Category Archives: Uncategorized

State property taxes

Posted on January 28, 2017 | Comments Off on State property taxes

This article was circulated with the DOR’s Division of Local Services newsletter I get.  I did not include all its charts, hence the holes you will see.   I thought the two maps were the most interesting.  Medfield is part of the over $10K/year tax belt of red in MetroWest.-

FY2017 Single-Family Residential Tax Bill Andrew Nelson, Supervisor, Bureau of Accounts (BOA) Tony Rassias, Deputy Director, BOA

The State Total single-family residential tax bill for FY2017 is $5,621, an increase of $202 or 3.7 percent from FY2016, according to data captured from 332 of the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns in the DLS Muncipal Databank.

In addition, the average value of a single-family residential home was $399,413, the highest value since the FY2008 average value of $403,705, which was set as values were starting to drop in the real estate market.

So far in FY2017, with 345 communities reporting valuation data to the Division of Local Services (DLS), single-family residential parcels statewide represent:

  • 66% of all residential class property assessed values;
  • 54% of all property assessed values;
  • 64% of all residential class parcels; and
  • 56% of all class parcels and articles of personal property

Analysis of data for this article is limited to single-family residential parcels, class code 101, and does not include condominiums, multifamily homes or apartment buildings.

This analysis and all charts and graphs included with the exception of Chart 5 do not include communities for which a residential exemption was adopted in any fiscal year, but later in this article presents the impact on their average bill if the property was eligible for the exemption For FY2017 only, the analysis does not include data for six communities for which no tax rate has yet to be certified by the Bureau of Accounts.

This article begins with a review of the State Total single-family residential property tax bill, a calculation performed by DLS for many years. The article then continues with a review of the statewide median of community averages since FY2008 followed by community averages. The article then reviews how both the State Total and statewide median of community averages have fared over time relative to inflation and finally takes a special look at the residential exemption’s impact on the 13 communities that had it in FY2017.

The State Total

Calculation of the State Total presumes that Massachusetts is one local governmental entity for which such a bill would be determined.  While not a median of all community averages, the State Total is presented and may be measured against itself from a prior fiscal year.

Chart 1 presents the calculation of the State Total from FY2008 to FY2017. Note that the State Total has annually increased over this period of time, yet not by more than 4%.

In addition, Chart 1 presents the average value for all single-family residential properties.  The average value decreased from FY2008 to FY2013 by 12.2%, but from FY2013 to FY2017 increased 12.7%.  Overall for the time period shown, the average value decreased by 1%.

Chart 1

 

 

The Median of Community Averages

Chart 2 shows the median or midpoint of all community averages for each fiscal year since FY2008.  For FY2017, this median tax bill of $4,745 represents an increase over FY2016’s by $202 or 4.4%

 

 

Note: For the six communities without an FY2017 tax rate and not represented in Chart 2, five have historically averaged below and one above the $4,745 median tax bill shown above. If history proves true once again for these communities, the FY2017 median amount shown would drop by less than $50.

The Average by Community

DLS calculates a community’s average single-family residential property tax bill by:

  • dividing the total class code 101 assessed property values in the community by the number of parcels in that community’s class code to establish an average property value for the class; and
  • multiplying that average property value by the community’s residential class tax rate as certified by the Bureau of Accounts for that fiscal year.

The following color-coded maps provide visual representations of the FY2017 community averages around the State as well as their dollar changes from FY2016.

fy17-dor-average-tax-bill-map

 

This map shows how most of the communities in the western and central parts of Massachusetts have average tax bills at or less than the median of community averages, $4,745. The map also shows a cluster of communities with average tax bills over $10,000 just to the west of Boston.

For a larger version of this map, including community names, click here.

 

fy17-DOT-tax change map of Massachusetts.jpg

This map, in conjunction with the previous map, shows that although many communities in the western and central parts of Massachusetts had lesser than median average tax bills, a number of them had greater than median average increases from FY2016. The median for all communities that increased their average tax bill was $174.

Statewide, 311 communities increased their average tax bill from FY2016 ranging from $1 in Hampden to $998 in Winchester.

Also seen is that a number of communities actually decreased their average tax bill from FY2016. Statewide, 21 communities did so, ranging from $2 in Sheffield to $305 in Peru. The median for all communities that decreased their average tax bill was $43.

For a larger version of this map, including community names, click here. 

 

 The Range of Averages

Graph 1 shows that more communities (81) have FY2017 community average single-family property tax bills in the $3,000 to $3,999 range followed by 78 in the $4,000 to $4,999 range category.

 

 

Graph 2 shows the number of communities increasing and decreasing their average tax bills from FY2016 to FY2017 on a percentage basis. For example, seven communities decreased their average bill anywhere from greater than1% to 2%. Also, 84 communities increased their average bill anywhere from greater than3% to 4%.

For the 21 communities that decreased their bill, their median percentage decrease was 1.1%. For the 311 communities that increased their average bill, their median percentage increase was 3.5%.

Communities that decreased their average bill ranged from .05% in Sheffield to 8.4% in Peru.  Communities that increased their average bill ranged from .02% in Hampden to 24.4% in Hancock

 

 

 The Highest and Lowest Averages

Chart 3 shows the communities having the 10 highest and lowest FY2017 average bills in descending order.

 

 

The Statewide Trend in Current and Constant Dollars

Chart 4 shows the State Total and Median of Community Averages in current dollars as presented earlier in this article in relation to a constant dollar, which controls for inflation.

