Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
Annual Town Report 2021
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Source page 1
Town of Canton
Annual Report
Town of Canton
Annual Report
2021
2021Source page 2
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TOWN OF CANTON
2021Source page 3
DEDICATION
This Annual Report is dedicated to
James R. Magee, Sr.
In recognition of his commitment and dedication to the Town of Canton and its citizens by serving as Town
Treasurer/Collector and Custodian of Tax Title Properties from 1990-2000 and by serving on many boards and
committees spanning decades including Capital Planning Committee, Building Renovations Committee,
Industrial Development Committee and Planning Board.
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IN RECOGNITION OF THE TOWN EMPLOYEES AND RESIDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED THE
TOWN RESPOND TO AND ENDURE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN ITS SECOND YEAR.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE FOLLOWING RETIREES FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE TOWN
Brian Gately, Firefighter
Robert Lynch, Firefighter
Florence Poznysz, Children’s Library Associate
Lisa Quinn, Senior Librarian
Michael O’Brien, Parks & Recreation Grounds Maintence
Donald Stapleton, Police Officer
Sarah Armour-Nemetz, Educational Assistant
Stephen Bauer, Teacher
Margaret Clifford, Teacher
Julie Davidson, OT
Denise Duffett, Administrative Assistant
Nancy Feeney, Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Fischer-Mueller, Superintendent
Deborah Gray, Food Services
Diane Griffin, Administrative Assistant
Lisa Hansen, Teacher
Claire Lund, Teacher
Susan McManus, Teacher
Michelle Mendez, Teacher
Barry Nectow, Business Manager
Cathy Paciorkowski, Teacher
Donna Scott, Food Services
Doreen Shea, Administrative Assistant
June Warren, Nurse
Patricia Willis, Teacher
Elba Zayas, Administrative Assistant
IN MEMORIAM OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED THE TOWN
Joseph Campo, Civil Engineer
Joanne Cusick, Teacher
Alice Distasio, Assistant Librarian
Jacqueline Gonyer, Teacher
Rita Klimas, Cafeteria Manager
Alan Leary, Board of Health/Council on Aging
Ann Macintyre, Teacher
Donald Mulcahy, Adjustment Counselor
Sylvia Namyet, Educator
Lawrence O’Brien, Firefighter
William Redmond, Adjustment Counselor
Dale Rushworth, Administrative Assistant Council on Aging
Philip Sullivan, Firefighter
William Viera, Department of Public Works
James Magee, Town Treasurer
Pamela Kelly, Substitute Teacher
Carol Miller, School Administrative Assistant
Gary Vinciguerra, Planning Board Member
Virginia Shea, Election Worker, Senior Volunteer
Carolyn Darack, Election Worker
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CANTON COMMUNITY PROFILE
• Settled: 1650
• Incorporated: 1797
• Location: Southeastern Massachusetts at the foot of the Blue Hills
• Roadways: Town 115 miles and State 5.3 miles
• Altitude: 126.8 feet above sea level
• Population: 22,034
• Form of Government: Open Town Meeting
• Annual Town Election: First Tuesday after the first Monday in April
• Annual Town Meeting: Second Monday in May
• Total Number of Registered Voters: 17,381
• Tax Rate: Residential: $11.35 Commercial: $24.18
• Taxable Property: $6,124,773,810
• School System: 3 Elementary, 1 Parochial Elementary, 1 Middle, 1 High School and 1 Regional High School
• Police: Chief, Deputy Chief, 4 Lieutenants, 7 Sergeants, 36 Patrolmen, 1 Animal Control Officer, 1 Admin. Aide
• Fire: Chief, Deputy Chief, 5 Captains, 9 Lieutenants, 40 Firefighters, 1 EMS Coordinator, 1 Admin. Aide
• United States Senators for Massachusetts: Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey
• United States Congressman Representing the 8th District of Massachusetts: Stephen Lynch
• Massachusetts Governor’s Council District 2: Robert L. Jubinville
• State Senator for Norfolk, Bristol & Plymouth Districts: Walter F. Timilty
• Representative in Massachusetts General Court 6th District: William C. Galvin
To find out more about Canton’s municipal
services, please visit:
Memorial Hall, 801 Washington Street
Phone: (781) 821-5000
www.town.canton.ma.us
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APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Town Administrator: Charles J. Aspinwall
Finance Director/Collector/Treasurer: William R. Scollins, III
Police Chief: Kenneth N. Berkowitz
Fire Chief: Charles E. Doody
Building Commissioner: Edward Walsh
Superintendent of Public Works: Michael T. Trotta
Library Director: Andrea Capone
Town Accountant: Kathleen Butters
Assistant Collector/Treasurer: Susan Desjardins
Human Resources Director/Workers Compensation Agent: Jody Middleton
Director of Elder and Human Services: Diane Tynan
Custodian of Tax Title: William R. Scollins, III
Board of Health Director: Barbara Reardon
Emergency Management Director: Charles E. Doody
Superintendent of Fire Alarms: Charles E. Doody
Veteran’s Service Agent: Arafat Knight
Executive Assistant: Jennifer Kemalian
Town Planner: Laura Smead
Town Counsel: Paul DeRensis
Conservation Agent: Regen Milani
Deputy Assessor: Carolyn Floyd
Parking Clerk: Tracy Kenney
Pluming and Gas Inspector: Marc Zade/Donald Sasin
Moderator: Alan Hines/Richard Staiti
Town Engineer: Jason Mello
Parks & Recreation Director: Elizabeth Francis
Wiring Inspector: Jonathan Levis/Paul McCarthy
Animal Control Officer: Stacy Nee
Sealer of Weights and Measures: Bureau of Standards
Constables: Kenneth Berkowitz, Helena Rafferty,
Patty Sherill, Thomas Keleher, Paul Close,
Harold March, Bradford Slocum
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ELECTED OFFICIALS
Term Term
Expires Expires
Select Board, Board of Public Town Clerk
Works & Licensing Board Tracy Kenney 2024
Michael C. Loughran, Chair 2024
Lisa R. Lopez, Vice-Chair 2023 Board of Assessors
Thomas W. Theodore, Clerk 2024 William C. Galvin 2022
Christopher J. Connolly 2023 Gene Manning 2023
John J. Connolly 2022 Rocco Digirolamo 2024
Board of Health School Committee
Anjali Schutt, MSOT, OTR/L, Chair 2023 Kristian Derigan Merenda, Chair 2022
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Ph.D., Vice-Chair 2024 Nichola Gallagher, Vice-Chair 2023
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, O.D., 2022 Maureen Moran, Clerk 2022
Kendall O’Halloran 2024
Planning Board Laura Arboleda 2023
David McCarthy, Chair 2025
Patricia McDermott, Vice Chair 2023 Trustees of the Library
Kathy Gibbs McCormick, Clerk 2024 Margaret Mead, Chair 2022
Joseph Amrhein 2026 George Comeau, Vice Chair 2023
Robert E. Panico 2022 Nancy Connery, Secretary 2022
Christine Untersee 2024
Emily Prigot 2022
Jan Chamberlain 2024
Canton Housing Authority Betty Chelmow 2023
John McSweeney, Chair 2023 Susan Cogliano 2023
Glen Hannington, Vice-Chair 2024 Joan Schottenfeld 2024
Joseph DeFelice 2024
Agnes Hagen 2022
Adam Brothers 2024
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APPOINTED BY THE SELECT BOARD
Term Term
Beautification Committee Expires Commission on Disability Expires
Christopher Connolly 2024 Lynne Findlen-Valkanas 2022
Michael McHugo 2022 Laura Findlen-Lane 2022
Peter Pineo 2024 Nancy Gowe 2023
Heather Cahill 2024
Cable Advisory Board Jill Juran 2024
James Sims 2024
Community Preservation Committee
Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse John Leonetti 2022
Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2022 George Comeau 2024
Chief Charles Doody 2022 Kendall O’Halloran 2023
Janet Donnelly 2022 David McCarthy 2024
Harriet Burak 2022 Melissa Mayer 2024
James Goodrich 2022 John McSweeney 2023
Derek Folan 2022 Shaun Chu 2023
Alternate Members Lisa Lopez 2023
Lisa Lopez 2022 Stacey Gorman 2022
Ryan Gordy 2022
Barbara Casaly 2022 Canton Walk, Bike & Hike Committee
Charles Rae 2022 Jeffrey Sullivan 2022
Mike Mahan 2022 Linda Sliverstein 2022
Phyllis Moore 2022 Tim Calabrese 2022
Cindy Bonner 2022 Patricia McDermott 2024
Bob Burr 2022 Debra Stein-Sharpe 2022
Robin Tobin 2022 Brian Loughran 2022
Diane Tynan 2022 Morgan D’Olympia 2022
Carolyn Elkort 2022
Dan Whitley 2022 Comprehensive Water Resource Management
Plan Committee
Canton Veteran’s Council Alan Rapoport 2022
Robert DeYeso 2022 Michael Trotta 2022
Walter Molis 2022 William R. Scollins, III 2022
Francis LaBollita 2022 Charles Aspinwall 2022
Christopher Sykes 2022
Liason to the State Ethics Commission Joseph Shea 2022
Charles Aspinwall 2022 Patricia McDermott 2022
Regen Milani 2022
Conservation Commission
Melissa Mayer 2022 Health Insurance Advisory Committee
Elizabeth Sugameli 2024 Debra MacDonald 2022
Robert MacDonald 2024 Tamra Stock 2022
Joshua Cohen 2024 Diane Tynan 2022
Gerald Carmichael 2022 Charles Aspinwall 2022
Paul Degnan 2023 Yan Yii 2022
Kevin Colmey 2023 Jane Consalvi 2022
William R. Scollins, III 2022
Jody Middleton 2022
Charles Rae 2022
James Galanis 2022
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Term Term
Council on Aging Expires Historical Commission Expires
John Thoener 2023 Paul Mitcheroney 2022
Jane Pratt 2023 George Comeau 2023
Elaine Glimore 2022 Emily Prigot 2023
Ellen Donovan 2024 Gerald Carmichael 2023
Alan Leary 2024 Sepp Bergschneider 2022
John Crowe 2023 Michael Nourse 2023
Janet Walrod 2024
Cultural Council Town Insurance Advisory Committee
Angela Mouradian 2022 Charles Aspinwall 2022
Patricia Cohen 2024 David Rooney 2022
Maribeth McCabe 2024 Paul Corcoran 2022
Lien Phen 2024
Janet Cooper 2024 Mapping Commission
Patricia Chane 2023 Kelsey Quinlan 2022
Cynthia Thomas 2024 Jason Mello 2022
Maxine MacPherson 2023 Mike Trotta 2022
Diane C. Silva 2023 Louis Jutras 2022
Joyce Stenmon 2024
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Rep.
