Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text

02-13-25 MPIC Minutes

Master Plan Implementation Committee · Source meeting date: 2025-02-13 · Record 81683

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Master Plan Implementation Committee 
Minutes 
Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 7:00-9:00 p.m. 
Zoom Meeting 
Present: Emilio Mauro, Chair (Finance Committee); Jim Quigley (Planning Board); Alan 
Rapoport (EDC); Patricia Boyden, (Select Board Rep.); Bob MacDonald (Conservation); and 
Peg Mead (Citizen -at -Large) 
Staff Members: Taylor (TJ) Torres, Town Planner 
Not Present: Stacy Gorman (Parks & Recreation); Kristian Merenda (School Committee); and 
Mike Nourse (Historical Commission) 
Guest: Jennifer Kemalian, Assistant Town Administrator 
Item #1 - Introductions: Welcome Attendees and Introduces Members. Chair Mauro 
welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Master Plan Implementation Committee, and the 
viewers at home. We are being taped by Canton Community Television. 
Item #2 — MPIC discusses Shared Priorities Regarding the Executive Department 
and Select Board with Assistant Town Administrator Jennifer Kemalian. 
Chair Mauro presented an overview, and explained that the Master Plan is divided into Action 
Items, which are then separated into chapters, and then subsections. The action items are 
divided and sorted into secondary support and he noted whether these are short-term or long- 
term projects. 
Jen Kemalian introduced herself and noted that she will explain the action items: 
Housing and Neighborhoods 
• Action Item: The Select Board is continuing to advance the development program and 
associated infrastructure improvements for the Paul Revere Heritage Site. The 
responsible parties for this are: Paul Revere Heritage Commission; Town Planner; and 
Select Board. This project is designated as Ongoing. 
The Select Board has been very supportive. All programs and needs were met, which included 
Town Meeting articles and the request for establishing the bathrooms and the Museum. 
• Action Item: Establish an Advisory Housing Committee. The responsible parties for this 
are the Select Board and Town Planner. This project is designated as Ongoing. 
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The Affordable Housing Trust was created at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting to create and 
maintain low to moderate income housing. An example of this support for housing was the 
Development Agreement at the Paul Revere Heritage Site. 
The Select Board was also very supportive of the MBTA communities state mandated By-law 
and the Canton Junction Overlay District on Neponset Street, which will create more housing. 
• Action Item: Continue to seek assistance from state -level programs/agencies for the 
implementation of housing policy initiatives. The responsible parties for this are: Town 
Planner and Select Board. This project is designated as Ongoing. 
As part of the development agreement for the Paul Revere Heritage Site it was negotiated that 
one (i) housing unit was given to the Town. When that unit was sold, the money went directly 
into the Affordable Housing Trust to create and preserve affordable housing. 
Action Item: Look for opportunities to add space to the Senior Center to accommodate 
immediate needs and its expanding role in the community: both for the Town's growing 
aging population, and for servicing other vulnerable residents. Evaluate feasibility, 
including costs, for different alternatives such as: Expanding the current building; 
acquiring the neighboring property; and building as an annex. The responsible parties 
for this are: Council on Aging/Elder and Human Services and the Select Board. This 
project is designated as Short -Term (within 5 years), 
T.J. Torres looked into this. There were thoughts about expanding the building or acquiring 
land adjacent to it. They are also looking at the St, Gerard's property (186o Washington Street), 
which the Town has acquired. The Town has secured a grant and hired an architectural firm to 
review the cost of redeveloping the property or razing and building a new structure. 
Ms. Mead had questions about the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (Pappas School) 
and what can be done if the state closes it. It was explained that this land is not zoned 
residential, it is zoned recreational space. The Town would have the right of first refusal if they 
are interested in purchasing the Pappas School, but there are a lot of ifs regarding that property. 
Ms. Kemalian mentioned Medfield State Hospital as a comparable situation. The structures are 
still there and deteriorating, and they have created a park, trails, and done murals. They have 
community programs, and have an adaptive approach of reuse of the property. The Town is 
trying to preserve the Pappas School and we are waiting on what the state decides. 
