We’re Aa1

Moody’s Investors Service just rated Medfield one step below its top category, for our bonds for the new DPW garage.  Mike Sullivan says we cannot get the top rating because our property tax base is so residential.

New Issue: Moody’s assigns Aa1 to Medfield, MA’s $9.5M GO bonds
Global Credit Research – 05 Sep 2013
Affirms Aa1 on $31M of outstanding GO debt
MEDFIELD (TOWN OF) MA
Cities (including Towns, Villages and Townships)
MA
Moody’s Rating
ISSUE RATING
General Obligation Garage Bonds Aa1
Sale Amount $9,500,000
Expected Sale Date 09/12/13
Rating Description General Obligation
Moody’s Outlook NOO
Opinion
NEW YORK, September 05, 2013 –Moody’s Investors Service has assigned an Aa1 rating to the Town of
Medfield’s (MA) $9.5 million General Obligation Garage Bonds. Concurrently, Moody’s has affirmed the Aa1 rating
on the town’s $31 million of outstanding general obligation debt. Of the town’s total outstanding debt, approximately
$35 million, including this issue, is secured by the town’s unlimited general obligation tax pledge, as debt service
has been voted exempt from the levy limitations of Proposition 2 ½. Debt service on the remaining $5.5 million is
secured by a limited tax pledge given that it is subject to the levy limit. Bond proceeds will fund construction of a
new municipal garage which houses the town public works and other department vehicles and equipment.
SUMMARY RATING RATIONALE
The Aa1 rating reflects the town’s healthy financial position with consistent reserve levels, stable residential tax
base with strong wealth levels, and a modest debt profile with above average amortization of principal.
STRENGTHS
– Healthy financial position with consistent reserve levels
– Stable tax base with strong wealth levels
– Modest debt profile with above average payout
– Strong history of voter approvals for overrides and exclusions of Proposition 2 ½
CHALLENGES
– Limited levy capacity and budget flexibility
– Maintaining satisfactory financial reserves amidst ongoing spending pressures
DETAILED CREDIT DISCUSSION
HEALTHY FINANCIAL POSITION WITH CONSISTENT RESERVE LEVELS
We expect Medfield to maintain a healthy financial position given conservative budget practices and limited annual
draws on reserves. Over the last five years, the town has averaged an annual operating deficit of $1.3 million,
balancing annually operations through the use of planned draws on restricted fund balances attributed to debt
exclusions for school building projects (approximately $1.1 million) and free cash appropriations and other
available funds if needed. The fiscal 2012 operating budget remained level relative to 2011, with the only material
increase to the education expenditure of 1.7%. Due to lack of tax levy capacity, the town approved an override of
the tax levy limit by $500,000 to support the increase in town and education expenses. Voters approved previous
overrides in 2008 and 2009, indicating strong support for education funding. The audited financials reflect positive
variance in revenues attributed to additional local receipts and conservative expenditure budgeting which led to
$938,000 in departmental turn backs. The total General Fund balance declined to $19.9 million (38.6% of
revenues) due to the $1.1 million use of restricted fund balance. The $12.2 million restricted fund balance
represents the remainder of a 2007 grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) which is
pledged to cover part of the town’s outstanding school debt. The total General Fund balance is expected to
gradually decline as the draw-down of the MSBA grant continues through 2023. Despite the reduction in total fund
balance, the available fund balance increased to $7.6 million (14.8% of revenues) and the unassigned fund
balance increased to $2.6 million (5% of revenues) due to the positive variance in revenues and expenditures.
Medfield derives the majority of its revenues from property taxes (68% of 2012 revenues) and continues to benefit
from a strong collection rate of 99% within the fiscal year. Fiscal 2013 year-end projections reflect another year of
nominally balanced operations supported by planned use of restricted fund balance, $500,000 in free cash
appropriations and $400,000 in stabilization funds (sewer betterments). Revenues ended the year up $227,000
over budget due to continued increase in local receipts while positive expenditure variance of $613,000 was
attributed to greater departmental turn backs than in prior years. The fiscal 2014 budget increased by 2.1% from
the prior year and is balanced with a 1.8% tax levy increase and continued appropriations of reserves, including
$900,000 in free cash. The free cash appropriation continues to cover $400,000 in special appropriations while the
balance will be deposited into an OPEB trust fund and stabilization fund, and cover planning costs for capital
projects. Our ongoing assessment of the town’s credit quality will factor in management’s ability to maintain a
nominally balanced budget with sound fund balance levels.
STABLE RESIDENTIAL TAX BASE WITH STRONG WEALTH LEVELS
Medfield is a primarily residential community (94% of the 2013 assessed valuation) with a population of 12,024,
located approximately 20 miles southwest of Boston (rated Aaa/stable). The town’s $2.4 billion tax base is
expected to remain stable with limited growth, reflecting a slow turnaround in the regional real estate market.
Assessed value increased 0.8% in 2013, rebounding from five consecutive years of declines and bringing the five
year average annual growth to -1.2%. The town’s equalized value per capita remains strong at $197,461, reflecting
the strength of the residential sector due in part to the town’s top-ranked public and private schools. In addition, the
town has a number of residential developments underway, including new construction of single family housing and
condos which will continue to provide annual new growth revenue. Wealth levels in Medfield are also substantially
higher than state and national averages, with median family income of $126,276 (156% and 201%, respectively).
Also, the town’s unemployment rate of 6.2% (June 2013) continues to fall below the state (7.4%) and US (7.8%).
MODEST DEBT PROFILE WITH ABOVE AVERAGE AMORTIZATION
Medfield’s debt position is expected to remain manageable, given its modest direct debt burden of 1.3% of
equalized value and rapid principal amortization of 83.1% within 10 years. The town currently has no authorized
but unissued debt; although it has a number of projects planned in the coming years, including a new public safety
building with an estimated cost of $15 to $18 million. Approval of future projects would include debt exclusions from
Proposition 2 ½. The town’s portion of school debt makes up approximately 56% of the total debt outstanding, but
after factoring in the $12.2 million MSBA grant, the adjusted debt burden drops to 1.2% of equalized value. Annual
debt service has declined, with the fiscal 2012 cost down to 9.9% of expenditures. The town has no variable rate
debt outstanding and has not entered into any derivative agreements.
The town participates in the Norfolk County Contributory Retirement System, a multi-employer, defined benefit
retirement plan. The town’s annual required contribution (ARC) for the plans was $1.5 million in fiscal 2012, or
2.8% of General Fund expenditures. The city’s adjusted net pension liability, under Moody’s methodology for
adjusting reported pension data, is $26.5 million, or a below average 0.53 times General Fund revenues. Moody’s
uses the adjusted net pension liability to improve comparability of reported pension liabilities. The adjustments are
not intended to replace the town’s reported liability information, but to improve comparability with other rated
entities. The town maintains a Pension Trust Fund with a current balance of $4 million as of fiscal 2012. Also, the
town currently contributes to its OPEB liability on a pay-as-you-go basis plus annual appropriations into an OPEB
trust fund with a balance of $300,000. The town contributed 38% of its Annual OPEB cost in fiscal 2012,
representing $1.4 million. The total Unfunded Actuarially Accrued Liability (UAAL) for OPEB is $39.8 million, as of
January 1, 2011. The town’s total fixed costs for 2012, including pension, OPEB, and debt service, represented
$8.1 million or 15.5% of expenditures.
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO UP
– Increased budget capacity and flexibility
– Increase to available and unassigned fund balance
– Increase in tax base size and wealth levels
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO DOWN
– Prolonged structural imbalance
– Significant reduction in General Fund balance
– Decrease in tax base or demographic profile
– Significant increase in debt burden
KEY FACTS:
Equalized Valuation 2012: $2.4 billion
2010 Population (US Census): 12,024
Average Annual Increase in Assessed Valuation (2008-2013): -1.2%
Median Family Income: $126,276 (156% of state, 201% of US median)
Equalized Value per Capita: $197,461
Unemployment (June 2013): 6.2%
FY12 Total General Fund Balance: $19.9 million (38.6% of General Fund revenues)
FY12 Available Fund Balance: $7.6 million (14.8% of General Fund revenues)
FY12 Unassigned Fund Balance: $2.6 million (5% of General Fund revenues)
Direct Debt as % of Full Value: 1.3%
Adjusted Direct Debt as % of Full Value: 1.2%
Amortization of Principal (10 years): 83.1%
Post-sale General Obligation Debt Outstanding: $40.5 million

