Category Archives: Uncategorized

Energy Reduction Plan adopted

The Medfield Energy Committee has worked for upwards of five years to have the town adopt the Green Communities Act, and this week the last required piece was completed when both the Board of Selectmen and the School Department  adopted the Medfield Energy Committee’s extensively detailed Energy Reduction Plan that lays out how we will seek to achieve a 20% energy use reduction over the next five years.

The Energy Reduction Plan is remarkably thoughtful and detailed, and comes on top of the Medfield Energy Committee already having guided the town to achieve a 30+% reduction in energy use by the town since the Committee was created eight years ago.  The Town of Medfield is indeed doing its part on our local level to avoid climate change, plus the town is saving money by using less energy.

I uploaded the major Energy Reduction Plan materials, the written plan and the spreadsheet that details each of the proposals.  What is missing are the appendices, which contain detailed reports on each town building done by Rise and AECOM, and committee member Fred Davis’ analysis of the savings we can achieve by buying our streetlights from their current owner, EverSource, and installing LED heads, which I analysis have included in the past.

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Below are the letters to DOER confirming the town’s adoption of the Energy Reduction Plan.  This entitles the town to the $148,000 DOER adoption grant this year, and now allows the town to compete for the DOER annual competitive grants of up to $250,000 per year.  Westwood just used such a $250,000 competitive grant to buy its streetlights and to install its LED heads.

TOWNOFMEDFIETD fficeof BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN HOUSE,459 MAIN STREET MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 02052.2009 (s08) 3se-8sos MICIIAELJ. ST]LLTVAI Town Administrator November t5,ZOLG Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division L00 Cambridge Street, Suite 1040 Boston, MA 02114 To Whom lt MaY Concern: please be advised that on November L5,2OL6 the Medfield Board of Selectmen at a duly called and posted meeting voted to adopt the Energy Reduction Plan for Criterion 3 of the Green Communities Application for Designation. The Board of Selectmen was given copies of the plan for review prior to the meeting' The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to adopt the plan and the minutes of the meeting include that vote. Sincerely, leRlb% MichaelJ. Sullivan Town Administrator Mrnnsro Punrrc ScHooLS Office of the Superintendent 459 Main Street - 3"d Floor Medfield, Massachusefts 02052 November 14,2016 Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1040 Boston, MA 02114 To Whom It May Concern: Please be advised that the town school district, Medfield Public Schools, adopts the Medfield Energy Reduction Plan as part of the Town's Green Communities Application for Designation. Superintendent of Medfield Public Schools Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D - Superintendent jmarsden@email.medfi eld.net (508) 359-230220161114-medfield-gca-town-school-letters_page_2

Volunteer for the fun

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Volunteers Needed

The Cultural Alliance of Medfield is seeking volunteers to help the evening of the Holiday Stroll. Volunteers are needed between the hours of 3 – 9 pm to help in 2 hour shifts by greeting visitors, directing them to artist booths, event locations and promoting all the events going on in town that evening. Visit the link below to let us know you’d like to help!  Visit www.medfieldculture.org to learn more about this very special holiday event, and thanks for helping to promote art and culture in Medfield.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4bada62ea75-holiday

