Board of Selectman

April 10, 2018

Medfield Public Library

Minutes

 

Board of Selectmen: Michael Marcucci, Osler Peterson, Gus Murby, Mike Sullivan, Mark Cerel Kristine Trierweiler

 

Warrant Committee: Tom Marie, Sharon Tatro, Barbara Gips, Tom Mulvoy, Abby Marble, Michael Pastore, Jack Wolfe

School Committee: Anna Mae O’Shea, Chris Morrison, Jessica Riley, Leo Braum, Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden

 

Joint Meeting with the Warrant Committee and the School Committee

 

 

Selectman Marcucci called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and disclosed the meeting is being video recorded.

 

Selectmen observed a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving around the world.

 

School Committee and Warrant Committee Chairman called their meetings to order.

 

Marcucci stated there are three primary objectives of the joint meeting:

1. Get on the same pages procedurally with Articles 11 and Articles 45, which are the operating budget and the override. Copies of Warrant Committee tracking sheet with three scenarios and documentations of what the Articles will look like at Town Meeting.
2. Discussions and issues with budget issues
3. Discussions of Draft Capital with the School Committee

 

Procedural Issues with Articles –

Board and Panel reviewed tracking sheet and three scenarios. Mr. Chris Morrison, School Committee is advocating for a budget that will not affect other town services. What is the increase in the average tax bill?  Baseline is $10,800 average tax bill will increase $290. School Committee realizes the large amount being asked for.  The School Committee is trying to avoid “serial overrides” which would be the school committee asking for money yearly.  The School Committee is trying to level set the budget and will not be asking again for a long length of time.

 

Selectmen Murby and Selectmen Peterson agree with School Committee presentation.  The Warrant Committee had no comment.

 

Discussions and issues with Budget and Draft Capital

Selectmen Murby is concerned with the number of items piling up for voters consider with overrides.  The town is trying to help seniors to drive taxes down. There is a bigger issue of the impact on the taxpayers, not just schools. Murby said he is very troubled about the budget issues and does not want the town to be so focused on schools that once you become a senior, you will have to move.

 

Mr. Morrison said the School Committee doesn’t like asking for an override and they don’t want residents to have to leave the town because they can’t afford the tax bill.  Mr. Morrison said further that the schools are the heartbeat of the town; they keep the property values up and allow the town to grow.  Morrison said that education is not static…it is forever changing, needs to change, the way children live their lives change and in turn the budget need will change.

 

Selectmen Murby said he would like the town to figure out how to make the school sustainable as pretty soon we will have a town with only a school budget.  Mr. Morrison restated the school is proud of the fact that it has only had on override in the past seven years.   A 2 ½ % increase will not allow the School’s to maintain the level of education it is currently functioning at.  Murby stated he is not staking a position on this decision; he is simply trying to be the voice of the tax payer who’s income in not increasing annually.

 

Selectmen Peterson suggested a joint meeting at the beginning of the budget season to set some expectations early in the process.

 

Selectmen Marcucci noted the people at the ends of each spectrum are the ones that get hurt on either side.  For the most part, most kids and taxpayers will be fine…but it is the kids and taxpayers within the margins that won’t be fine.  It is unfortunate that we are limited to only raising the taxes in town, but unfortunately, that is where we are at this time.  These decisions are wrenching for the people that have been here a long time or people that are trying to stay here.

 

Mr. Sullivan mentioned issues coming up at Town Meeting: revenues are up 2.3%, budget up 9.1%, Dale Street Feasibility Study (1 million), Park and Recreation ($100,000), Council on Aging would like to expand, Water and Sewer looking for special water treatment, painting of the Mt. Nebo water tower (1.1 million), hiring Drug and Alcohol Prevention coordinator, Medfield State Hospital planning, Senior Housing concerns (5 Articles at Town meeting just on Senior Housing), and 40B Housing concerns.  All of these problems need to be addressed…all will bring future costs. Mr. Sullivan said we need to establish wants vs needs.  We need to keep up with the maintenance of the buildings. We have to continue to be cautious in our spending patterns.

 

Mr. Morrison noted the School Committee is in support of the Draft Capital Stabilization.  Marcucci said the Selectmen are still talking about it and are not in position to vote on it yet.

 

Vote: Selectmen Murby made a motion made adjourn the joint meeting.  Seconded by Selectmen Peterson, vote was unanimous.

 

Chairman Bill Harvey, Water and Sewer Board

About 93% of the homes in Medfield receive water and sewer services.  The enterprise funds are managed within the cost of the services given. The Articles for Town Meeting include treatment to reduce iron and manganese, Mt. Nebo Tank refurbishing, and Rules and Regulations of the operation itself.

 

Article 35: Refurbish Mr. Nebo Tank –refurbishing this tank was delayedin the past because of the State Hospital Water Tank construction.  State Hospital Tank was replaced and that needed to be done first before Mt Nebo.  Mt. Nebo tank needs to be drained, inspection needs to be completed and then refurbishing/repainting.  Outside of tank has been cost estimated, inside will not be estimated until the tank is drained.  The inspection should be completed in the Fall and that is when the finale cost will be determined.  The outside of the tank will be approximately $600,000.  May 2019 is the estimated timeframe when refurbishing will be completed.

 

Article 35:  Iron Manganese deposits in two wells in the system.  Well #6 is the largest well and is backed up by Well #3.  Well #6, is the largest and doesn’t require advanced treatments. The quality levels in Well #3 and Well #4 have been on the Boards mine for a while.  The Board has exhausted all other options.  Article is about two issues – designing and permitting – preparing the site and the second step is the overall design of the building, pipes etc.  The project is the development of Well # 3 in an adjacent location to have the water quantity/quality equal to Well#6.  The strategy of Well#4 will be to keep it in an emergency position for water back up.   The Water and Sewer Board is struggling over the cost of the iron manganese water treatment plant.  The Board is hoping the cost can come down from the estimated $8,000,000.

 

Tom Sweeney voiced his concerns that the water quality was not what it was when he was a  kid.

 

There is $250,000 from the State Hospital Tank that can be transferred to Mt. Nebo Tank.

 

Board is looking for alternatives and trying to offset costs. Overall construction could be pushed out to 2021.

 

Chairman Fire Chief Search Committee, Scott McDermott  

Started search 10 months ago, acknowledged Chief Kingsbury extraordinary 28 year career, and acknowledged entire capability, professionalism of Medfield Fire Services, acknowledged benefit that the hiring of Interim Fire Chief Robert Hollingshead has brought to the Town.

 

Originally 36 candidates applied for Fire Chief Position.  The candidates were then narrowed to 13, from there it was narrowed down to 8 interviews, and from there narrowed down to 4 finalists.

 

Recommended candidate will be introduced to BOS this week.  His name is William Carrico, currently the Fire Chief in Sandwich, MA.

 

Tom Sweeney voiced his concerns about the committee’s selection process.

 

The Board of Selectmen will make the decision based on their interview if we should move with candidate William Carrico.

 

Consent Agenda

 

Vote: Selectmen Murby made a motion to approve the items on the consent agenda as stated.  Seconded by Selectmen Peterson and the vote was unanimous.

 

Town Administrator Update

Mr. Sullivan stated that currently $115,000 of snow budget has been used.   In the budget, there is a $120,000 allotment so we are still okay.  Transfer Station is open on Sundays through April to help with brush removal.  BOS needs to take positions on Articles so they will be ready for the town meeting.

 

Selectmen Report

 

Selectmen Peterson

Volunteer name plates were missing from the Town House and people were concerned.  They were taken to an event, the Medfield Foundation, to recognize our volunteers.  The name plates will be returning after the event.

 

Selectmen Murby  

ALS public information study will most likely be during April vacation. Dale Street Public walk through is on April 25^th

 

Selectmen Marcucci –

Seconded all of Selectmen Murby and Selectmen Peterson’s comments about the Medfield Foundation event.

