Posted onAugust 3, 2020|Comments Off on Grade Configuration Public Forum – 5:30 on 8/13
Medfield School Committee announcement from Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke –
Dale Street School Project: Grade Configuration Public Forum
The Medfield School Committee invites the community to its virtual Public Forum regarding the Dale Street School Project grade configuration options on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 5:30pm. The District is considering two potential grade configurations for the future Dale Street Elementary School: grades 4-5 configuration which is currently in place or grades 3-5 configuration. The purpose of the forum is to give a project update, to discuss the advantages/disadvantages of both grade configurations and is an opportunity to hear public input and answer questions from the community. The Public Forum held on August 13, 2020 precedes the School Committee vote on this important decision on August 27, 2020. Visit town.medfield.net/agendacenter for the School Committee agenda and zoom link, which will be posted 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Any questions or comments should be directed to DaleStreetSchoolProject@gmail.com.
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Project Title = Medfield Rail Trail Brief Project Description = The Medfield Rail Trail is a proposed shared use trail following the route of the MBTA rail bed in Medfield, running approximately 1.3 miles from Ice House Road to the Dover town line. The Trail will provide connections for residents throughout the region (particularly youth and seniors) for biking, walking, jogging, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. The rail trail will provide a direct connection to the planned mixed-use redevelopment of the 128-acre Medfield State Hospital; the planned Dover Greenway; the Bay Circuit Trail, an extensive regional trail system from Plum Island in the north to Kingston Bay in the south; as well as access to the Norfolk Hunt Club’s extensive regional trail network.
Project type = Construction
Trail use = Shared-Use Path
Award = $100,000
Match = $74,480
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $4 Million in MassTrails Grants
55 Local Projects Will Greatly Enhance State’s Network of Trails
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $4 million in MassTrails Grants to 55 local trail projects throughout the Commonwealth. The grants will support the state’s vast network of trails with projects dedicated to the construction, maintenance, and improvements for a variety of public trails, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths.
“Massachusetts has an extensive network of public trails connecting communities and regions while offering excellent recreational opportunities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By supporting local trail projects, our Administration is dedicated to building on that network and ensuring residents and visitors can hike, bike and run on safe, well-maintained and accessible trails.”
“Trails are important resources that improve our quality of life by providing great access to parks, reservations, forests, and other public properties throughout Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The MassTrails Grants Program serves as a critical funding source for our many local partners who are working to improve infrastructure, create new segments, and enhance existing trails for the public to enjoy.”
MassTrails Grants focus on the improvement of existing trails, the construction of new trails, and the maintenance of the statewide trail system. This year’s projects include:
The installation of trail facilities and amenities and facility landscaping;
The completion of trail design and engineering plans;
The installation and maintenance of directional and interpretive trail signage;
The development and creation of GIS mapping and trails guides;
The purchasing of trail maintenance equipment; and,
The upgrading of existing trails to accessible trail standards.
“Local trails are excellent resources that not only enrich our lives by providing increased opportunities to explore nature, but also enable us all to commit to healthy, active lifestyles,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “The MassTrails Grants Program is a great example of the Baker-Polito Administration’s dedication to investing and enhancing the Commonwealth’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources, and we look forward to celebrating the completion of these 55 projects.”
“The MassTrails Grant Program invests in path improvements and construction which allow for more access to important destinations, giving residents safe, healthy, and low carbon travel options as well as options for active recreational activities,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “Now more than ever, the public is seeking transportation options due to the pandemic and this funding creates, enhances, and maintains networks of multimodal, shared-use pathways which help people get to where they need to go while reducing their carbon footprint and lowering pollution.”
Funding for MassTrails Grants comes from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles including ATV’s and snowmobiles, which is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Surface Transportation Act, in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). All MassTrails Grant applications have been reviewed in consultation with an inter-agency MassTrails Team and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB).
“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to foster public-private partnerships in an effort to attain mutual goals that directly benefit the public,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “The 2020 MassTrails Grants Program will assist our partners in protecting and enhancing many of the Commonwealth’s natural and recreational resources, including closing gaps within the state’s network of trails, strengthening infrastructure, and making significant improvements.”
