Office hours tomorrow 9-10 AM

Posted on January 6, 2022 | Comments Off on Office hours tomorrow 9-10 AM

Selectman Office Hours this Friday

I will hold my regular monthly office hours at The Center – the first Friday of the month – from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.

Masked residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters.

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Posted in Select Board matters

Cool survey shapes town’s environmental future

Posted on January 5, 2022 | Comments Off on Cool survey shapes town’s environmental future

Really interesting survey from the Medfield Energy Committee re the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan (TOMCAP).

Get the questionnaire at https://tinyurl.com/23tnp6vv  and answer questions that look like this

Medfield Plans to Decarbonize to Meet Our Net Zero by 2050 Goal The Medfield Energy Committee is asking all residents to complete a questionnaire so your thoughts, concerns and ideas can be included in the development of the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan TOMCAP. n After reading the fact sheet below you can access the questionnaire at https://tinyurl.com/23tnp6vv. n It will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. n If you want to participate in the development of the TOMCAP please email us at TOMCAP@Medfield.net Please pass this on to friends and neighbors! This event is not sponsoreed or endosed by the Medfield Public Schools. Medfield Emissions InventoryResidentialBuildings 39.1%PassengerVehicles 41.6%C&I Buildings and Manufacturing Industries 12.3% Municipal Buildings 3.0%Commercial Vehicles 1.6%Other 0.5%Wastewater Treatmentand Discharge1.2%Municipal Vehicles 0.5%Waste 0.2%(2017 Baseline)Town of MedfieldCLIMATE CLIMATE TOMCAP@medfield.net ACTIOACTIO N PLANN PLAN Medfield is Planning for Decarbonizing Medfield voted to support a Net Zero 2050 Goal and to develop a Climate Action Plan to reach that goal (Town Meeting, May 2021). This public outreach effort by the Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) aims to inform and engage residents in developing the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan (TOMCAP). What is Net Zero carbon emissions? The Medfield Net Zero 2050 goal is in line with Federal and Massachusetts goals and strategies. "Net Zero" means that we reduce most greenhouse gas emissions and offset the rest. Most reductions will be achieved through personal actions that are voluntary and make economic sense. What strategies are available to reduce our emissions significantly? Medfielders can remove the most carbon by driving an electric vehicle, installing a heat pump to heat and cool your home, reducing energy needs (insulation, high efficiency lighting and appliances) and supporting electricity made from renewable sources. When do I act? The best time to make low carbon choices is at natural transition points, such as when you need replace your car, upgrade your heating/cooling system, or renovate your home. Why “electrify everything”? Massachusetts has already moved away from coal-generated electricity. Our local grid is substantially less fossil-fuel intensive than previously and is mandated to continue to improve. The consensus path, at all levels, to continue to reduce carbon footprint is to “Electrify Everything”. Why buy an electric vehicle (EV)? In Medfield, the largest source of GHG gases is from our cars (42%). To significantly reduce our carbon footprint, most new cars will need to be electric. Starting in 2035, only EVs can be sold in Massachusetts. EVs are already quiet, clean, highly efficient, over all less expensive, require less maintenance, offer huge public health benefits and new options are becoming available. What about our homes? In Medfield, running our homes produces close to 40% of our carbon emissions. We can reduce our energy needs, use heat pumps for heating and cooling needs and shifting to renewables. 1. Get a free MassSave energy audit and use their incentives and rebates to insulate your home and get the highest efficient lighting and appliances. 2. Electrify your HVAC. Heat pumps are currently the most efficient technology for heating and cooling homes. MassSave offers substantial incentives for installing heat pumps. 3. Install solar panels directly or support solar installations through a community solar program. This can be profitable while supporting the transition to local renewable electricity. Want to get started? Find information & resources on the Action Portal at SustainableMedfield.org If you want to engage with the TOMCAP process, email us at TOMCAP@Medfield.net Where do Medfield’s carbon emissions come from? The MEC carried out a Greenhouse Gas Inventory of Medfield, pictured on the right. The vast majority of carbon emissions come from our cars and our homes (81%). Please take our informational questionnaire Use https://tinyurl.com/23tnp6vv to access the Questionnaire This fact sheet will be a handy companion to the questionnaire. Thank you! Medfield Emissions InventoryResidentialBuildings 39.1%PassengerVehicles 41.6%C&I Buildings and Manufacturing Industries 12.3% Municipal Buildings 3.0%Commercial Vehicles 1.6%Other 0.5%Wastewater Treatmentand Discharge1.2%Municipal Vehicles 0.5%Waste 0.2%(2017 Baseline)Town of MedfieldCLIMATE CLIMATE TOMCAP@medfield.net ACTIOACTIO N PLANN PLAN

