Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
2018 Annual Report
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Source page 41
Report of the
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Sepp J. Bergschneider, Chairman 801 Washington Street
George Comeau, Member Canton, MA 02021
Paul Mitcheroney, Member Telephone 781-821-5000
Emily Prigot, Member histcomm@town.canton.ma.us
Susan Gibbs, Member
Michael Nourse, Member
Gerald Carmicheal, Member
The Historical Commission is responsible for community-wide historic preservation planning. The Commission’s duty is
to identify, protect and preserve Canton’s properties and sites that are of historic significance.
The Commission works in cooperation with other municipal agencies, such as the Board of Selectmen, Building
Inspector, Community Preservation Committee, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and the Zoning Board of
Appeals to insure that the goals of historic preservation are considered in the planning and future development of the
Town.
The Inventory of Cultural and Historic Resources for the Town is one of the principal and ongoing projects of the
Commission. As of 2018 the Commission has completed over 460 surveys of historic properties which are listed on the
Massachusetts Historical Commission’s State Register of Historic Places. The inventory forms may be found through the
Massachusetts Cultural Resources Information System (MACRIS). Also available on MACRIS is the national Register of
Historic Places nomination form for the Canton Corner Historic District. Links to MACRIS are on the Historical
Commission’s webpage on the town website.
This year the Commission engaged a historian to survey a number of properties, some of which were slated for
demolition. Although a building may be lost to demolition it is important to town history to have photographic and
written documentation of a property.
In 2012 the Canton voters adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) which has been a great benefit to the
Commission’s ongoing projects throughout the Town. Prior to the adoption of the Community Preservation Act the
Commission was only able to have a minimal impact due to fiscal limitations. Due to funding from the Canton
Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) the Commission has been able to complete a headstone preservation project,
receive funding for work on the Canton Cemetery Receiving Tombs, restoration of the Olde English Cemetery, and
partake in the restoration/rehabilitation of the Tilden House and the Paul Revere Heritage Site. All of these projects offer
the rare opportunity to preserve, restore and rehabilitate historic structures for the general welfare and enjoyment of the
town. It is hoped that the Town will continue to stand behind these projects and others that highlight the historic nature of
Canton.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sepp J. Bergschneider, Chairman
38Source page 42
Report of the
HOUSING AUTHORITY
John McSweeney, Chairman 660 Washington St.
Glen Hannington, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Joe DeFelice, State Appointee Telephone 781-828-5144
Janet Walrod, Member cantonhous@aol.com
Adam Brothers, Member
Mark Roy, Executive Director
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Wednesday 12:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
The Canton Housing Authority reports the following activities for 2018.
The CHA had a very busy year. Our Executive Director, Mark Roy is back working part time. We were down one
maintenance man for several months as Jim recuperated from surgery. Brenda has officially retired but is working several
hours during the transition to a new Assistant Director. We also have a former housing professional, Carole, working
several hours to help during the transition. Denise (in the office) and maintenance guys John and Mike (as well as new
hire Tim) have really stepped up to the plate to make sure the housing authority ran smoothly and that our residents saw
little disruption in services. They are to be commended for all their hard work!!
We had a number of capital improvement projects, such as: window replacement during unit turnover at Hagan & Rubin
Courts, ADA door upgrades, column repairs at the Hemenway, exterior lights for handicap units at Rubin, Radio Service
upgrade for the Fire Department and roof/ chimney repairs at a family housing site. We also started a major siding,
windows, doors and kitchen & bath upgrade at our veteran family site. We want to thank the Town for CPA funds again
this year for the second phase of the bathroom ventilation upgrade at Rubin Court. A big thank you to John for his
supervision of all these projects on behalf of the Authority.
The maintenance staff managed to turn over 19 elderly units and 1 family unit (which required complete rehab)
this past year. They also worked in several units, as part of the major renovation project above. We continued
the conversion to a new web based computer system. We thank the staff for all their hard work during that
process. We also thank our Senior Tax Program volunteer Nancy!
The Canton Housing Authority manages 202 units of elderly housing, 33 units of family housing, 12 units of barrier-free
housing, 25 Massachusetts Rental Housing Vouchers, and we host 9 Section 8 Vouchers. Canton does not have an actual
Section 8 program and therefore cannot issue any vouchers.
The wait for elderly Canton applicants is several months. The age requirement is 60. There is a preference for veterans
throughout the state. The wait for “non-elderly/ handicap” applicants is also long, even for Canton residents. The State is
switching to a Centralized statewide list, which could lead to even longer wait times. Our family wait list is several years.
Top priority will go to emergency, local, veterans.
The Board holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday starting at 6:00pm at the Hemenway School. We wish to
express our continued appreciation to the Town (in particular the DPW and COA), our staff and the residents for their
support in our effort to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing within our community.
Respectfully submitted,
John McSweeney, Chairman
CANTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
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Report of the
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Jody K. Middleton, Human Resources Director 801 Washington St.
jmiddleton@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-2936 Canton, MA 02021
Fax 781-575-6602
Meredith L. Hartling, Human Resources Generalist
mhartling@town.canton.ma.us 339-502-5727
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
It is my pleasure to present to you the 2018 Annual Report for the Human Resources Department.
The Human Resources Department plays an important role with Town and School departments to ensure that we are
serving as an employee advocate and at the same time be a management partner. We continue to bring forth the Town’s
mission and vision through recruitment, training, and compliance of our policy and procedures.
The following initiatives were accomplished over the past year:
• The Town negotiated new bargaining contracts for: Administrative Employees Association (AEA); International
Assoc. of Fire Fighters Local 1580; Canton Police Association Police MCOP Local 374; and personal contracts for
Department Head positions.
• The 2018 EEO-5 report for the Canton Public Schools was completed and filed with the Federal Government Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission as required.
• The Human Resources Department was invited to be guest speakers at the annual New England Human Resources
(NEHRA) annual conference held in September.
• We are currently working with all departments to prepare them for the new regulations coming under the Department
of Labor Standards (DLS) in terms of Workplace Safety and Health Protection for Public Employees.
• The Human Resources Department had a busy year with recruitment of positions. The HR Department coordinated
the advertising, recruiting, interviewing and background checks of non-union and union vacancies Some of those
departments included:
o Board of Selectmen
o Canton Public Library
o Department of Public Works
o Parks and Recreation
o Treasury and Collections
The Human Resources Department continues to provide benefit administration services and support to over 600 school
and municipal employees and to over 400 retirees. Visit us at: http://town.canton.ma.us/Human-Resources-Department
The Human Resources Department looks forward to another year working with Town and School employees, Boards,
Commissions and Committees. I would like to thank them all for their support and cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Jody K. Middleton, Human Resources Director
Meredith L. Hartling, Human Resources Generalist
40Source page 44
Report of the
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bernard Mendillo, Chairman 786 Washington St.
Susan E. Cogliano, Vice-Chairwoman Canton, MA 02021
Margaret E. Mead, Secretary Telephone 781-821-5027
calib@ocln.org
acapone@ocln.org
Andrea J. Capone, Library Director
Hours of Service: Monday 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday
10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, (Children’s Library closes at 5:30 on Tuesdays)
The Canton public library continued to be led by a dedicated 9 member elected board of trustees. In May, Bernard
Mendillo was appointed chair of the board, and Susan Cogliano served as vice chair. Kathy Alfano resigned from the
board due to relocation and Michael Sundin was appointed to serve the remainder of the term. Emily Prigot served as
liaison to the Friends of the Library. The board held an extensive search process to replace outgoing library Director Mark
Lague.
Director Lague departed the library in August of 2018 after over forty years of service. His contribution to the Canton
Public library was immeasurable and his influence on generations of Canton’s readers will be long lasting. Current and
former board members, staff, and patrons attended a ceremony in honor of Director Lague’s retirement. The Board of
Selectmen declared August 9th, 2018 as “Mark Lague Day” to honor the outstanding career of Director Lague.
Andrea Capone was appointed by the Board of Library Trustees to serve as the new library director on August 1st, 2018.
Director Capone, a native of Canton, had previously been the director of the Whitman Public Library. Director Capone
was tasked with undertaking the action plans laid out in the library’s strategic plan that was completed in 2018 and is on
file with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for 2018-2022.
In August of 2018, the Makerspace was renovated. Funds for technology and equipment to enhance the space were
provided through the generosity of the Friends of the Library. During the 2018 December school vacation week the library
hosted a technology camp where 25 children learned how to build and code robots.
A trial location for a café area in the library was identified and work was done to install a temporary area for eating in the
building. Painting projects in the Art and Music area of the library as well as extensive exterior landscaping was
completed.
Library Director Capone served as a Member at Large on the Old Colony Library Network’s Executive Board. She
represented Canton in network discussions surrounding the re-structuring of library assessment formulas. Senior Librarian
Lisa Quinn continues to serve as administrator of the library’s Passport Acceptance Program. Matthew Amory,
Technology Librarian, and Director Capone successfully passed the qualifying training to become authorized passport
agents.
The Library met State Certification Standards at the highest level, and received a State Aid Award of $27,906, $18,304 of
which was used to purchase books. Our seven agents processed 1,213 applications, another record high, earning $37,953
in acceptance fees. The library collected $5,260.00 from taking passport photos. Of the revenue earned from the passport
program $26,908.73 was spent to purchase books and materials for the library.
While circulation of print books remains strong at 168,304 the demand for Ebooks and digital media content continues to
increase at significant rates. In 2018 over 20,000 books, articles and other media were provided to residents in electronic
format. The Canton Public Library continued to improve our digital offerings through subscriptions to Kanopy,
OverDrive, Hoopla, Freegal and new in 2018, the New York Times online.
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Our physical space continued to be an attractive and sought after location for groups and individuals to gather. Over
140,000 people chose to visit the library last year. Tutors, community groups, students, and other library patrons enjoyed
the beautifully refinished rotunda and newly restored historic entrance to the building.
The Children’s Library maintained a busy schedule of programs including morning and bedtime story-times, family
movies, and crafts. We collaborated with CAPT to bring books to life with larger-than-life costumed storybook
characters. The popular Barn Babies petting zoo enthralled young and old alike. Therapy dogs Dolly and Sunny listened
attentively to our young readers share their favorite stories.
Project Self-Help, Inc. continued to offer a variety of programs for both preschoolers and school age children. Seven
children reached the goal of reading “1,000 Books before Kindergarten” and 57 new families signed up. The Summer
Reading program “Libraries Rock!” attracted 230 kids who read a total of 3162 books with an average of 31 books per
child. There were 53 programs held for children over the summer and 1,345 people attended those programs.
Teen volunteers helped with retrieving and shelving books, shared recommendations on books and media, and
participated in planning and conducting their own programs and displays. Young Adult Librarian Rosie Moore taught the
fine arts of pumpkin carving and making apple pies. A lively Dungeons & Dragons group of teens led by volunteer Maeve
Moore met every Saturday.
We collaborated with the COA and senior housing groups to host “The Memory Café” the 3rd Thursday of each month.
The Library posted daily notices on behalf of town departments and non-profits on the Community Message Board.