Selectmen established goals

The Board of Selectmen has worked thorough suggested goals penned for the board from each selectman, and selectman Richard DeSorgher kindly edited our three sets of goals into the following composite, which the Board of Selectmen has now agreed will be our formal goals this year.  Mike Sullivan will next draft his goals, in response to these mandates to him from the Board of Selectmen.

Goals:-selectmen
I.  Improved Communications
·    Collegial and supportive atmosphere for all volunteer committees and boards and their work recognized. Meet with each board and committee annually to share purposes and goals.
·    Supportive and positive atmosphere with the Boards interaction with town hall staff and Superintendent of Schools and all department heads and employees.
·    Institute improved government transparency and reporting to town residents on town government matters and information and explore ways to make visits to town hall by residents more user friendly.
·    Develop joint cooperation between all town boards and committees including the school department and work to combine technology, energy efficiency and building maintenance under one leadership position that can be shared by all departments.
·    Identify areas of regionalization of services with neighboring towns, including meetings and contact with area towns in attempt to solve joint problems
·    Improve communications with our state and federal representatives and work with their staffs to help Medfield with grants and other assistance
·    Improve the operation and updating of the town’s web site.

II. Provide direction and leadership to the State Hospital Advisory Committee and work in partnership with the Committee and the Commonwealth in the development of the former Medfield State Hospital site.

III. Long-range planning
·    five year planning from department heads and committee chairmen, using the Water & Sewer long-range plan and Pavement Management Plan as examples
·    updating of town by-laws, especially concerning future development at the former Medfield State Hospital.
·    strategy for maintenance and renovations of all town buildings, including support, direction and leadership to the Permanent Building Committee
·    planning for developing Medfield into a Green Community including usage of solar power and improved recycling ideas.

IV. Ensure that the town continues to provide a high quality of education to its children and provides a high quality of municipal services to its citizens in the most cost-effective manner possible.
·    analysis of overtime use
·    create a three-year financial forecast of the town, working especially with the warrant committee and the school committee
·    examine opportunities for additional revenue streams
·    work with the Economic Development Committee on ways to bring tax relief
explore areas of tax relief for senior citizens who own their own homes

Art in our midst

From Medfeild resident, Jean Mineo –
Happy fall! I’m writing with news about two upcoming art projects.
This Saturday Sept. 7, 11  at 12:30 pm, I’ll be leading a free tour of the outdoor art installation at the beautiful plaza at the Christian Science Church in Boston. Boston Sculptors Gallery has installed 23 monumental and intimate sculptures on the site, on view through Oct. 31. The tour will leave from the entrance to their library at 210 Mass. Ave at 11 am and will last 1 – 1½ hours. Bring the kids! If you drive in from Medfield, take the Pike to the Pru exit and you can park under the Pru at the end of the ramp exit, or look for street parking. This garage is at the opposite end of the plaza from where the tour starts, so walk through the plaza to Mass. Ave. and see how many sculptures you spot along the way. More information here: http://convergenceexhibit.blogspot.com
 Andy Zimmermann’s “Liminal Bloom”IMG_0619.JPG
Next up on Medfield Day, Sat. Sept. 21, join me and the Medfield Cultural District for a community art project in the pocket park between Zebra’s and the new Starbuck’s from 9 am – 3 pm. It’s called Visions and Voices and gives you a place to write your ideas for the park and then have your picture taken to be included as a poster on the walkway a few weeks later. Pictures will only be taken on Medfield Day, but the kiosk where you can share your ideas will be up through Oct. 7, so come back and “see what your neighbors are saying.”  More information here: http://medfieldculturaldistrict.org
For information on other cultural events in Medfield, check out the Cultural Council’s on-line calendar: http://medfieldculture.org/calendar-page/
Hope to see you at one of these upcoming events!
Jean
508-242-9991

Town can opt to buy 31 acres for $1.4m

The Kenney family land that runs between Phillips and Foundry Streets has been in forestry and/or agricultural status, which status gets it taxed at a lower property tax rate and gives the town the right of first refusal when it is taken out of that status.  The Kenney’s recently gave the town the statutory notice of the land coming out of that status, and so the town now has 120 days from the date of that notice to buy the property for the same  $1,400,000 price that a third party has agreed to pay per a signed purchase and sale agreement.