Economic Development Commission P. Christopher Podgurski 2022
Manuel Montrond 2022
Gene Manning 2022 Massport Advisory Committee Rep. 2022
Emilio Mauro, Jr. 2022 James Aufiero
Alan Rapoport 2022
Tera Kull 2022 Master Plan Implementation Committee
Hamilton Rodrigues 2022 Kathy McCormick 2022
Meg LaMay 2022 Robert MacDonald 2022
Alan Rapoport 2022
Energy Advisory Committee Mike Nourse 2022
Thomas Birmingham 2025 Lisa Lopez 2022
Christine Smith 2025 Kristian Merenda 2022
Michael Mattera 2025 Emilio Mauro 2022
Sean Robinson 2022
Massachusetts Area Planning Council Rep.
Laura Smead 2024
Paul Revere Heritage Commission Playground & Recreation Commission
Bruce Beckham 2022 Allison Grossman 2022
George Comeau 2022 Cabot Devoll 2022
Michael Nourse 2022 Debra Kelly 2023
Thomas Scully 2022 Stacey Gorman 2022
Michael Loughran 2022 Larry Bogue 2022
Victor Del Vecchio 2022 Richard Eckler 2022
Allison Grossman 2022 John McCourt 2022
Thomas Birmingham 2022
Nicola Gallagher 2022
Louis Jutras 2022
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Term Term
Canton Affordable Housing Trust Expires Reservoir Pond Committee Expires
Charles Aspinwall 2022 Thomas Theodore 2022
William R. Scollins, III 2022 Robert Gorham 2022
Michael Loughran 2022 Sallie Lyon 2022
John McSweeney 2022 Richard Eckler 2022
Laura Smead 2022 Pauline O’Leary 2022
Lisa Lopez 2022 Scott Winter 2022
David McCarthy 2022 Jaquelyn Hodgman 2022
Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2022
Pequitside Task Force Chief Charles Doody 2022
Paul Degnan 2022 William Walsh 2022
Gerald Carmichael 2022 Gerald Carmichael 2022
Stacey Gorman 2022 Sandy Denehy 2022
David Hiltz 2022 David Cahill 2022
Thomas Theodore 2022
Chief Charles Doody 2022 Sick Bank Committee
Karen Erickson 2022 Marc Zade 2022
Marv Feldman 2022 Karen Lawlor 2022
Patricia McDermott 2022 Diane Tynan 2022
Lisa Grega 2022
Permit Advisory Committee Kathy Butters 2022
Laura Smead 2022 Jody Middleton 2022
Chief Charles Doody 2022 Ellen Jones 2022
Charles Aspinwall 2022
Robert McCarthy 2022 Sustainability Committee
Edward Walsh 2022 Tarini Dasari 2022
Greg Pando 2022 Carolyn Elkort 2022
Regen Milani 2022 Tim Calabrese 2022
Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2022 Patricia McDermott 2022
Patricia McDermott 2022 Christine Smith 2022
Gene Manning 2022 Katy Clarke 2022
Michael Mattera 2022 Andrea Stuart 2022
Erin Connor 2022
Registrar of Voters Water Sewer Rate Policy Committee
Marilyn Curran 2023 Walter Spiegel 2022
J. Daneene Pate 2022 Dan Cole 2022
Robin O’Connell-McCarthy 2023 William R. Scollins III 2022
Tracy Kenney 2024 Michael Trotta 2022
Patricia Cawley 2022
C. David Emhardt 2022
Christopher Sykes 2022
Traffic Committee Gerald Carmichael 2022
Thomas Theodore 2022
Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2022
Laura Smead 2022
Jay Mello 2022 Youth Commission
Heather Cahill 2022 Sarah Titus 2022
Kathy Gibbs-McCormick 2022 Meg Kennedy 2023
Jill Juran 2022
Michael Loughran 2022
Matthew Issacs 2022
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Term Term
Board of Directors Paul Revere Expires Wayfinding Sign Design Task Force Expires
Heritage Trust Victor Del Vecchio 2022
Stephen Schottenfeld 2026 Laura Smead 2022
Holly Rose 2026 Patricia McDermott 2022
Alan Hines 2022 Emily Prigot 2022
Elizabeth Sugameli 2023 Michael Loughran 2022
Victor Del Vecchio 2024 Regen Milani 2022
William R. Scollins, III 2025 Larry Bogue 2022
Matthew McDonald 2025
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
Chief Kenneth Berkowitz 2022
Nicola Gallagher 2022
Cable License Renewal Committee Jennifer Caplain 2022
Charles Aspinwall 2022 Cynthia Holcombe 2022
Tanya Willow 2022 Amy Peterson 2022
Jim Sims 2022 Julie Beckham 2022
Louis Jutras 2022 Stephanie Simeon 2022
Barry Nectow 2022 Sheryl Wagner 2022
Melanie Martin 2022
Zoning Board of Appeals Naomi Akan 2022
Charles Armando 2022 Alan Rapoport 2022
Gregory Pando 2023 Sasha Martone 2022
John McCourt 2024 Audrey Fleming 2022
Alternate Members
Matthew Carlton 2022
Michael Khoury 2022
APPOINTED BY THE MODERATOR
Finance Committee Capital Planning Committee
Karen Foley 2024 Barbara Saint Andre 2023
Reuki Schutt 2023 Stephen Dockray 2024
Tim McKenna 2024 C. David Emhardt 2024
Thomas Emery 2023 Andrew Staiti 2022
Cynthia Thomas 2022 Shaun Chu 2022
Emilio Mauro 2024 Stephen O’Halloran 2024
Dave Clough 2022 Christopher Deck 2024
Dan Cole 2023
Building Renovations Committee
Robert McCarthy 2022
Charles Armando 2024
John Connolly 2022
Kristian Merenda 2022
Kathy Butters 2022
George Comeau 2022
Chris Podgurski 2023
Maureen McDonough 2022
John McCourt 2024
Robert Benedetti 2023
C. David Emhardt 2024
Charles Aspinwall 2024
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Report of the
SELECT BOARD
Michael C. Loughran, Chair 801 Washington St.
Lisa R. Lopez, Vice-Chair Canton, MA 02021
Thomas W. Theodore, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5000
Christopher J. Connolly, Member Fax 781-821-2935
John J. Connolly, Member bos@town.canton.ma.us
Charles J. Aspinwall, Town Administrator
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM
– 1:00 PM
COVID – 19
The Town’s response to the pandemic was without a doubt the most critical story of 2021. Beginning the year, the Town
had recently closed offices to the public and operated on an appointment only basis. While we were able to return to a
more normal operation in late Spring 2020 through Fall 2020, the national increase in Covid cases in December 2020
caused the Board to change building operations to an appointment only mode to best protect our employees and the
general public from infection. Operating in such a mode kept workers occupied and able to perform the Town’s business
while reducing the chance of infection. The Board of Health, with help from the fire, police and public work departments
mobilized in early January to provide vaccination clinics for first responders, medical staff, those with comorbidities and
the general public. A second round of vaccinations was provided in April and boosters were available in the Fall. The
Board worked closely with the school department to allocate funding to assist with school staffing, PPE, and other needs.
For a second straight year, Annual Town Meeting was held outside and went off without any major glitches. The Board
appreciates the seamless manner in which town and school departments operated to provide as safe a workplace and
meeting space as possible.
FINANCIAL ISSUES
The Town kept its AAA bond rating with Standard and Poors noting, “We consider Canton’s economy very strong. “
“The Town uses conservative assumptions in developing its budget”. “Canton’s budgetary performance is strong.”
“Canton’s budgetary flexibility is very strong”, as is its, “liquidity”, “…and debt and contingent liability profile.” The
Town’s AAA “…rating reflects our view of the Town’s very strong economy,” “….and Canton’s maintenance of very
strong budgetaery flexibility supports our view of its credit quality.” Thanks go out to the Finance Department for its
work in preserving this rating.
The Town has or will receive funding for COVID related expenses from the Commonwealth, FEMA, the federal Cares
Act ($2,083,000), and the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA funding is coming to the town in two
allotments; a local share ($2,491,635) and funds distributed through Norfolk Cunty ($4,485,127). Town staff and the
Board have had discussions with school officials about the distribution of these funds which will be done in recognition of
our capital needs. We plan to make the decisions for ARPA funds distribution in early 2022. We thank Congressman
Lynch and Senators Warren and Markey for the federal resources provided to Canton during the Pandemic.
The Town received the first mitigation payments associated with the Rt. 93/Rt. 95 interchange billboard installed by
Outfront Media. The Town received its first base payment of $125,000 per year in 2021. An additional payment of
$54,688 was also received for 2021 due to a provision negotiated with the billboard owner that revenue over target be
shared with the Town. The Town began negotiations with American Outdoor Media for a similar, albeit lower, billboard
revenue mitigation off Rt. 24 in Canton. The Town expects to close on the agreement in early 2022. Revenue from the
mitigation account has funded the Traffic Revolving fund which can be utilized to address traffic issues around town.
The Board is extremely grateful to have received over $126,000 in gifts in 2021 from residents and others thankful to the
Town. One of the largest donations, in the amount of $50,000, was through an anonymous donor associated with the
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Appalachian Mountain Club, for work on completing the Warner Trail in Canton. Donors should rest assured the Town
uses the gift fund responsibly and for the intended purpose. Thanks again to all of our gracious donors. This amount does
not include the gift of $60,000 from Tufts/Harvard Pilgrim (Point 32 Health) to be used with other mitigation funds to
purchase a new van for the Department of Elder and Human Services.
The Town received a grant of $239,130 from the National Park Service to help make the following improvements to the
Earl Newhouse Waterfront area on Reservoir Pond:
- Construction of new handicap accessible trails
- Installation of a handicap accessible canoe launch
- Restoration of existing trails
- Creation of an education area
- Installation of a new parking area and driveway
- Tree installation
- New accessible picnic tables
The Town has been fortunate to have a favorable trash and recycling disposal contract with Republic Services for many
years. In 2021 we were faced with the possibility of paying an additional $200,000 per year for this service. The Town
carefully structured a contract with Republic Service for trash pickup and disposal and recyclable disposal but designated
the Waste Management Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Avon as our designated MRF. Instead of paying $200K in
recyclable processing costs per year we are now receiving revenue for our recyclables.
Similarly, in 2021 we cut our electric generation purchase costs by 23% by negotiating a new contract three-year contract
with Constellation New Energy. We began working on an electricity aggregation Request for Proposals (RFP) which we
hope will culminate in a contract offering similar savings to our residents.
LONG TERM PLANNING
The Board conducted a long-term planning effort by negotiating the purchase of the closed St. Gerard Majella property at
1380 Washington St. The purchase will afford the Town the opportunity to save a nearly 10-acre parcel from
development. The purchase process required skillful negotiation and we are pleased that the Archdiocese eventually
decided to sell to the Town. We are also pleased that voters both at a Special Town Meeting and Special Election
supported the purchase. The Board hopes to close on the property in the first or early second quarter of 2022.