Community Outreach Librarian Carolyn Elkort participated in the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse, the Citizen
Engagement Task Force, and Canton Families Embracing Diversity. We assisted our community partners in their
missions, including the Historical Society, AAUW, Project Rise, and others .The Library helped the Stoughton library,
while they build a new library by hosting their Adult Literacy and ESL programs and by serving as the pick up location
for the books on hold for Stoughton patrons. The Open Book Coffeehouse held on the 3rd Saturdays, continued to thrive in
its 1tth season under the management of Emily Prigot, Library Trustee and Friend. CantonWrites, led by Mike Sundin
also enjoyed a successful 9th year with over 100 entries.
We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the Canton Art Association, the Moms’ Club, the Lions’ Club. Special
thanks to the Knights of Pythias who again donated six bicycles for the summer reading program. Thanks to the Canton
Cultural Council for their support of the Pastel Workshop.
We are indebted to the many volunteers and senior tax program workers whose service helps to keep the Library running
smoothly; and to the Friends of the Library whose support for the Library is essential. We gratefully acknowledge the
commitment of our library staff to serving each individual with care and respect, and for the team spirit of all town
departments. We thank our patrons for encouraging words and constructive criticism, and we always welcome public
participation in helping the Library better serve our community.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernard Mendillo, Chairmen, Board of Library Trustees
Andrea J. Capone, Library Director
42Source page 46
Report of the
NORFOLK COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
NCMCD operations apply an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to mosquito control that is rational,
environmentally sensitive, and cost effective.
Surveillance
NCMCD is engaged in an intensive monitoring process through weekly field collections and data analysis in collaboration
with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to detect for disease-vectoring mosquitoes. Virus isolations
assist us in focusing our surveillance to hot zones thereby allowing us to alert nearby towns of a potential epidemic. Public
requests for service alert us to high numbers of nuisance mosquitoes.
Virus Isolations in the town: 18 samples submitted, 1WNv isolation in 2018
Requests for service: 543
Water Management
Communication with residents and town/state/federal officials, site visits, monitoring, wildlife management, and land
surveys while maintaining regulatory compliance is integral to the management of waterways that may contribute to
mosquito breeding. Pre- to post-management documentation allows us to assess the efficacy of our work. Tire collections
remove a common breeding site of mosquitoes.
Culverts cleared 23 culverts
Drainage ditches checked/hand cleaned 4,150 feet
Intensive hand clean/brushing* 300 feet
Mechanical water management 0 feet
Tires collected 18
* Combination of brush cutting and clearing of severely degraded drainage systems or streams by hand.
Larval Control
When mosquito larval habitat management is not possible, larval mosquito abatement is the most environmentally
friendly and effective method of mosquito control. An intensive monitoring program, aides in our decision to effectively
target culprit locations.
Spring aerial larvicide applications (April) 376.4 acres
Summer aerial larvicide applications (May – August) 0 acres
Larval control - briquette & granular applications by hand 6.3 acres
Rain basin treatments – briquettes by hand (West Nile virus control) 1,517 basins
Abandoned/unopened pool or other manmade structures treated 1
Adult Control
Adult mosquito control is necessary when public health and/or quality of life is threatened either by disease agents,
overwhelming populations, or both. Our surveillance program, along with service request data and state of the art GPS
and computer equipment, allows us to focus our treatments to targeted areas.
Adult aerosol ultra low volume (ULV) applications from trucks 8,709 acres
Barrier applications on municipal property 0
Respectfully submitted,
David A. Lawson, Director
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Report of the
NORFOLK COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS
William P. O’Donnell, Register 649 High Street
Dedham, MA 02060
Telephone 781-461-6101
registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
This year was a very special year for the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds as we celebrated our 225th anniversary,
making us one of the oldest registries in the United States. The public event, which took place last June, was highlighted
by the publication of a historical booklet illustrating the many advances that had taken place at the Registry over the past
two and a quarter centuries. The booklet also exhibited some of the notable land records of famous people who have lived
in Norfolk County, including 4 United States Presidents, Nobel Prize winners and a person from each one of the county’s
twenty-eight communities.
The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records in Norfolk County. Its mission is to maintain and
provide for accurate, reliable and accessible land records to all residents and businesses of Norfolk County. The Registry
receives and records hundreds of thousands of documents annually. It houses more than 8.5 million land documents dating
back to 1793 when George Washington was President. The Registry is a primary and indispensable resource for title
examiners, mortgage lenders, municipal officials, homeowners, title examiners, real estate attorneys, genealogists and
others with a need for land record information.
The Registry operates under the supervision of the elected Register, William P. O’Donnell, who has held the position
since 2002.
2018 Registry Achievements
• Register William P. O’Donnell and his staff continued their direct outreach to town halls, senior centers,
businesses, historical commissions and civic groups across Norfolk County. The Register held office hours at
Canton Town Hall on November 1st.
• The Registry of Deeds Customer Service and Copy Center continues to provide residents and businesses with
quality service. This year alone, the Center handled more than 5,000 requests. These requests included the
filing of Homesteads, accessing deeds, verifying recorded property documents and assisting those in need of
obtaining a mortgage discharge notice. Customers can contact the Customer Service and Copy Center at 781-461-
6101. Hours of operations are 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
• In calendar year 2018, the Registry collected more than $55 million in revenue.
• The Registry of Deeds continues to address legislative issues to benefit consumers. In 2019, we will continue to
advocate for mortgage transparency by refiling legislation requiring mortgage assignments be recorded at the
appropriate Registry of Deeds.
• This year saw a record number of electronic recording filers, approximately 1,530.
• In 2018, we hit a record high of recording our 36,490 Registry of Deeds book. For the sake of security and
redundancy, we store our documents 3 different ways: hard copy, electronically and by microfiche.
• In calendar year 2018, the Registry processed over 12,000 Homestead applications. The law Chapter 188
(M.G.L.) provides limited protection of one’s primary residence against unsecured creditor claims.
• The Registry continues to fine tune its completed History Comes Alive Transcription program. The initiative, the
first in New England, makes land recorded documents written by scriveners of the 18th and 19th centuries in the
old cursive hand writing style much easier to read by converting the words into easy-to-read electronic text. The
program earned the praise of two-time Pulitzer Prize historian, David McCullough.
• During the end of 2018, the Registry of Deeds started a major renovation project which included updating its
electrical system, repairing the ceilings, remodeling the recording area and public work stations.
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• The internet library of images, accessible to the public through the Registry of Deeds’ online research system at
www.norfolkdeeds.org continues to expand. Today, all documents dating back to the first ones recorded in 1793
are available for viewing.
• For the first year, patrons had the ability in Land Court to scan their plans in color.
• We also continued our commitment to cyber security with annual training of our employees.
• In 2018, we have expanded our website by including a genealogy page and a section highlighting land records of
notable people – United States Presidents, military heroes, noted authors and leaders in their fields of education,
environment and the law
• The Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org routinely updates the public on such news as real estate statistics,
answers to frequently asked questions, the latest schedule for our community outreach initiatives, along with
detailing of our consumer programs. Additionally, we also write a monthly column for various Norfolk County
newspapers and their online websites. We also distribute a weekly press release to alert residents of the latest
happenings as well as to remind them of our consumer services.
• The Registry’s free Consumer Notification Service experienced a 21% increase in enrollment from the previous
year. This consumer/public safety program allows any county resident to opt in to this free notification service
and be alerted when any document – fraudulent or otherwise – is recorded against their name. For more
information, please see our website at: www.norfolkdeeds.org.
• Register O’Donnell hosted several free computer seminars at the Registry to provide hands-on-training to the
general public, municipal officials, real estate professionals, genealogists and the legal community.
• The Registry continued its community outreach commitment by working with Interfaith Social Services of
Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy and the VA Boston Healthcare System, Voluntary Service
Program on our ‘Suits for Success’ program and supporting the New Life Furniture Bank of MA in Walpole to
assist those who are in need of household items. Our Toys for Tots’ Drive has collected over the years 1,950
presents. Our Annual Holiday Food Drive continues to support Food Pantries in Norfolk County. This year’s
food drive collected enough groceries and household products to be able to visit multiple food pantries.
Finally, the Registry has received more than 4,000 pieces of clothing donations for our “Suits for Success”
programs.
Canton Real Estate Activity Report
January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018
During 2018, Canton real estate activity saw increases in both total sales volume and average sales price.
There was a 7% decrease in documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for Canton in 2018, resulting in
a decrease of 349 documents from 5,219 to 4,870.
The total volume of real estate sales in Canton during 2018 was $533,247,742, a 97% increase from 2017. The average
sale price of homes and commercial property was also up 92% in Canton. The average sale was $1,195,622. These
numbers were impacted by 2 commercial sales of $71 million and $61.2 million that were recorded in 2018.
The number of mortgages recorded (908) on Canton properties in 2018 was down 11% from the previous year. However,
total mortgage indebtedness increased 22% to $601,270,425 during the same period.
There were 2 foreclosure deeds filed in Canton during 2018, representing a 67% decrease from the previous year when
there were 6 foreclosure deeds filed.
Homestead activity decreased 2% in Canton during 2018 with 478 homesteads filed compared to 490 in 2017.
The Canton notable land deeds selection for the 225 Anniversary Commemoration booklet was Paul Revere, an American
Patriot. He was born in 1734 in Boston’s North End where he grew up with extended family. At age 13 he became an
45Source page 49
apprentice in his father’s silversmith business. He was an active participant in the American Revolution. In 1765, he
helped organize a militant group called the Sons of Liberty. He was a Boston Tea Party ringleader. In April 1775, he
began a relay alarm to alert colonial militias to the British march to Lexington and Concord. In 1801, Revere purchased
land for a copper foundry in Canton. His foundry manufactured the copper to cover the Massachusetts State House dome.
In 1804, Revere moved his Boston bell making operation to Canton. Mr. Revere died in 1818 in Boston at the age of 83.
Finally, our objective at the Registry will always be to maintain, secure, accurate and accessible land records for the
residents and businesses of Norfolk County. It is a privilege to serve you.
Respectfully submitted by,
William P. O’Donnell
Norfolk County Register of Deeds
.
46Source page 50
Report of the
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Playground and Recreation Commission William J. Armando Recreation Facility
John McCourt, Chairman 92 Pleasant St.
Stacey Gorman, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Richard Eckler, Member Telephone 781-821-5030
Alison Grossman, Member Fax 781-575-6587
Cab Devoll, Member park-rec@town.canton.ma.us
Larry Bogue, Member www.cantonrec.com
Department Staff
Elizabeth Francis, Recreation Director
Andrea Berardi, Assistant Recreation Director
Audrey Cohen, Secretary/Principal Clerk
Dennis Aldrich, Recreation Maintenance Supervisor
Allan White, Recreation Facility Maintenance
James G. Walsh, Recreation Grounds Maintenance
Michael T. O’Brien, Recreation Grounds Maintenance
Paul Glowka, Recreation Facility Maintenance
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to enriching the lives of all citizens through diverse and innovative
recreational programs and services. With a focus on the arts, sports and games, the outdoors, education, and community
events, we provide both active and passive social opportunities that build community and inspire personal growth. Our
parks provide support for recreation that contributes to enhancing the quality of life. The department encourages citizens
to become active, responsible, and engaged members of the community.
The members of the Playground and Recreation Commission, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, embody a cross
section of Canton residents. The Commission works with the department staff to implement its mission and to meet the
needs of the community. The Commission members also play a vital role in the planning and implementation of
community events sponsored by Parks and Recreation.
