Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text

MasterPlan-20241015T181047

Master Plan Implementation Committee · Source year folder: 2023 · Record 81174

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Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting Minutes 
April 20, 2023, 7:00-8:30 p.m. 
Via Zoom 
Master Plan Implementation Committee Members present: Joseph Amrhein (Planning Board), Emilio 
Mauro (Finance Committee), and Alan Rapoport (Economic Development Committee) 
Master Plan Implementation Committee Members not present: Bob MacDonald (Conservation 
Commission), Kristian Merenda (School Committee), Mike Nourse (Historical Commission), Citizen at 
Large — vacant Community Preservation Committee or Playground and Recreation Committee 
representative — vacant, Select Board representative —vacant 
School Committee Non -Voting Alternate: Maureen Moran — not present 
Staff: Interim Town Planner Gene Manning — present 
Guests: Andrea Capone, Director of the Canton Public Library, and Margaret Mead, Chair of the Board of 
Library Trustees. 
INTRODUCTIONS 
Chair Emilio Mauro called the Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) meeting to order at 7:05 
p.m. and he welcomed and introduced all those present. 
DISCUSSION OF MASTER PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS 
E. Mauro explained the mission of the Master Plan Implementation Committee and the background of 
how the current Town Master Plan was developed and what is included within the Master Plan. He 
displayed a Frequently Asked Questions page that is included within the Meeting Documents section of 
these minutes. 
E. Mauro then presented the Canton Master Plan Strategic Framework 2020-2025 (included in Meeting 
Documents) and walked the participants through an overview of the strategic focus areas, action items, 
responsible parties, and time frames included in that aforementioned document. 
DISCUSSION OF SHARED PRIORITIES WITH THE CANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 
E. Mauro reviewed the identified shared priorities between the Master Plan and the Canton Public 
Library that were included in the displayed document entitled "Canton Master Plan Action Items & 
Canton Public Library Shared Priorities 2020-2025", which is included in the Meeting Documents section 
of these minutes. He also explained the methodology behind these items being included, provided 
suggestions, and, in some cases, he noted the current status of implementation or other background 
information. Concepts highlighted in the presentation included how the library helps mitigate the cost of 
Information for members of the public; how the library's programs, resources, and services can help 
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provide access and equity to meet a variety of public needs; and how the library can identify gaps in the 
community and help resolve them. 
Library Director A. Capone thanked the MPIC and noted the importance of the Master Plan process. She 
then explained the roles of the Library Director (day to day operations of the facility, staff, programs, 
and services) and the Board of Library Trustees (develop the policies that guide the direction of the 
library). There was then some discussion of the Library's Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 (see Meeting 
Documents), this included the mission statement of the library, a historical timeline, the commitment to 
serving community needs, and other policies and goals for the upcoming years through FY 2028. 
M. Mead, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees (BOLT), agreed with A. Capone and observed the strong 
alignment between the mission goals of the Library and the MPIC and offered the possibility of having a 
representative from the Library Board of Trustees sit on the MPIC. E. Mauro welcomed this offer as chair 
noting that the Select Board determines seat assignment on MPIC but that he could advance that 
suggestion to them. There was also some discussion of a potential non -voting liaison representing the 
library. 
There were also brief discussions between the representatives of the library and MPIC members about: 
• The availability of the library as a public meeting venue for public and private groups. A. 
Rapoport also praised the strong collaboration between the Library and the Diversity, Equity, 
and Inclusion Committee, of which he is a member, he explained that many important events 
promoted by that committee were held at the library and are well attended, these events 
included the raising of the LGBTfIag at the library both in June of 2022 and again this upcoming 
June. 
• The proposed reading garden at the library as a downtown enhancement. The reading garden 
would also be partially funded through a CPA grant application. 
• How the Library has been engaging the business community, including the Canton Association of 
Business and Industry. 
• Making sure that the 716 MBTA bus (Mattapan Station - Cobb Corner) stops at the library to 
ensure access for those who have mobility issues, which had been suggested by E. Mauro during 
the shared priorities presentation. 
• Increasing the role of the Canton Public Library in encouraging civic participation, both as a 
venue and use of the electronic message board in front of the Library. J. Amrhein noted how 
well the library has hosted events for a diverse range of organizations. 