Town Services 
• Action Item: Continue supporting all departments to compete for grants that could 
provide training, planning, support, or funds for physical improvements to roads and 
facilities. The Responsible parties for this are: Public Works and Select Board. 
Timeframe for this project is designated as Ongoing. 
Grants are used to maximize Town services and taxpayer dollars. The Executive Office supports 
all Town Departments to continue ongoing efforts to supplement their budgets through grants, 
Every department should apply for grants for any appropriate reason. 
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• Action Item: Explore regional collaborations where Canton might share resources for 
different municipal services with neighboring communities. Responsible parties for this 
are: Town Planner and Town Administrator. Timeframe — Mid-term (5-10 years). 
An example is Weights & Measures. All Towns have to hire a Sealer. If the Town hired one, just 
for the Town of Canton we would need to purchase all materials needed to do the job, and all 
services that are required. We found a program for Norfolk County that provides a Sealer for 
communities to share. This is a regional Sealer. We work together and share with Franklin, 
Westwood, and Wrentham. A Sealer makes sure all weights and measures are correctly 
measuring at grocery stores, department stores, and gas station pumps. Another regional 
position is a Sustainability Manager. We are going forward looking for a vendor, but in the 
meantime, we are considering the possibility of regionally sharing one. 
Action Item: Identify where different departments or cross -departmental issues may 
require more intensive study (e.g., multi -year needs assessments) and set aside funding 
to perform those studies. Examples include Senior Center (short term, see Public Health 
and Wellbeing) and Public Safety, specifically Fire Stations and the potential of a 
combined public safety complex. Responsible Party for this: Town Administrator. 
Time -frame: Mid -Term (5-10 years). 
• Action Item: Develop formal meeting mechanisms or information sharing mechanisms 
to ensure inter -departmental awareness of upcoming projects or initiatives. Responsible 
party for this: Town Administrator. Time -frame: Mid -Term (5-10 years). 
Once a month there are Department Head meetings. This has been a great avenue to work 
together, and keep everyone informed. This is a collaborative strategy and we bounce ideas off 
of each other and work together. This has been a very valuable asset, and we are considering 
holding a large Board and Committee meeting, along with our labor counsel, in order to share 
ideas and information. We would review open meeting law procedure, as a refresher, and how 
to interact with the public. This will facilitate better communication with the public, 
Chair Mauro explained that a couple of years ago a Communication Forum was held with the 
Executive Office and committee and board Chairs and Vice Chairs, and it provided a lot of 
information and was very successful. 
Ms. Mead asked about grant writing assistance to help departments write and prepare grants. 
Mr. Torres is experienced in this field and could work with helping someone navigate the 
process of grant writing. At this time, it is not justified to have a full-time grant writer for the 
Town. 
Action Item: Develop a strategic plan to create and maintain a comprehensive list of 
data points currently managed by each department. The strategic plan should define the 
parameters for data points; how data points will be used to measure progress in reaching 
local goals and objectives; and different ways for departments to share and support the 
collection of data. State and federal requirements, restrictions, and obligations 
regarding data sharing must be followed. Responsible parties for this: Information 
Systems Manager and Town Administrator. Time -frame: Short-term (within 5 years). 
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• Action Item: Evaluate new technology opportunities, including proprietary products, 
that can enhance the ability of local government to disseminate information and receive 
public input, Invest in annual training for municipal staff related to the use of new 
technology and software. Responsible parties for this: Information Systems Manager 
and Town Administrator, Time -frame: Short-term (within 5 years). 
The Town is moving forward in the direction with new technology for modernizing permitting 
on-line, creating portals such as permits; fielding resident requests; and bill paying on-line. 
They are working on this with IT, and looking at ways to modernize the processes. This will be 
helpful with the Board of Health, Building Department, and Town Administration Offices. 
Action Items: Using the 2ot8 Social Media and Citizen's Engagement Assessment as a 
guide, continue to improve policies and utilization of social media as an effective 
communication tool. Annually revisit the assessments to ensure policies are current. 
Invest in annual training for municipal staff, related to social media usage and policies. 
Responsible party for this: Information Systems Manager and Town Administrator. 
Time -frame: Short-term (within 5 years). 
