Image

Mixed grades for state budgeting

Truth and Integrit y in State Budgeti ng: What Is the Realit y? 60 Massac husetts Report Card Tra nspare ncy 2015 2016 2017 Category GRADE Consolidated Budget Website Provides Debt Tables Discloses Deferred Infrastructure Replacement Costs Discloses Tax Expenditures 3-year Avera ge 3-year tre nd — Reserve Funds 2015 2016 2017 Category GRADE Positive Reserve or General Fund Balance Reserve Funds Disbursement Policy Reserve Funds Replenishment Policy Reserves Tied to Revenue Volatility 3-year Avera ge 3-year tre nd — Legacy Costs 2015 2016 2017 Category GRADE Public Employee OPEB Funding Public Employee Pension Funding Public Employee Pension Funded Ratio* 62% 3-year Avera ge 3-year tre nd — Budget Ma neuvers 2015 2016 2017 Category GRADE Deferring Recurring Expenditures Revenue and Cost Shifting Funding Recurring Expenditures with Debt Using Asset Sales and Up-Front Revenues 3-year Avera ge 3-year tre nd — Budget Forecasti ng 2015 2016 2017 Category GRADE Consensus Revenue Forecasts Midyear Budget Adjustments Multiyear Expenditure Forecasts Multiyear Revenue Forecasts Revenue Growth Projections 3-year Avera ge 3-year tre nd Budget Forecasti ng evaluates whether and how states estimated long-term revenue and expenditure trends. Budget Ma neuvers evaluates whether states used one-time revenues, borrowings, asset sales, and other measures to achieve short-term budgetary balance. Legacy Costs evaluates whether states provided adequate funding, as defined by retirement system actuaries, for pensions and other promised retirement benefits for public workers. Reserve Funds evaluates states’ rainy day funds and other fiscal reserves, as well as any policies governing their use and replenishment. Tra nspare ncy evaluates the accessibility to the public of states’ budget practices. * Source Pew Charitable Trusts, 2015 Followed best practice Did not follow best practice key

Comments Off on Mixed grades for state budgeting

Posted on November 7, 2017 in Budgets, State

Dwight-Derby House water issues

Posted on November 7, 2017 | Comments Off on Dwight-Derby House water issues

Dwight-Derby House-2

TOWN OF MEDFIELD
Medfield Public Schools
459MainStreet
MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 02052
Director of Facilities
Gerard McCarty, Director
508-906-3068
MEMORANDUM

TO: Michael Sullivan
FROM: Jerry McCarty
DATE: November 2, 2017
RE: Dwight Derby House Funds

The Dwight Derby House Historical Committee has approximately $10,000 in funds for repairs for the Dwight Derby House (DDH). The two projects that the Committee want to address are the Gutters and the sump pump/drainage.

This memo is to address the sump pump/drainage issue. The DDH incurs an excessive amount of ground water during the wet season. If not addressed, ground water rises to a level that impacts the basement crawl space heating system which is suspended from the floor above.. Currently, the DDH has a sump pit on the west side of the house which discharged into the sewer line, which is not permitted. To address the excessive ground water, and correct a discharge violation, my office is installing a new exterior discharge and drainage bed system on the east side of the property. The materials cost will come out of the above mentioned fund.

In an effort to save cost, I propose using some of the fund to pay DPW employees overtime to perform this machine work in digging trenches and installing stone (estimated cost of labor is $1000). This effort will be cheaper than having to bid and outsource this work. With the good fall weather, the DPW has been concentrating its effort on doing road projects in preparation for winter. By doing the DDH work on overtime hours, this project will not tie up men or machine work of the DPW to do its core function of road preparation, and will be cheaper bidding and outsourcing work.

Please let me know how I should proceed with this project.

Comments Off on Dwight-Derby House water issues

Posted in Buildings, Downtown, History

MCC at PB

Posted on November 7, 2017 | Comments Off on MCC at PB

After listening to the last planning board hearings on the Medfield Children’s Center petition for site plan approval of its proposed new child care facility at 75 High Street, I concluded that the planning board will approve that petition, with the conditions discussed last night.  The planning board closed the hearing last night, will next await any Board of Health action, and then the planning board will formally vote on the petition for site plan approval at its 12/4/17 meeting.

It is my understanding that the zoning compliance issues will need to be decided by the Building Commissioner, or the Zoning Board of Appeals if he defers to the issues to the ZBA.  It is my understanding that the lot does not have the minimum width required of lots, that the parking will not comply with the bylaw requirements, and additionally the lot is subject to a 1975 variance that limits any use to one single family home.

The Medfield Children’s Center currently operates child care facilities in both the Baptist Church and Episcopal Church in the downtown, and I believe the churches are looking to reclaim their spaces.  The Medfield Children’s Center looking to consolidate its operations in one location.

