Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
2017 Annual Report
Saved text from 209 source pages. Transcription and OCR may contain errors; verify figures and wording against the original. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
Source page 41
Room on Nov. 7, 2017 and an on-line survey was made available to Canton
residents on the town website. An inventory of existing open space parcels and
trails has commenced, along with the preparation of the various maps required for
the updated Open Space and Recreation Plan.
In addition, Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture was hired as the consultant for the
Earl Newhouse Waterfront Master Plan, with CCPC funding approved at Town
Meeting in 2017. The first public listening session was held on Nov. 20, 2017 to
present the initial site assessment and solicit input from interested residents. An
on-line survey regarding this project was also made available on the town website.
Conceptual plans for the site are underway in response to the results of the survey.
The Pequitside Sub-Committee oversees projects and improvements to the
Pequitside Properties - Pequitside Farm, including the Edward J. Lynch Jr. House,
and Pequitside Woods. The Sub-committee meetings are held on the third Monday
of every month, 9:30 A.M., second floor of the Edward J. Lynch Jr., Main House
of Pequitside Farm. Pequitside Sub-Committee meeting dates are posted on the
Town of Canton website and at the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall. All are
welcome to attend.
The Conservation Commission, with funding approved at Town Meeting 2016,
issued a Request for Proposals for design and engineering services associated with
improvements to Pequitside Farm. Gale Associates, Inc. was awarded the contract
for the work. A complete property line and topographic survey was prepared for
the entire 34.4 acres parcel during January of 2017. Conceptual and detailed plans
for proposed improvements to the northern, developed portion of the site were also
prepared. Permit applications were submitted to the Conservation Commission, the
Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals in September 2017.
In addition, the Commission submitted an application to the Community
Preservation Committee for the funding of a study for the re-use of the Pequitside
Barn, which was approved at Town Meeting in 2017. The contract for this study
was awarded to TBA Architects, Inc. in November of 2017. This study should be
completed by March 2018.
It is the Commissions’ sincerest wish that all Canton residents be allowed to enjoy
their own property and the public lands throughout the town. It is also our wish
that we all come to understand the great responsibility that we have as a
community to protect our natural resources for ourselves and for the many
generations to follow. When using public lands for recreation, please abide by the
rules and regulations that have been established for the protection of the land and
the people who use it.
38Source page 42
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Debra Sundin, the former Chair
and longtime member of the Conservation Commission, who resigned her position
in March 2017. Deb remains the Chairman of the Pequitside Sub-Committee. She
also served on the Paul Revere Heritage Commission, but has resigned from that
group as well. Her public service to the Town of Canton is much appreciated.
We would also like to thank Donald MacAdam, the former Vice-Chair of the
Commission, who declined to be re-appointed to the Commission in April 2017.
Don's expertise and knowledge of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and
the Town of Canton By-laws is sorely missed. We thank him for his service.
We were deeply saddened by the loss of former Fire Chief James Fitzpatrick, a
two-time Canton Citizen of the Year and member of numerous town boards and
committees as well as the Clerk of the Conservation Commission in July 2017.
The Chief's comprehensive knowledge of the entire Town of Canton was a
tremendous asset to the Commission and he is greatly missed as well.
We would also like to thank Steve Choiniere (Facilities and Grounds Supervisor),
Ed Butler (Building and Grounds Technician), and the Canton Board of Selectman
without whose assistance we would not be able maintain and repair our buildings
and grounds. In addition, we would like to thank our secretary, Heather Cahill, for
her support of the Commission and work to maintain the Commission Office,
manage the building and grounds rentals and supervise our senior volunteers.
Our sincerest thanks to Conservation Agent Cynthia O’Connell for all that she
accomplished this year for the Commission, her dedication to improving the
environment of Canton and her commitment to planning for Canton’s future.