• There was also some discussion about Canton Public Library as a venue for candidates' night 
during future elections being sponsored by a neutral third party that would not have a conflict 
of interest. J. Amrhein suggested a group like the League of Women Voters or a Canton High 
School club, as examples. 
• The need to renovate the library within its current footprint to allow better space utilization and 
the restrictions of the Library's weekend hours. E. Mauro noted some recently requested capital 
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projects, such as the Library roof and HVAC repairs and future replacement of carpets and he 
asked for more details on the scope of the renovations mentioned. A. Capone explained that 
additional needs of a renovation would include optimizing the existing footprint for better space 
use and to separate spaces for different conflicting uses (example: noisy teen activities versus 
quiet study areas) and to create more meeting spaces both large and small. There has already 
been some feasibility studying of how the existing space could be rearranged. In addition, small 
study spaces that are both quiet and are cyber capable for modern use would be necessary, as 
technology and patron use has changed considerably since the last major renovation/expansion 
in 2002 and usage of the library is increasing. M. Mead noted the commitment of the BOLT to 
this process and the fundraising efforts and eventual cost of this upcoming renovation project. 
• G. Manning also noted that, as the chair of the Economic Development Committee, he has been 
in discussion with A. Capone to increase collaboration between the Library and the business 
community. 
• Ensuring access to the library for vulnerable groups, including elders. J. Amrhein was concerned 
about whether proposed zoning in the downtown would be aligned with equal access to 
downtown resources, such as the library. G. Manning said he was aware of the concerns about 
equity and access to downtown resources and housing as part of the current rezoning process 
and that developing greater walkability for the downtown area is also a focus being considered. 
• A. Rapoport requested a historical timeline of the library since the current site was acquired, 
which was then provided by A. Capone. The library was founded in 1874. Frank Webster and the 
Grand Army of the Republic obtained Town funds for the first reading room located in their hall 
on the corner of Washington Street and Church Street that was renamed the Canton Public 
Library later that year, the library then moved to Memorial Hall in 1877, the land for the current 
library was bequeathed by Mrs. Augustus Hemenway in 1901 with the current library opening 
the following year being donated from the Hemenway family, an addition to the library was built 
in 1962, and there was a second large renovation/expansion of the building from 2000-2003. 
• Potential future stipends for BOLT members was raised by J. Amrhein and he asked E. Mauro to 
update the MPIC and library representatives present on the ongoing Finance Committee efforts 
to review stipends and benefits for elected officials. E. Mauro, who is the vice chair of the 
Finance Committee and served on the Finance Committee subcommittee that reviewed this 
matter, explained that the subcommittee had recommended an equitable tier system that 
would allow stipends for all elected boards and committees based on a to -be -determined 
committee tier system. To promote fiscal prudence the subcommittee also recommended that 
future offering of insurance options for elected boards and committees be eliminated through a 
change in Select Board policy. The Finance Committee has not voted to support a specific plan 
yet but does support this process of review and has heard the subcommittee's findings and 
recommendations. The Finance Committee Chair, Cindy Thomas, and the Select Board / Town 
Administrator are working together on developing a plan for reforms to compensation for 
elected officials (it should be noted that the Town Clerk is a separate category of elected official 
that is not part of the review), which will not be completed in time for this year's Annual Town 
Meeting but is targeted for the 2024 Annual Town Meeting. 
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• E. Mauro asked if there was sufficient collaboration between schools and the library and A. 
Capone said that there was significant collaboration. Summer reading programs are one 
example of this. 
• E. Mauro also asked how the COVID-19 pandemic changed library services or patron patterns in 
the longer term. A. Capone noted that there has been an elimination of fines that started due 
to the pandemic with no negative trend in returns of materials. There have also been more 
flexible and adaptable programs, including printing services. Additionally, while curbside pickup 
services were discontinued after the pandemic, there are some pickup or delivery services for 
elders and others with limited mobility. M. Mead added that there has been an increase In 
electronic devices like Google Chromebooks, which can be loaned out since the pandemic. 
• There was also a brief discussion regarding volunteering at the library and the process for those 
interested in volunteering to take advantage of these opportunities. 