BoS 11/15, as revised

Board of Selectmen Agenda November 15, 2016 ANNOUNCEMENTS: 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 Executive Session at close of meeting for the purpose of discussing pending litigation filed against Medfield Conservation Commission and to discuss potential land acquisition APPOINTMENTS Medfield Housing Authority, Lisa Donovan, Chair Special Election to fill board vacancy; candidate Eileen DeSorgher Police Chief Meaney Recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint Kim Belskis as a Police Officer Present Deputy Police Chief Badge to John Wilhelmi Medfield Energy Committee, Fred Bunger Chair Discuss Energy Reduction Plan Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee, Steve Nolan Chair Discuss letter from DCAMM regarding access road Farming at hospital site VHB contract Town Counsel Mark Cerel Discuss Town's comment letter to MASS Housing regarding Medfield Meadows Discuss proposed draft copy of Town's water regulations NEW BUSINESS Maurice Goulet, Director Public Works recommends the Selectmen vote to sign Agreement with Eastern Minerals regarding road salt. (bid previously awarded to Eastern Minerals) Vote to sign grant application pertaining to Phase II Downtown Parking Study and as recommended by the Economic Development Committee Vote to appoint Kristine Trierweiler Chief Procurement Officer and as recommended by the Inspector General's Office Vote to award a contract to Environmental Partners Group, Quincy, MA in accordance with the terms of the RFP issued by the Board of Water and Sewerage for study and design of magnesium and iron from the Town's Neponset River Wells (wells 3 and 4) PENDING Discussion regarding housing LICENSES AND PERMITS Council on Aging requests a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for two events: Thursday December 1 FOSI Challenge Paint Night event, 6-9 PM; Wednesday January 11, Supper Club and Roaring 20's Quizz Show, 4-7 PM Medfield Music Association requests permission to post signs promoting Spaghetti with Santa, Dec. 7 Jazz Band Cuba trip fundraising event, February 3, 2017 Orchestra event with Berklee Strings group, February 15, 2017 Jazz Night, May 5, 2017 Basil Restaurant, Tom McGue owner requests the Selectmen grant a time extension on their liquor license to 1:00 AM, Wednesday November 23, Thanksgiving Eve Resident Kristen Williams requests permission to hold the 2nd Annual SK and 1 mile Fun Run to honor her 8 year old son Hunter who is a double lung transplant recipient. Proceeds from this event will be donated to local families facing similar issues. Chief Meaney has reviewed Medfield Junior Girl Scout Troop #88192 requests permission to hold a Pet Parade in May 2017 at Memorial or Dale Street school grounds. Chief Meaney has reviewed SELECTMEN REPORT INFORMATIONAL Copy of Town Counsel Cerel's regarding Town of Medfield Audit Copies of ZBA decision #1294 and 1295 Letter from massDOT regarding salting at rail crossings; copy given to DPW Director Letter from Comcast regarding program changes20161115-agenda-2_page_2

Transfer Station closed tomorrow

Transfer Station sign - Copy

The DPW has announced that the Transfer Station will be closed tomorrow in recognition of Veterans Day.

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BoS 11/15/16

TOWN OF MEDFIELD MEETING NOTICE I POSTED: TOWN CLERK t

Election results

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Hospital Road 40B

I received the following this morning from Mike Sullivan that relates to the Larkins’ 40B on Hospital Road –

November 8, 2016 Ms. Leslee A. Willitts Conservation Agent Conservation Commission Town of Medfield 459 Main Street Medfield, MA 02053 Re: Larkin Property – Hospital Road Medfield, Massachusetts Dear Ms. Willitts: Design Consultants Inc. (DCI), on behalf of the Town of Medfield (Town), attended a meeting on behalf and performed a site visit. The purpose of the meeting and site visit was to review the activities on site. Based on observations by the Town, earthwork activities have begun on site. Although the property owners have applied for a 40B Comprehensive Permit, the permit has not been issued. As the work is in preparation for a site development, a Stormwater Permit is required from the Board of Health, and the property owner has not meet the requirements of the US EPA’s Construction General Permit (CGP). As a result of the meeting and site visit, it was determined that the demolition of existing buildings have been performed (with a building permit), trees have been removed and a significant amount of grubbing has been completed. This has resulted in exposed soils and dragged soil onto Hospital Road. As a result it is recommended that: 1. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) be prepared under the CGP and a Notice of Intent filed with US EPA. Additional work should not be permitted until the SWPPP is completed and the US EPA issues it approval. 2. The site should be stabilized. Silt fence has been installed backwards and needs to be removed and reinstalled. Exposed soils need to be stabilized. A stabilized construction entrance is required. Hospital Road should be swept. 3. There should be no parking of vehicles in the Town’s right-of-way 4. DCI recommends that the property owner’s retain the services of a professional engineer to develop a stormwater pollution prevention plan, visit the site and prepare a report on what activities need to be completed to stabilize the site, and provide certification once the work is completed. 5. No additional work shall be completed until the property owner receives the applicable permits. 6. No additional work should be completed until a Stormwater Permit is obtained from the Board of Health. Town of Medfield February 2, 2016 Page 2 DESIGN CONSULTANTS INC We trust that the content so this letters satisfies your current needs. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (617) 776-3350 x 323 or mclark@dci-ma.com. Sincerely Design Consultants Inc. Michael F. Clark, P.E. Associate Cc: Board of Health Planning Board Zoning Board of Appeals John Naff, Director, Building Department Michael Larkin, Esq. F:PROJECTS2016 PROJECTS2016-XXX HOSPITAL ROAD MEDFIELD MATO L WILLITTS 11 08 2016.DOCX20161108-dci-ltr_page_2

