Category Archives: Uncategorized

BoS To Do list

Posted on May 17, 2016 | 1 comment

BoS

Richard DeSorgher recently shared a list of things left undone by the selectmen at the time  he left.  I took his thoughtful list, and incorporated my own items, and came up with the below list of things I thought the selectmen should be looking to oversee to completion, which I organized around the town staff who should be doing the things.  My suggestion at our last BoS meeting, when I shared this list with my colleagues, was that these things get included in the Selectmen Annual Calendar, along with those things that the selectmen need to do every year, which I highlighted from past lists i included.  Mike is working on revising his draft of the Selectmen Annual Calendar – which I will post next.

Pending Items for Medfield Town Administration

  1. Town administration
    1. Weekly written reports to residents
    2. Weekly meetings of department heads
    3. Removal of RR tracks across Harding Street and Farm Street
    4. Arrange for the following:
    5. Superintendent of DPW
      1. Create a pavement maintenance plan
      2. Create a public tree inventory and tree planting plan
      3. Install a sidewalk on Metacomet Street
      4. Install a sidewalk on Dale Street from Charlesdale to Grove
      5. Provide cost estimates for sidewalks on East Main Street and Harding Street
      6. Solve Green Street telephone poles by Hinkley Swim Pond in sidewalk
      7. Turn on the bubbler in front of town hall
      8. Plan to use the $9,000 for planting trees in the Downtown and $500 for dressing up/ landscaping the lawn in front of town hall
      9. Install a crosswalk across Main Street at Miller Street
      10. Spring clean up
        1. DPW to organize
        2. Make use of Sheriff Bellotti’s inmates
    6. Medfield Police Department
      1. Get regular written reports
      2. Plans for traffic lights at Rte 27 and (1) South and (2) West
      3. Solution to parking/traffic on Upham Road St.
      4. Implement Curve Street as a No-truck street
      5. Have officers enforce the sign rules
      6. Solution to dog poop problems
    7. Medfield Fire Department
      1. Get regular written reports
    8. Medfield State Hospital – need to provide information to residents
    9. Town wide master plan timing
      1. Complete before any MSH land sales so as to secure state Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) bonus money
    10. Housing Production Plan
      1. Complete
      2. Implement
      3. Create a strategy to deal with 40B and/or affordable housing
    11. Poll and integrate Downtown Study Committee and Economic Development Committee
  2. Board of Selectmen
    1. Interview the auditors

1 Comment

Posted in Planning, Select Board matters, Uncategorized

MFC had a big day

Posted on May 17, 2016 | Comments Off on MFC had a big day

MFC-sign.jpg

Postal Food Drive Saturday Successful

The Postal Food Drive was a great success this year and I am happy to report that, once again, we had an excellent turnout of community volunteers and donations.  Not only did many of our neighbors take the time to place food out for their mail deliverers to collect, but volunteers, many who brought along their families, spent most of the beautiful Saturday afternoon sorting and shelving food for the Medfield Food Cupboard.

 

Jacqui Doe

Comments Off on MFC had a big day

Posted in Medfield Food Cupboard, Uncategorized

MMA on reform of land use laws

Posted on May 16, 2016 | 2 comments

MMA

The State Senate is now actively considering changes and reforms to the state land  use statutes that have been under consideration for years, and it appears that action may happen soon.  At the moment, the MMA ask the Senate to let us know what they intend to do, before they actually do it.  However, last week, this was the MMA letter to the Senate that itemizes what the MMA suggests is needed.

MMA letter to Senate Ways and Means Committee on comprehensive zoning and land-use bill

Print Email

May 11, 2016

The Honorable Karen Spilka, Chair
Senate Committee on Ways and Means
State House, Boston

Dear Senator Spilka and Distinguished Members of the Committee,

On behalf of the cities and towns of the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Municipal Association appreciates the opportunity to offer comments on S. 2144, An Act Promoting the Planning and Development of Sustainable Communities. The MMA’s Municipal and Regional Policy Committee completed a careful and extensive evaluation of the bill as written in its previous form (S. 122), with a focus on the impact that the proposed zoning and land use law changes would have on our cities and towns. We have also had a chance to review the issues raised by the Home Builders & Remodelers of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, NAIOP and others, and must express our grave concerns with their proposed changes to S. 2144.

Any amendments to existing zoning and land use law in Massachusetts will have profound and long-lasting effects on our communities and residents, and will impact the quality of life in cities and towns for generations to come. For this reason, any and all proposed changes demand very careful consideration.