The Chart shows that both the State Total and the Median of Community Averages dollar amounts have outpaced the rate of inflation over the time period shown.

For example, the Median of Community Averages FY2008 current dollar figure of $3,470 adjusted for inflation represents a constant dollar figure of $3,900 in FY2017.  FY2017 in current dollars is $4,745. As of FY2017 then, the current dollar figure has outpaced the constant dollar figure by $845 or 18%.

Note that the State Total is always in excess of the Median. As was stated earlier in this article, these two dollar amounts may be compared to themselves from a prior fiscal year but are not comparable to each other.

 

 

The Residential Exemption Communities

Thirteen communities that adopted a residential exemption are not included in either the State Total or Median Averages as the Bureau of Accounts does not receive sufficient information as to how many class code 101 residential properties are eligible for the exemption in those communities.

For those 13 communities, however, Chart 5 shows the FY2017 dollar impact of the residential exemption on single-family residential properties (1) assessed at the community’s median value and (2) deemed qualified to receive the exemption.  More information on this exemption can be found in the October 16, 2014 edition of City & Town.

 

 

For More Information

For more information on the State Total, Average Bills for Communities and Statewide Rankings, please visit the DLS Databank.

The authors would like to thank Theo Kalivas of DLS’ Technical Assistance Bureau for his assistance in creating the color-coded maps used in this analysis.

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BoS minutes for 1/17/17

Posted on January 28, 2017 | Comments Off on BoS minutes for 1/17/17

Meeting Minutes January 17, 2017 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, Marcucci; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke; absent Town Administrator Sullivan Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced the meeting is being recorded. Mr. Fisher asked for a moment of appreciation for our troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. SENIOR HOUSING STUDY COMMIITEE, TONY CENTORE CHAIR Members attending Ann Thompson, Jerry Kazanjian, Stephen Dragotakes, Roberta Lynch Mr. Centore presented a status report on th,e committee's work. He remarked that the committee's mission statement defines Medfield Seniors; their demographics, income, current home equity, housing preferences and their available options. Part of the committee's work was to put together a senior survey to help gather information about our aging population and what was discovered is 70% of seniors want to stay in Medfield with a preferred home price of $300,000 to 450,000. There were 126 responses. The committee feels that Lot 7 (Hinkley property abutting the Senior Center) is the most desired property. They intend to place on article on the warrant to use this property. Selectman Fisher said that his concern with Hinkley land is that the state hospital committee is also looking to include the lots with their plan. He suggests that the senior committee have a conversation with MSH. Selectman Marcucci queried whether this plan would move forward as a LIP that would help the Town to meet our affordable housing goals. It was agreed that the conversation continues regarding what the Town may be able to do to keep seniors in Town. COMMIITEE APPOINTMENT The Selectmen are requested to vote to appoint Paul and Patty Foscaldo to the Senior Housing Committee as recommended by the Committee and it was so voted. TOWN WIDE MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMIITEE Chairman Mike Quinlan said that the majority of the committee is in favor of developing a master plan. We learned from other towns that preparing a plan could take one to three years to complete with the assistance from a consultant. He went on to say that the committee has three options for the Selectmen to consider at this time: Option 1 . hire a professional consultant through the RFP process that will define the scope of work; most expensive option at a cost of about $150,000 Option 2. Consultant to prepare the master plan in phases over several years and include the committee and town employees in the planning efforts at an estimated cost of $100,000 Option 3. Town to complete the plan with minimal assistance from a professional; January 17, 2017 Page two estimated time three to five years; minimal cost $30,000. Should the Town determine this is the course of action to take, it should be noted that the biggest risk could be the plan is outdated by the time it is completed. The committee also would like to know if the Selectmen feel this is a priority for the 2017 town meeting warrant or hold for 2018. Mr. Quinlan remarked that the committee does support option one, and feel it is better to wait another year. Selectman Marcucci said that it is important for the Town to have a master plan; right now we are waiting for the state hospital planning committee to complete their plan, plus we are faced with costly issues that may require an override. His feeling is that the town wide master plan be deferred for another year to do it right and have the committee continue to work on it. The Selectmen and Mr. Quinlan agreed. BAY CIRCUIT ALLIANCE Town Counsel Cerel explained that the "Trail" extends from the north shore to the south shore and a portion passes through Medfield. He said that conversations have taken place with Town Administrator, myself and the Alliance's representative by Mr. Denny Nackoney about the Alliance's desire to have a formal agreement with the Town for continued use of Town land for the trail. Mr. Cerel continued saying that the Trail passes over land not only that the Board controls but several other boards and departments, i.e. School Department, Park and Recreation, Council on Aging, Water and Sewerage and Conservation land. The license agreement is both conditional and revocable. He requests the Board's support for this agreement. VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman Marcucci it was voted unanimously to support in principle the license agreement as presented by Town Counsel Cerel subject to his discussions with all Town departments involved AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIALIST Ms. Trierweiler remarked that she had several companies showing interest in the RFP, however, the Town received only one formal response from Community Opportunities Group. As it turns out this company developed the Town's Housing Production Plan so they are very familiar with Medfield. Having COG on board will be of great assistance as we encounter the variety of phases to meet our numbers for affordable housing units. VOTED unanimously to award the contract for Affordable Housing Specialist to Community Opportunities Group, Boston January 17, 2017 Page three SEWER SLUDGE CONTRACT DPW Director Maurice Goulet requests the Selectmen vote to sign a contract with Waste Water Services, Inc. for sewage sludge transportation and disposal at a cost of disposal at $316.20 per dry ton and transportation at $321.30 per load and it was so voted to execute the contract DEED RIDER FOR SALE OF PROPERTY VOTED unanimously to authorize Chairman Fisher excecute the Eligible Purchaser Certificate pertaining to the sale of 2 Joseph Pace Road, in the Allendale development LICENSES AND PERMITS VOTED unanimously to grant permission for signs to be posted February 17 to March 11 promoting the annual Winter Carnival to be held at the Memorial School on March 11, 2017 PENDING Evaluation of Town Administrator postponed to next meeting as Mr. Sullivan is on vacation COUNTRY ESTATES Selectman Marcucci advised that he will draft a letter of support from the Selectmen to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the proposed development Country Estates Medfield LLC Hospital Road 2017 WARRANT ARTICLES The Board was provided with a draft list of 40 articles. It is suggested that a place be reserved for article pertaining to ALS. SELECTMEN REPORT Mr. Peterson reported that shortly MCAP will be issuing a survey. At his January office hour at the CENTER he listened to resident's concern about cul-de-sac not being sanded during a storm. Mr. Marcucci remarked that he thinks it is a great idea that the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is now in partnership with the Foundation For MetroWest. Mr. Fisher reported that the Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee will hold a Public Outreach Session on February 7, 4-8 PM at the high school cafeteria. The committee will present four concepts for the hospital site. Please come to see all their work. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM20170117_page_220170117_page_3