This was the crowd at the start of the hour long hearing before the planning board last night –

20171106 202104

20171106 202104

Comments Off on MCC at PB

Posted in Buildings, Children, Development, Permitting, Planning

Public Safety Building was a bargain

Posted on November 7, 2017 | Comments Off on Public Safety Building was a bargain

The table below about Public Safety Building costs was shared this week, first by a Gilbane Construction employee with Mike Quinlan, chair of the Building Committee, then to Mike Sullivan, and then to the Board of Selectmen.

To me it is reassuring to see both that the cost of our Public Safety Building was relatively low, but also that our size comports with what other towns are deciding to build, which reaffirms the appropriateness of the recommendations of the Building Committee about the size of a building that was needed.  Congratulations and thanks are again in order to the Building Committee for successfully steering the town through that project!

I have had many meetings in both conference rooms that are available for public use in the Public Safety Building, and can attest to both their quality and utility.

Publis safety bld prices

 

This was the accompanying email from Mike Sullivan that makes our low cost per sq. ft. even more remarkable –

FYI. This came in this morning from Mike Quinlan. Confirms what we’ve been hearing about what a good price (relatively) we got on out public safety building. Especially since our project included construction of the Dale St. School parking lot, repair of the Adams Street basketball/tennis court, and installation of solar panels. Even better, we still have over $500K left in out accounts. Mike S

Comments Off on Public Safety Building was a bargain

Posted in Buildings, Financial, Fire Department, Police Department

Medfield Children’s Center before Planning Board this evening

Posted on November 6, 2017 | Comments Off on Medfield Children’s Center before Planning Board this evening

The Planning Board continued its hearing on the proposed Medfield Children’s Center this evening. The site is on Rte. 27, from memory 75 High Street. This is at least the fourth hearing day before the PB.

Comments Off on Medfield Children’s Center before Planning Board this evening

Posted in Uncategorized

BoS on 10/3

Posted on November 4, 2017 | 2 comments

BoS

My only correction to these draft minutes would be to note that the Board of Selectmen voted to support the idea of a cultural arts center at the former Medfield State Hospital site, if the finances worked.

