Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
2018 Annual Report
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Annual
2018Report
Annual
Town of Report
Town of 2018
Canton
Canton
Annual Report
Annual Report
2018Source page 2
On the cover: Shepard Pond Dam, Reservoir Pond Dam and Old Shepard Street Dam Photos courtesy of Lisa Grega, Assistant Town Engineer and Stephens Associates Consulting Engineers
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TOWN OF CANTON
2018Source page 4
DEDICATION
This Annual Report is dedicated to
Retired Officer Thomas A. Keleher Sr.
For his 38 years of dedicated service to the Town of Canton and its citizens as a Canton Police Officer
And also to
Martin J. Badoian
For his 59 years of dedicated service to the Town of Canton and its citizens as the Head of the Canton High Math Department.
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IN RECOGNITION OF THE FOLLOWING RETIREES FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE TOWN
Daniel Beal, Captain, Fire Department
Marie Brennan, Administrative Assistant, Building Department
Christina Carlton, Executive Assistant, Executive Office
Robert Gooley, Sergeant, Police Department
Yvon “Mark” Lague, Library Director
Philip Levreault, Staff Engineer, Department of Public Works
James Penza, Cemetery Forman, Department of Public Works
Janis Chapman, Special Education Teacher
Pamela D’Agostino, Foreign Language Teacher
Nancy Dobbins, Math Teacher
Jennifer Henderson, Assistant Superintendent
Michael Currivan, World History Teacher
Henry McDeed, Assistant Principal
IN MEMORIAM OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED THE TOWN
Robert Antonucci, Council on Aging Bus Driver
Martin Badoian, Math Teacher
Nicholas Bartone, School Department Custodian
Marilyn Foley, School Department Cafeteria Worker
Thomas A. Keleher Sr., Police Officer
Marie Leary, Election Worker
Charles J. Lenhart, III, Skilled Laborer/Truck Driver
James M. Maguire, Firefighter
Mary E. McWilliams, Librarian
Eleanor M. O’Connell, School Department Aide
Catherine M. Savage, School Department Administrative Assistant
Sylvia J. Viera, Water Technician
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CANTON ALMANAC
• Settled: 1650
• Incorporated: 1797
• Location: Southeastern Massachusetts at the foot of the Blue Hills
• Highways: Town 91 miles and State 5.3 miles
• Altitude: 126.8 feet above sea level
• Population: 21,429
• Form of Government: Open Town Meeting
• Annual Town Election: First Tuesday after the first Monday in April
• Annual Town Meeting: Second Monday in May
• Total Number of Registered Voters: 16,482
• Tax Rate: Residential - $12.40 Commercial: $25.77
• Taxable Property: $4,989,073,070
• School System: 3 Elementary, 1 Parochial Elementary, 1 Middle, 1 High School and 1 Regional High School
• Police: Chief, Deputy Chief, 3 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants, 32 Patrolmen, 1 Animal Control Officer, 1 Admin. Aide
• Fire: Chief, Deputy Chief, 5 Captains, 9 Lieutenants, 40 Firefighters, 1 EMS Coordinator, 1 Admin. Aide
• United States Senators for Massachusetts: Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey
• United States Congressman Representing the 8th District of Massachusetts: Stephen Lynch
• Massachusetts Governor’s Council District 2: Robert L. Jubinville
• State Senator for Norfolk, Bristol & Plymouth Districts: Walter F. Timilty
• Representative in Massachusetts General Court 6th District: William C. Galvin
APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Town Administrator: Charles J. Aspinwall Finance Director/Collector/Treasurer: James Murgia
Superintendent of Public Works: Michael T. Trotta Town Counsel: Paul DeRensis
Police Chief: Kenneth N. Berkowitz Fire Chief: Charles E. Doody
Building Commissioner: Edward Walsh Town Accountant: Kathleen Butters
Library Director: Mark Lague/Andrea Capone Custodian of Tax Title: James Murgia
Assistant Collector/Treasurer: Susan Desjardins Deputy Assessor: Karen Zukauskas
Workers Compensation Agent: Jody Middleton Sealer of Weights and Measures: Bureau of Standards
Executive Assistant: Christina Carlton/ Jennifer Kemalian Emergency Management Director: Charles E. Doody
MBTA Advisory Member: P. Christopher Podgurski Town Planner: Laura Smead
Board of Health Director: John Ciccotelli Veteran’s Service Agent: Anthony Andreotti
Parking Clerk: Tracy Kenney Animal Control Officer: Stacy Nee
Pluming and Gas Inspector: Marc Zade/Donald Sasin Wiring Inspector: Jonathan Levis/Paul McCarthy
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Moderator: Alan Hines/Richard Staiti Council on Aging Director: Diane Tynan
Town Engineer: Barbara Reardon Assistant Town Engineer: Lisa Grega
Parks & Recreation Director: Elizabeth Francis Conservation Agent: C. O’Connell/Regen Milani
Constables: Kenneth N. Berkowitz, Helena Findlen, Superintendent of Fire Alarms: Charles E. Doody
Patty Sherill, Thomas Keleher, Paul Close, James Farris,
Charles Penders, Robert Churchill, Harold March,
Walker Farrar, Jr., Bradford Slocum,
Stuart Cooper
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Term Term
Expires Expires
Board of Selectmen, Board of Public Town Clerk
Works & Licensing Board Tracy Kenney 2021
Mark J. Porter, Chairman 2021
Christopher J. Connolly, Vice-Chairman 2020 Board of Assessors
Thomas W. Theodore, Clerk 2020 William C. Galvin 2019
John J. Connolly 2019 Gene Manning 2020
Kevin T. Feeney Rocco Digirolamo 2021
Board of Health School Committee
Ruth Slattery 2019 Nichola Gallagher 2020
Dr. Julie E. Goodman 2020 Reuki B. Schutt 2020
Dr. Alan Rapoport 2021 Kristin Mirliani 2021
Michael Loughran 2019
Meghan M. Gannon 2019
Planning Board
Thomas Scully 2021 Trustees of the Library
Michael Mitcheroney 2019 George T. Comeau 2020
Robert E. Panico 2022 Christine Untersee 2021
David McCarthy 2020 Margaret Mead 2019
Patricia McDermott 2023 Susan Cogliano 2020
Emily Prigot 2019
Canton Housing Authority Bernard Mendillo 2021
Adam Brothers 2019 Dorothy Shea 2020
Janet Walrod 2021 Mike Sundin 2019
John McSweeney 2020 Joan Schottenfeld 2021
Joseph DeFelice 2021
Glen Hannington 2021
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APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Term Term
Beautification Committee Expires Canton Walk, Bike & Hike Cont. Expires
Christopher Connolly 2021 Patricia McDermott 2021
Michael McHugo 2019 David Biggers 2019
Peter Pineo 2019
Jillian Hayes 2019 Citizen Engagement Task Force
Cayenne Isaksen 2019 Charles Aspinwall 2019
Laura Smead 2019
Cable Advisory Board Louis Jutras 2019
James Sims 2019 Thomas Theodore 2019
Cindy Tobin 2019
Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse David Cahill 2019
Kenneth Berkowitz, Police Chief 2019 Jennifer Kemalian 2019
Charles Doody, Fire Chief 2019 Carolyn Elkort 2019
Elizabeth Francis 2021
Ryan Gordy 2020 Commission on Disability
Cindy Bonner 2019 Lynne Findlen-Valkanas 2019
Harriet Burak 2019 Laura Findlen-Lane 2019
Janet Donnelly 2019 Nancy Gowe 2020
Associate Members Heather Cahill 2021
Barbara Casaly 2019 Jill Juran 2021
Jennifer Fischer-Mueller 2019
Jessica Khun 2019 Community Preservation Committee
Phyllis Moore 2019 George Comeau 2021
Megan Berube 2019 Nicola Gallagher 2020
Carol Guenther 2019 Robert Panico 2019
Robin Tobin 2019 Joshua Cohen 2021
Diane Tynan 2019 John McSweeney 2019
Carolyn Elkort 2019 Thomas Theodore 2019
Kevin Hurley 2019 Lisa Lopez 2019
Charles Rae 2019 Stacey Gorman 2020
Heather Sullivan 2019 David McCarthy 2021
Andrew Staiti 2019
Comprehensive Water Resource Management
Plan Committee
Canton Veteran’s Council Regen Milani 2019
Robert DeYeso 2019 John Ciccotelli 2019
Walter Molis 2019 Michael Trotta 2019
Robert Witt 2019 James Murgia 2019
Jack O’Neil 2019 Charles Aspinwall 2019
Francis LaBollita 2019 Michael Fabbiano 2019
Dan Teague (resigned) Joseph Shea 2019
Patricia McDermott 2019
Canton Walk, Bike & Hike Committee Christopher Sykes 2019
Melissa Mayer 2021
Debra Stein-Sharpe 2019
Darren Shaffer 2019
Richard Allen 2019
Laura Smead 2019
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Term Term
Conservation Commission Expires Health Insurance Advisory Committee Expires
Melissa Mayer 2019 Cont.
Elizabeth Sugameli 2021 Jody Middleton 2019
Robert MacDonald 2021 Charles Rae 2019
Joshua Cohen 2021 Diane Tynan 2019
Gerald Carmichael 2019 Ryan O’Hare 2019
Paul Degnan 2020 Robert Collins 2019
Kevin Colmey 2020 Jane Consalvi 2019
Adrienne Borges 2019
Council on Aging James Galanis 2019
John Thoener 2020
Jane Pratt 2020 Historical Commission
Elaine Glimore 2019 Sue Gibbs 2021
Ellen Donovan 2021 Gerald Carmichael 2020
Alan Leary 2021 Sepp Bergschneider 2019
John Crowe 2020 Michael Nourse 2020
Janet Walrod 2021 George Comeau 2020
Paul Mitcheroney 2019
Cultural Council Emily Prigot 2020
Drusilla Sanusi 2019
Jean Keddy 2021 Industrial Development Finance Authority
Theresa Owens 2021 Vacancy (5)
Ruth Pinkus 2021
Joyce Lauro 2021 Liason to the State Ethics Commission
Elizabeth Ryan 2020 Charles Aspinwall 2019
Barbara Erickson 2021
Joseph Paru 2020 Mapping Commission
Ashley Tarchara 2020 Louis Jutras 2019
Michael Trotta 2019
Economic Development Commission
Hamilton Rodrigues 2019
Mauuel Montrond 2019 Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Rep.
Gene Manning 2019 P. Christopher Podgurski
Emilio Mauro, Jr. 2019
Alan Rapoport 2019 Massport Advisory Committee Rep.
