Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft
PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Fisher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke
Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and reminded the audience that the meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving around the world.
MEDFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Attending– Library Trustees James Whelan, Steven Pelosi, Maura McNicholas; Director Kristen Chin. Mr. Whelan submitted and reviewed the library’s strategic plan for 2015 – 2019. This five year plan is a requirement from the MASS Board of Library Commissioners. Mr. Whelan remarked that they had received public input of 540 survey responses, held interviews, focus groups, and observation sessions and stakeholders meetings to put together this finalized plan. He highlighted that the vision for the library is to be a community center for earning, growth and more. Their mission is to strengthen our community by inspiration, encouragement, facilitating social interactions, exchanging information and provide cultural enrichment. The goals that have been set will be accomplished by our staff that is friendly, tech-savvy and forward thinking. Mr. Whelan continued saying that we are very pleased to have Kristen Chin as our director who started with us in April of this year. Ms. Chin remarked that she is enjoying her position very much and is thrilled to see all the activity that goes on at the library. She remarked that the library will be hiring a firm to design a new website. There have been challenges with some maintenance situations; however I have hope that the Town’s Facility Manager will be on board to put together a plan to help correct our needs. Trustee Steven Pelosi talked about the issues with the facility, i.e. the slate roof coming loose causing leaks inside the building, the portico is rotting and bricks are beginning to fall apart; noting that the library will celebrate 100 years in 2017. We may have to go before Town Meeting to request funds to take care of some of these repairs. It will be very helpful to meet with Facility Manager Andrew Seaman to go over a plan to categorize these issues.
The Selectmen noted that they are grateful for all the efforts of the trustees, the director and the staff to deliver good service and excellent programs.
OLD BUSINESS / UPDATES ON THE FOLLOWING
Mr. Sullivan remarked he has not had a response from the railroad regarding the removal of Harding Street railroad tracks. He will reach out to them. New Verizon antennae on Main Street utility pole. This will provide service to a limited area and is covered under utility right of ways. RFP will be issued in the near future and sent to several utilities to gather their input for cell tower/ antennas on the new water tank.
Jean Mineo reported that work on the Straw Hat Park will start in the spring. Her committee has raised funds to cover the maintenance of the park’s first year; donors have come forward to pay for the irrigation system, chairs, tables and benches. Mr. Sullivan remarked that Metropolitan Electric Company is putting together pricing for electrical and water service.
Columbia Gas Company has not responded to the Town’s request to repair those sidewalks that they opened up to do work. It is suggested that a letter be written to Columbia Gas informing them that request for permits to do work in Town will be denied until they complete sidewalk repairs.
BEAVERS: Trustees did install two ten-inch beaver deceiver pipes in the area of Fork Factory Reservation. Mr. DeSorgher suggests that a committee be appointed to work with the Trustees to help resolve the issue of beaver dams. On a motion made and seconded it was
VOTED unanimously to appoint Jim Sullivan, Alec Stevens, Bob Kennedy, Frank Perry, Michael Sullivan to meet with the Trustees of Reservation concerning beaver dams
Ms. Trierweiler will setup a meeting with Roche brothers, Greg Salvatore and abutters to discuss parking issues. Mr. DeSorgher advised that he will combine Selectmen and Michael’s goals into one format for the next meeting. Discuss Town Administrator’s merit at next meeting
MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve meeting minutes of September 15, 22 with amendments
COMMITIEE APPOINTMENTS
The Selectmen have received requests from three committee chairmen to appoint new members. Mr. Peterson advises that it should be a general policy of the Selectmen to advertise to the public when there is a committee vacancy and request candidates send a letter of interest to Town Hall. Working this way it gives citizens a fair chance to become involved.
Selectman Fisher opposes that recommendation saying that if a committee chairman recommends appointment we should act on it. Further discussion ensued and a motion was made in favor of Selectmen advertising committee vacancies. Selectmen DeSorgher and Peterson voted in favor; Selectman Fisher opposed.
Selectmen then voted on the three committee appointments before them.
State Hospital Planning member David Perini has resigned. Chairman Stephen Nolan recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint Brandie Erb to the committee and it was so voted.