• J. Amrhein asked about instructional offerings and classes regarding computers or other services 
through the library, which were then briefly discussed. The library has many educational 
opportunities for residents. 
• A. Rapoport asked about the source of library funding. A. Capone and M. Mead noted that 
funding forthe library is a combination of Town funds, fees for printing or lost materials, 
donations, passport services, and state aid and grants. 
• E. Mauro asked how the emergence of digital materials and streaming services has changed how 
the library builds its collections and determines acquisitions. A. Capone noted that the demand 
for a -books already existed before the pandemic but greatly increased during it, due to the 
demand for access to books from home during the lockdown. However, the library does 
prioritize physical copies of materials over digital versions. There are also some cost barriers 
that make digital acquisitions more difficult than physical copies due to higher cost and stricter 
check out rules. There is current legislation aimed at helping libraries obtain fairer pricing for 
digital content. She also provided information regarding acquisitions, items available, and check 
outs. 
• Library cards are free and most library services are free. The library also has a Friends of the 
Canton Public Library with different levels of membership for those who want to support the 
library and get some additional perks. 
On behalf of the MPIC, E. Mauro thanked the Library Director and the BOLT for all they do to provide 
great library services to the town. 
MBTA COMMUNITIES LAW 
G. Manning reported that the working group focused on continuing to advance the Town's MBTA 
Communities Law are meeting with the selected consulting firm of Horsley Witten, who also served as 
the consulting firm that developed the Town Master Plan. Progress is being made and they are getting 
closer to identifying the precise area that will be recommended for the multi -family zoning district 
around an META Commuter Rail station. The state approved the Town's preliminary plan in March. The 
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Town now has to submit its final plan by January 2024 and the proposed zoning articles would be voted 
on at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is looking into legal and 
policy consequences for MBTA communities that do not comply. 
SAINT GERARD'S REUSE COMMITTEE (SGRC) UPDATE 
G. Manning, who is the vice chair of the SGRC, reported on the activities of the committee, which 
included an update on the contents of the committee's webpage, the surveys that the committee has 
been conducting, meetings with key stakeholders, and public forums and other public outreach. They 
are compiling the gathered data and they will be presenting the SGRC's recommendations to the Select 
Board in July. 
G. Manning also reported that there was a decision by the Select Board to temporarily locate the Canton 
Food Pantry in the lower level of the church building and modifications are now being made to that 
section of the building to accommodate that use, which will be likely ready sometime this summer. 
E. Mauro asked about transportation to the site regarding whether the MBTA 716 bus could stop there 
to supplement the Council on Aging buses or vans and other transportation options. G. Manning 
reported that he was in contact with the town's MBTA representative and the Council on Aging to 
coordinate transportation options. 
GRANTS for BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE 
G. Manning reported that there were grants received for new bike racks at the commuter rail stations 
and on Washington Street in the downtown at locations from Sherman Street to Church Street. In 
addition, a $50,000 grant was received for new bike racks at the five public school buildings in 2024. 
These grants comply with efforts to promote bike use, alternate modes of transportation, complete 
streets, and safe routes to school. Bike racks at MBTA stations have different standards than those at 
schools do, so there will be different kinds of bike racks in different locations. There was a brief 
discussion about bike racks at other locations. 
There are also efforts to expand electric changing stations at the MBTA Commuter Rail stations through 
grants. 
PONKAPOAG POND IMPROVEMENTS 
G. Manning requested to update the MPIC on proposed improvements to the Ponkapoag Pond area that 
is off of Randolph Street and controlled by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and 
Recreation (DCR). He provided site maps (see the Meeting Documents section). This open space and 
recreation project will involve several organizations and state and local government entities. DCR is 
planning a $20 million Improvement project to improve trail access, signage, expand parking, new 
restrooms, a picnic area, and other amenities. Canton, in a joint proposal with Randolph officials, has 
requested the construction of sidewalks for Randolph Street to Route 138 through state funding to 
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access the trail but also to serve pedestrians in the area. Time is of the essence, because the state DCR 
project is nearing the funding stage. It is uncertain if the sidewalk plan can be included in the DCR 
project but the Town of Canton is trying to get it included. There is also a simultaneous effort to obtain a 
Safe Routes to School grant due to the presence of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School and the 
Massasoit Community College. 