The MMA’s comments and suggested language changes, presented below by topic, would strengthen and improve the bill by preserving local authority, grandfathering existing local practices, and, in the case of local options, employing an opt-in rather than an opt-out model. The MMA would have very serious reservations regarding S. 2144 if these comments and recommended improvements are not incorporated into the bill.

A. MMA COMMENTS ON S. 2144 AND RESPONSES TO THE DEVELOPER AND REAL ESTATE LOBBYISTS

Vested Rights
Sections 6 through 12
The MMA supports the conceptual changes made in the sections pertaining to vested rights. The language should be clarified to indicate that the date of the first notice of a public hearing on proposed changes to zoning ordinances and bylaws is the time at which a property shall be subject to subsequently enacted zoning amendments. In practical terms, this language is necessary to prevent a flood of applications intended to avoid new zoning requirements and bylaws.

Special Permit Vote and Length
Sections 15 and 16
The MMA requests a language change in Section 15, pertaining to the vote required for issuance of a special permit, to make it a local-option decision (by a supermajority vote) as to whether the required vote is changed from a supermajority to a simple majority. As written, a municipality’s special permit granting authority would require only a simple majority vote to issue a special permit, unless a greater threshold is specified in a local ordinance or bylaw. The MMA does not support a state-mandated change in the threshold without express acceptance of that change at the local level, because many communities do not have specific language regarding the necessary vote in their local ordinances or bylaws, and thus they would have no voice in changing the vote threshold to a simple majority. The MMA requests a change the language in Section 16, regarding the term of special permits, to allow a special permit to be issued for a term of up to three years, not the three-year minimum currently written in the bill. Additionally, any extension of the permit should require notice and a public hearing. If the permit granting authority does not approve an extension within 65 days, the new permit should require a new application, notice, and public hearing.

Site Plan Review
Section 19
The MMA can support this section, regarding site plan review, if modifications are made to avoid onerous evidentiary requirements and eliminate language triggering constructive approval of applications if time thresholds are not met. Constructive approval is a highly controversial process, especially when time periods are not adequate, such as the 95-day provision in S. 2144, as this may be too short for an appropriate and thorough review process. The language in this section should be clarified to indicate that an application will not be approved if submission requirements are not met. Mitigation for adverse impacts directly attributable to projects should extend to nearby properties, and not only those that are adjacent to the developments.

Development Impact Fees
Section 20
The MMA supports the statutory authorization of development impact fees. We ask that the language be clarified to clearly authorize communities to use the impact fees to conduct mitigation impact studies on a project-by-project basis, including the use of consultants as needed and financed by the project applicant under section 53G of chapter 44. The language proposed in the bill appears to allow a project-responsive fee, but the language should be carefully reviewed to ensure that it does so.

Inclusionary Zoning
Section 21
The MMA strongly supports inclusionary zoning. It is critically important that the bill include language expressly allowing inclusionary zoning provisions in local ordinances and by-laws. Inclusionary zoning is a vital and powerful tool that will actually result in the construction of affordable housing. Zoning reform without inclusionary zoning will do nothing to address issues of profitability and availability of affordable housing. We know the for-profit development community does not support inclusionary zoning, but this is the only tangible way that cities and towns can ensure that housing remains or becomes more affordable at the local level. Inclusionary zoning will actually benefit developers because future projects will become more attractive if cities and towns can be assured that affordable units will result.

Variances
Section 23
The MMA opposes the proposed language in section 23 regarding variances. Our members are deeply concerned that this section offers too much latitude in granting variances, specifically the language stipulating that “substantial hardship … financial or otherwise” would be an acceptable standard for a variance. This is not the case, as this overly broad, liberal and loose language would invite costly litigation and appeals, an undesirable result, to say the least. The MMA asks that this wording be removed.

Consolidated Permitting
Section 25
The MMA supports language authorizing consolidated permitting, but the section must not be a mandate and should instead be a local option. Further, there should be no “constructive approval” provisions, and we strongly oppose the last sentence in Section 3 of the new Chapter 40X (in lines 684-686), as this would strip many local boards of their lawful review authority in the event of a scheduling conflict or last-minute absence from the consolidated hearing. The threshold for an “eligible project” must be appropriate for all municipalities, and the MMA supports a higher threshold or providing cities and towns with the ability to choose their own thresholds, as we believe the current language would trigger consolidated permitting on a routine basis, which would be impractical given the scheduling demands and conflict that would arise. In addition, consolidated permitting provisions should require that applications be fully complete in advance of the process. Further, the 45-day time period as written is too short to accommodate the difficulties involved in coordinating scheduling among multiple boards, almost all of which are served by volunteers. Thus the timeframe should be changed to 90 days (a timeframe that is shorter than the combined timeframes it would take to apply for each permit serially).