FACILITIES
The Department of Parks and Recreation manages four main facilities: the Armando Recreation Facility, Metropolis
Skating Rink, Bolivar Swimming Pool, and the Gridley Building. In addition, the department is responsible for the
maintenance of nineteen athletic fields and seven playgrounds located at thirteen locations throughout the town of Canton.
The various facilities service Canton’s youth sports programs in soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, football, baseball, and
softball, as well as, adult softball leagues, summer playground and camp programs, other rental groups, and Canton
citizens throughout the year.
In 2018 the Playground & Recreation Commission received funding through the Community Preservation Committee to
replace the playground structures at Ponkapoag Park. The Department is excited about the state of the renovations and is
anticipating a late spring 2019 opening for the revamped park.
It was another year without the Metropolis Skating Rink, however through Special Town Meeting in December the
money was appropriated for the renovation of the rink. The construction of a renovated Metropolis Rink will begin in the
Spring of 2019.
PROGRAMMING
A full line-up of program offerings for citizens of all ages included many popular returning programs such as summer
camps, swim lessons, youth and adult programs. Demand was on the rise for the Blast-Off Program, Pequitside Day
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Camp, and Edge Camp. These programs are run directly through Canton Parks and Recreation for pre-school through
middle-school age children. This past summer the Department offered an Edge Extreme program which targeted high
school students and offered day trips to local adventure themed locations.
Several new programs demonstrated high demand and positive feedback. In the area of Youth Programs, Babysitter
Training, Home Alone Safety, 5 Star Manners, Kids Cooking were among the leaders. The department continued to offer
a variety of new pre-school enrichment programs as well. In the area of Health and Wellness, it was adult yoga leading
the way. We provided tickets to various sporting events including the Hockey East Championship at TD Garden and
Boston Celtics tickets. During the spring season we added a NFL Flag Football League for children age 9 and up. The
NFL Flag Football league had tremendous success in the first year and we are looking forward to expanding this
upcoming season.
At the Bolivar Pool, the Department offered evening youth swim lessons this past summer. Many families in Canton have
households with two working adults and aren’t able to attend the day time lessons creating a need for early evening
lessons, which were well attended. In addition to evening lessons the pool hours were extended in the evenings until
6:30pm for working families looking to cool off later in the day.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Once again, the Playground and Recreation Commission worked closely with the department to offer numerous
community events in 2018 including annual favorites such as the Easter Egg Hunt, July 4th Road Race and Fireworks
Celebration, Summer Concert Series, Billy Armando Golf Tournament, Halloween Fest, and Senior Citizen Christmas
Party. These events are enhanced by the generosity of the many individuals and businesses that contribute their resources
and talents to make these events successful.
Summer was filled with six concerts on the CHS front lawn which continue to draw great crowds. Also, the Irish Cultural
Center played host again to an exceptional July 4th celebration with free activities for families, a concert, and a top notch
fireworks display.
In addition to the many programs offered, the Commission and Department work in conjunction with other town
departments and community organizations. Parks and Recreation is actively involved in the annual Health Fair and the
Canton Road Race organized by the Canton Association of Business and Industry (CABI), and in the Canton Alliance
Against Substance Abuse (CAASA).
COLLABORATION
Special thanks to Public Works, Fire, Police, Schools, Conservation, Board of Health, and Library for their consistent
contributions and cooperation throughout the year to assist us with our programs and community events.
The Department would like to thank its staff and volunteers, the staff of all other supporting town departments, the Board
of Selectmen, and the citizens of Canton for their continued support and participation in 2018. We hope everyone can
find their passion and get involved in 2019!
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Francis
Director of Parks and Recreation
& the Playground and Recreation Commission
48Source page 52
Report of the
PLANNING BOARD
Thomas C. Scully, Chairman 801 Washington Street
Robert Panico, Vice Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Michael Mitcheroney, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5019
David McCarthy, Member planning_board@town.canton.ma.us
Patricia McDermott, Member
Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant
Laura Smead, Town Planner
Thomas Houston, Professional Services, Inc.
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Organization and Membership
On April 2, 2018, Patricia McDermott was elected as a Planning Board member for a five (5) year term. On May 23,
2018, the Planning Board reorganized, at which time Thomas C. Scully was re-elected Chairman; Robert Panico was
elected Vice Chairman; and Patricia McDermott was elected Clerk.
Function
The Planning Board is comprised of five elected, volunteer town residents of varied backgrounds. They are charged with
the following responsibilities:
• Preparation and updating of the Town’s Master Plan;
• Review and approval of the construction of new subdivisions;
• Adoption and Review of Town’s Subdivision Rules and Regulations;
• Presenting new streets to Town Meeting for Acceptance;
• Review and recommendation of site plans for the Zoning Board of Appeals;
• Proposal of amendments to the Zoning By-laws and reporting on amendments filed by others;
• Overseeing the Town’s Scenic Ways;
• Approval of some special permits as permitted under the Zoning By-Laws;
• Appointment of the Canton Center Design Review Board;
• Any other duty as prescribed under the General Laws of the Commonwealth and the By-Laws of the Town of
Canton.
Development Activity
The Planning Board conducted technical Site Plan Reviews for seven (7) projects, and their approval; two (2) Definitive
Subdivision plans for compliance with its Rules & Regulations, which were approved; review and approval of one (1)
Flexible Subdivisions; two (2) Scenic Way Public Hearings on projects that were proposing the removal of shade trees or
stone walls within designated Scenic Ways in the Town; five (5) Bond Draw Downs and Lot Releases for Approved
Definitive Subdivisions; and two (2) Site Walks. The Board reviewed and approved Minor Modifications of Site Plans
for two (2) projects; approved eight (8) Approval Not Required (ANR) Plans for division of land having frontage on
existing roads and streets.
The Planning Board played an active role in 2018 during the Town Meeting process by holding public hearings on Zoning
Articles and sponsoring Zoning Articles. These articles include, but are not limited to the procedures regarding
recreational marijuana; licensed marijuana establishments; permitting by special permit hotel or motel if located on a lot
containing less than two (2) acres; definition of hotel overlay district, extended stay lodging, motel or hotels; hotel overlay
49Source page 53
district; parking garages; business and limited industrial districts; table of regulations; motor vehicle fuel facility;
redefining retail, LI or I districts; definitions of lot frontage and lot width; and table of dimensional requirements,
residence district, accessory structure setbacks.
The Board welcomed the Town Planner, Laura Smead, to another year with the Planning Board; and the election of one
(1) new Board member, Patricia McDermott, for a five (5) year term on the Board.
Committees
The Planning Board appointed the following members to various Boards: Laura Smead, Open Space and Recreation
Committee; Robert Panico, Building Use Committee, and Capital Planning Committee; Thomas Scully, Paul Revere
Committee; Patricia McDermott, Comprehensive Water Resource Management Committee, Permit Advisory Committee,
Walk/Bike and Hike Committee, and Sustainability Committee; and David McCarthy, Master Plan Steering Committee.
Other Initiatives
This year the Planning Board and Town Planner worked together to draft Warrant Articles for Town Meeting 2019. At
Town Meeting 2018, residents voted to approve almost all the Zoning Articles as presented by the Planning Board. With
the exception of Article 48 and 53, which would have reduced the side yards required for parking garages and 52 high
buildings in limited Industrial Zones to 25 feet (from 60 feet) to be consistent between Limited Industrial and Industrial
Zones.
The Planning Board continued to work with the Town Planner and various consultants on a number of planning efforts,
including the Earl Newhouse Waterfront Master Plan, Draper Mills Market Analysis, Municipal Vulnerability
Preparedness Plan, Open Space and Recreation Plan/Trails Master Plan, and planning at the Paul Revere Heritage Site.
The Board also continued the process to update the Subdivision Rules and Regulations, and to update the master Plan (see
www.cantonmasterplan.com) .
We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Engineering Division, Town Counsel,
Paul DeRensis, and HR Administrator Jody Middleton for their continued support throughout the year. We would also
like to thank the Planning Board’s Consultant Engineer, Thomas Houston, and his entire staff at PSC for their efforts in
assisting the Planning Board with the peer review process.
Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to express our gratitude to Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant and Laura
Smead, Town Planner. Ms. Lawlor and Ms. Smead have been extremely helpful in the operation of this department this
past year and their work is much appreciated.
50Source page 54
Report of the
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Kenneth N. Berkowitz, Chief of Police 1492 Washington St.
Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-828-1214
Fax 781-821-2549
officer@town.canton.ma.us
Mission Statement
It is the primary mission of the Canton Police Department, to deliver professional police services to the residents and
business owners of Canton, as well as those who visit our community regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic origin or
sexual orientation.
Crime
The Canton Police Department made several substantial arrests throughout 2018 to include two armed home invasions.
Both arrests exemplify the courage and the dedication that our officers have when it comes to protecting our community.
In addition, Canton Police personnel seized over 250 pounds of illegal drugs with a street value of over 1.5 million
dollars. We also arrested served several search warrants and made numerous arrests for suspects selling narcotics, such as
Percocet, OxyContin and Heroin.
Personnel
In 2018, the Canton Police Department family lost longtime member retired Officer Thomas Keleher Sr. Tom’s infectious
smile, quick wit and dedication to our community leaves a huge void. We are confident and take comfort in knowing that
he is looking down on us, encouraging us to stop as many speeding vehicles as he would to keep our roads safe.
2018 brought us two new officers- Darin Moriarty and Juliana Murray. Moriarty graduated from Blue Hill Regional High
School and Murray graduated from Canton High School. Both officers bring with them unique talents and experiences
that will enable them to carry on with our defined mission. Officer Moriarty served in the United States Marine Corp after
high school, while Officer Murray earned a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater University. Prior to that, she worked at
Tufts University as a police officer. I’m confident that both officers will embrace our Community Policing model and will
help to serve and represent our town proudly.
In April of 2018 Sergeant Robert Gooley retired after 24 years of service and Officer Eli Anderson was promoted to fill
the vacancy. Good luck to both officers.
Community Initiatives
The Canton Police Department will continue to build strong and meaningful bonds with our community through proactive
programs such as the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse, the Family Service Unit and hosting Interfaith
Bloodmobiles. We will continue to provide drug and alcohol free gatherings for our young residents such as the Open
Gym Nights throughout the summer.
Under the supervision of Canton resident Dr. Dan Muse the Canton Police Department will continue to train and equip
every police officer with the narcotic overdose reversal drug, Narcan. Additionally, we will continue to work hard to
educate our students on the dangers of substance and alcohol use through our School Resource Officer program. We are
also partnering with the Canton Fire Department and the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse to hold community
wide Narcan trainings.
The Year Ahead
In 2019, the Canton Police Department will continue to prioritize reducing the demand of drugs in our community and
arresting people who deal drugs. Traffic enforcement and targeting those who drive impaired will always be a priority for
our department. We will work to enhance our cybercrime investigation capabilities in hopes of safeguarding our residents
against fraud. We are hoping to expand our presence in the Canton school system to the elementary school level. We are
confident that proactive programs and strategies, which identify children at risk at earlier ages, will help to circumvent
issues from arising in the future. We will also continue to train for preparedness in the highly unlikely event that we have
a critical incident at one of our schools.
51Source page 55
Report of the
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Michael Trotta, Superintendent of Public Works 801 Washington St.