Other Planning efforts made by the Town include the creation of an affordable housing trust and the award of a contract to
a planning firm to conduct a Housing Production Plan. A parking plan was developed for the Paul Revere Heritage Site,
and last, plans are being developed for improvements to Neponset St. from Washington St. to Chapman St., and for a
project to improve Washington St. from Walnut to Cobb Corner.
PAUL REVERE HERITAGE SITE (PRHS)
Much has been accomplished at the site thanks to members of the PRHC and the Trust and our Town employees. The
following milestones were accomplished in 2021:
- The sixth amendment to the Development Agreement was approved providing for:
o Improvements to Revere St. roadway and parking
o Revere St. water improvements
- Licenses were obtained from the MBTA to use their lots at the Canton Junction Station and the Canton Center
Station for overflow parking for events held at the PRHS
- The Select Board approved funding for a vestibule entrance to the future museum site
- The Town took responsibility for snow plowing Revolution Way and the sidewalks on the “park” side of
Revolution Way.
- The Board approved funding for new alarm system equipment, and new audio-visual equipment.
- Negotiations were undertaken with the developers relative to the location of the Dog Park.
- The Fire Station Roof was replaced by the developer.
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- The Board approved funding for display stations in Copper Mill Hall.
- The Board approved funding of the Master Plan being done by Mills Whittaker.
- The Board approved funding of bicycle racks at the park.
- The Town assisted the Trust with insurance procurement.
- The Board approved Special Legislation to be submitted to the General Court regarding alcohol licensing.
- The Board negotiated a change in location for Lot 8 of the development.
- The Town provided design assistance for parking improvements to the so-called True Parcel.
.
I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board; Mark Porter (resigned), Lisa Lopez, Thomas Theodore, John Connolly
and Christopher Connolly for all the work they did in 2021 to bring fresh ideas to the Board, complete worthy projects,
and improve the operations of the Town. I would also like to thank the office staff, Jennifer Kemalian, Laurie Bogue,
Judy Levitsky and Charles Aspinwall, for their energy, effort and support in 2021.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael C. Loughran, Chair
Select Board
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Report of the
BLUE HILL REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Francis J. Fistori ‘75, Avon 800 Randolph St.
Chair Mr. Eric C. Erskine ’81, Braintree Canton, MA 02021
Secretary Mr. Aidan G. Maguire, Jr., Dedham Telephone 781-828-5800
Mr. Thomas R. Polito, Jr., Dedham Fax 781-828-0794
Ms. Taryn M. Mohan ’96, Holbrook dsc@bluehills.org
Mr. Clinton Graham, Milton
Vice Chair Mr. Kevin L. Connolly, Norwood
TBA, Randolph
Ms. Sheila C. Vazquez, Westwood
The Blue Hills Regional District School Committee is pleased to submit its Annual Report to the residents of the town of
Canton.
Blue Hills Regional Technical School continues its steadfast commitment to providing the highest caliber academic and
technical instruction to students in grades nine through twelve, and to adults receiving postgraduate training. The nine
towns comprising the district include Avon, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Holbrook, Milton, Norwood, Randolph, and
Westwood.
Ms. Jill Rossetti serves as Superintendent-Director, Mr. Geoff Zini serves as Principal, and Mr. Aidan G. Maguire, Jr. is
the Canton representative to the District School Committee. The District School Committee meets on the first and third
Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings typically take place in the William T. Buckly District Board Room
(W218) at the school. From March 2020 through August 2021, these meetings were held remotely, via Zoom, with the
exception of the second meeting in June 2021. Since September 2021, these meetings have returned to in-person format.
As always, the public is welcome to attend. They are able to sign up to speak during the Public Comment portion of each
meeting via a link provided on every posted agenda.
Blue Hills resumed in-person learning in March 2021. This was done with thought and care to everyone’s health and
safety. It was a gradual return, with all but those students who opted out of returning for the rest of the school year,
completed in April 2021. The option to remote learn was only offered to students through the end of the school year. In
September 2021, Blue Hills opened its doors to full in-person learning. The school complies with all safety regulations
and cleaning practices. Students and staff continue to wear masks in the building.
Spring sports programs were reintroduced with modifications outlined by the state. We had approximately 175 student
athletes participate in spring sports and we were able to play all of the scheduled games without any COVID-19 impact!
Our rugby team had their first win and finished with over a 50% winning season. In September, the fall sports program
opened fully with safety regulations in place. Participation in sports remains high, and the events are well attended when
able. The Girls’ soccer team qualified for the MIAA playoffs and were Mayflower League Champions. The Boys’ soccer
team also qualified for the MIAA playoffs and received the District 5 Sportsmanship award. The football team qualified
for the MIAA playoffs and were Mayflower League Champions. Head Coach Ed Madden was named Patriots Coach of
the Week. Our Athletic Director, coaches, health care staff, and participating athletes all worked very hard to make this
happen.
The academic and vocational programs proved to be successful as demonstrated by the state MCAS numbers (2019 and
2021) and other indicators that our students did not suffer significant learning loss. Much of this is due to the significant
amount of support and oversight the staff and administration provided to faculty and students throughout remote learning.
In-person Summer School was offered again this past summer without a price increase. All participants finished and
passed their classes.
End-of-year celebrations were reintroduced in the Spring of 2021. Some took place in person, others remotely, and some
in a hybrid format. A graduation ceremony was held on the Athletic Field with small changes to comply with COVID-19
regulations, including reconfigured seating to allow for social distancing. Our end-of-year awards ceremony combined in-
person and remote participation. This year, parent conferences were held in-person and virtually. On November 2, 2021,
we held an in-person Open House for eighth graders. Our annual Showcase event and the Homecoming dance were also
held in-person.
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Senior Scholarship and Awards Night was celebrated on May 20, 2021. Dozens of students were honored for their
achievements. A total of 60 single and multi-recipient awards/scholarships were distributed to the student honorees. They
were recognized or given scholarships for their academic, athletic, and technical program success. Blue Hills Regional
truly appreciates all the individuals and civic and municipal organizations that generously recognized these deserving
young men and women. Canton recipients include Liam Connor, Peyton Murphy, and Emily Walsh.
Blue Hills had 54 John and Abigail Adams Scholars from the Class of 2021. (Avon 5, Braintree 4, Canton 3, Dedham 5,
Holbrook 8, Milton 3, Norwood 7, and Randolph 19) Canton Recipients include Liam Connor, Peyton Murphy, and Emily
Walsh.
Blue Hills Regional is proud to offer various services to district residents- and in some cases, the general public-from a
variety of our technical programs: Automotive Technology, Collision Repair and Refinishing, Construction Technology,
Cosmetology, Design and Visual Communications, Graphic Communications, Early Education and Care, Electrical, Metal
Fabrication, and our in-house, student-run restaurant, Chateau de Bleu, provided by Culinary Arts. This practice allows
students to utilize their training in practical, hands-on situations that augment their classroom work. Furthermore, these
professional-quality services are available at well below commercial cost. Over the years, residents and civic or municipal
groups in the District towns have saved considerable money by having Blue Hills Regional students perform work for
them. The school pool is open once again to community schools and the public. Swim teams are back along with
community swim programs offered to the public.
There were 917 students enrolled at Blue Hills as of October 1, 2021. Seventy-two (72) were from Canton. Blue Hills also
has a new four-legged member named Enzo who can be found greeting students in the morning and lending a helping paw
to those in need of comfort throughout the school day. Enzo helps to support the educational and social needs of students
with classroom visits and interactions in the hallway.
Commencement was held on June 10, 2021. There were 194 graduates, 13 from Canton. Canton graduates include: Eric
Bamford, Liam Connor, Anthony DeLuca, Jake Geaney, William Griffin III, Collin Moriarty, Peyton Murphy, Gabriel
Polito, Richard Reeves II, Eugene Sutton, Benjamin Tabor, Gabriel Torres, and Emily Walsh.
Commencement Ceremony for the class of 2022 is scheduled for June 7, 2022 with a rain date of June 8, 2022.
The Practical Nursing Program (Postsecondary Programs Division) is a full-time program of study provided to adults on a
tuition and fee basis. The Practical Nursing students are prepared upon graduation to take the NCLEX-PN (National
Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) through the State Board of Registration in Nursing. The LPN
program was ranked fourth in 2021 for their high NCLEX-PN pass rate among first time test takers at 95%. The Practical
Nursing Program held its 32nd Annual Commencement in June.
Blue Hills is coming back strong with administration, staff, faculty, students, the school community, and district
leadership working hard and together to provide the very best academic and vocational education and experience to our
students for their immediate and future success.
Respectfully submitted,
Aidan G. Maguire, Jr., DSC Secretary
Canton Representative
Blue Hills Regional Technical School District
January 24, 2022
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14Source page 17
Report of the
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
William C. Galvin, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Gene Manning, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Rocco DiGirolamo, Member Telephone 781-821-5008
Fax 781-575-6624
Karen Zukauskas, Director of Assessing assessing@town.canton.ma.us
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Friday 8:00
AM to 1:00 PM.
The Board of Assessors hereby submits its annual report:
Gross Amount to be Raised by Taxation:126,973,756.93
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds:39,345,447.15
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation:87,628,309.78
Residential Valuation:4,713,072,560
Commercial, Industrial & Personal Property Value: 1,411,701,250
Total Taxable Valuation:6,124,773,810
Residential Tax Rate: $11.35
Commercial Tax Rate: $24.18
The Department of Revenue approved the tax rates for the Town of Canton. The total taxable valuation of the Town is
over 6.1 billion dollars. The next revaluation will be FY2026. We would like to thank our current staff, Carolyn Floyd,
Director of Assessing, Mary Tynan-Cassidy, Assistant to the Director, Susan Langan, Assessing Technician, and Patricia
Brooks, Board Secretary for all their hard work and dedication throughout this past year.
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15Source page 18
Report of the
BOARD OF HEALTH
Anjali Schutt, MSOT, OTR/L, Chair Canton, MA 02021
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Ph.D ., Vice Chair Telephone 781-821-5021
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, O.D., Clerk Fax 781-821-0337
breardon@town.canton.ma.us
Barbara T Reardon, P.E., REHS, Director of Public Health
Timothy Marble, R.S., Sanitarian
Ruth Slattery, Health Agent/Administrative Assistant
James Goodrich, DNP, R.N., Sanitarian/Public Health Nurse
Judith Raleigh, R.N., Part-time Public Health Nurse
Karen Murphy, Recording Secretary
Dorothy Hennessey, Deborah Tyler, Harriet Blackman, Donna Jean Downer: Senior Volunteers
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
The Board of Health is comprised of three elected citizens that oversee and authorize the Health Department to take
actions that protect the public health of the people of Canton. The Health Department implements and oversees the
policies and regulations mandated by the Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection.
The COVID-19 pandemic continued throughout 2021 and the Canton Board of Health continued its work to protect our
community. In January 2021, state COVID safety protocols required face coverings both indoors and outdoors. Indoor
gatherings were limited to 10 people in private residences and 25 people in public settings. Outdoor gatherings were
limited to 25 people in private residences and 50 people in public settings. Business capacity limits were in place.