The Town is looking to hire a Communication Specialist who would work on updating the Town 
website, issue press releases, work and update the Town's social media accounts, and do 
marketing. This can also inform residents and put out feelers for volunteers for committees. 
• Action Items: Support training of town staff in meeting facilitation and public 
engagement techniques (high and low tech) to ensure effective communication before, 
during, and after public meetings, workshops, and other town -sponsored events. 
Responsible party for this: Town Administrator. Time -frame: Ongoing. 
• Action Items: Develop an outreach strategy to increase participation in town boards, 
and committees to fill vacancies. Responsible party for this: Town Administrator. 
Time -frame: Short-term: (within 5 years). 
The Town is organizing the training of Town Staff and employees; Director and Supervisors; 
provide front-line training; customer service; board and committee training. We are supporting 
our staff with customer service training to ensure communication with the public. 
A few years ago, there was a strategy by the Town to promote participation in Town committees 
and boards with information be provided to anyone interested in running or applying to any 
Board. The information should be: Board requirements; description of the qualifications for 
each Board; how many hours and months are requested to service; how long the terms are; and 
which Board need volunteers to serve on them. It is hoped that the proposed Communications 
Specialist can also help with this. There should be more time dedicated to a Volunteer 
Opportunity webpage; a list of all Boards and Committees; and how to join and apply for each 
Board. 
Connect — Regional Connections 
• Action Item: Use the South Coast Rail Phase 2 project as an opportunity to improve 
access for residents to Canton Station and provide amenities like secure covered bicycle 
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parking; safe sidewalks; pedestrian crossings with adequate lighting; and integrated pick 
up/drop off areas. Responsible party for this: Town Planner and Town Administrator. 
Time -frame: Long -Term (more than 10 years). 
Environmental Stewardship. - 
Action Item: Explore ways to financially support of the Town's efforts to meet the 
requirements of its federal NPDES permit and implement town -wide stormwater best 
management practices. Consider establishing an enterprise fund and/or stormwater 
utility. Responsible party for this: Public Works, Conservation Agent, Select Board, and 
Town Planner. Time -frame: Mid -Term (5-10 years). 
The Town has created a Stormwater Manager Position and she is going a great job. The Select 
Board is thinking of creating a stormwater utility in the future. 
Historic Resources: 
• Action Item: Develop incentives for private property owners to invest in and maintain 
historic structures. These incentives may include property tax relief, providing zoning 
relief, grants, and low -interest loans for rehabilitation work. Responsible party for this: 
Historical Commission, Select Board, and Planning Board. Time -frame: Mid -Term (5- 
10 years). 
Energy Conservation and Generation: 
• Action Item: Invest in energy -efficient equipment and facilities for municipal 
operations, including schools (the Town's largest energy consumers), that reduce energy 
consumption and costs. Responsible party for this: Town Administrator. Time -frame: 
Ongoing. 
Action Item: Increase the number of municipal electric or energy -efficient vehicles. Add 
public charging stations at municipal buildings like Town Hall, schools, and the library. 
Invest in energy -efficient equipment and facilities for municipal operations, including 
schools (the Town's largest energy consumers), that reduce energy consumption and 
costs. Responsible party for this: Public Works and Town Administrator. Time -Frame: 
Short -Term (within 5 years). 
• Action Item: Increase the use of solar and other alternative energy sources at Town 
facilities. Responsible party for this: Public Works and Town Administrator. Time - 
Frame Mid -Term (5-10 years). 
• Action Item: Investigate opportunities for Canton residents and businesses to access 
affordable renewable energy. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of municipal 
aggregation programs in Canton. Responsible parties for this: Town Administrator, 
Select Board, Town Planner, and Sustainability Committee. Time -Frame Short -Term 
(within 5 years). 
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Action Item: Investigate opportunities for Canton residents and businesses to access 
affordable renewable energy. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a municipal 
aggregation or community solar program or town -owned electric utility in Canton to 
determine the best option for the Town. Responsible parties for this: Town 
Administrator, Select Board, Town Planner, and Sustainability Committee. Time -Frame: 
Long Term — more than ro years. 