James Aufiero 2019
Fair Housing Committee
Vacancy (3) Master Plan Steering Committee (4 members
Appointed by the Board of Selectmen)
Gridley School & Water Sewer Storage Building Thomas Theodore 2019
Use Task Force Gerald Carmichael 2019
Charles Aspinwall 2019 Emilio Mauro, Jr. 2019
Edward Walsh 2019 John McSweeney 2019
Charles Armando 2019
Emily Prigot 2019 Metropolitan Area Planning Council Rep.
Renee Tepper 2019 Laura Smead 2019
Health Insurance Advisory Committee
James Murgia 2019
Charles Aspinwall 2019
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Term Term
Paul Revere Heritage Commission Expires Playground & Recreation Commission Expires
Bruce Beckham 2019 Cont.
George Comeau 2019 Cabot Devoll 2019
Michael Nourse 2019 Debra Kelly 2020
Thomas Scully 2019 Stacey Gorman 2019
Christopher Connolly 2019 Larry Bogue 2019
Victor Del Vecchio 2019
Elizabeth Sugameli 2019 Recreation Open Space Committee
John McCourt 2019 Charles Aspinwall 2019
Nicola Gallagher 2019 Debra Stein-Sharpe 2019
Louis Jutras 2019 Regen Milani 2019
Laura Smead 2019
PRHC Open Space Committee Kelsey Quinlan 2019
Marilyn Curran 2019
Fredrick Fairfield 2019 Registrar of Voters
Carl Lavin 2019 Tracy Kenney 2021
Alan Leary 2019 Marilyn Curran 2020
Lisa Lopez 2019 J. Daneene Pate 2019
Thomas Scully 2019 John Friel 2020
Elizabeth Francis 2019
Reservoir Pond Committee
Pequitside Task Force Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2019
Thomas Theodore 2019 Chief Charles Doody 2019
Elizabeth Sugameli 2019 William Walsh 2019
Gerald Carmichael 2019 Gerald Carmichael 2019
Stacey Gorman 2019 Sandy Denehy 2019
David Hiltz 2019 David Cahill 2019
Reuki Schutt 2019 William Cohen 2019
Chief Charles Doody 2019 Scott Winter 2019
Karen Erickson 2019 Pauline O’Leary 2019
Marv Feldman 2019 Richard Eckler 2019
Regen Milani 2019 Sallie Lyon 2019
Elizabeth Francis 2019
Kristen Phelps 2019 Sick Bank Committee
Jody Middleton 2019
Permit Advisory Committee Ellen Jones 2019
Charles Aspinwall 2019 Kathy Butters 2019
Robert McCarthy 2019 Lisa Grega 2019
Edward Walsh 2019 Diane Tynan 2019
Paul Carroll 2019 Karen Lawlor 2019
Regen Milani 2019 Marc Zade 2019
Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2019
Chief Charles Doody 2019 Sustainability Committee
Laura Smead 2019 Philip Brown 2019
Thomas Scully 2019 Karen Stoloff 2019
Rachael Forsyth 2019
Playground & Recreation Commission Patricia McDermott 2019
John McCourt 2019 Tim Calabrese 2019
Allison Grossman 2019
Richard Eckler 2019
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Term Term
Town Insurance Advisory Committee Expires Water Sewer Rate Policy Committee Expires
Charles Aspinwall 2019 James Murgia 2019
Joan Pagel 2019 Michael Trotta 2019
Paul Corcoran 2019 Patricia Cawley 2019
David Rooney 2019 C. David Emhardt 2019
Le Vu 2019 Gerald Carmichael 2019
Christopher Sykes 2019
Traffic Committee Cindy Thomas 2019
Mark Porter 2019 Walter Spiegel 2019
Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2019
Michael Trotta 2019 Youth Commission
Laura Smead 2019 Renee Hanscom 2019
Frank LaBollita 2019 Brenda Lee Boris 2019
Gary Ronan 2019 Kerry Ann Callahan-Moffard 2019
Kathy Gibbs-McCormick 2019 Meg Kennedy 2020
Alternate Members Cayenne Isaksen 2019
Christopher Connolly 2019
Peter Pineo 2019 Zoning Board of Appeals
Matthew Isaacs 2019 Paul B. Carroll 2019
Gregory Pando 2020
Gary Vinciguerra 2021
Alternate Members
Charles Armando 2019
John McCourt 2019
APPOINTED BY THE PLANNING BOARD
Canton Center Design Review Board Master Plan Steering Committee
Michael Nourse 2019 (5 members appointed by the Planning Board)
Peter Pineo 2019 David McCarthy 2019
Diane Glenn 2019 Sonja Grauds 2019
Brian Perrault 2019 Meredith McLoughlin 2019
Michael McMahon 2019
Tonja Mettlach 2019
APPOINTED BY THE MODERATOR
Finance Committee Capital Planning Committee
Robert Barker 2019 Robert Panico 2020
Barbara Saint Andre 2020 Stephanie Koke 2019
Timothy McKenna 2021 David Emhardt 2021
Cynthia Holcombe 2019 Andrew Staiti 2019
Cynthia Thomas 2019 Walter Spiegel 2019
Emilio Mauro 2021 David Clough 2020
UNION PRESIDENTS
Edward Walsh, AEA Robert Collins, IAFF
Gerald “Jay” Peters/Stephen Teague, AFSCME Charles Rae, Superior Officers
James Galanis, Police
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Report of the
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Mark J. Porter, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Christopher J. Connolly, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Thomas W. Theodore, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5000
John J. Connolly, Member Fax 781-821-2935
bos@town.canton.ma.us
Charles J. Aspinwall, Town Administrator
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Tuesday 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
I am pleased to present this report of the Board of Selectmen for the year 2018 to the citizens of Canton. The Selectmen
have worked diligently during the year to plan for the future, increase operational efficiencies, improve our infrastructure,
and provide for continued economic development.
The Board’s thoughts continue to focus on the future. In order to maintain that focus in 2018 the Board participated in
several key planning initiatives with the Planning Department and Town Offices. A Master Plan for the Earl Newhouse
Waterfront was developed with assistance provided by the Earl Newhouse Waterfront Master Plan Committee. Several
development options for the waterfront on Reservoir Pond and key choices regarding access, trails, parking, sanitary
facilities, storm water management for the site, and security were presented, analyzed, discussed and settled on, thereby
completing the Master Plan in 2018. The Board will work closely over the next few years with Parks and Recreation and
Conservation to implement the recommendations of the Master Plan.
While not a typical planning process, the Board’s efforts to engage the community and plan for action to fight the Opioid
Crisis came to fruition in 2018. The Board has hired the nationally known law firm of Scott & Scott to file suit in state
court against Opioid Producers which have allegedly marketed their products in such a way as to increase dependence on
their products. All age groups have been affected by the Opioid crisis; those who become dependent on the drugs,
parents, families and public safety responders. The Selectmen appreciate the work that Canton Alliance Against
Substance Abuse (CAASA) has done locally and the funding that Representative Galvin and Senator Timilty have
obtained allowing CAASA to expand their battle against the Opioid crisis.
Working closely with the Parks & Recreation Department, Conservation, and Planning, Selectmen have heard
presentations and provided input in 2018 on the update of the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Plan update
effort was partially funded by a grant from the Governor’s Community Compact Best Management Practice program and
town funds. The Plan provided for an analysis of the surficial environment, an inventory of lands of environmental and
recreation interest, the development of a community vision, an analysis of needs; all culminating with goals and objectives
and a five year action plan. A comprehensive Trails Plan was also developed. The Board has taken keen interest in the
plan and its objectives and vows it will not be something that ends up on a shelf. Thanks go out to the Walk, Bike &
Hike committee, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee, the Conservation, Planning Department, Parks &
Recreation and the consultants from Woodard and Curran for the accomplishments documented in the plan.
Building on the recently FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, Town Departments, the Board and our consultants
from Kleinfelder worked to identify the hazards we face as a result of climate change and how the town can “harden”
itself against infrastructure and personal property damage resulting from climate change. The prime takeaway from the
process is to keep climate change in the forefront of our planning efforts. Many thanks to Laura Smead who obtained
grant funding for the project and managed it to conclusion.
As part of our Community Compact with the Governor’s office we continued our Best Management Practice effort with
our 2018 cyber security review conducted by the MIS Department led by Louis Jutras and a forensic cyber security firm.
The result of the review was the implementation of system changes that will enhance our cyber security and guard against
the unintended release of critical information.
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The DPW, Engineering and Planning Departments applied for and received funding for a Canton Complete Streets study.
The departments identified the following criteria when considering street improvements:
Disabled population needs Transit operations and access
Safety Vehicular operations
Pedestrian mobility Frieght operations
Bicycle mobility
The completion of the study provides future grant opportunities for comprehensive road improvements in Canton.
Continuing with our effort to implement Best Management Practices we undertook a review of how we serve our
Disabled Community. The Selectmen’s office, notably Jennifer Kemalian, worked with the firm of KMA Architecture
and Accessibility to complete a Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan for access by the disabled to programs and services
provided by the Town. A re-invigorated Commission on Disability has agreed to undertake the implementation of the
plan’s recommendations.
Strides to improve internal operations and efficiencies were accomplished in 2018. Selectmen entered into a contract with
Guardian Energy for energy savings improvements at various town and school buildings. The $250,000 project was
undertaken with grant funds and will reduce our overall operating costs. Thanks to Laura Smead, Brian Lynch and Steve
Choiniere for their help with this project.
Also, with respect to improving the efficiency of operations, the Board of Selectmen undertook a review of the two
Traffic Study Committees; the Blue Ribbon Traffic Study Committee and the Traffic Study Committee, and decided to
reconfigure the committees by reorganizing and charging one committee with reviewing and analyzing traffic issues in
Canton. The reorganization has proved effective with advocacy by the committee for funding being obtained for the
design of improvements to the Washington St. and Randolph St. intersection. The Board was able to leverage grant work
from the staff of the state Central Transportation Planning Service to identify and study problems at Washington and
Randolph which were used to justify the appropriation of funds for the design and reconstruction of the intersection. We
look forward to the reconstruction of the intersection in 2019. The committee will also be reviewing the Pleasant and
Sherman streets intersection in 2019.
The Board of Selectmen was very active with economic development efforts in 2018. Many hours of work were
dedicated to the Paul Revere Heritage Site development in concert with the PRHS Committee. A key milestone for the
redevelopment process was the selection of a restaurant vendor, Northern Spy LLC, to operate a restaurant in the former
Rolling Mill Building. Moreover, the Board was very active with the property owner, Canton Holdings, assisting with
their sale and development of housing units to a new developer, Thorndike Development. The Town looks forward to the
closing and acquisition of the Community Open Space in 2019. The Board also looks forward to selecting a “Governance
Model” in 2019 for the proposed local history museum to be located in the PRHS Barn.