Barbara Reardon, Town Engineer Canton, MA 02021
William Walsh, Highway Supervisor Administrative Office & Engineering Division
Stephen Choiniere, Facilities & Grounds Supervisor Lower Level – 781-821-5023
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
dpwdeptheads@town.canton.ma.us
Christopher Sykes, Water & Sewer Supervisor Water Division Administration
Patricia Cawley, Water & Sewer Billing Coordinator Second Floor – 781-821-5017
Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
It is the mission of the Public Works Department to ensure the value and maintenance of the existing infrastructure of the
Town of Canton as well as to promote an investment in its future, thereby providing for the health and well-being of its
Citizens.
The Public Works Department, acting through the Superintendent and Managers, will provide these services in a cost
effective, responsive, and accountable manner, according to generally accepted municipal standards. The services will be
provided with a commitment to constant improvement.
ADMINISTRATION DIVISIONS
The Administration Division provides centralized administrative and management support for Public Works. Its activities
include managing customer service requests, business accounts, payroll, and information processing.
The Administration Division handled 6,623 phone inquiries, issued 1,474 Yard Waste Stickers, processed 4,613 invoices,
and created 840 work orders.
HIGHWAY & MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Highway & Maintenance Division is responsible for the upkeep of Town roads, sidewalks, trees, drains, the Canton
Corner Cemetery, and the maintenance of all equipment. Its activities include sweeping streets, repairing or
reconstructing roads and sidewalks, providing winter maintenance, cleaning catch basins on all public streets, and
repairing both Public Works and other Town owned vehicles and equipment.
Highway & Maintenance Division coordinated 3.4 miles of surface improvements on 10 streets. The streets included a
section of York St., Indian Ln., Helen Rd., Waterman Rd., Spruce Ln., Thoreau Rd., Aldrich Rd., Waterman Rd., Laurel
Ln., Emerson Rd. Replaced sidewalks on Wayside Rd., Patriots Dr., Margaret St.
The Division closed out 825 work orders generated from customer service requests.
All streets were swept three times, 255 catch basins were cleaned, 55 rebuilt.
Streets were sanded or plowed 23 times. Winter storms totaled 78-inches. The largest snow fall was 17-inches falling
January 4/5, 2018 and 20-inches March 13/14, 2018.
FACILITIES & GRONUDS DIVISION
The responsibility of the Facilities and Grounds Division is maintain, clean, upgrade, and ensure the safety of the nineteen
buildings owned by the Town. The Division’s responsibilities include safety inspections and preventative maintenance of
generators, elevators, alarm systems, fire sprinkler system, HVAC systems.
52Source page 56
As member of the Green Communities, the Town of Canton is replacing the existing lights with energy efficient LED
lights at Memorial Hall. Facilities completed the replacement of the flat roofs at Police Station and installed a new
HVAC system in the IT Room of Memorial Hall.
ENGINEERING DIVISION
The Engineering Division provides technical support and project co-ordination for the Department as well as for other
Town Boards and agencies. The Division also inspects and approves contract and private work that add to the
infrastructure of the Town.
The Division issued 169 street opening permits, 122 utilities permits.
Engineering oversaw the completion of repairs to the Old Shepard Street and Reservoir Pond Dams, continued data
collection and field inventory of the storm water, drinking water, sewer systems to meet regulatory requirements.
WATER SEWER DIVISION
The Water Sewer Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Town’s water and sanitary sewer
systems. The Division provides safe clean drinking water from seven Town wells and the MWRA. Sanitary waste is
removed through the sewer system and transferred to the MWRA interceptor and then to Deer Island treatment facility.
The Division processed 29,396 water sewer bills, handled 2,202 water and 278 sewer service requests, completed 171
water meter installation and water meter service calls.
Water Sewer Division produced 324 MG from the Moran and Sullivan Treatment Facilities and bought 531 MG from the
MWRA for calendar year 2018.
The five year required EPA / DEP water service lead and copper testing was conducted. All samples meet National and
State drinking water standards.
REFLECTION
Public Works congratulates Jim Connor for thirty years of service, Brian Kiely and Bill Walsh for twenty five years, Chris
Sykes for fifteen years, Pat Cawley for ten. Our success is built upon their commitment and effort.
We wish James Penza, Cemetery Foreman, continued success and the best in his retirement.
We welcomed ten new employees to the Public Works roster, Kelsey Quinlan, Rob Martin, James Gallagher, GiGi
Munden, Gina McCann, Chris Mahoney, Kevin Michaels, Justin Pothier, Sebastian Andreassi, Peter Ferry.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Trotta
Superintendent of Public Works
53Source page 57
Report of the
CANTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Kristin Mirliani, Chair 960 Washington St.
Michael Loughran, Vice-Chair Canton, MA 02021
Meg Gannon, Secretary Telephone 781-821-5060
Reuki Schutt, Member Fax 781-575-6500
Nichola Gallagher, Member www.cantonma.org
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AND CORE VALUES
During the 2017-18 school year, the district experienced strong development across multiple priorities of the Strategic
Framework, including advancements in student learning, as evidenced in MCAS, SAT, and Advanced Placement scores;
improvements in student and professional culture and climate, as measured on system-wide surveys; productive attention
to issues of educational equity and the negative impact of implicit bias; the growth of facilitative leadership skills of
elementary grade-level teacher leaders and school administrators; and the advancement of student well-being and the
social/emotional skills that support student development and school success.
In September 2017, the School Committee approved the District’s 2017-2022 Strategic Framework, which outlines four
long-term Strategic Objectives:
• Achieving Educational Excellence and Ensuring Equity
• Cultivating School Climate and Culture
• Transforming Teaching and Learning
• Achieving District Excellence
The long-term Strategic Objectives within the Strategic Framework represent a major advance in our efforts to provide the
Canton community with a forward-thinking, well-managed, and responsive educational program for all students. The
Strategic Framework is a foundational resource that guides conversations and decision-making related to all aspects of
CPS work, including teaching and learning, budget, human resources, and organizational structure.
The longstanding Core Values of the Canton Public Schools continue to define the climate and culture we aspire to create:
• Academic Excellence and Rigor
• Inclusive and Engaged Community
• Respectful and Responsible Relationships
• Continuous Reflection and Improvement
The Strategic Framework 2018-23 will continue to serve as both the District’s declaration of aspirations and its plan for
improvement.
BUDGET
The School Department operating budget for the current 2018-19 school year is distributed as follows:
Salaries $34,000,987
Expenses $8,395,418
Total $42,396,405
The above figure represents a 5.41% increase above the 2017-18 budget.
54Source page 58
The operating budget of $42,396,405 is supplemented with revenue offsets projected at $2,399,000 from revolving (fee-
based) accounts and $1,152,829 of federal and state grants as follows:
Revolving Accounts
Athletic User Fees/Gate Receipts $200,000
Building Rental Fees $300,000
Preschool Revolving $100,000
Transportation $300,000
Student Parking $29,000
Special Education Circuit Breaker Revolving $1,450,000
Extra curricular $ 20,000
Total $2,399,000
Federal and State Grants
Teacher Quality $56,456
SPEC. EDUCATION 94-142 $832,974
Early Childhood (262) $29,877
Emergency Impact Aid $33,413
Title I $113,528
Title IV $8,681
Essential School Health $77,900
Total $1,152,829
The District's FY19 budget, approved at the Annual Town Meeting, totaled $42,396,405. The 5.41% increase from the
previous year’s budget supports the District’s ability to meet the needs of our students from grades PK-12.
The FY19 budget supported the following actions:
• Advance operating expenses to support the Strategic Framework and its four Strategic Objectives
• Continue to meet the contractual obligations of all Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Address rising special education out-of-district expenses first appearing in FY18 and carrying over to FY19
The District’s FY19 Cash Capital Budget totaled $750,000. The district used the cash capital funds to address the
following:
Building/Grounds Repairs and Improvements
• Teachers’ Room Renovation - GMS
• Administrative Office Carpet Replacement - Hansen
• Rooftop Unit Replacement - GMS
• Vinyl Floor Replacement - CHS
55Source page 59
• Storage Module Buildings (2) for Memorial Field
• District Wide Painting
• Gym Floor Sanding - Luce, Hansen, JFK
• Exterior Doors - Luce
• Window Screens - Luce
Technology
• WiFi Access Points Phase 1 - CHS
• Cafeteria Presentation Area Enhancements - CHS
• Laptop Tablets for Classroom Instructional Technology (Pilot) - CHS
• Chromebooks for MCAS & loaners - CHS
• Security Recorder Upgrade - CHS
• Projectors and Projector Screens (20-30) - CHS
• Chromebooks for Instructional Staff - GMS
• Computer Lab Upgrade - GMS
• Security Recorder Upgrade - GMS
• Projectors: 2 Interactive Epson Brightlink - Luce & CHS
• Audio Visual System for Cafeteria - Luce
• Spec. Ed. Technology - District-Wide
• Chromebooks and Tubs for Classrooms - JFK and Hansen
Program Improvements
• Cheerleading Mat - CHS & GMS
• Visual Arts Technology Upgrade - GMS
• TV Studio Computer Equipment Upgrades - CHS
• Musical Instruments - District-Wide
• Performing Arts Technology - District-Wide
• Auditorium Upgrade- District-Wide
• Spot Vision Screener - District-Wide
Furniture & Fixtures
• Solaris Convection Steamers (2) - LUCE
• New Teacher Desks - Hansen
• Folding Chairs-Hansen
• Distance Learning Lab Furniture Replacement - CHS
• Conference Room Table & 12 Chairs - GMS
• Ping Pong Conference Table & Chairs - GMS
• New Furniture-Classroom chair/desk combo/café tables - GMS
• Convection Ovens - GMS
• Library Student Study Center - GMS
• Stand Up Desks, Stools, Wobble Stools -GMS
• Cafeteria POS Systems - District-Wide
• Custodial Equipment - District-Wide
• Warming Ovens (5 schools) - District-Wide
• Sensory Friendly Seating - District-Wide
Vehicle Replacement
• 2018 Ford SD F-350 DRW XL 4WD Reg Cab 145/60
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Shown below are the enrollment figures for the preschool, elementary, middle and high schools in October 2017 (school
year 2017-18) and October 2018 (school year 2018-19):
56Source page 60
2017-2018 2018-2019
Difference
Oct. 1, 2017 Oct. 1, 2018
Preschool 88 88 0
Elementary 1502 1492 -10
Middle School 736 726 -10
High School 982 971 -11
Ungraded 45 52 +7
Total 3353 3329 -24
Demographics 2012 and 2017
The chart below shows the race/ethnicity percentages of the Canton Public Schools student population in 2012 (total
enrollment 3250) and 2018 (total enrollment 3329, not including ungraded students). Over this time, there has been an
increase in the percentages of students who identify as African American/Black (1.3%), Asian (3.1%), Hispanic (1.8%),
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Island (0.2%) and multi-race non-Hispanic (1.2%). There has been a decrease in the percentages
of students identifying as White (-7.7%) and Native American (-0.1%).