Planning Ahead for Growth
Section 26
As drafted, the Planning Ahead for Growth section is a local option, but we believe that the programmatic objectives would be more broadly advanced by opening up some or all of the planning tools presented as incentives to those municipalities that adopt this section, to all municipalities statewide. Otherwise, municipalities that do not have the capacity to meet the requirements enumerated in this section would fall behind their neighbors in the areas of planning and economic development. The language should include a provision to fund local planning to promote the success of the objectives of this section.

Master Plans
Section 27
This section would restructure local master plans, and should be carefully reviewed to ensure that the newly required master plan components would be realistic for municipalities to complete, otherwise the provisions would impose an undue burden on communities. The language in section 27 should be amended to indicate that any master plan in effect at the passage of this act shall remain in effect and would not be subject to this Act for up to 15 years. Adoption of a master plan, or extension or revision, should be by a two-thirds vote of the legislative body of the municipality. However, municipalities should have the option to change that threshold (via a two-thirds vote) to a range anywhere between a simple majority and a two-thirds majority, with any change taking effect 6 months after the vote is taken.

Approval Not Required (ANR)
Section 31
The language of this section, as written, includes a presumption that requirements for travel lane widths in excess of 22 feet in a residential minor subdivision serve no valid purpose. The MMA opposes this restriction. That language should be removed from the bill, so that municipalities can continue to set travel lane width standards consistent with contextual design and local needs. These needs may vary from municipality to municipality and cannot be met by a width specified in state statute.

Subdivision Roadway Standards
Section 32
This section, pertaining to subdivision roadway standards, includes language establishing a presumption that design and dimensional requirements for total travel lane widths no greater than 24 feet shall be presumed to be not excessive. The MMA requests that this language be removed from the bill because, as previously noted, municipalities must be able to set travel lane width standards based on local needs, and the section 32 language implies that widths greater than 24 feet could be considered excessive.

Parks and Playgrounds
Section 33
The MMA supports the language regarding parks and playgrounds in subdivisions, as written. This section would allow municipalities to require the designation of up to 5 percent of the land in new subdivisions for park or playground use.

Appeals
Sections 40 through 42
We do not understand the intent or impacts of sections 40, 41 and 42. These sections, which pertain to appeals of an approved subdivision plan, jurisdiction over appeals relating to the development of real property, and the transference of qualified cases to the permit session of the land court, should be clarified, and the impacts on municipalities should be explained before adoption of the language.

Master Planning Incentive/Presumption
Section 43
The MMA strongly opposes language that would remove or alter the current legal presumption that existing zoning ordinances and bylaws are valid and “serve a public purpose.” Section 43 would allow courts to invalidate municipal ordinances or bylaws that are inconsistent with new master plans, even though these master plans could be adopted by a majority vote, and amendments to zoning ordinances and bylaws would require a two-thirds vote. Thus, it will be difficult for many communities to bring their master plan and their ordinances and bylaws into harmony, which would lead to significant confusion and uncertainty regarding the legal status of their local zoning provisions, and invite litigation and delays at the local level. As municipalities already have absolute presumption, section 43 would actually create a disincentive to adopt new, updated master plans. Section 43 should be amended to strike language that would allow courts to invalidate ordinances and bylaws that do not comply with master plans.

B. MMA COMMENTS IN OPPOSITION TO H. 4140

In addition to reviewing S. 2144, the MMA has had a chance the closely examine H. 4140, An Act to Expedite Multifamily Housing Construction and Cluster Development. The MMA strongly opposes allowing “by-right” development, as local zoning decisions should be carefully reviewed and made by local legislative bodies and the appropriate legal authorities and boards in municipalities. As many of these provisions would simply grant additional rights to developers without addressing many of the factors that have led to the scarcity of affordable housing in the Commonwealth, the MMA strongly opposes incorporating H. 4140 or any of its provisions into S. 2144. We have detailed some of our concerns below.