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BoS minutes for 1/3/17

Posted on January 28, 2017 | Comments Off on BoS minutes for 1/3/17

Meeting Minutes January 3, 2017 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, Marcucci; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:00 P. He announced this meeting is being recorded. Mr. Fisher asked for a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. LOUIS FELLINI The Selectmen honored Lou Fellini for his many years of service to the Town beginning in 2001 as a member of the Council on Aging to his 2012 appointment as a member of the Permanent Building Committee overseeing the construction of the Town Garage and the Public Safety Building. Mr. Fellini resigned from the COA in May and in resigned from the Permanent Building Committee. COA Director Roberta Lynch, Mike Quinlan and Police Chief Meaney individually offered their congratulations and many words of thank you. The Selectmen declared January 4, 2017 as Louis Felli,ni Day in Medfield and presented him with a replica of the Town Clock. MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL MASTER PLANNING COMMITIEE Member Randy Karg remarked that the committee requests the Selectmen vote to sign a contract with new planning consultant Kathleen McCabe, d/b/a/ McCabe Enterprises, Boston. The Town issued an RFP and received four responses. Two responses were not appealing to the committee and the other two had second interviews. The committee feels the level of commitment we will receive from McCabe is sincere. (McCabe Enterprises replaces Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB). The contract between the Town and McCabe Enterprises covers three phases of services, planning, zoning and disposition; town appropriation is $120,000. VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to execute the McCabe Enterprises contract Mr. Karg announced that the committee is planning a Public Outreach Session to be held February 7 at the high school cafeteria from 4-8 PM. This is more of an open house meeting; residents are encouraged to come and leave when they must, however, view the different scenarios the committee is considering, ask questions and help us narrow the choices. When queried Mr. Karg offered that we hope to have a fall 2017 town meeting to vote on the plan of choice. The Selectmen thanked Mr. Karg for the information he presented. January 3, 2017 Page two PLANNING BOARD The Selectmen are requested to vote to sign a contract with BETA Group, Inc., Norwood, MA for Engineering Consulting Services regarding Planning Board On-Call Peer Engineer. This is a renewal contract as the Planning Board has been using BETA's services for several years. VOTED unanimously to execute a Contract for Engineering Consulting Services for the Planning Board with Contractor BETA GROUP, Inc., Norwood, MA MEDFIELD HOUSING AUTHORITY The Selectmen had anticipated hearing from Medfield Housing Director Candace Loewen on their quest to expand Tilden Village, however, her attendance is postponed to a .future meeting. Ms. Loewen has been collaborating with the Director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority on the financing phase. TOWN WIDE MASTER PLANNING STEERING COMMITIEE Chairman Mike Quinlan recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint James (Jay) Duncan to the committee and it was so voted MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION MMA recommends that if Medfield's eligible voting member (Chairman Fisher) cannot attend the annual business meeting on January 21 another person be designated to vote in his place. Chairman Fisher authorizes Selectman Peterson to vote in his place. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR GOALS AND MERIT As Selectman Peterson was not prepared to discuss Mr. Sullivan's goals and vote a merit increase, subject is postponed to the next meeting. REVIEW TO DO LIST Ms. Trierweiler prepared and this evening distributed the list to the Board (in draft form). The Selectmen agree with the color coded format and advised to hold and discuss at next meeting. AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIALIST Ms. Trierweiler remarked that responses to the RFP for the housing specialist are due January 10. She expects to request the Selectmen vote a contract with a consultant at the January 17 meeting. SELECTMEN REPOITT Selectman Peterson received a resident's message that during the storm Hillcrest Road was icy and Town has not put down any sand; advised resident to call Police Department when Town January 3, 2017 Page three Hall is not open. Mr. Peterson requests that all materials that appear on the Selectmen's agenda be scanned and emailed to the Board. INFORMATIONAL Mr. Sullivan reported that Medfield's meals tax receipt as of August 9 was $36,000. MASS School Building Authority denied the Town's request for financial assistance to build a new school to replace Dale Street. Town will reapply. Medfield has not received an answer as of yet if grant money is available to repair the Philip Street Bridge. However, a positive inspection report was received from massDOT on the South Street Bridge over the Stop River The January 31, 2017 meeting with MASSHousing regarding the Dale Street project will be attended by Selectman Marcucci, Town Counsel Mark Cerel and Attorney Jay Talerman. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.20170103_page_220170103_page_3