Race/Ethnicity
% 2012 % 2018 % Difference
African American/Black 8.8 10.1 +1.3
Asian 7.5 10.6 +3.1
Hispanic 3.2 5 +1.8
Native American .1 0 -0.1
White 76.9 69.2 -7.7
Native Hawaiian/Pacific
0 .2 +0.2
Island
Multi-race Non-Hispanic 3.6 4.8 +1.2
Total Enrollment 3250 3329 +79
Other Student Sub- Groups
% 2012 % 2018 Difference
Limited English Proficient 1.2 2.4 +1.2
Students with Disabilities 14.4 10.0 -4.4
Economically Disadvantaged 13.0 19.8 +6.8
57Source page 61
PERSONNEL
The following staff members retired during calendar year 2018.
Years of
Employee Position
Service
Janice Chapman Special Education Teacher 14
Michael Currivan World History Teacher 23
Pam D’Agostino Foreign Language Teacher 20
Nancy Dobbins Math Teacher 8
Jennifer Henderson Assistant Superintendent 11
Henry McDeed Assistant Principal 17
Congratulations and thank you to all our retirees for their decades of service to the Canton Public Schools and our
students.
Administration
During the 2017-2018 school year, a number of administrative positions were filled. With the retirement of Ms. Jennifer
Henderson, we welcomed Ms. Deborah Rooney as the new PreK-8 Director of Teaching and Learning. Mr. Mike Barucci
accepted the Interim Information Technology Specialist to replace Ms. April Goran who resigned to relocate to Florida.
At Canton High School, we welcomed Ms. Kelly Cavanaugh as the Dean of Students role when Mr. Julie Shore accepted
the Assistant Principal position following Henry McDeed’s retirement. At the William H. Galvin Middle School, Ms.
Sarah Shannon replaced Mr. William Conard as Principal and Mr. Karim Gibson replaced Ms. Annya Haughton as Dean
of Students. Also at GMS, Mr. Corey Johnston accepted the Interim Math Department Head position and Mr. Matthew
Masciarelli accepted the Interim Science Department Head position.
The Canton Public School Community was most saddened by the passing of Math Teacher and Math Team Coach Mr.
Martin Badoian. Marty was a teacher in Canton for 59 years and will be sorely missed.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Students of the Canton Public Schools continue to perform well across multiple measures, including state and national
standardized assessments. For more details about Canton students’ achievement, visit the Canton Public School district
profile on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website (profiles.doe.mass.edu).
MCAS Results
The chart below details the percentage of students who met or exceeded expectations on MCAS in Spring 2018. For each
grade range (3-5, 6-8, and 9-10) and for each test (English Language Arts, Math, or Science), Canton students on average
outperformed students from across the Commonwealth.
58Source page 62
MCAS 2018 Results: Percentage of Students Scoring at
Meeting or Exceeding Expectations (or Proficient/Advanced)
ELA Math Science
Grade Canton State Canton State Canton State
3-5 71 55 66 50 56 47
6-8 65 51 62 49 45 35
HS 96 91 90 78 91 74
Advanced Placement Test Score Results*
Number of AP Courses Number of % AP Tests with
offered at CHS AP Tests Scores of 3 or
Taken Above
16 663 72.2%
*The College Board, AP data updated October 11, 2018
While standardized tests provide one source of data on student achievement, these tests do not provide critical information
about the full range of the student experience in our schools. The District has begun developing a comprehensive set of
measures, the Indicators of Excellence, to provide that full description of student and district success. The Indicators of
Excellence will become the metrics used to gauge our progress toward the Long-term Strategic Objectives outlined in the
district’s Strategic Framework 2018-2023.
Honors and Awards
In addition to performance on standardized tests, the excellence of the Canton Public Schools is demonstrated by a
multitude of honors and awards for students and educators. All of the student, teacher and school awards of 2018 are too
numerous to list here. Below are some of the notable achievements:
• National Merit Letter of Commendation
o John Healey, Jr., Christopher Milne, Addison Mirliani
• MA Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence
o Thomas Cahill
• Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award
o Molly Colburn
• Jewish War Veterans Award
o Julia Quinn
• Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
o Gold Key - Art: Hannah McLear
o Silver Key - Art: Lindsay Haynes, Jace Mouradian
o Honorable Mention - Art: Henry Waggett, Zoe Zekos
o Honorable Mention - Writing: Lauren DiTullio
• Art All-State
o Julia Kimball
• Canton Community Producer Award
o Emily Bornstein
59Source page 63
• Canton Community Television Awards
o Patrick LaBelle, D’Jai Silva, Kendal McCloud, Dante Rivera
• Eye in the Sky Award
o Michael Khouri, Jace Mouradian, Jennifer Wolicki
• Canton High Film Festival
o Harrison Carter, Charles Hansbury, Connor Leno, Kyle McDonough, D’Jani Silva
• Boston International Kids Film Festival
o Tess Grady, Alexander Maddestra, Matthew Maddestra, Brianna McArdle, Janae Moreland, Venice
Morris, Laura Noone, Margaret Polsgrove, Amanda Romano, Gregory Sheehan, Kimberly Wong
• Robotics World Championship Recognition - State Science Fair
o Anvitha Addanki
• National Performing Arts Awards
o Lindsey Barrett, Cameron Delerme, Ann Joseph, Zachary Mullen
• MA Secondary Schools Administrators Association Student Achievement Award
o Addison Mirliani
• Principal’s Student Service Awards
o Grant Anderson, Tyler Czyras, Thomas Delello, Katherine Devine, Leah Foley, Tony Harris, Ann Joseph,
Patrick LaBelle, Julia Quinn, Austin Maffie, Colin Messinger, Venice Morris, Margaret Polsgrove
• Canton High School Citizenship Awards
o Anvitha Addanki, Benjamin Aronson, Melissa Barrett, Rachel Beatty, Maggie Connolly, Maria Femia,
Matthew Gaughan, Allie Gefteas, Rose
Gefteas, Alexa Johnson, George Kent, Meghan LaBelle, Joshua Linsenberg, Maxwell Macort, Devyn
McGrann, Maria Messinger, Charles O’Connor, Caroline Tourgee
• Shayne M. Cabino Memorial Scholarship Fund
o Riley Brown, Katherine Devine, Lia Fitzgerald, Anthony Harris, Venice Morris, Emma Ross, Rebecca
Ryan, Margaret Wade
• Scott M. Herr Memorial Foundation Scholarship
o Melissa Barrett, Thomas Cahill, Carly Hutchinson, Charles O’Connor, Andrew Rizzitano
• James & Beatrice Salah Family Foundation Scholarship
o Grant Anderson, Katherine Devine, Mary Dunn, Brianna McArdle, Margaret Wade
• Balsamo Memorial Charitable Foundation Scholarship
o William Amico, Nicole Gefteas
• Frank R. & Elizabeth Simoni Foundation
o Andrea McNeil, Addison Mirliani
• Ricky 27 Foundation
o Alec Ragusa, Margaret Wade
• Stephen M. Hamrock Memorial Award
o Jamisha Williams
• Duggan Scholarship Fund
o Cory Cicketti, Jenna Paynter
• Canton Scholar Dollar Scholarships
o Emily Beatty, Kataleya Conard, Justin Deip, Kathryn Halloran, Grace Lehane, Collin Messinger,
Christopher Milne, Victoria Poshkus, Emma Ross, Gerald Sullivan
60Source page 64
CHS Class of 2018 – Colleges and Universities
Below is a list of the college and university choices of the graduating class of 2018:
The Univ. of Akron Emmanuel College Univ. of Mass., Lowell
American University Endicott College Mass. Maritime Academy
Salem State Univ.
Anna Maria College Fairfield Univ. Massasoit CC
Salve Regina Univ.
Arizona State University Fitchburg State Univ. Merrimack College
San Diego State University
The Univ. of Arizona Fordham Univ. Michigan State Univ.
Univ. of San Francisco
Assumption College Framingham State Univ. Millersville Univ. of Penn.
Savannah College of Art & Design
Barry University Franklin Pierce Univ. Mitchell College
Seton Hall University
Bay State College George Mason Univ. Montclair State Univ.
Shippensburg Univ.
Becker College George Washington Univ. Montserrat College of Art
Simmons College
Ben Franklin Inst. of Tech Georgetown Univ. Morgan State University
Skidmore College
Bentley Univ Georgia Inst. of Tech Neaumann Univ.
Soka Univ. of America
Binghampton Univ. Georgia State Univ. New England College
Univ. of South Carolina
Boston College Gettysburg College Univ. of New England
So. Florida State College
Boston Univ. Univ. of Hartford Univ. of New Hampshire
Univ of Southern California
Brandeis Univ. Harvard Univ. Univ. of New Haven
Univ. of Southern Maine
Bridgewater State Univ. Univ. of Hawaii The College of New Jersey.
Southern New Hampshire Univ.
Bristol CC Hobart & William Smith Nichols College
St. John’s Univ.
Bryant Univ. Hofstra Univ. Norfolk State
St. Joseph’s College-Brooklyn
Bunker Hill CC College of the Holy Cross Univ. of North Carolina, at Wilmington
Stevens Inst. of Tech
California State Univ. Husson Univ. North Carolina State Univ.
Stonehill College
Univ. of California Univ. of Illinois Northeastern Univ.
Suffolk Univ.
Canisius College Indiana Univ. Univ. of Northern Iowa
SUNY Buffalo State
Case Western Reserve Univ Iona College Norwich Univ.
SUNY College at Brockport
Castleton Univ. Iowa State Univ. Ohio Univ.
Syracuse Univ.
Univ. of Central Florida Ithaca College Pace Univ.
The Univ. of Tampa
Champlain College James Madison Univ. Pennsylvania State Univ.
Temple Univ.
Chapman Univ. John Carroll Univ. Plymouth State Univ.
Univ. of Tennessee
College of Charleston Johnson & Wales Univ. Providence College
The Ohio State Univ.
Chatham Univ. Keene State College Purdue Univ.
Tufts Univ.
Clark Atlanta Univ. Kenyon College Quincy College
Tulane Univ.
Clark Univ. Kutztown Univ of Penn. Quinnipiac Univ.
Union College
Clemson Univ. Laboure College Univ. of Redlands
US Coast Guard Academy
Coastal Carolina Univ. Lafayette College’ Regis College
Valparaiso Univ.
Colby College Le Moyne College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Univ. of Vermont
Colby-Sawyer College Lehigh Univ. Rhode Island College
Villanova Univ.
The College of Saint Rose Lesley Univ. Univ. of Rhode Island
Wagner College
Univ. of Colorado at Boulder Lincoln Univ. University of Richmond
Wentworth Inst of Tech
Connecticut College Long Island Univ. Brooklyn Ringling College of Art & Design
West Chester Univ.
Curry College Loyola Univ. Maryland Rivier Univ.
West Virginia Univ.
Dartmouth College Lynn University Rochester Inst of Technology
Western Connecticut State Univ.
Dean College Univ. of Maine Univ. of Rochester
Westfield State Univ.
Delaware State Marquette Univ. Rockhurst University
Wheaton College
Univ. of Delaware Univ. of Maryland, College Park Roger Williams Univ
Univ. of Wisconsin
DePaul Univ. Marymount Manhattan College Rutgers Univ.
Woodbury Univ.
East Stroudsburg Univ. Mass Bay CC Sacred Heart Univ.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Eastern Univ. Mass. Coll of Art & Design Saint Anselm College
Worcester State Univ.
Eckerd College MCPHS Saint Joseph’s College-ME
Xavier Univ.