“By-Right” Language
The MMA is gravely concerned by the “by-right” language in the bill. Eastern Massachusetts is one of the most densely populated areas in the United States, whose citizens care deeply about sustainable, environmentally friendly communities and land use, and this language is antithetical to many of those goals. Currently, zoning is controlled by the citizens of the municipality, not state-level bureaucrats or other officials. H. 4140 would take these decisions out of the hands of those who know their communities best. Additionally, “by-right” legislation does nothing to address actual affordable housing or the profit motivations that drive developers to build multi-million dollar condominiums and luxury apartments rather than increase the affordable housing stock. The MMA opposes zoning reform legislation that features “by-right” language. The negative impact on neighborhoods would be significant, and there are no provisions that would require or increase the amount of affordable housing in municipalities. Rather, we predict that H. 4140 would actually raise the overall cost of housing, as developers, incentivized by understandable profit motivations, would focus on high-end housing – this is exactly what we have been seeing in Massachusetts over the past several years.

Additional Bureaucracy
The MMA believes local zoning decisions are best made by local officials, not state or federal agencies. H. 4140 would give the Department of Housing and Community Development approval authority over local multi-family zoning districts, and allow the agency to develop and impose further bureaucratic and programmatic requirements on cities and towns. This is highly inadvisable, as state agency control has the potential to politicize zoning policy and impose one-size-fits-all standards on communities, ignoring the diverse nature of localities across the Commonwealth.

Inclusionary Zoning is a Much Better Tool for Affordable Housing
The goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing in the Commonwealth is a laudable one, but we are forced to conclude that very little in H. 4140 would actually lead to affordable housing. The bill gives developers and land owners the ability to develop more land and at greater density, but does nothing to address the profit motives that lead to the development of multi-million dollar condos and luxury apartments over affordable multi-family housing. In our comments above, we strongly advocate for inclusionary zoning authority at the local level, as this would be a much more effective tool to address local housing needs.

C. ACCESSORY APARTMENTS

Following up on our discussion with Senate staff on May 10, we are also offering further input on the question of accessory apartments.

The MMA opposes a state mandate allowing accessory apartments “as of right,” as this would create significant building code and enforcement issues at the local level. Communities already have the authority to adopt accessory apartment provisions in their local zoning ordinances and bylaws, making these decisions based on local needs and conditions. Because of limited resources at the local level, there are likely thousands of unapproved accessory apartments throughout the state. There is no way that the Commonwealth could have enough information to know whether the legalization of these dwellings would be safe, advisable, or consistent with health, safety and building codes. We are very interested in working with you in the future to explore and advance possible frameworks or incentives that could lead to an increase in the number of legally acceptable accessory apartments. In the meantime, though, accessory apartments should continue to be a local option, not a mandate.

SUMMARY

Once again, on behalf of cities and towns across the state, we thank you for your consideration of our comments and recommendations.

S. 2144 is far-reaching and complex, and proposes enormous changes that would have dramatic and widespread impacts on municipalities and local residents and businesses for generations to come. We strongly urge you to adopt the language changes identified above in order to preserve the local control of land use that must remain in place, and ensure that this legislation is balanced enough to protect the nature and quality of neighborhoods and communities throughout the state.

Local officials and the citizens of Massachusetts rightly expect all legislation to honor these important principles. We look forward to continuing to work with you throughout this important process. Thank you very much for devoting your time and energy to these vitally important policy matters. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to have your staff contact me, John Robertson or David Lakeman at (617) 426-7272 at any time.

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey C. Beckwith
MMA Executive Director & CEO

CC: The Honorable Daniel Wolf, State Senator
Mr. David Sullivan, Office of the Senate President

2 Comments

Posted in Legislature, Massachusetts Municipal Association, Uncategorized

Tonight – “A Good Time for a Good Cause”

Posted on May 14, 2016 | Comments Off on Tonight – “A Good Time for a Good Cause”

 

 “A Good Time for a Good Cause”

The Medfield Lions Club with support from the Medfield Neighbor Brigade will host an evening spring gala on Saturday, May 14th 7:30pm – 10:30pm at the Zullo Gallery on Main Street.

 

This 2nd annual event is to raise funds which will be used to help Medfield families going through significant tragedy, medical adversity or hardship.

The Medfield Neighbor Brigade is a network of volunteers that supports Medfield families going through a temporary crisis by supplying meals, rides and performing household chores.

 

For the past 2 years, the Medfield Lions Club has partnered with the Medfield Neighbor Brigade to support these families with gift card care packages made possible by this fundraiser and the generosity of the Medfield community.

 

The event will feature Medfield musicians, appetizers, a wine and beer bar, raffles and prizes.  Please join us for this extremely worthwhile event to help Medfield friends and neighbors during their time of need.  We will also be auctioning an autographed Julian Edelman game jersey – a real collector’s item!