Businesses and various activities were limited by the state defined community risk level that the Health Department
posted weekly. Moreover, the Health Department was charged with enforcing these state mandated safety protocols.
State mandated COVID safety protocols were continually modified until June 15, 2021, when Massachusetts COVID-19
Order 69 terminated the March 10, 2020 State of Emergency, allowing businesses, gatherings and activities to operate
without COVID safety protocols. Unfortunately, the pandemic did not end with the termination of the State of
Emergency. Armed with COVID-fighting tools: masks, contact tracing, hand washing, social distancing, a vaccine and
soon COVID testing we learned to live with the virus and the Board of Health remained a local source for information.
Throughout 2021, the Health Department performed contact tracing – telephoning Canton residents that tested positive for
COVID. Public Health Nurses provided Isolation guidance for the sick and performed the critical role of contact tracing
to identify individuals in close contact with the positive case during his or her infectious period. The nurses then
telephoned close contacts to inform them of a possible exposure to the virus and to detail their mandatory Quarantine.
In January 2021, COVID-19 vaccine became available. On January 12, the Health Department kicked off its vaccination
program, vaccinating first responders at the Fire Station. Before the year’s end the Department would run 40 COVID
vaccination clinics at various locations including Pequitside Farm, the Senior Center, Town Hall, the Canton High School
Cafeteria, the Galvin Middle School, Saint John’s School, Hagan Court, Hemenway Housing, Rubin Court, Canton Public
Library, the Farmers Market, the Rodman Center and Orchard Cove. Homebound residents were visited as needed.
In mid-August 2021, BinaxNow rapid antigen tests were made available to local health departments. Canton Health
Department responded immediately, kicking off its COVID testing program on August 24. Pop-up test clinics were run at
the Farmers Market, the Library book sale, a town-sponsored 9-11 Celebration, the Hansen School and the Galvin Middle
School. Weekly test clinics were hosted weekly at Pequitside Farm.
Concerned with the rising number of COVID-19 cases reported in Canton, the Board of Health voted in August 2021 to
implement a mask mandate that required the wearing of face coverings in public places whenever the Canton Community
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16Source page 19
Transmission Level was determined to be substantial or high. The mandate received a mixed reception from both
residents and businesses. Unfortunately, the number of COVID cases continued to climb through the end of the year.
According to the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network (MAVEN) in 2021, there were 2,616 confirmed and
probable cases of COVID in the town of Canton. In addition to tCOVID-19 related responsibilities, the Canton Board of
Health continued its mission to protect our community through health promotion, surveillance and permitting activities.
The following permits were issued by the Board of Health in 2021
• Animal Keeping License: 14
• Body Art Practitioner/Establishment: 2
• Day Camp License: 20
• Disposal Works Installer License: 7
• Food Establishment License: 184 (includes brick, mobile, farmers market and temporary)
• Funeral Directors: 3
• Haulers: 2
• Hazardous Materials Storage License: 39
• Public Pool License: 27
• Tanning: 1
• Tobacco License: 21
The following investigations and inspections were conducted by the Board of Health in 2021
• Food: 171 inspections or investigations including, but is not limited to restaurants and other food service
establishments, retail food stores, caterers, and function hall kitchens. Also included are inspections resulting
from food complaints or other food emergencies.
• Title 5 Septic Systems: 52 inspections or investigations including septic system installation inspections along with
witnessing soil and percolation tests, septic system plan reviews and approvals for septic repairs and new septic
systems, as well as the review of State mandated Title 5 Septic System Inspections.
• Public and semi-public swimming pools: 32
• Housing and State Sanitary Code, Chapter II Inspections, Housing Inspections and Nuisances, Hoarding
inspections and investigation: 21
• Health Clubs: 6
• Tanning Establishments: 2
• Children’s camps: 13
• Miscellaneous complaints/nuisances investigations: 61
• COVID-19 related complaint investigations: 40
Professional public health nursing staff members continued to provide Canton Citizens the following services
throughout 2021: Communicable disease surveillance; Vitamin B-12 injections; Office and home visits; Blood
Pressure Monitoring Clinics; Flu Clinics
The Board of Health would like to thank Canton Public School Nurses, Canton Fire Paramedics, the Canton CERT
team and our MRC for their tireless work at vaccination clinics throughout the year.
The Department would be remiss if it failed to express its gratitude to Cindy Bonner for her extraordinary efforts to
protect the citizens of Canton during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Ms. Bonner resigned from her position of
public health nurse in the summer of 2021, she continues to serve the Town in her role as a school nurse.
As always, the Board of Health is pleased and privileged to serve the Town of Canton and its citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
Anjali Schutt, Chair
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Vice Chair
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, Clerk
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Report of the
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Edward T. Walsh, Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer 801 Washington St.
Canton, MA 02021
Paul McCarthy, Local Building Inspector Telephone 781-821-5003
Marc Zade, Plumbing/Gas Inspector Fax 781-575-6574
Jonathan Levis, Electrical Inspector
bldg_dept@town.canton.ma.us
Tamra Stock, Administrative Assistant
Ingrid Hartfiel, Department Assistant
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Tuesday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and
Friday 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
PLUMBING AND GAS DIVISION
Plumbing permits issued - 530 Fees collected - $58,295
Gas permits issued - 449 Fees collected - $22,182
ELECTRICAL DIVISION
Electrical permits issued - 688 Fees collected - $135,210.70
BUILDING DIVISION
Summary Report of the Building Permits Issued
New Single-Family Dwellings 29 Commercial Solar 2
New Two-Family Dwellings 2 New Commercial/Industrial Buildings 4
Additions to Residential Dwellings 47 Additions to Commercial Buildings 4
Alterations and Repairs to Residential Dwellings 886 Alterations and Repairs to Comm/Ind 134
Buildings
Signs 45 Swimming Pools 19
Renewed, Replace Permits 28 Occupancy Permits 114
Residential Solar 70 Stoves 3
Accessory Buildings, Sheds, Barns, etc. 25 Demolition Permits 16
Temporary Structures, Tents, etc. 30 Foundation Permits 18
Amendments to Permits 15 Sprinkler/Fire Protection 39
TOTAL - 1530
Valuation on Building Permits Issued - $130,676,329.27
Fees collected Building Permits Issued $1,420,619.58 Fees collected Annual/Assembly $3,410.00
Certificates Issued
Fees collected Plumbing/Gas Permits $80,477.00 Fees collected Electrical Permits Issued $135,210.70
Issued
TOTAL REVENUE - $1,639,717.28
Respectfully submitted,
Edward T. Walsh
Building Commissioner
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Report of the
BUILDING RENOVATIONS COMMITTEE
Bob McCarthy, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Chuck Armando, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
John Connolly, Select Board Telephone 781-821-5000
Kristian Merenda, School Committee bos@town.canton.ma.us
Kathy Butters, Finance Dept.
George Comeau, Library
Chris Podgurski, Maureen McDonough, John McCourt, Bob Benedetti, C. David Emhardt, Charles Aspinwall Members
At Large
During the 2021 year the Building Renovation Committee (“BRC”) continued its management of the projects approved at
earlier Town Meetings. Due to Covid 19 many voted projects were delayed or cancelled and the funds reallocated to cover
Covid 19 expenses. The Following is a list of some of the projects that were addressed by the Building Renovation
Committee in the past year:
1. Bolivar Pool: The pool opened in the spring of 2021 to rave review from the public.
2. Canton Public Schools:. Memorial Field Bleachers and Press box. Nesra Engineering was the low bidder on
this project and the design work has begun. We expect construction to begin in June 2022 with a completion
date of Mid August 2022.
3. The low bid for 2 CHS Roof Top Units was received in June from Enterprise Equipment Co. Awaiting
delivery of units. Installation is expected during February or April School vacations
4. The low bid for the Luce Playground was received from Ulti Parks and Playground in October. Work will
proceed on this with an expected completion in June/July 2022
5. The GMS Basketball courts will be addressed in 2022. Additional funding is being requested through CCPC
6. Memorial Hall Exterior Repairs: Town meeting voted a total of $2,600,000 to fund this project. We hired an
Owners project management firm Anser Advisory and the Architectural firm of Spence Sullivan and Vogt.
Preliminary work began in 2021.and will continue into 2022. The project is expected to be completed by
December 2022
7. Pequitside: Tennis and Pickleball court: Work has started on this but no firm dates are available for design
and construction.
I would like to thank the Town employees Charles Aspinwall, Town Administrator, Stephen Marshall, Business
Manager Canton Public Schools, Police Chief Ken Berkowitz, Fire Chief Charles Doody, Randy Scollins, Finance
Director. Steve Choiniere, Supervisor of Facilities. Mike Trotta, Superintendent of Canton Public Works. Bill Walsh,
Operations Manager, Canton Public Works. Regen Milani, Conservation Agent and all the other professional employee’s
at Town Hall. As a volunteer committee these people keep us informed and perform the day to day work necessary to
allow these projects to be completed on time, on budget.
I would like to thank my fellow committee members. Their knowledge and expertise is what makes this committee
functions so well.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert J. McCarthy, Chairman
Building Renovation Committee
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Report of the
CANTON ALLIANCE AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE (CAASA)
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Charles Doody, Interim Chair, Fiscal Manager & Fire Chief 801 Washington St.
Harriet Burak, Vice Chair & Community Member Canton, MA 02021
Kenneth Berkowitz, Police Chief Telephone 781-821-5000
Janet Donnelly, Secretary & Community Member www.cantonalliance.org
Derek Folan, Interim Superintendent, Canton Public Schools
James Goodrich, Public Health Nurse/Sanitarian, Health Department
Associate Members: Cindy Bonner, Barbara Casaly, Carolyn Elkort, Ryan Gordy, Bob Burr, Lisa Lopez, Mike Mahan,
Phyllis Moore, Charles Rae, Robin Tobin, Dyane Tynan, Dan Whitley
Since 2013, the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) has addressed the reality of youth substance abuse
in our town. Our mission is to reduce the use of drugs and alcohol throughout the community, with a primary focus on
youth, by encouraging healthy decision making and providing resources that address prevention, intervention, treatment,
and recovery throughout the lifespan.
This year, we balanced internal and external work.
Our committee was awarded a federal seed grant from the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. One goal of
this grant is to increase community collaboration. We continued to outreach key community stakeholders and vision for
the future. We re-engaged with important sectors like business, youth, and religious/fraternal organizations. We laid the
essential groundwork needed to grow our membership: updating and clarifying internal policies, revitalizing our print and
online resources, and bolstering our print and social media presence. Our group looked within ourselves in an identity-
conscious leadership workshop, facilitated by an accomplished scholar in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
We welcomed a Program Manager, Interim Program Director, and Program Director to oversee grant and reporting
requirements within CAASA. We continued our work with an Evaluator that assists with data analysis because we are
committed to guiding our programs with data.