Elms College Univ. of Mass., Amherst Saint Joseph's Univ.
Elon Univ. Univ. of Mass., Boston Saint Michael’s College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ. Univ. of Mass., Dartmouth Saint Peter’s University
Emerson College
As described above, the Town of Canton has good reason to be proud of its public school system. With a talented and
committed staff, students continue to have meaningful experiences in school, which translate to their success as described
across multiple venues. The Town's ongoing support helps to create a high-quality school district that serves the children
of Canton well.
Respectfully Submitted:
Dr. Jennifer Fischer-Mueller, Superintendent of Schools
Kristin Mirliani, School Committee Chair
61Source page 65
Report of the
SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL SERVICES GROUP
Moira Rouse, Regional Administrator
The Town of Canton receives procurement and other services from the Southeastern Regional Services Group (SERSG)
and has since the organization's inception in 1993. SERSG membership increased by two towns during 2018 and now
serves twenty-three members. These twenty-one towns and two cities are served by one Regional Administrator. Annual
dues of $4,100 support these services. Canton recovers this amount directly from savings in using these contracts and
indirectly by devoting less administrative and management time to procurement. Other services include contract
administration and annual trainings.
Report of the
SERSG administered bids and created new contracts on behalf of the Town for Paper, DPW Supplies, Water and Sewer
Treatment Chemicals, and DPW Services.
• A two-year Office Supply contract currently in force provides a 71.4% discount off non-excluded items using a
standard wholesaler’s catalog, while ink and toner cartridges are discounted at a rate of 46.4%. In the first three
quarters of 2018 Canton spent $23,013 on office supplies, while saving $28,918 off list price for those purchases.
• The Town and schools also pay competitive fixed prices for Paper using a SERSG contract. Canton spent $4,150 in
the first three quarters of 2018.
• SERSG administered bids for and created 8 DPW Supply contracts for 35 products, and 6 Water Treatment Chemical
contracts for 10 products. The estimated value of all products covered by these contracts is $813,702.
• New DPW Services were bid in November and contracts will take effect on 2/1/19. In planning road work and other
public works services, the Canton public works department requested contracts for 21 services. These were based on
$353,500 in estimated value. In addition, a few SERSG DPW Service contracts may be renewed for up to 3 contract
years and Canton requested $1,185,501 in contract renewals as well.
• A bid for federally-required Drug and Alcohol Testing was administered in 2017 and remains in effect for two more
years. It provides a contract for all necessary services at competitive prices.
Favorable pricing is the primary membership benefit. Additionally, every SERSG bid saves many hours of skilled staff
time and hundreds of dollars in bid-advertising and other costs. SERSG contract pricing is equal to or lower than state
contract prices and requires less time and effort for departments to use.
Finally, monthly meetings continue monthly for municipal administration, public works, and quarterly for stormwater
specialists.
62Source page 66
Report of
TOWN COUNSEL
Paul R. DeRensis, Esq. 111 Devonshire Street, Suite 800
Brooks & DeRensis Boston, MA 02109
Telephone 857-259-5200
pderensis@aol.com
This year was a very active and successful year for the Law Department:
1. Advice & Legal Documents. This year numerous advisory opinions were rendered to various Town
officials and Boards relating to a wide variety of issues and subjects. Frequent and ongoing attention was given to
reviewing and/or drafting Bylaws, contract documents and agreements, easements, open meeting law issues, public
records requests, license process issues for a variety of types of licenses, including alcohol, common victuallar and auto
dealer licenses, wetlands issues, zoning covenants, procurement documents, public road documents, conflict issues under
the State Ethics Act, bylaw enforcement issues, Warrants for the Annual and a Special Town Meeting, election questions,
legal issue arising out of the recent state law legalizing recreational marijuana and out of applicable state regulations of
recreational marijuana including preparation of a ban on recreational marijuana in the town, ANR issues and subdivisions
including subdivision performance guarantees, affordable housing, and other legal documents.
2. Labor Issues. We provided advice from time to time during 2018 regarding a variety of federal and state
law and issues applicable to employees.
3. Projects. We assisted with various road layout issues including transitioning private ways to public ways
and various road projects such as the intersection improvements at Gridley School issues; economic development
questions; Building Drepartment code enforcement issues; assistance to Planning Board for site plan review; ongoing
issues relating to the Paul Revere Heritage Park Site; Reservoir Pond Dam issues; University Station issues; sewer issues;
election issues; wireless tower leases; Board of Health tobacco license issues, conservation restrictions and preservation
restrictions; Community Preservation Act matters; removal of unsafe and dilapidated structures, substance abuse
detoxification facilities, and issues associated with the collapse of Metropolis Rink and reconstruction of same.
4. Administrative Agencies. We pursued the interests of the Town before the Alcohol Beverage Control
Commission, the Office of the Attorney General, Secretary of State Superintendent of Public records, and Department of
Revenue, and consulted with the State Ethics Commission, regarding various town issues.
5. Litigation & Labor Arbitrations. As of December 31, 2018, there were 10 pending lawsuits or claims
involving the Town, as follows:
3 lawsuit involving the Board of Selectmen:
John G. Bulman, as Trustee of Eagles Farm II Realty Trust v. Patrick J. Considine, Considine Development
Company, LLC, Town of Canton and Bank of Canton, Norfolk Superior Court C.A. 1882 CV 00470
Town of Canton v. Canton Holdings, LLC, et al. Norfolk Superior Court, Civil Action No. 2018-794
Diane Givens v. Republic Services, Town of Canton MCAD Docket Number 1~BPA02762
2 lawsuits involving the Zoning Board of Appeals:
225 Turnpike Investment, LLC and Armando Petruzziello v. Town of Canton Zoning Board of Appeals, Land
Court Civil Action No. 18 MISC 000301
63Source page 67
Michael Nemetz and Sarah Nemetz v. Canton Zoning Board of Appeals, Glenshane Properties, Inc. and JPM
Development, LLC, Norfolk Superior Court C.A. # 18 CV001459
1 lawsuit involving the Public Schools:
Burley v. Town of Canton Public Schools, EEOC # S23-2017-00424
4 Claims:
Cole v. Town of Canton (DPW)
Nguyen v. Town of Canton, (DPW and Housing Authority)
Sanler, et al. v. Town of Canton (Public Schools)
Kessler v. Town of Canton (DPW)
Each of the above efforts required the participation of numerous Town officials and private citizen volunteers - all
working together towards a better Canton.
Thanks to the Board of Selectmen and all other Town officials and citizens for their cooperation and assistance
towards a successful year.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul R. DeRensis
TOWN COUNSEL
64Source page 68
Report of the
TOWN PLANNER
Laura Smead, Town Planner 801 Washington St.
lsmead@town.canton.ma.us Canton, MA 02021
www.town.canton.ma.us/334/Planning Telephone 781-575-6575
www.facebook.com/CantonPlanningBoard/ Fax 781-821-5043
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
www.cantonmasterplan.com
ANNUAL REPORT
MISSION
The Town Planner is responsible for working towards town-wide goals with regard to zoning, land use, housing,
economic development, and other areas specified in the Canton Master Plan. The Town Planner also works to help
procure grants and accomplish other special projects to reach town goals.
The Town Planner supports the Planning Board by providing technical review and assistance for projects reviewed by the
Planning Board, facilitating the Master Plan update, preparing zoning article drafts for Town Meeting, and ensuring that
Planning Board documents are available online (refer to Town’s website, under Planning department, side menu).
The Town Planner serves as the representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Three Rivers Interlocal
Council, and the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association; the Planner also serves on the Mapping
Commission, Traffic Committee, Open Space and Recreation Committee, Permit Advisory Committee, Stormwater Task
Force, and Citizen Engagement Task Force; The Town Planner also regularly attends meetings of other committees and
working groups as necessary, especially the Planning Board and Master Plan Steering Committee.
REPORT
2018 Accomplishments
• Master Plan update (ongoing): The Canton Master Plan is a community-driven plan that articulates our shared, long-
range vision for the town’s future and lays out the steps to reach that vision. It is comprehensive, addressing all
aspects of life in Canton – our neighborhoods, where we shop, parks and playgrounds, public services, historic sites
and buildings, local employers, and even how we get around town. It talks about where we are as a community, where
we want to go, and how we’re going to get there. Through the Master Plan, we recognize and anticipate changes in the
future and respond through a clear and direct action agenda. We are currently updating the Master Plan, which will be
completed in summer 2019. Learn more and get involved at www.cantonmasterplan.com.
• Open Space and Recreation Plan update/ Trails Master Plan: Worked with the Open Space and Recreation
Committee and Weston & Sampson to do the first update to the Open Space and Recreation Plan in 20 years, and
create a new Trails Master Plan. https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/4048/09192018-Canton-
DRAFT-Open-Space-and-Recreation-Plan
• Earl Newhouse Waterfront Master Plan: (Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture): Provides a vision and a plan to fulfill
the potential of this parcel, increase public awareness, and improve access to the site.
https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/3814/Earl-Newhouse-Waterfront-Report-2018
• Complete Streets Prioritization Plan: Working with Public Works, Engineering, Walk, Bike, and Hike Committee,
and VHB transportation planners on a complete streets prioritization plan – as a part of the State’s Complete Streets
grant program. https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/3805/Canton-Complete-Streets-Prioritization-
Plan-2018
65Source page 69
• Downtown Parking Study and Strategy: Received grant funding and worked with Stantec on a downtown parking
study and management strategy. https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/4044/Downtown-Canton-
Parking-Strategy-Report-2019-full-version
• Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness planning process: The Town of Canton was awarded a $23,000 grant in 2018 to
complete a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) planning process. The Town worked with Kleinfelder to
determine the Town’s strengths and vulnerabilities to climate change. https://town.canton.ma.us/731/Municipal-
Vulnerability-Preparedness-MVP
• Market and Fiscal Analysis of Mixed-Use Redevelopment of the Draper Knitting Company Site: Worked with
Camoin Associates on a market and fiscal analysis for mixed-use redevelopment and re-zoning of the Draper Knitting
Company Site. https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/3818/Final-Report-Sept-2018---Draper-
Knitting-Mill-Market-Analysis---Town-of-Canton-MA
• Green Communities LED Retrofit projects: Led and organized the process of using Green Communities funding to
retrofit the lighting in Town Hall and school gyms (plus Galvin cafeteria) to LED lighting. The Green Communities
Designation and Grant Program provides funding to qualified municipalities for energy efficiency and renewable
energy initiatives once designated as a Green Community. The Town was awarded $158,315 for their initial grant
designation in 2018, and will apply for a $250,000 competitive grant in 2019.
https://www.mass.gov/guides/becoming-a-designated-green-community
Other Activities
• Provided input into the Town’s update of its Hazard Mitigation Plan (2018).
https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/3798/Canton---MA--2018-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan
• Provided input into the road safety audit of the Route 138 corridor (northerly section).
• Provided feedback into the Town’s American with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation.
• Wrote Community Preservation Committee applications on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, for the design and
permitting for the first phase of the Earl Newhouse Waterfront Master Plan and interpretive signage at the Paul
Revere Heritage Site.
• Presented at the 2018 Southern New England American Planning Association conference.
• Explored the formation of a municipal Affordable Housing Trust for Canton.
• Conducted a planning process and analysis to update Canton’s zoning bylaws for medical uses.