Best wishes to all Canton residents,
Joshua Cohen – Chairman, Canton Conservation Commission
39Source page 43
COUNCIL ON AGING
500 Pleasant Street
Canton, MA 02021
781-828-1323
Diane Tynan, Director COA Board Members:
Robin Tobin, Outreach Worker
Marylou Sullivan, Program Coordinator Janet Walrod, Chairman
Administrative Personnel: Elaine Gilmore, Vice Chairman
Dale Rushworth Ellen Donovan, Secretary
Peggy Cibotti
Linda Friel Dr. John Crowe, Member
Jane Pratt, Member
John Thoener, Member
Hours of Operation:
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
COA Mission
The mission of the Council on Aging, COA, which is to enhance and optimize the
quality of life among Canton’s seniors, is continuing to be met successfully. By
addressing the physical, social and economic needs with a number of specific
programs and a variety of social activities these efforts have resulted in an
overwhelming positive response from all those who are participating. Included
among these programs have also been members of the Canton community-at-large
who are additionally in need of economic assistance and the requisite information
on programs and resources that are available to them. The COA continues to
focus on new and expanded programs, to the extent possible, that provide outreach
support, advocacy groups, support for caregivers and educational seminars. While
space is limited these dual roles are being handled successfully as we are
committed to providing access to all that choose to come.
Statistical Overview
As expected, Cantons total population of 60 and older continues to increase. In
2017 we provided 47,029 units of service (January 1, 2017-December 31, 2017)
which is a 16% increase over the prior year.
.
40Source page 44
We continue to have a positive response to all of our programs. As the number of
retirees continues to increase in the community so will the requirement to use our
space efficiently through the multi-functionality of individual areas and rooms and
effectively through scheduling
Transportation Program
During the centers operating hours our transportation vehicles are transporting
senior and disabled residents on a continual basis. Our schedules are designed to
transport those with medical appointments, food shopping, errands and activities
around town. In addition to this service we also assist individuals to obtain
transportation outside of our service area for medical appointments.
Health and Wellness Programs
Physical activities and exercise are integral components of healthy aging since
they can control and often prevent many health conditions among seniors. As
such, the COA is providing a number of exercise programs, which are well
attended. Additionally, the Weight Watchers program is being offered with a
good response by participants. Throughout the year there are health related
seminars and clinics that are offered, some of which are in conjunction with the
Canton Board of Health.
Outreach/Social Service
The Outreach/ Social Service function is successfully assisting those in need. An
example of these services are housing, employment, home care services, tax
abatements, long-term care placement, prescription drug programs, and many
other programs and services. All of these services are under the direction of our
Outreach Worker and/or the Director. The Outreach Worker is also available to
make visits to homebound elderly and disabled residents to assess their needs and
recommend appropriate services. Socialization is so important to aging-in-place,
as such, those seniors that are able to attend the Center are encouraged to do so.
The Council on Aging also continues to assist Canton residents under the age of
60 requiring assistance for a variety of reasons such as: fuel assistance, food
stamps, emergency housing, heat shut off, caregiving and many other issues. We
are the first stop for services among many in the community, and do our best to
assist all those needing assistance.
41Source page 45
Tax Work Program
The Town of Canton offers a Tax Work-Off Program for senior homeowners over
60 years. These seniors are offered a real estate tax credit of up to $1500.00 by
working in various Town Departments. This program benefits senior citizens,
while providing the town with knowledgeable workers. In 2017 senior workers
were placed in the Senior Center, Selectmen’s Office, Town Hall, Library,
Treasurer/Collector’s office, the Finance Department, the Recreation Department,
DPW, the Assessors’ office, the Building/Inspection office, Animal Control, Fire
Department, Police Department, Schools and other Town Departments.
Staff & Volunteers
The COA recognizes and thanks all of our dedicated and hard- working staff.
While limited in numbers, their contribution is outstanding. The staff includes:
Robin Tobin, Dale Rushworth, Linda Friel, Peggy Cibotti, Marylou Sullivan, and
bus drivers: Rich D’Attanasio, Charlie Penders, Herb Silverman, Al Widberg, Bob
Antonucci (recently retired), Steve Genatasio and Fred Rausa , Karoline Tierney
and Mike Spirito.
In addition to staff, the COA also has a dedicated group of volunteers. Their
steadfast service and commitment to the Senior Center affords us the opportunity
to function with a small departmental staff. These volunteers not only enrich our
programming, they enhance our ability to serve older adults effectively. We
greatly appreciate all the individuals, organizations, and town departments that
support us with time and treasure, without which we could not provide the many
services we offer.
The Council on Aging was very saddened by the loss of Doctor William Sullivan,
who served on our board for 11 years, James Fitzpatrick, 14 years, and recently
Elizabeth Lethin who served on our board for 31 years. Their lasting contributions
to the COA as well as the entire Canton community will be missed.