 

The room is filling up but tickets are still available.  You can buy tickets at the door or go here to purchase tickets or make a donation: http://www.lionsneighborbrigade.myevent.com/

There is also a list of those who will be attending.  You are sure to see some names you know!  The weather is supposed to cooperate so come have a glass of wine on the roof deck at Zullo while listening to Jeri Bregonzi’s jazz band.  It is all for a good cause.

 

Thanks much and see you tonight.

 

Toby Burell

Comments Off on Tonight – “A Good Time for a Good Cause”

Posted in Events, Uncategorized

Transfer Station today

Posted on May 14, 2016 | Comments Off on Transfer Station today

At the Transfer Station today –

  • Swap (volunteers especially needed from 2-4 PM),
  • Recycling food scraps, and
  • Styrofoam recycling.

Comments Off on Transfer Station today

Posted in Recycling & Solid Waste, Uncategorized

Food in mailbox tomorrow

Posted on May 13, 2016 | Comments Off on Food in mailbox tomorrow

From Jacqui Doe –

The annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Postal Food Drive benefitting the Medfield Food Cupboard is SATURDAY, MAY 14th

 

Medfield residents are being asked to leave non-perishable, non-expired food donations in mailboxes for postal carriers to collect.  All donations will be brought to the Medfield Food Cupboard at the United Church of Christ. The Postal Drive is the nation’s largest one day food drive.

Donations may include, but are not limited to: kid friendly cereal, canned chicken, pasta sauce, drink mixes, canned fruit or fruit in a bowl, peanut butter, applesauce, juice (large or juice boxes), hot cereal packets, sloppy joes, cookies/salty snacks, white rice and raisins. 