The town fortuitously has a special town meeting (STM) already in the works, that will happen on October 7, to deal with the necessary Home Rule Petition needed to effect the acquisition from the state, with DCAMM’s backing, of (1) the six acres site at the former Medfield State Hospital to construct a new water tower and (2) the thirty acre hospital tubular wellfields off Colonial Drive.  Fortunately, that special town meeting (STM) will take place within the 120 required time frame.

The Kenney land has the added bonus for the town that it abuts what has been called the “scout land,” to which the residents have no good access.  If the town were to acquire the Kenney land, one could walk from there to Bubbling Brook in Westwood through the woods, with the exception of about 100 yards along a road, because of linages with Walpole conservation lands.

The land has already been permitted by the town boards as a seven lot subdivision – see that plan via the link that follows – 20130906-Red Horse Farm plan

Selectman office hours tomorrow

Selectman Peterson will be holding his monthly first Friday of the month office hours at The Center from 9 – 10 AM tomorrow morning.

MEC on GCA

The Medfield Energy Committee is recommending that the Town of Medfield become a Green Community under the terms of THE green Community Act.

*********************************

August 30, 2013

Medfield Board of Selectmen
452 Main Street
Medfield, MA 02052

Dear Board of Selectmen,

The Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) recommends that the Town of Medfield proceed with the application process for qualification as a Green Community under the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Program.
The Town of Medfield has had great success in reducing municipal energy use by more than 20% over the past 5 years. The Town is continuing to reduce its municipal energy use as well as exploring ways of produce renewable energy in town through such methods as photovoltaic installations.
The Town strongly considered applying for Green Community (GC) designation in 2011, but was unable to convince all Town entities to support the effort and two articles on mandatory GC criteria were withdrawn from the 2011 Town Meeting Agenda.
The MEC feels it is time to renew the effort to become a Commonwealth Green Community. There are several reasons that preparing for a 2014 Town Meeting adoption is more likely to succeed:

1. In 2011 the Planning Board did not support a Green Communities designation because it required adoption of a Stretch Energy Code (an optional Appendix of energy efficiency measures to the MA Building Code 780 CMR) that required new buildings over 3,000 square feet be 20% more energy efficient. The current Stretch Energy Code that the Planning Board objected to has since been adopted by the BBRS as the State law beginning in 2014. The MEC will educate residents on the implications of adopting the stretch energy code prior to a 2014 Town Meeting vote, so that they can make an informed decision. As of May 2013,132 MA municipalities have adopted the new BBRS stretch energy code.

2. The “carrot” in Green Communities designation is to receive grants from the state to promote “green” initiatives in the Town. More than $20 million in grants have been awarded to the 103 communities, with another million worth of energy projects going to the 7 most recent communities (that is $142,800 I community on average). In 2011, the MEC had not yet identified a specific use for the money it would have been eligible to receive under the program. In 2014, the MEC and Town are investigating the feasibility and benefits of generating renewable energy through installing solar PV arrays on municipal property.

3. In 2011, we were not able to adequately craft a procedure in time for vote at Town Meeting that would update the Zoning Bylaws table of use regulations to allow for the siting in designated locations of Renewable Energy – generating facilities, or R&D facilities, or manufacturing facilities – that adequately met the “as of right”
siting and expedited permitting requirements. In 2014, we would have the zoning bylaw language approved by the Medfield Planning Board and the DOER Green Communities division before we asked the town to vote on it.

4. In 2011, the Town’s land use tables were antiquated but since then, the end use tables have been updated to reflect modern industry. This in turn will clarify the process needed to make “as of right siting” and expedited permitting for renewable energy generating facilities viable in the correct area(s) in town.

5. The other 2 elements of qualification for a Green Community were ready for application without objection:
• The plan for 20% reduction in municipal energy use within 5 years from a new baseline of 2012 could be updated. We want to take credit for the energy efficient measures we have implemented in the last couple of years. Given the Town has achieved so many energy savings already in the schools and other municipal buildings, waiting any longer to qualify as a Commonwealth Green Community will make the 20% savings goal going forward that much harder to attain.
• The energy efficient vehicle fleet inventory and plan would be  pdated and submitted to this board and the school committee for approval.

6. The Town can benefit from the experience of the 110 cities and towns across the state have met the 5 qualifying criteria and have been designated as Commonwealth Green Communities since the GCA was created in 2008. The MEC will solicit feedback from neighboring GC towns including Westwood, Sherborn, Medway, Ashland, Dedham, Weston, Newton, Hopkinton, Wayland and Sudbury.  The benefits and reasons for being designated a Commonwealth Green Community remain the same as in 2011. Passing the stretch code will lower energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions for newly built homes and commercial buildings in Medfield for the life of the building. Amending the zoning bylaw to encourage alternative and renewable energy generating, R&D and/or manufacturing would signal to developers that the Town is interested in having clean energy technologies consider locating in Medfield’s industrial zone. A Green Communities’ designation would also make more state funds available for use in Medfield buildings for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures that would save the taxpayer money for the life of the buildings.  Massachusetts towns have received between $100,000 and $900,000 in grants last year.