 

 

Selectmen Murby made motion for adjournment, Seconded by Selectmen Peterson.  The Vote: 3-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Selectmen

The Center

Thursday, December 7, 2017

4:00PM

 

Minutes

 

Present: Selectmen Michael Marcucci, Selectmen Gustave Murby, Selectmen Osler Peterson,

Kristine Trierweiler, Mark Cerel

 

Meeting was called to order at 4:00.

 

Chairman Peterson read the meeting objectives and agenda into the record. He disclosed that he is not ethically allowed to discuss matter relating to Lot 3 and Hinkley but can discuss the State Hospital property. Selectman Murby shared his impressions from the Senior Housing forum from earlier this fall and wanted people to know what is proposed for senior housing in the MSH plan.

 

Mr. Centore expressed concern that there has been no representation from MSHMPC at the Senior Housing Study Committee’s meetings.

 

Mr. Nolan reviewed the status of the draft MSH master plan and uses for Lot 3, Hinkley, Core Campus and cottages, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). He noted unit counts and timing concerns.

 

An audience member asked about CCRCs and the ability to amend the draft plan at this stage in the planning process. Mr. Nolan responded that the plan spells out the range of units and locations. There are 16-20 units proposed at Hinkley and 42 on Lot 3. There are a number of dedicated senior units at the Core Campus of the over 200 units proposed at the Core Campus. He was unsure of the number of units for the CCRC.

 

Another audience member asked about the MSHMPC surveys. Mr. Nolan described the mix of uses and types of residential units that are proposed. Chairman Peterson noted that the decision will be up to the residents of the Town at a town meeting, hopefully in March 2018. The audience member is concerned that surrounding towns are building senior units but not Medfield even though they have been paying the same taxes. Not enough work has been done for seniors.

 

Jerry Kazanjian requests that a special town meeting be scheduled immediately. Chairman Peterson responded that there are a number of complicated steps to do before a meeting may be confirmed.

 

Selectman Marcucci indicated that he would like to see Hinkley go to ATM but there are disposition and legal issues that need to be settled. He believes it is possible to make Hinkley work for at least 16 units of senior housing but the process is heavily regulated. He updated the group on the expansion of Tilden Village. He summarized the work that the Affordable Housing Trust is doing to produce Local Initiative Program units. The 40B process and local preferences were discussed.

 

Mr. Centore stated that the Senior Housing Study Committee (SHSC) survey indicates that the MSHMPC’s plan does not include as many as are needed. He prefers that the Town donate, not sell the land, in order to keep the prices low.

 

Selectman Murby believes that Lot 3 should be commercial and asked how do we drive down the cost of living in Medfield? He discussed topics such as: the diversification of the tax base; the SHSC report says that seniors want to be downtown; affordable housing versus community housing; 40B subsidy versus market rate; equity; and buying versus renting at older ages.

 

Selectman Marcucci asked the seniors to not discount 40B even if they feel like they don’t qualify for. We are trying to course direct the market for other types of housing in Medfield. There are differences between developing Town-owned land and private properties.

 

Lee Treadway said that taxes have gone up 30% in the last 5 years. He described the situation where a senior would sell their house but there is no place for them to go because everything in Medfield is so expensive. Chairman Peterson described the town meeting process and the predominance of single-family homes in Medfield and agreed that there aren’t many other options for housing types. He would like to see more choices but the Town can’t be the developer.

 

Mr. Wolfe asked if there was a better way to validate the need for housing types. Chairman Peterson said that 400 seniors would provide a statistically significant survey for Medfield. Mr. Wolfe thought it could be done for about $20,000. Selectman Murby agreed that the Board needs a survey to more accurately define senior housing needs. He stated that they are in the process of defining goals and overarching priorities for the town and would welcome feedback on them.

 

Mr. Centore spoke about removing Lot 3 from the MSHMPC charge and the need for a new 40S provision. Chairman Peterson clarified that he’s not referring to the existing state statute for school children but creating a new “s” for seniors. He further spoke about density being able to reduce costs. He agreed that rentals might be a good option for seniors.

 

Selectmen Marcucci indicated that Lot 3 and Hinkley will be handled sooner than the Campus. Authorization for disposition will need to be secured for Hinkley but it already exists for Lot 3. Mr. Centore asked about funding. Selectman Murby and expressed concern about selling Town land, the price, and having control in the product.

 

Attorney Cerel discussed the submitted petitioned articles and the disposition and legal issues associated with them.

 

Mr. Kazanjian is glad that Lot 3 and Hinkley are being focused on but thinks that we need to get started on the Campus and that the SHSC should issue an RFP for 120 units of senior housing next year. Chairman Peterson said that the process is extremely long. Selectmen Marcucci said that they can petition for what they want but disagrees with the statement that the MSHMPC doesn’t have their act together. He says the process is complicated and they are trying their best to come up with a plan for the 12,000 residents of Medfield. There are a lot of people with a lot of different interests in the process. Today’s meeting on senior housing is just for one of those interests. Selectman Murby has been to at least ¾ of the MSHMPC meetings and the complexity is not to be disregarded. It is a $500 million real estate project being worked on by dedicated citizens. The infrastructure cost to the Town is in the tens of million dollar range. He recommends that Mr. Kazanjian go to the preferred concept and figure out a way to put definition to the concept and add momentum. Chairman Peterson also appreciates the Committee’s work.

 

Lou Felini believes that the Town is chasing tails on housing. Seniors are asking for recognition. Seniors only get 27 cents on each dollar as 73% goes to the schools. They built this town. Lou asked the Board to stop the tax increases for seniors so seniors can live in this Town for the rest of their lives.

 

Chairman Peterson mentioned the movement in Sudbury to provide relief for seniors but the state constitution requires everyone pay the same taxes.

 

Patricia Treadway applauds the effort to figure out the complicated issue. She agrees that seniors should consider rentals. 67 North Street turned out very nice. She supports more apartments, condos, and assisted living options.

 

Selectmen Marcucci discussed the town budget and the reliance on residential taxes. Chairman Peterson stated that housing can be profitable but it would not be affordable.

 

Mr. Kazanjian stated that the Hospital plan can include commercial to diversity of tax base to offset residential taxes. Chairman Peterson noted that the plan includes too much commercial for the market. Mr. Nolan continued to say that commercial space is included at a higher amount than they are being told may be possible.

 

Mr. Nolan reviewed the streamlined process of 40R zoning for the campus and Lot 3 and Hinkley to dispose of and develop quickly.  Lot 3 and Hinkley can be started before the campus. Same is true of the Cottage Area as it requires less infrastructure and can be developed more swiftly.

 

Mr. Centore would like to see examples of floor plans, price points, and features of the homes to get more seniors excited about it. Selectman Murby responded that the MSHMPC is a planning committee but the one that comes after the MSHMPC next year is a development committee.

 

Brandie Erb described the master plan, zoning, and design guidelines. She discussed the timing and complexity of the plan.

 

Patty Foscaldo asked about building demolition. Brandie Erb discussed the MOU regarding the historic preservation and demolition. Ms. Foscaldo stated that we are nowhere because we don’t know which buildings are coming down. She asked when that will be determined despite the length of time the committee has been working on the project. She also asked about nursing homes. Mr. Nolan described the CCRC model which includes the spectrum of independent, assisted, and nursing. He clarified the process that has the committee putting out the preferences and the responses from the development community. The process is slow but there are many disparate objectives (nothing, senior housing, arts, housing for millennials) needs to be distilled into a 2/3^rds votes at town meeting. There is frustration on all sides. They are trying to finalize the plan and financials.