Our external work comprised of community collaborations as well as CAASA-driven initiatives.
In May, we invited Jon Mattleman to present “Teens and Tech: The Connection to Mental Health, Anxiety, and Substance
Use.” As always, community education on substance use and tangential topics is a mainstay of our mission.
We continued to worked closely with Canton Public Schools. Our August backpack giveaway was an exciting project in
which CAASA funded free backpacks to all CPS students in grades four and five. These are particularly formative years
for students’ health and decision-making. The backpacks featured the Canton “C” and CAASA logo and were filled with
goodies.
We proudly supported the Canton Farmers Market and the Canton Parks and Recreation Department’s Trunk or Treat.
CAASA activities have waned with staff transitions and COVID-19 uncertainty. We have, however, forged forward with
our staples:
• Well-attended monthly meetings, held both in-person and virtual
• The Celebration of Life
• Sponsorship of scholarships for graduating high school seniors
Many thanks to our residents who volunteer their valuable time and talents to the committee. Our collaboration and
commitment allow for a multi-faceted approach to the question of substance use in Canton.
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Report of the
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Shaun Chu, Co-Chair 801 Washington St.
John McSweeney, Co-Chair Canton, MA 02021
Stacey Gorman, Treasurer Telephone 339-502-5729
George Comeau, Clerk ccpc@town.canton.ma.us
Lisa Lopez, Board of Selectmen
Melissa Mayer, Conservation Commission
David McCarthy, Planning Board
Kendall O’Halloran, School Committee
John Leonetti, Citizen-at-Large
CPA IN CANTON
The Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) is the town board that implements the Community Preservation
Act (CPA) which was adopted by Canton voters in 2012. Through the CPA, state and local funds are collected to fund
open space, affordable housing, historic preservation, and recreation projects. Local funds are raised through a 1%
surcharge on all real estate property tax bills with three exemptions: (1) residential property owned and occupied by any
person who qualifies for low-income housing, or low- or moderate-income senior housing; (2) the first $100,000 of
taxable value of all residential real property; and (3) the first $100,000 of taxable value of all commercial and industrial
property.
FUNCTION & COMPOSITION
The CCPC administers the community preservation fund, writes and adopts a Community Preservation Plan based on
community input, receives proposals from the community for expenditures from the fund, recommends projects to Town
Meeting to be considered for funding, and monitors the progress of approved projects. The Committee is comprised of
nine volunteer members: one citizen-at-large and one member each from the Conservation Commission, Historical
Commission, Housing Authority, Planning Board, Playground & Recreation Commission, Select Board, Capital Planning
Committee, and School Committee. Given this composition, the CCPC typically experiences turnover in one or more of
the seats in any given year. Midway through the calendar year, and prior to the start of the FY 2023 CPA grant
application season, two members of the CCPC relinquished their seats on the CCPC. Josh Cohen represented the
Conservation Commission on the Committee since 2017 and Kristin Mirliani served one year on behalf of the School
Committee. Their seats were filled by Melissa Mayer (Conservation) and Kendall O’Halloran (School Committtee). The
CCPC extends its appreciation to Josh and Kristin for their service to the Town and their commitment to community
preservation, and looks forward to working with the newly-appointed Committee members.
2021 ACTIVITY & APPROVED PROJECTS
The CCPC typically meets on the first Monday of each month; however, additional meetings are often required in
December and January of each year when the Committee is reviewing CPA applications. A total of eleven public
meetings were held by the Committee during 2021. In response to the pandemic, the CCPC did not host a stand-alone
meeting to introduce the projects being recommended for funding, but rather participated in the virtual Town Meeting
information session hosted by the Finance Committee. In May of 2021, the CCPC presented its funding recommendations
for Fiscal Year 2022 to Annual Town Meeting. The Committee recommended a total of nine projects across all three
funding categories. CPA-funding recommendations for FY22 totaled $863,828. The CCPC is pleased to report that all
nine projects recommended for funding were approved by the Town Meeting Body at the recommended funding levels. A
table summarizing the projects funded in 2021 follows. Additional information about each of the projects mentioned
below can be found on the CCPC website: https://www.town.canton.ma.us/414/Community-Preservation-Committee-
Website.
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21Source page 24
Community Housing Projects
Project Description CPA Funding
Hagan Court Emergency Staircase Replacement $100,000
• Preserve affordable units at the Hagan Court Housing Complex by replacing the exterior
emergency egress staircases.
Transfer to Municipal Affordable Housing Trust $50,000
• Fund transfer designated for purposes of hiring a Housing Specialist to assist the newly-
formed Housing Trust in updating the Town’s Housing Action Plan.
Historic Resources Projects
Project Description CPA Funding
Memorial Hall Restoration – Design Funds $283,506
• Partial funding of the $2.5 million effort to restore the exterior of the Historic Town Hall
building. CPA funds will be expended on the architectural design of the project.
1829 Hunneman Hand Tub Restoration $46,000
• Restore and preserve the nearly 200-year-old firefighting apparatus which will be on long-
term loan to the Town for display at the Paul Revere Heritage Site.
Hooper Bell Restoration Study $5,000
• Develop a plan to preserve and restore the Hooper Bell in a manner that will allow for its
meaningful incorporation at the Paul Revere Heritage Site.
Open Space/Recreation Projects
Project Description CPA Funding
Luce School Playground $270,322
• Replace the large upper playground at Luce Elementary School. Project features multiple
improvements for accessibility including poured-in-place surfacing.
Warner Trail Design Study $50,000
• Develop design scenarios (with associated permitting needs and construction costs) for the
re-establishment of the Canton portion of the historic Warner Trail.
Gibson Field Restoration $34,000
• Capital improvements to address safety issues at the High School baseball field including
laser-grading of infield, rebuilding pitcher’s mound and re-centering base paths
Transfer to Conservation Fund $25,000
• Fund transfer intended to augment the Land Conservation Fund for future purchases of
real property interests in parcels with high conservation value.
In the Fall of 2021, the CCPC received thirteen CPA pre-applications. Following an initial review of eligibility under the
CPA statute, twelve full applications requesting just under $2,000,000 in CPA funding were received. The CCPC held
three public meetings to entertain presentations from project proponents and to consider which projects to recommend to
Annual Town Meeting in 2022. Final decisions as to FY 23 recommendations are generally reported in January and voted
at ATM in May.
FINANCIALS
Total CPA revenues in fiscal year 2021 were $882,399. This includes surcharge revenue of $684,473 and the State Match
of $181,402. The State match increased for the fourth straight year, and a record distribution of $268,677 was received in
22
22Source page 25
November of 2021 (for FY 22). This record match was made possible by the permanent increase to the revenue source
for the State CPA Trust Fund.
Unlike other Town departments, unexpended funds in a community preservation account roll over from year to year and
unappropriated funds continue to accumulate in the various CPA accounts. The following chart captures the Fund’s actual
revenue streams through the end of fiscal year 2021 (which closed at the end of June 2021). Additional financial
information reflective of the overall status of CPA accounts can be found on the Community Preservation Committee
website.
CPA Revenue by Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Surcharge Revenue State CPA Other Revenue TOTAL REVENUE
Distribution
FY2014 $480,993.57 $0.00 $877.59 $481,871.16
FY2015 $491,959.51 $153,822.00 $5,812.76 $651,594.27
FY2016 $520,788.81 $145,336.00 $7,341.15 $673,465.96
FY2017 $545,946.62 $108,001.00 $11,689.00 $665,636.62
FY2018 $581,951.58 $94,671.00 $25,996.39 $702,618.97
FY2019 $613,699.65 $110,487.00 $32,523.76 $756,710.41
FY2020 $619,735.77 $147,419.00 $30,548.53 $797,703.30
FY2021 $684,473.45 $181,402.00 $16,524.16 $882,399.61
TOTALS $4,539,548.96 $941,138.00 $131,313.34 $5,612,000.30
Based on the revenue data above, and following discussions with the Town’s financial professionals, the Committee used
an estimated revenue figure of $725,000 for FY 22. With input from the Finance and Accounting Departments the CCPC
will review projected revenues in advance of making their FY 23 project recommendations.
The Committee wishes to thank past and current project sponsors, Canton citizens, Town officials, the law firm of Brooks
& DeRensis, the Massachusetts Community Preservation Coalition and each of its Committee members for their
continued dedication to CPA.
Respectfully submitted,
Shaun Chu John McSweeney
Co-Chair Co-Chair
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23Source page 26
Report of the
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Joshua Cohen, Chair Pequitside Farm
Kevin Colmey, Vice-Chair 79 Pleasant Street
Robert MacDonald, Treasurer Canton, MA 02021
Paul Degnan, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5035
Elizabeth Sugameli, Member rmilani@town.canton.ma.us
Melissa Mayer, Member
Gerald Carmichael, Member
Regen Milani, Conservation Agent
Casey Songin, Senior Clerk
Robin O’Connell-McCarthy, Recording Secretary
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Established in 1963, the Canton Conservation Commission is dedicated to preserving the town’s natural resources for the
benefit of current and future generations. The Commission owns and manages over 500 hundred acres of conservation
land. Most land is specifically set aside for the intrinsic and economic value that natural areas provide to the community –
flood control and mitigation, uptake and filtering of pollution, preservation of the unique natural heritage of Canton, water
quality and quantity, climate change mitigation, and so much more. In addition, several large properties, including
Pequitside Farm and Wardwell Conservation Area, are open to the public for recreational activities such as hiking,
walking, snowshoeing, bird watching, animal tracking, nature study, photography, and picnicking. The Commission is
responsible for developing and overseeing the Canton Open Space and Recreation Plan, seeking grants for acquisition of
open space, and accepting gifts of land or money for conservation purposes through its Conservation Land Fund. The
COVID-19 pandemic has shown us all how important our free, public open spaces and conservation areas are so please
consider donating to the Fund to help us provide improved access to these special areas.
The Commission holds public meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at Pequitside Farm in the
Tavern Room located at the rear of the Edward J. Lynch, Jr. House. Meetings begin at 7:00 P.M. During the COVID-19
pandemic virtual meetings were held by Zoom from January through June 2021, returning to in-person meetings on June
23. All meetings are open to the public and recorded by Canton Community Television.
The Conservation Commission works directly with developers, town departments, and residents regarding both new and
redevelopment projects, including new subdivisions, construction of new single-family homes, building additions,
landscaping, and more to help ensure an understanding of the requirements for compliance with state and local laws. The
Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and Regulations (1972), the Town of Canton Wetland
Protection Bylaw and Regulations (1980), and the Town of Canton Stormwater Bylaw and Regulations (2007). In 2021
the Commission revised its Stormwater Management Regulations to meet requirements under the Town’s EPA NPDES
MS4 permit and the new 2020 revision to the Stormwater Management Bylaw. The new Regulations were voted in by the
Commission in a public hearing on April 28, 2021 and went into effect June 4, 2021. These revised Stormwater
regulations place stricter requirements on construction projects and how much post-construction pollution is allowed to
leave the site. As of 2021 all redevelopment projects will need to retrofit all impervious surfaces on the site with
stormwater management, and not just new construction. The Commission made slow process in 2021 towards accepting
online applications for Stormwater permits using the town’s “Viewpoint” system. Online permitting for Stormwater
Management permits will be launched in 2022. Copies of current regulations and forms are available on the Conservation
Department website https://town.canton.ma.us/335/About-Conservation-Commission or at the Conservation Office (781)
821-5035.