The Board worked closely with New England Development to bring a new business to Dedham Street at the former
Cumberland Farms facility called Topgolf. As cited on their website:
“Each venue features fun and competitive golf games for all ages, climate-controlled playing bays for year-round comfort,
an impressive food and drink menu, private spaces for groups of any size, HDTVs to watch the big game…”.
The Board looks forward to the positive revenue impact the project will bring in property taxes, meals tax revenue and
options for entertainment.
The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Assessors have been working closely with the new owner of the former Reebok
building, Spear Street Capital of New York and San Francisco. While new tenants have not yet been identified, we are
confident that the new businesses planned for occupancy will be a credit to the town.
A time consuming project for the Board in 2018 was the redevelopment of the Metropolis Skating Rink. After the state
Department of Conservation and Recreation decision to not proceed with a new rink in the Canton/Norwood area, the
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Board of Selectmen took up the mantle and formulated a path to replacement of the rink. In December 2018 the process
concluded with Town Meeting authorization of funds for renovation of the rink. We thank the voters for the confidence
shown in the town's effort to provide a recreational opportunity for residents of all ages. We thank the Building
Renovations Committee for their work on the project and also thank Representative Galvin for his project advocacy and
the state funding which was critical to approval of the project.
At the recommendation of the Traffic Committee, and with funding secured at Annual Town Meeting, the Board of
Selectmen approved the installation of solar powered flashing crosswalk signs at several high pedestrian use crosswalks
throughout Canton. With the assistance of the DPW, the flashing signs were installed at the following crosswalks:
Chapman Street/Wattles Street Pleasant Street at Pequitside/ Waterfront Entrance
Chapman Street/Beaumont Street Pleasant Street/Sherman Street
Washington Street/Hagan Court Pleasant Street Roundabout (3 Total)
Washington Street/High Street Dedham Street at the John F. Kennedy School
Washington Street/Sassamon Street Dedham Street/Maplecroft Road
The Board and the Executive Office worked with the Public Works Department and Parks and Recreation on the
following projects in 2018:
- Lease of additional cellular equipment space on the Ponkapoag Water Tank and monopole.
- Street paved in 2018
Helen Road Lamb Lane
Wayside Lane Indian Lane (York – Downes)
York Street (Waterman – Ledgewood)
- Patriots Drive sidewalk improvements
- Reservoir Pond Dam improvements
- Old Shepherds Pond Dam improvements
- Street acceptances
Colts Crossing Knob Hill Circle
Fern Brook Circle Skyline Circle
Warner Way Balancing Rock Road
Pulpit Road Saw Mill Pond Road
Wayside Lane Extension Mount Vernon Street
Brewer Way
- Bolivar Pool design
- Tilden House Lease/Construction project
- Notice of Intent for EPA stormwater permit
- Dedham Street drainage improvements
- Improvements to the water system Consumer Confidence Report
In conclusion I’d like to thank my fellow Selectmen, Chris Connolly, Tom Theodore, and John Connolly and the
department heads we have worked with in 2018. We miss working with Tina Carlton who retired in 2018 and thank her
for her many years of service to the Town. We also do thank Jennifer Kemalian, Laurie Bogue, Judy Levitsky and
Charles Aspinwall for their efforts in 2018.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark J. Porter, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
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Report of the
BLUE HILL REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Francis J. Fistori ‘75, Avon 800 Randolph St.
Secretary Eric C. Erskine ‘81, Braintree Canton, MA 02021
Mr. Aidan G. Maguire, Jr. ‘79, Canton Telephone 781-828-5800
Vice Chair Thomas R. Polito, Jr., Dedham Fax 781-828-0794
Mr. Michael C. Franzosa ‘10, Holbrook dsc@bluehills.org
Mr. Festus Joyce/Mr. Matthew P. O’Malley, Milton
Mr. Kevin L. Connolly, Norwood
Chair Marybeth Nearen, Randolph
Mr. Charles W. Flahive, Westwood
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Blue Hills Regional District School Committee is pleased to submit its Annual Report to the residents of the Town of
Canton.
Blue Hills Regional Technical School continues its commitment to provide the highest caliber academic and vocational
instruction to district students in grades nine through twelve, and to others through postgraduate training. The nine towns
in the district are Avon, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Holbrook, Milton, Norwood, Randolph and Westwood.
Mr. James P. Quaglia is Superintendent-Director. Mr. Aidan G. Maguire, Jr. serves as the Canton representative to the
District School Committee.
The District School Committee usually meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the school at
800 Randolph St., Canton. The public is welcome to attend.
We were deeply saddened by the passing on January 27, 2018 of Mr. Festus Joyce, a retired Blue Hills teacher and
longtime Milton representative to the District School Committee. His dedication to the school and all of its students
distinguished him, as did his generosity, enthusiasm, wisdom and sincere interest in all things connected with career and
technical education. Mr. Joyce is greatly missed by everyone in the Blue Hills community and will always be remembered
with the greatest esteem and respect. Mr. Matthew P. O’Malley was subsequently appointed to fill the Milton seat on the
DSC.
A groundbreaking ceremony to begin our $84.8 million school renovation project was held on June 25, 2018. Among the
distinguished guests were Senator Walter F. Timilty, Rep. William C. Galvin, Rep. Mark J. Cusack, Massachusetts School
Building Authority (MSBA) Executive Director Jack McCarthy and State Treasurer / MSBA Chair Deborah Goldberg.
The MSBA will be reimbursing approximately 55.89 % of the total cost of the project. The construction phase is ongoing
and is projected to last approximately fifteen months. Blue Hills is fortunate to be partnered with nine sending
communities who strongly support our continued mission of producing quality vocational technical graduates.
Fifty-five members of the Class of 2018 earned John and Abigail Adams Scholarships, including Canton students John
Bourikas, John Broderick, Andrew Bryant, Michael Clasby, Bryan Healey, Abigail Jean-Baptiste and Paul Rampino.
Several students from Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton earned medals at the State Leadership and Skills
Conference held from April 26-28, 2018, in Marlborough, Mass., by SkillsUSA, a national organization for vocational
students that holds competitions in dozens of technical areas. Students can win gold, silver or bronze medals based on
their projects and performance at the event. The advisor to the Blue Hills chapter of SkillsUSA was Mr. Robert Foley.
Student Angel Torres of Canton was a member of the Blue Hills team that earned a bronze medal in Engineering
Technology.
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The annual Rotary breakfast held at Blue Hills to honor selected students with scholarships, opportunities to attend a
leadership conference and career assistance awards from the Neponset Valley Rotary Club and the
Randolph/Avon/Canton Rotary Club was held on May 2, 2018 in the school’s student-run restaurant, the Chateau de Bleu.
Abigail Jean-Baptiste of Canton received a $250 career assistance award from the Neponset Valley Rotary Club.
At Senior Scholarship and Awards Night on May 16, 2018, dozens of students were honored for their achievements.
Nearly $18,000 in memorial awards and $54,000 in civic, state, and industry awards was distributed this year.
Recognition awards were given out for academic, vocational and athletic excellence. Blue Hills truly appreciates all the
individuals and civic and municipal organizations that generously recognized these deserving young men and women.
The annual William A. Dwyer Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) Induction Ceremony was held on May 30,
2018. The new inductees included Galen Galeotos of Canton.
In a ceremony held on May 30, 2018, several Health Assisting students received their Certified Nursing Assistant pins,
They also became Geriatric Patient Care Associates, having completed training at Beth Israel Hospital Deaconess
Hospital—Milton that was funded by the Healthcare Workforce Transformation Fund administered by the Mass. Dept. of
Labor and Workforce Development. Among the honorees was Cameron Clasby of Canton.
It was another stellar year in sports for Blue Hills. We take great pride in all its student-athletes and coaches and
congratulate them for their tremendous dedication and hard work. We also thank and recognize our cheerleaders and their
coach, Ms. Kim Poliseno, the Boosters, and our families for being behind Blue Hills athletics all the way. Among the
highlights were Athletic Director Ed Catabia being honored with the President’s Award of Merit from the Massachusetts
Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association. Canton students from Blue Hills distinguished themselves in their
respective sports. Andrew Bryant was an All-Star member of the baseball team (which had a 15-3 record and got a
Mayflower League sportsmanship award), earned Mayflower League MVP, was named to the Boston Herald D3-4 Dream
Team, was the Blue Hills Athlete of the Year (Male) and was an All-Star in basketball. He committed to play college
baseball at the University of Dayton. Mason Murphy was an All-Star in football. Gisele Digirolamo was an All-Star in
girls’ soccer. The girls’ basketball team had a 19-1 record, was Mayflower League champion and Coach Tom McGrath
was Coach of the Year. The boys’ basketball team had a 16-4 record, was a Mayflower League Tri-Champion, and Coach
Brian Gearty was Coach of the Year. The ice hockey team won the Dan Jordan Tournament. Our rugby team was featured
on the Fox 25 TV station on May 11.
Commencement was held on June 12, 2018. There were 212 graduates, 14 from Canton. They were Amanda Avillan,
John Bourikas, John Broderick, Andrew Bryant, D’Laijha Cameron, Cameron Clasby, Michael Clasby, Bryan Healey,
Abigail Jean-Baptiste, Tess Lyons, Scott MacDonald, Michael Panico, Autumn Papalcure and Paul Rampino. The Class
Gift, a scholarship called the Class of 2018 Rossetti Scholarship in honor of Principal Jill Rossetti, was presented to Supt.
Quaglia by Class Treasurer Andrew Bryant.
The Practical Nursing Program (Postsecondary Programs Division) is a full-time program of study provided to adults on a
tuition and fee basis. The Practical Nursing students are prepared upon graduation to take the NCLEX-PN (National
Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) through the State Board of Registration in Nursing. The Practical
Nursing program (Postsecondary Programs Division) held its 29th Annual Commencement on June 27, 2018. Among the
graduates was Canton resident Alicia DeCenzo.
The October 1, 2018 foundation enrollment numbers for Blue Hills show 866 students at the school. Sixty-seven (67)
students were from Canton.
On November 7, 2018, Blue Hills hosted its annual Open House. The well-attended event allowed the public to visit
classrooms and technical areas, speak with students, teachers, and administrators, and gather information about the school.
NASA astronaut Scott D. Tingle of Randolph, a member of the Blue Hills Class of 1983, launched to the International
Space Station (ISS) on December 17, 2017, for his first mission in space. He answered students’ questions read to him by
Principal Rossetti for thirty minutes in real time from aboard the ISS on February 13, 2018. A segment about the event
13Source page 17
was broadcast that evening on the WCVB-TV (Channel 5) newscast. Captain Tingle returned to Earth on June 3, 2018. He
visited Blue Hills on November 13, 2018, bringing with him the ISS replica made by Engineering student Christopher
Bullock of Avon and a handsome wooden box made by Construction students Jill Yurewicz of Randolph and Robert
Devine of Dedham that housed it, both of which he had taken in space. Captain Tingle presented these one-of-a-kind
objects to Principal Rossetti.