 

Mr. Wolfe stated that he would like to see the SHSC work with the MSHMPC rather than beat them up in order to create actions. He commends the quality of the work, not the timeframe but he believes they are getting close. He noted that the plan is not only about seniors, it is a balanced view. He also is supporting of an updated survey and action on Lot 3.

 

In closing, Chairman Peterson asked for a show of hands to gauge preferences:

• Rental consideration
• Detached
• Townhomes
• Multi-story building with elevator (over 3 stories)
• Downtown versus Hospital

 

Rich Ryder asked about the survey that Selectman Murby spoke about. The Board agreed it is worthwhile and will work on what that survey solicitation will look like for review at their 12/19/17 meeting.

 

An audience member asked what the Selectmen can do to make things more affordable. Selectman Murby reiterated his earlier points. The speaker prefers to stay where he is with a lower tax rate.

 

Mr. Kazanjian disagrees about the Selectmen’s survey.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.

Board of Selectmen

Chenery Hall

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

6:30PM

Minutes

 

Present: Osler Peterson, Michael Marcucci, Gus Murby, Michael Sullivan, Kristine Trierweiler, Mark Cerel

 

Appointments

 

6:30     Joint Meeting with the Affordable Housing Trust

Discussion of Local Initiative Program Project at 93-95 North Street

 

Selectmen Peterson opened the Board of Selectmen meeting at 6:30 PM.

 

Mr. Marcucci thanked the Board of Selectmen for joining the AHT Board and introduced Mr. McCready and Mr. Hallisey who are present to discuss the LIP project at 93-95 North Street.  Plan for the evening is for a brief presentation; questions from the AHT and the Board to follow, and the goal of the evening is have a simultaneous discussion between the BOS and the AHT.

 

Selectmen Marcucci extended appreciation to Mr. McCready for coming forward to help address the 40B safe harbor issue through the Housing Production Plan. Local developers have been willing to come forward and work with the Town and the Trust to try and achieve these goals. There has been a tremendous amount of work done by the Town Hall staff including the Affordable Housing Committee, Kristine Trierweiler, Sarah Raposa, and Michael Sullivan, but the Town is at the mercies of the state law.

 

At 7PM, the AHT will temporarily adjourn this joint meeting for the annual tax classification hearing, and then resume a joint meeting of the Boards.

 

93-95 North Street, Mr. Hallisey

Tonight Mr. McCready is presenting a revised site concept for 93-95 North Street which includes moving a building on site, adding landscaping, and shifting the parking. On November 4, Mr. McCready met with the neighbors and he understands that there is no support from neighbors based on density and size of the building.

 

Mr. McCready stated that to try and address some of those issues we have tried to insulate the neighbors from visual impacts of the project.  Currently, 2.5 story building is not uncommon in that neighborhood. This is a proposal for a new building including 12 units, existing structure in the front is 2 units, and all will be apartments.

 

Mr. Bonfatti asked Mr. Hallisey to explain further what had been changed on the plan since it was last seen by the Trust.  Mr. McCready stated that there were not many comments made at the site visit meeting but he did try to have the architect try to incorporate more of the roofline features of the neighborhood, plan shows more landscaping, and moving the parking areas on the site. There have been complaints about loom stored on site as well as a couple of cars in the backyard; working with the tenant currently to clean up the cars and the loom, improving the green screen to the lot. There is a neighbor from Castle Avenue who had some concerns about a fire alarm system and light pollution and the impact on her home so trying to address those at this time.

 

Dave McCready stated that the engineers shot the height of the adjacent buildings and the proposed building is shorter than any of one of the others in the area.  If it would make a difference, we could make smaller garages along the back to buffer headlights, etc.

 

Tim Bonfatti stated that as the AHT liaison he had spoken with Dave in trying to address these concerns, but at this time cannot move forward based on the total unit count. At this time 90 North Meadows Road seems more promising with very little abutter complaint to date. Mr. Bonfatti suggested that this project be tabled and postponed for consideration until a later date.

 

Board asked to hear from the audience and Board members in attendance so that if the project does come back to the Board there is an awareness of the concerns.

 

AHT Questions

Prior to questions Mr. Hallisey stated he wanted to remind those in attendance that Mr. McCready is not seeking any funds from the AHT and no financial assistance from the Town.

 

Mr. Marcucci asked comments to be constructive comments dealing directly with the project in front of the board at this time. The consensus at this time is that the AHT will table the project indefinitely.

 

Selectmen Peterson and Selectmen Murby both stated concerns with the density on the site. Mr. Peterson asked Mr. McCready to consider that before resubmitting any new concepts for the site. Both Selectmen agreed with the AHT it was best to table the concept for now.

 

Audience Questions:

 

George Makalak, Castle Avenue

Mr. Makalak asked the Trust to consider that if this project is being presented again that the abutters be notified. The abutters feel they learned about it as a matter of happenstance and that is not transparent government.  There have been some changes to the plan; we were opposing that plan, and now this plan.  Looking for an overall reduction in the number of units on this site. This brand new plan flips it all which just moves oversized pieces on a board and that is not an improvement. If this will be presented again, we expect to be consulted.

 

Mr. Marcucci stated the Trust Board is in the process of adopting policies and procedures that will include notification procedures for all applicants.

 

Doug Tieney, 111 North Street

Concern is many things: multiple units on a historic street, downtown area, at the November 4, 2017 abutters meeting, I was hoping that we would see parking concerns, over flow parking, visiting, ZBA parking requirements, water run-off, flooding all addressed. We have really valid questions on snow removal and vehicle access, trash storage and removal, North Street congestion and property management. Please consider all of these items that were not considered prior to this concept.

 

A resident identified an abutting neighbor whom is deaf, and this is a safety issue for her. Her phone, door, system, etc. is already being affected by an apartment complex in the area and this project will make it worse.

 

Laurel Scotti, Green Street

Ms. Scotti was concerned that the barn is being used for construction vehicles, and cannot be housed in that location. She requested the Building Commissioner look into this again. She would also like to investigate the procedures for preservation of the barn.

 

Jonathan Gray, 87 North Street

Stated there are good items that have been identified already today. Barn, parking, construction, density, screening, are all an issue for this site. Property management is also a very big concern. There needs to be a good partner and neighbor, and we don’t have that relationship now. Most people moved out of the city to avoid density like this project. Recognize that safe harbor is driving this but this Board needs to pay attention to what that is doing to this neighborhood.

 

AHT thanked everyone for attending; project will be tabled at this time and not move forward as a LIP project. It can come back to the AHT without prejudice.

 

AHT adjourned at 7:00PM and the Board of Selectmen continued with their regular meeting.

 

 

Announcements

Disclosure of Video Recording

 

Selectmen Peterson asked to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world.

 

Selectmen Peterson announced the Selectmen will hold a forum on Thursday, December 7 from 4-7PM at the CENTER at Medfield to discuss senior housing issues

 

BOS will enter into Executive Session at the end of the meeting for the purpose of conducting contract negotiations with non-union personnel.

 

 

Public Hearing

7:00     Annual Tax Classification Hearing

 

Selectmen Marcucci read the public hearing notice for the Annual Tax Classification Hearing as published in the Medfield Press on 11/17/2017.

 

Yvonne Remillard, Principle Assessor, summarized the tax classification hearing, by statute the Selectmen must decide a single or split tax rate. Medfield has always maintained a single tax rate while other nearby towns such as Walpole and Westwood split their tax rate. Selectmen and Board of Assessors discussed the tax rate implications of each scenario. There were no questions or discussion from the audience.

 

Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to adopt a single tax on the recommendation of the Board of Assessors and a tax rate of $17.03 as recommended, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

The LA5 was then signed by the Board of Selectmen and will be electronically signed this evening.