Comments Off on Food in mailbox tomorrow

Posted in Medfield Food Cupboard, Uncategorized

BoS 5/3

Posted on May 13, 2016 | Comments Off on BoS 5/3

Meeting Minutes May 3, 2016 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 7:00PM. He announced this meeting is being recorded. Chairman Fisher called for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and servicewomen serving around the world. NEW FOOD ESTABLISHMENT Owner of new business to be known as Cutlets at 14 North Street (formerly Honey's) is present to request a common victualler license. Matthew Cawley remarked that his family operates a cafe in Dedham and he is pleased to be opening his place in Medfield. He plans to have prepared meals, sandwiches and be available for catering. Hopes to be opened June 1; hours planned are 10-8 Monday to Friday; Saturday 9-5. Mr. Cawley mentioned that he was very impressed with the Town Hall staff and their great assistance to him as he went through the permitting process. Chairman Fisher said that we are happy to have you in Medfield. VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion to grant a Common Victualler license to Matthew Cawley d/b/a Cutlets at 14 North Street, seconded by Selectman Marcucci. Motion carried SELECTMEN'S CALENDAR The Selectmen reviewed a copy of the draft calendar prepared by Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Peterson advised that Selectmen goals and items from previous calendar be incorporated into the new one. Also former Selectman DeSorgher emailed his list of items to us that were not completed during his term; Mr. Peterson suggests these items be addressed. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE The Memorial Day Committee invites the Selectmen to participate in the May 30 Parade and Ceremony. A parade permit and a discharge of firearms permit are requested. VOTED unanimously to grant a parade permit and a discharge of firearms permit for the May 30, 2016 Memorial Day Parade and Exercises 83 ADAMS STREET Mr. Sullivan explained that the Town has had a long range plan to construct a sidewalk on Adams Street from Dale Street to West Mill Street. A drainage easement is a necessary component of the plan from the resident at 83 Adams Street. This was accomplished and May 3, 2016 Page two it was approved at Town Meeting. Town Counsel requests the Board sign the Town Acceptance document that will be recorded at the registry. VOTED unanimously to sign Town Acceptance document with regard to approved drainage easement at 83 Adams Street 7: 15 PUBLIC HEARING - PERMISSION TO SOLICIT Michael Churchill on behalf of COMCAST Michael Churchill was present. The notice of public hearing was read by Selectman Peterson. Mr. Churchill said that he is requesting permission to go door to door in Medfield to offer the best value packages that COMCAST has available. He remarked that he is a Medfield resident and his job is to hopefully get homeowners interested enough that they consider switching from his competitor. He's requesting three months to canvass. Mr. Fisher stated that canvassing may only occur during daylight hours, no Sundays and you will need to check-in with the Police Department each day to let them know the areas you will be working. VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Peterson, seconded by Selectman Marcucci to approve Michael Churchill to solicit on behalf of COMCAST according to the terms discussed. Vote was unanimous TREE CI'IY Ms. Trierweiler was happy to report that the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Medfield as a 2015 Tree City USA. This is the third year in a row that Medfield has received this award. Ms. Trierweiler went on to say that each year she has attended an awards ceremony and the 2016 event will be held at Holy Cross College. LYME DISEASE STUDY COMMITTEE Chairman Chris Kaldy and member Frank Perry are here to present the committee's annual update. Ms. Kaldy said that the committee was formed in 2010. Our committee was appointed to help raise awareness and educate the public to protect against tick bites that may cause Lyme disease. This year we distributed materials to grades one and three reaching out to help them understand the necessity to be cautious when they are outdoors. Also signs have been posted around Medfield's playing fields regarding tick areas. In 2016 we added two new members. This is the fifth year of the deer culling deer program as controlling the deer population helps to prevent Lyme disease. It was another successful year as hunters took down 31 deer. May 3, 2016 Page three Mr. Peterson remarked that the committee has done a tremendous job providing excellent information to help prevent Lyme disease; a tremendous to the Town. The Selectmen applauded their efforts. TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING COMMITIEE Members present, Megan Sullivan and Rachel Brown to let the Selectmen know about two new programs at the Transfer Station. Medfield has been awarded a grant from MassDEP to conduct a pilot food waste composting program. The goal of the program is to turn food waste into good nutrient soil and reduce the Town's incineration costs. Residents will bring their food waste to the TS and place it in specific barrels near the windows. Ms. Brown continued that starter kits are available for purchase that includes a 3.5 gallon pail, a kitchen scrap pail and a roll of liners or residents may purchase just the kitchen scrap pail. It is not necessary to make this purchase to participate in the program. You may use your own supply. An agreement has been made with E.O.M.S. Recycling of West Bridgewater who will pick-up and then empty the barrels at their facility on a weekly basis. Ms. Sullivan requests the Selectmen vote to s_ign the agreement and it was so voted. The second new initiative is mattress collections. This project is also funded by a grant from MassDEP. Residents may deposit used mattresses in a container that will be available at the Transfer Station Ms. Sullivan announced that the committee is seeking new members. We currently have six members and may have up to nine. We are interested in having committee members who care about recycling and reducing waste. Interested residents may contact me for additional information. SENIOR HOUSING STUDY COMMITIEE We have received four applications for the committee. The Selectmen encourage additional residents to come forward and agreed to continue discussion about the makeup of the committee at the May 17 meeting. SOLAR ARRAY The House of Representatives has recognized Medfield for its first municipal solar installation. Representative Shawn Dooley attended the April 28 opening day ceremony at the Wastewater Treatment Plant where he presented the citation. Mr. Fisher remarked that it was a nice event. REQUESTS GAS LINE CONNECTION New resident on Cedar Lane requests permission to connect to gas line on Pine Street. As new resident was expected to attend the meeting but did not arrive the Selectmen agreed to table discussion for the next meeting. May 3, 2016 Page four RESIGNATION Council on Aging member Louis Fellini will resign effective May 31, 2016. Mr. Sullivan said that he has been a member for 10+ years and made many contributions to that board. VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman Marcucci to accept Council on Aging member Louis Fellini's resignation with deepest regret, effective May 31, 2016 LICENSES AND PERMITS VOTED unanimously to grant the Lowell Mason House Committee a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for their gala event to be held Friday June 3, 2016 at the CENTER SELECTMEN REPORf Mr. Peterson will hold first Friday office hour at the CENTER from 9 - 9:45 AM. He participated in the opening day baseball parade with Selectman Marcucci and his five year old twin boys. It was a nice event. The new concession stand was dedicated to honor Douglas Swain. Mr. Peterson attend the opening of Needham's new rail trail and announced that the Town of Dover passed a warrant article to construct the trail in their town. Attended a meeting with the Larkin Bros. about their proposed development on Hospital Road; state hospital committee is moving forward with discussions about the site; the opening ceremony for the solar array was a nice event with Representative Shawn Dooley attending. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITI BOYS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ICE HOCKEY TEAM AND COACHES Selectmen Fisher remarked that you are the best Ice Hockey Team in the Commonwealth. The entire town of Medfield is very proud of you and your accomplishment. Athletic Director Eric Scott thanked the Selectmen for recognizing the team, saying they are a great group of athletes. This is Medfield's first ice hockey Division 2 championship. We have had successful teams before and this was a sweet one. Head coach Toby Carlow was introduced who had nothing but praise for the team and the terrific way they handle themselves. It was our proud moment when we scored the winning goal. He thanked Needham Bank for their amazing partnership and is very grateful for the sports jackets the bank has provided for the whole team. Representatives from the bank were Ted Nugent and Marjorie Cappucci who extended congratulations on a job well done. Assistant coaches Tony lafolla and Erik Lindgren were also present. Citations and Town pins were presented to each player who was introduced by Eric Scott; Kevin Walsh, David Corrigan, Mason Giunta, Tom Schofield, Kyle Gately, Ryan Johnson, Mike Foley, Matt Treiber, Cooper Brown, Dylan McNally, John Maclean, Matt Johnson, Mike Walsh, Owen May 3, 2016 Page five Murphy, Steve Christakis, Sean Tyler, Jim Freeman, Nigel Rieff, Ted Seier, Liam Gatley, Nick Wheeler, Jonathan Seibel, Brian Abely, Matt Malvese, Mike Mangiafico. SELECTMEN REPORT cont. M r. Marcucci suggests that a charter for the Town Master Plan Committee be discussed at the next meeting. Mr. Fisher wanted to share his thoughts and observations on the Town Meeting. He feels strongly that the Town works very well together; we came together to vote on important issues; another solar array project, Medfield will now be a green community, the school field and we did balance the budget. There are good initiatives as we move forward. However, he is disappointed with unnecessary negative comments. We are very fortunate to have volunteers who do a lot of work to help make the town a better place; and let's not forget that the Medfield taxpayers continue to do their share to make it a better place. What I am doing is saying thank you. Mr. Peterson said that there is exceedingly much interest in the state hospital project and feels there are many residents who would like to have as much information as possible. It is our responsibility as a board to be sure that happens. Mr. Marcucci feels that it doesn't fall to the Selectmen or Administration; there are many ways for residents to obtain any information they desire if they so choose. INFORMATIONAL Mr. Sullivan mentioned that Medfield will not receive funds to help defray the cost for West Street traffic improvements; we need to develop how we will pay for the Route 109 bridge over the Charles River that ne'eds work. ADJOURNMENT On a motion made by Selectman Peterson at 9:05 PM to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Marcucci the motion carried.20160503_Page_220160503_Page_320160503_Page_420160503_Page_5

