to insert three years of back records; Kathy Mills did a great amount of the work. The Board was appreciative to hear this update.

SWAP AREA
Ms. Trierweiler remarked that the group of people involved at the SWAP area will work through some of the issues before coming before the Selectmen.

SPECIAL ELECTION
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to call a October 21, 2013 Special Election regarding the Red Gate Farm acquisition.
Vote was unanimous
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to sign the October 7, 2013 Warrant and to close the Warrant at the end ofthe September 17, 2013 Board of Selectmen meeting. Vote was unanimous
It was noted that the last day to register for the Special Town Meeting is September 27 and last day to register to be eligible to vote in the October 2151 Special Town Election is October 1, 2013

CONSERVATION RESTRICTION
The Board is requested to sign a Conservation Restriction for property at 60 Harding Street (formerly known as the Beehive). Town Counsel supports the acceptance

VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion to sign the Conservation Restriction pertaining to property located at 60 Harding Street. Selectman DeSorgher seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous

MEETING MINUTES
VOTED to approve the September 3,2013 meeting minutes with revisions

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant the Zullo Gallery a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for First Thursdays: October 3, November 7 and December 5, 2013 6-10:30 PM
Chairman Fisher noted that the Zullo Gallery will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary on October 3, 2013
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Medfield Youth Lacrosse to place signs announcing registration for the Spring 2014 season. Signs in place November 1 through November 15, 2013
VOTED unanimously to grant Medfield Youth Soccer permission to place signs announcing the annual3 v 3 Soccer Tournament on October 6 at the Wheelock School fields. Signs in place September 18 through September 29, 2013
Voted unanimously to grant permission to the Medfield Lions Club to display signs from October 21 to November 3 promoting the annual Chowder Fest on November 2 at the CENTER and further grant permission to use the Town’s VMS sign at the transfer Station
to advertise the event

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
Ms. Trierweiler remarked that the first joint coordination meeting was held last week. With these meetings we are hoping to keep everyone informed as to what is happening in terms of the remediation. Also there will be working groups setup to keep the project moving forward.  The next Joint Coordination meeting will be held on October 21 at 3:00 PM. The Negotiating Committee will meet this Thursday September 19 in Town Hall at 7:00 PM Ms. Trierweiler pointed out that next Tuesday September 24 the state Hospital Advisory Committee, Mediation and Environmental Review Committees will attend the Selectmen’s meeting for discussion. The Negotiating Committee requests they meet with the Selectmen in Executive Session.

SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson reported that he held “Office Hour” at the CENTER on September 6; November 13 he is designated to attend the Mini Town Hall meeting for the Hearthstone Drive neighborhood. The Medfield Foundation will host the annual Angel Run on December 8. This year the Foundation is instituting an all on-line registration for the Run. He mentioned that nominations are open for the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award.
Mr. DeSorgher met with Town Accountant Joy Ricciuto and appreciates her time with him. From what he has seen it is terrific how well the people in Town Hall work together. He attended the meeting together with other Town Hall officials, with the proponents of a medical marijuana cultivation facility. They talked about the security they would install using video cameras; it does entail high water usage and a ventilation system for the strong odor; there will be no tax revenue from the sales. The facility would be opened 24 hours each day.
The AesthetiCS Committee met and discussed types of trees for this area and they would like to see cement sidewalks with the brick strip, the same sidewalk recently constructed on Pound Street. He attended the Energy committee meeting listening to a presentation about the town of Norfolk’s solar photo vatic system. They have had a savings of 250,000 due to rate reduction. The Economic Development Committee held their first meeting and would like to have one additional member. Lyme Disease Study Committee is moving forward with the 2013 bow hunting program.
Mr. DeSorgher attended the Norfolk Hunt Club Polo Game over the weekend. About 1,200 people attended; their many acres on North Street are controlled as open space. The Hunt Club is a great organization and their profits go to preserving open space in Medfield and other towns. He met this afternoon with Nancy Kelly and Kristine to brainstorm ideas about how to use the Lord’s sign. We came up with no definitive plan and concluded that the sign will come down and be stored atthe Kelly’s. CVS Engineer let him know that a new design for the parking lot area has been completed. CVS will need to go before the Planning Board for their input. At Loeffler Lane and South Street the telephone box on the utility pole needs to be taken care of. Still pending is the street sign at Scott Road and Country Way as well as the town path near the Scribner property on Harding Street. Mr. DeSorgher received a telephone call regarding the parking at McCarthy Park. The cars park facing forward to the playing fields, which can pose a serious problem. He will have conversation with Jim Snyder at Park & Rec. This weekend will be busy in Medfield; Saturday is Medfield Day and Sunday is the Water wheel dedication at the Grist Mill. Attendees may park at St Edward parking lot and the COA mini bus will transport people to the Grist Mill. Medway is celebrating their 300th with a parade on Saturday.