“These grants support our tremendous inventory of remarkable open spaces and the communities that host them. North Reading now has significant state support to examine converting an abandoned rail-line into a rail trail,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Funding from MassTrails not only advances this opportunity, but it also helps bring more recreational access for people across the state to enjoy outdoor spaces and improve our quality of life.”
“Visitors from all around the world come to Western Massachusetts for its beautiful outdoor recreational opportunities all of which improve our quality of life and are important parts of our communities,” said State Senator Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield). “The MassTrails Grants Program provides critical funding for improving and supporting our public trails for all to enjoy.”
Additionally, each recipient matches awarded grants with a minimum of twenty percent in funding or in-kind services for the designated project. This year’s total investment, including matching funds, is approximately $7 million. In order to meet their funding obligation, an organization is able to utilize a variety of methods to fund at least twenty percent of the project’s total cost to receive the grant. Methods include in-kind labor and professional services, material donations, use of equipment, or a cash match. Funding is made available to registered non-profits and municipal, state, and federal agencies.
“I would like to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for supporting local trail programs through the 2020 MassTrails Grants Program,” said State Representative Frank Moran (D-Lawrence). “I am joyful to learn that Groundwork Lawrence has been awarded this grant which will allow them to continue their work in increasing access to the Merrimack River Trail for all residents of the Commonwealth. The 17th Essex District will benefit substantially from this grant, given that it will bring more connectivity to all three communities: Lawrence, Andover and Methuen.”
“Funding and maintaining our local trails and paths, especially at a time when it can be hard to get out of the house, is crucial to communities we serve,” said State Representative Josh Cutler (D-Pembroke). “Thanks to grants like MassTrails and the Baker Administration, Hanson can help foster outdoor recreation for its’ citizens to enjoy.”
“The people of Clinton take great pride in the town’s surrounding natural beauty,” said State Representative Harold Naughton (D-Clinton). “The parks and trails are treasured by locals and visitors alike, and I am thrilled that the Commonwealth is investing in the spaces that make our community such a special place to live.”
“I am excited to learn that Ashland has received a grant through the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s MassTrails program,” said State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis (D-Framingham). “I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and Commissioner Montgomery for their further support to enhance and expand Ashland’s vibrant trails.”
MassTrails Grant projects are located within the following municipalities: Ashland, Adams, Arlington, Ashburnham, Athol, Barnstable, Becket, Belchertown, Bourne, Braintree, Brookline, Chelmsford, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Clinton, Concord, Dalton , Dartmouth, Egremont, Fitchburg, Florida, Franklin, Great Barrington, Greenfield, Groton, Hanson, Hatfield, Hawley, Hinsdale, Holyoke, Hopkinton, Lanesboro, Lawrence, Lee, Lenox, Lowell, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Monterey, Mount Washington, Natick, Needham, New Ashford, New Bedford, Newburyport, Newton, North Adams, North Reading, Northampton, Northfield, Peabody, Pittsfield, Plainfield, Plymouth, Sandisfield, Savoy, Sheffield, Southampton, Springfield, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Templeton, Townsend, Tyringham, Wareham, Washington , Williamstown, Windsor, and Yarmouth. A full list and brief description of each of the 55 projects receiving a grant can be found on the MassTrails Grants webpage.
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Posted onJuly 31, 2020|Comments Off on DLS on state aid this year
From DLS about the state aid for our current fiscal year that started 7/1/2020 –
Baseline FY21 UGGA and Chapter 70 Information Now Available
Dear Local Official,
I am writing to share that information about Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) and Chapter 70 education aid is now available on the Division of Local Services website.
While critical information from the federal government is still needed in order to finalize a full fiscal year budget for the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature are committing to no less than the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) level of funding for UGGA and Chapter 70 education aid as a baseline amount for FY21 funding.
The FY21 funding commitment also includes Chapter 70 increases for inflation and enrollment that will keep all school districts at foundation, under the law as it existed for FY20, providing an additional $107 million in aid over FY20. This increase comes in addition to approximately $450 million in new federal supports for K-12 schools to assist with educating students during the pandemic.