The Medfield Energy Committee seeks the approval of the Board of Selectmen to proceed with Green Community Designation. With Board of Selectmen authorization, the MEC will present the case for Green Community designation with all Town Departments. The MEC will be asking for each of the Town Departments in advance to support the application for Green Community designation at the 2014 Town Meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Marie Nolan, Chair, and Medfield Energy Committee Members:

Lee Alinsky, Fred Bunger, Penni Conner, Fred Davis, Cynthia Greene, David Temple, Emre Schveighoffer, Ryan McLaughlin, Adam Graber
Charles Kellner, Michael Sullivan, Osler Peterson as ex officio members

BoS 9/3 agenda

Board of Selectmen
PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME
Townl Hall, Chenery Meeting Room, 2nd floor Tuesday September 3, 2013 @ 7:00 PM

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Executive Session at close of meeting for the purpose of discussing land acquisition
7:00 PM Roche Bros.; presentation of proposed facility at 450 Main Street
7:30 PM Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffm; Report to Selectmen

ACTION
Vote to call October 7, 2013 Special ToWll Meeting
Vote to set date to open warrant and set closing date and time

LICENSES & PERMITS
First Parish Unitarian Church requests a permit to serve wine at their fundraising event to be held on September 27 and 28 7-9PM

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE

PENDING
Annual committee appointments
Mission statement for the Economic Development Committee
Selectmen’s goals

BoS appointments

The Board of Selectmen will be making it annual appointments to committees at our 9/3 meeting.  See the list below.  If you are interested in serving on a committee, please let me know, or contact Evelyn Clarke at the town house.

ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS

2013-2014


Elected Officials
Moderator

Scott F. McDermott

2013

 

Town Clerk

Carol A. Mayer

2015

 

Board of Selectmen

Richard DeSorgher

2013

Mark L. Fisher

2014

Osler P. Peterson

2015

 

Board of Assessors

R. Edward Beard

2013

Francis W. Perry

2014

Thomas Sweeney

2015

 

School Committee

Timothy J. Bonfatti

2013

Christopher  Morrison

2013

Eileen Desisto

2014

Debra Noschese

2014

Maryann Sullivan

2015

 

Trustees of the Public Library

James J. Whalen

2013

Robert Luttman

2013

Lauren Feeney

2014

Timothy Hughes

2014

Maura Y. McNicholas

2015

Steven Pelosi

2015

 

Planning Board (5 Years)

Wright Dickinson

2013

Elissa G. Franco

2014

George N. Lester

2015

Stephen J. Browne

2016

Keith Diggans

2017

 

 

Park and Recreation Commission
Mel Seibolt

2013

Kirsten Young

2013

Nicholas Brown

2013

Robert Tatro

2014

Thomas A. Caragliano

2015

 

Housing Authority

Neil Duross

2013

Lisa Donovan

2014

Eldred Whyte

2015

Roberta Lynch

2015

Eileen DeSorgher, state appt.

2016

 
Trust Fund Commission
Gregory Reid

2013

H. Tracy Mitchell

2014

Georgia Colivas

2015

 

Appointed by the

Board of Selectmen

Fire Chief

William A. Kingsbury

2013

 

Chief of Police

Robert E. Meaney, Jr.

2015

 

Sergeants

John L. Mayer

2013

John W. Wilhelmi

2013

Ray M. Burton

2013

Daniel J. Burgess

2013

Lorna C. Fabbo

2013

 

Police Officers

 
Larz C. Anderson

2013

Michelle Bento

2013

Christine DiNatale

2013

Robert G. Flaherty

2013

Dana P. Friend

2013

John D. Geary

2013

Stephen H. Grover

2013

Thomas M. LaPlante

2013

James O’Neil

2013

D. Eric Pellegrini

2013

Wayne Sallale

2013

Town Administrator

Michael J. Sullivan

2013

Treasurer/Collector

Georgia K. Colivas

2013

   
Superintendent of Public Works
Kenneth P. Feeney

2015

 

Town Accountant

Joy Ricciuto

2015

 

Town Counsel

Mark G. Cerel

2015

   

Board of Health (3 yr)

Wendy Jackson

2014

Marcia Aigler

2015

NEED APPOINTMENT

2016

   
Cemetery Commissioners (3 yr)
Frank Iafolla

2013

Al Manganello

2014

Thomas Sweeney

2015

Robert Gregg

2015

David Temple, Associate

2013

 

Board of Water and Sewerage (3 yr)
Christian Carpenter

2013

 
Willis Peligian

2014

 
Jeremy Marsette

2015

 
William Harvey, Associate

2013

 
Gary A. Lehmann, Assoc

2013

 
     
Superintendent of Insect Pest Control
 
Edward M. Hinkley

2013

 

 

Tree Warden

 
Edward M. Hinkley

2013

 
 

 
Field Driver and Fence Viewer  
John Naff

2013

 
     

Animal Control Officer

 
Jennifer A. Cronin

2013

 
 

 

Inspector of Animals

 
Jennifer A. Cronin

2013

 
     
Norfolk County Advisory Board Representative  
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
     

Pound Keeper

 
Jennifer A. Cronin

2013

 
     
Inspection Department    
John Naff, Building Commissioner

2015

 
Joseph Doyle, Alternate Building

2013

 
Peter Navis

2013

 
John A. Rose, Jr

2013

 
James J. Leonard

2013

 
Peter Diamond

2013

 
     
Town Greeter  
Joseph E. Ryan

2013

 
     

Town Historian

 
Richard P. DeSorgher

2013

 
     
Keepers of the Town Clock  
Marc R. Tishler

2013

 
David P. Maxson

2013

 
     

Board of Registrars  (3 yr)

 
William H. Dunlea, Jr.

2013

 
L. David Alinsky

2014

 
William Gallagher

2015

 
   
Veterans’ Service Officer (3 yr)  
Ronald Clark Griffin

2015

 
 

 
Sealer of Weights and Measures (3)  
Michael J. Clancy

2015

 
 

 
Measurer of Wood and Bark  (3)  
Michael J. Clancy

2015

 

 

Public Weigher (3)

 
Michael J. Clancy

2015

 
     
Constables and Keepers of the Lockup  
Larz C. Anderson

2013

 
Michelle Bento

2013

 
Daniel J. Burgess

2013

 
Ray M. Burton, Jr.

