Vote Yes to replace the Public Works Facility

The time has come for Medfield to replace its Public Works Facility.  The Department of Public Works provides services that benefit every Medfield resident, from maintaining our roads and preserving the quality of our drinking water, to managing solid waste and recycling, cleaning up after storms, and even maintaining our town cemetery.  However, the DPW building has deteriorated to the point where it is quite literally falling apart.  The facility is out of compliance with environmental regulations and current building safety codes, exposing the town to monetary penalties and potentially even forced closure.  At this point, it is more economical to replace the 1973 building than to try to implement improvements. 

Medfield's Permanent Building Committee, working with a team of architects and construction professionals, has developed an intelligent proposal to provide storage and repair facilities needed for DPW equipment. The building will extend the useful life of our equipment while saving fuel, time and energy costs.  It will
also function as Medfield's emergency planning headquarters.  In addition, the structure will provide the only space available to store the Fire Department's trucks indoors during future renovation of our Public Safety Building. 

The proposal to replace the Public Works Facility has been developed with a sharp eye on utility and economy.  Planning began in 2006.  In typically frugal Medfield style, the Permanent Building Committee has worked down the cost-per-square-foot to a fraction of what similar projects have cost in neighboring towns.  At several public meetings, well-attended by responsible citizens, questions and concerns have been recognized and answered.  Every detail of the facility has been scrutinized and revised to provide only what is absolutely necessary to meet the town's needs. 

Conditions are favorable for the town to secure financing and lock in a fixed price contract.  Today's interest rates are at historic lows.  Construction costs are down, but rising.  Medfield's municipal debt has been paid down
to under 40% of its level in 2003, when we funded renovations to our high
school and middle school.  In sum, the Public Works Facility is a prudent investment that will never be more affordable than it is now. 

Next week, residents must do two things to move this project forward.  First , voice your support at Town Meeting at the high school gym next Monday April 29th.  Second,  cast a Yes ballot next Tuesday April 30th when you vote in the Senatorial primary race at the Medfield Senior Center on Ice House Road.  The Medfield Warrant Committee has unanimously voted to recommend that the Town approve this measure.  I encourage you to join your fellow citizens next Monday and Tuesday to vote your support of this important project. 

Respectfully,

Jim O'Shaughnessy

Warrant Committee Member, 5 years

Medfield Coalition for Public Education, 6 years

Medfield Resident, 22 years