In 2021 the Commission had four interns supporting their work. Allyson Hopkins is interning five hours per week year-
round. We also hosted two summer biology interns and a summer GIS intern. Emily Weintraub from Wheaton College,
Kathryn Gore from UMass Amherst, and Nicholas Drummy a recent UMass graduate. Emily and Kathryn conducted
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24Source page 27
surveys to determine which plants, birds, animals, and insects are found on our properties, while Nick created maps of
Commission owned properties and used a handheld GPS to map existing trails. Allyson used trail cameras to photograph
and document wildlife on Conservation properties and studied the birds nesting in the bird boxes at Pequitside. It was a
hot, rainy summer so indoor work consisted of administrative support including a large records retention project, making
space in our file cabinets for new applications. Also in 2021 the Commission hired a summer maintenance staff person,
Will Ferrara, who helped with property maintenance activities. This support was a huge benefit to the Commission’s open
space work.
The Commission continued its efforts to survey the town ponds for non-native invasive plant species. Ponds surveyed in
2021 were Slaughterhouse Pond in the Nathanial Fuller Wildlife Sanctuary and Glen Echo Pond. Both ponds had only
one aquatic invasive plant each - purple loosestrife, and variable milfoil respectively. Both of these ponds are owned by
the Commission. We hope to tackle these non-natives in 2022 as funding allows. In 2021 the Commission helped the
Select Board by managing the contract to treat non-native European Water Chestnut at Messinger Pond. Also targeted at
Messinger Pond was a non-native milfoil, purple loosestrife, and phragmites. This was the first year of a multi-year effort
to bring this water body back to health.
In 2021 members of the Commission or staff also served as Select Board-appointed representatives for the Commission
on the following town committees: Community Preservation Committee, Permit Advisory Committee, the Paul Revere
Heritage Commission, the Walk, Bike, and Hike Committee, the Water and Sewer Rate and Policy Committee,
Wayfinding Sign Design Task Force, Reservoir Pond Advisory Committee, and the Pequitside Task Force.
In 2021 the Commission held 17 meetings with 181 agenda items. The Commission issued a total of 34 new wetland
permits, 9 new stormwater permits, and 108 Certificates of Compliance (Table I). It should be noted that wetland projects
over 20,000 s.f. in disturbance in 2021 also had to meet the Stormwater Bylaw, although a separate permit is not issued.
In 2021 the Commission made a major effort to work with applicants and property owners to close out old, open, expired
permits which resulted in closing over 100 permits. An article about this issue was published in the Canton Citizen and a
list of open, expired permits is now available on the Commission’s webpage. Open conservation permits encumber the
title of the property for which the permit was taken. This encumbrance can hold up a closing date when the owner goes to
sell the home. It is very important that after the permitted work is completed, applicants/property owners return to the
Commission to receive a Certificate of Compliance if this is called for in the conditions of the permit issued. The
Commission’s Agent also reviewed 58 Permit Inquiry forms to determine if a permit from the Commission was required
for those projects.
TABLE I
Breakdown of permits issued and actions taken by the Conservation Commission January 1 to December 31, 2021.
Stormwater Permits Land Disturbance
Wetland Permits Permits
Order of Conditions 18 Full SMP Permit 9 LDP Permit n/a
(OOC)
Duplicate OOC 5 Duplicate SMP 0 Duplicate LDP 1
Amended OOC 4 Amended SMP 4 Amended LDP n/a
OOC Extension 2 SMP Extension 4 LDP Extension 1
Order of Resource Area 1 SMP violation notice 0 LDP violation notice n/a
Delineation (ORAD)
Determination of 14 SMP Certificate of 13 LDP Certificate of 27
Applicability Compliance Compliance
Violation Notice 3
Enforcement Order 2
Partial Certificate of 3
Compliance (PCOC)
Certificate of Compliance 65
(COC)
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Duplicate COC 5
Total agenda items 123 30 29
Percent of agenda items 67% 17% 16%
Fees collected under Wetland Protection Act: $ 5,722.50
Fees collected under Wetland Protection Bylaw: $21,532.50
Fees collected under Stormwater Management Bylaw: $ 5,000.00
Fees charged for Violations: $ 0.00
Total fees collected: $32,255.00
The Commission manages the Canton Community Garden located at Pequitside. There are 27 plots that are rented each
year by individual residents to allow them to grow their own personal produce from May to October. Gardens are already
reserved for the 2022 season, but if you wish to be added to the waitlist please contact the office.
We would like to continue to allow dog walking on Commission-owned properties but in order to do so we need everyone
visiting the properties to respect the town leash law. Violations of the leash law start at $25 per offense and we ask if you
see someone with an off-leash dog on town property to please contact Animal Control week days and the non-emergency
police line evenings and weekends.
The work on the Pequitside parking lot was completed in the spring. The lot was resurfaced and the historic stone wall out
front moved and shorted to allow for fire trucks to enter and exit the property safely.
The finalization of the management plan for Pequitside Farm has been delayed, and we hope to complete and publish this
plan in 2022.
If you happen to find a rare animal, plant, or insect in Canton, please take photos (don’t disturb), and document the date,
time, and location with GPS if possible, and call the Agent right away. This important data will help us to protect the
Town’s natural assets.
We would like to thank the Canton DPW, in particular William Walsh, Highway Supervisor, Steve Choiniere, Canton
Facilities and Grounds Supervisor, Building and Grounds Technicians: Ed Butler, Kevin Brophy, Rob Martin, and Peter
Ferry, and Dan Ouzounian and his team in Forestry, all without whose assistance we would not be able maintain and
repair our buildings and grounds. We also would very much like to thank our Tax Work-Off Program participant,
Carol Cycelia, for her valuable contribution to our office work. And a thank you to Robin and Casey for keeping the
minutes and office organized.
Finally, a reminder that the Conservation Commission is on Facebook and Instagram! Please follow us at
@cantonmaconservation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Josh Cohen
Chair
Regen Milani
Agent
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Report of the
DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AND HUMAN SERVICES
Chairman, Janet Walrod 500 Pleasant St.
Vice-Chairman, Elaine Gilmore Canton, MA 02021
Secretary, Ellen Donovan Telephone 781-828-1323
Member, Doctor John Crowe
Member, John Thoener
Member, Jane Pratt
Member, Alan Leary
Diane Tynan, Director
Robin Tobin, Outreach Worker
Victoria DiMaria, Part-time Outreach Worker
Marylou Sullivan, Program Coordinator
Shalini Mathur, Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Barrera, Principle Clerk
Margaret Cibotti & Linda Friel, Clerk
Richard D'Attanasio, Al Widberg, Steve Genatossio, Fred Rausa, Bob Trayers
& James Paschal, Bus Drivers
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
DEHS Mission
The mission of the Department of Elder and Human Services, DEHS, formerly the Council on Aging, continues to reflect
our contribution to the community by enhancing the quality of life among eligible Canton citizens of any age in need, in
addition to Seniors. The Center addresses the physical, social, emotional, mental health, and economic conditions of
individuals with an array of in-house and outreach programs, which have never been in greater need than this past year.
The DEHS offers a variety of recreational and social offerings such as fitness programs, discussion groups, and speaker
meetings focused on current and relevant issues. The Outreach Worker and Director provided social services to the
community and conducted home visits. Since socialization is vital to aging in place, our efforts reflect the MA Aging
Network realization that COA agencies are the primary public social service agency in most communities, as it is in
Canton.
Our efforts in providing these multifaceted services were severely hampered due to the lockdown restrictions posed by
COVID-19. As a result, we immediately fine-tuned our approaches to meeting the community's needs. Staff depended on
volunteers who were most helpful and always available. These efforts included shopping for necessities for homebound
residents, such as food and medicine, and delivering items to them. It became apparent that isolation and inability to
socialize were being seriously affected. Thus, our team spent an excessive amount of time alleviating some of the fears of
aloneness and depression. Also, we continued, and continue, to offer our services to members of the Canton community at
large. Many are receiving economic assistance after required information is assessed and a determination made regarding
any resources for which they may be eligible. The Center will continue to focus on new and expanded programs necessary
in light of the debilitating effects of the inability to socialize. We continue to provide outreach support, advocacy groups,
support for caregivers and, educational seminars. While space and personnel are limited at the DEHS, the array of diverse
services is currently being handled successfully, especially with our helpful and talented volunteers. As mandates are
being relaxed, we expect to have an increased response to all of our programs. As the number of retirees continues to
grow, people relocating into Canton, and people living longer, we will need to continue to use our existing space
efficiently through the multi-functionality of individual areas and rooms and effectively through scheduling. On the same
note, the current space presents the need for additional space as well as the increase in population presents the need for
other personnel.
The DEHS was a part of the Town of Canton's COVID Task Force and worked with other Town Departments to assist
with COVID Vaccine Clinics and testing, transportation, and ensuring residents' needs were addressed. Our staff worked
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tirelessly helping residents make vaccine appointments, getting them to their appointments if necessary. The Director and
Outreach Workers monitored the phones seven days a week to address any emergencies. We had calls from the State
COVID team regarding folks who had COVID or were quarantined and needed medicine, food, baby formula, and other
essentials.
Transportation Program
This service was severely curtailed due to covid-19 as well. However, DEHS drivers continued to work and assisted with
food and prescription deliveries. They also transported residents to get vaccine clinics in Canton and other venues, seven
days a week. We have been able to resume transportation for essential functions.
Health and Wellness Programs
Physical recreation is an integral component of healthy aging. The Center provides several well-attended exercise
programs, including Heart Fit, modified Chair Fit, Zumba, Men's Fitness, Yoga, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, and Pickleball.
Throughout the year, the DEHS hosted health-related seminars and clinics, some of which were held in conjunction with
the Canton Board of Health and Fire Department. We continue to offer virtual option programs simultaneously with
scheduled programs at the Center for people to stay active and connected.
Outreach/Social Service
The Outreach/ Social Service function continues to be extremely busy. DEHS successfully assisted those in need not only
for our older adults but also for residents of any age requiring Social Service assistance. The DEHS is the first stop for
services among many in the Canton community, and we do our best to assist all those in need. These services can include
housing for the homeless, those facing foreclosure and eviction, fuel assistance for heating emergencies, SNAP assistance,
employment, home care services, tax abatements, long-term care placement, prescription drug programs, friendly visitor
programs, as well as many other programs and services. Our outreach services are under the direction of our Director. The
team is available to make visits to homebound residents. Socialization is vital to aging-in-place; thus, older adults are
encouraged to attend the Center when feasible.
