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House budget

Posted on March 16, 2016 | Comments Off on House budget

This analysis from the Mass. Municipal Assoc. this afternoon of the budget we can expect soon out of the House, and what we should want it to contain.  The $100/children education funding versus the $20/student the Governor proposes is the biggest one for me.

MMA-2

 
Wednesday, March 16, 2016

HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE PREPARING FISCAL 2017 STATE BUDGET

UGGA, CHAPTER 70, AND KEY MUNI & ED ACCOUNTS AT STAKE

PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TODAY AND SECURE THEIR PLEDGE TO SUPPORT THE $42 MILLION INCREASE IN UNRESTRICTED MUNICIPAL AID, HIGHER CH. 70 MINIMUM AID, AND FULL FUNDING FOR KEY EDUCATION AND MUNICIPAL REIMBURSEMENTS AND GRANTS

The House and Senate budget committees have wrapped up public hearings on the fiscal 2017 state budget and are now drafting detailed spending plans that reflect the priorities of each branch. We know from our meetings with legislators that many of you have met with your legislators on local priorities for the many municipal and school aid accounts in the state budget.

With the House Ways & Means Committee’s version of the budget scheduled for release on April 13, it is imperative that you call your legislative delegation to highlight the importance of key local aid accounts before final decisions are made.

On February 29, MMA officers and other local officials testified on the many municipal and school aid accounts that the MMA tracks and supports. Please click here to see MMA’s detailed testimony. Please ask your Representatives to talk to the House Ways & Means Committee and ask that they support the main statewide priority accounts and your own local priorities.

UNRESTRICTED GENERAL GOVERNMENT AID (UGGA)
This is a top priority. Ask your legislators to support the $42 million increase in the Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) account included in H. 2, the fiscal budget recommendation submitted by the Governor in January. The UGGA account is currently funded at $979.8 million, and the 4.3 percent increase in H. 2 would simply track the growth in state tax revenues forecast for next year.

CHAPTER 70 SCHOOL AID
The Governor’s budget recommendation provides a far-too-small 1.6% increase in Chapter 70 school aid, which is much to low. Please ask your legislators to support funding increases for two key aspects of the Chapter 70 calculation for fiscal 2017. The first increase is to ensure adequate funding for the current basic school aid framework. The second is to begin implementation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s recommendations to correct outdated and obsolete aspects of the foundation budget framework.

MINIMUM AID SHOULD BE $100 PER STUDENT. Please support an increase in the “minimum aid” amount to $100 per student, instead of the $20-per-student amount in the Governor’s budget. This is an important way to offset the low inflation factor used to adjust foundation budget components for fiscal 2017 and to help correct the impact of the change in how low-income students are counted. We are also asking legislators to review how low-income students should be counted and added into the formula.

FLAWS IN THE CHAPTER 70 FORMULA SHOULD BE FIXED. Second, please ask your legislators to support the implementation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s recommendations to update the Chapter 70 “foundation budget” minimum spending standards for special education and health insurance costs for school employees, 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 Chapter 70 framework is clearly outdated and inadequate, and the Commission’s recommendations would address the major shortcomings in the formula.

REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SCHOOL AID LOSSES RELATED TO CHARTER SCHOOLS
Please ask your Representatives to support full funding of the state’s legal commitment to reimburse school districts for the loss of a portion of their Chapter 70 aid that is redirected to fund charter schools. This is a growing financial burden on cities and towns that is becoming more acute as the state grants more charters and existing charter schools expand. The shortfall in charter school reimbursements is crippling funding for schools in scores of cities, towns and school districts.

SPECIAL EDUCATION “CIRCUIT BREAKER”
Please ask your Representatives to support full funding of the Special Education “Circuit Breaker” Program, through which the state provides a measure of support for services provided to high-cost special education students. H. 2 would level-fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker program at $272 million. This means that the Governor’s budget likely underfunds reimbursements by approximately $10 million.
PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TODAY TO SUPPORT THESE FOUR MAJOR MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL AID ACCOUNTS, AND DISCUSS OTHER LOCAL PRIORITIES

THANK YOU!

 
Massachusetts Municipal Association
One Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 426-7272
All contents copyright 2015, Massachusetts Municipal Association

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Posted in Budgets, Legislature, State, Uncategorized

Energy Committee from 2/11

Posted on March 14, 2016 | Comments Off on Energy Committee from 2/11

MEC

Town can save $34,740/year by buying our streetlights, and switching to LED streetlights.  The selectmen said we want the town meeting to make the decision, but let’s not wait a whole year and lose that much money in the interim.