Please click here to view the UGGA and Chapter 70 amounts for each municipality. Local officials with related questions can email databank@dor.state.ma.us.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Heffernan Secretary of Administration and Finance
This is a short-term housing lottery process Will end on 08/05/2020 12 PM.
By the town’s request this opportunity is offered to households needing 3 bedrooms. For example, a couple with a child will not qualify. A single parent with 2 children will qualify; a single parent with elderly parent and a child will qualify.
In order to participate in the lottery your first step is to understand the character of the program and your responsibilities as an owner of an affordable home, review the application and information to determine if you qualify (maximum annual income for all family members, maximum assets, first time home buyer status, available down payment and being pre-approved for a loan that is a fixed rate product.
Fill out the application and send with all the documents listed below. These documents must reach to Omega Ventures 55 Loring Street, Westwood, MA 02090 witha postmark NO LATER than 08/04/2020. NO online submissions will be accepted!
Since this is a short-term lottery, we will ONLY consider submissions with the completely filled-out and signed application, pre-approval letter, and all supporting documents as listed in the checklist. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
It is important that you explain all deposits not itemized in your bank statements (where is says “deposit” etc.). If the deposit is payroll, transfers between your accounts these do not have to be itemized. If deposits are not itemized, your application will not be considered!
NOTE: FHA, VA, and most mortgages DO NOT ACCEPT THE DEED RESTRICTIONS! It is your responsibility to verify.
Your completed application will be reviewed and if you qualify you will be considered for the lottery.
There will be ONLY one open house hosted by the owner on 08/01/2020. 12PM – 4 PM. You are invited to visit property. See details below
You must show proof of having at least 3% as a down payment and closing costs in your bank account
The lottery will be scheduled by the Town of Medfield and applicants will have a higher priority determined by their household size (for example a house hold of 4 will have priority on a house hold of 3 and so on).
After an offer is accepted, the purchase process will include inspection, purchase and sale agreement (P&S). You will be requested for 2 deposits held by seller’s attorney in escrow as binder to your offer and P&S.
You will need to take a first-time home buyer class offered by a certified (by CHAPA) agency (www.chapa.org) before the closing.
OPEN HOUSE INSTRUCTIONS 8/1/2020
This protocol will be strictly enforced! No Exceptions will be made.
You must register to the open house a head of time and show up 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment! Make sure you register ASAP. No registration after 7/29/20
No walk in or late showing will be allowed
Each visit is scheduled for 15 minutes SHARP
Only one family will be allowed to see the home at the scheduled time.
Posted onJuly 30, 2020|Comments Off on State aid level funded
From the Massachusetts Municipal Association this afternoon –
STATE LEADERS ANNOUNCE LEVEL FUNDING FOR MAJOR LOCAL AID ACCOUNTS
FY21 UGGA TO BE LEVEL FUNDED AT FY20 AMOUNTS
FY21 CHAPTER 70 SCHOOL AID AT LEAST LEVEL FUNDED FOR ALL
July 30, 2020
After months of uncertainty regarding the size of the state’s fiscal crisis, state leaders today announced a framework for protecting the two main sources of local aid in the state’s fiscal 2021 state budget. According to a statement issued by A&F Secretary Michael Heffernan, the Governor and Legislature are committing to no less than level funding of Unrestricted General Government Aid and Chapter 70 education aid as the baseline amount for fiscal 2021 funding for each community.
Because of the difficulty in projecting tax collections, unanswered questions about whether the federal government will provide fiscal relief, and the unknown impact that the coronavirus will have this fall, the Legislature has enacted a bill to continue with a temporary budget through October 31. The state had previously adopted a one-twelfth budget through July, and has added a 3-month extension. This will give lawmakers and the Administration more time to gather information and shape their budget plans.
Knowing that local officials need firm information on local aid and school funding in order to finalize their municipal budgets, the state’s top leaders have joined together to provide guidance to cities and towns, and the news is good for communities.
In an alert issued via the Division of Local Services, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that House and Senate leaders and the Governor would be protecting the two major local aid accounts, UGGA and Chapter 70, from cuts as they set the state’s fiscal 2021 budget later this fall.