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Posted in Energy Committee, TOMCAP

COVID response chart

Posted on January 4, 2022 | 3 comments

From today’s enewsletter from the Charles River Regional Chamber –

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS FLOWCHART • SYMPTOMS: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. • SYMPTOM TIMELINE: Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. • A CLOSE CONTACT: This is generally someone who has been near a person with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes when health and safety measures were not in place or were insufficient. • SYMPTOMS RESOLVING: No fever, no persistent runny nose, no persistent cough, no sore throat, no vomiting, no diarrhea. I was in contact with a person that was in contact with a COVID+ individual I have symptoms I was in close contact with a COVID+ individual I was in contact with a COVID+ individual Test Negative Positive Vaxed more than 6 months ago, J & J - more than 2 months ago Vaxed within last 6 months, J & J - 2 months or boostered Isolate for 5 days with resolving/ending symptoms. Day 0 is whichever day is first onset of symptoms or the positive result. Day 1 isolation begins the day after day 0. With continuing symptoms after day 5, remain isolated until 24 hours after symptoms resolve (see above) Isolate for 5 days 5 days of mask wearing when around others 10 days of mask wearing when around others Monitor for symptoms *This chart is intended as a guide and does not substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals

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Posted in COVID-19

Where in Medfield?

Posted on January 1, 2022 | Comments Off on Where in Medfield?
Railroad switch as mailbox holder.

Submit your own photo suggestions to run in “Where in Medfield?” by emailing them to me at Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com

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Posted in Uncategorized

Wastewater indicates COVID really spiking

Posted on December 31, 2021 | 2 comments

Email this afternoon from the METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL (MAPC) – the graph should be all the warning we need – be careful – COVID must be everywhere – “Yesterday’s wastewater analysis from the MWRA indicates a level of infection unseen during the pandemic.”

COVID-19 Update   Amid new wastewater data, MAPC will share resources and expert information to assist municipal officials in pandemic response
Good afternoon Mayors, Managers, and local officials.  

Let me start by wishing you, your families, and staff a happy and healthy New Year. For many of us, 2021 has proven to be a very challenging year, but as we look ahead to 2022, we are in a much stronger position to address COVID-19 than we were a year ago:  

We have vaccines, and high vaccination rates compared to the rest of the country. Vaccines and boosters are tamping down serious illness and death. 

We have committed and science-driven federal partners, who have appropriated vast resources through CARES and ARPA. Just one month ago, the Legislature responded to calls from the Governor and all of you to pass legislation appropriating over $6 billion in ARPA funds for a wide range of critical purposes, from housing to small business support to expanded public health.

We have an ongoing and productive dialogue with our state leaders. Many of our counterparts in other parts of the country can only wish for such a level of collaboration.  

Most importantly, you have each other. In a career that now spans 40 years, I have never seen such an impactful level of collaboration among municipal leaders. That has helped to get us through 2021, and that regional approach will help to get us to a stronger 2022.  

I want to take this opportunity to update you on our current COVID status and offer ways that MAPC can help.  