Medfield Energy Committee Chairman Fred Bunger recommends the Selectmen vote to appoint new member Maciej Konieczny and it was so voted.
Council on Aging member Virginia Whyte has resigned her position. COA recommends the Selectmen appoint Robert T. Heald to their board and it was so voted.
LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
State Hospital Environmental Consultant Margaret Stolfa has joined the law firm of Gordon & Rees LLP. Selectmen are requested to vote to sign the services agreement and it was so voted
BID AWARD
VOTED unanimously to award the bid for Joint Purchase of Salt to Eastern
Minerals for a bid price of $65.80 CC delivered and as recommended by Superintendent Kenneth Feeney
CHAPTER90
VOTED unanimously to sign chapter 90 Reimbursement Request in the amount of $183,189.90 for the Elgin Pelican Sweeper and as recommended by Superintendent Feeney
COMMONWEALTH COMPACT INITIATIVE
Ms. Trierweiler explained that this initiative is actually a partnership between the Commonwealth and cities/towns to identify up to five areas on a need to know basis; i.e. budget and spending transparency, long range capital planning, citizen engagement. The Selectmen advised to have further discussion and bring to a vote at their next meeting.
SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION
Selectman Peterson remarked that he received an email from a resident who is concerned about the use of granite curbing on Green Street and from a second resident wanting a sidewalk constructed on Harding Street. Selectman Peterson said that DPW should publish their plans and have public input before a project is under way. He proposes that a committee be appointed for this purpose. Selectman Fisher objected saying the Selectmen should not be reacting to individuals that want specific things when the other two thousand residents give their support to what the town is doing. Our DPW does good work and it should be up to them to design/ build, they are the professionals.
Selectman DeSorgher brought the discussion back to sidewalk construction and made a motion, Superintendent Feeney, Chief Bob Meaney and Superintendent Jeff Marsden review areas where sidewalks are most needed. The motion carried.
LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Boy Scout troop 89 to place a sign at the Transfer Station announcing their annual Christmas Tree Pick-up and Recycling Program
VOTED unanimously to grant permission to Medfield Youth Lacrosse to post signs announcing spring 2016 registration; signs in place November 1-15
VOTED unanimously to grant the Angel Run committee permission to place signs October 18 to October 31 announcing registration for the December event.
As a member of the Medfield foundation, Selectman Peterson recused from the vote
VOTED unanimously to grant the Holistic Wellness Center on Park Street a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for their fund raising event for Amilia’s Light on Thursday October 15
VOTED unanimously to grant the Council on Aging a one-day wine and malt beverage permit for the Harvest Dance on October 24; one-day wine and malt beverage permit for a December 19 event; permission to place signs two weeks prior for each Retirement Seminar that will be held once each month through March 2016
VOTED unanimously to grant the Medfield Garden Club permission to post signs advertising their annual greens sale on Saturday December 5; signs in place November 28 to December 5
VOTED to grant First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church permission to post signs advertising a fundraising event, a performance by Literary musician Regie Gibson on October 10
VOTED unanimously to grant the High School Spanish Club permission to hold a car wash on Saturday October 17 9AM to lPM
SELECTMEN REPORT’
Selectmen Fisher enjoyed the Medfield Music Association event held at the Zullo Gallery on September 24. Medfield TV planned good events for the past weekend; the open house at their beautiful new studio on North Meadows Road had great attendance.
Selectman Peterson agreed that it was wonderful to see Medfield TV’s new space that is really spectacular; also a very nice garden area dedicated to Ed Doherty. Attended the Grist Mill open house, a great place; the high school open house was very well attended. Mr. Peterson attended the Selectmen’s Association meeting, listening to the Lt Governor present a good program. He highlighted several subjects that he found interesting and informative.
Selectman DeSorgher attended the hospital committee meeting that focused on Lot 3 and the Hinkley lot; and the Park & Recreation meeting discussed the same issue, a new building on lot 3. He met with the utility companies regarding double poles. The last 10 poles are guaranteed to be removed by the end of October.
ADJOURNMENT
Selectman Fisher made a motion at 9:05 PM to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Peterson. The vote was unanimous.