They announced that the $1.13 billion Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) program will be level funded at fiscal 2020 amounts for all communities, and that all cities and towns will receive at least level funding of their Chapter 70 education aid. Some school districts will receive school aid increases due to inflation and enrollment under the current formula. In total, Chapter 70 school aid will increase by $107 million, bringing that account up to $5.28 billion.
Local officials with questions about the numbers can email DLS at databank@state.ma.us.
The Governor-House-Senate framework closely matches the MMA’s request to state leaders, which the association delivered earlier this week. MMA has asked state leaders to protect local aid from cuts by preserving aid at fiscal 2020 levels at a minimum.
MMA immediately applauded the local aid framework, issuing the following statement:
“This is very welcome news for cities and towns in every corner of Massachusetts. With the state facing a budget shortfall of between $6 billion to $8 billion due to the COVID-19 recession, local leaders have been very concerned about the potential impact on local aid. Today, the Governor, House and Senate have demonstrated that the state-local relationship is a true partnership. “By protecting local aid during this crisis, the state will maintain vital financial support for cities and towns. With this key financial guidance, communities can finalize their fiscal 2021 budgets, allowing them to continue their work fighting the coronavirus pandemic and delivering the essential quality-of-life services that drive our economy. This framework will benefit every resident and business in the Commonwealth, and we are deeply grateful to Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito, Speaker DeLeo, President Spilka, House and Senate Budget Chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues, and their colleagues in the Legislature.”
Posted onJuly 27, 2020|Comments Off on Sign-up to get news bulletins for Dale St. Project
From Tracey Rogers –
Sign-up to receive updates and news about the planning for a new Dale Street School. Click here and the sign-up box is on the top left of page. For specific questions on the project, email dalestreetschoolproject@gmail.com.
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Public Forum on Medfield Mascot on July 30 at 5:30pm
The Medfield School Committee invites all interested individuals to submit their comments regarding the continuing use of the Warrior LOGO to represent the Medfield Public Schools at a Public Forum on Thursday, July 30 at 5:30pm. School Committee members will review all submitted comments. In addition, please indicate on the form whether or not you would like to share your comment with the public via Zoom video participation at the meeting on July 30th.
The Committee will vote on the continuing usage of the Warrior logo at their scheduled meeting on Thursday, August 13 at 5:30pm
PLEASE NOTE:
The Committee will not accept or read comments submitted via the “chat” or “Q&A” feature during the Public Forum portion of the Committee’s regular meeting on July 30, 2020.
Requests to video comment must be submitted by Thursday, July 30 at 8am and will be limited to 3 minutes.
General comments will still be accepted and considered until Aug. 9, so that the School Committee may have time to consider all statements before the August 13, 2020 vote.
Posted onJuly 25, 2020|Comments Off on Medfield’s 7/23 microburst
Photos shared by Kristine Trierweiler, that appeared to be from Chief Carrico, showing the Wilkins Glen and other tree damage. The first three show the building at Wilkins Glen that had to be evacuated – not sure of current status. I believe emergency food assistance was provided to some people by Medfield Outreach and others.
Posted onJuly 25, 2020|Comments Off on Medfield SHI now at 9.62%
DHCD Places Town’s Affordable Housing at 9.62%
The Department of Housing and Community Development’s July 8, 2020 letter says the town’s affordable housing units, including that 56 units at Aura, are now at 9.62%. The town was given two more years of safe harbor from unfriendly 40B’s as a result, through May 7, 2022. Based on these figures, we need about 16 more units to get over the 10% threshold, however, that number will go up once we have the new number of residents in town based on the 2020 census.
I started this blog to share the interesting and useful information that I saw while doing my job as a Medfield select board member. I thought that my fellow Medfield residents would also find that information interesting and useful as well. This blog is my effort to assist in creating a system to push the information out from the Town House to residents. Let me know if you have any thoughts on how it can be done better.
For information on my other job as an attorney (personal injury, civil litigation, estate planning and administration, and real estate), please feel free to contact me at 617-969-1500 or Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com.
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