Tax Work Program
The Town of Canton offers a Tax Work-Off Program for senior homeowners age 60 and Veterans of any age. Participants
are offered a real estate tax credit of up to $1,500.00 by working in various Town Departments. This Program benefits all
that are involved. Unfortunately, COVID extremely limited this Program.
Staff & Volunteers
The DEHS recognizes and thanks all of our dedicated and hard-working staff. While limited in numbers, their
contribution is outstanding. The team includes Robin Tobin, Vicky Di Maria Linda Friel, Peggy Cibotti, Marylou Sullivan
and Shalini Mathur, and our newest addition Beth Barrera. Rich D'Attanasio, Al Widberg, Steve Genatasio, Fred Rausa,
Bob Trayers, and Jim Paschal our skilled bus drivers. Peggy Cibotti retired in September after 24 years of service; she will
be missed. We were deeply saddened by the passing of long-time Principle Clerk Dale Rushworth and Board Member
Alan Leary; their contributions were appreciated and they will be missed dearly. In addition to staff, the DEHS has a
dedicated group of volunteers. The volunteer's devoted service and commitment to the Senior Center allow us the
opportunity to function with a small departmental staff. Our volunteers enrich our programming capabilities and enhance
our ability to serve those in need effectively. The volunteers continue delivering essential services throughout the
pandemic. Our appreciation is extended to all the individuals, organizations, and Town Departments that continue to
support us with their time, talent, and resources.
The DEHS is thankful for all the townspeople, the Board of Selectmen, and all Canton Boards and Departments for their
continued support throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Walrod, Chairman
Diane Tynan, Direct
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Report of the
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Charles E. Doody, Emergency Management Director 99 Revere St.
Paul Clark, Deputy Emergency Management Director Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-575-6654
Fax 781-821-6591
cdoody@town.canton.ma.us
In 2021, the Canton Emergency Management Agency was awarded another Emergency Management Planning
Grant in the amount of $3,500 to purchase safety equipment our Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT).
The Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) was unable to meet and train in person monthly as was the
case prior to COVID, but members did remain active in supporting vaccination clinics at various locations in
town. Regular monthly meetings are scheduled to return once local, state and federal restrictions are lifted so
we can gather safely
I would like to thank all the members of our CERT program for their dedication to ensuring the safety of the
residents of Canton and for their continuing efforts to improve Canton’s capacity to respond to town wide
emergencies.
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Report of the
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
William R. Scollins, III, Finance Director 801 Washington St.
rscollins@town.canton.ma.us 781-575-6612 Canton, MA 02021
Fax 781-575-6608
Kathleen D. Butters, Town Accountant Allyson M. Podgurski, Assistant Town Account
kbutters@town.canton.ma.us 781-575-6605 apodgurski@town.canton.ma.us 781-575-5011
Susan Desjardins, Asst. Treasurer/Collector Louis M. Jutras, Information Systems Manager
sdesjardins@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-5006 ljutras@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-5069
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M, Friday 8:00 AM
to 1:00 PM
We welcomed Allyson Podgurski back to the Accounting Office from the school business office in 2020 as the new
Accounts Payable specialist. We were pleased to promote Allyson in 2021 to Assistant Town Accountant. We wish her
well in her new role.
The Finance Department contributed to several major accomplishments during the year:
• Received from the Government Finance Officers Association their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting due to our preparing an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal 2020.
This is the 15th consecutive year we have received this award after preparing an ACFR and plan on continuing
this annually.
• Prepared an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal 2021, and submitted it for consideration for
GFOA’s Certificate for Excellence, which is available on the Town’s website on the Finance department
webpage.
• Issued bonds in May 2021 amounting to $1,495,000 for water main replacements, a replacement ambulance,
pequitside parking lot, and a forestry bucket truck replacement. In the same offering $6,575,000 in FY 2012 &
2013 bonds were refunded (refinanced) at a lower interest rate. BOK Financial Securities purchased the bonds at
an effective interest rate of 0.924%, yielding $783,125 in interest savings. In addition $2.7 million in MWRA
water bonds were issued at a 0% interest rate.
• Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed Canton’s AAA rating prior to the May 2021 bond sale.
• Navigated bringing forward a balanced Town-wide FY 2022 budget to Town Meeting in a continuing uncertain
revenue environment. Coordination with all Town boards, committees and departments resulted in a positive
result in planning for the funding of services for FY 2022 against the backdrop of a world-wide health pandemic
and economic downturn.
• Collected 99.11% of the property taxes due for fiscal 2021, amounting to $83.8 million, which was in line with
historical collection rates in the year of tax.
• Closed out the disbursement, and state reporting of $2.08MM in federal CARES Act stimulus funds received by
the Town for the purposes of covering costs directly related to the impacts of the pandemic on the community.
Managed through ever changing federal rules regarding the interplay between CARES Act funds and FEMA
funds.
• Began the administration of another major Federal grant program, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of
2021. These funds are expected to provide a stimulus to the recovering COVID impacted economy. $6,976,762
in ARPA Funds are expected in Canton. $1,245,817 has been received to date. Canton is a direct recipient of
~$2.5MM and a subrecipient of Norfolk County for another $4.49MM.
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30Source page 33
• Established formal and public vetting process for requests to access ARPA funds. We are paying close attention
to evolving rules Treasury has been issuing in order to remain compliant with our funding choices. The Town has
identified several uses for its ARPA funds across each of the allowable spending categories, including: Public
Health; Negative Economic Impacts; Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities; Premium Pay;
Infrastructure; and Revenue Replacement.
• Supported the annual tax rate setting process.
• Upgraded the Town’s MUNIS financial system in July of 2021.
• Invested cash balances resulting in FY21 interest income of $916,965 in all Governmental funds and $250,144 in
Water, Sewer and Rink Enterprise funds.
• Continued to track solar credits generated at closed landfill on Pine Street with net financial benefit amounting to
$401,124 in fiscal 2021.
• Submitted various required financial reports to the Department of Revenue. Free Cash reserve was certified at
$8.77 million as of June 30, 2021. This undesignated fund balance along with $10.06MM in our Stabilization
Fund, and $3.17MM in Overlay Reserve will help to maintain the Town’s highest bond rating of AAA and to
fund one-time expenditure needs.
• Continued to lead the Town’s efforts in submitting reimbursement requests to FEMA pertaining to storm related
damage and pandemic related cost impacts which has resulted in the Town receiving over $1.2 million in
reimbursements over the last several years.
• Updated OPEB (retiree health benefits) actuarial study estimates a net unfunded liability of $82.57MM, an
increase of $4.3MM, driven entirely by required mortality table assumption changes.
• Assisted in the negotiations of a new 30 year Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with Tufts Associated Harvard
Medical Organization (TAHMO), a tax-exempt health care company that has relocated its corporate headquarters
to Canton. Annual payments start at $1.6MM and increase 3% annually.
• Continued responsibility of issuing stickers to allow commuters to park along Greenlodge Street.
• Continued annual process of attempting to locate recipients of $91,679 in uncashed Town checks.
• Converted to a new tax bill printing vendor after the current vendor discontinued their business.
• For the May 2021 Annual Town Meeting:
1. Supported American Legion annual maintenance expenses warrant article;
2. Recommended acceptance of most current OPEB Trust M.G.L. statute.
• For the December 2021 Special Town Meeting:
1. Recommended funding approach for acquisition of St. Gerard’s Church property.
• Continued to provide and purchase various hardware equipment to handle remote workforce and virtual meetings
during the pandemic.
• Finance Director was appointed to the following:
1. Paul Revere Heritage Trust Corporation Board of Directors;
2. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Board of Directors; and
3. School Director of Finance and Operations Interview Committee.
We have prepared a comparative balance sheet and statement of revenue and expenditures for the Town’s general fund.
We have also prepared a report on trust fund cash balances and long-term debt.
As I complete my second year with the Town of Canton’s Finance department, I would like to thank my entire staff for
their incredible efforts in successfully managing all of the Finance and IT operations for the Town during extraordinary
and challenging times resulting from the worldwide COVID pandemic. We look forward to normal operating conditions
in the hopefully not too distant future.