2013

 
Christine DiNatale

2013

 
Lorna C. Fabbo

2013

 
Robert B. Flaherty

2013

 
Dana P. Friend

2013

 
John D. Geary

2013

 
John F. Gerlach

2013

 
Stephen H. Grover

2013

 
Thomas M. LaPlante

2013

 
John L. Mayer

2013

 
James O’Neil

2013

 
D. Eric Pellegrini

2013

 
Wayne Sallale

2013

 
Thomas A. Tabarani

2013

 
John W. Wilhelmi

2013

 
     

Police Matrons

 
Lorna C. Fabbo

2013

 
Sandra Cronin

2013

 
Jennifer A. Shaw Cronin

2013

 
Audra Wilhelmi

2013

 
Mary L. Solari

2013

 
Sally Wood

2013

 
     

Special Police Officers

 
Leo Acerra (Millis)

2013

 
Paul J. Adams (Millis)

2013

 
George Bent (Norfolk)

2013

 
Dale Bickford (Millis)

2013

 
Herbert Burr

2013

 
Jonathan M. Caroll (Norfolk)

2013

 
Jon Cave

2013

 
Ryan Chartrand (Norfolk)

2013

 
Sandra Cronin

2013

 
William J. Davis (Norfolk)

2013

 
Thomas G. Degnim (Norfolk)

2013

 
Robert A. Dixon (Millis)

2013

 
Louis Droste (Norfolk)

2013

 
William J. Dwyer (Millis)

2013

 
David J. Eberle (Norfolk)

2013

 
Leo Either (Norfolk)

2013

 
Glen R. Eykel (Norfolk)

2013

 
Edgardo Feliciano, Jr.

2013

 
Nathan Fletcher (Norfolk)

2013

 
Susan Fornaciari (Norfolk)

2013

 
Robert Forsythe (Norfolk)

2013

 
Terence Gallagher (Norfolk)

2013

 
John Gerlach

2013

 
Barry Glassman

2013

 
Thomas Hamano

2013

 
Timothy Heinz (Norfolk)

2013

 
John Holmes (Norfolk)

2013

 
David Holt (Norfolk)

2013

 
Robert Holst (Norfolk)

2013

 
Winslow Karlson III (Norfolk)

2013

 
Paul Kearns

2013

 
Stephen Kirchdorfer

2013

 
James C. Kozak (Norfolk)

2013

 
Robert LaPlante

2013

 
James Lopez (Millis)

2013

 
Peter Lown (Norfolk)

2013

 
Robert Maraggio (Millis)

2013

 
Kristofer Maxant (Millis)

2013

 
Chris MaClure (Norfolk)

2013

 
David R. McConnell (Norfolk)

2013

 
Peter McGowan (Millis)

2013

 
Nicholas Meleski (Millis)

2013

 
Robert Miller (Norfolk)

2013

 
Paul J. Murphy (Norfolk)

2013

 
Linda Meyers  (Millis)

2013

 
Charles A. Morreale

2013

 
Peter Opanasets (Millis)

2013

 
Stephen Plympton (Norfolk)

2013

 
Amanda Prata (Norfolk)

2013

 
Thomas Quinn (Millis)

2013

 
Kevin Roake (Norfolk)

2013

 
Christina Sena (Norfolk)

2013

 
Viriato Sena (Norfolk)

2013

 
Robert Shannon (Norfolk)

2013

 
Paul Smith (Millis)

2013

 
Christopher Soffayer (Millis)

2013

 
Charles Stone (Norfolk)

2013

 
Thomas Tabarini

2013

 
Domenic Tiberi (Millis)

2013

 
Eric Van Ness (Norfolk)

2013

 
Mark Vendetti

2013

 
James Wells

2013

 
Audra Wilhelmi

2013

 
Ryan Wilhelmi

2013

 
Sally Wood

2013

 
     
Emergency Management Agency  
Ray M. Burton, Director

2013

 
Arline F. Berry

2013

 
Scott Brooks

2013

 
Jon R. Cave

2013

 
Norma Cronin

2013

 
Sandra Cronin

2013

 
Barry Glassman

2013

 
Neil I. Grossman

2013

 
Thomas S. Hamano

2013

 
Paul Kearns

2013

 
Steven Krichdorfer

2013

 
Charles A. Morreale

2013

 
John L. Parsons

2013

 
Donald W. Reed

2013

 
Wayne A. Sallale

2013

 
Richard D. Strauss

2013

 
James Wells

2013

 
Sally Wood

2013

 
     

Traffic Supervisors

 
Angela Brown

2013

 
William Fitzpatrick

2013

 
Jennifer A. Cronin

2013

 
John F. Gerlach

2013

 
Elizabeth R. Hinkley

2013

 
Robert T. LaPlante

2013

 
Elisabeth T. Mann

2013

 
William H. Mann

2013

 
Kevin Robinson

2013

 
Lori Sallee

2013

 
Mary L. Solari

2013

 
Richard Strauss

2013

 
Thomas E. Tabarini

2013

 
Lisa Visser

2013

 
 

 
Affordable Housing Committee  
Bonnie Wren-Burgess

2013

 
Charles H. Peck

2013

 
Diane L. Maxson

2013

 
Stephen M. Nolan

2013

 
John W. McGeorge

2013

 
Fred Bunger

2013

 
Kristine Trierweiler, Ex Officio

2013

 
Ann B. Thompson, Ex Officio

2013

 

 

Council on Aging (3 yr)

 
Louis Fellini

2013

 
Michael Clancy

2013

 
Neil Duross

2015

 
Roslyn Taberman

2015

 
Gwyneth Centore

2016

 
 

 
Americans with Disabilities Compliance Review Committee  
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Tina Cosentino

2013

 
Ann B. Thompson

2013

 
     
Board of Appeals on Zoning (3 yr)  
Russell J. Hallisey

2014

 
Stephen M. Nolan

2015

 
Charles H. Peck

2016

 
Neal O’Connor, Assoc

2013

 
Jack McNicholas, Assoc

2013

 
     

Medfield Cultural Council (3 yr)
 
William F. Pope

2013

 
David Temple

2013

 
Jean Mineo

2015

 
Diane Borrelli

2015

 
Isabella Wood

2015

 
Steve Catanese

2015

 
Susan Parker

2015

 
     

Charles River Natural Storage Area Designees

 
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
     
Collective Bargaining Team  
Robert E. Meaney, Jr.