Comments Off on BoS 5/3

Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

BoS 4/5 & 19

Posted on May 13, 2016 | Comments Off on BoS 4/5 & 19

20160405_Page_220160405_Page_320160405_Page_420160405_Page_520160405_Page_620160405_Page_720160405_Page_820160405-agenda

Comments Off on BoS 4/5 & 19

Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

Warning -wonky material

Posted on May 12, 2016 | Comments Off on Warning -wonky material

The alert below from the MMA – I just called Senator Timilty’s office, and also thanked him for sponsoring the pending legislation to make work spaces handicap accessible.

MMA

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

URGENT: YOUR LEGISLATOR WILL VOTE NEXT WEEK ON IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION FILED BY GOV. BAKER

  1. 4254 WOULD ALLOW THE STATE TO OVERSEE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS – INCLUDING MS4 STORMWATER PERMITS

THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE EXPECTED TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON H. 4254 NEXT WEEK…

…AND YOUR LEGISLATOR IS ON THE COMMITTEE THAT WILL DECIDE WHETHER THE BILL MOVES FORWARD

PLEASE CALL TODAY AND ASK YOUR LEGISLATOR TO SUPPORT AND VOTE IN FAVOR OF H. 4254 IN COMMITTEE

The Legislation is Necessary to Allow MassDEP to have “Delegated Authority” over Federal Water Quality Regulatory Programs

 

Over the past year, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has been examining the possibility of obtaining authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over the National Pollutants Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Governor Baker recently filed H. 4254, An Act to Enable the Commonwealth’s Administration of the Massachusetts Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Please click here to see Governor Baker’s press release and a link to the bill text.

The bill is expected to have a hearing before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture early next week. MMA is urging local officials in the districts of committee members to contact your legislators right away and ask them to support this important legislation. Please see the contact information for your legislators at the end of this alert.

NPDES is the federal regulatory program, currently administered by the EPA, that includes permits, compliance, inspection, and enforcement activities for facilities that discharge effluent into surface waters (such as municipal wastewater treatment plants), as well as stormwater systems managed by over 250 cities and towns.