MHC on LCB

The Massachusetts Historic Commission wrote the letter below to the Medfield Historic Commission about the LCB proposal –


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MCAP newsletter #1

The first Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) newsletter is attached –

Welcome to the first edition of MCAP’s electronic newsletter. This newsletter is intended to provide you with information about teen substance abuse, trends, educational resources and stories and examples of community prevention efforts that work. We hope you will join us for upcoming focus groups in January. Your feedback will help craft our coalition’s strategic plan for keeping Medfield youth safe! See more details regarding dates/times of focus groups in this issue. Let us know what you think of our first edition! Expect our next quarterly edition in February 2017! Warmly, MCAP Coalition Members Inaugural MCAP Newsletter: Welcome About MCAP Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) Stay in touch! Website: https://www.medfieldcares.org Email: info@medfieldcares.org Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) Working together to promote mental health and prevent alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use amongst our youth November 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 “…Bringing people together to ensure community programs work!” MCAP is comprised of people who care about youth in Medfield. Whether they live or work here in town, their commitment is to grow a culture of safety and health for the community’s youth. Members represent parents, youth, the public schools, law enforcement, mental health organi-zations, local businesses, parks & recreation, town government, substance abuse research, local media healthcare and faith communities. MCAP invites parents, youth and professionals to get involved with the coalition. We need parents whose children represent all grade levels and interested youth to join us. Contact us to learn more! Inside This Issue: Marijuana and Your Teen 2 Legalized Marijuana in Massachusetts: What You Should Know 2 Medfield Day Recap: Hidden in Plain Sight 3 MCAP: Community in Action 4 Upcoming Parent Focus Groups 5 Teen Corner 6 Member Spotlight: Cathleen Farrell 7 Page 2 Medfield Cares About Prevention Marijuana and Your Teen: What You Should Know By Sue Navalta, Ph.D. — MCAP Leadership Team Member* Talk to your kids! They are listening! The adolescent brain is still actively developing, especially in regions that are in-volved in abstract reasoning, decision-making, and even social interactions. The plasticity of ongoing development allows teens to develop their own individual identities, however, the same plasticity can leave them vulnerable to the effects of drugs of abuse. Research has shown that marijuana use during the teenage years is associated with increased impulsivity, lower IQ scores, and changes in social processing. Why? First, we need to appreciate that the marijuana that is available today is – at a minimum – 4-6 times more potent for THC (the active component that provides the “high”) than potency 20 years ago. That means that what we thought we knew about what marijuana’s effects cannot be based on past history. Second, this is not medical marijuana where the medicinal cannabidiol component is sig-nificantly represented. If it was, teens would not be using it. Marijuana effects short-term memory that is needed for learning. Marijuana use impairs motor skills, perception, and reaction times that are needed for driving and playing sports. Taken together, being high decreases our teens’ ability to do well in school and on the field. Finally, research has shown that college entrance and income in adulthood are lower for individuals that regularly used marijuana as a teenager. As teen per-ception that marijuana use is harmless increases, research tell us that use will certainly increase as well. With these facts in mind, don’t our teens deserve something better? Are you informed and ready to make a decision in November about Ballot Question #4 which would legalize adult recreational use and the sale of marijuana? Massachusetts Prevention Alliance (MAPA) has compiled fact sheets that may be of interest to parents and teens regarding the proposed legalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth. Visit http://www.mapreventionalliance.org/ or these links for the following key facts (please note that these links will take you away from our newsletter and will not open in a new window): 1) Be informed on MA Ballot Question 4 2) Marijuana Policy Fact Sheet 3) Details of changes in local controls proposed in Ballot Question 4 4) BQ4: Marijuana versus Alcohol 5) Report of the Special Senate Committee on Marijuana March 2016 Legalized Marijuana in Massachusetts: What You Should Know www.mapreventionalliance.org *Sue is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at McLean’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School and researches marijuana and its effect on the teenage brain Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3 By Dawn Alcott, LICSW — Director, Medfield Youth Outreach & MCAP Leadership Team Member Hidden in Plain Sight: A Program the Community is Talking About! MCAP desires to provide opportunities that support parents and increase their knowledge about protective and risk factors to reduce substance mis-use in Medfield youth. MCAP participated in a display of Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) at the Natick Mall last May as part of a regional effort. Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) is an ages 21+ exhibit that seeks to build communication between parents and youth. As MCAP gathered the feedback from families who attended that exhibit, it was apparent that parents feel under-resourced when it comes to identifying and preventing teen substance misuse. MCAP created a Hid-den in Plain Sight display of its own and launched it at Beginning Years on Medfield Day. The HIPS exhibit features information about the impact of substance mis-use in teen’s lives alongside a staged room where various items may indi-cate teen substance misuse. Items in the room range from devices used to conceal drugs and alcohol, to subtle suggestions that indicate changes in a teen’s preference in friends, media, and apparel that may indicate substance use. Participants are encouraged to explore each item for themselves. The display is not meant to be scary. It is not meant to have the participant assume that they would find all of the items in a teen’s room, but rather open conversations that lead to deeper dialogues with teens. The exhibit has helped parents recognize the signs of possible sub-stance use so they can act if necessary. The HIPS exhibit is supplemented with educational materials that act as a reminder that teens are going through a process of