E. Mauro noted that both aspects of the project would be great for both the recreational and 
transportation concerns. 
CANTON HERITAGE FESTIVAL— MAY 20, 2023 
The Canton Heritage Festival is on May 20, 2023 at the Paul Revere Heritage Site. E. Mauro confirmed 
MPIC participation and a table at the event with Allison Neff, who is helping organize the festival on 
behalf of the Revere and Son Heritage Trust. There was then a discussion of possible presentation 
documents or handouts that could be present at the MPIC table for participants. E. Mauro will be at the 
festival for the duration of the event and asked if any members might want to be a second volunteer. 
ACCEPTANCE of MARCH 16, 2023, MPIC MEETING MINUTES 
The acceptance of the March 16, 2023, MPIC meeting minutes was deferred to the next meeting. 
UPCOMING MEETINGS and FUTURE GUESTS 
The MPIC will have its next meeting on May 18, 2023, and the committee decided to schedule its 
following meeting for June 15, 2023. Both meetings will be at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. 
ADJOURNMENT 
A motion to adjourn was made by A. Rapoport and seconded by J. Amrhein. It was approved by the 
consensus of 3-0-0. 
ROLL CALL: 
Amrhein Y Mauro Y Rapoport 
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 
Respectfully Submitted, 
Emilio E. Mauro, Jr. 
Chair 
Master Plan Implementation Committee 
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MEETING DOCUMENTS 
Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting 
April 20, 2023, 7:00-8:45 p.m. 
Zoom Meeting 
Zoom link: https:Hus02web.zoom.us/j/89836040188 
Meeting ID: 898 3604 0188 
Phone:1-309-205-3325, 89836040188# US 
• Master Plan implementation Committee Members: Joseph Amrhein (Planning Board), Bob MacDonald 
(Conservation Commission), Emilio Mauro (Finance Committee), Kristian Merenda (School Committee), Mike 
Nourse (Historical Commission), Alan Rapoport (Economic Development Committee), Citizen -at -Large - vacant 
Community Preservation Committee/Playground and Recreation Commission representative —vacant, and 
Select Board - vacant 
• School Committee Non -Voting Alternate: Maureen Moran 
• Staff., Gene Manning, Interim Town Planner 
• Guests: Andrea Capone, Director of the Canton Public Library; and Margaret Mead, Chair of the Board of Library 
Trustees 
AGENDA 
Item 
Time 
Discussion 
1. Introductions 
7:00-7:05 
Chair welcomes attendees and Introduces members 
2. Discussion of Master Plan and 
7:05-7:10 
Chair explains the Master Plan and Implementation process 
Implementation Process 
3, Discussion of Master Plan 
Discuss shared priorities, policies, and projects for the next 5 years 
with Canton 
Shared Prioritiesand 
7;10-7:50 
regarding the Canton Public Library with the Director of the Canton 
Public Library anLibrary 
Public Library and the Chair of the Board of Library Trustees 
Board of Trustees 
4. MBTA Communities Law 
7;50-8:00 
G. Manning updates MPIC on the status of the MBTA Communities 
Update 
Law plan and related activities 
5. St. Gerard's Reuse Committee 
8:00-8:10 
G. Manning updates MPIC on the progress of the St. Gerard's Reuse 
Update 
Committee 
6. Grants for Bike Infrastructure 
8:10-8:20 
G. Manning updates MPIC on bike infrastructure grants 
Discussion regarding MPIC participation in Canton Heritage Festival 
7. Canton Heritage Festival 
8:20-8:35 
on May 20t", 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paul Revere Heritage 
Site 
8. Acceptance of Minutes 
8:35-8:40 
Review MPIC meeting minutes from March 16, 2023 
9. Upcoming Meetings and 
8:40-8:45 
Next meetings: May 18, 2023, and June TBD, 2023 
Future Guests 
Notes: Times are approximate and Items might be taken out of order. Should an Item be added to the agenda prior to 48 hours before the meetings scheduled start 
time, the agenda wlli be updated. However, the committee might also discuss a topic not reasonably anticipated by the chair prior to the meeting. This meeting will 
be recorded. 
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