[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The town of Medfield is never a dull place, and no one knows that better than Mike Sullivan, the Town Administrator. Recently, Sullivan was the guest on Medfield TV’s “Happenings in Medfield with Ann Thompson.” There were several areas of interest that Thompson discussed with Sullivan, but the main two were the town meeting and how the new selectmen have been transitioning into their roles. As there were 50 articles at the town meeting, there was quite a lot going on. The town had prepared for the meeting to go on a second, and even third night. However, they were able to get through everything they needed to, due in large part to the moderators, according to Sullivan.
At the town meeting, there were a number of override questions. One in particular was approved for $1 million to fund the Affordable Housing Trust. Another important topic was in regards to Advanced Life Support, or ALS. The town’s services are no longer running, and so there has been a question of what to do to replace these services. There aren’t enough calls to warrant a private company doing it, since they wouldn’t make enough money. Chief Kingsbury of the Fire Department suggested that perhaps this role be taken over by firefighters already trained as EMTs, though it can be difficult for them to reach the number of hours required to maintain ALS status. There are only 130 to 140 calls a year, which may not be enough to keep up certification. The selectmen have decided to conduct a study to see what exactly the best solution is, and that study should be completed soon.
The issue of marijuana has been on many people’s minds since its legalization in November. The town voted on a ballot question to prohibit the sale of marijuana as well as facilities being located within Medfield. Recently the Attorney General of Massachusetts approved a similar request in North Reading, so there is the possibility going forward that these kind of provisions will be allowed. The situation is similar to that of alcohol licenses, and so there is a Joint Committee which has been put together to address the issue of recreational pot. These rules would not impede upon the state laws, they would simply set up regulations for how marijuana is sold or distributed in Medfield.
The Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee has been cranking things up, but in the meantime there will be a movie filmed there, which will generate a little income as well as allow the property to be in use. Zoning laws are changing all over Medfield, especially in this time of tear-downs, and so questions of what will be put into these new places are very hot. The committee will be hosting another session to present two options for the space, pared down from the four presented a few months ago. Nearly 500 people responded to the questionnaire, offering their feedback to the town.
Lastly, Sullivan said that the new selectmen have been getting along quite well.
“Happenings in Medfield with Ann Thompson,” featuring Mike Sullivan, can be seen on Medfield TV Channel 22/45 (GOV) throughout the next week:
5/7 - 12:00 p.m.
5/7 - 6:00 a.m.
5/6 - 2:00 p.m.
5/6 - 8:15 a.m.
5/5 - 4:00 p.m.
5/5 - 10:15 a.m.
5/4 - 6:00 p.m.
5/4 - 12:15 p.m.