2013

 
Mark Fisher

2013

 
William Kingsbury

2013

 
Rachel Brown

2013

 
James O’Shaughnessy

2013

 
Kristine Trierweiler

2013

 
     
Community Gardens Committee  
Neal Sanders

2013

 
Betty Sanders

2013

 
   
Conservation Commission  (3 yr)  
Ralph Parmigiane

2013

 
Robert Aigler

2013

 
Mary McCarthy

2013

 
Deborah Bero

2014

 
Michael Perloff

2014

 
Philip J. Burr

2014

 
Robert Kennedy, Jr.

2015

 
     

Constable for Election

 
Carol A. Mayer

2013

 
 

 
Contract Compliance Officer  
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
     

Economic Dev. Commission (3)

 
Ann B. Thompson

2013

 
Paul E. Hinkley

2013

 
Joseph Scier

2014

 
Patrick Casey

2014

 
Charles Peck

2015

 
John Day

2016

 
Ralph Costello

2016

 
Marion Lent

2016

 
James Wakely

2016

 
Thomas Nightingale

2016

 
Jim James

2016

 
     

Representative to Regional Hazardous Waste Committee

 
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
     

Capital Budget Committee

 
Mark Fisher

2013

 
Maryalice Whalen

2013

 
Kristine Trierweiler

2013

 
Timothy P. Sullivan

2013

 
Joy Ricciuto

2013

 
Charles Kellner

2013

 
     
Emergency Medical Services Response Committee
 
David Binder, M.D.

2013

 
William A. Kingsbury

2013

 
Joan M. Kiessling

2013

 
Robert E. Meaney, Jr.

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Ann B. Thompson

2013

 
 

 
Local Emergency Planning Commission  
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
Edward M. Hinkley

2013

 
Robert E. Meaney, Jr.

2013

 
William A. Kingsbury

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Ann B. Thompson

2013

 
   
Zoning Enforcement Officer  
John Naff

2013

 
     
Enterprise Fund Committee  
Georgia K. Colivas

2013

 
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Willis Peligian

2013

 
Jeremy Marsette

2013

 
Kristine Trierweiler

2013

 
Joy Ricciuto

2013

 
     

Fair Housing Officer

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
 

 
Geographical Information System  
Robert Kennedy, Jr.

2013

 
Sandra H. Frigon

2013

 
Gary A. Lehmann

2013

 
Marie Zack Nolan

2013

 
Michael Perloff

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Kristine M. Trierweiler

2013

 
Carol A. Mayer

2013

 
     
Historical Commission (3 yr)  
Charles Navratil

2013

 
Maria C. Baler

2013

 
Ancelin Wolfe

2013

 
David F. Temple

2014

 
Daniel Bibel

2015

 
Sarah Murphy

2015

 
Robert Gregg, Associate

2013

 
David R. Sharff, Associate

2013

 
Michael R. Taylor, Associate

2013

 
John A. Thompson, Associate

2013

 
Marc Eames, Associate

 
Cheryl O’Malley, Associate

2013

 
Douglas Teany, Associate

2013

 
   
Historic District Commission (3 yr)  
Michael Taylor

2013

 
Barbara Jacobs

2013

 
Connie Sweeney

2014

 
David R. Sharff

2015

 
Bradley Phipps

2015

 
 

 
Insurance Advisory Committee  
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Peter Moran

2013

 
Rachel Brown

2013

 
     
Selectmen’s Insurance Advisory Committee  
Peter Moran

2013

 
Rachel Brown

2013

 
 

 

 
Employees Insurance Advisory Committee  
Nancy Deveno 2013  
Joanne Schmidt 2013  
Paul Norian 2013  
Susan Parker 2013  
Michelle Bento 2013  
John Wilhelmi 2013  
Joy Ricciuto 2013  
Malcolm Gibson 2013  
     
Local Auction Permit Agent  
Evelyn Clarke

2013

 
 

 
Local Water Resource Management Official  
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
 

 

Medfield MBTA Advisory Board

 
Designee

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
     

Metropolitan Area Planning Council

 
Sarah Raposa

2016

 
     

Memorial Day Committee

 
Donna Dragotakes

2013

 
Robert E. Meaney

2013

 
William A. Kingsbury

2013

 
Albert J. Manganello

2013

 
William H. Mann

2013

 
Ann B. Thompson

2013

 
Michelle Doucette

2013

 
Ronald C. Griffin

2013

 
Evelyn Clarke

2013

 
Frank Iafolla

2013

 
     
Committee to Study Memorials  
Ronald C. Griffin

2013

 
Robert Gregg

2013

 
Jane M. Lomax

2013

 
David F. Temple

2013

 
Frank Iafolla

2013

 
 

 
Municipal Census Supervisor  
Carol A. Mayer

2013

 
     
Representatives to Neponset Watershed Initiative Committee  
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
     

Parking Clerk and Hearing Officer

 
Carol A. Mayer

2013

 
 

 
Norfolk Advisory Committee  
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
   
Right-To-Know Coordinator  
William A. Kingsbury

2013

 
 

 
Wireless Communications Study Committee  
David P. Maxson

2013

 
Charles Mapps

2013

 
Thomas Powers

2013

 
Christopher Lennon

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
 

 
Solid Waste Study Committee  
Kenneth P. Feeney

2013

 
Kristine Trierweiler

2013

 
Ann B. Thompson

2013

 
Scott Colwell

2013

 
Anthony Centore

2013

 
Carl Mellea

2013

 
Megan Sullivan

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
     
Technology Study Committee  
Gary Lehmann

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Kristine Trierweiler

2013

 
Ron Gustavson

2013

 
Robert Luttman

2013

 
     