 

 

Appointments

 

8:00     OPEB Trust Committee

Selectmen Murby introduced the Committee: Peter Moran, Joy Riccuito, Georgia Colivas, Michael Sullivan, and Gus Murby. Mr. Moran presented background information on GASB 45 which requires the Town to measure liability and disclose the unfunded liability. There is no requirement to fund the liability but it is tracks the liability. New standards for GASB are issued periodically and the newest update will update how retirement benefits are tracked.

 

Selectmen Murby reviewed the documents from the actuarial study drawing the Selectmen’s attention to closing the gap between unfunded and total liability. Based on the calculations and accounting standards our “pay as you go” amount is $1.4 million.  The liability can be calculated using different rules which impact the number of years to close the gap. Selectmen Marcucci asked for clarification on the amount in the trust from an actual standpoint vs fully funded liability. Ms. Riccuito stated 28 million; if the Trust Fund had 18 million dollars today just the premiums would be funded.

 

Selectmen discussed if we should borrow. Ms. Colivas stated the Town’s financial advisory has advised not approve legislation or borrow funds to pay the unfunded liability because they are estimates. No community to date has borrowed to fund it, however Wellesley did have an override and added 2 million for ten years to the tax levy to put in the pension fund. Investing the money can be an issue for Towns as well and could put the Town at further risk.
Mr. Sullivan believes too many assumptions in the report that may be not be accurate and it should be treated as a guideline. He cautioned the discussions of no longer offering health insurance to employees. Selectmen Murby stated the Town of Medfield has adopted the maximum amount of contribution for retirees at 50% for health insurance. The Town is being proactive on this issue when most other Towns are ignoring the problem. The new GASB75 rules could change how the liability is calculated for Medfield. Selectmen Murby discussed addressing it now is the right thing to do as we don’t know what the consequences of not doing it may be in the future. At a minimum the Town should be paying for what the real cots are each year, i.e. Town had 400 employees, then that is what should be paid each year into the Trust.

 

The benefit cost for these employees are going to keep rising. The Town cannot lose ground reality of what the obligations are for the Town. Selectmen Murby discussed the need to allocate these expenses in each departmental budget to accurately reflect what the Town is obligated to pay for each year.

 

 

 

8:15     Rockwood Lane Basketball Hoop Discussion

 

Bjorn Jacboson, 7 Rockwood Lane

Mr. Jacobson would like to keep the children’s hoop and apologized for not dealing with the issue sooner. Selectmen Murby stated his mind has been changed now that he has learned the hoop was installed when the road was private and the Town accepted it with the hoop. However, Selectmen Murby was still concerned about safety and how to manage the liability of the hoop in the town road.

 

Selectmen discussed how to remedy this for the future. Does the liability run with the homeowner or the property when the house is sold in the future?  Town should also have the authority to determine it isn’t working in the roadway and can remove it if necessary.

 

Maurice Goulet, DPW director, stated that if the Selectmen vote to allow it to stay it isn’t just a hoop, it is a permanent object in the town’s right of way. This will begin a precedent of putting objects in the roadway and the right of way including boulders, hockey nets, etc.

 

Mr. Cerel stated that he was told that this was done after the road was accepted and he was not aware that the Town accepted the road with the hoop. If that is truly the case then there needs to be a license agreement between the homeowner and the Town.

 

Selectmen Peterson agreed with the Mr. Goulet, Chief Meaney and Mr. Sullivan that this hoop should not be permitted. Objects should not be located in the Town’s right of way and in this case creates additional roadway hazards during bad weather.

 

Mr. Sullivan also believes that it sets a precedent for objects in the right of way and if you do it for one, you have to do it for all of them. How do you decide which object can go in the ROW? We not only plow the roads, but we sweep them so there is the concern for the height of the equipment and potential damage to equipment and property. There are portable hoops to be used on your own property, or rolled temporarily into the cul de sac. There is no need for a permanent structure in the public way.

 

Selectmen Marcucci stated the discretion to allow this is within the board’s authority to make these determinations.  Agree with some of the concerns discussed but this one is an unusual situation. Each case is different and will have to be considered independently. If it should become a nuisance to the Town, then the homeowners have agreed to remove it at a later date. Mr. Jacobson agreed he didn’t want to see anyone get hurt of the location.

 

Selectmen discussed the status of the road’s acceptance, proof that the hoop was installed prior to acceptance and the need for a field a trip on site. Selectmen asked Mr. Cerel to draft and circulate a license agreement between the homeowners at 7 Rockwood Lane and require a rider on the homeowners insurance as well.

 

Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to enter into a license agreement on Rockwood Lane subject to agreement and endorsement that safety issues have been addressed by the DPW Director and the Police Chief, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Citizen Comment

None

 

Action Items

Discussion of Board of Selectmen 2018 ATM Warrant Articles

 

Mr. Sullivan updated the Selectmen that the Warrant is currently about forty articles, the warrant will close mid-January and there is still time for citizen petitions.

 

Selectmen discussed moving the beaver trapping article to an operating budget. It has been a warrant article that has been supported by Town Meeting for several years so it’s time to move to operating expense.

 

Mr. Cerel stated the dog control bylaw is weed and needs to be updated. There is a committee looking at it now and will put forth an update at the 2018 ATM.

 

Selectmen discussed what group will pick up the MSH Master plan and move it forward and if there was a need to appoint in advance of Town Meeting. At a minimum the Selectmen will start working on a charter, the body of the commission and the composition. The committee will need concrete guidance going forward.

 

ALS committee will meet with the Selectmen on December 19^th and the leading option is one that adds $150,000 to the Fire Department budget once implemented. Selectmen discussed the need for a separate warrant article to provide an update on the committee as well as the funding request.  Selectmen discussed potential for an operating override to fund the program.

 

 

Selectmen asked for an update on North Street construction from Mr. Goulet prior to the Warrant closing

 

Selectmen discussed the Park and Recreation request which is for a feasibility study, still waiting for cost estimates on the project.

 

Mr. Sullivan informed the Selectmen the Dale Street project has been given preliminary approval for a feasibility study that will take approximately 18 months to complete and is estimated at 500,000 to one million. This project may also require an override vote to fund this project. COA will also be seeking an expansion, and the Mount Nebo water tower will need to be painted as well.

 

Selectmen discussed the need for building projects to be vetted with the Permanent Planning and Building Committee first before requesting funding. The COA has some private funding but would need additional funds from the Town. Depending on the results of the Dale Street feasibility study the Dale Street school may be available for future projects as well.

 

Vote to approve the following 2018 Alcohol Licenses:

 

Alcohol Restaurant:

Avenue	Noon Hill Grill	Basil	Jing’s Garden II	Kingsbury Club
Takara	Nosh and Grog

 

Wine and Malt Beverage:

Medfield Wine Shoppe

Medfield Commons

 

All Alcohol Package Store:

Bullards

Medfield Package Store

Palumbo Liquors

 

 

Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve all 2018 alcohol licenses, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve all 2018 Common Victualler and Entertainment licenses as submitted, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.

 

 

Ms. Trierweiler will check on the American Legion entertainment licensing.

 

71 North Street

Town has received DHCD notification that the 71 North Street LIP application has been filed and comment period is now open for thirty days. Ms. Trierweiler will submit a letter of support on behalf of the Selectmen.

 

Philip Street Bridge

Maurice Goulet requests Selectmen sign the Philips Street Bridge Deck Contract

 

Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to sign the Philips Street Bridge Deck Contract, seconded by Selectmen Murby, and the vote was unanimous.

 

 

Lot 3

Selectmen Peterson recused himself from discussion of Lot 3 and moved to the audience.

 

Selectmen Murby and Selectmen Marcucci discussed their commitment to doing something with Lot 3 in 2018. Selectmen Murby reiterated he would like Lot 3 to be used for commercial purposes as there are developers interested in the site and the Selectmen have the authorization from Town Meeting. Selectmen Marcucci would like to see the work of the MSHMPC before making any definitive decision on Lot 3 and commercial use.