• Drafted zoning articles and worked with residents on street acceptance processes.
Ongoing Initiatives
• Citizen Engagement: Providing feedback on social media and community engagement for the Town of Canton.
• Complete Streets ($400,000) and Safe Routes to School Implementation ($1.5 million) grant writing
• Working with the Paul Revere Heritage Commission on grant funding, museum concepts, and park programming
• Co-chairing a sub-committee of the (regional) Suburban Mobility Working Group, an initiative of the Neponset
Valley Transportation Management Association. https://www.neponsetvalleytma.org/
• Participating in the Neponset Stormwater Partnership (Neponset River Watershed Association), especially on
community outreach and education efforts.
• Working with the Walk Bike and Hike Committee to put a bike rack at Town Hall, plan for trail improvements and
new connections, and fund “sharrow” painting for the Washington Street corridor.
66Source page 70
• Working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on a “transit oriented development” zoning study for the
industrial zones near the Canton Junction train station.
I could not do my work without tireless and dedicated Town staff, committee and board volunteers, and knowledgeable
residents of Canton. Thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Smead, AICP
Town Planner
67Source page 71
Report of the
VETERANS’ FUND
Tony Andreotti, Department of Veterans Services Director and Veteran’s Agent 660 Washington St.
Jennifer Trethewey, Office Administrator Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-821-5005
tandreotti@town.canton.ma.us
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M..
In 2018, the not-for-profit Canton Veterans’ Fund received $59,680 in donations in honor and memory of Canton’s
Veterans from their families, friends, and other supporters, bringing our total donations received since 2002 to over
$510,000. Using this fund, the Department is able to offer programs and services to honor, serve, remember, and assist our
local veterans without increasing our department’s budget. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have donated!
Over the past 17 years, monies from the Veterans’ Fund have enabled us, as a town, to do many things, including but not
limited to:
• Conducting graduation ceremonies for World War II, Korean and Vietnam Veterans who left high school to serve
their country before receiving their diplomas;
• Implementing and maintaining the Fallen Heroes program, with 77 street signs honoring Canton residents who
were killed or died in uniform during the Civil War, WW I, WW II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq War;
• Creating and maintaining the Veterans’ Memorial Park at the Canton Corner Cemetery, centralizing the existing
War Monuments from various downtown locations and adding the Civil War and Iraq War monuments.
Rededication and restoration of the WW I Monument was completed. Permanent lighting on the monuments
ensures that the names of these heroes will never be in the dark. Six poles and the branch flags honoring the Army,
Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine were added to the Walk of Honor. Permanent
lighting was added to highlight all the flags at night. Landscaping improvement, including new trees to provide a
natural wall and perennial plantings along the Walk of Honor and the Monument Row, continues. A monument in
tribute to American Legion Post #24 and honoring Canton’s veterans, no matter where their final resting place
may be, was added in 2017, and a welcome sign proudly declaring that Canton honors and remembers our veterans
was installed in 2018;
• Including a granite bench within the Memorial Park to honor Vietnam Veterans whose deaths were linked to
Agent Orange exposure after they returned home from Vietnam. These Veterans are not eligible for inclusion on
the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC but are worthy of recognition for their sacrifice. In 2018, we added an
additional piece of granite to the bench, as the initial installation had room for 14 plaques. We added our 15th name
in the fall of 2018;
• Purchasing, installing, and dedicating a memorial plaque within the Park to honor Canton resident, Army Veteran,
and supporter of the Veterans’ Department, Al Meda;
• Dedicating a monument honoring disabled veteran Charles Tolias and the residents of Canton who served with
him in WW II;
• Celebrating Edward J. Beatty American Legion Post #24 Day in April 2018 with the dedication of the monument
and a reception at the American Legion hall;
• Offering monthly coffee hours featuring guest speakers on topics relevant to our Veteran population;
• Organizing and conducting the annual Memorial Day festivities, including a parade, ceremony, and reception;
• Visiting local school and community groups for educational programs around Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day;
• Hosting an annual Veterans’ Day breakfast where our veterans can gather with their loved ones to honor their
service and remember those who served with them;
• Conducting breakfast ceremonies to issue certificates to distinguished War Veterans, participants in the Normandy
Invasion, Veterans of WW II, Korean War and the veterans of the American Legion Post 24;
• Organizing and staffing The Wall That Heals, a weekend-long program featuring a mobile replica of the Vietnam
Memorial standing six feet tall at the center and covering almost 300 feet end-to-end. The program included the
reading all the names of the over 54,000 men and women memorialized on the Wall;
68Source page 72
• Honoring our Vietnam Veterans with a Welcome Home ceremony at Memorial Field on September 11, 2011;
• Purchasing and installing memorial headstones for a Korean War Veteran, a WW II Veteran’s son, and a Vietnam
Veterans’ son. Replacing the headstones for Edward J Beatty, killed in action during WW I, and Sgt. Rudolph E.
Araujo, killed in action in Vietnam;
• Helping to fund the reconstruction and restoration of the Civil War Solider statue located outside Memorial Hall.
Conducting a rededication ceremony on Veterans Day, 2014;
• Organizing, funding, and conducting the Annual Canton Veterans Golf Day tournament since 2012;
• Conducting a ceremony in 2017 to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War in conjunction with
the Brookhaven Hospice We Honor Veterans program;
• Assembling, funding, and maintaining the Veterans’ Department Funeral Honor Guard, which enables the
department to pay final tribute to Canton veterans for their service to our country. The Honor Guard has been
privileged to serve in the memorial of 44 veterans in 2018, with a total of 746 veterans since 2002.
Other expenses paid from the fund include but are not limited to: lodging and cash assistance to homeless veterans;
publishing of a Town of Canton’s Fallen Heroes calendar for the schools; the taping of several Cable 8 ceremonies and
interviews; medical transportation assistance for veteran; payments for veterans’ rent, mortgage expenses, funeral
expenses, auto repairs, food, fuel, relocation, and medical expenses not covered by the town budget or state and federal
programs; departmental program expenses; and items and postage cost for packages mailed to our troops.
Donations have exceeded all expectations. Thank you to everyone in the community for their support, generosity and
trust.
Canton Roll of Honor
Honoring Those Who Died
In Service to Their Country
World War I: Edward J. Beatty, Patrick J. Cronin, Ettore DelVecchio, Allan W. Douglass, Josiah Fuller, Pietro Gallo,
Albert H, Gavigan, Leo V. Gray, Helen Homans, George H. Horton, William P. Monahan, John Shaw, Arthur W.
Thomas, George St. George; World War II: Walter G. Berteletti, Albert M. Callahan, Michael J. Callanan, William J.
Casey, Robert G. Dallahan, Parker B. Dodge, Donald J. Galligan, John J. Gately, Robert E. Gelpke, Donald J. Graham,
John F. Griffin, Dana F. Igo, Michael J. Julian, John A. Lawrie, Louis P. Mendes, Carlyle W. Packard, Frederick W.
Powers, Dietrich F. E. Rasetzki, William F. Roach, Harold P. Rolfe, Gerald W. Scully, Arthur A. Smith, Arthur W.
Thomas, Harris P. Tracy, Andrew R. Wood, Jr.; Korean War: Ferdinand Berteletti, Ernest Carrara, Paul J. Hannon;
Vietnam War: Rudolph E. Araujo, Antonio Falco, Peter H. Hansen, Bruce J. Matta; Iraq War: Shayne M. Cabino; Post-
Vietnam (Agent Orange-Related Deaths): Robert J. Barrette, Richard D. Buck, Thomas F. Doherty, David L. Farrow,
Robert F. Femino, William J. Hogan, Kevin J. Kelly, Kevin F. LaCivita, Lance D. LeFever, Richard A. MacPhail, Robert
W. Redmond, David A. Schnopp, Anthony D. Uliano, Paul E. Weiderhold, William J. Weiderhold.
69Source page 73
Report of the
WATER SEWER RATE POLICY COMMITTEE
Michael Trotta, Public Works 801 Washington St.
Chris Sykes, Water Sewer Supervisor Canton, MA 02021
Patricia Cawley, Water Sewer Office Admin Telephone 781-821-5023
James Murgia, Finance Director dpwdeptheads@town.canton.ma.us
Sepp Bergschneider, Citizen at Large
The Water Sewer Rate and Policy Committee meets to assure that the costs and revenues needed to fund the pumping,
treating, and delivery of a continuous and safe water supply are adequate for all residents and businesses in Canton. The
Committee’s goals in setting water sewer rates are to allocate costs fairly among customers, to maintain a rate that fully
covers cost of operation and infrastructure investment, and to comply with regulatory and industry standards.
Enterprise funding for Canton Public Works is designed to cover Water Sewer Division direct costs, such as salaries and
purchase of goods and services, indirect costs such as FICA, retirement, and workers compensation, and debt service
authorized at Annual Town Meeting.
After a review of Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund balance sheets, the Committee recommended no rate change for the
year.
Respectfully Submitted
Michael Trotta
Superintendent of Public Works
70Source page 74
Report of the
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Gregory L. Pando, Acting Chairman 801 Washington St.
Gary E. Vinciguerra, Member Canton, MA 02021
Paul B. Carroll, Member Telephone 781-575-6589
John R. McCourt, Alternate Fax 781-575-6574
Charles J. Armando, Alternate zba@town.canton.ma.us
Amanda Smith, Administrative Assistant and Recording Secretary
Office Hours: Monday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
2018 was an eventful year for the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board of Appeals conducted 52 formal hearings
consisting of 34 residential petitions and 18 commercial petitions. There were 37 informal hearings consisting mainly of
applications for signs/banners, request for extensions to prior decisions, and minor modifications to site plans and
previously approved decisions.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation to their support staff including Building Commissioner Ed Walsh,
Administrative Assistant and Recording Secretary, Tamra Stock and Amanda Smith, and Town Counsel Brooks &
DeRensis, all who provided the Board with the assistance necessary to make 2018 meaningful and constructive for the
Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Board would also like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall, and the Planning
Board for all of their assistance and support during the year.
The Zoning Board of Appeals has restructured its administration this past year. Administrative Assistant and Recording
Secretary, Tamra Stock, has relocated to Administrative Assistant in the Building Department. The Board would like to
welcome Amanda Smith as the new Administrative Assistant and Recording Secretary for the Zoning Board of Appeals
which is now a single part-time position and no longer a full-time position with responsibilities shared between the
Building Department and the Board of Appeals. The Board would like to thank Tamra for all of her knowledge,
experience, dedication, and hard work for this Board
Finally, I would personally like to thank my colleagues on the Board: John McCourt, Gary Vinciguerra, Paul Carroll, and
Charles Armando for another great year. Their knowledge, experience, dedication, and hard work are the qualities that
have contributed to the Zoning Board of Appeals significant accomplishments in the year 2018.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gregory L. Pando
71Source page 75
Report of the
TOWN CLERK
Tracy K. Kenney, Town Clerk 801 Washington St.
Gale M. McHugo, Assistant Town Clerk Canton, MA 02021
Kathy R. Dever, Senior Clerk Telephone 781-821-5013
Fax 781-821-5016
tkenney@town.canton.ma.us
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.
In January 2018 the Annual Town Census was mailed to each residence in Canton. I would like to remind residents of the
importance of returning the Annual Town Census. Everyone residing at an address should be listed, including children.