The MMA has been very involved in this discussion over the past few months, through participation in MassDEP’s NPDES advisory group and conversations with the Administration. The MMA will testify in support of this legislation at the public hearing, but it is very important that legislators on the committee hear from their local officials on this issue.

The Governor’s legislation is an essential step in MassDEP’s obtaining delegation over this program. The bill would make technical changes to the state’s Clean Waters Act to make it consistent with federal law. The bill also specifically authorizes MassDEP to begin to process of applying to the EPA for delegation.

There are many advantages to having MassDEP manage and oversee the NPDES and MS4 stormwater permit process, including:

  • DEP has a much stronger relationship with cities and towns than the EPA;
  • DEP has much more experience working with local officials, and has a much better understanding of our cities and towns than the EPA;
  • Permitting decisions would be based on local conditions and more thorough up-to-date data;
  • Having DEP oversee the MS4 stormwater and NPDES programs would provide many more opportunities for integrated water management;
  • DEP would offer enhanced technical assistance – they are already planning on coordinating technical assistance and information sharing on stormwater issues; and
  • Delegated authority would allow DEP to provide better information on water quality conditions across the Commonwealth.

This bill will not change the new MS4 stormwater regulations recently released by the EPA, but MMA believes that MassDEP’s greater understanding of our cities and towns would lead to greater flexibility and responsiveness as the permits are implemented. And MassDEP would have a greater role in shaping future permit requirements. If DEP does not have delegated authority over NPDES programs, a more removed federal agency (U.S. EPA) will continue to develop and enforce the regulations for Massachusetts.

If you are receiving this action alert, your community is in the district of one or more members of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. Please look for your legislator’s name and phone number below and contact them right away to ask them to support H. 4254. It is very important that your legislators hear from local officials BEFORE the public hearing, which is expected to be early next week, which is why we are asking you to call today.

Senate Committee Members:

Anne M. Gobi, Senate Chair, 617-722-1540

Michael F. Rush, Senate Vice Chair, 617-722-1348

James B. Eldridge, 617-722-1120

James E. Timilty, 617 722-1222

Thomas M. McGee, 617-722-1350

Ryan C. Fattman, 617-722-1420

 

House Committee Members:

Paul A. Schmid, House Chair, 617-722-2210

Brian R. Mannal, House Vice Chair, 617-722-2210

Robert M. Koczera, 617-722-2582

Carolyn C. Dykema, 617-722-2680

Mary S. Keefe, 617-722-2210

Christine P. Barber, 617-722-2430

James M. Kelcourse, 617-722-2130

James M. Cantwell, 617-722-2140

Josh S. Cutler, 617-722-2210

Jay D. Livingstone, 617-722-2396

Donald R. Berthiaume, 617-722-2090

 

Please Contact your Legislators Today and Ask Them to Support H. 4254 at the Public Hearing Next Week

Thank You Very Much!

 

Comments Off on Warning -wonky material

Posted in Environmental, Legislature, Uncategorized

MCPE’s Blue Ribbon Program

Posted on May 12, 2016 | Comments Off on MCPE’s Blue Ribbon Program

Blue ribbon         MCPE

 MCPE’s Blue Ribbon Program

MCPE’s Blue Ribbon Program recognizes teachers, administrators, school coaches and staff for making a difference in a student’s life. This program is an easy way to acknowledge school employees at the end of the school year. Click on the following link (formstack.com/forms/?1155510-ms8sVhWlW6) to make your donation online, and MCPE will take care of the rest. Each recipient will receive a personalized card announcing a donation was made by you in his or her honor. Your tax-deductible donation will help support future educational grants awarded by MCPE.

In addition to receiving a personalized card from MCPE, the recipient will be recognized in MCPE’s annual newsletter. Each year’s newsletter includes a list of the recipients from the most recent Winter Holiday period, as well as the prior Spring/Summer end-of-year gift giving period.

PLEASE NOTE: due to publication deadlines, end-of-year donations made after May 31st of each year will be included in the following year’s newsletter. To ensure the delivery of your card prior to Thursday June 23, please submit your request by Friday, June 17th.

Finally, the amount of the donation will not be disclosed to the recipient. Your name and your donation will not be listed in any MCPE communications.

Comments Off on MCPE’s Blue Ribbon Program

Posted in MCPE - Medfield Coalition for Public Education, Schools, Uncategorized