• Action Item: Increase the number of municipal electric or energy -efficient vehicles. Add 
public charging stations at municipal buildings like Town Hall, schools, and the library. 
Responsible parties for this: Town Administrator, Public Works, and Police Department, 
Time -Frame: Short -Term (within 5 years). 
• Action Item: Increase the use of solar and other alternative energy sources at Town 
Facilities. Responsible parties for this: Town Administrator and Public Works. Time - 
Frame Mid -Term (within 5-10 years). 
• Action Item: Investigate opportunities for Canton residents and businesses to access 
affordable renewable energy. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a municipal 
aggregation or community solar program or town -owned electric utility in program in 
Canton. Responsible parties for this: Town Administrator, Select Board, Town Planner, 
and Sustainability Committee. Time -Frame Short -Term (within 5 years). 
We are a Green Community which opens up many grants to the Town, that help reduce our 
carbon footprint. The funding for the heat pump at Town hall on the lower level, which was just 
completed, came from a grant only available to green communities, We are also committed to 
replace vehicles in our fleet, with more efficient vehicles. Eventually, all of our vehicles will be 
as energy efficient as possible. 
The Town has created a Central Maintenance Department, which is a proactive department. 
They are responsible for the creation of energy efficient systems; and providing charging 
stations at the Armando Building and Pequitside. They are also working alongside Eversource, 
who own a small property on Revere Street near the Paul Revere site. The Town is helping to 
purchase that parcel of land, for the creation of a small parking lot with EV charging stations. 
The Town also has an affordable Green Energy Program. We have worked with an energy 
supplier to lower the rates, and it has been a successful program. We also have a Solar Facility 
at Pine Street, from which we receive credits. The Town has not yet explored an electric 
enterprise system, but we may in the future. 
Natural Hazards and Climate Change 
• Action Item: Develop a resiliency plan with civic and community leaders that prepares 
Canton for future natural hazards and climate change challenges. The plan should touch 
on all aspects of Town government. Strategies should address municipal operations, 
existing critical municipal infrastructure, and properties. New municipal facilities and 
infrastructures should be constructed with resilient design. Emergency preparedness for 
natural hazard events should also be addressed including needs during extreme heat and 
cold events, storm events, and other natural hazards. These might include heating and 
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cooling centers, shelters, and emergency water/supply stations. Responsible parties for 
this: Select Board, Public Works, Town Planner, and Building Department. Time -Frame 
Mid -Term (5-10 years). 
The Town is updating its Plans with public safety officials and Public Works. Once the Plan is 
updated, all staff will receive training and be prepared in the event of a natural disaster. 
• Action Item: Ensure local public works and public safety officials continue to receive 
training related to emergency management and infrastructure design. Consider hiring a 
full-time emergency management Director. Responsible party for this: Town 
Administrator. Time -Frame is designated as Ongoing. 
Focus Areas — Route 138 
• Action Item: Work with interested developers to create one or more transformative 
development projects at strategic nodes along the corridor to introduce amenities and 
create a sense of place. Responsible parties for this: Town Administrator, Town Planner, 
and Economic Development Committee. Time -Frame: Long Term (more than 10 years). 
The Town is working on and encouraging commercial development on Rt. 138. We are trying to 
figure out locations that will attract commercial developments and encourage people to want to 
come to Canton, and not just for the tax incentives. New growth is plateauing and we are 
working on this area. 
Mr, Quigley has interest in any updates for street upgrades on Rt, 138, and if anything is being 
planned. There are roadway improvements being made in Stoughton but there is no 
information available at this point for Canton, 
Ms. Boyden discussed the Police Department's request for a shooting range. She stated that 
since people need to be certified twice a year, the cost of a shooting range would run 
$400,000.00. We should work with Norfolk County and have a collaboration of towns for a 
shared shooting range. The $400,000 is for the trailer, and there would be additional 
maintenance fees. 
Mr. Quigley explained that the Police Department always had a need for officers to qualify twice 
a year; day and night certifications. There is a need for a trailer for additional training outside of 
the tradition shooting requirements. It is hard to book shooting times if we are sharing with 
other towns, and this way we always have our own space. 
Chair Mauro thanked Ms. IZemalian for her comprehensive overview on everything the 
Executive Office is working on and has achieved. He acknowledged the great work they have 
been doing. 