Yesterday’s wastewater analysis from the MWRA indicates a level of infection unseen during the pandemic. Wastewater data has been a consistent indicator of the volume of COVID-19 cases who are actively shedding virus, whether they are symptomatic or not. The chart below indicates the results of wastewater testing in the northern half of the MWRA district (green) and the southern half (orange), but the results are similar across the district.
Of course, we are worried this data predicts a likely surge in illness and hospitalizations over the next few weeks, even if Omicron illness is less severe than Delta.  

As you know, hospitals are already full, elective procedures are postponed, health care staff are stretched and tired, and many are out with COVID themselves. The number of deaths in the Commonwealth has also been creeping up for weeks. Yesterday, the 7-day average published by DPH stood at 26.5, or 795 people per month. We mourn these losses deeply, and must take steps to reduce further devastation in our communities.   We are already in touch with the Baker Administration to discuss additional steps they can take on a statewide basis to address the current surge. If we have any news of additional actions from the Commonwealth, we will share that information with you immediately.    At the same time, city and town leaders remain our frontline defense. Many of you are already taking critical steps to safeguard your residents and have implemented policies related to masking, testing, vaccines, boosters, and more. These critical steps can actively reduce the number of individuals who become infected, which in turn reduces serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Cities and towns can do this on their own, or – better still – they can collaborate with their neighbors.  

Beginning next Monday, January 3, MAPC will being distributing recommendations and sample documents to help you over the next month. 

We will also be organizing additional calls among mayors and managers, both to share best practices and to learn from experts who can provide you with the latest information science can provide.   Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions and concerns. We are here to help. Despite all of these challenges, please remain hopeful! Again, from all of us at MAPC to all of you, may 2022 be a blessed, happy, and healthy year.   With warm regards,   Marc Draisen Executive Director Metropolitan Area Planning Council

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Posted in COVID-19

Select Board 1/4/2021

Posted on December 31, 2021 | Comments Off on Select Board 1/4/2021

This meeting will be held remotely on Zoom. Members of the public who wish to participate via
Zoom may do so by joining by one of the following options:

  1. To join online, use this link:
    a. https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/81577342022?pwd=ZTV3VU1EMnRBOHJINGh6
    SS9wV3dvdz09
    b. Enter Password: 060672
  2. To join through a conference call, dial 929-436-2866 or 312-626-6799 or 253-215-8782
    or 301-715-8592 or 346-248-7799 or 669-900-6833
    a. Enter the Webinar ID: 815 7734 2022
    b. Enter the password: 060672
    The packet with meeting materials for this meeting will be uploaded at this link:
    https://www.town.medfield.net/DocumentCenter/View/5624/BOS-Meeting-Packet-January-4-20
    22
TOWN OF MEDFIELD MEETING NOTICE Posted in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A, §§18-25 This meeting will be held remotely on Zoom. Members of the public who wish to participate via Zoom may do so by joining by one of the following options: 1. To join online, use this link: a. https://medfield-net.zoom.us/j/81577342022?pwd=ZTV3VU1EMnRBOHJINGh6 SS9wV3dvdz09 b. Enter Password: 060672 2. To join through a conference call, dial 929-436-2866 or 312-626-6799 or 253-215-8782 or 301-715-8592 or 346-248-7799 or 669-900-6833 a. Enter the Webinar ID: 815 7734 2022 b. Enter the password: 060672 The packet with meeting materials for this meeting will be uploaded at this link: https://www.town.medfield.net/DocumentCenter/View/5624/BOS-Meeting-Packet-January-4-20 22 Board of Selectmen Board or Committee PLACE OF MEETING DAY, DATE, AND TIME Remote meeting held on Zoom Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 7:00 pm Agenda (Subject to Change) Call to Order Disclosure of video recording We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving around the globe in defense of our country Executive Session at the conclusion of the regular meeting: ● Vote to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property Appointments 1. Amy Colleran, Facilities Director, to request Board of Selectmen approve the use of $65,000 from the Emergency Repair fund for the Dale Street School roof project 2. Members of the Medfield Energy Committee to discuss the Town Garage solar project a. Potential vote to approve a contract with Solar Design Associates for engineering services for the Town Garage solar installation Discussion Items Action Items 3. Jean Mineo, Cultural Alliance of Medfield, to request the Chair to sign a Letter of Support for a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for marketing support 4. Vote to adopt Board of Selectmen Vendor Warrant Policy 5. Vote to authorize the Chair to sign the Tree City Application Citizen Comment Consent Agenda Meeting Minutes March 23, 2021 October 19, 2021 Town Administrator Updates Next Meeting Dates January 18, 2022 January 25, 2022 Selectmen Reports Informational Town of Medfield Municipal Aggregation Plan public comment period open through January 18, 2022