We save money, we get better, safer lighting too – it’s a no-brainer.

 

MEC Meeting Minutes-February 11, 2016

Attendance: Andrew Seaman, Lee Alinsky, Cynthia Greene, Pete Peterson, Maciej Konieczny, Fred Davis, Marie Nolan

  1. January 13 meeting minutes accepted with additions.
  2. High School Students – not in attendance.
  3. Energy Manager’s Report
    1. WWTP Solar – Could start generating next week. PV system will be accepted by Town 3/1/16. On wait list for SRECs.
    2. 60 kW system is being considered for Public Safety Building. Roof weight and conduits sized for this system. Dore & Whittier drawing up plans. About a 7 to 9-year payback with SRECs. Options include having it done by GC or going out to bid later. Building construction estimated to be done October 7, 2016. Awaiting word on expansion of SREC program before moving forward with these plans.
    3. LED streetlights – Revised analysis provided by Fred D and Andrew S. Fixtures and installation costs $104,864 ($88,677 after incentives). Results in savings of $34,740/year including utility incentives and installation. Simple payback of 2.6 years to replace all 347 lamps with new LED fixtures after purchasing old HID fixtures for $1. Andrew confirmed $1 price from Eversource, offer good until April after Town Meeting. If Medfield did not purchase streetlights, likely replace with high sodium fixtures like existing on as need basis. Concluded best to replace all 347 streetlight all at once. Westwood used this approach with grant money from Green Communities. Andrew S. will investigate adding line item for streetlight purchase in this year’s capital budget or adding a warrant article. If wait one year, then forgo the $34,000 savings for one year. Streetlights are mounted on Verizon poles. Town owns arm and lamp itself. LED light warranty is 10 years. Money could be set-aside annually in reserve fund to pay for replacement in 15 years.
  4. Solarize Massachusetts’ status – Marie N. presented proposal at last week’s Selectmen’s meeting.   The program received endorsement by them and a letter of support was written. Andrew S. is to submit application with attachments to Mass CEC tomorrow. It could take 4-6 weeks to learn whether application is accepted.
  5. Community Shared Solar – similar to virtual net metering. Lee A. described the renewable Mass based program and will present possible projects for Medfield residents to consider at a future meeting.
  6. Next steps for Green Communities: MEC presented at Warrant Committee and Hospital Reuse Committee. Warrant committee will vote on stretch code article at their February 23rd MEMO meeting cancelled due to snow. Andrew S. scheduled to present at Permanent Planning & Building Committee but he may be on leave at the time. COA meeting to be scheduled. Recommended that at least I MEC member joins Andrew S at these meetings. Other community groups to present at: Lions, New in Towne, Medfield Green, and Legion. Andrew S will develop 5-year Energy Plan pending stretch code approval at Town Meeting. Press Release to be written on town energy-related initiatives. Looking into a possible writer to interview Andrew S.
  7. MMA Annual Meeting, Energy Session attended by Fred D. – Reported out the remarks made by the ISO-New England representative and the MA Energy Commissioner.   General sentiment was that new natural gas pipelines are not needed in the state.   Also reported at the meeting that over half (155) of MA towns are designated Green Communities.

Next month’s meeting – tentatively scheduled for March 17, 2016. Location and date to be confirmed.

 

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Posted in Budgets, Energy Committee, Safety, Uncategorized

Girls BB loses

Posted on March 12, 2016 | Comments Off on Girls BB loses

From the principal –

Girls hoops sectional finals, Notre Dame 58, Medfield 53. Great effort by the Warriors, battled back & played hard for 4 qtrs. #warriorpride

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Posted in Schools, Sports, Uncategorized