significant brain devel-opment that continues well into their 20’s. Adolescence is a time where the brain is particularly vulnerable to injury or disruption. Substances used during these years can adversely affect brain development. The part of the brain responsible for higher order thinking, impulse control, and anticipat-ing consequences is the last part of the brain to develop. Teens need their parents to set and continually communicate clear and consistent rules and expectations around substance use. The educational materials also highlight the risk teens face from medica-tion misuse. Opioid medications are frequently prescribed to athletes fol-lowing an injury or to teens following wisdom teeth extraction. Through ac-tively partnering with teens and their healthcare providers, parents can be Hidden in Plain Sight is a “staged room” It is NOT intended to SCARE you or make you assume that you would find all of these items within one teens room. The intention IS to PROVIDE you with knowledge and support you in parenting a connected family. Hidden in Plain Sight: A “Staged Room” Page 4 Medfield Cares About Prevention a crucial part in the management process through administering only the medication necessary for acute pain and helping a teen to transition quickly to non-addictive pain control. On Medfield Day, in just four hours, MCAP was pleased to guide 85 individu-als representing parents, grandparents, educators, clergy, business owners, and other concerned community members through the HIPS exhibit at Begin-ning Years. During that time, many residents expressed interest and commu-nicated that they did not have the time to fully view the exhibit Medfield Day. Hidden in Plain Sight will be featured again in connection to various educa-tional opportunities for parents in the upcoming months. MCAP is also ex-ploring other settings for the exhibit, perhaps even parent coffee evenings where one set of parents invite a circle of parents to come together to view the exhibit and discuss the prevention of teen substance misuse following the viewing. HIPS was sponsored by a generous donation from Needham Bank. MCAP has also enjoyed support from Jack Conway Realtors who sold ‘02052’ baseball caps to raise funds for MCAP! MCAP: Community in Action — Medfield Day HIPS Exhibit MCAP is a coalition of dedicated volunteers working together to promote mental health and prevent alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use amongst our youth. It takes a village to keep our kids safe and HIPS is just one of the ways the coalition and the community came together for this purpose. MCAP would like to thank the following supporters that made the HIPS exhib-it possible: Beginning Years Child Development Center — location Department of Public Works — use of printer for posters Evan Weisenfeld—web master Liz Sandeman—logistical support Melissa Zilinski—marketing design Medfield Foundation—financial management Medfield Public Schools — lamination and publicity Medfield Youth Outreach and Sue Navalta — educational materials Needham Bank — general donation to support our efforts Parent and community volunteers: Kathy Thompson, Jeff Marsden, Cathleen Farrell, Bob Meaney, Carryl Navalta, Ali Cronin, Osler Peterson, Susan Cowell, David Traub, Annette Anderson, Dawn Alcott, Chelsea Goldstein-Walsh Page 5 Medfield Cares About Prevention Parent Focus Groups: Coming Soon! Interested? Our next two focus groups will be offered on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 11AM - 1PM (light lunch provided) or 7PM - 9PM (dessert, coffee and tea provided) Registration required. Please contact Dawn or Chelsea at medfieldyouthoutreach@medfield.net or 508-359-7121 This focus group is sponsored by the Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) coalition www.medfieldcares.org Your feedback will help craft our coalition’s strategic plan for keeping Medfield youth safe! Medfield Cares About Prevention Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 6 Medfield youth, we’d love to hear from you! We were so thankful to hear from many of you during focus groups in the Spring of 2016 and we want to keep the conversation going. We are still seeking teens to participate in upcoming youth focus groups in an ongoing effort to hear your voice! Stay tuned for more information in our next newsletter regarding focus groups for Spring 2017. If you have questions or ideas you want to share, please contact us at info@medfieldcares.org Do you want to meet other teens from the region and share ideas about how to address substance misuse in our communities? In our next issue, we will have more information on the upcoming Spring 2017 Metrowest Youth Summit. In the meantime, be sure and check out our website for lots of great resources geared towards teens: http://medfieldcares.org/wp/?qards_page=resources-for-teens Overcoming the Shame and Stigma: Mental Health and Today’s Youth Walpole Library Community Room Monday, November 7 at 7PM or Wednesday, November 9 at 10AM Upcoming Event Teen Corner Our next MCAP newsletter will focus on opioid abuse. Do you have a ques-tion you might want answered in the upcoming issue? Please feel free to submit any questions, specific area(s) of interest or feedback to us at info@medfieldcares.org We look forward to hearing from you! Next Issue Cathleen Farrell is the mother of three children, two of whom are currently in the Medfield school system. The other child attended Medfield through 9th grade and then attended private school for three years (and is now a freshman in college). Cathleen has lived in Medfield for 14 years. Cathleen has an Associate’s Degree from Lasell College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Life from Wheelock College. She also has a Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Cathleen has owned Beginning Years Child Development Center in Medfield for 12 years and recently opened Beginning Years at Medfield High School. Prior to owning Beginning Years, her career was spent working with children and families through a variety of state and federal grants for Partners Health Care and Children's Hospi-tal. Cathleen was also the state wide Inclusion Coordinator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Within the Medfield community, Cathleen is the representative of MEMO on Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) and is also a member of the Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) Leadership Team. Finally, she also serves on the Parent Advisory Committee for Lasell College. Cathleen Farrell Medfield Cares About Prevention Coalition Member Spotlight: Cathleen Farrell Stay in touch! Website: https://www.medfieldcares.org Email: info@medfieldcares.org MCAP, 201620161107-newsletter_page_220161107-newsletter_page_320161107-newsletter_page_420161107-newsletter_page_520161107-newsletter_page_620161107-newsletter_page_7

