Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2013 DRAFT
PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Assistant town Administrator Trierweiler; town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke; Mr. Sullivan absent
The meeting convened at 7:00 PM in the Chenery Meeting room
Chairman Fisher announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our brave servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.
ROCHE BROS. PROPOSED PLAN
Attorney Edward Cannon introduced those present who are: Rick Roche, CEO, Paul McGillivray, VP, Chuck Bromley, Architect. It’s their intention to return to a smaller store concept, the location in Medfield will be their first market of this type to be developed. Reports indicate that shoppers prefer to buy fresh a couple or three times a week, then do major shopping once or twice a month. They will offer bakery items, dairy, fresh meats and produce along with a variety of prepared foods. The space will include a cafe and perhaps recreate the lunch counter style. The rear of the store off the parking lot will be the main entrance with a living wall made up with an ivy type plant that will continuously grow as well as a prominent front entrance on Main Street. When it was queried if the Lord’s sign would remain the answer was that they do not plan to use the sign. However, on the South Street side ofthe building it is planned to display a mural showing the Lord’s store from more than 75 years ago. In this way it will pay homage to Lord’s.
The Selectmen reacted positively to the presentation. Mr. Peterson and Mr. DeSorgher emphasized Roche Bros community support through the years has been extraordinary.
VETERANS’AGENT
Ron Griffin said that he had several items to bring before the Selectmen; the Town has been granting vehicle excise tax exemptions for veterans for quite awhile although we have not brought before Town Meeting to accept the state law. Town Counsel has advised that an article be placed on the annual warrant for a vote. The tax work off program for veterans was approved to establish at Town Meeting and entails four veterans to earn the $500.00 credit. As there are a few items that need to be worked out, Ron will put together an outline for the Selectmen’s review at the next meeting. The Board will take under advisement an increase in the exemption to the amount of $1,000.00 and will discuss with the Board of Assessors.
Agent Griffin remarked that the 2013 census has the number of 480 veterans in Medfield. This is down from 2012, 508 and 2011, 523. He elaborated that within that number and very interesting there are 14 veterans over age 90, and two are women. For many years there was a memorial honoring two veterans at the state hospital who served in WW I, Silas Arsenault and Arthur Cleversee. However these memorials have deteriorated so shamefully that the state should be embarrassed. Bill Massaro who is present offered information that he discussed this situation with John O’Donnell from DCAMM who reported that the memorial is an item that will be taken care of.
Ron is planning a pancake breakfast on Veterans’ Day November 11 at the CENTER, the first for an annual event. He went on to report that as we know populations over 12,000 require a fulltime Veterans Service Officer. He emphasized that he is not looking for a promotion for himself because I feel I am totally accessible for the veterans. The Board thanked him for his report.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
The Selectmen are requested to call the October 7’h Special town Meeting, set date to open the warrant and set closing date and time.
VOTE: Selectmen Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to call a Special Town Meeting for Monday October 7,2013. Vote was unanimous
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, to open the October 7, 2013 Special Town Meeting Warrant and to close the Warrant at the end of the business meeting on Tuesday September 17, 2013. Vote was unanimous
MEDFIELD ENERGY COMMITTEE
The committee directed a letter to the Selectmen requesting their support for Medfield becoming a Green Community. By doing so Medfield would be eligible to apply for grants from the state. Medfield energy had proposed this designation in 2011; however, they did not garner the support. Municipal energy use has been reduced by 28-29% over the past five years.
Selectmen Peterson said that he thinks it is a great idea and Selectman DeSorgher said that we should support this initiative and bring it to Town Meeting.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
The Selectmen are requested to approve an Exemption of Financial Interest of Special Municipal Employee Thomas Erb in the matter of a contract between him and the Medfield Water Department to lease storage space at 97 West Street. The water department needs space for their supplies and equipment during the construction of the new town garage.
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, to adopt the exemption and sign the document. Vote was unanimous.
