Selectmen’s Meeting Notes, August 21: Including Downtown Improvements and Senior Center Success

The Board of Selectmen met last week and discussed the following items: 

The selectmen met with Brandi Morris of the Downtown Study Committee and discussed:

• The possibility of creating a downtown walking tour with QR codes and signage; it was suggested the selectmen talk to the Cultural Council.
• The possibility of acquiring more street trees.
• Looking at the zoning as it applies to Medfield’s downtown and making sure that uses are appropriate
• The possibility of adding a street light at North and Dale Streets, near the Pfaff Center.  Selectman Peterson said the area is dark.  If another light cannot be added, Peterson suggested moving one of the current lights closer to the intersection.
• The possibility of adding a directory or kiosk at the end of Park Street outlining what businesses are on that street.
• Suggested the “Welcome to Medfield” signs could use some landscaping to make them more attractive.

Selectmen also met with Council on Aging Director Roberta Lynch who asked for (and was granted) a one-day liquor license for an upcoming singles night at The Center, and who also gave the selectmen an update on The Center’s activities.

Lynch reported that attendance was up at The Center’s summer barbeques from 600 last year to 800 this year. 

After the meeting, Peterson told Medfield Patch that towns should invest more in programs for seniors to keep them invested in their communities so they do not move out of town.

“The more older people we can keep in town by getting them engaged in programs like those at The Center, the fewer of them will move away…because every time an older person moves away, typically a family with school children moves in,” said Peterson, adding it makes good financial sense when comparing the cost of services for a younger family versus the cost for an older resident.

Action

Authorized Chairwoman Ann Thompson to execute Letter of Engagement with auditors Malloy, Lynch, Bienvenue, LLP.

• Designated the cul-de-sac on Ice House Road as a MedFlight landing pad
• Updated Zullo Gallery wine and malt beverage license for Thursdays through September
• Granted a sign permit for the Medfield PanMass Kids Ride
• Approved a block party for Ledgetree Road

Other Items

• Heard an update on the beaver dam situation which appears to be under control at the moment
• Learned there are 534 grave sites available at Vine Lake Cemetery
• Learned the next mediation for the former Medfield State Hospital site is Sept. 7
• Discussed setting budgeting and management goals for town departments to add to the selectmen’s budget calendar.