Within confines of their vocational curriculum, Blue Hills students provide Cosmetology, Culinary, Early Education and
Care, Construction services, Graphics and Automotive services to district residents at below commercial cost. In some
cases they have extended these services to local government and non- profits. This practice allows students to gain
valuable, practical hands-on experience in conjunction with their classroom work. Over the years, residents, civic and
municipal groups in the school’s member towns have saved considerable money by having Blue Hills students provide
services for them.
Respectfully submitted,
Aidan G. Maguire, Jr.
Canton Representative
Blue Hills Regional Technical School District
December 31, 2018
14Source page 18
Report of the
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
William C. Galvin, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Rocco DiGirolamo, Member Canton, MA 02021
Gene Manning, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5008
Fax 781-575-6624
Karen Zukauskas, Director of Assessing assessing@town.canton.ma.us
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Tuesday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The Board of Assessors hereby submits its annual report:
Gross Amount to be raised by Taxation: 114,606,319
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds: 37,167,919
Net Amount to be raised by Taxation: 77,438,400
Residential Valuation: 3,824,234,297
Commercial, Industrial & Personal Property Value: 1,164,838,773
Total Taxable Valuation: 4,989,073,070
Residential Tax Rate: $12.40
Commercial Tax Rate: $25.77
The Department of Revenue approved the tax rates for the Town of Canton. The total taxable valuation of the Town is
almost 5 billion dollars this year. The next revaluation of the Town will take place in Fiscal Year 2021. We would like to
thank our current staff Karen Zukauskas, Director of Assessing, Carolyn Floyd, Assistant to the Director of Assessing,
Mary Tynan-Cassidy, Assessing Technician, Patricia Brooks, Board Secretary, and Katherine Barry, Assessing Clerk for
all of their hard work and dedication throughout this past year. We would also like to thank Sheila McNeely who works
for us through the senior work program.
15Source page 19
Report of the
BOARD OF HEALTH
Ruth Slattery, Chairman 79 Pleasant Street
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5021
Fax 781-821-0337
boh@town.canton.ma.us
John L. Ciccotelli, R.S., C.H.O., Director of Public Health & Medical Reserve Corps Director
Diane J. White, Administrative Assistant
Cindy Bonner, R.N. & Jane Pratt, R.N., Public Health Nurses
Timothy Marble, R.S., Health Agent/Sanitarian
Recording Secretary, Karen Murphy
Dorothy Hennessey, Deborah Tyler, Elaine Benson, Harriet Blackman, Donna Jean Downer: Senior Volunteers
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
<><><><><><><><><><>
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health is the science of protecting and
improving the health of families and communities through promotion of healthy lifestyles, research of disease and
injury prevention and detection and control of infectious diseases. Overall, public health is concerned with protecting
the health of entire populations.
The responsibility of this comprehensive mission lies with the Canton Board of Health (Board) as it relates to the local
Canton Community. Added to this task since September 11, 2001, the Board of Health, in cooperation with other first
responding Town Departments, is the preparation of the Town for any large natural or man-made hazards, diseases, or
other public health emergencies that may threaten the Community.
To accomplish these tasks, the Board created and manages programs of inspection and enforcement of Federal, State, and
local public health statutes, regulations, policies, trainings, health education, and inspections of a cross section of a
number of health related issues.
Director of Public Health, John L. Ciccotelli, assisted by Board of Health staff, Timothy Marble, Diane White, Jane Pratt,
RN, and Cindy Bonner, RN, who conducted or responded to investigations, inspections, re-inspections, enforcement
actions, and follow-ups to complaints or violations of various provisions in the State Sanitary Code and/or the State Food
Code throughout the year.
The list of investigations and inspections conducted by the Board of Health in 2018 includes, but is not limited to:
• Food: 228 inspections or investigations including, but is not limited to restaurants and other food service
establishments, retail food stores, caterers, and function hall kitchens. Also included are inspections resulting
from food complaints or other food emergencies.
• Mobile vendors and “canteen” trucks: 4
• Title 5 Septic Systems: 47 inspections or investigations including septic system installation inspections along with
witnessing soil and percolation tests, septic system plan reviews and approvals for septic repairs and new septic
systems, as well as the review of State mandated Title 5 Septic System Inspections.
• Public and semi-public swimming pools: 30
• Housing and State Sanitary Code, Chapter II Inspections, Housing Inspections and Nuisances, Hoarding
inspections and investigation: 189
• Septage hauler or haul offal truck inspections: 8
• Ice skating rinks: 2
• Health Clubs: 2
16Source page 20
• Children’s camps: 22
• Tobacco and Nicotine Inspections: 35
• Miscellaneous complaints: 44
• Public health nuisances: 103
• State mandated sharps (used needle) drop off and collections: 136 lbs. properly disposed of
The Board of Health’s revised “Regulation of the Sale of Tobacco and Nicotine Products”, passed on October 2, 2017,
primarily created a moratorium on the number of new Tobacco Sales Permits issued and reduces the total number or
Permits in circulation for renewal over time through atrophy of existing businesses no longer desiring or qualifying under
the Regulation to renew their existing Tobacco and Nicotine Sales Permits. Under the new amendments, flavored
tobacco or nicotine products, including for electronic cigarettes, are prohibited from sale in retail stores except if sold
within an adult only tobacco shop exclusively for selling tobacco and nicotine products and which prohibits minors under
the age of 21 from entering. It is a belief of the Board of Health that flavors in tobacco and nicotine product are a major
motivating factor in young people deciding to become smokers. Penalties have also been increased and have become
stricter.
Professional public health nursing staff members continued to provide Canton Citizens the following services throughout
2018:
Communicable disease surveillance
Vitamin B-12 injections
Office and home visits
Veterans Clinics
Blood Pressure Monitoring Clinics
Children’s camp inspections by the Nurses and Health Agents
Lyme disease and mosquito safety, and sun safety
Home safety assessments
Public health outreach to community members
Employee health screenings
Memory Café
Canton community television interview
CONTINUING INITIATIVES:
In 2018, populations of human-biting mosquitoes infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus
(WNV), two dangerous arbovirus diseases spread by infected mosquitoes, were, for the 3rd year in a row, in decline
partially as the result of larvicidal and insecticidal applications by the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project using a
combination of aerial larvaecide spraying along with ultra-low volume (ULV) insecticide ground spraying. These 2
arbovirus epizootics are monitored by the Board of Health, the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Program, and the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health throughout the mosquito season.
No cases of the new Zika virus were observed in the area again this year as none of the Zika virus-carrying mosquitos,
Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus, were found in any of the trapped samples collected in Massachusetts.
The Canton Medical Reserve Corps (CMRC) is part of the NC-8 MRC (Norfolk County-8 Medical Reserve Corps) and is
prepared to care for any part of the 8-town community (Canton, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Walpole,
Wellesley, Westwood) of which it is composed that might require emergency medical shelter, medical dispensing site
operations, or other necessary large scale or health-related accommodations during a disaster or other emergency event.
Walpole is the newest member of the NC-7, hence the new name, NC-8 (Norfolk County-8 Medical Reserve Corps).
The Canton Medical Reserve Corps (CMRC), as one Division of the NC-8 MRC, is an agency officially affiliated with the
United States Surgeon General’s Office. It remains a vital resource of both medical and non-medical volunteers whose
purpose is to respond to large-scale biomedical emergencies or pandemics. The CMRC is trained to work in cooperation
with other of Canton’s emergency volunteer groups, most specifically the Canton Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) directed by the Town’s Emergency Management Director. Funding for the CMRC is entirely through State,
17Source page 21
Federal and private institutional grants and does not require financial support from Canton taxpayers. New volunteers are
needed and are always welcome.
The Board of Health would like to thank the entire Health Department Staff and all its volunteers for their generosity of
time and hard work in order to help keep Canton a safe and healthy community.
As always, the Board of Health is pleased and privileged to serve the Town of Canton and its citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Slattery, Chairman
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Vice-Chairman
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, Clerk
18Source page 22
Report of the
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Edward T. Walsh, Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer 801 Washington St.
Canton, MA 02021
Paul McCarthy, Local Building Inspector Telephone 781-821-5003
Marc Zade, Plumbing/Gas Inspector Fax 781-575-6574
Jonathan Levis, Electrical Inspector bldg_dept@town.canton.ma.us
Tamra Stock, Administrative Assistant
Ingrid Hartfiel, Department Assistant
Office Hours: Monday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Tuesday through Friday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
PLUMBING AND GAS DIVISION
Plumbing permits issued - 542 Fees collected - $34,117.00
Gas permits issued - 445 Fees collected - $19,259.00
ELECTRICAL DIVISION
Electrical permits issued - 725 Fees collected - $124,644.53
BUILDING DIVISION
Summary Report of the Building Permits Issued
New Single Family Dwellings 15 Commercial Solar 7
New Two Family Dwellings 2 New Commercial/Industrial Buildings 1
Additions to Residential Dwellings 37 Additions to Commercial Buildings 4
Alterations and Repairs to Residential Dwellings 688 Alterations and Repairs to Comm/Ind 106
Buildings
Signs 23 Swimming Pools 12
Renewed, Replace Permits 19 Occupancy Permits 79
Residential Solar 33 Stoves 21
Accessory Buildings, Sheds, Barns, etc. 21 Demolition Permits 21
Temporary Structures, Tents, etc. 48 Foundation Permits 19
Amendments to Permits 16 Sprinkler/Fire Protection 24
TOTAL - 1196
Valuation on Building Permits Issued - $138,008,515
Fees collected Building Permits Issued $512,923.00 Fees collected Annual/Assembly $4,190.00
Certificates Issued
Fees collected Plumbing/Gas Permits Issued $53,376.00 Fees collected Electrical Permits Issued $124,644.53
TOTAL REVENUE - $695,133.53
Respectfully submitted,
Edward T. Walsh
Building Commissioner
19Source page 23
Report of the
BUILDING RENOVATIONS COMMITTEE
Bob McCarthy, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Chuck Armando, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
John Connolly, Board of Selectmen Telephone 781-821-5000
Mike Loughran, School Committee bos@town.canton.ma.us
Kathy Butters, Finance Dept.