BoS minutes for 3/1

Posted on March 11, 2016 | Comments Off on BoS minutes for 3/1

cropped-medfield-town-house2.jpg

20160301_Page_120160301_Page_220160301_Page_3Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and servicewomen serving around the world. Mr. DeSorgher reminded the listening audience that the election polls for the presidential primary are open until 8:00 PM. CAPITAL, FACILITIES, TOWN-WIDE MASTER AND STATE HOSPITAL PLANS In attendance are members of the Warrant, School Permanent Building, State Hospital Master Planning Committees, Planning Board, Council on Aging, Capital Budget Park and Recreation Selectman DeSorgher opened the discussion by saying that we are happy to have all of you here this evening to give the Selectmen information before we take action on the 2016 warrant articles regarding these study plans. The Permanent Building Committee sets the course of action for each municipal building issue, i.e. park and rec new building; COA addition to the CENTER; schools/is it financially better to add on to the Wheelock School and save adding a principal, school nurse and office staff rather than build a new school particularly after learning that the state's school building assistance program is going down in reimbursements. The Town's auditors advised we need to add 5-6% annually to our free cash. We all want new things but what can we afford and how do we pay for them. The library has developed their strategic plan; personnel board updates their bylaws, however the 1964 master plan is past its prime so do we need volunteers to come together to develop a new way of accomplishing what needs to be done. These are some of the issues that need to be studied. Ms. Trierweiler remarked that the Capital Budget Committee meets each year to prepare a capital budget to consider proposed departmental projects. Items must meet a criteria of at least $5,000 and have a useful life of five years to be considered. A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a 20 year plan that would present an evaluation of all existing municipal buildings and will serve to reduce operating costs and will help to reduce unexpected crisis in the future. To that end the Capital Budget Committee recruited bids for a CIP at an estimated cost of $80,000.00. The Town is fortunate to have been awarded a Community Compact Grant in the amount of $30,000 to help pay this cost. The requested appropriation for this article is in the amount of $50,000. March 1, 2016 Page two Permanent Building Committee member Mike McQuillan reported that a feasibility study was completed in 2012 to study the needs for town garage, public safety and park and recreation buildings along with the Dale Street School campus. Town Planner Sarah Raposa remarked that a town-wide master plan is important particularly with the visioning goals for the state hospital. It is a state requirement under MA general laws that the plan includes housing, land use, open space and recreation, economic development. It's important to have policies/goals in place for the reuse at the hospital site. She feels that a good start would be to have a draft housing production plan. Steve Nolan, hospital planning committee chair said that the Town hired VHB Consultants to assist the committee in developing a plan for the site. A 2016 warrant article is requesting $50,000 to continue preparation for the development of the site. We are hoping to have a consenus plan ready for the Town's review in about six months. Resident John Harney was recognized who commented that the hospital site seems likely for 40b development so that the Town can make their quota. He feels that the survey results from the residents points mostly to their desire for open space/recreation. So getting 2/3 vote for a zoning change may not be that easy. School Superintendent Jeff Marsden explained that a consultant was hired to conduct a fields study. Boring testing revealed that no drainage was installed subsurface so the Calvin Fisher field is our top priority although the turf at the middle school should be done but at $3M that is cost prohibited. The School Committee is pledging $300,000 to offset the cost of the new field. COA Director Roberta Lynch said that the building has 7900 sq ft of space, however by regulations it should be 12,000. This would allow us to offer additional programming to the great amount of people that come to the CENTER. The Council has $100,000 to hire a project manager and architect to begin work on construction plans that has been estimated to cost about $1M. This addition is very needed as we are running out of rooms; our Respite program has 36 individuals attending. Kevin Ryder Park & Rec Director explained the need for a new building. We have very limited space for our popular summer program and a wait list continues to grow. There are safety issues with the Pfaff Center and the lack of space is extremely hard for us on rainy summer days; the very necessary replacement this winter of the boiler was done at a cost of $25,000. We are requesting $100,000 to begin a feasibility study for a new building. March 1, 2016 Page three Michael Sullivan said that he attended a meeting this morning at Tri-County School and learned that they are developing a $SOM renovation plan for the school that will require Medfield to participate in the cost. All in all we need to look very closely at what we do need to move forward economically. The Selectmen agreed that all of this information is good input and thanked everyone for attending this evening. MEETING MINUTES VOTED unanimously to approve the meeting minutes of February 2, 16 and 23, 2016 as submitted SIGN WARRANT VOTED unanimously to sign the March 28, 2016 Town Election Warrant SNOW EMERGENCY VOTE Mr. Sullivan said that as he is waiting for additional information regarding the snow budget, he advised that conversation be held at the next meeting. LICENSES & PERMITS VOTED unanimously to grant the Medfield High School Girls Field Hockey Team permission to hold a fund raising car wash behind Town Hall Saturday September 10, 2016 SELECTMEN REPORT Mr. Fisher said that he is looking forward to First Thursday, March 3, at the Zullo Gallery; always an enjoyable evening. Mr. Peterson attended the State Hospital Master Planning Committee meeting where it was discussed that a new consulting firm has been hired and he feels they will add good value to the project. The Cub Scout's Blue and Gold Banquet was a great event; a magician for entertainment who was really very good. At the event it was announced that Cub Master Jim Hatch will be leaving and moving on to be a Scout Master with this son's troop. Selectman Peterson attended the recent MMA Breakfast meeting and gathered very interesting information on a variety of topics. Mr. DeSorgher requests that a representative from Columbia Gas attend our meeting to discuss the pipe line in South Street and why there is a strong gas odor in that vicinity. He remains March 1, 2016 Page four concerned that the utility poles on Green Street have not been moved and wants a Verizon rep attend our meeting to explain why. He also attended the Blue and Gold Banquet. Today he toured the Ord Block building that is under renovation commenting that the new restaurant will be really nice. The upper floors are being set up for office suites and from the second and third floors of the building the views of Medfield are terrific. The contractor is aiming for the restaurant, named Avenue to open mid-April. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.

