Meeting Minutes
November 20, 2012
Chenery Meeting Room draft
PRESENT: Selectmen Thompson, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Town Counsel Cerel; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke
Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at approximately 7:10 PM due to the late arrival of Selectman Peterson. This meeting is being recorded.
Chairman Thompson congratulated the High School Girls Soccer Team for winning the D2 State Championship. Well done!
TAXICAB LICENSE
Walid M. Makouk and Mohamad Halwani request the Town grant them a license to operate a taxi service in Medfield. Presently they have four vehicles and hope to add more. They have a garage facility in Dedham. According to Mr. Makouk Medfield is a good potential area for us to grow as they hear from a number of Medfield residents who would like to have them offer their
services to get to doctor’s appointments, banks, grocery shopping, etc. If granted a license they would add Medfield’s name on their cabs.
Counsel Cerel said that the Selectmen have the authority to grant permission to travel over the Town’s roads, however, not operate from any facility. Granting the license is discretionary as it is for the public convenience. When questioned about the drivers they employ Mr. Makouk responded that he is willing to submit a list of names for the Town to check.
Town Counsel advised that before the Selectmen continue with the discussion, the subject be held for the next meeting and ask the Police Chief for his input. The Board agreed.
HIGH SCHOOL AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CLUB
Elizabeth Lanzilla, a junior at the high school said that she is here to request permission to hold a vigil in front of Town Hall on December 1st for Malala Yousafza, the young girl seriously
wounded by the Taliban. Ms. Lanzilla said that this vigil will honor her and her courage to speak out about the importance of women’s rights to education.
Town Counsel advised the Board that if you grant permission for the vigil to be held in front of Town Hall, you may be setting a precedent for other groups that may request permission to
assemble that have very different messages. It could be a difficult situation to get into.
Mr. Sullivan suggested that perhaps the Town Gazebo is a more appropriate location than the Town Hall. The Selectmen agreed. Ms. Lanzilla said that would be fine with her group and that
they are planning for a 5-6 PM time. She also requests permission to put up signs to bring awareness to the public about the vigil. The Selectmen advised to see Mrs. Clarke about the approved locations for sign age. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the High School Amnesty International Club to hold a vigil at the Town Gazebo on Saturday December 1, 2012, 5:00 – 6:00 PM and as discussed
CONSERVATION RESTRICTION
Developer Edward Musto proposed a conservation restriction on land he owns at 32 Erik Road, lot 3A and consists of 2.73 acres. This restriction will assure that the land will be maintained in perpetuity as a scenic, natural and undeveloped area. Town Counsel said that he has reviewed the documents and Medfield Conservation Commission has accepted the restriction. He advises the Board to vote to accept the grant and execute the document and it was so voted.
MEETING MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to accept the November 6, 2012 meeting minutes as submitted
LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Norfolk Hunt Club to conduct the annual Drag Hunt on Town land Thursday November 22, 2012
VOTED unanimously to grant Basil Restaurant a liquor license time extension, to 1:00 AM, for Wednesday November 21, 2012, Thanksgiving Eve
PENDING / BEAVER DAMS
Mr. Sullivan mentioned that the trapping season for beavers began November 1. The beavers have caused problems off Brook Street, Harding Street and in neighborhoods along South Street. The trapper charges $500.00 for a setup fee and $100.00 per beaver trapped. The Selectmen agreed that it has been very problematic for residents in those areas mentioned and feel the hiring of a trapper will help to alleviate problems cause by the beavers building dams.
A cap of $1,500 should be in place for the trapper’s expense. Mr. Sullivan said that the expenses will be paid from the Selectmen’s budget. This is a situation that will be around for a long time. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to set a cap of $1,500 for the beaver trapping program
MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
Ms. Trierweiler reported that the public informational session held on November 8 went very well. The Mediation Ccommittee met today from 9 to 4 and due to the holiday season plan to resume their sessions in the first or second week in January.
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mrs. Thompson announced that she prefers not to run for re-election in March, however, it depends if a qualified candidate comes forward. She has been a selectman for 30 years and is
proud of all her many committee and community involvements. She has a particular fondness for the 37 years that she has dedicated to the Friends of Medfield State Hospital. All those years ago when she arrived in Medfield she began her “community career” as a reporter for the local newspaper and it led to her joining so many committees and organizations, which she has thoroughly enjoyed. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Selectman Thompson attended the Veterans’ Day event at Blake Middle School, Roger Hardy’s memorial service at Baxter Park and the Lions Club meeting listening to a presentation about diabetes and how smoking is one of the factors leading to diabetes.
Mr. Fisher agreed that the Veterans Day event was amazing and very well planned. He enjoyed attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Sam Marble and said that the Holiday Tree Lighting will be held on Friday December 7. Mr. Fisher will lend a hand to MEMO to put up the lights at Baxter Park. Henry Marcel is the light czar.
Mr. Peterson remarked that the program at Blake Middle School was impressive. Veterans’ Service Officer Ron Griffin was instrumental in organizing the event and it was a great thing to
see Mrs. Kristoff honored. Michelle Doucette did a great job with the luminary display. He went on to report that the Medfield Foundation is in the throes of putting together the Angel Run.
This will be a fund raising event for Medfield families in need. The Domesheks’ continue to be involved just not the organizers. The Foundation is accepting nominations for the Volunteer of the Year award. It is given to someone who has been doing exceptional work this past year.
INFORMATIONAL
Mr. Sullivan mentioned that today Gatehouse, developers of the proposed 40B project on West Street delivered a copy of their tax credit application. It appears to be about 1000 pages.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Selectman Fisher, seconded by Selectman Peterson, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Evelyn Clarke
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