Chris Podgurski, Maureen McDonough, John McCourt, Bob Benedetti, Members At Large
During the 2018 year the Building Renovation Committee (“BRC”) continued its management of the projects approved at
earlier Town Meetings. The Following is a list of some of the projects that were addressed by the Building Renovation
Committee in the past year:
1) Metropolis Ice Rink: We hired an Architect Bargmann Hendrie+ Archetype ( BH+ A). They worked with
our Owners Project Manager (CMS Construction Monitoring Services Inc) to put together an I & E Report
(Investigation and Evaluation) that was requested by the State. BH+A began to Design a repair and
replacement for the Rink. Cost estimates of $10,500,000 were presented to a Special Town Meeting in
December. Town Meeting Voted to proceed with the construction. Construction is expected to begin in
March 2019
2) Senior Center: Work has begun on an upgrade to the HVAC System. This project should be completed early
in 2019
3) Canton Library: Roof Repairs should be completed by the end of 2018
4) Police Station: Roof repairs should be completed by the end of 2018
5) Canton Public Schools: Various maintenance and upgrades were completed. Teacher Room Renovations at
the Galvin, Office Carpet, Hansen, Gym Floor, Luce. Roof Top unit, Galvin, CHS Roof Top unit, CHS
Auditorium upgrade, part 1 of a 3 part program. Memorial Field Storage Building, Walsh Field Lights
6) Canton Feasibility Study: Dore and Whittier was hired to study and recommend a site for Pre K classrooms
weather in each Elementary School, Portable Classrooms at each School or the Rodman Center. Dore &
Whittier would also study relocating District Offices to a different location from the Rodman Building to
another location and study specific space programming needed to support an 8th grade academy in the
Rodman Center. Costs for all of these options were to be provided. This is ongoing and will carryover into
2019
7) Pequitside Farm Barn Study: We recently hired Architect (TBA) to perform a Comprehensive Investigation of
existing conditions and code review at the Pequitside Barn. This report has not been finalized
8) Boliver Pool: We recently hired an OPM, Pinck & Co (Owners Project Manager) and an Architect (CHA) to
begin Schematic Design, Design development and Cost Estimates for a new Pool to present to Town Meeting
in May 2019
I would like to thank our associate members Charles Aspinwall, Barry Nectow, Mark Lague, Police Chief Ken Berkowitz,
Fire Chief Charles Doody and all the other professional employee’s at Town Hall. As a volunteer committee these people
keep us informed and perform the day to day work necessary to allow these projects to be completed on time, on budget.
I would like to thank my fellow committee members. Their knowledge and expertise is what makes this committee
functions so well.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert J. McCarthy, Chairman
20Source page 24
Report of the
CANTON ALLIANCE AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE (CAASA)
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Charles Doody, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Kenneth Berkowitz, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Janet Donnelly, Secretary Telephone 781-821-5000
Elizabeth Francis, Department of Parks and Recreation www.cantonalliance.org
Ryan Gordy, School Department
Cynthia Bonner, Board of Health
MISSION
The mission of CAASA is to reduce the use of drugs and alcohol in the community by encouraging healthy decision
making by our youth and providing resources that address prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery throughout
the lifespan.
REPORT
The Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) was originally established in 2013 to address youth substance
abuse. CAASA consists of a diverse representation of invested community partners from Public Health, the Schools, Fire
Rescue, Police, Parks and Recreation, Canton Public Library, the Council on Aging, the Norfolk County DA’s office,
students, clinicians, and parents. Our collaboration allows for a 360-degree perspective on the issues affecting Canton and
how best to address them.
At 2016 ATM, CAASA was adopted as an official town committee and was allocated the sum of $10,000 to collect data,
execute programs, and provide educational resources. The members of CAASA, appointed by the Board of Selectmen,
embody a cross section of municipal departments and residents. This year, CAASA continued its a speaker series on
various substance abuse topics for the general public, co-sponsored a successful town meeting article to prohibit the retail
sales, distribution, and manufacture of marijuana, established the first Drop In Center in our area, hosted a Celebration of
Life event at the Council on Aging in honor of International Overdose Day and supported the efforts of Project SAVE
students in their mission to educate middle and high school students about substance use disorder. CAASA was also
awarded a $30,000 grant by the Department of Public Health to help Canton continue its efforts to provide resources to
residents who are struggling with substance use disorder.
CAASA is a part of a grant funded Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (SAPC), a cluster of coalitions representing
the communities of Stoughton, Canton, Holbrook, and Walpole. The Committee meets on the third Monday of each
month. Meeting notices are posted on the Town’s Website. For more information about CAASA, go to
www.cantonalliance.org.
Many thanks to our residents who volunteer their valuable time and talents to the committee including Harriet Burak,
Barbara Casaly, Phyllis Moore and Carolyn Elkort. Finally, thank you to the Congregational Church of Canton for hosting
our monthly Drop-In Center.
21Source page 25
Report of the
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Stacey Gorman, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Lisa Lopez, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Robert Panico, Treasurer Telephone 339-502-5729
George Comeau, Clerk ccpc@town.canton.ma.us
Thomas Theodore, Board of Selectmen
Nichola Gallagher, School Committee
Josh Cohen, Conservation Commission
John McSweeney, Housing Authority
David McCarthy, Planning Board
The Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) is comprised of nine members, all but one of whom represent
another Town board or committee. Given the make-up of the CCPC, turnover is experienced each year at varying levels.
In 2018, four members were either rotated off this service or chose not to seek reappointment. Kathy Fox Alfano (Board
of Selectman Designee) joined the CCPC at its inception. Serving from 2013 through 2018, Kathy played an instrumental
role in getting the Community Preservation statute adopted in Canton. Michael Mitcheroney served on the Committee as
the representative from the Planning Board for two years. Emilio Mauro and John Bonnanzio, representatives of the
Capital Planning Committee and the School Committee, respectively, each served one year on the CCPC. Following the
departure of these four members, the CCPC welcomed David McCarthy from the Planning Board, School Committee
member Nichola Gallager, Selectman Thomas Theodore, as well as Capital Planning representative Bob Panico who
served on the CCPC from 2013 to 2017. All four members were appointed by the Board of Selectmen in time to fully
participate in the FY20 round of CPA funding decisions. The CCPC extends its appreciation to Kathy, Michael, Emilio
and John for their service to the Town and their commitment to community preservation.
Purpose
The role of the CCPC is to administer Community Preservation Act funds for projects that benefit the public in the areas
of open space protection, historic preservation, community housing and outdoor recreation. Voters approved the statewide
Community Preservation Act (CPA) at the 2012 General Election through a 1% surcharge on all real estate property tax
bills with two exemptions: residential property owned and occupied by any person who qualifies for low-income housing,
or low- or moderate-income senior housing and the first $100,000 of taxable value of all residential real property. At the
2014 Annual Town Meeting (ATM), residents voted to extend the $100,000 tax exemption to commercial and industrial
property owners.
2018 Major Accomplishments
While the Devoll Playground project is technically
ongoing (awaiting final project components such as
a sign), the major pieces of this project have been
completed. The rehabilitation of both Devoll and
Tilden Playgrounds were fully funded through a
Community Preservation grant totaling more than
$400,000. At Devoll, the two-decades-old structure
has been removed (many thanks to the Canton
DPW for their assistance!) and a new playground
structure (pictured at right) featuring numerous
climbing elements and slides is in place and open to
the public. The poured-in-place surface ensures that
the playground is safe and accessible. As the home
of the Canton Recreation Department’s free
Summer Playground Program, the new Devoll
Playground is a vital community asset that will be
enjoyed by Canton families for years to come.
22Source page 26
2018 Major Accomplishments (continued)
One of three planning studies funded in Fiscal Year 2018, the Earl Newhouse Waterfront Master Plan was the first
planning project to be completed. The 12-acre Newhouse Waterfront Area was purchased by the Town in 1997. The goal
of the Newhouse Master Plan
was to “to survey the existing
conditions of the site, prepare
a site analysis and future
development plan in a
transparent, well thought-out
and coordinated way ... that
will ensure the protection of
wildlife habitat, wetland
resources and open space
while providing recreational
opportunities for residents of
all ages.” Landscape
Architect Kyle Zick was
hired to facilitate the planning
process and develop the site’s
master plan. Through a series
of public meetings and online
surveys, community input
was solicited to inform the
process of developing a comprehensive list of desirable uses and amenities as this site. This data was combined with the
consultant’s extensive field work, site review and research to produce a thorough master plan highlighting the potential
“build out” of the site and the action items required to achieve the vision for this unique open space parcel.
In addition to the projects noted above, progress was made on several other CPA projects over the past year. The
following table provides a summary of the projects funded to date with a note regarding project status at the conclusion of
the 2018 calendar year.
Project Fiscal Year Category CPA Funding Status
Pequitside Farm Architectural Study 2018 Historic $28,000 ongoing
Library entrance 2018 Historic $35,000 complete
Rolling Mill Copper Roof 2018 Historic $148,975 ongoing
PRHS Conservation Restriction 2018 Open Space $20,000 ongoing
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update; Trails 2018 Open Space / $150,000 ongoing
Plan; Newhouse Master Plan Recreation
Kennedy Fields Restrooms & Storage Facility 2018 Recreation $173,500 ongoing
Tilden and Devoll Playgrounds 2018 Recreation $401,300 ongoing
Rubin Court Senior Housing 2018 Housing $80,000 ongoing
Crane’s Guard Militia Flag 2017 Historic $18,900 ongoing
Olde English Cemetery 2017 Historic $36,915 ongoing
Canton Corner Cemetery – Receiving Tomb & 2017 Historic $160,000 ongoing
Vaults
Recreation Needs Assessment – Outdoor 2017 Recreation $50,000 ongoing
Facilities
Hagen Court Senior Housing 2017 Housing $120,000 complete*
23Source page 27
Canton Corner Cemetery Phase II 2016 Historic $11,000 complete*
Ponkapoag Station Bell Restoration 2016 Historic $15,000 complete**
Tilden House Restoration 2016 Historic $414,150 ongoing
Historical Document Master Plan 2016 Historic $10,000 complete**
Martha Howard Petticoat 2016 Historic $5,895 complete
FPUU Steeple and Spire 2016 Historic $99,120 ongoing
Veterans Housing (Supplemental) 2016 Housing $100,000 complete*
Plymouth Rubber – Land Acquisition 2016 Open Space $1,740,000 ongoing
High School Tennis Courts 2015 Recreation $200,000 complete
Veteran’s Housing – Electrical Boxes 2015 Housing $30,000 complete**
Veteran’s Housing – Smoke Detectors 2015 Housing $63,700 complete**
Canton Corner Cemetery Phase I 2015 Historic $25,000 complete**
Friendship Quilt 2015 Historic $2,705 complete
Civil War Soldier Restoration 2015 Historic $30,000 complete
* work complete / awaiting final invoices
** project complete and under budget (unused funds returned to the CPA fund).
2018 Approved CPA Projects
In 2018, the CCPC recommended a total of five projects to Annual Town Meeting (a sixth project pertaining to the
Bolivar Pool was withdrawn just prior to Town Meeting). CPA-funding recommendations for FY 2019 totaled $792,500.