Meeting Minutes October 3, 2017 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Peterson, Marcucci, Murby; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. Mr. Peterson offered sympathies to all involved with the horrific situation that happened in Las Vegas over the weekend. PARK AND RECREATION Present Mel Seibolt, Chairman, Director Kevin Ryder, Consultant Hunden Strategic Partners Consultant hired to do a programmatic needs study for a new recreational facility. The Pfaff Center was built in 1927 and no longer serves the Town's needs. The study confirms that Pfaff Center has several safety issues along with it not being functional. The consultant provided many slides to point out the community warrants space to house basketball courts, volleyball games, indoor turf field for soccer, multipurpose rooms for events such as exercise, dancing, child play area and space for a game room for teenage activities. A new facility would also provide storage rooms, a kitchen and the room to provide music and drama programs. The Pfaff Center has about 4,700 square feet; proposed new building would provide nearly 9,000 square feet of usable activity space plus a 15,000 sq ft gymnasium. Mr. Ryder talked about the increase in both revenue, fy14 $450,000 to $715,000 net in fy17 and attendance from about 600 to 1100. We lack in programs for middle and high school students; our programs are geared mostly to toddlers and up to grade 6. He went on to say that he has been contacted by sports clubs that would be very interested in rental agreements that would provide needed revenue to ease the costs of the new facility. A new building that incorporates all of the above mentioned space could cost up to $20 million, an amount that many taxpayers may not be willing to pay. Mr. Sullivan noted that the Town has $57M in debt; some tax bills are $11,000 and over; the School Department may be proposing a new school building in the near future. The largest challenge of building a new park and recreation facility is the cost. Selectman Murby remarked that perhaps there may be more creative ways to finance the building without having taxpayers bear the total cost. The Selectmen thanked Park and Recreation and their consultant for this informative presentation. DPW DIRECTOR MAURICE GOULET Mr. Goulet is present to update Selectmen on several projects: October 3, 2017 Page two Philip Street Bridge: the design has been submitted and waiting for MassDot to review and make comments. It will likely take about 16 weeks for the bridge to be fabricated so we are looking hopefully at completion and reopening the bridge in the spring. Route 109 paving: the paving project went very well. Highway Department, police and the contractor all worked very well together with minimal disruption to the Town. He appreciated the cooperation of residents and apologizes for any inconvenience. Selectman Marcucci said that completing the project in four nights was remarkable; overall the project was an A+. This paving should get us another ten years and then 109 will need to be rebuilt. Most likely this will be a state funded project under the TIP program. Pavement Management: as of now the contractor is taking measurements of all our roads. The department has been working to get the software installed that will give us information about our road conditions. He will have an update after the first of the year. Sidewalks: the new sidewalk on Metacomet is almost complete. DPW did most of the work with the help of a local contractor and it is turning out really well. A wonderful stone wall has been constructed at the corner of South Street and Metacomet; a few additional details to be completed. Note, a resident in the audience queried about a sidewalk in the Dale Street and Charlesdale Road area to which Mr. Goulet responded that there are some complications constructing that sidewalk but we will continue to look at it. Tree planting: DPW removed two trees in front of Montrose School that were making the sidewalk buckle. In all three new trees were planted by DPW. North Street Reconstruction: the Town has been trying to get this project on the TIP Program; however it seems that the state will not review for several years out. So we are faced with how to get the job done. We could use Town funds, work on the project in phases as money becomes available or somehow convince the state that it is a good project. Actually the culvert is the biggest expense. More discussion needs to take place at a later time. The Selectmen thanked Mr. Goulet for attending this evening. PROPOSED LIP PROJECT AT 93-95 NORfH STREET Developers David and Robert MacCready, Architect David Sharff and Attorney Russ Hallisey are present to make an initial project presentation to the Selectmen. Earlier this evening a presentation was made to the Affordable Housing Trust. A total of 14 rental units is proposed four of which will be affordable. All 14 units would count as affordable and would be included in the 21 housing units the Town needs per year to be in "safe harbor." There is an existing barn on the property and the plan is to relocate and October 3, 2017 Page three renovate the building to include two, two bedroom units and construct a new 10,000 square foot building for ten two bedroom apartments. There is also an existing two family house on the property that will be counted in the 14 proposed units. A 21 space parking lot is planned, plot size is .8 acre. The developer proposes to name the project Mason Place. A number of abutting neighbors are in attendance. A few were recognized to voice concerns, i.e. project too dense for the area; impact of a three story building on the neighbors; lack of green space; question regarding number of families living at existing two family house (answer husband and wife with two children; single woman with one child) as there are a number of vehicles parked near the house at most times; are zoning changes required (answer developer must have zoning board approval for the project); one abutter's opinion is that this development is irresponsible. Selectman Marcucci remarked that the town needs to reach the state's requirement of 10% affordable housing. We have a Housing Production Plan to give us control as to how we reach that number. The Board of Selectmen has to decide if each proposed project is worthwhile and in the best interests of the Town. The Board agreed to have developers continue discussion at their November 7 meeting. CULTURAL CENTER Jean Mineo said that she is here this evening to ask for the Selectmen's support for the concept of the reuse of the Lee Chapel and infirmary as a multi-purpose center for the arts. She went on to say that state hospital consultant Kathy McCabe had advised the Cultural Alliance to apply for tax credits and she feels that having a cultural center may add more value to the entire project. Ms. Mineo would like to make application for a cultural grant as deadlines are coming up and this potential funding may be used for a feasibility study. It may take 6-8 months to learn if approved. Jean said that she has also requested a letter from the state hospital master planning committee and they will have discussion at their meeting tomorrow night. Resident Jerry Potts was recognized and he remarked that applying for grants needs matching dollars to show that there is an interest from the town in a project like this. Then we can move forward to raise the matching dollars. Selectman Marcucci said that his concern is that by the Selectmen writing this letter will it appear that we are fully committed to a cultural center. We should be of the mind that if another use for the building comes about, perhaps a business headquarters we would be in a position to explore that possibility. Resident Gil Rodgers remarked that there is no definite decision the cultural center would be at the Chapel. Jean reiterated that this letter will be viewed as a show of support from the Town. October 3, 2017 Page four JOINT SALT BID VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to award the bid for 2017-18 Joint Purchase of Salt to Eastern Minerals in the amount of CC $45.20, Solar $45.20 and Treated $62.20 and as recommended by DPW Director Maurice Goulet CHAPTER 90 REIMBURSEMENT VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was VOTED unanimously to sign Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request for Main Street and North Street paving, amount $38,024.43 And as recommended by DPW Director Maurice Goulet BOARD OF APPEALS ON ZONING Stephen Nolan, Chairman requests he Selectmen vote to accept the resignation of board member Douglas Boyer and appoint Associate Member Jack McNichols as a full member. In addition appoint Douglas Boyer, William McNiff and Michael Whichter as Associate members and it was so voted 71 NORTH STREET VOTED unanimously to authorize Chairman Peterson sign letter in support of developer Robert Borrelli's LIP project at 71 North Street and addressed to the Department of Housing and Community Development and as recommended by Assistant Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler MIIA HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST VOTED unanimously to authorize Town Administrator Michael Sullivan sign acceptance of January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018 renewal rates for Medex 2 and Blue Med Rx STATE HOSPITAL CONSULTANTS McCabe Enterprises, Kathy McCabe Principal, consultants to the Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee requests a change order to cover additional work to develop a strategic reuse master plan for the hospital site in the amount of $20,120.00. Additionally another consultant to the committee, Consensus Building Institute requests approval for revised scope of work and in the amount of $13,295. Committee Chairman Stephen Nolan is in attendance and he remarked that his committee discussed these two items and recommends the Selectmen vote to approve. VOTED unanimously to approve the change order request as outlined in the McCabe Enterprises letter dated September 27, 2017 and the revised scope of work planned by October 3, 2017 Page five CBI for $13,295 and as recommended by the State Hospital Master Planning Committee LICENSES AND PERMITS (CONSENT AGENDA) Granted as noted by the Chair: Medfield Foundation Angel Run Committee permission to post signs announcing November 1 is the last day to register for the December 3 event One-day wine and malt beverage permit for October 21 Derbyfest at the Dwight Derby House 1 Church of the Advent Bazaar Committee permission to post signs promoting annual Holiday Bazaar on November 11 PENDING ITEMS It was noted Facilities Director Jerry McCarty will present the Town's 20 Year Capital Plan at the October 17 meeting; attending will be the Permanent Building Committee, Energy Committee and the Capital Budget Committee. The Selectmen are appreciative of the work by Facilities Director in putting together this report The Selectmen agreed to table the Annual Appointments until the next meeting Veterans' Service Officer Discussion tabled until October 17 meeting; invite COA Director Roberta Lynch to attend MEETING MINUTES VOTED unanimously to accept the August 15 and September 5 minutes as submitted TOWN ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Mr. Sullivan remarked that Sudbury will be a candidate for a seat on the MPO Board. They are requesting support from Town's in their district in order for them to be placed on the ballot. VOTED: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to support the Town of Sudbury as a candidate for a seat on the MPO Board Medfield received the quarterly update on investment of OPEB Trust Funds Investments which are 100% reserves PRIT. A discussion followed regarding what steps the Town may consider to contribute more to the fund. SELECTMEN'S REPOITT Mr. Murby remarked that the ALS Committee is moving towards a fundamental plan for this service. He will have additional information very soon. The meeting adjourned at 19:55 PM20171003_Page_220171003_Page_320171003_Page_420171003_Page_5

