Notes From the Selectmen's Meeting, July 15

Richard DeSorgher was asked to share notes from the selectmen's meeting with the public. He therefore shared the following summary from the July 15 meeting via his website on Thursday:

Selectmen heard from eight committees that have a vested interest in working towards improving our Downtown; Downtown Study Committee, Cultural Alliance of Medfield, Cultural Council, Historic Commission, Dwight-Derby Committee, Straw Hat Park Committee, Sidewalk and Aesthetics Committee and the Sign Advisory Board. Selectmen DeSorgher and Peterson, felt that we need to bring all these committees, plus the Planning Board, Historic District Commission, Zullo Gallery, Park and Recreation Commission, MEMO, Downtown businesses not in MEMO and the Garden Club together in a “summit” or “charrette” vision session to develop a master plan for the Downtown. It was suggested to use the 2006 Medfield Downtown Vision and Action Plan as a guide to look at as to where we are and we our Downtown needs to go.

 The 2006 report deals with the future of Downtown Medfield. It explains a vision plan and action strategy for the Downtown area. Currently there are several boards and commissions working on visions and plans for the Downtown. Some of these boards/commissions are active; others have not met in a while. Many are not in communication with each other. Selectmen felt that the boards/commissions need to get together, work on a master plan strategy and hear from each other their visions and action plans. Selectmen voted to ask Town Planner Sarah Reposa to call such a summit with all involved parties in the early fall.

 The Cultural Alliance of Medfield talked about coming up with what sets Medfield apart from other communities and capitalize on that; making Medfield a destination location. They want the question ask “Why are we doing what we are doing?”

 The Historical Commission discussed their concerns on the historic c. 1775 Ord House on 70 North Street, that developer Bob Borelli proposes to demolish and replace with a retail/apartment building. The Commission voiced a strong concern that one of the unique aspects about Medfield is its history and we are losing it with the demolition of each historic house. The commission placed an 18-month demolition delay on the property that sits on the northern gateway into our Downtown, but, if no agreement can be reached to save the house in that time period, Mr. Borelli can go ahead and demolish the historic house.

 Much discussion also took place with the Sign Advisory Board on the proposal to add a sign on Main and Park Street, listing the types of businesses on Park Street. Concern had been expressed about businesses failing in that area because people going by Route 109 do not know they are there. Discussion took place on the importance of keeping our business community strong to help with the town’s tax rate. Other discussion focused on whether it was fair to advertise for businesses on one street and not on ones on other streets.

 Selectmen voted to permit MEMO to use the town seal on the staff’s  t-shirts to be worn during this fall’s Medfield Day.

Selectmen appointed Gabriele Harrison to the Board of Health.

 Selectmen voted to authorize Police Chief Meaney to act as the town’s Human Resources Liaison and voted to request the Police Department’s participation in the Fall 2014 Sergeant’s Promotional Examination. Selectmen so voted after being informed by Chief Meaney that long-time police sergeant John Mayer is going to retire.

 Selectmen authorized Town Administrator Mike Sullivan to execute Grant Allocation on behalf of the Council of Aging. This will permit the volunteer coordinator to be able to continue working 16 ½ hours a week on behalf of the Council of Aging and Medfield’s seniors.

Selectmen signed an agreement permitting the water main going from the new water tower on the former hospital site to Well #6 by the Charles River to cross under the CSX railroad crossing on Hospital Road.

 Selectmen were given an up-date on the legislation turning over the land for the new hospital water tower and on the agreement to transfer the 139 acres of land from the Commonwealth to the town, which is now in the state senate. Bill Massaro reported that Senator Timilty feels all is going well in the senate with the legislation transferring the 139 acres of land and he expects senate approval any day now. The legislation has already passed the House.

The town was notified that the Thunder Hill 4H Club, located for many years off Plain Street, and holding many sheep and llamas, has been dissolved.

Selectmen were notified that the construction of the water main along Hospital Road has been delayed due to unexpected ledge in the area of Clayton Road.

Selectmen were notified that the design for the new water tower has been completed.

 Selectmen DeSorgher has met with Verizon officials after receiving several complaints from Verizon users that the commercials were coming on much louder than the TV program, which is against Federal law. Verizon officials are now in contact with those customers and have promised a full investigation.

 Town Administrator Mike Sullivan reported that the new Brothers Marketplace on the corner of Main and South Streets is expected to officially open on July 31.