The CCPC is pleased to report that all five projects recommended for funding were approved at the May 2018 Town
Meeting. An outline of the most recently funded CPA projects follows:
Community Housing Projects
Project Description CPA Funding
Rubin Court Senior Housing – Phase II $80,000
• Install bathroom exhaust fans in remaining units at senior housing facility to
address/prevent mold and mildew.
Open Space/Recreation Projects
Project Description CPA Funding
Ponkapoag Playground $63,500
• Remove existing structure and install new playground equipment at neighborhood park.
Walsh Field Lights $150,000
• Remove existing structure and install new playground equipment at neighborhood park.
Kennedy School Field Restroom & Storage Facility $173,500
• Second installment to cover full construction costs for restroom and storage facility at the
Kennedy School fields.
Improvements to Open Space at Paul Revere Heritage Site $325,500
Funding to cover improvements to open space at the Paul Revere Heritage including
installation of irrigation system and electrical conduit for future light fixtures.
In the Fall of 2018, the CCPC received ten applications for CPA funding for FY 20 totaling $1,050,574. The CCPC held
two public meetings in December to entertain presentations from project proponents and to consider which projects to
24Source page 28
recommend to Annual Town Meeting in 2019. Final decisions as to FY 20 recommendations will be reported in early
January and voted at ATM in May of 2019.
Financials
Total CPA revenues in fiscal year 2018 were $702,618.97. This includes the State Match totaling $94,671. FY 2018
numbers are detailed below:
Canton Community Preservation Committee
FY 18 Revenue and Expenses as of 06.30.18
**does not include projects approved in prior fiscal years**
Beginning Balance $1,148,239.80
FY 18 Budgeted FY 18 Actual
Revenue
CPA Tax $500,000.00 $581,951.58
State Revenue (received November, 2017) $100,000.00 $94,671.00
Tax Liens Redeemed $1,534.29
Earnings on Investment $22,270.00
Penalties/Interest CPA $2,192.10
Total Revenue $600,000.00 $702,618.97
CPA Revenue including carryover fund balance $1,850,858.77
FY 18 Budget FY 18 Available
Expenditures Budget
Administrative Expenses
Administration $30,000.00
Personal Services (payroll + legal) $14,676.28
Telephone/Communications $65.01
remaining admin budget is reallocated to
undesignated reserve fund in subsequent
Other Charges/Expenditures $100.00 fiscal year
$14,841.29 $15,158.71
FY 18 Approved Projects
Open Space/Recreation
Planning Projects $150,000.00 $87,608.90 $62,391.10
Conservation Restriction - PRHS $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00
Devoll & Tilden Playgrounds $410,300.00 $2,520.00 $407,780.00
Little League Restroom Facility $173,500.00 $0.00 $173,500.00
Historic Resources
Rolling Mill Copper Roof $148,975.00 $0.00 $148,975.00
Library Entrance $35,000.00 $35,000.00 $0.00
Pequitside Farm Architectural Study $28,000.00 $0.00 $28,000.00
Community Housing
Rubin Court Senior Housing $80,000.00 $0.00 $80,000.00
remaining project funds remain in each
project budget across fiscal years until work
is completed and/or project is closed per a
vote of the //t/.
Total Committed Project Expenses $895,775.00 $125,128.90 $770,646.10
Total Actual FY 18 expenses $139,970.19
Additional financial information can be found on the Community Preservation Committee website.
25Source page 29
A Guide for CPA at Town Meeting
In addition to voting on projects recommended by the Committee, there are several other CPA motions put forth at Town
Meeting. The first motion is for administrative expenses, which by law shall not exceed 5 per cent of the estimated
revenues for the Community Preservation Fund for the upcoming fiscal year. The second CPA motion voters will see is a
breakdown of monies being transferred between CPA accounts. Under the State’s CPA legislation, in each fiscal year and
upon the recommendation of the Committee, the legislative body shall spend, or set aside for later spending, not less than
10 per cent of the annual revenues in the Community Preservation Fund for open space, not less than 10 per cent of the
annual revenues for historic resources and not less than 10 per cent of the annual revenues for community housing. This
motion ensures that some monies are allocated to each category, whether or not a project in that category is recommended
for funding in that year. In 2018, voters agreed to allocate $60,000 to each CPA subaccount, which represents 10% of
expected revenues for fiscal year 2019.
Ongoing Initiatives
In 2018, the Committee will continue to build relationships with the community and community leaders to solicit project
ideas that will benefit the Town. Additionally, the Committee will work with project sponsors to steward those projects
through completion. Some projects will be completed quickly and others will be more long term in nature. In all cases, the
projects selected and put forward will support the Community Preservation Plan and the edicts of the Community
Preservation Act. The Canton Community Preservation Plan is available on our website. We encourage anyone with
project ideas to apply using the forms also available on our webpage, or to reach out directly to a member of the
Committee.
The Committee wishes to thank past and current project sponsors, Canton citizens, Town officials, the law firm of
Deutsch/Williams, the Massachusetts Community Preservation Coalition and each of its Committee members for their
continued dedication to CPA.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Gorman
Chairman
26Source page 30
Report of the
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Joshua Cohen, Chairman Pequitside Farm
Kevin Colmey, Vice-Chairman 79 Pleasant St.
Robert MacDonald, Treasurer Canton, MA 02021
Paul Degnan, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5035
Elizabeth Sugameli, Member rmilani@town.canton.ma.us
Melissa Mayer, Member
Gerald Carmichael, Member
Regen M. Milani, Conservation Agent
Heather Cahill, Office & Recording Secretary
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
The Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act, the Town of Canton Wetland
Protection Bylaw and Regulations, the Town of Canton Stormwater Bylaw and Regulations, and the Town of Canton Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaw. The Conservation Commission works directly with developers, town departments,
and residents regarding both new and redevelopment projects, including new subdivisions, construction of new single-
family homes, building additions, landscaping, and more to help ensure an understanding of the requirements for
compliance with these state and local laws. In addition the commission owns and manages over 70 parcels, consisting of
over 400 acres of land, set aside for public conservation and passive recreation purposes, including Pequitside Farm.
The Commission holds public hearings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at Pequitside Farm in the
Tavern Room located at the rear of the Edward J. Lynch, Jr. House. Public Hearings begin at 7:00 P.M. All hearings are
open to the public and recorded by Canton Community Television. Copies of current regulations and forms are available
on the Conservation Department website town.canton.ma.us/335/Conservation-Commission or at the Conservation Office
(781) 821-5035.
Conservation welcomes our new Conservation Agent Regen Milani, Regen started November 19th and the Commission is
looking forward to working with her. Our sincerest thanks to Kristen Phelps and Charles Katuska who acted as interim
agents during the search process for a new agent. Their knowledge and assistance was invaluable and sincerely
appreciated.
In 2018 there were 19 Public meetings issuing a total of 59 permits and 33 Certificates of Compliance which consisted of
the following: 33 Wetland Permits made up of 8 Determinations of Applicability and 25 Orders of Conditions; 1
Amended Order of Conditions; 7 Stormwater Permits, 11 Stormwater 3-year Extensions; 19 Soil Erosion/Land
Disturbance Permits; 13 Soil Erosion/Land Disturbance 3-year Extensions; 12 Wetland Certificates of Compliances; 8
Stormwater Certificates of Compliances; and 13 Soil Erosion/Land Disturbance Certificates of Compliances, and 3
Violations.
Members of the Conservation Commission also serve on the Pequitside Sub-Committee, the Community Preservation
Committee, the Permit Advisory Committee, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee, the Paul Revere Heritage
Commission, the Walk, Bike and Hike Committee, the Water and Sewer Rate and Policy Committee, Reservoir Pond
Advisory Committee, and Pequitside Task Force.
The Pequitside Sub-Committee oversees projects and improvements to the Pequitside Properties - Pequitside Farm,
including the Edward J. Lynch Jr. House, and Pequitside Woods. The Sub-committee meetings are held on the third
Monday of every month on an as needed basis at 9:30 A.M. on the second floor of the Edward J. Lynch Jr. House.
Pequitside Sub-Committee meeting dates are posted on the Town of Canton website and at the Town Clerk’s office at
Town Hall. All are welcome to attend.
27Source page 31
The Town of Canton is rich in natural resources which provide protection for public water supplies, wildlife habitat, and
scenic beauty. The most important natural resources have been identified as the Neponset River and its tributary streams,
ponds, and associated wetlands; the large Fowl Meadow and Ponkapoag Pond Area of Critical Environmental Concern
(ACEC), and the remaining undeveloped areas of natural vegetation in town. Currently, public access to many of Canton
ponds is difficult or limited. It is important to the town to continue to protect and enhance the quality of surface and
ground waters, flood protection and wetland resources as well as improve wildlife habitat and provide recreational
amenities. Despite the increasing fragmentation of the Town’s natural areas, the existence of large areas of undeveloped
land gives Canton the opportunity to plan now to create open space linkages.
It is the Commissions’ sincerest wish that all Canton residents be allowed to enjoy their own property and the public lands
throughout the town. It is also role to help citizens understand the great value that our natural resources provide, and the
shared responsibility that we have as a community to protect our natural heritage for ourselves and for the many
generations to follow. When using public lands for recreation, thank you for abiding by the rules and regulations that have
been established for the protection of the land and the people who use it.
We would like to thank Steve Choiniere, Canton Facilities and Grounds Supervisor, Ed Butler, Kevin Brophy, Rob
Martin, and Peter Ferry, Building and Grounds Technicians, and the Canton Board of Selectman, without whose
assistance we would not be able maintain and repair our buildings and grounds. We would like to thank our 2018 senior
program volunteers Pauline Wademan and Carol Cycelia for their excellent work in helping us scan and organize our
files- a tedious but critical task. In addition, we would like to thank our secretary, Heather Cahill, for her support of the
Commission and work to maintain the Commission Office, manage the building and grounds rentals, and supervise our
senior volunteers.
Best wishes to all Canton residents.
Respectfully Submitted,
Josh Cohen
Joshua Cohen, Chairman
M. Regen Milani
Regen Milani, Agent
28Source page 32
Report of the
COUNCIL ON AGING
Janet Walrod, Chairman 500 Pleasant St.