Many of the funds allocated to the Town of Canton are dependent on our reported population. The information obtained
from the Town Census is also used to predict future student enrollment, proof of residence and voter lists. If you are a
registered voter, responding to the census also insures that your voter status will remain active. By law, failure to respond
to the census shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls.
Also, in January the Town purchased new voting equipment. The ImageCast® Precinct Tabulator has an LCD screen
which can display messages to alert the voter if their ballot has not been properly marked, thereby affording the voter the
opportunity to correct the error.
The Annual Town Election was held in April. The office of Selectmen was the only office contested with three
candidates vying for two positions. Both incumbents retained their positions. A total of 970 votes were cast. Our new
ImageCast® Precinct Tabulators were used for the first time and received many positive comments.
On May 14th Canton’s voters convened for the Annual Town Meeting held in Morse Auditorium at Canton High School
with a total of 305 voters in attendance over the course of two sessions.
To accelerate the check-in process at the Annual Town Meeting we chose to utilize electronic Poll Pads on a trial basis.
The use of computer tablets allows the checker to look up the voter in one of two ways, 1) By manually entering the first
few letters of the voter’s first and last name; or 2) By scanning the bar code on the back of the voter’s driver’s license
(which speeds the process further).
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not require that a voter present a license to check in at Town Meeting.
However, presenting a license allows for a quicker check in. The Poll Pad matches the name and birth date of the person
on the voter list with the name and birth date it reads from the bar code on the back of the license. No information from
the scanned license is retained by the Poll Pad.
The check in process is done by name and not by precinct as has been done in the past, therefore, any voter can go to any
check in person, give their name and receive a voter card as long as they are on the voter list.
Everyone had positive comments about the Poll Pads, in fact, we were so pleased with them that we decided to purchase
them.
A Special Town Meeting was convened on May 16th to adopt a temporary moratorium on the use of land and structures to
prohibit any new hospital or convalescent or nursing home in all zoning districts within the Town of Canton so that the
Town could study and plan for the regulation of further hospital or convalescent or nursing home uses and operations in
Canton. The zoning change did not receive the necessary approval from at least two-thirds of the voters in attendance,
therefore, it did not pass.
72Source page 76
The State Primary was held on September 4th. A total of 3,071 votes were cast.
The State Election was held on November 6th. A total of 11, 078 votes were cast.
Prior to the State Election 3,119 voters chose to take advantage of Early Voting by casting ballots at either Town Hall or
the American Legion Post located at 950 Washington Street, behind Canton High School.
I would like to express my appreciation to the administration and staff at the Canton Public Schools and the Blue Hills
Regional Technical School for accommodating us during this election year.
In addition to elections, the annual census, public record requests, voter registration, dog licensing, State Ethics and Open
Meeting Law requirements and website management keeps the Town Clerk’s office busy throughout the year.
The population is 21,429. The number of registered voters in Canton totals 16,482 as follows:
Precinct Democrat Green Libertarian Republican Unenrolled Other Registered
Rainbow Voters
1 829 0 12 266 1,468 31 2,606
2 995 0 11 277 1,508 26 2,817
3 876 1 9 323 1,546 28 2,783
4 760 0 6 420 1,808 26 3,020
5 717 0 6 310 1,606 17 2,656
6 833 2 1 249 1,494 21 2,600
Totals 5,010 3 45 1,845 9,430 149 16,482
In 2018 the Town Clerk’s office recorded 254 births, 102 marriages and 280 deaths.
In 2018 the Town Clerk’s office issued 1,641 dog licenses. For your convenience, dog license renewals may be included
with your response to the Annual Town Census. Simply include a check payable to the Town of Canton. The fee is $15
for a spayed/neutered dog or $20 for a dog that has not been fixed. Please remember to include a photocopy of your pets
rabies certificate if it has recently received a new vaccination. The deadline to license is May 30th each year.
I invite you to explore the Town Clerk’s webpage for information regarding our services at www.town.canton.ma.us.
Click on “Departments” and then “Town Clerk”.
In conclusion I would like to thank all of the Town officials, Town employees, our election workers and the citizens of
Canton for their cooperation and support during the year. I would also like to thank Assistant Town Clerk Gale McHugo
and Senior Clerk Kathy Dever for their continued support.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy K. Kenney
Town Clerk
73Source page 77
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
APRIL 3, 2018
Three year terms
BOARD OF SELECTMEN 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
MARK PORTER 76 151 49 103 105 91 575
KEVIN T. FEENEY 87 180 75 136 133 113 724
KATHY T. MCCORMACK 49 113 68 80 57 40 407
Others 0 0 2 1 0 0 3
Blanks 32 44 34 54 47 20 231
TOTAL 244 488 228 374 342 264 1940
Three year term
TOWN CLERK 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
TRACY K. KENNEY 98 184 97 147 146 104 776
Others 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Blanks 24 60 17 39 25 28 193
TOTAL 122 244 114 187 171 132 970
Three year term
ASSESSORS 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
ROCCO F. DIGIROLAMO 96 175 88 137 135 99 730
Others 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Blanks 26 69 26 50 36 32 239
TOTAL 122 244 114 187 171 132 970
Three year term
BOARD OF HEALTH 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
ALAN RAPOPORT 93 186 85 143 138 102 747
Others 1 0 0 1 0 0 2
Blanks 28 58 29 43 33 30 221
TOTAL 122 244 114 187 171 132 970
Three year term
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
1
KRISTIN MIRLIANI 87 169 77 130 127 106 696
Others 0 0 1 2 0 0 3
Blanks 35 75 36 55 44 26 271
TOTAL 122 244 114 187 171 132 970
TWO year term (to fill a vacancy)
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
NICHOLA GALLAGHER 89 161 82 130 124 100 686
Others 0 0 0 2 0 0 2
Blanks 33 83 32 55 47 32 282
TOTAL 122 244 114 187 171 132 970
FIVE year term
PLANNING BOARD 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
PATRICIA McDERMOTT 88 167 87 134 126 93 695
Others 1 1 1 2 2 0 7
Blanks 33 76 26 51 43 39 268
TOTAL 122 244 114 187 171 132 970
74Source page 78
Three year terms
LIBRARY TRUSTEE 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
JOAN SCHOTTENFELD 82 169 80 132 133 101 697
BERNARD MANDILLO 81 156 79 131 119 95 661
**CHRISTINE UNTERSEE 0 2 0 0 1 0 3
Others 0 2 4 5 3 2 16
Blanks 203 403 179 293 257 198 1533
TOTAL 366 732 342 561 513 396 2910
STATE PRIMARY
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
SEPTEMBER 4, 2018
SENATOR IN CONGRESS 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
ELIZABETH A. WARREN 245 372 187 242 283 237 1566
**Geof Diehl 0 2 0 0 0 1 3
**Maura Healy 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
** John Kingston 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
**Stephen Lynch 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
**ALL OTHERS 4 7 1 3 4 2 21
BLANKS 57 62 50 71 66 38 344
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
GOVERNOR 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
JAY M. GONZALEZ 156 227 140 158 204 146 1031
BOB MASSIE 75 126 40 67 74 67 449
**Charlie Baker 6 1 3 4 3 2 19
**ALL OTHERS 0 1 0 2 0 0 3
BLANKS 69 89 55 85 73 64 435
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
QUENTIN PALFREY 137 167 114 133 165 124 840
JIMMY TINGLE 95 186 65 93 105 91 635
**Karen Polito 1 0 0 1 2 1 5
**ALL OTHERS 0 1 0 1 0 0 2
BLANKS 73 90 59 88 82 63 455
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
ATTORNEY GENERAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
MAURA HEALEY 259 383 200 258 302 235 1637
**Karen Polito 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
**Ayanna Pressley 0 0 0 1 0 0
**ALL OTHERS 2 1 1 1 0 0 5
BLANKS 45 59 37 56 52 44 293
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
75Source page 79
SECRETARY OF STATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 215 293 162 199 260 197 1326
JOSH ZAKIM 83 138 70 106 87 73 557
**ALL OTHERS 0 1 0 1 0 0 2
BLANKS 8 12 6 10 7 9 52
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
TREASURER 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
DEBORAH B. GOLDBERG 239 332 181 241 274 221 1488
**ALL OTHERS 1 3 1 1 0 0 6
BLANKS 66 109 56 74 80 58 443
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
AUDITOR 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
SUZANNE M. BUMP 231 326 177 233 264 217 1448
**ALL OTHERS 0 4 0 1 0 0 5
BLANKS 75 114 61 82 90 62 484
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
REP IN CONGRESS 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
STEPHEN F. LYNCH 207 279 156 204 231 173 1250
CHRISTOPHER L. VOEHL 35 31 18 32 24 19 159
BRIANNA WU 51 109 56 64 88 74 442
**ALL OTHERS 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
BLANKS 13 24 8 16 11 13 85
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
COUNCILOR 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
ROBERT L. JUBINVILLE 220 294 154 220 243 197 1328
**ALL OTHERS 0 1 1 2 0 0 4
BLANKS 86 149 83 94 111 82 605
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
SENATOR IN GEN COURT 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
WALTER F. TIMILTY 250 322 180 256 277 230 1515
**ALL OTHERS 0 4 0 0 0 1 5
BLANKS 56 118 58 60 77 48 417
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
REP IN GENERAL COURT 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
WILLIAM C. GALVIN 254 350 182 259 296 238 1579
**ALL OTHERS 0 1 1 0 0 0 2
BLANKS 52 93 55 57 58 41 356
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
76Source page 80
DISTRICT ATTORNEY 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
MICHAEL W. MORRISSEY 248 324 175 240 276 225 1488
**ALL OTHERS 0 2 0 0 0 1 3
BLANKS 58 118 63 76 78 53 446
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
CLERK OF COURTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
WALTER F. TIMILTY, JR. 250 314 169 247 263 225 1468
**ALL OTHERS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 56 130 69 69 91 54 469
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
REGISTER OF DEEDS 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
WILLIAM P. O’DONNELL 242 319 166 238 272 225 1462
**ALL OTHERS 0 4 1 1 0 0 6
BLANKS 64 121 71 77 82 54 469
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
COUNTY COMMISSIONER 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
PETER H. COLLINS 232 296 160 228 250 213 1379
**ALL OTHERS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 74 148 78 88 104 66 558
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
COUNTY TREASURER (TO
1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
FILL VAC) 1
JAMES E. TIMILTY 239 303 166 243 263 215 1429
**ALL OTHERS 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
BLANKS 67 140 72 73 91 64 507
TOTAL 306 444 238 316 354 279 1937
STATE PRIMARY
REPUBLICAN PARTY
SEPTEMBER 4, 2018
SENATOR IN
1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
CONGRESS
GEOFF DIEHL 85 112 86 141 116 96 636
JOHN KINGSTON 33 47 54 44 40 34 252
BETH JOYCE
18 34 22 40 34 23 171
LINDSTROM
**ALL OTHERS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BLANKS 3 12 9 9 15 10 58
TOTAL 139 205 171 234 205 163 1117
GOVERNOR 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
CHARLES D. BAKER 80 118 108 140 130 92 668
SCOTT D. LIVELY 56 81 62 91 68 67 425
**ALL OTHERS 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
BLANKS 3 6 1 3 7 3 23
TOTAL 139 205 171 234 205 163 1117
77