We are thankful to all the townspeople, the Board of Selectmen and all Canton
Boards and Departments for their support throughout the year. We value and
appreciate their efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Walrod, Chairman
Diane Tynan, Director
42Source page 46
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
801 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Fax (781) 575-6608
James R. Murgia, Finance Director 781-575-6612
jmurgia@town.canton.ma.us
Kathleen D. Butters, Town Accountant 781-575-6605
kbutters@town.canton.ma.us
Susan Desjardins, Asst. Treasurer/Collector 781-821-5006
sdesjardins@town.canton.ma.us
Louis M. Jutras, Information Systems Manager 781-821-5069
ljutras@town.canton.ma.us
Hours of operation: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Tuesday)
ANNUAL REPORT
Allyson Podgurski left her Accounting position to join the School Department’s
business office. We wish Allyson well with her new position.
We welcome Ann Benson and Maureen Byrnes to the Town Accountant’s office
and wish them well with their new positions.
The Finance Department contributed to several major accomplishments during the
year:
Received from the Government Finance Officers Association their Certificate
of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting due to our preparing a
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal 2016. This is the
11th consecutive year we have received this award after preparing a CAFR
and plan on doing this annually.
Prepared a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal 2017, which is
available on the Town’s website.
Issued bonds in March 2017 amounting to $8.1 million with SunTrust
Robinson Humphrey being the low bidder at a net interest rate of 2.5%.
In April 2017 refinanced $2.8 million of bonds issued in 2009 with UMB
Bank being the low bidder at a net interest rate of 2.1%. This refinancing will
reduce principal and interest costs by $276,000 over the next 12 years.
43Source page 47
Collected 99.6% of the property taxes due for fiscal 2017, amounting to over
$71 million.
Invested cash balances resulting in interest income of $189,000 in fiscal 2017.
Continued to track solar credits generated at closed landfill on Pine Street
after successfully receiving over $2 million in accumulated credits from
Eversource in fiscal 2017.
In process of submitting various financial reports to the Department of
Revenue for their certification of the Town’s free cash reserve as of June 30,
2017. This “rainy day fund” along with almost $7 million in our Stabilization
Fund will help to maintain the Town’s highest bond rating of AAA and to
fund one-time expenditure needs.
Continued to lead the Town’s efforts in submitting reimbursement requests to
FEMA pertaining to storm related damage.
Continued responsibility of issuing stickers to allow commuters to park along
Greenlodge Street.
Installed a new phone system for Public Safety – Police and 2 Fire stations.
Added the Library to the phone system at Town Hall.
Replaced the Wireless network in 11 Municipal buildings.
Replaced the copy machine in the Board of Selectmen’s office.
Upgraded Town wide firewalls and antivirus software.
Replaced various desktop computers.
We have prepared a comparative balance sheet and statement of revenue and
expenditures for the Town’s general fund. We have also prepared a report on trust
fund cash balances and long-term debt.
I would like to thank all Departments, Boards, Commissions, Committees and the
Finance Department staff for their cooperation during the past year. The
accomplishments of the past year were the result of the hard work and efforts of
this entire group of professionals.
Respectfully submitted,
James R. Murgia
Finance Director
44Source page 48
TOWN OF CANTON
MASSACHUSETTS
GENERAL FUND
Balance Sheet (1)
As of June 30
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Assets
Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 23,977,965 $ 20,286,933 $ 17,477,722 $ 16,360,540 $ 18,785,224
Receivables-Net of Uncollectible Amounts:
Property Taxes 498,497 546,198 541,545 451,911 576,418
Tax Liens and Foreclosures 1,307,690 1,260,489 1,203,433 1,341,202 1,531,791
Excise Taxes 375,283 299,187 478,923 212,688 547,033
Due From Other Governments 1,740,116 2,125,785 2,499,064 2,860,353 3,210,035
Other Assets 7,252 2,425,629 1,506,665 691,008 700,975
Total Assets $ 27,906,803 $ 26,944,221 $ 23,707,352 $ 21,917,702 $ 25,351,476
Liabilities and Fund Equity
Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 1,384,589 $ 1,322,313 $ 957,884 $ 1,152,448 $ 1,131,795
Payroll Payable 3,701,991 3,531,574 3,849,178 3,562,869 3,148,230
Other Liabilities 39,489 39,489 41,894 34,916 29,963
Deferred Revenue 3,675,273 3,805,406 4,344,867 4,624,671 5,620,685
Provision for Abatements & Exemptions 1,170,000 2,550,000 1,925,000 1,475,000 1,152,000
Total Liabilities 9,971,342 11,248,782 11,118,823 10,849,904 11,082,673
Fund Equity
Restricted/Nonspendable 7,252 0 0 0 5,160,240
Committed 923,152 886,722 364,246 358,148 470,608
Assigned 876,862 1,846,942 793,408 893,993 361,035
Unassigned 16,128,195 12,961,775 11,430,875 9,815,657 8,276,920
Total Fund Equity 17,935,461 15,695,439 12,588,529 11,067,798 14,268,803
Total Liabilities and Fund Equity $ 27,906,803 $ 26,944,221 $ 23,707,352 $ 21,917,702 $ 25,351,476
(1) Excerpts from audited financial statements.