Item #3 - 202.q ATM, Article 20 Update 
Chair Mauro explained that the MPIC supported the sponsoring of this Annual Town Meeting 
Article to request $15,000 be appropriated to hire a consultant to update the Master Plan Action 
Plan at the last meeting and it is now on the final Warrant, and we are monitoring it. 
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Item #4 — Town Planner Update 
Mr. Torres explained the following items he has been working on: 
• ADA Plan — this is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are working on a 
transition plan and creating a comprehensive assessment of all town facilities, buildings, 
schools, and parks. We also had eight (8) different ADA training sessions for employees. 
The plan will be finished by the end of February. 
• 186o Washington St. (Former St. Gerard Property) — We contracted with the 
architectural firm UTILE to do a full evaluation of the Church and Rectory. The firm also 
viewed the Town Hall, Pequitside, the Senior Center, and Hemenway and observed what 
kind of office space is required. Many Town departments report needing more storage or 
space. 
UTILE will do three (3) test fit scenarios: 
1. Redevelop the existing buildings into a Community Center; Recreation Center; 
and Senior Center, DEHS, and Veterans Offices; 
z. Raze the buildings and build a new Community Center; Recreation Center; and 
Senior Center/DEHS; or 
3. Raze the buildings and build new Municipal Offices with outdoor recreational 
space. 
This review will be done by August, and then the Town can decide what should be done 
with the building. We are exploring every scenario and we will be presenting to the 
Select Board. 
• Gridley School — A grant was received for this project and the same review and 
assessment from an architectural firm is being done. At Town Meeting, it was decided 
that the Town did not need this building and we could surplus it out. The study will 
provide some data and test fit conceptual scenarios for adaptively reusing this site for 
housing. 
Small Business Grant — We created a Small Business Grant Program and presented it at 
a recent Select Board meeting. This grant is being managed by the Neponset River 
Regional Chamber and this is the last of the COVID money that the Town was allocated 
from Norfolk County. Applications can be obtained from the Chamber, Town Website, 
and at the Town Planner's Office at Town Hall. No cash is given to recipients. The grant 
is for technical assistance with website design and digital marketing. This grant is open 
until all funds are expended. 
• Development at 399 Neponset Street — This is the first permit application and potentially 
the first development in the Canton Junction Overlay District. The location is 399-403 
Neponset Street on the corner of Jackson Street. Pulte Homes is the Applicant and they 
are proposing a 50-unit building. They can construct this by right (with no waivers), but 
they are seeking relief to increase the height to five (5) stories; and locate the parking in 
front, They are currently before the Planning Board for site plan review. 
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Item #5 — Canton Heritage Festival Update 
Chair Mauro explained that the Festival will be held on May 17111. This is the 3rd year the MPIC 
will be there and he'll be there all day, Anyone looking to volunteer is welcome. Ms. Boyden 
volunteered. 
Item #6 — Acceptance of Minutes 
A motion was made by Ms. Mead and seconded by Mr. Rappaport to accept the Minutes of 
December 12, 2024. Roll Call Taken, Motion Approved (5-0-1) (Yes - Rappaport, Mead, Quigley, 
Boyden, Mauro) (Abstain - MacDonald). 
Item #7 — Upcoming Meetings 
The next meetings will be held on April 17, 2025, and June 5, 2025, at 7: oo p.m. both via Zoom. 
The Governor has filed the Municipal Empowerment Act, which could extend Zoom meetings 
indefinitely. Their being allowed would otherwise be scheduled to end on March 31, 2025 and 
we are waiting to hear. 
Gene Manning is scheduled to speak at our next meeting representing the Economic 
Development Committee. 
A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald and seconded by Mr. Rappaport to adjourn the meeting. 
Roll Call Taken, Motion Approved 6-o-o (Yes - Rappaport, Mead, Quigley, MacDonald, Boyden, 
Mauro). 
Adjournment 
Chair Mauro wanted to tbank members, Canton Community Television, the guests for tonight's 
meeting, and the audience who tuned in and watched the meeting. 
or Torres 
MPIC — Town Planner 
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