Mr. Fisher encourages Medfield residents and neighbors to come to Medfield Day this Saturday. Come and meet up with old friends; it should be a great day. On October 17 Mr. Fisher will be at home ofthe Sweeney’s for a mini town hall meeting in the Indian Hill neighborhood. He hopes that neighbors will attend the Woodland Theatre production of Les Miserables as it will be fabulous. Some other productions that they are planning are Fiddler On The Roof and Spelling Bee.

INFORMATIONAL
Town Counsel Cerel noted that he is willing to attend the Town Charter and Bylaw Review Committee meeting for discussion on the bylaws and how they will pertain to state hospital property.
The Selectmen clarified that the fourth Tuesday meeting will focus on special groups, not a regular selectmen’s meeting.
Ms. Trierweiler addressed the mini library house on display in the back ofthe room. It was suggested that it be placed in the area to be known as the pocket park for Medfield Day, however, she thinks that the sidewalk area would be best. The project ofthe library house and
its theme “Leave One, Take One” was completed by Mare Parker-O’Toole who by the way will be leaving her job at our library to work for Wheelock College.

ADJOURNMENT
Selectman Peterson made a motion at 8:00 PM to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman
DeSorgher. Vote was unanimous.

Tuesday October 1, 2013 @ 7:00 PM
AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM Senator Timilty and Representative Garlick
Discussion regarding state budget and local aid, repeal of software tax, regulartoryproblems (i.e. double utility poles, withholding $IOO,OOOM of Chapter 90 Funds (highway)\\

7:45 PM SWAP Area at Transfer Station, Nancy Irwin

Discuss increase to number of volunteers, feasibility of a temporary shelter

ACTION
Vote to sign October 21,2013 Special Town Election Warrant
Vote to award Joint Salt Bid to Eastern Minerals

Review Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

LICENSES & PERMITS
Kelly McDermott, MFi Angel Run Co-Director requests permission to post signs promoting 8th annual Angel Run being held December 8, 2013. Requests signs in place three weeks prior to event

Medfield Public Library requests permission to set up a temporary Storywalk along the path leading to the Library, October 4 through November 1, 2013

PENDING
Fall Conference for Selectmen, Saturday October 5 at Tri-County

Tuesday September 24, 2013 @ 7:00 PM

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM Kenny Property, discussion with Robin Kenny and Sean McEntee

7: 1 0 PM Review of State Hospital property with State Hospital Advisory Committee, Mediation Committee, Negotiating Committee, Enviromnental Committee

Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2013 DRAFT
PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Assistant town Administrator Trierweiler; town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke; Mr. Sullivan absent

The meeting convened at 7:00 PM in the Chenery Meeting room
Chairman Fisher announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.

ROCHE BROS. PROPOSED PLAN
Attorney Edward Cannon introduced those present who are: Rick Roche, CEO, Paul McGillivray, VP, Chuck Bromley, Architect. It’s their intention to return to a smaller store concept, the location in Medfield will be their first market of this type to be developed. Reports indicate that shoppers prefer to buy fresh a couple or three times a week, then do major shopping once or twice a month. They will offer bakery items, dairy, fresh meats and produce along with a variety of prepared foods. The space will include a cafe and perhaps recreate the lunch counter style. The rear of the store off the parking lot will be the main entrance with a living wall made up with an ivy type plant that will continuously grow as well as a prominent front entrance on Main Street. When it was queried if the Lord’s sign would remain the answer was that they do not plan to use the sign. However, on the South Street side ofthe building it is planned to display a mural showing the Lord’s store from more than 75 years ago. In this way it will pay homage to Lord’s.
The Selectmen reacted positively to the presentation. Mr. Peterson and Mr. DeSorgher emphasized Roche Bros community support through the years has been extraordinary.