45Source page 49
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 omitted)
Revenues 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Property Taxes $ 71,397 $ 66,702 $ 63,274 $ 61,063 $ 59,064
Payments in Lieu of Taxes 231 225 222 215 224
Tax Liens Redeemed 173 147 352 783 220
Excise Taxes 4,506 4,556 4,120 3,715 3,474
Penalties and Interest 315 254 311 344 324
Departmental and other 973 1,240 1,102 951 789
Licenses and Permits 1,142 1,035 1,283 818 1,044
Intergovernmental - State 16,703 14,192 11,910 16,882 16,482
Fines and Forfeitures 93 120 113 141 110
Earnings on Investments 268 168 142 145 82
Hotel and Meals Taxes 593 601 582 568 461
Total Revenues $ 96,394 $ 89,240 $ 83,411 $ 85,625 $ 82,274
Expenditures
General Government $ 3,832 $ 3,979 $ 3,806 $ 4,256 $ 3,589
Public Safety 10,799 10,352 10,038 9,745 9,438
Education 40,294 37,782 36,052 34,942 33,426
Public Works 5,965 4,809 5,024 4,649 4,308
Human Services 1,146 1,003 826 794 770
Culture and Recreation 1,987 1,918 1,698 1,703 1,513
Pension Benefits 12,480 9,802 7,321 11,915 11,733
Employee Benefits 12,017 11,384 11,500 11,081 10,226
State and County Charges 996 927 944 960 960
Debt Service 4,792 4,993 4,986 6,140 6,063
Total Expenditures 94,308 86,949 82,195 86,185 82,026
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over
Expenditures 2,086 2,291 1,216 (560) 248
Other Financing Sources (Uses)
Premium from Issuance of Debt 44 11 109 2,259 101
Proceeds from refunding bonds 1,596 515 0 15,185 0
Payments of refunded bonds (1,619) (526) 0 (21,739) 0
Operating Transfers - In 1,077 1,648 1,026 2,677 2,260
Operating Transfers - Out (944) (833) (830) (1,023) (1,726)
Total Other Financing Sources (Uses) 154 815 305 (2,641) 635
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues and Other
Financing Sources (Uses) Over Expenditures 2,240 3,106 1,521 (3,201) 883
Fund Balance - Beginning 15,695 12,589 11,068 14,269 13,386
Fund Balance - Ending $ 17,935 $ 15,695 $ 12,589 $ 11,068 $ 14,269
(1) Excerpts from audited financial statements.