 

Selectmen Murby and Marcucci discussed the location of the Parks and Recreation on Lot 3, the Hospital Campus, and the sledding hill location. Logistics and a timeline need to be established for a Parks and Recreation location at MSH.  Selectmen discussed the size of the building that was requested in the past versus this year. Everyone recognizes the current building is not adequate.

 

Selectmen Marcucci expressed concern about locating Parks and Recreation in an area of town that is not reachable by sidewalks. Currently it is easily reachable from the schools in the downtown, which is an issue during the day with working parents. Mel Siebolt of Parks and Recreation stated the location at MSH is desirable for the summer camps. He indicated the Commission has scaled back the plans for the building.

 

 

Pending Items

 

Town Administrator Evaluation

Town Administrator Evaluation Discussion will be discussed after completion of Mr. Sullivan’s self-evaluation.

 

Town Wide Goals

Selectmen Murby gave an update on town wide goals, described changes made to the document, if the goals are okay with the Board then they should go out for public review and comment. It then can be sent out to the town residents, for comment and review.

 

Annual Appointments

Selectmen Murby informed the Board that Mr. Rob Gregg had declined the offer of Town Historian. Mr. Sullivan stated that position was created for former Selectmen Richard DeSorgher, it is not a mandated appointment, but honorary in nature. Selectmen Murby will continue talking with the Historic Society to see if anyone is interested.

 

Selectmen discussed next year the process of appointment the committees will be different. There will be an annual process to include reviewing the charter, town goals, and action plan for the year.

 

Ms. Trierweiler informed the Board she was still waiting for an update on Ms. Read’s appointment to the Board of Health.

 

Veterans Service Officer

Mr. Sullivan is meeting with the Town Administrator in Walpole on Thursday and should have an update at the next meeting.

 

 

 

Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda)

 

Vote to approve the 3^rd Annual Hunters 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run for Hunter Williams at the Kingsbury Club on April 8, 2018.

 

COA requests one day beer and wine license for the Supper Club on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 4:30 to 7:30PM (Updated 12/5/2017)

 

Friends of the Medfield Library request approval for signs for Meet and Greet at the Library on January 7, 2018 and for the ½ price Bag Sale to be held on 1/26 and 1/27. (Updated 12/5.2017)

 

Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to approve the consent agenda as printed, seconded by Selectmen Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Informational

Letter from Rob Gregg, declining Town Historian Position

 

Letter to MADEP from Medfield Conservation Commission, RE: LCB Senior Living Project

 

Email from Debra Guagliardo, RE: 75 High Street Opposition

Email from Linda Kushner, RE: 75 High Street Opposition

Email from Joyce Pimental, RE: 75 High Street Opposition Water Concerns

Email from Vera Mykyta, RE: 75 High Street Opposition

Email from Tara and Jon Bauer, RE: 75 High Street Opposition (12/5/2017)

Email from Herlihey Family, RE: 75 High Street Opposition (12/5/2017)

 

 

75 High Street Discussion

 

Selectmen Marcucci asked Mark Cerel what role the BOS have in these discussions on High Street. Mr. Cerel stated that there are other options being explored by the applicant. The daycare use is exempt under 40A, very little local authority over the application. The Planning Board has been in discussions with the Building Commissioner on the site, BOS control the earth removal portion of the project, while Water and Sewer has been involved due to the extension request of the utilities.

 

30 Oriole Road Resident cited concerns about the egress from the site, the Fire Chief’s comments about the egress, the lighting, the dangerousness of the intersection and suggested it should have been sent to the ZBA for discussion as it is a commercial site not a family daycare.

 

Selectmen Marcucci reminded the Selectmen of two dates: December 12 the AHT is meeting to take up 90 North Meadows Road and then on January 9, 2018 Mr. Kelly will be in to discuss Dale Street.

 

 

Vote: Selectmen Marcucci made a motion to go into the Executive Session for the purpose of negotiating with non-union personnel, town administrator, and not reconvene in open session, seconded by Selectmen Murby.

 

Roll Call Vote: Selectmen Murby, Yes. Selectmen Peterson, Yes, Selectmen Marcucci, Yes.

These were my suggested corrections to the minutes below:

• Civil Service allows you to choose between the top three candidates, asking that Officer Colby Roy be appointed
• The COA is willing to have the access through their property..
• If it is an advisory or study committee then the product should be a report to the BOS.
• Dick Scullary

 

 

Board of Selectmen

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

7:00PM

Chenery Hall

 

Present: Osler Peterson, Michael Marcucci, Gus Murby, Michael Sullivan, Mark Cerel, Kristine Trierweiler

 

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 7:00PM and the following announcements made:

• Disclosure of Video Recording
• We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world.
• Representative Denise Garlick will hold a “Report to the Community” on Thursday, January 25, 2018 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Public Safety Building.
• Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will hold office hours on Thursday, February 8, 2018 10AM to 12PM at the Town House
• Site visit with DHCD for 71 North Street on 1/17 has been postponed to 1/23 at 2:00 PM.

 

 

Appointments

 

7:00 PM          Olivia Price and Sophia Slesar (Blake Middle School, 8^th Grade), Proposal for the Kids PMC Ride, June 2018

 

Olivia and Sophia are members of the Anti-Defamation League and the Blake Community Service Club. The PMC is close to Olivia’s heart, as her dad has been riding them for 10 years. The kids PMC started in Medfield. Similar to previous years, high and middle school, ride around the campus, there will be a tot lot in the teacher parking lot.

They are shooting for June 9, 2018 and there no conflicts anticipated at this time. They will talk to MEMO about sponsorship. They hope to get kids involved at a young age and spreading cancer awareness. It’s also a good way to kick off to the summer.

 

Chairman Peterson thanked them for the presentation and commended them on quality of the presentation. Selectman Murby asked how far the kids ride. Olivia and Sophia responded that it is not really a race just riding around the Middle School and High School. Ms. Trierweiler noted that Chief Meaney approved the project.

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to support the project as well as the usual signage, second by Gus Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

7:10 PM          Deputy Chief John Wilhelmi, Request for Sergeants Promotion

 

Chief Meaney is at another meeting, so Deputy Chief John Wilhelmi is presenting and asking for an officer promotion. The promotional exam was held in October which consisted of a written test and a grueling assessment center. Five officers took the test. He is looking for a replacement for Sergeant that retired last year. Filling this position allows them to put a sergeant back on midnight shift. Civil Service allows you to choose between the top three candidates, asking that Officer Colby Roy. He is a Medfield High School graduate, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University; he is a certified firearms instructor, a member of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council. Deputy Chief is seeking approval of his promotion as Officer Roy has a good work ethic and sound judgement. Chief and Deputy Chief both endorse the number one candidate.

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to appoint Colby Roy as Sergeant effective immediately, second by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Citizen Comment None

 

Request from Sarah Raposa, Town Planner, to sign the 2018 Planning Grant Contract for $32,500

Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Trierweiler noted that the Board voted to approve the contract at their last meeting. Selectman Murby would like to see the scope of the project as there was a post-it on the scan that was sent. The 40R language was removed and is focused on the planning work. Selectman Murby would like to see paperwork going forward but won’t hold up and voted to support.

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Request from Megan Sullivan Transfer Station and Recycling Committee to appoint Rick Fink and Andrea Costello to the committee.

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to appoint Rick Fink and Andrea Costello to the Recycling Committee. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Discussion of Board of Selectmen 2018 ATM Warrant Articles

Mr. Sullivan distributed a draft copy of the updated draft of the 2018 ATM Warrant Articles

Changes from last week:

 

Article 18: Incorporated the changes regarding MSH that were made by Selectman Murby. He removed the references to master planning; this point of this article is to move forward with the development.