MEETING MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve the August 20, 2013 meeting minutes with revisions
LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTED unanimously to grant a liquor permit to the First Parish Unitarian Church for their fundraising event to be held September 27 and 28, 7-9PM
VOTED unanimously to grant the Council on Aging a one-day wine and malt beverage Permit for the Supper Club event September 11,2013 4-7PM at the CENTER
VOTED unanimously to grant a Block Party Permit to the Knollwood Road neighborhood For Saturday September 215-10PM (rain date September 29)
MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
Ms. Trierweiler reported that the hospital mediation committee will meet on Monday September 3 3:00 in Town Hall for a joint coordination of the settlement agreement with John O’Donnell. Noted that the Negotiation Committee will meet with the Selectmen on September 24 in executive session.
Ms. Trierweiler remarked that we have received copy of MASS Historical letter dated August 27 addressed to DCAMM wherein they write that they are in agreement with the demolition of building 42 (stable/main garage) and building 56 (laundry building). However, they look forward to continued discussion with the Town of Medfield regarding adverse effect to the Odyssey House.
PENDING
Annual committee appointments
VOTE: Selectmen Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher, to approve the list of appointments as presented and reviewed. Vote was unanimous
Economic Development Committee: the Selectmen agree that they approve the statement written by Mr. Sullivan; however Selectman Peterson said that he needed additional time for a second review and comment.
Selectmen Goals
On a motion made and seconded the Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the Selectmen list of goals
SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. DeSorgher reported that he attends the weekly Tuesday morning meetings at the highway garage and the preliminary work done by our highway department is nearing completion. It has saved the Town at least $2 million. He commends the State Hospital Advisory committee for their valuable time listening to all sides of the issues. Their important work is very much appreciated. He is very pleased that the new Nstar rep is willing to work with the town to remove double poles. Jack Lopes will contact Verizon and Comcast to setup a meeting for discussion regarding a timeline to remove their wires.
Mr. DeSorgher reported that he met this morning with CVS personnel at the site to discuss parking and driveway issues. CVS agreed that there is a serious flaw in the design and are willing come up with a plan that will work more smoothly with traffic going in and out onto Route 27. He let them know that a redesign plan should go through the Planning Board and that he will talk with Sarah to see if perhaps the plan to remedy the problem could be expedited. Mr. DeSorgher will be meeting with the property owners of the Route 109 shops to discuss repairing the serious trenches in the driveway/parking areas. Also he observed that there is not a curb cut on Elm Street near the Wheelock School which makes it difficult for those students who ride bicycles to school. He will talk with Ken Feeney to work something out. The town has received notice from individuals regarding a medical marijuana cultivation facility. He reports that we need to keep a close eye on developments. Mr. DeSorgher suggests that committees/boards that are scheduled to attend our meeting be invited well in advance of the date. Medfield Schools opened today and we wish all students a good school year.
Mr. Peterson remarked that the state hospital committee is making good progress.
Mr. Fisher mentioned that the Kingsbury Pond Committee invites the community to the dedication of the new Grist Mill Waterwheel on Sunday September 22, 2013 1-3PM; this Saturday September 7 there is a reception to welcome the new school superintendent Jeffery Marsden at the high school, 9-11 AM. He mentioned that Medfield Day will be held on Saturday September 21.
INFORMATIONAL
A copy of the Attorney General’s letter approving Annual Town Meeting Articles 22, 23 and 24
First Thursday, September 5 activity notice from the Dwight-Derby House
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Peterson Clerk of the Board read: Chairman: The Medfield Board of Selectmen needs to meet in executive session for the following purpose:
To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property; land of Kenny consisting of approximately 22 acres off Philip Street; I declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public today. The open session (will not) reconvene at the conclusion of the executive session.
Motion: I move that the Medfield Board of Selectmen go into executive session for the following purpose:
To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property: land of Kenny consisting of approximately 22 acres off Philip Street; if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body and the Chair so declares. And that the open session not reconvene at the conclusion of the executive session.
On a roll call vote, Mr. Fisher yes, Mr. DeSorgher yes, Mr. Peterson yes; the Board of Selectmen went into executive session at 8:40PM