Elaine Gilmore, Vice-Chariman Canton, MA 02021
Ellen Donovan, Secretary Telephone 781-828-1323
Elaine Gilmore, Member coa@town.canton.ma.us
Dr. John Crowe, Member
Jane Pratt, Member
Alan Leary, Member
Diane Tynan, Director
Robin Tobin, Outreach Worker
Marylou Sullivan, Program Coordinator
Dale Rushworh, Principle Clerk
Margaret Cibotti & Linda Friel, Clerk
Richard D’Attanasio, Al Widberg, Steve Genatossio, Fred Rausa, Karloline Walsh, Bob Trayers, and Mike Sprinto,
Bus Drivers
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 4:00PM
COA Mission
The mission of the Canton Council on Aging, CCOA, is to enhance and optimize the quality of life among Canton’s aging
population. The CCOA addresses the physical, social, emotional, mental health, and economic needs of individuals with
an array of specific programs, discussion groups, and speaker meetings dealing with current relative issues, along with a
variety of social activities.
Socialization is vital to aging in place. The CCOA efforts are in line with the MA Aging Network realization that the
COA is the only public social service agency in most communities.
These services (Ch. 40s.MGL) are defined as follows:
Information and Referral Advocacy
Outreach Peer Support
Transportation Recreation
Health/Fitness/Wellness Volunteer Development
Nutrition Intergenerational
Education Disability/Access Issues
The CCOA efforts in providing these multifaceted services have been positively received from all of the individuals that
are participating. Included among these program participants are members of the Canton community at large that may
also be in need of economic assistance and the informational resources available to them. The CCOA continues to focus
on new and expanded programs which provide outreach support, advocacy groups, and support for caregivers as well as
educational seminars. The space and personnel are limited at the CCOA however the social role is being handled
successfully by providing access to all that choose to participate.
Statistical Overview
The CCOA had over 25,521 individual check- in’s during 2018 however, many come visit the senior center and do not
check in, this is something the CCOA is addressing and it will increase our statistics. On average, our average daily
checks ins are over 100 a day!
As expected, Canton’s total population of 60 and older is continuing to increase from 4,970 and those between ages
between 50 and 60 is 3,287. Currently, Canton’s total population is approaching 23,000 and 40% of this population are
individuals over the age 60. While we continue to have a positive response to all of our programs and the number of
retirees continue to increase, so will the requirement to use the senior center space efficiently through the multi-
functionality of individual areas and rooms as well as effectively through program scheduling. We are hopeful, based on
the recently held Master Plan meetings, that attendees recognize the growing need for additional space in the near future.
29Source page 33
Transportation Program
During the CCOA operating hours our transportation vehicles are transporting senior and disabled residents on a continual
basis Monday thru Friday. The transportation schedules are designed to transport those individuals to and from medical
appointments, food shopping, and errands such as going to the barber shop or the local post office and activities around
town such as voting. In addition to the transportation services we have other valuable resources that allow us to assist
individuals to obtain transportation (to medical appointments) outside of our service area for medical appointments. In
2018, the CCOA provided 11,369 rides using our transportation services and other transportation resources.
Health and Wellness Programs
Physical activities such as exercise are integral components of healthy aging since they can control and often prevent
many health conditions among aging individuals. As such, the CCOA provides a number of exercise programs, which are
mostly well attended. The exercise programs offered include Heart Fit, modified Chair Fit, Zumba, Men’s Fitness, Yoga,
Tai Chi, Line Dancing, and Pickleball. Throughout the year the CCOA hosts health related seminars and clinics in which
some are held in conjunction with the Canton Board of Health.
Outreach/Social Service
The Outreach/ Social Service function is successfully assisting those in need aged 60 and older as well as the younger
population and many disabled individuals. The CCOA is the first stop for services among many in the Canton
community, and do our best to assist all those needing assistance. An example of these services are housing for homeless
or those facing foreclosure and even eviction, fuel assistance and helping with heating emergencies, SNAP assistance,
employment, home care services, tax abatements, long-term care placement, prescription drug programs, friendly visitor
program, as well as many other programs and services. The Outreach Worker is also available to make visits to
homebound elderly and disabled residents to assess their needs and recommend appropriate services and resources.
Tax Work Program
The Town of Canton offers a Tax Work-Off Program for senior homeowners over 60 years. These seniors are offered a
real estate tax credit of up to $1,500.00 by working 136 hours in various Town Departments. This program benefits senior
citizens in our community, while providing the Town with knowledgeable workers. In 2018, senior workers were placed
in the Senior Center, Selectmen’s Office, Town Hall, Library, Treasurer/Collector’s office, the Finance Department, the
Recreation Department, DPW, the Assessors’ office, the Building/Inspection office, Animal Control, Fire Department,
Police Department, Schools and other Town Departments.
Staff & Volunteers
The COA recognizes and thanks all of our dedicated and hard-working staff. While limited in numbers, their contribution
is outstanding. The staff includes: Robin Tobin, Dale Rushworth, Linda Friel, Peggy Cibotti, Marylou Sullivan. Our
skilled bus drivers include Rich D’Attanasio, Al Widberg, Steve Genatasio and Fred Rausa and Karoline Walsh, Bob
Trayers, Mike Sprinto.
In addition to staff, the COA also has a dedicated group of volunteers. The CCOA volunteers steadfast service and
commitment to the Canton Senior Center affords us the opportunity to function with a small departmental staff. These
volunteers not only enrich our programming capabilities but also they enhance our ability to serve older adults effectively.
The CCOA greatly appreciates all the individuals, organizations, and Town Departments that support us with time, talent,
and treasure without which we could not provide the many services we offer.
The CCOA is thankful to all the townspeople, the Board of Selectmen as well as all of Canton Boards and Departments
for their continued support throughout the year and truly value and appreciate their efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Walrod, Chairman
Diane Tynan, Director
30Source page 34
Report of the
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Charles E. Doody, Emergency Management Director 99 Revere St.
Paul Clark, Deputy Emergency Management Director Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-575-6654
Fax 781-821-6591
cdoody@town.canton.ma.us
In 2018, the Canton Emergency Management Agency was awarded an Emergency Management Planning Grant in the
amount of $4,650 to purchase laptop computers for the Emergency Operations Center. The technology will be used to
update Canton’s Electronic Emergency Management Plan and improve communications and situational awareness during
emergencies. Canton also received a Citizen’s Corp Program grant of $3,500 to purchase Home Emergency/Disaster Kits.
These kits were distributed to many residents of the Canton Housing Authority who attended a seminar on “Preparing For
a Disaster”.
The Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) continued to assist First Responders in providing support at several
large festivals and the 4th of July. Members of the CERT participated in various training programs including CPR, fire
extinguisher use, forcible entry techniques, utility shut-off procedures and emergency shelter operations.
Long time Emergency Management Director and Deputy Director Gen. Frank LaBollita (ret.) retired with grateful
appreciation after many years of service to the Town of Canton. Paul Clark, a member of the Army National Guard and
long-time business owner in Canton was appointed as Canton’s newest Deputy Emergency Management Director. We
wish him luck in his new position. Finally, I would like to thank all the members of our CERT program and Program
Coordinator Dennis Mitchell for their dedication to ensuring the safety of the residents of Canton and for their continuing
efforts to improve Canton’s capacity to respond to town wide emergencies.
31Source page 35
Report of the
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
James R. Murgia, Finance Director 801 Washington St.
jmurgia@town.canton.ma.us 781-575-6612 Canton, MA 02021
Fax 781-575-6608
Kathleen D. Butters, Town Accountant
kbutters@town.canton.ma.us 781-575-6605
Susan Desjardins, Asst. Treasurer/Collector
sdesjardins@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-5006
Louis M. Jutras, Information Systems Manager
ljutras@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-5069
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Tuesday 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
We welcome Susan Musto as our newest member of the Finance Department. Susan is our Software Coordinator
reporting to Louis Jutras, our Information Systems Manager.
The Finance Department contributed to several major accomplishments during the year:
• Received from the Government Finance Officers Association their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting due to our preparing a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal 2017. This is
the 12th consecutive year we have received this award after preparing a CAFR and plan on doing this annually.
• Prepared a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal 2018, which is available on the Town’s website.
• Issued bonds in March 2018 amounting to $4.7 million with Eastern Bank being the low bidder at a net interest rate of
2.4%. These bonds include refinancing 2010 bonds to reduce principal and interest costs by $205,000 over the next 12
years.
• Collected 99.7% of the property taxes due for fiscal 2018, amounting to over $74 million.
• Invested cash balances resulting in interest income of $390,000 in fiscal 2018.
• Continued to track solar credits generated at closed landfill on Pine Street with net financial benefit amounting to
$507,845 in fiscal 2018.
• Submitted various financial reports to the Department of Revenue who certified the Town’s free cash reserve as of
June 30, 2018 to be $4.4 million. This “rainy day fund” along with $7.7 million in our Stabilization Fund will help to
maintain the Town’s highest bond rating of AAA and to fund one-time expenditure needs.
• Continued to lead the Town’s efforts in submitting reimbursement requests to FEMA pertaining to storm related
damage.
• Continued responsibility of issuing stickers to allow commuters to park along Greenlodge Street.
• Replaced storage network and backup appliance for the Town network.
• Replaced 35 public computers at the Library.
• Upgraded various software applications.
• Participated in Community Compact Best Practice program for Civic Engagement.
• Replaced HVAC and Police server.
• Added a new position of Software Coordinator in the MIS Division of Finance.
We have prepared a comparative balance sheet and statement of revenue and expenditures for the Town’s general fund.
We have also prepared a report on trust fund cash balances and long-term debt.
I would like to thank all Departments, Boards, Commissions, Committees and the Finance Department staff for their
cooperation during the past year. The accomplishments of the past year were the result of the hard work and efforts of
this entire group of professionals.
32Source page 36
TOWN OF CANTON
MASSACHUSETTS
GENERAL FUND
Balance Sheet (1)
As of June 30
2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Assets
24,363,02 23,977,96 20,286,93 17,477,72 16,360,54
Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 1 $ 5 $ 3 $ 2 $ 0
Receivables-Net of Uncollectible Amounts:
Property Taxes 350,494 498,497 546,198 541,545 451,911
Tax Liens and Foreclosures 1,311,710 1,307,690 1,260,489 1,203,433 1,341,202
Excise Taxes 379,470 375,283 299,187 478,923 212,688
Due From Other Governments 1,341,647 1,740,116 2,125,785 2,499,064 2,860,353
Other Assets 870,160 7,252 2,425,629 1,506,665 691,008
28,616,50 27,906,80 26,944,22 23,707,35 21,917,70
Total Assets $ 2 $ 3 $ 1 $ 2 $ 2
Liabilities and Fund Equity
Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 1,334,850 $ 1,384,589 $ 1,322,313 $ 957,884 $ 1,152,448
Payroll Payable 3,709,311 3,701,991 3,531,574 3,849,178 3,562,869
Other Liabilities 39,489 39,489 39,489 41,894 34,916
Deferred Revenue 3,180,505 3,675,273 3,805,406 4,344,867 4,624,671
Provision for Abatements & Exemptions 470,796 1,170,000 2,550,000 1,925,000 1,475,000
11,248,78 11,118,82 10,849,90
Total Liabilities 8,734,951 9,971,342 2 3 4
Fund Equity
Restricted/Nonspendable 31,294 7,252 0 0 0
Committed 1,026,447 923,152 886,722 364,246 358,148
Assigned 1,599,273 876,862 1,846,942 793,408 893,993
17,224,53 16,128,19 12,961,77 11,430,87
Unassigned 7 5 5 5 9,815,657
19,881,55 17,935,46 15,695,43 12,588,52 11,067,79
Total Fund Equity 1 1 9 9 8
28,616,50 27,906,80 26,944,22 23,707,35 21,917,70
Total Liabilities and Fund Equity $ 2 $ 3 $ 1 $ 2 $ 2
(1) Excerpts from audited financial statements.