 

Article 19: No change made

 

Jean Mineo clarified that this is for schematic designs for the MSH Chapel. The maximum that the State will allocate is $50,000 but they don’t generally fund that full amount. They plan to ask the Town Meeting for match funding and will pursue private funding. Selectman Murby asked if MSHMPC is of the mind that the cultural center should be located at the Chapel. Ms. Mineo and Gil Rodgers responded yes.

Selectman Marcucci asked if this requires matching funds. Ms. Mineo said that the town has two years to raise the match to get the state funding. He reviewed the possibilities for getting the funding versus it not passing at town meeting. He also asked if the master plan doesn’t pass is this grant still useful? Ms. Mineo said yes, we can continue even if the STM doesn’t move forward. This is at least a year long process. Selectman Marcucci asked how flexible is it to use the funds? Ms. Mineo said it must be used for the cultural center, so there is no flexibility.

 

Attorney Cerel indicated the there is no specific reference in the warrant language. Mr. Sullivan and Selectman Murby asked about the timeline and using the funds and concluded that the use is not authorized until the $75,000 is raised for the schematics. John Harney stated that here is nothing in the language to the specificity of the proposal. The Board noted that the grant is specific to the Chapel and the Infirmary. They could possibly specify by using the building numbers. Selectman Marcucci suggested making it specific.

 

Bill Massaro stated that if hospital plans don’t go through, the consultant said that the cultural center adds value to the property and that it will bring a benefit. Mr. Sullivan responded that the town will have to provide utilities and infrastructure.

 

The Board paused their review of the 2018 ATM Warrant Articles to take the 7:30 agenda item.

 

7:30 PM          Matthew Borelli, Needham Investment, Inc. Request to sign Completed LIP Application for 80 North Meadows Road

 

 

Matthew Borelli, Needham Investment, Inc., was here in January for approval, and received favorable feedback from the Board. He has the completed application for their review and signature. There was some discussion about adding a play area which they have done. They hired consultant and added two 3-bedroom units (one will be affordable), instead of seeking a waiver. They met with the Fire Dept. and made some changes to the rear wall. He has also met with the Planning Board, DPW and discussed snow removal and some other changes. They will need a signature on the application and letters of support from the Affordable Housing Committee and the Board of Selectmen.

 

Selectman Marcucci has no questions. Mr. Sullivan asked if the exterior design was finalized. Mr. Borrelli confirmed that it was.  The marketing plan, pro forma and appraisal were submitted.

 

Chairman Peterson said that some neighbors have not heard about the project. Selectman Marcucci stated that notices were sent to all abutters within 300 feet. Selectman Marcucci advised that they could read Pete’s blog for additional information. Ms. Trierweiler will draft a letter of support.

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion for Chairman Peterson to sign the LIP Application. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

The Board resumed their review of the 2018 ATM Warrant Articles.

Article 20: Selectman Marcucci met with Courtney and Roberta regarding the Hinkley property articles for the Town Meeting and a resolution of an article that would pass legal muster. They have come up with a legal way to do it which will be okay with the Senior Housing Study Committee recommendations. The consultants believe that deed restrictions on the houses won’t fly so it has to be done on the design of the units to keep the prices where we want them. It will be done through a senior housing zoning overlay district. Courtney will draft the articles and will touch base Kathy McCabe. It can fit with the 40R or the MSH overlay district. Design is the only way to keep the affordability, make the units and lots small enough to keep the prices down over time. Courtney and Mark felt that the public purpose standard is an issue.

 

Selectman Murby clarified that we would be selling units and land at fair market price but they’d be small enough that the price is reasonable. He also clarified that the units would not contribute to the SHI. Selectman Marcucci said the floor plans and layouts that are pitched towards seniors maybe some would be bigger to get high fair market prices.

 

Chairman Peterson asked if rentals would be better. Selectman Marcucci said it is still public purpose for the rental issue in that you are suppressing market rate value.

 

Mr. Sullivan asked about resales and noted that Allendale affordable units went up $100,000 in value and then they sell, so he is concerned about no restriction as it could defeat the purpose of affordable senior housing. Selectman Marcucci agreed that this is a risk.

 

Selectman Murby asked if the zoning will prevent future teardowns and larger homes being built. Selectman Marcucci said the zoning would prohibit that.

 

Selectman Murby does not want the overly to require high density on the northern part of the Hinkley Property. Mr. Massaro gave approximate lot lines to the Mark Cerel to look at for the property and asked Steve Nolan and get the property described. Selectman Marcucci even in the over lay district the house size is limited. Selectman Murby is concerned about a possible apartment complex in area where we’re not planning on developing.

 

The Board discussed the entrances from the north and the south. The COA is willing to have the access through the property. Selectman Murby asked if the lot for COA is used by Center and now using a portion of that lot for this project, can you take a piece of property like the COA and now use it with a different property?  Mr. Cerel is not sure if there was a formal process. From a zoning and title standpoint we need to clarify the parcel. Mr. Sullivan asked about the approved industrial subdivision, will the subdivision plan have to be amended? Selectman Marcucci said that COG will be drafting a zoning and a disposition article.

 

Selectman Murby said that we need to make sure that the units stay for their intended purpose so people in the future don’t circumvent this process.

 

Mr. Massaro asked about Lot 3. The Board will discuss that after. They discussed the MSHMPC plan for Hinkley which included 25% affordable units and 42 rentals on Lot 3.

 

John Harney asked about the number of units? Selectman Marcucci responded 16-20 on Hinkley.

Mr. Harney asked about the Town’s purpose in doing this? Selectman Marcucci responded to give the town meeting the opportunity if they want to do this. The MSHMPC proposed the project to address senior housing.

 

Article 21: Mr. Cerel says portions some of the Citizen Petitions are illegal but they still go to a vote. There will be an assessment of legality, we can’t rule them out, but the petitioners can withdraw, or no there may be no positive motion.

 

Selectman Murby said those articles that transfer the ownership to the Senior Housing Study Committee, how can the COA be responsible for this project? Town meeting can only authorize to take action, not compelled to take action.

 

Article 26: Downtown Article. There was a suggestion made that some of the projects worthy of funding by the meals tax are outside of the Downtown, so this article should be expanded anywhere in town.

 

Selectman Murby said the wording of improving the economic improvement and promotion of business and economic activity. Once it is moved out of the downtown but it is to promote economic development or economic attractiveness or economic vitality of the Town, i.e. the garden club at the entrances were approved out of this fund, and Dwight Derby.

 

Article 27: Rail Trail. Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Trierweiler spoke to Christian Donner and he thought they had been dissolved, but the committee does exist. He will meet with the committee to see if they can develop wording for this article.

 

Selectman Murby asked why are we keeping this Committee around if it’s done. He admires the work they have done on this project but it goes beyond study to advocacy. The Committee is pushing a particular position.

 

Selectman Marcucci said we need better charters. He discussed closing the warrant on January 30^th and petitioned articles. If it is an advisory or study committee then the product should be the BOS. Selectman Murby said that there are 104 boards/committees. Selectman Marcucci has a proposal for revamping the Committee proposal, every committee has to submit annual updates, July 1^st to June 30^th all reported back in writing.

 

Article 28: Chief Meaney expressed concern about the intersection of West Street and Route 27. There are no funding grants at this time. Mo Goulet wrote a letter to Rep. Garlick to try and do some improvements. The Chief and Mo are going over the changes they would like to see at the intersection. Striping, dedicated turning lanes left –turn arrows, and crosswalks are ideas. Chairman Peterson talked to Sen. Feeney and he was asking for projects to help us with. He told him that the bridges and the intersection are priorities. Sen. Feeney offered to come for a formal introduction at a meeting in February.

 

Article 29: Town’s share of the Hazard Mitigation Planning cost.

 

Article 30: Waiting on wording from John Thompson. Mr. Cerel will connect with John. Discussion on enforcing and hearing bodies.

