Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2015
Chenery Meeting Room draft
PRESENT: Selectmen DeSorgher, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town
Administrator Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke
Chairman DeSorgher called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read announcements. Mr. DeSorgher expressed congratulations to MEMO for a great Medfield Day saying the weather was beautiful, terrific attendance. He extended a thank you to Ken Feeney and the Highway Department for a complete and fast cleanup.
MEDFIELD CABLE TV
Mr. Fisher announced that there will be a grand opening on October 3 for the new cable studio/offices on North Meadows Road and the dedication of the Ed Doherty Park near Baker’s Pond. It is requested that the Selectmen vote to declare October 2 through October 9 as Medfield Cable TV week. In addition permission is requested to use the VMS sign inviting the public to the grand opening on October 3.
VOTED unanimously to declare October 2 through October 9, 2015 as Medfield Cable TV Week and grant permission to place the VMS sign at the Transfer Station inviting the public to the grand opening of the new studio/offices on Saturday October 3, 2015 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Superintendent Ken Feeney is present to give an update on road projects taking place on Green, Pine, Winter and Harding Streets. His crew was grinding today on Pine Street starting at the Dover line; plan to asphalt tomorrow. It should go smoothly as school is closed. All of Pine from Dover town line to North Street will be resurfaced. Will do the same work on Winter Street then move up to Harding from Hospital Road to the Dover town line.
The first coat of asphalt was put down on Green Street last week; it will set for the winter and a second coat will be applied in the spring. A new cement sidewalk from North Street to Hinkley Pond is planned ; a private contractor will install the granite curbing on Green Street. Mr. DeSorgher interjected commenting that he hopes there is a plan to plant new trees to replace trees that were cut down for the project. Feeney continued saying that the Causeway Street pipe repair project is scheduled to start on Monday September 28; contractor predicts the work will take three to four days. We ask for the patience of the community; there will be delays. All in all these road projects will take about three weeks until completion.
Mr. Feeney talked about the construction of the new water tower at the hospital site. Contractor making good progress; they have crews working that have come from several states. The painting of the new tower is happening right now and very soon they will begin to raise it into place. It appears they want to finish before the weather turns. Last winter was really tough.
Selectman Peterson said he has received comments questioning why road work is being done now and not during the summer when school is closed. Mr. Feeney said that although this was very hot summer to work outdoors, my DPW crew is a great group of fellas, smart hard working and they worked on streets getting them prepped, fixing potholes where necessary on top of their regular seasonal work. However, since July we have been competing with state projects and other towns for asphalt.
Superintendent went on to say that we’ll see when we can start work on the Straw Hat Park, we have the memorial park for Ed Doherty, located at Baker’s Pond on the schedule as well; Metacomet sidewalk may be done this season, we need an easement for a retaining wall so that may stall the project. At corner of Charlesdale to Grove the sidewalk is broken. Discussion needs to happen with property owner about his pine trees before we begin the work; hopefully he will be cooperative.
The Selectmen thanked Superintendent Feeney for attending this evening providing a road project update.
COUNCIL ON AGING, DIRECTOR ROBERTA LYNCH
Ms. Lynch reported that in fy15 959 participants came to the COA. The Respite Program continues to draw in clients, we started with 21 slots for half or full day program. There are a few clients who come for just a couple of hours. We are now up to 41 that brings in $34,550; however, expenses total 35,300. Hessco helped to cover the shortfall. I am hoping to add a permanent employee for the program as we presently have two part time positions. She noted that there are 151 participants 85 years of age who come to the CENTER plus several 90 yrs or over.
There are 106 people helping at the CENTER resulting in 7,300 hours of volunteer time. I am very grateful for their help. We need more space for the future and additional staffing. Ms. Lynch remarked that it would be very helpful to have a dedicated receptionist at the front desk for perhaps 19 hours per week. Ms. Trierweiler commented that any department contemplating a change in staffing/adding should meet with the Personnel Board before meeting with the Warrant Committee about their budget.
The Selectmen thanked Ms. Lynch for her update on the Council on Aging.
WARRANT COMMITTEE
Members present; Chair Michael Marcucci, Martha Festa, Greg Sullivan, Sharon Taro.
Mr. Marcucci appreciates this early discussion with the Selectmen regarding preliminary fy17 budgets. He said the first meeting for the Warrant members is Tuesday October 13. The annual budget meeting with Town Departments is Tuesday November 3, 2015. Mr. Sullivan put together a packet of information that included preliminary drafts of FY17 warrant articles, list of estimated budget items, capital budget, estimated local receipts, debt exclusions and other available funds. Predict budgets to be increased by 3% including school budget; 1.5% increase in tax rate if balanced based on declining debt issues.
Discussion continued highlighting some of the factors Michael used in arriving at his estimated budget and tax rates. At the conclusion, the Warrant Committee agreed that having this early budget discussion will be beneficial as they begin the process for fiscal year 17.
Selectmen signed the September 22, 2015 Vendor Warrant.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM