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Posted in Select Board matters

Still time to benefit Medfield

Posted on December 31, 2021 | Comments Off on Still time to benefit Medfield

Still time to benefit Medfield

Looking to make a high-impact donation that will truly support Medfield over the long run? Become a Founding Member today!

Give at https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/legacy-fund

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Posted in Charity, Medfield Foundation

Image

Where in Medfield?

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Posted on December 30, 2021 in Uncategorized

State helps town order tests

Posted on December 29, 2021 | Comments Off on State helps town order tests

From the Division of Local Services (DLS) at DOR this afternoon –

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Available to Municipalities, Other Entities Direct from Manufacturers

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced contracts with COVID-19 at-home test manufacturers that will allow municipalities and eligible entities to begin the process of placing orders for rapid test kits for their constituents that utilize the state-negotiated prices on these contracts. These contracts build on an announcement earlier this month that the Administration secured 2.1 million iHealth Labs over-the-counter at-home rapid antigen tests that were delivered to 102 cities and towns in Massachusetts with the highest percentage of families below the poverty level, according to US Census data. Municipalities are eligible to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase test kits.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts continues to take steps to ensure access to COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test kits, which are a critical tool to mitigate transmission of COVID-19. As demand for these test kits remains high across the country, the Operational Services Division (OSD) is sharing this update to ensure that buyers such as municipalities, educational institutions, and other entities understand all options available to them.

Guidance is available for entities looking to purchase rapid test kits for distribution to their constituents, not individuals looking to purchase test kits. Information is also available related to the following: COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Available Direct from Manufacturers COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Available from Distributors Ancillary Goods Available for Purchase or Rent OSD Recommendations for Ordering Local officials with questions are encouraged to contact the OSD Help Desk at osdhelpdesk@mass.gov or at 1-888-627-8283. For detailed information on testing, visit mass.gov/gettested.
 

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Posted in COVID-19

MFi Legacy Fund’s matching $100,000 challenge ends at year end

Posted on December 28, 2021 | Comments Off on MFi Legacy Fund’s matching $100,000 challenge ends at year end
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mfi-legacy-fund.jpg

Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund received a $100,000 matching gift challenge

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund has received a $100,000 challenge gift from an anonymous donor, that matches gifts made to the Legacy Fund before the end of the year up to $100,000. Your gift will not only be doubled, but can be put to work in your community through the grant making in 2022.

The 2021 Legacy Fund round of grants were just recently announced. The Legacy Fund received ten proposals requesting a total of $62,000 in grant money, and after careful consideration, the MFi Legacy Fund awarded $28,200 in grants to 4 groups:



Medfield Outreach

Peak House Heritage Center

Sustainable Medfield

Friends of the MHS Theatre Society



The MFi Legacy Fund looks forward to seeing the results of the great work these groups will do for our community. The MFi also looks forward to building a larger endowment to allow its grants program to fulfil more of the needs presented to the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund.

Donate by year end to have your donation doubled, either on-line at www.MedfieldFoundation.org/legacy-fund or send a check to the Medfield Foundation, 459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052.

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Posted in Charity, Medfield Foundation