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BoS 11/29/16

Posted on January 28, 2017 | Comments Off on BoS 11/29/16

Meeting Minutes November 29, 2016 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, Marcucci; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. He announced this meeting is being recorded. We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. 7:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING; ANNUAL TAX CLASSIFICATON Principal Assessor Yvonne Remillard remarked that the purpose of this hearing is to discuss whether all five classes of property (residential, commercial/industrial, open space and personal) shall be taxed at the same rate or at different rates for fiscal year 2017. She made the point that as the Town has only about five percent in commercial/industrial property historically Medfield has always maintained a single rate. If we shift the rate between residential and commercial it would place a larger burden on commercial and residential properties would only benefit from a small savings. Ms. Remillard said that on behalf of the Board of Assessors we recommend that the Board of Selectmen vote to continue with a single tax rate. The new rate is $16.89 per $1,000 of assessed value. VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman Marcucci it was voted unanimously to adopt a unified tax rate and as recommended by the Board of Assessors MEDFIELD YOUTH OUTREACH DIRECTOR DAWN ALCOTT Ms. Alcott reported that at her meeting with the Selectmen a few months ago she was advised to create a mission statement for the advisory board and to reach out to residents to join. She said that I have completed those tasks and you have before you a copy of the mission statement and a list of volunteers who are willing to serve. They are Cheryl Lavalle, COA Outreach Worker; Kathleen Thompson, RN (school nurse); Michelle Manganello, School Resource Officer; Jennifer Sullivan, guidance counselor; Heidi Groff, nurse practitioner; Kathleen Cahill, co-founder of the Medfield chapter of Neighbor Brigade; Kathleen Lanzilla, high school senior; Rachel Cohen, high school junior; Liz Sandeman, RN; Ana Ghaz, college graduate and former Peer Leader with Youth Outreach. Ms. Alcott continued saying that our mission will be to "support and maintain a Medfield Youth Outreach program that is universally accessible, visible, confidential and linked to other support networks." Mr. Peterson feels that an advisory board is a great idea and the volunteers are a talented group of people. The Selectmen advise that as they have only received the names of the volunteers this evening, would like to review and discuss at the next meeting. November 29, 2016 Page two MEDFIELD HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Chairman Michael Taylor reported on a few of the activities that the Commission is working on. He said that they administer the four historic districts in Town; John Metcalf on West Main Street; Hospital Farm; Clark-Kingsbury and Town Center. Continuing he mentioned that before a property owner is thinking about exterior changes the owner must come before the commission with his plans for approval. With this process we can assist to give thoughtful consideration in keeping with the overall historic within the district. The commission is involved only with the exterior of a building. At the moment the commission's focus is on the preservation of the hospital site. They would like to create a new district on East Main Street although neighbors have made it a bit challenging; also working with LCB, Inc. (assisted living facility) who has given thought to developing two family unit in the Clark Tavern. Mr. Taylor ended his update by reporting the commission has two new members John Maiona and Cheryl O'Malley. The Selectmen thanked Mr. Taylor for his report. MEDFIELD HISTORICAL COMMISSION David Temple Co-Chair remarked that his committee oversees the Town's demolition delay bylaw that is one of the state's most stringent. It prevents buildings over 50 years old from being demolished too quickly and without the owner giving serious thought to perhaps how historically significant the building actually is. We impose an 18 month delay when necessary. Mr. Temple continued saying that this evening the commission would like to present Janet and Bill Hasapidis our preservation award for their thoughtful restoration of their home at 27 Plain Street. This property was built in 1750 and is known as the Francis Cole House; the Hasipidis' are only the fourth family to own this property. HOSPITAL ROAD WATER TOWER VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman Marcucci it was voted unanimously to authorize Town Administrator Michael Sullivan to sign Change Order #6 pertaining to additional Water Tank Driveway Paving in the amount of $13,500.00 TREE SERVICE CONTRACT VOTED unanimously to award a two-year contract, 2016-2018 for tree service to Stumpy's Tree Service in accordance with the Town's specifications and as recommended by DPW Director Maurice Goulet NOVEMBER 29, 2016 Page three RESIGNATION Letter received from Louis Fellini, Permanent Building Committee member since 2012. The Selectmen advised that he be present at a future meeting to recognize his service through the years VOTED unanimously to accept with deepest regret Permanent Building Committee Member Louis Fellini's resignation POLICE CONTRACT Ms. Trierweiler remarked that the Selectmen took the first step in the contract process and signed the Memo of Understanding in March 2016. She requests the Board vote this evening to execute the contract document VOTED unanimously to sign the July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019 Police Contract and as recommended by Assistant Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler LICENSES AND PERMITS VOTED unanimously to grant permission to the Friends of the Medfield Public Library to post signs promoting Bag of Books for $5.00 Sale to be held January 27, 28, 29, 2017 at the Library location SELECTMEN REPORr Mr. Peterson reported attending the meetings held in Town Hall with Riverside Community Care and the Price Center, agencies who are eager to come to Medfield to establish group home services. The Town would receive credit towards 40B housing should this come to fruition. Mr. Marcucci has no report Mr. Fisher remarked that this Friday is the Town's Christmas Tree lighting event, also the Holiday Stroll and Saturday is the Christmas Parade. Please come and enjoy the festivities AFFORDABLE UNITS Robert Borelli, contractor has purchased the property at 67 North Street. His attorney Marty Murphy remarked that it is proposed making it into eight units, two of which would be affordable. He said that they would like to proceed with this development as a LIP project working through DHCD and are asking for the Selectmen's support. The Selectmen indicated that they are pleased with Mr. Borelli's proposal as it will count towards the Town's Subsidized Housing inventory (SHI). November 29, 2016 Page four VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman Marcucci to support the general interest in a local initiative project (LIP) at 67 North Street subject to all details being worked out with Town officials to ensure the project meets all necessary regulatory requirements. Vote was unanimous ADJOURNMENT As there was no further business to come before the Selectmen a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM. The vote was unanimous20161129_page_220161129_page_320161129_page_4