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TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS General Fund Balance Sheet (1) Assets Cash and Short-Term Investments Receivables-Net of Uncollectible Amounts: Property Taxes Tax Liens and Foreclosures Excise Taxes Due From Other Governments Other Assets Total Assets Liabilities and Fund Equity Liabilities Accounts Payable Payroll Payable Other Liabilities Deferred Revenue Provision for Abatements & Exemptions Total Liabilities Fund Equi Restricted/Nonspendable Committed Assigned Unassigned. Total Fund Equity Total Liabilities and Fund Equity (1) Excerpts from audited financial statements. 2021 $ 35,532,272 $ 26,541,458 $ 020 As of June 30 2019 018 25,360,443 §$ 24,363,021 629,391 1,466,488 158,381 350,494 1,530,013 1,165,361 1,309,397 1,311,710 609,781 736,262 390,130 379,470 65,119 504,594 1,500,585 1,341,647 751,282 1,803,556 670,357 870,160 $ 39,117.858 $ 32,217,719 $ 29,389,293 $ 28,616,502 $ 1,614,086 $ 1,403,487 1,381,801 $ 1,334,850 4,838,560 4,713,867 4,114,932 3,709,311 1,076,407 434,087 35,693 39,489 2,310,318 1,240,856 2,631,585 3,180,505 1,218,014 2,119,816 968,747 470,796 11,057,385 9,912,113 9,132,758 8,734,951 0 115,915 112,412 31,294 1,108,984 1,148,811 976,324 1,026,447 4,872,726 1,354,167 1,680,982 1,599,273 22,078,763 19,686,713 17,486,817 17,224,537 28,060,473 22,305,606 20,256,535 _ 19,881,551 $ 39,117,858 $ 32,217,719 $_29.389,293 $ 28,616,502 $ 27,906,803 ——— ——— ——— 32 017 $ 23,977,965 498,497 1,307,690 375,283 1,740,116 725% $ 27,906,803 $ 1,384,589 3,701,991 39,489 3,675,273 1,170,000 9,971,342 7,252 923,152 876,862 16,128,195 17,935,461
Source page 35
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS Combined Statements of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance (1) General Fund for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30 (000's omitted) Revenues 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Property Taxes $ 84134 $ 78318 $ 76,035 $ 73,672 $ 71,397 Payments in Lieu of Taxes 282 254 243 237 231 Tax Liens Redeemed 221 235 220 297 173 Excise Taxes §,038 4,560 4,903 4,703 4,506 Penalties and Interest 382 240 284 365 315 Departmental and other revenue 1,173 937 1,560 1,086 973 _icenses and Permits 1,945 1,422 1,258 1,235 1,142 Intergovernmental - State 22.800 21,021 18,502 18,165 16,703 Fines and Forfeitures 53 55 87 115 93 Earnings on Investments 832 1,299 660 402 268 Hotel and Meals Taxes 422 569 618 604 593 Total Revenues $ 117,300 $ 108910 $ 104,370 $ 100,881 $ 96,394 Expenditures General Government $ 4058 $ 4092 $ $ 4,081 $ 3,832 Public Safety 12,364 12,738 11,446 10,799 Education 47,002 46,109 42,052 40,294 Public Works 6471 5,886 5,706 5,965 Human Services 985 1,007 967 1,146 Culture and Recreation 2,241 2,250 2,045 1,987 Pension Benefits 18,872 16.801 13,538 12,480 Employee Benefits 13,626 13,315 12,965 12,017 State and County Charges 1,425 1,187 1,015 996 Debt Service 5,183 4,571 4.868 4,792 Total Expenditures 112,226 107,956 98.683 94,308 Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures 5,075 954 1,642 2,198 2,086 Other Financing Sources (Uses) Premium from Issuance of Debt 245 0 84 38 44 Proceeds from refunding bonds 2.060 0 1,398 414 1,596 Payments of refunded bonds (2,305) 0 (1,482) (446) (1,619) Operating Transfers - In 1311 1,970 1,477 1,286 1,077 Operating Transfers - Out (631 ) (875) (2,744) (1,544 (944) Total Other Financing Sources (Uses) 680 1,095 (1,267) (252 154 Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues and Other Financing Sources (Uses) Over Expenditures 5,755 2,049 375 1,946 2,240 Fund Balance - Beginning 22,306 20,257 19,881 17,935 15,695 Fund Balance - Ending $ 28,060 $ 22.306 $ 20,257 $ 19,881 $ 17,935 ee ee ee ee (D) Excerpts from audited financial statements. 33
Source page 36
TRUST FUNDS Bicentennial Fund C.T. Downes Lib Fund Cemetery P.C. Fund Compensated Absences Conservation Land Fund Dean Luce Scholarship Fund Dental Trust Fund Drug Forfeiture Acct E. Bolster Library Trust E.C. Harding Lib Fund E. Kenealy Memorial Tr Frederico Memorial Fund GE. Downes Lib Fund Health Claims Trust Fund Helen Martis Scholarship Fund High School Scholarship Fund Jack Galvin Lib Fund Joanna A Connors Fund Kendall Recreation Fund Kennedy Scholarship Fund M Badoian School Fund Municipal Bldg. Ins. Fund OPEB Police Detective Bureau Scholar Dollar Fund Second Century Library Tr Senior Center Shaler Charity Fund Solar Stabilization Stabilization Fund Stabilization Fund Teen Activity Center Unemployment Comp Trust Van Schagen Library Trust Victoria Chaisson Memorial Trust Workers' Comp Trust Total Trust Funds TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS Report of Cash Activity and Trust Balances For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021 7/01/20 BALANCE 4,984.80 24,660.61 570,889.61 7,960.72 159,467.73 26,205.36 1,029,293.73 141,581.24 65,343.59 2,680.52 3,802.15 8,545.30 22,479.13 6,649,724.73 5,738.63 16,148.78 3,586.48 3,659.90 1,191.37 11,341.46 245.70 21,217.68 6,380,380.96 197,547.55 21,424.56 51,488.34 2,589.18 13,874.27 211,054.34 2,720,932.90 6.46 1.087. 10 3,191.98 296,356.31 6,674,20 417,573.52 1,497.56 —25,566,421.99 INCREASE (DECREASE) 1,505,499.11 34 9,52 47.11 48,418.79 15.21 8.405.77 50.06 30.916.09 13,328.05 124.82 5.12 7.26 16.32 42.94 217,613.57 10.96 30.85 6.85 6.99 2.28 21.66 0.47 1,045.16 1,771,991.32 377.35 40.92 98.35 4.95 26.50 11,474.90 147.935.41 730,697.26 6.10 566.10 12.75 22,703.19 2.86 3,006,063.81 6,468.24 (41,041.65) 626,072.52 914,000.00 INTEREST —_—_$_$_$_[_—=_—=_—_>>S-. 6/30/21 BALANCE 4,994.32 24,707.72 619,308.40 7,975.93 167,873.50 26,255.42 1,066.678.06 113,867.64 65,468.41 2,685.64 3.809.41 8,561.62 22,522.07 7,493.410.82 5,749.59 16,179.63 3,593.33 3.666.89 1,193.65 11,363.12 246.17 22,262.84 9,066,372.28 197,924.90 21,465.48 51,586.69 2,594.13 13.900.77 222,529.24 2,868.868.31 7,191.784.36 3,198.08 296,922.41 6,686.95 440,276.71 1,500.42 30,077.984.91
Source page 37
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS Long Term Debt For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021 6/30/20 6/30/21 INTEREST DATE PRINCIPAL NEW PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL PAID IN ISSUED INTEREST RATE BALANCE BOND ISSUE PAYMENTS. BALANCE FY 2021 780 2.00% 2,243,708 184,194 2,059,514 43,032 1115/10 0% 41,000 41,000 0 0 3/27/12 2.00% to 4.00% 4,985 000 460,000 4,525,000 153,263 5/10/12 0% 100,000 50,000 50,000 0 3/5/13 2.00% to 4.00% 3,210,000 380,000 2,830,000 96,219 8/19/13 0% 436,000 109,000 327,000 0 1143/13 2.00% to 5.00% 1,820,001 410,000 1,410,001 62,800 3/15/14 2.50% to 5.00% 4,755,000 1,350,000 3,405,000 212,500 2/24/15 2.00% 263,307 15,215 248,092 5,190 3/15/15 2.50% to 3.00% 1,800,000 340,000 1,460,000 50,100 3/17/16 2.50% to 3.00% 1,560,000 315,000 1,245,000 31,200 3/16/17 3.00% 6,410,000 555,000 5,855,000 192,300 47 2.00% to 4.00% 1,895,000 230,000 1,665,000 54,425 3/15/18 3.00% to 5.00% 3,840,000 420,000 3,420,000 155,900 SMN9 3.00% to 5.00% 7,145,000 1,110,000 6,035,000 306,300 5/20/20 2.5% to 5.00% 11,465,000 795,000 10,670,000 444,607 7/15/20 0% 0 248,092 248,092 0 (5,190) 8/24/20 0% 0 2,600,000 ie) 2,600,000 ie) 1/25/21 0% 0 68,150 0 68,150 0 5/5/21 2.00% to 5.00% 0 8,070,000 7,355,000 715,000 ie} Totals 51,969,016 10,986,242 14,367,501 48 587,757 1,802,646 sh a de a i Ra ne tt 35
Source page 38
Report of the
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Charles E. Doody, Fire Chief 99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-821-5095
Fax 781-821-0956
cdoody@town.canton.ma.us
The Canton Fire Department responded to 4901 calls for service. The Department averaged 13.5 emergency
responses per day and many more public assistance calls. Sixty-Five percent (65%) of all calls were for
emergency medical services. The department adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to provide
high quality service to the residents of Canton and remained relatively healthy throughout the year. Canton Fire
EMT’s and Paramedics helped to support our Department of Public Health by assisting at numerous vaccination
clinics in addition to providing at home vaccinations for our homebound residents. Finally, the Canton Fire
Department was responsible to ordering, storing and coordinating delivery of personal protective equipment to
town employees.
For the third year in a row, the Canton Fire Department received Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the
amount of $67,000. The money will used be to replace our breathing air refilling station at the Ponkapoag Fire
Station which was over 40 years old.
Fire Prevention continued our program of visiting schools and educating our youth on the importance of fire
safety and preparedness in our community. We also continued our program of installing smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors in the homes of seniors with the help of grants obtained from the Department of Fire
Services. Also continuing this year was “sand for seniors”, a popular program where the Department delivers
buckets of sand to seniors to help prevent slip and falls during the icy winter months.
The following permits and inspections were performed in 2021 by the Fire prevention Division:
• 38 oil burner permits
• 586 smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspections
• 66 residential plan reviews
• 36 candle permits
• 64 cutting and welding permits
• 36 liquid propane permits
• 11 blasting permits
• 30 oil tank removal inspections
•
The total revenue brought in was $34,680.
In addition, there were inspections done in all schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, restaurants, and
many commercial businesses. The Fire Prevention Division also was involved in many construction projects
both commercial and residential ensuring work was completed to current fire code.
The Training Division remained committed to promoting firefighter safety and training to its members so they
can best serve the Town of Canton. This year the Fire Department was fortunate to receive an AFG training
grant that allowed for three full days of live fire training at the Fall River Fire Academy. Members worked on
building size up, hose advancement, ventilation and search and rescue. Additionally, over 200 training sessions
were held for the on-duty crews in 2021. These sessions were taught by department members and outside
experts. Topics included equipment use, skill maintenance, rescue techniques, vehicle operations and site tours
of various building and areas in the town.
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36Source page 39
Three new members joined the department in 2021 – Daniel Harris, Matthew Kelly and Timothy Nuttall. Each
new hire received two weeks of orientation and training with the training captain before being placed on a
working group. Two of the three new hires will be attending the Massachusetts State Fire Academy starting in
April of 2022 to begin the 10-week training program to gain Firefighter I/II certification
Total EMS calls in 2021 were 2808, which is a significant increase in the totals from 2020 (COVID affected
total of 1818) and a jump over our previous average totals of 2300-2400 annual runs. Of that number, Canton
FD apparatus transported 2493 patients to Metro-Boston area hospitals. Our ambulances responded to 136 calls
for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Notably, of the total transports, 680 calls were for trauma,
and 99 calls were Cardiac in nature including Cardiac arrest, chest pain, and suspected STEMI’s. Of the Cardiac
arrest calls, 7 patients were successfully resuscitated by Canton Paramedics which is above the regional
average. Additionally, there were 39 calls for opiate related overdoses which required the use of Narcan. CFD
EMS also responded to 241 motor vehicle accidents. Our crews continued to adapt well to the ever-changing
conditions and problems presented by the COVID 19 Pandemic, and added new pediatric emergency care
protocols to their arsenal of skills.
The Canton Fire Department appreciates the generous donations made by the Elizabeth Simoni Foundation, the
Canton Association of Business and Industries, Chestnut Hill Properties and Pulse Systems, Inc. in addition to
the many citizens who kindly made donations in appreciation of the services received from our firefighters.
Finally, the department would to thank our municipal and school partners for their cooperation and shared
commitment to provide for the health and safety to the citizens of Canton.
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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
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 2021 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.
Due to the continued pandemic activity was somewhat reduced this year. However the Commission did engage a
historian to survey a number of properties 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 for future research, etc...
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 number of projects such as
headstone preservation at the Canton Corner and Olde English Cemeteries, restorative work on the Canton Corner
Cemetery Receiving Tombs, 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
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