46Source page 50
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS
REPORT OF CASH ACTIVITY AND BALANCES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017
7/1/16 INCREASE 6/30/17
TRUST FUNDS BALANCE (DECREASE) INTEREST BALANCE
Balsamo Scholarship Fund 12,132.71 (4,595.57) 120.05 7,657.19
Bicentennial Fund 4,509.26 150.31 44.64 4,704.21
C.T. Downes Lib Fund 22,308.12 743.62 220.73 23,272.47
Cemetery P.C. Fund 413,996.06 0.00 5,867.40 419,863.46
Compensated Absences 35,962.19 15,352.83 773.81 52,088.83
Conservation Land Fund 144,898.62 0.00 2,053.60 146,952.22
Dean Luce Scholarship Fund 25,334.38 494.51 250.69 26,079.58
Dental Trust Fund 517,495.02 0.00 7,334.27 524,829.29
Drug Forfeiture Acct 1,034,990.06 (500,000.00) 10,360.83 545,350.89
E. Bolster Library Trust 59,192.50 1,973.14 585.70 61,751.34
E.C. Harding Lib Fund 2,424.81 80.83 24.00 2,529.64
E. Kenealy Memorial Tr 3,439.46 114.65 34.04 3,588.15
Federico Memorial Fund 7,730.13 257.68 76.48 8,064.29
G.E. Downes Lib Fund 20,334.77 677.84 201.18 21,213.79
Health Claims Trust Fund 2,639,224.74 525,000.00 41,927.70 3,206,152.44
Helen Martis Scholarship Fund 5,191.22 173.05 51.37 5,415.64
High School Scholarship Fund 15,999.72 33.34 158.32 16,191.38
Jack Galvin Lib Fund 4,229.30 (1,675.61) 36.49 2,590.18
Joanna A Connors Fund 4,851.20 161.71 48.01 5,060.92
Kendall Recreation Fund 1,077.71 35.92 10.66 1,124.29
Kennedy Scholarship Fund 10,259.52 341.99 101.52 10,703.03
M Badoian School Fund 4,749.66 (91.67) 47.00 4,704.99
Municipal Bldg. Ins. Fund 476,095.47 (25,000.00) 6,532.11 457,627.58
OPEB 1,988,540.96 770,000.00 98,442.35 2,856,983.31
Police Detective Bureau 31,024.95 132,964.76 1,080.13 165,069.84
Scholar Dollar Fund 28,695.00 956.53 283.95 29,935.48
Second Century Library Tr 46,576.61 1,552.60 460.87 48,590.08
Senior Center 2,342.16 78.07 23.17 2,443.40
Shaler Charity Fund 12,550.73 418.37 124.19 13,093.29
Stabilization Fund 413,996.06 2,063,102.33 34,236.96 2,511,335.35
Stabilization Fund 3,272,896.77 681,135.00 101,940.23 4,055,972.00
Stabilization Fund 2,058,091.12 (2,063,102.33) 5,011.21 0.00
Teen Activity Center 2,887.40 96.25 28.59 3,012.24
Unemployment Comp Trust 190,730.14 42,047.66 2,240.22 235,018.02
Van Schagen Library Trust 6,037.53 201.26 59.74 6,298.53
Workers' Comp Trust 26,974.62 (3,547.93) 253.92 23,680.61
Total Trust Funds 13,547,770.68 1,640,131.14 321,046.13 15,508,947.95
47Source page 51
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS
LONG TERM DEBT AS OF JUNE 30, 2017
7/1/16 6/30/17 INTEREST
DATE PRINCIPAL NEW PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL PAID IN
ISSUED INTEREST RATE BALANCE BOND ISSUE PAYMENTS BALANCE FY 2017
3/15/08 2.50% to 4.00% 95,000 95,000 0 3,800
5/15/09 2.00% to 4.00% 3,155,000 3,155,000 0 115,064
5/15/10 2.00% to 3.55% 3,730,000 295,000 3,435,000 125,776
7/8/10 2.00% 2,944,725 170,033 2,774,692 61,483
11/15/10 0% 205,000 41,000 164,000 0
5/1/11 2.00% to 4.25% 7,535,000 970,000 6,565,000 268,721
3/27/12 2.00% to 4.00% 6,840,000 465,000 6,375,000 204,312
5/10/12 0% 300,000 50,000 250,000 0
3/15/13 2.00% to 4.00% 4,780,000 415,000 4,365,000 147,119
8/19/13 0% 1,211,900 222,300 989,600 0
11/13/13 2.00% to 5.00% 5,055,000 1,030,000 4,025,000 163,250
3/15/14 2.50% to 5.00% 10,360,000 1,440,000 8,920,000 492,751
2/24/15 2.00% 321,226 14,050 307,176 6,354
3/15/15 2.50% to 3.00% 3,295,000 390,000 2,905,000 94,950
3/15/16 2.50% to 3.00% 3,078,000 523,000 2,555,000 50,956
3/16/17 3.00% 0 8,085,000 0 8,085,000 0
4/5/17 2.00% to 4.00% 0 2,770,000 0 2,770,000 0
Totals 52,905,851 10,855,000 9,275,383 54,485,468 1,734,536
48Source page 52
Emergency Management Agency
2017 Annual Report
Business: (781) 575-6654 Fax: (781) 821-6591
Charles E. Doody
Emergency Management Director
Email: cdoody@town.canton.ma.us
Colonel, AUS Frank LaBollita (ret.) Chief James A. Fitzpatrick (ret.)