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Tri-County $ next year

Posted on January 28, 2017 | Comments Off on Tri-County $ next year

Town’s contribution to Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District is based on the number of our students.  Yesterday Mike circulated the list below:

fy18-tri-county

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Lost 9 lbs in 5 days

Posted on January 27, 2017 | Comments Off on Lost 9 lbs in 5 days

New regime shedding the pounds really quickly – nine pounds down since Sunday.

As effective as it is, and as much as Deb approves of the change, I am not signing on long term.

Doctor calls it influenza.

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BoS 1/31

Posted on January 27, 2017 | 1 comment

The complete agenda with all the attachments is available here ( 20170131-agenda.pdf) and I have inserted the first three pages below.

TOWN OF MEDFIELD MEETING NOTICE POSTED: TOWN CLERK f.;.vf:,I Y .... ~ rowN Of MEDFIELD. MASS ZOil JAN 21 P 12: 22 POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF M.G.L. CHAPTER 39 SECTION 23A AS AMENDED. OFFICE OF THE Board of Selectmen TOWN CLERK Board or Committee PLACE OF MEETING DAY,DATE,ANDTIME Town Hall, Chenery Meeting Room 2nd floor Tuesday January 31, 2017@7:00 PM AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) 7:00 PM Resident Carol Read Discussion regarding new marijuana law and what it means for Medfield NEW BUSINESS Discuss moratorium or zoning change for recreational marijuana Discuss warrant articles Preliminary cherry sheet Discussion of beaver problem Budget tracking sheet from Town Accountant; schedule budget meetings with department heads Vote to appoint Michael Weintraub to the Transfer Station and Recycling Committee and as Recommended by Megan Sullivan, Chair Discussion regarding holding a Medfield Appreciation Day at the flying field located at the hospital site PENDING Discuss proposed water ban bylaw I Town Counsel Town Administrator evaluation INFORMATIONAL ·From Registry of Deeds, Chart of CPA Surcharges by Towns for 2016 Received from mass/DOT Philip St/Mine Brook bridge inspection report Division of Local Services issues memo regarding Departmental Revolving Funds Other business that may come before the Board of Selectmen Signature I _ 7-- 7 _ ( 7 Date TOWN OF MEDFIELD FISCAL YEAR 2018 WARRANT COMMITTEE TRACKING SHEET WARR COMM WARR COMM Appropriated DEPT REQUEST RECOMMENDA Tiet % ::lRG CODE DEPARTMENT MEMBER FY2017 FY2018 FY2018 Iner min cr/)decr) 01-912 Workers Comoensation Ins Nugent $ 262,937 $ 262,937 0.00% $ - 01-914 Life Nuaent $ 11,554 $ 11,275 -2.41% $ 1279) 01-914 Health Nugent $ 3,984,889 $ 4, 191,016 5.17% $ 206, 127 01-945 Proo & Liability Nuaent $ 170,000 $ 170,000 0.00% $ - 01-945 Fire & EMT Med/Disb Nugent $ 20,000 $ 22,000 10.00% $ 2,000 01-945 Indemnification-Retired Police Nugent $ 8,000 $ 8,000 $ - 0.00% m - TOTAL INSURANCE $ 4,457,380 $ 4,665,228 $ - 4.66% $ 207,848 01-913 Unemolovment Como 30 000 30,000 0.00% $ - 01-916 Medicare/Fed Mandates Skloff 454,000 476,700 5.00% $ 22,700 01-911 County Retirement Skloff 2, 125,479 2,354, 129 - 10.76% m 228,650 SUB-TOTAL TN & SCHL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 7,066,859 7,526,057 - 6.50% $ 459,198 01-710 Town Debt - Princioal Skloff 4,845 833 4,902,352 1.17% $ 56,519 01-751 Town Debt - Interest Skloff 1,946,228 1,761 451 - -9.49% m (184 777) SUB-TOTAL DEBT $ 6,792,061 $ 6,663,803 $ - -1.89% $ (128,258) 01-122 Selectmen Gios 11,025 11,025 0.00% $ - 01-123 Town Administrator Festa 947,311 886,091 -6.46% $ 161,220) 01-131 Warrant Committee Gios 300 300 0.00% $ - 01-134 Town Accountant Skloff 151,295 210,051 38.84% $ 58,756 01-141 