2 Comments

Posted in Select Board matters

Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention

Posted on November 3, 2017 | Comments Off on Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention

Medfield sign

The Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, is a newly formed steering-committee (created September 2017) of community members/professionals who desire to create a coalition that promotes mental health resources.  We recognize that a public health crisis has touched our town and by coming together, we can form an initiative that raises awareness and has the potential to save lives . The MCSP has created this GoFundMe account in order to raise funds that will:

  • hire a consultant to effectively guide our development of a strategic plan for suicide prevention among all ages in Medfield
  • create and disseminate printed resources
  • fund future QPR trainings
[The Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention is a program of Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP).]
Funds raised will benefit:
Medfield Foundation, Inc.

  Certified Charity
Medfield, MA

Comments Off on Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention

Posted in Charity, health, Information, Medfield Foundation, Medfield Outreach, People, Police Department, Safety, Schools, Teens

Interface is live

Posted on November 3, 2017 | Comments Off on Interface is live

Interface, the mental health referral service brought to town by the combined efforts of the schools and police is now operational, and residents can get services.

Interface

The following is from the Superintendent’s blog  –

This post will highlight our new partnership with Interface Referral Service

Medfield Public Schools and Town of Medfield Collaborate to Fund Interface

 

We are pleased to announce a new referral service for all students and residents of Medfield. The Medfield Public Schools and the Town of Medfield have teamed up with William James College to provide a referral service that provides a wide range of valuable resources related to mental health and wellness for the benefit of children, adults and families, as well as educators and mental health professionals.

In addition to the resources on their website, the William James Interface Referral Service maintains a mental health and wellness referral helpline Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan living in Medfield. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from their extensive database. Each referral meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller. More information about the service and terms of confidentiality can be found here on the new Interface- Medfield page.

 

Comments Off on Interface is live

Posted in health, Information, Police Department, Schools, Teens, Town Services

11/7 agenda of BoS

Posted on November 3, 2017 | Comments Off on 11/7 agenda of BoS

Lessons learned today:  When I insert the OCR’d text from the 150+ pages of backup materials into the JPG of the agenda as alternative text, so that the post will be word searchable, it creates so large a file that the file will not load to the site.  Hence, this is the agenda page without all the pages of text inserted.

20171107-agenda and materials

 

 

20171107-agenda_Page_120171107-agenda_Page_2

Comments Off on 11/7 agenda of BoS

Posted in Select Board matters

Image

try #3

Comments Off on try #3

Posted on November 3, 2017 in Select Board matters