Deputy Director of Plans, Deputy Director of Logistics
Operations and Training & Damage Assessment
In 2017, the Canton Emergency Management Agency was awarded an Emergency
Management Planning Grant in the amount of $4,960 for ballistic vests to be
utilized by First Responders during an Active Shooter/Violent Incident response.
In addition, Canton received a Citizen’s Corp Program grant of $3,500 to purchase
and equip the Emergency Operations Center located at Canton Fire Department
Headquarters.
The Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) continued to assist First
Responders in providing support at several large festivals and the 4 th of July. In
addition to Chief James Fitzpatrick the Emergency Management Agency lost two
dedicated volunteers due the passing of Dr. Richard Levrault and retired nurse
Betty Lethin. I would like to thank the members of the Emergency Management
Agency and the new CERT volunteers 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles E. Doody
Fire Chief/EMD
49Source page 53
Fire Department
Annual Report – Canton Fire Department – 2017
On behalf of the Canton Fire Department, it is my pleasure to submit the 2017
Annual Report to the Town of Canton.
Our Mission is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Canton by
providing the highest possible level of service through fire prevention, public
education, fire suppression, emergency medical services and mitigation of the
effects of manmade and natural disasters.
Personnel
The Canton Fire Department lost two long time members in 2016. Retired Chief
James Fitzpatrick, who was the longest serving fire chief (1978 – 2001) passed
away unexpectedly in July. Donald Podgurski, whose career at the CFD spanned
5 decades, passed away in December. Both men were tireless advocates of the
CFD and were committed to the betterment of the Canton Fire Department and to
its members. Additionally, seventeen year Canton Firefighter David Clark
resigned from the department and took a position with the Eastham Fire
Department in December. He was replaced by new Katie McLaughlin of Canton.
Katie comes the department as fully trained Paramedic and began her recruit
training in the Mass Fire Academy in November.
Operations
The department had its busiest year in recorded history responding to 4,291 calls
for service including thirty two reported fires of various types with an estimated
$430,000 in property loss. Fifty-three percent of responses were medical in nature.
Equipment
A new E-One Pumper Truck was placed into service in August. The state of the
art fire engine was added to fleet to allow each of the two districts in Canton to be
protected by a front line piece of apparatus and provide for a reserve engine.
In addition, The Canton Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighters
Grant from FEMA for $240,000 dollars. The AFG grant allowed the department to
replace all of its aging self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and issue every
firefighter their own breathing mask.
50Source page 54
Training
The Canton Fire Department training division promotes safety awareness and
firefighting best practices to the members of the department. The training captain
organizes training sessions based on current safety standards, best practices
literature and department needs. Training records are kept up to date for all
members. The training division provides personal protective equipment to and
maintains that equipment for the firefighters.
Fire Prevention
The following permits and inspections were performed in 2017 by the Fire
Prevention Division:
• 37 cutting and welding permits
• 20 diesel storage permits
• 12 flammable gas
• 36 flammable liquid
• 59 liquid propane permits
• 34 Oil burner permits
• 55 plan reviews
• 555 smoke and carbon monoxide inspections
• 44 oil tank installs
• 42 oil tank removals
• 82 transfer tank inspections.
The total revenue brought in was $30,196
In addition there were inspections done in all the schools, nursing homes, and all
the restaurants with liquor licenses. In addition, the Division installed smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors in over 36 homes as part of the Senior Safe grant.
Many classrooms were visited as part of the SAFE grant program to provide fire
and safety education to students and we also hosted an open house again this year
as part of our SAFE Program with over 300 attendees. A flu clinic was sponsored
by CFD as part of the open house.
Emergency Medical Services
The Emergency Medical Services Division conducted ongoing continuous
education training to all of our first response personnel and continued our quality
assurance program to assure the highest quality of patient care. The Emergency
Medical Services Division responded to 2,278 medical calls, of which 2,033
patients were transported to our local emergency departments and trauma centers.
With an increase in the opioid epidemic, we are working with CAASA to make the
community aware of educational programs to assist in minimizing the epidemic in
our area. We have worked with the District Attorney’s office and Mass
Department of Public Health/Office of Emergency Medical services by placing
new non-opioid medications for assisting in the management of injury related
51Source page 55
pain. Our education/training for our personnel has continued with more focus
placed on review of protocols. We still maintain our Automatic External
defibrillators placed within all our public buildings with in Canton.