Assessors Skloff 110,899 114,767 3.49% $ 3,868 01-145 Treasurer/Tax Collector Ski off 176,407 177, 162 0.43% $ 755 01-151 Town Counsel Tatro 84,741 111,038 31.03% $ 26,297 01-152 Human Resource Tatro 1,944 1,900 -2.26% $ (44) 01-155 Information Technology Tatro 161,717 164,267 1.58% $ 2,550 01-161 Town Clerk/Election Reaistrn Marble 100,912 92,738 -8.10% $ (8,174) 01-171 Conservation Comm. Marble 41,672 41,672 0.00% $ - 01-175 Plannina Board Tatro 96,126 96,376 0.26% $ 250 01-176 Zoning Board of Appeals Tatro 5,000 5,000 0.00% $ - 01-192 Tn Hall/Publ Bldas+Proo Maint Wolfe 301,973 -100.00% $ (301,973) 01-195 Town Report/Meeting Gips 9,300 9,300 0.00% $ - 01-210-1 Police Admin/Public Safetv Blc Athanasiadis/Wolfe 162,725 184,647 13.47% $ 21,922 01-210-2 Police Operations Athanasiadis/Wolfe 2,458,726 2,561,703 4.19% $ 102,977 01-210-4 Traffic Markinas/Sians Athanasiadis 68,000 68,324 0.48% $ 324 01-220-6 Fire & Rescue Administration Athanasiadis/Wolfe 152,962 153,162 0.13% $ 200 01-220-7 Fire & Rescue Ooerations Athanasiadis/Wolfe 869,487 872 787 0.38% $ 3,300 01-241 Inspection Dept Wolfe 133,640 134, 165 0.39% $ 525 01-244 Sealer Marie 2,817 2,832 0.53% $ 15 01-292 Animal Control Officer Athanasiadis 105,466 105,666 0.19% $ 200 01-294 Tree Care Nugent 65,761 66,278 0.79% $ 517 01-422 Hiahwav Nuaent 1,297,994 1,297,439 -0.04% $ (555) 01-423 Snow & Ice Nuaent 289,036 291,266 0.77% $ 2,230 01-424 Street Liahts Wolfe 48,260 48,260 0.00% $ - 01-425 Town Garage Nuaent - - #DIV/01 $ - 01-426 Eauio. Reoair/Main. Nugent 291,789 289,606 -0.75% $ 12,183) 01-429 Sidewalks Nuaent 30,000 30,000 0.00% $ - 01-430 Public Works/Utilities Nugent 97,251 101,514 4.38% $ 4,263 01-433 Solid Waste Disposal Nuaent 572,946 590,696 3.10% $ 17,750 01-491 Cemeterv .. Nuaent 177,050 181,779 2.67% $ 4,729 1/27/2017 we Trckg Sht FY18 WARR COMM WARR COMM Appropriated DEPT REQUEST ~ECOMMENDA Tim % ORG CODE DEPARTMENT MEMBER FY2017 FY2018 FY2018 Iner ~ incr/)decr) 01-512 Board of Health Marble $ 55,321 $ 55,321 0.00% $ - 01-522 Public Health Marble 10,921 10,921 0.00% $ - 01-523 Mental Health Marble 7,988 7,988 0.00% $ - 01-541 Council on Aging Gips 241,936 232,641 -3.84% $ (9,295) 01-543 Veterans Marie 66,360 85,950 29.52% $ 19,590 01-599 Outreach Marble 148,305 148,355 0.03% $ 50 01-610 Librarv Gios 740,515 755,431 2.01% $ 14,916 01-630 Park & Recreation Wolfe 331,756 341,400 2.91% $ 9,644 01-650 Historical Commission Gios 1,500 1,500 0.00% $ - 01-692 Grave Markers/Flaas Marie 2,000 2,000 0.00% $ - 01-693 Memorial DavNeterans Dav Skloff 2,320 2,020 -12.93% $ (300) 01-699 Arts/Cultural Council Marble 4,600 4,600 0.00% $ - 01-996 Stabilization Fund Festa 200,000 200,000 0.00% $ - 01-997 Reserve Fund Festa 150,000 150,000 0.00% $ - SUB-TOTAL TOWN $ 10,988,054 $ 10,899,938 $ - -0.80% $ (88, 116) 60-410 Water Department Marie 881,361 952,956 8.12% $ 71,595 61-420 Sewer Deoartment Marie 1,087,728 1,119,939 2.96% $ 32,211 SUB-TOTAL WATER & SEWER ENTERPRISE $ 1,969,089 $ 2,072,895 $ - 5.27% $ 103,806 01-301 School, Vocational Tatro 131,441 131,441 0.00% $ - 01-910 etc Schools Glps,Tatro,Marie 31,577,149 33,574,267 6.32% $ 1,997,118 SUB-TOTAL EDUCATION $ 31,708,590 $ 33,705,708 $ - 6.30% $ 1,997,118 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET $ 58,524,653 $ 60,868,401 $ - $ 0 $ 2,343,748 PLUS CAPITAL BUDGET Gips 1,314,464 -100.00% $ (1,314,464) CAP BUDGET IMPACTING TAX LEVY 399,540 -100.00% $ (399,540) GRAND TOTAL BUDGET 58,924,193 $ 60,868,401 . 3.30% $ 1,944,208 •• trf fr Perp Care Tr/Cemetery 6,000 0.00% $ (6,000) 1/27/2017 WC Trckg Shi FY1820170131-agenda_page_220170131-agenda_page_3

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Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