Three Rivers Interlocal Council Representative (MAPC)  
Sarah Raposa

2013

 
 

 
Elderly Taxation Aid Committee  
Georgia Colivas

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
Frank Perry

2013

 
Roberta Lynch

2013

 
     
Downtown Study Committee  
Robert Dugan

2013

 
Brandi Erb

2013

 
Mark Fisher

2013

 
Matthew J. McCormick

2013

 
Robert MacLeod

2013

 
Nancy Kelly Lavin

2013

 
 

 
Medfield Energy Committee  
Lee Alinsky

2013

 
Fred Bunger

2013

 
Penni Conner

2013

 
Fred Davis

2013

 
Cynthia Greene

2013

 
Charles Kellner

2013

 
Marie Nolan

2013

 
Emre Schveighoffer

2013

 
David Temple

2013

 
Ryan McClaughlin

2013

 
Adam Graber

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan, Ex Officio

2013

 
Osler P. Peterson, Ex Officio

2013

 
     
Permanent Building Committee  
Timothy Bonfatti

2013

 
Thomas Erb

2013

 
Lou Fellini

2013

 
John Nunnari

2013

 
Michael Quinlan

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan, Ex Officio

2013

 
Kenneth P. Feeney, Ex Officio

2013

 
     
State Hospital Environmental Review Committee  
Deborah T. Bero

2013

 
William R. Domey

2013

 
Ralph Tella

2013

 
John Thompson

2013

 
Cole Worthy

2013

 
 

 
State Hospital Mediation Committee  
John Thompson

2013

 
Ann B. Thompson

2013

 
William Massaro

2013

 
 

 
Kingsbury Pond Committee  
Richard Judge

2013

 
Ann Krawec

2013

 
George Dealy

2013

 
Garrett Graham

2013

 
Andrew Spencer

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan, Ex Officio

2013

 
 

 
 

 
Safety Committee

 
Christian Donner

2013

 
Andrew Thompson

2013

 
Robert Meaney

2013

 
Kenneth Feeney

2013

 
Michael J. Sullivan

2013

 
 

 
Open Space and Recreation Committee  
Robert Aigler

2013

 
Thomas A. Caragliano

2013

 
David LaFreniere

2013

 
Michael Perloff

2013

 
Mel Seibolt

2013

 
     
Lyme Disease Study Committee  
Christine Kaldy 2013  
Carolyn Samson 2013  
Frank Perry 2013  
Erica Reilly 2013  
Nancy Schiemer 2013  
Lester Hartman, MD, ex officio 2013  
     
Town Bylaw Review Committee  
Elisa G. Franco 2013  
Cynthia Greene 2013  
Russell Hallisey 2013  
Scott McDermott 2013  
Stephen Nolan 2013  
Robert Sylvia 2013  
David Wang 2013  
     
Bay Colony Rail Trail Study Committee  
Albert Brenton 2013  
Christian Donner 2013  
Eric Holm 2013  
Susan Lynch 2013  
Graham Plonski 2013  
Robert Horgan 2013  
Jeremy Marsette 2013  
George Hinkley 2013  
     
State Hospital Redevelopment Committee  
Stephen Nolan 2013  
Kenneth Richard 2013  
James Rohnstock 2013  
John Harney 2013  
Roberta Lynch 2013  
Henry McCormack 2013  
Mark Verreault 2013  
Robert Ingram 2013  
Gus Murby 2013  
Steve Brown 2013  
Gil Rodgers 2013  
Ros Smythe 2013  
Alex Stevems 2013  
Scott Colwell 2013  
     
Medfield State Hospital Negotiating Committee  
Stephen Nolan 2013  
Kenneth Richard 2013  
John Harney 2013  
William Massaro 2013  
Osler Peterson 2013  
     
     
Director of Grave Markers for Veterans  
Frank Iafolla 2013  
     

Appointed by the Treasurer/Collector

 
Meline Karapetian

2013

 
Susan Cronin

2013

 
     
Appointed by the Town Clerk  
Dolores Connors, Assistant

2013

 
     

Appointed by the Chairman of the

Selectmen, Chairman of the School

Committee and the Town Moderator

 
 

 

Vocational School Committee

Representative

 
Karl D. Lord

June 30, 2013

 
     
Appointed by the Fire Chief  
Charles G. Seavey, Deputy Chief

2013

 
David C. O’Toole, Captain

2013

 
Jeffrey Bennotti, Lt

2013

 
Thomas M. LaPlante, Jr., Lt

2013

 
     
Appointed by the Board of Health  
Nancy Bennotti

2013

 
     
Appointed by the Moderator  

Deputy Moderator

 
Conrad J. Bletzer

2013

 

 

Warrant Committee

 
Martha Festa

2013

 
Gregory Sullivan

2013

 
Michael T. Marucci

2013

 
James O’Shaughnessy

2014

 
Maryalice Whalen

2014

 
Joanna Hilvert

2014

 
Gustave H. Murby

2015

 
Nikolaos Athanasiadis

2015

 
Thomas C. Marie

2015

 
 

 

Permanent School Building and

Planning Committee

 
David Binder

2013

 
C. Richard McCullough

2013

 
Keith Mozer

2013

 
Timothy J. Bonfatti

2013

 
Susan C. Cotter

2013

 
 

 
Appointed by the Town Moderator,

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and Chairman of the Warrant Committee

 
 

 

Personnel Board

 
Christine Connelly

2013

 
Debra Shuman

2014

 
Rachel Brown, Associate

2013

 
 

 
Appointed by the Planning Board  

 
Long Range Planning

Committee (3 yr)

 
Robert F. Tormey, Jr.