33Source page 37
TOWN OF CA MASSACHUSE' Combined Statements of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance (1) General Fund for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30 Revenues Property Taxes Payments in Lieu of Taxes Tax Liens Redeemed Excise Taxes Penalties and Interest Departmental and other Licenses and Permits Intergovernmental - State Fines and Forfeitures Earnings on Investments. Hotel and Meals Taxes Total Revenues Expenditures General Government Public Safety Education Public Works Human Services Culture and Recreation Pension Benefits Employee Benefits State and County Charges Debt Service Total Expenditures Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures Other Financing Sources (Uses) Premium from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from refunding bonds Payments of refunded bonds Operating Transfers - In Operating Transfers - Out Total Other Financing Sources (Uses) Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues and Other Financing Sources (Uses) Over Expenditures Fund Balance - Beginning, Fund Balance - Ending (1) Excerpts from audited financial statements. (000 omitted) 2018 2017-2016 2015 2014 $ 73,672 $ 71,397 $ 66,702 $ 63,274 $ 61,063 237 231 225 222 215 297 173 147 352 783 4,703 4,506 4,556 4,120 S77Ls 365 315 254 311 344 1,086 973 1,240 1,102 951 1,235 1,142 1,035 1,283 818 18,165 16,703 14,192 11,910 16,882 115 93 120 113 141 402 268 168 142 145 604 593 601 582 568 $ 100,881 $ 96,394 $ 89,240 $_83,411_ $ _85,625 $ 4,081 $ 3832 $ 3979 $ 3,806 $ 4,256 11,446 10,799 10,352 10,038 9,745 42,052 40,294 37,782 36,052 34,942 5,706 5,965 4,809 5,024 4,649 967 1,146 1,003 826 794 2,045 1,987 1,918 1,698 1,703 13,538 12,480 9,802 7,321 11,915 12,965 12,017 11,384 11,500 11,081 1,015 996 927 944 960 4,868 4,792 4,993 4,986 6,140 98,683 94,308 86,949 82,195 86,185 2,198 2,086 2,291 1,216 (S60) 38 44 11 109 2,259 414 1,596 S15 0) 15,185 (446) (1,619) (526) (0) (21,739) 1,286 1,077 1,648 1,026 2,677 (1,544) (944) (833) (830) (1,023) 154 815 305 (2,641) 1,946 2,240 3,106 1,521 (3,201) 17,935 15,695 12,589 11,068 14,269 $19,881 $ 17,935 $ 15,695 $ 12589 $ 11,068 34
Source page 38
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS
REPORT OF CASH ACTIVITY AND BALANCES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
7/1/17 INCREASE 6/30/18
TRUST FUNDS BALANCE (DECREASE) INTEREST BALANCE
Balsamo Scholarship Fund 7,657.19 2,250.00 97.94 10,005.13
Bicentennial Fund 4,704.21 0.00 76.90 4,781.11
C.T. Downes Lib Fund 23,272.47 0.00 380.46 23,652.93
Cemetery P.C. Fund 419,863.46 0.00 6,091.38 425,954.84
Compensated Absences 52,088.83 (12,275.95) 851.53 40,664.41
Conservation Land Fund 146,952.22 0.00 2,131.98 149,084.20
Dean Luce Scholarship Fund 26,079.58 (700.00) 426.36 25,805.94
Dental Trust Fund 524,829.29 0.00 7,614.16 532,443.45
Drug Forfeiture Acct 545,350.89 0.00 7,911.92 553,262.81
E. Bolster Library Trust 61,751.34 0.00 922.18 62,673.52
E.C. Harding Lib Fund 2,529.64 0.00 41.35 2,570.99
E. Kenealy Memorial Tr 3,588.15 0.00 58.65 3,646.80
Federico Memorial Fund 8,064.29 0.00 131.84 8,196.13
G.E. Downes Lib Fund 21,213.79 0.00 346.80 21,560.59
Health Claims Trust Fund 3,206,152.44 0.00 46,514.63 3,252,667.07
Helen Martis Scholarship Fund 5,415.64 0.00 88.53 5,504.17
High School Scholarship Fund 16,191.38 0.00 264.70 16,456.08
Jack Galvin Lib Fund 2,590.18 0.00 1,991.39 4,581.57
Joanna A Connors Fund 5,060.92 0.00 82.74 5,143.66
Kendall Recreation Fund 1,124.29 0.00 18.39 1,142.68
Kennedy Scholarship Fund 10,703.03 0.00 174.98 10,878.01
M Badoian School Fund 4,704.99 0.00 2,076.91 6,781.90
Municipal Bldg. Ins. Fund 457,627.58 0.00 6,639.24 464,266.82
OPEB 2,856,983.31 1,000,000.00 144,433.66 4,001,416.97
Police Detective Bureau 165,069.84 0.00 2,698.48 167,768.32
Scholar Dollar Fund 29,935.48 (5,000.00) 489.38 25,424.86
Second Century Library Tr 48,590.08 0.00 794.36 49,384.44
Senior Center 2,443.40 0.00 39.96 2,483.36
Shaler Charity Fund 13,093.29 0.00 214.05 13,307.34
Stabilization Fund 2,511,335.35 0.00 36,434.28 2,547,769.63
Stabilization Fund 4,055,972.00 500,000.00 100,241.33 4,656,213.33
Teen Activity Center 3,012.24 0.00 49.26 3,061.50
Unemployment Comp Trust 235,018.02 0.00 31,163.50 266,181.52
Van Schagen Library Trust 6,298.53 0.00 102.97 6,401.50
Victoria Chaisson Memorial Trust 0.00 386,000.00 4,998.66 390,998.66
Workers' Comp Trust 23,680.61 (15,457.34) 387.13 8,610.40
Total Trust Funds 15,508,947.95 1,854,816.71 406,981.98 17,770,746.64
35Source page 39
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS
LONG TERM DEBT AS OF JUNE 30, 2018
7/1/17 6/30/18 INTEREST
DATE PRINCIPAL NEW PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL PAID IN
INTEREST BOND
ISSUED RATE BALANCE ISSUE PAYMENTS BALANCE FY 2018
2.00% to
5/15/10 3.55% 3,435,000 3,435,000 0 116,926
7/8/10 2.00% 2,774,692 173,467 2,601,225 57,791
11/15/10 0% 164,000 41,000 123,000 0
2.00% to
5/1/11 4.25% 6,565,000 950,000 5,615,000 239,612
2.00% to
3/27/12 4.00% 6,375,000 465,000 5,910,000 195,012
5/10/12 0% 250,000 50,000 200,000 0
2.00% to
3/15/13 4.00% 4,365,000 395,000 3,970,000 134,669
8/19/13 0% 989,600 222,300 767,300 0
2.00% to
11/13/13 5.00% 4,025,000 879,999 3,145,001 129,300
2.50% to
3/15/14 5.00% 8,920,000 1,415,000 7,505,000 420,752
2/24/15 2.00% 307,176 14,333 292,843 6,072
2.50% to
3/15/15 3.00% 2,905,000 385,000 2,520,000 83,250
2.50% to
3/15/16 3.00% 2,555,000 345,000 2,210,000 51,100
3/16/17 3.00% 8,085,000 560,000 7,525,000 302,514
2.00% to
4/5/17 4.00% 2,770,000 335,000 2,435,000 79,630
3.00% to
3/15/18 5.00% 0 4,710,000 0 4,710,000 11,274
Totals 54,485,468 4,710,000 9,666,099 49,529,369 1,827,902
36Source page 40
Report of the
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Charles E. Doody, Fire Chief 99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-821-5095
Fax 781-821-0956
cdoody@town.canton.ma.us
The Canton Fire Department responded to 4300 calls for service in 2018. There were 30 structure fires and total 77 fires
with an estimated value of $504,835 in property loss. Medical calls comprised 58% of our call volume. The Department
averaged 12 emergency responses per day. We continue to see a steady increase in call volume as our community
continues to grow.
Canton Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services Division responded to 2,371 medical calls in which 2,065 patients
were treated and transported to local hospitals. We have provided several education classes for our EMS personnel,
including training on new medications and on the use of state of art equipment such as video laryngoscopes which allow
us to manage patients who are having difficulty maintaining an airway. Also placed on our ambulances are pediatric
Braslow systems which help our firefighters to provide the highest level of pediatric care.
The Training Division remained committed to promoting firefighter health and safety to its members so they can best
serve the Town of Canton. Over 200 training sessions were held for the on duty crews in 2018. These sessions were
taught by department members and outside experts. Topics included equipment use, skill maintenance, rescue techniques,
vehicle operations and preplanning of various buildings and area in the town.
The Training Division also welcomed seven new members to the department in 2018. Each new hire received two weeks
of orientation and training with the training captain before being placed on a working group. Those new members are
Ryan Gormley, Michael White, Justin Tilley, Jason Becker, Austin McGonagle, Michael Pastor and Michael Doody. All
will be or already have attended the 10 week recruit training program at the Massachusetts State Fire Academy. Finally,
Captain Daniel Beal retired from the Canton Fire Department after 31 years of service to the Town of Canton.
The following permits and inspections were performed in 2018 by the Fire Prevention Division:
• 36 oil burner permits
• 449 smoke and carbon monoxide inspections
• 47 plan reviews
• 23 cutting and welding permits
• 51 liquid propane permits
• 14 blasting permits
• 63 transfer tank inspections
• 42 oil tank removals
The total revenue brought in was $24,690
In addition there were inspections done in all schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, restaurants with liquor
licenses, and many commercial businesses. Fire Prevention also continued a program of installing smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors in the homes of seniors as part of the senior safe grant.
Finally, the department wishes to thank all our partners who help to provide for the health and safety our citizens
particularly the Canton Police Department, Canton Board of Health, Council on Aging, Building Department and the
Department of Public Works.
37