VETERANS’AGENT
Ron Griffin said that he had several items to bring before the Selectmen; the Town has been granting vehicle excise tax exemptions for veterans for quite awhile although we have not brought before Town Meeting to accept the state law. Town Counsel has advised that an article be placed on the annual warrant for a vote. The tax work off program for veterans was approved to establish at Town Meeting and entails four veterans to earn the $500.00 credit.  As there are a few items that need to be worked out, Ron will put together an outline for the Selectmen’s review at the next meeting. The Board will take under advisement an increase in the exemption to the amount of $1,000.00 and will discuss with the Board of  Assessors.

Agent Griffin remarked that the 2013 census has the number of 480 veterans in Medfield. This is down from 2012, 508 and 2011, 523. He elaborated that within that number and very interesting there are 14 veterans over age 90, and two are women. For many years there was   a memorial honoring two veterans at the state hospital who served in WW I, Silas Arsenault and Arthur Cleversee. However these memorials have deteriorated so shamefully that the state should be embarrassed. Bill Massaro who is present offered information that he discussed this situation with John O’Donnell from DCAMM who reported that the memorial is an item that will be taken care of.
Ron is planning a pancake breakfast on Veterans’ Day November 11 at the CENTER, the first for an annual event. He went on to report that as we know populations over 12,000 require a fulltime Veterans Service Officer. He emphasized that he is not looking for a promotion for himself because I feel I am totally accessible for the veterans. The Board thanked him for his report.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
The Selectmen are requested to call the October 7’h Special town Meeting, set date to open the warrant and set closing date and time.
VOTE: Selectmen Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to call a Special Town Meeting for Monday October 7,2013. Vote was unanimous

VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, to open the October 7, 2013 Special Town Meeting Warrant and to close the Warrant at the end of the business meeting on Tuesday September 17, 2013. Vote was unanimous

MEDFIELD ENERGY COMMITTEE
The committee directed a letter to the Selectmen requesting their support for Medfield becoming a Green Community. By doing so Medfield would be eligible to apply for grants from the state. Medfield energy had proposed this designation in 2011; however, they did not garner the support. Municipal energy use has been reduced by 28-29% over the past five years.
Selectmen Peterson said that he thinks it is a great idea and Selectman DeSorgher said that we should support this initiative and bring it to Town Meeting.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
The Selectmen are requested to approve an Exemption of Financial Interest of Special Municipal Employee Thomas Erb in the matter of a contract between him and the Medfield Water Department to lease storage space at 97 West Street. The water department needs space for their supplies and equipment during the construction of the new town garage.

VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, to adopt the exemption and sign the document. Vote was unanimous.

MEETING MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve the August 20, 2013 meeting minutes with revisions

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant a liquor permit to the First Parish Unitarian Church for their fundraising event to be held September 27 and 28, 7-9PM
VOTED unanimously to grant the Council on Aging a one-day wine and malt beverage Permit for the Supper Club event September 11,2013 4-7PM at the CENTER
VOTED unanimously to grant a Block Party Permit to the Knollwood Road neighborhood For Saturday September 215-10PM (rain date September 29)

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
Ms. Trierweiler reported that the hospital mediation committee will meet on Monday September 3 3:00 in Town Hall for a joint coordination of the settlement agreement with John O’Donnell. Noted that the Negotiation Committee will meet with the Selectmen on September 24 in executive session.
Ms. Trierweiler remarked that we have received copy of MASS Historical letter dated August 27 addressed to DCAMM wherein they write that they are in agreement with the demolition of building 42 (stable/main garage) and building 56 (laundry building). However, they look forward to continued discussion with the Town of Medfield regarding adverse effect to the Odyssey House.

PENDING
Annual committee appointments
VOTE: Selectmen Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, to approve the list of appointments as presented and reviewed. Vote was unanimous

Economic Development Committee: the Selectmen agree that they approve the statement written by Mr. Sullivan; however Selectman Peterson said that he needed additional time for a second review and comment.