Union support for Chief

Posted on January 27, 2017 | Comments Off on Union support for Chief

The following letter was received today –

Medfield Permanent Firefighters Association Local: 4478 114 North Street • Medfield, MA 02052 Phone: 508-359-2323 Fax: 508-359-2212 On behalf of the Medfield Permanent Firefighters Local 4478, we would like to officially show support for Chief Kingsbury's proposal to bring the departments Emergency Medical Services to the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level. After the sudden loss of our regional ALS support and the expenses which accompany it, the clear choice is for our own department to provide this service. In doing so, we would have the potential to increasing our revenue stream. Plea se note, while the town doesn't provide EMS for the purpose of income, it will help offset the cost to the tax payers. Working at the ALS level will provide the town with the highest standard of care and quickest response to all medica l emergencies. As an added bonus, this will also bolster the fire department staffing to work alongside the call department. This step will ultimately provide the town with the level of service that it deserves for the foreseeable future. Respectfully, #/0/#~ Mike Harman President Medfield Permanent Firefighters Local 4478

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First state local aid

Posted on January 26, 2017 | Comments Off on First state local aid

DOR is providing us these local aid figures for Medfield based on the Governor’s budget proposal (NB, the sum appears to be incorrect on the assessments):

fy18-local-aid-medfield

 

fy18-local-aid-assessments-medfield

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Posted in Budgets, Financial, State, Uncategorized

State budget

Posted on January 26, 2017 | Comments Off on State budget

The state budget starts with the Governor’s proposal, moves on to the House’s proposal, to the Senate’s proposal, and then finally a House-Senate reconciliation committee to iron out the differences.  The Governor has just filed his proposed budget, and he is keeping to his plan to have municipal aid track the percentage revenue increases.  The analysis of the Governor’s proposed budget that follows was provided to me by the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

MMA-2

 
 
 
 
 
January 25, 2017
GOV. BAKER FILES $40.5 BILLION FY 2018 BUDGET PROPOSAL

• UNRESTRICTED MUNICIPAL AID WOULD INCREASE BY $39.9 MILLION (3.9%)

• CHAPTER 70 AID WOULD INCREASE BY ONLY $91.4 MILLION (2%)

• MOST OTHER MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL ACCOUNTS LEVEL-FUNDED

 

Earlier this afternoon, Gov. Charlie Baker submitted a $40.5 billion fiscal 2018 state budget plan with the Legislature, proposing a spending blueprint that would increase overall state expenditures by 4.3 percent, as the new Administration seeks to close an ongoing structural budget deficit by restraining spending across the board and placing an estimated $98 million into the state’s rainy day fund. The budget relies on $95 million in one-time revenues.

As Gov. Baker pledged to local officials on Jan. 21 at the MMA’s Annual Meeting, his budget includes a $39.9 million increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid, and $91.4 million more for Chapter 70 school aid. The Gov.’s proposal for Chapter 70 aid includes a minimum aid increase of $20-per- student, full funding of the foundation budget requirements, and continued implementation of the “target share” equity provisions. The foundation budget calculation would partially implement the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s recommendation to use a more realistic factor for the cost of employee health insurance in school systems.

Most other municipal and education aid accounts in the Governor’s budget proposal would remain at fiscal 2017 levels. This includes the special education circuit breaker, payments-in- lieu of taxes, regional school transportation, Shannon anti-gang grants, McKinney-Vento reimbursements and METCO funding.

The Governor would level-fund charter school reimbursements at $80.5 million, far below the amount necessary to fully fund the statutory formula that is designed to offset a portion of the amount that communities are required to transfer to charter schools. Level-funding this account would lead to the continued and growing diversion of Chapter 70 funds away from municipally operated school districts, and place greater strain on the districts that serve 96% of public school children.

 

• Click here to see the UGGA and Chapter 70 Aid amounts listed by community in the

Governor’s budget

 

• Click below to see the Division of Local Services preliminary fiscal 2018 Cherry Sheet

aid amounts for your community, based on the Governor’s proposed budget (you will

need to insert the name of your community in the field):

Municipal Aid

Regional School District Aid

 

• Click here to see DESE’s calculation of fiscal 2018 Chapter 70 aid and Net School

Spending requirements for your city, town, or regional school district, based on the

Governor’s proposed budget

 

UNRESTRICTED MUNICIPAL AID INCREASED BY $39.9 MILLION

In a major victory for cities and towns, House One (the Governor’s fiscal 2018 budget submission) would provide $1.062 billion for UGGA, a $39.9 million increase over current funding. This fulfills one of Gov. Baker’s major campaign promises to increase direct municipal aid by the same rate of growth as state tax revenues.

The $39.9 million would increase UGGA funding by 3.9 percent, the same rate of growth projected for state tax revenues. Every city and town would see their UGGA funding increase by this 3.9 percent growth rate.

CHAPTER 70 SCHOOL AID WOULD GO UP JUST 2 PERCENT

The Governor’s budget submission proposes a small 2 percent increase in Chapter 70 education aid of $91.4 million, providing every city, town and school district with a minimum increase of $20 per student. The Governor’s budget would continue to implement the target share provisions enacted in 2007. The overall Chapter 70 increase would be significantly smaller than in recent years. The Governor’s budget includes a partial reflection of one of the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s key recommendations, which is updating the foundation budget to reflect the cost of employee health insurance. But this adjustment in the foundation budget is not enough to increase aid to many districts. 237 cities and towns (74% of all operating districts) would only receive an increase of $20 per student under the Governor’s budget. This below-inflation increase is too low, and would force communities to reduce school programs or further shift funds from the municipal side of the budget.