 

Article 31: Solar Facility Discussion. Mr. Sullivan needs to speak with Jerry McCarty about the entire garage roof or a portion of it. He might need about $200,000 more. This article may be pulled.

 

Article 32: “May periodically”

 

Article 33: Sidewalk easement on Metacomet Street

 

Article 34: Relocation of a property easement (water)

 

Article 35: Recycling Committee will vote to put the article on at their next meeting. She would like to see it petitioned by the Scouts, but they can’t do it unless they are 18.  There are 30 recycling containers that need to be emptied and cleaned (Big Belly Solar). Who is responsible for doing this?

 

Article 36: Citizen petition for street lights is not yet received.

 

Article 37: Routine article for sewer betterments

 

Article 43: Permanent Planning and Building Committee bylaw mission statement. Waiting for final draft from Mike Quinlan.

 

Article 44/45: Two zoning changes: flexibility for landscaping requirements and special permit criteria for multi-family developments.

 

Article 46: voted at the last meeting to put CPA on the Warrant.

 

Selectman Murby asked who from the public brought this up? Town Counsel brought it up. Dan Bibel was Chairman of the Committee and he held the article to educate the public and tie in with the state election. The BOS voted to put it on the warrant 2-1 at the last meeting. He is not sold on the merits. He said that that nobody has said they want it, it is a unilateral action. Mr. Cerel said that a positive motion would also need to set a percentage, waivers, etc., all have to be done in the motion.

 

Ms. Trierweiler said that Abby Marble sent an email asking that the charter commission be enacted and to have an appointed town clerk. A charter review commission would need to be elected. Mr. Cerel reviewed his memo. Discussion of rationale of why you may want a five-member committee. BOS will look into the process with Mark Cerel.

 

 

Veterans Service Officer

There is an agreement with Walpole that both Town Counsels have reviewed which was before the Board for approvals and signatures. Once signed by Medfield it will be sent to Walpole for their actions. Benefits are divided 2/3 and 1/3 split for salary and benefits. Medfield will be billed monthly on the vendor warrant to the Town of Walpole. We will receive day a week with Veterans Service Office and more if needed. Folks can also go so the VSO in Walpole. His name is John Cogan and he and Ron Griffins used to cover for each other. Ron Griffin recommends as well.

 

Board members asked about additional funding requirements such as stamps, flags, foot markers, etc. The VSO will be operations vs salary. The monthly invoices will be taken out of the operations budget. Selectman Murby said that it sounds like we want to check with the Legion and see if they want to do the Memorial Day Planning, and the VSO is very active with the Memorial Day Committee and he is willing to work with them.

 

Selectman Peterson would like to see Veterans Breakfast come back to Town.  Selectman Murby said that maybe members of the Legion would like to do some of the things that Ron did that are not officially part of the job. The Board would like Frank Iafolla to remain the flag agent.

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve and sign the Veterans Services Agreement with the Town of Walpole. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Discussion of Lot 3/Hinkley Property

 

Chairman Peterson recused himself from the discussion and left the table.

 

Selectman Marcucci noted the memo from Steve Nolan re: 42 units at Lot 3. Mr. Sullivan submitted memo from about the Kingsbury Club and taxes. Selectman Marcucci think we need an RFP for each use (residential vs. commercial). Evaluation criteria would be based on financial impact and ancillary benefits to the Town; can be reviewed for both.

 

Selectman Murby felt that you can’t look at Lot 3 in a vacuum; there is no reason why you can’t put the housing at the MSH and commercial at Lot 3. Timing on MSH is unknown. He said that we are putting in more housing than the town wants. There is no pressing need for housing on Lot 3. He’s not looking for the Forekicks but perhaps a smaller facility can be looked at for this site. He is concerned there is so little commercial in Medfield, people have wanted to develop Lot 3, there is now a plan for housing instead, and we don’t even know the MSH uses yet. This type of housing is why we bought the MSH. He’s afraid this will leave the MSH empty.

 

Selectman Marcucci feels that we should find out what the market says about the value of this property; if purely economic and the best benefit to the town. The Board discussed artificially inflating the market and noted other undeveloped properties in Medfield and noted the strong housing market in Medfield.

 

Selectman Murby discussed the 2014 ATM warrant article and proposed doing both; athletic complex and housing to supplement Lot 3, in another location, such as south of Hospital Road. If housing on Lot 3, then you can put the sports complex on the other site. This would be for a commercial site not the Park and Rec facility. This is a consistent position on Lot 3.

 

Selectman Marcucci suggests moving on, a decision will be made for the MSH, we don’t know what/when that will be. Lot 3 needs to happen now and not be tied to the MSH disposition process. It has sat for 22 years, one viable use with zoning, two concepts (sports complex or housing) and might even get another proposal that surprises us.

 

Selectman Murby asked why drive-up the housing needs in town when we don’t need it? Selectman Marcucci said implements the Housing Production Plan and it moves us closer to the 10% goal. Selectman Murby said, but you squander the MSH campus.

 

Mr. Massaro said you didn’t buy it for housing; we bought it for control with multiple potential uses. He said that Mr. Murby’s notes differ from his. The number of rentals is driven at the MSH by what a developer needs to do to make the property work, not Town safe harbor. Regarding the dual purpose RFP, if MSH doesn’t happen can you meet your safe harbor targets until 2021. If you can, then let it go, but not sure you can make it safe harbors.

 

Selectman Marcucci summarized the SHI tracking and projection spreadsheet. Right now most of the projects that are approved or in the range are within ½ mile of each other. It’s the best we can do but that we should diversify all over town. McCabe says that Lot 3 with 42 units is tax flow positive. The AHT doesn’t count the MSH at all, it’s too great an unknown and we can’t control the timing. There is no master plan, no approved zoning changes, no town meeting vote, and no market predictions.

 

Selectman Murby except for arts and culture center we have no plan for what will happen up there. There is 3 years gone now and he wants to put pressure on the Town to start making a plan for development.

 

Selectman Marcucci asked why Lot 3 an adjunct victim of the slow process? Selectman Murby said if we want to drive taxes down then we need to diversify tax base and we have a business in Town looking to expand and can pay taxes on the property. Selectman Marcucci said maybe the Lot 3 RFP is deferred until May when we know more about the MSH.

 

Selectman Murby wishes to proceed now with an RFP for a commercial development; we don’t know what we will get, we know there is interest, will we go out to the RFP or with a facility that looks like what the Town would like to see. Selectman Marcucci said the RFP should say to build something with current zoning or a LIP. They debated the benefit of housing. Selectman Marcucci suggested housing is 15% more beneficial and Selectman Murby countered that housing would have to be 50% more than commercial development.

 

Mr. Massaro said he specifically asked at the AHT meeting, I asked several times for the timing of the Tilden Village expansion and they did not make me feel comfortable. Five years is not okay. What isn’t clear to the resource members is what happened to an incremental sale; not rental housing as it was thought more of single family/ condos, etc. That would be initial piece of property sold. When do you actually get into selling and building these rental units, all have affordable and historic tax credits associated with them; and infrastructure. He doesn’t see anything happening at the MSH beyond the front part of the property 2021.

 

Selectman Murby said that all the advice he’s been getting is for a master developer for the site.

 

Mr. Massaro said that if you are going to sell the town on a $500 million project you will have objections at Town Meeting. There are issues such as control of the property and 40R. None of this is within a reasonable time frame.

 

John Harney asked if there is a Park and Rec warrant article. Doesn’t this come into play in this dialogue? They are committed to having their own facility.