Selectmen Goals
On a motion made and seconded the Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the Selectmen list of goals

SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. DeSorgher reported that he attends the weekly Tuesday morning meetings at the highway garage and the preliminary work done by our highway department is nearing completion. It has saved the Town at least $2 million. He commends the State Hospital Advisory committee for their valuable time listening to all sides of the issues. Their important work is very much appreciated. He is very pleased that the new Nstar rep is willing to work with the town to remove double poles. Jack Lopes will contact Verizon and Comcast to setup a meeting for discussion regarding a timeline to remove their wires.
Mr. DeSorgher reported that he met this morning with CVS  personnel at the site to discuss parking and driveway issues. CVS agreed that there is a serious flaw in the design and are willing come up with a plan that will work more smoothly with traffic going in and out onto Route 27. He let them know that a redesign plan should go through the Planning Board and that he will talk with Sarah to see if perhaps the plan to remedy the problem could be expedited. Mr. DeSorgher will be meeting with the property owners of the Route 109 shops to discuss repairing the serious trenches in the  driveway/parking areas. Also he observed that there is not a curb cut on Elm Street near the Wheelock School which makes it difficult for those students who ride bicycles to school. He will talk with Ken Feeney to work something out. The town has received notice from individuals regarding a medical marijuana cultivation facility. He reports that we need to keep a close eye on developments. Mr. DeSorgher suggests that committees/boards that are scheduled to attend our meeting be invited well in advance of the date. Medfield Schools opened today and we wish all students a good school year.
Mr. Peterson remarked that the state hospital committee is making good progress.
Mr. Fisher mentioned that the Kingsbury Pond Committee invites the community to the dedication of the new Grist Mill Waterwheel on Sunday September 22, 2013 1-3PM; this Saturday September 7 there is a reception to welcome the new school superintendent Jeffery Marsden at the high school, 9-11 AM. He mentioned that Medfield Day will be held on Saturday September 21.

INFORMATIONAL
A copy of the Attorney General’s letter approving Annual Town Meeting Articles 22, 23 and 24
First Thursday, September 5 activity notice from the Dwight-Derby House

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Peterson Clerk of the Board read: Chairman: The Medfield Board of Selectmen needs to meet in executive session for the following purpose:
To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property; land of Kenny consisting of approximately 22 acres off Philip Street; I declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public today.  The open session (will not) reconvene at the conclusion of the executive session.
Motion: I move that the Medfield Board of Selectmen go into executive session for the following purpose:

To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property: land of Kenny consisting of approximately 22 acres off Philip Street; if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body and the Chair so declares.  And that the open session not reconvene at the conclusion of the executive session.

On a roll call vote, Mr. Fisher yes, Mr. DeSorgher yes, Mr. Peterson yes; the Board of Selectmen went into executive session at 8:40PM

Tuesday September 17, 2013 @ 7:00 PM

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM Treasurer/Collector Georgia Colivas
Request vote to sign bonds for town garage and discuss motor vehicle excise conversion

7:15 PM Board of Assessors
Discuss motor vehicle excise conversion, tax work-off program and update on property revaluation

7:30 PM Discussion regarding SWAP area at the Transfer Station, Solid Waste Study Committee and SWAP area volunteers in attendance

ACTION
Vote to call October 21,2013 Special Town Election regarding Red Gate Farm acquisition

Vote to close October 7, 2013 Special Town Meeting Warrant

LICENSES & PERMITS
Zullo Gallery Director William Pope requests one-day wine and malt beverage permit for “First Thursdays” October through December

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE

Board of Selectmen
PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME
Townl Hall, Chenery Meeting Room, 2nd floor Tuesday September 3, 2013 @ 7:00 PM

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Executive Session at close of meeting for the purpose of discussing land acquisition
7:00 PM Roche Bros.; presentation of proposed facility at 450 Main Street
7:30 PM Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffm; Report to Selectmen

ACTION
Vote to call October 7, 2013 Special ToWll Meeting
Vote to set date to open warrant and set closing date and time

LICENSES & PERMITS
First Parish Unitarian Church requests a permit to serve wine at their fundraising event to be held on September 27 and 28 7-9PM

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE

PENDING
Annual committee appointments
Mission statement for the Economic Development Committee
Selectmen’s goals