Please ask your Legislators to support a funding increase for Chapter 70 school aid that ensures that all schools receive a suitable and appropriate increase in fiscal 2018, which the MMA believes should be at least $100 per student. The MMA also strongly supports implementation of all of the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission to update the Chapter 70 “foundation budget” minimum spending standards for special education and employee health insurance, and to add to the spending standard a measure of recognition for the cost of services for low-income, English Language Learner (ELL) and other students who would benefit from more intensive services. The Commission recommended phasing in the changes over a four-year period, a position the MMA supports as well. Increasing minimum aid and fixing the inadequacies in the foundation formula are essential.

It should also be noted that House One contains language that would continue to allow communities to count retiree health insurance toward their net school spending, but only if they have done so beginning when the school finance law first went into effect in 1994, or if they have previously voted to adopt the local-option provision in section 260 of the fiscal year 2015 general appropriations act to allow a phase-in of retiree health insurance costs in their net school spending calculation.

Further, House One would use the same methodology that was used in this year’s fiscal 2017 budget to estimate the number of low-income students used in the foundation budget calculation.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CIRCUIT BREAKER UNDERFUNDED

The Governor’s budget would level-fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker program at $277 million. Because special education costs are expected to rise in fiscal 2018, this means that the Governor’s budget likely underfunds reimbursements by as much as $10 million. This is a vital account that every city, town and school district relies on to fund state-mandated services. The Legislature has intended to fully fund the program for the past five years, and the MMA will again be asking lawmakers to ensure full funding in fiscal 2018.

CHARTER SCHOOL REIMBURSEMENTS LEVEL FUNDED AT $80.5 MILLION

As noted above, the Governor would level-fund charter school reimbursements at $80.5 million, far below the amount necessary to fully fund the statutory formula that was originally established to offset a portion of the funding that communities are required to transfer to charter schools. The fiscal 2017 funding level is $54 million BELOW what is necessary to fund the reimbursement formula that is written into state law, so it is clear that the shortfall will grow significantly in fiscal 2018. Even though the reimbursement formula is level-funded at $80.5 million, the Governor’s fiscal 2018 budget would INCREASE charter school assessments by $60 million. This would lead to the continued and growing diversion of Chapter 70 funds away from municipally operated school districts, and place greater strain on the districts that serve 96% of public school children. Solving the charter school funding problem must be a major priority during the budget debate.

REGIONAL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENTS LEVEL FUNDED

Gov. Baker’s budget submission would level-fund regional transportation reimbursements at the $61 million amount. This will be a hardship for virtually all communities in regional districts. Reimbursements for transportation of out-of- district vocational students remains significantly underfunded at $250K. Increasing these accounts is a priority for cities and towns.

McKINNEY-VENTO REIMBURSEMENTS LEVEL FUNDED

The Governor’s budget would level-fund reimbursements for the transportation of homeless students at $8.35 million. The impact of this funding level will vary from community-to- community depending on the number of homeless families that remain sheltered in local hotels and motels. The Administration has been successful in reducing the number of homeless students who are dislocated from their original district, but those communities that continue to provide transportation to many students may continue to see shortfalls.

PAYMENTS-IN- LIEU-OF- TAXES (PILOT) AND SHANNON GRANTS LEVEL FUNDED, AND LIBRARY AID UP $189K

The Governor’s budget would level fund PILOT payments at $26.77 million, Shannon anti-gang grants at $6 million, and fund library grant programs at $19.07 million (up $189K).

GOV. PROPOSES APPLYING HOTEL-MOTEL TAX TO AIRBNB AND OTHER SHORT-TERM RENTALS, BUT ONLY IF RENTED FOR 150 DAYS

House One includes an outside section that would subject Airbnb and other short-term rentals to the local room occupancy excise tax. However, this would only apply in cases where the property is rented for 150 days or more. The MMA strongly supports extending the room occupancy excise to ALL short-term rentals. The 150-day threshold would continue to shield almost all seasonal and short-term rentals from taxation, and would not close the loophole that exists now.

GOV. PROPOSES FUNDS TO BEGIN PROCESS OF HAVING DEP TAKE THE LEAD IN OVERSEEING FEDERAL STORMWATER PERMITS

The Governor’s budget proposes $1.4 million to begin the process of having the Department of Environmental Protection assume “delegated authority” from the U.S. EPA to oversee the NPDES Stormwater Permit process (also referred to as MS4 permits). The MMA supports having DEP as the lead agency for stormwater permits. The $1.4 million would fund 12 DEP staff positions to begin the transition to becoming the lead agency. Full funding would take approximately $4.7 million. The Governor will be filing separate legislation to allow DEP to petition the EPA for this authority.

 

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY AND CALL ON THEM TO PUBLICLY SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE UNRESTRICTED MUNICIPAL AID BY $39.9 MILLION – THIS  INCREASE IS VITAL TO LOCAL BUDGETS IN EVERY CORNER OF MASSACHUSETTS

 

AND PLEASE ASK YOUR LEGISLATORS TO COMMIT TO INCREASING CHAPTER 70 EDUCATION AID, FIXING THE FLAWS IN CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING, AND FULLY FUNDING KEY MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS
 
Massachusetts Municipal Association
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(617) 426-7272
All contents copyright 2015, Massachusetts Municipal Association

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Posted in Budgets, Financial, State, Uncategorized