 

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Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

BoS agenda for 3/15

Posted on March 11, 2016 | Comments Off on BoS agenda for 3/15

cropped-medfield-town-house2.jpg

Tuesday March 15, 2016@ 7:00 PM
AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Executive Session at close of meeting for the purpose of discussing land acquisition

7:00 PM Pastor Jonathan Chechile
Discuss second annual God Loves Medfield spring cleanup sponsored by the First Baptist Church

7:30 PM Annual Warrant Hearing, Warrant Committee

NEW BUSINESS
Vote to sign Fire Department Memo of Understanding and Police Department Memo of Understanding

Open 2016 Warrant to add article to fund firemen’s contract; amend zoning bylaw
Vote to close 2016 Warrant

Resignation notice from Community Preservation Act Study Committee member Theresa Knapp

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Lyme disease Study Committee, Chris Kaldy Chair requests Selectmen vote to appoint John Newell, Jr. to the committee

Other business that may arise

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Posted in Select Board matters, Uncategorized

Ed issues film & talk 3/29

Posted on March 11, 2016 | Comments Off on Ed issues film & talk 3/29

MCPE

“Most Likely to Succeed” Film Screening & Discussion: A Medfield Community Event

Most Likely to Succeed offers an inspiring look at what students and teachers are capable of when given the opportunity. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Greg Whiteley, the film has been an official selection of two dozen of the world’s top film festivals, including Sundance, Tribeca, AFI, Cleveland, Dallas, Milwaukee, Sarasota, Seattle, Virginia, and Bergen. It has been featured at leading conferences on education, including ASU/GSV, SxSWedu, Harvard/GoldmanSachs, and NewSchools Venture Fund. Audience members call it the most compelling film ever done on the topic of school.

The film will be shown from 6:30-8pm, with small group discussions with Medfield Public School Administrators from 8-9pm.

You are invited to see the film and join the conversation! This is not one solution to education. This film asks us to ask questions, which will hopefully lead us to our own answers.
When: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Medfield High School Auditorium – 88 South Street, Medfield

 

Please visit the MCPE website to view the trailer and to register: www.medfieldcoalition.org

 

 

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

Straw Hat Park coming soon

Posted on March 10, 2016 | Comments Off on Straw Hat Park coming soon
1-29-15_rendering_-_straw_hat_park_(2)

straw hat park

This update from Jean Mineo on the Straw Hat Park construction work getting going – the DPW was unfortunately not able to do the work last fall.  Kudos to the Straw Hat Park committee members for fund raising over $40,000 to complete the park without further town funds, and thanks to those donors.  The Straw Hat Park will be an iconic addition to the downtown.

 

Hello Mike and Kristine, (cc: Selectmen),

I’m excited to announce that the Straw Hat Park Committee reconvened today after a winter hiatus and met with representatives of the DPW to discuss a general schedule and phasing of the work. The DPW estimates their work can be completed in April after winter clean up in town, and the planting installation can be done in May. After a brief period of rest for the plants and grass to begin to get established, we expect the public can use the park in early-mid June.
We propose to schedule a ground breaking with all of you next month and a ribbon cutting or opening ceremony in June.

I’ll keep you posted on our progress and expect to post images and updates on our Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/StrawHatPark
Thank you for your ongoing support.