MHS turns 125 – party tonight

Celebrating 125 Years of the Medfield Historical Society
richard-desorgher

Speaker Richard DeSorgher.

Monday, November 7

7:30 pm

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

26 North Street, Medfield

Former society president and town historian Richard DeSorgher will celebrate the 125th of the founding of the Medfield Historical Society in 1891. All in town are invited to come to hear about those responsible for its beginning, to see photos and images of the major events and undertakings by the Society over the past 125 years, and to take part in its birthday party, complete with a town-size anniversary cake.

The Society was founded in 1891 with William Tilden, appropriately, as its first president. Excellent record keeping by Society secretaries over the years have unveiled a treasure of materials on past Society programs and policies.

Through readings, photos, and a PowerPoint presentation you will be transported back to the Medfield of 1891. That year, Town Meeting, by a vote of 17 to 5, gave the Historical Society a room in Town Hall, free of charge. The Society now had a home! It would later move to the public library and then to its current location in the former Medfield Co-operative Bank at 6 Pleasant Street. Residents whose ancestors went back to the very founding of the town itself began to donate family heirlooms and town-related artifacts to begin the Society’s collection. Those donations have continued up to the present day. The program will also have on display, for all to see, some of the most valuable and interesting artifacts collected by the Society over the past 125 years.

One of the most important efforts by the Society that will be presented was saving the Peak House from demolition by neglect and taking over the historic home, restoring it to its former Colonial look and preserving for all time, what is today Medfield’s most famous landmark.

All are invited to the party!