2013

 
Peter J. Fellman

2013

 
Margaret H. Gryska

2013

 
Keith R. Diggans

2013

 
 

 

Sign Advisory Board (3 yr)

   
John Messina

2013

 
Thomas D. Erb

2015

 
Matthew McCormick

2015

 
Jeffrey Hyman

2015

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 

BoS 8/20 minutes

Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2013
draft

PRESENT: Selectmen Fisher, Peterson, DeSorgher; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town
Administration Trierweiler; Administrative Assistant Clarke

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

ACTION
A letter was received from the Town of Walpole Selectmen regarding Department of Development Services’ RFP for construction of a group home in a Walpole neighborhood.  Walpole was not aware of the construction proposal prior to receiving a building permit application and inquired if we have had a similar situation. Mr. Sullivan mentioned that the Governor’s plan is to consolidate all housing authorities into six regional zones and the state has proposed 10,000 affordable homes to be built. We have to be careful they do not take over our own housing authority. The Selectmen agreed and advised Sullivan to respond to Walpole Selectmen’s letter.

Notice received from Metropolitan Area Planning Council regarding the annual Municipal elections. Ms. Trierweiler advised that Town Planner Sarah Raposa is a member of the Three Rivers Inter-local Council representing Medfield.

MINUTES
VOTED unanimously to approve the July 16 and August 6, 2013 meeting minutes with revisions

LICENSES & PERMITS
VOTE: Selectman Peterson made a motion, seconded by Selectman DeSorgher to grant permission for the Morse Drive neighborhood to hold a Block Party on Saturday September 28, 2-7PM; rain date September 29,2013. Vote was unanimous

PENDING ITEMS
Annual committee appointments. As Ms. Trierweiler just returned from vacation she requested the Selectmen table until their September 3rO meeting.

Mission Statement for the Economic Development Committee; hold for next meeting. Noted that the committee is planning to meet on Thursday September 12th

Selectmen’s goals; a few changes to be made. Table for next meeting
Good Neighbor Policy. Mr. DeSorgher feels that there should be good effort on the part of the Town to better inform the citizens about work to be done in their neighborhood. Mr. Sullivan remarked that there needs to be a reasonable timeframe and flexibility to any schedule of work.

MEDFIELD STATE HOSPITAL STATUS UPDATE
It was mentioned that DCAM has not yet come through with a price for the hospital site, however, Westborough was given a purchase price from the state of $2.2 million with 0% interest rate.  Ms. Trierweiler remarked that there will be a meeting on September 9th at 3:30PM with John O’Donnell regarding the settlement agreement. It was agreed that the Mediation Committee should continue to exist. She mentioned that the tentative date for Special Town Meeting is October th. Discussion ensued regarding Medfield’s by laws. The Selectmen feel that perhaps ” a sub-“committee sho”uld be established to research the bylaws pertaining to the hospital property as the bylaw review committee may need theirtime for the review of the town charter and bylaws which in itself is overwhelming.

SELECTMEN REPORT
Mr. Peterson attended the Town By law and Charter Review Committee meeting and commented they will next meet on August 2th. He mentioned that the Water and Sewer Board member Willis Peligian put together a very impressive tool when he created a budget planning and rate setting procedure. At the Energy Committee meeting they discussed Medfield becoming a Green Community, highlighting that the town has saved 28-29% since 2008 and also discussed a “solar farm” behind the Wheelock School.

Mr. DeSorgher feels that as we are behind in meeting with some committees, departments, we will need to reschedule those for the first Tuesday meeting in December. He reported that resident Michael Quinlan will host the first mini Town Hall meeting on September 26th for the Pondview Road neighborhood and asked Mrs. Clarke to assist him in sending out the invitations. DeSorgher appreciates the very quick action of our new Nstar Rep Jack Lopes addressing some of the issues the Town has with Nstar. Mr. Lopes is going to put together a time line for the removal of the double poles in Town focusing on the downtown area, Main Street and Route 27.
Selectman DeSorgher sent out birthday greetings to Barbara Leighton as she celebrates her 95th birthday today. He mentioned the overgrown bushes along Sidewalks, Ice House Road is one area, to which Sullivan said that he talked with Superintendent Feeney who will have his crew take care of the matter. There are a few street signs missing; Wight Street and Harding Street, country Lane at Wood End and South and Spring Street; also dead trees at 92 South Street and the one at 18 Spring Street not sure if it is public or private. Sullivan said Ed Hinkley will look at them. Mr. DeSorgher will meet with Jack Peterson at the cable station this Friday; he extended appreciation to Kyle Andrulonis and Kabir Thatte who did good things for the Town as summer interns. He thanked Treasurer Georgia Colivas for her time with him to learn town finances 101. DeSorgher attends the Tuesday morning meetings regarding the construction ofthe new garage and is happy to report that there is good initial progress being made.

Mr. Fisher said that the Thursday evening concerts at the Gazebo have ended for this summer and it was a great time enjoyed by many through the weeks. The Woodland Theatre Company will be performing Les Miserables October 4 to 6 at the high school and encourages everyone to attend as they are very, very good. A reminder that Medfield Day this year will be held on Saturday September 21st •

INFORMATIONAL
Mr. Sullivan met with Jean Mineo ofthe Cultural Council who reported that they have a few ideas under consideration; hoping to be able to get a few utility poles from Nstar that will be used to create a pergola next to Royal Pizza; plan to put up a chalkboard for people to give opinions as to their ideas for the pocket park (erect chalkboard on the site). Sullivan attended a meeting earlier today regarding actuarial study done on OPEB, unfunded liability. There will be an insurance advisory committee meeting on September 11th;  committee member Joanne Schmidt has left Medfield for a job in another town.

ADJOURNMENT
Motion made and seconded at 8:30 PM to adjourn the meeting. Vote was unanimous.

Texter can be liable for recipient’s accident

If the well documented dangers texting while driving does not scare you enough already, a N.J. court has now held that you may have to pay if the person you text has a car crash while reading and/or responding to  your text, if you have reason to know they are driving at the time.

I saw the figure recently that 21% of our motor vehicle accidents now involve cell phone use, so be assured that there will be plenty of cases we attorneys will bring that will stretch the liability boundaries with respect to anything involving the use of cell phones while driving – especially when we already know that the level of distraction that accompanies cell phone use while driving is similar to being legally drunk.    See End Distracted Driving