Jean

 

508-242-9991

JeanMineo@aol.com

@JeanRMineo

www.LinkedIn.com/in/JeanMineo

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Posted in Downtown, Uncategorized

Teens at risk data

Posted on March 10, 2016 | Comments Off on Teens at risk data

MetroWest Health Foundation2

The MetroWest Healthcare Foundation anonomously surveys 40,000+ teens every two years about a range of risky behaviors and provides the results to the participating school systems.  Last night about 50 parents and school administrators heard a two and a half hour presentation from Susan Cowell and a psychiatric RN at MHS about their analysis of the 2014 Medfield data, which showed:

  • high levels of stress
  • high levels of mental health issues (i.e. – depression, suicidal thoughts)
  • high levels of drinking – 45% of MHS seniors binge drinking (5+ drinks) in last 30 days
  • almost half the 10th graders had attended parties where alcohol and marijuana were available
  • bullying occurring, even at school

The full Medfield data is to be released on-line by the schools now that this presentation has taken place.  In the past, Medfield has unfortunately opted to not release the data, so kudos to the schools for this new openness.

The following is from the MetroWest Healthcare Foundation website about the data for the MetroWest area as a whole.

 

Adolescent Mental Health

Issue

Adolescent HealthAs any parent can attest, adolescence is a tumultuous time in a child’s life. The threats to the health of adolescents are not generally diseases or chronic conditions, but rather accidental injury from risky behaviors. It is also a time of high stress as youth confront the pressures of adolescence and seek to fit in.

Access to appropriate mental health services remains a major concern in the region. The 2014 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey (MWAHS) found that 4.5 percent of MetroWest high school students reported attempting suicide and 22 percent reported experiencing depressive symptoms in the past 12 months.

We also know that teens today are suffering real and serious consequences because of bullying. Bullying and cyberbullying victims report more mental health problems than those who are not bullied, according to the 2012 MWAHS.

Adolescent health has long been a priority of the foundation. The foundation will continue to invest in adolescent health, placing a priority on mental health prevention, intervention and access to treatment.

Strategy

  • Reduce the incidence of bullying and cyberbullying by supporting school policy change and community awareness and education efforts.
  • Decrease the percent of adolescents in grantee communities reporting self-injury, suicide attempts, thoughts of suicide and depressive symptoms by funding purchase of evidence-based universal mental health curricula and programs as well as school-based intervention strategies designed for at-risk students.

Progress

  • Lower Rates of Bullying
    In 2010 the foundation launched a three-year bullying prevention initiative in five middle school districts, investing approximately $60,000 per community. As a result of their work, these five communities showed decreases in bullying exceeding the MetroWest average from 2010 to 2012.
  • Stronger School Mental Health Programs
    The foundation funded four school districts to conduct a Mental Health Capacity Assessment, which enabled schools to identify and prioritize which services and schools in their districts require support or modifications. The foundation has also funded several school districts to offer programs that support students returning from psychiatric hospitalization, modeled on the Brookline Resilient Youth Team program.
  • Data on Adolescent Risky Behaviors
    The foundation continues to fund the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey which includes data about mental health, bullying and other risky behaviors from every public middle and high schooler in the region.

View the Adolescent Health Outcomes Dashboard

Download PDF

 

http://www.mwhealth.org/Who-We-Are/Foundation-News/View-Article/ArticleId/14/2014-metrowest-adolescent-health-survey-results

 

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Posted in Schools, Teens, Uncategorized

MS4 from EPA

Posted on March 8, 2016 | Comments Off on MS4 from EPA

EPA

This month the EPA will release its new stormwater permit rules and regulations, which are termed “MS4.”  Selectmen had a presentation on MS4 this past month by people from the Neponset River Watershed Association (NRWA), who explained the expected regulation and  shared the planning other towns are doing to respond.  Most disturbing was their representation that some towns, such as Dedham, are expecting it to cost them upwards of $1m./year to respond to those MS4 regulations.

Mike Sullivan says Medfield is fortunate to have planned ahead and has already instituted all the matters he expects will be required by the MS4 permit and its regulations, such that Mike did not think that we need to budget anything for next year to be in compliance.

The NRWA representatives indicated that many towns will be implementing fees to residents for the amount of impervious surface on their lots. Again, since Mike says we will not have extra costs, we will not need to look at such fees to cover the cost of compliance.

 

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Posted in DPW, Environmental, Federal Government, Uncategorized

PB agenda from last night

Posted on March 8, 2016 | Comments Off on PB agenda from last night

20160307-planning board-agenda_Page_120160307-planning board-agenda_Page_220160307-planning board-agenda_Page_3

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Posted in Downtown, Planning, Town Meeting, Uncategorized