 

Selectman Murby said they dropped the piece for an indoor turf field. The land for the Parks and Rec facility or a commercial facility is not clearly designated? Mr. Harney said that Parks and Rec is clear where they want it, they aren’t happy about Kingsbury. Selectman Murby said that he thinks they heard us loud and clear that a private facility piece should be out of the public Parks and Rec Plan. Mr. Harney doesn’t think town meeting will have your plan, they want a sense of community, if we wanted 440 units we would have gone with the MSH project. Selectman Murby said that the MSHMPC has a plan which is concept that has 392 units, he is making the argument that 42 of them don’t need to be on Lot 3. Mr. Harney said that 3 years empty on this planning and sorrowful, and he has asked alternatives for this development.

Selectman Murby said to give the committee a chance to present this plan. We thought demo/ remediation was $12-15 million if this plan is more than that; why would we pay more than that?

 

Selectman Marcucci asked Selectman Murby if he would accept that if the 42 units will beat the commercial by 50%. Yes. Would he accept the McCabe construct? No, not yet. Town benefits vs. tax benefit.

 

Selectman Murby asked about marketing senior housing to the region and asked about evaluating 40B. Selectman Marcucci responded that 40B is a regional goal; benefits are diversification of the tax base, less demand on town service at 55+, any concept that generates net tax benefit, and, from AHT standpoint, diversity the geographic housing locations.

 

Selectman Murby asked how the RFP works and the timing? He wants to do it now. He suggests pulling it from MSHMPC and issue the RFP now. He is going to write it, what does it look like? The board discussed the parameters of what they are looking for to be in the RFP. The board reviewed Steve Nolan’s memo. Discussion about the LIP process and 40R. They discussed the prior RFI process.

 

Selectman Murby noted that Lot 3 is a 10-acre lot and only 3 or 4 acres are buildable, because of a man-made retention basin that could be moved; what can we responsibly do at the site in an environmental responsive way.

 

Deb Bero lives adjacent to Lot 3 so she is speaking as a citizen not as a member of the Conservation Commission. She suggested speaking with the conservation agent as the man-made basin is actually a natural wetlands; plus the riverfront and vernal pool and you have less area than you think. Those resources need to be protected. Selectman Murby is not trying to push the limits of those areas. He was told it was movable basin. He is concerned that we bought land in 1995, and now we can’t do anything with it.  Deb Bero suggested that the Board  should be attentive to this environmental issue. She noted that Selectman Murby has used interchangeably, indoor and sports club, Kingsbury club. If Kingsbury RFP, would you make sure that Kingsbury doesn’t sublet that to another commercial facility. Selectman Murby noted the restriction that they can’t sublease. He has talked to the Kingsbury Club and they said that they will either sublease or develop it themselves.

 

Ms. Bero said that this should be an RFP process and not an individual selectmen negotiating on behalf of the BOS. This is a concern because he comes across as a proponent. Selectman Murby made it clear that he is not a proponent and that he only wants to see a diversification of the tax base; he is neutral on how it gets done.

 

Ms. Bero referred to the assessments on how the Board would move forward primarily about financial impact and nothing about impact on the neighborhood and the people on West Mill Street. She urged for them do some planning for yourselves and do a traffic plan. She said that Sam White has more vehicles, Leuders is now on West Mill with their trucks, plus the trailer business expanded. There is more traffic. When you talk about the money and the impacts of the proposal also talk about the people that live there. She can’t get out of Copperwood Road in the morning because traffic is backed up. There are significant increases and changes in traffic patterns that you factor into this analysis. This is just dollars. They discussed traffic impacts of MSH and Chapel Hill Estates. She noted that the neighborhood is thoughtful and are not screaming and objecting to everything but please keep thinking about this, they have talked publically about this for years.

 

They discussed issuing a single RFP with specific criteria. They discussed whether, Kathy, Mark or Sarah can do the RFP. To be discussed: criteria, details. Staff will start drafting the RFP.

 

Mr. Massaro asked about building in the wetlands. Mr. Sullivan noted that another restriction of Lot 3 is that it there a perennial stream and buffers to residential abutters. Selectman Murby would like to have a full picture of the lot with accurate acreage. Ms. Bero said to please start with conservation agent regarding the date of the unmaintained basin. Selectman Marcucci said to ask the MSHMPC why they want to keep Lot 3. They will be at the BOS meeting on January 30^th and can talk more about it then.

 

Town Administrator Evaluation Process

Mr. Sullivan submitted all goals and self-evaluation (for FY2017 and FY2019).

 

Town Wide Goals Distribution

Selectman Murby and Ms. Trierweiler will make a recommendation. One issue is figuring out how to distribute them (multiple channels) and feedback in one spot. It can be done through the Town website.

 

Annual Appointments

Ms. Trierweiler is waiting to hear from the Board of Health

 

Senior Housing Survey

Selectman Murby updated the Board of the work that Dick Scolari, Barbara Gips and Jack Wolfe are doing. He outlined the goals and objectives of the survey (type, location, demand, purchase vs. rental, and demographics of respondents), costs of data collating, and sending out the surveys, appropriate to pay them for doing the survey. If we are going to pay them then we have to consider other options. Out of pocket costs will be covered. They discussed doing a full survey vs research sampling.

 

Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda)

Request from Roberta Lynch, COA Director, to serve wine and beer at the following monthly Supper Club events from 4PM to 7PM on 1/17, 2/21, 3/14, 4/18, 5/16

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve as on the consent agenda for COA. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Request from Margo Hayes, MPS Teacher to hold a 5K road race for her Boston Marathon Fundraiser for Dana Farber

 

Selectman Murby held the 5K Road Race; this is for a runner for the Boston Marathon. We have plenty of people in town that might want to hold 5K races each year; would it be better to run a race like this, on the HS cross-country course to minimize disruption to neighborhoods and traffic.

 

VOTE: Selectman Marcucci made a motion to approve this request but each future request will have to be considered individually. The motion was seconded by Selectman Murby and the vote was unanimous.

 

Town Administrator Update

Storm meeting update.

 

Insurance Advisory Committee had a meeting on the high deductible plan. Peter Moran and Ted Nugent will meet with MIAA representatives and Blue Cross soon. There is interest in the plan this year amongst younger teachers.

 

BOS Reports

Selectman Marcucci said that at the last AHT meeting John Kelly presented the revised proposal for Dale Street and the Trust and Board need to discuss the process. There is one more meeting for the AHT and a recommendation will be made. There is no urgency for the project, doesn’t have to happen, we have all done enough work to decide if endorsed as a LIP.

 

Next AHT meeting is Saturday, January 27^th and the goal is to review process, procedures and planning meeting.

 

The Legion will be on the AHT agenda on 2/6 and also a joint meeting with AHT and BOS to deal with Kelly’s proposal. Selectman Peterson thinks 36 units seems high. The BOS should not give him bonus density but create a reasonable profit. Can someone review that? The neighbors seem very accepting of Mr. Kelly at this point. Is it Mary Sullivan who is still concerned about the number? Perhaps COG can review. Selectman Murby asked if MRAH took a position.

 

Selectman Murby reported that the COA 10 year anniversary event was great; they are doing something great there. Selectman Peterson said that this is our human services department.

 

Selectman Murby and Selectman Peterson attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor which was great. Selectman Marcucci was sorry to miss it.

 

Selectman Peterson reported his busy office hours, MSH meeting, COA, Medfield Foundation meeting, AHT, and Energy Committee met.

 

Informational

• Letter from Sovereign Consulting, Groundwater sampling at Texaco
• Update of Unemployment Trust Fund
  • Mr. Sullivan sent the Unemployment Trust Fund. $43,000 was appropriated in the operating budget and this year we already spent $27,000. The list has no names to protect privacy. Some are teachers are contracts not renewed, some are School Dept. and don’t work summers and without a contract, cafeteria worker, sub, etc. they are eligible for unemployment during the summer. We chose actual cost with the state.
• Letter from Tri-County, Renovation and MSBA
• Letter to Denise Garlick from Moe Goulet, DPW Director: West/Route 27 Improvements

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:25.