Donors
We again wish to thank the Elizabeth Simoni Foundation, the Canton Association
of Business and Industry, the Rodman Foundation and Pulse Systems for their
continued support of the department, helping us to purchase needed safety
equipment and provide training opportunities that the operating budget cannot
accommodate. Finally, we would like to thank the Canton Police Department,
Building Department, the Board of Health and the Department of Public Works for
their cooperation and assistance in providing for the safety of our residents. Public
safety is truly a team effort in the Town of Canton.
Special Events
In November, the department hosted a firefighter awards night and honored the
following members:
Captain Wendell Robery, FF Jonathan Buckley, FF Jeffrey O’Brien, FF Keith
Flavin as Firefighter’s of the Year for their efforts in rescuing a pilot and
passenger after a plane crash in Westwood. These men also received statewide
honors by the Department of Fire Services for their efforts.
Lt. Stephen Driscoll, Lt. Ryan Patrician, FF Walter Dickie, FF Samuel Poch, FF
Nicolas Pino received the Life Saving Award for their efforts in saving a hockey
player who suffered cardiac arrest during a hockey game at the Canton Sportsplex.
FF John Tsohandaridis and Captain Wendell Robery received the James A.
Fitzpatrick Award for extraordinary service to the their community and country.
Tsohandaridis was deployed to the Middle East as a paramedic assigned the 135
Aviation Battallion of the Army National Guard. Robery and his dog “Patrol”
were deployed to Puerto Rico as part of Mass Task Force One as a canine
specialist in response to Hurricane Irma.
FF Frank Walsh received the Herbert “Butch” King Award for service to the
department. FF Walsh designed and helped construct the new Firefighters
Memorial Park at Station 2 on Sassamon Street.
Finally, Captain Daniels Beal received his 30-year fire service and Lt. John
Hutchinson received his 20-year fire service award.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles E. Doody
Chief of the Department
52Source page 56
BOARD OF HEALTH
Located at Pequitside Farm
79 Pleasant Street
Canton, MA 02021
Telephone: (781) 821-5021
Fax: (781) 821-0337
http://www.town.canton.ma.us/health/health.htm
Ruth Slattery, Chairman; Term Expires 2019
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Vice-Chairman; Term Expires 2020
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, Clerk; Term Expires 2018
Director of Public Health & Medical Reserve Corps Director: John L. Ciccotelli,
R.S., C.H.O.
Administrative Assistant/P.T. Food Inspector: Diane J. White
Public Health Nurses: Cindy Bonner, R.N., Jane Pratt, R.N.
Health Agent/Sanitarian: Timothy Marble, R.S.
Recording Secretary: Karen Murphy
Senior Citizen Assistants: Dorothy Hennessey, Deborah Tyler, Elaine Benson,
Harriet Blackman, Donna Jean Downer
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
* * * * * *
Highly respected Board member, Dr. Richard M. Levreault, M.D., passed away on
May 3, 2017, prior to the completion of his term on the Board of Health.
Dr. Levreault had been a Board of Health member for many years, and was an
active and venerated member of the community. He served his Town with
selflessness and dedication. He will be sorely missed.
The remainder of Dr. Levreault’s position was filled by Dr. Alan M. Rapoport,
O.D., after a long search for highly qualified candidates for the position had been
completed. Dr. Rapoport is a well-known figure in the Canton Community and his
interests and background in public health related issues will serve him well on the
Board. He will complete the remainder of Dr. Levreault’s chair which will be up for
re-election in 2018.
Long-time Public Health Nurse, Terri Khoury, retired from her position at the
Canton Board of Health after receiving her Doctorate in Nursing to follow other
opportunities. The Board of Health would like to congratulate her and to thank her
for her valuable and dedicated years of service to the members of the Canton
Community.
53Source page 57
Cindy Bonner, R.N. was the highly qualified individual chosen to fill the vacant
position of Public Health Nurse bringing with her much experience, energy, and
fresh new ideas to the Board. Although she certainly will give her new position a
fresh new look, she will continue to serve the Canton residents with all the same
care and services Canton residents have come to know and expect from this
Department.
* * * * * * *
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public
Health is the science of protecting and improving the health of families and
communities through promotion of healthy lifestyles, research of disease and
injury prevention and detection and control of infectious diseases. Overall,
public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations.
The responsibility of this all-encompassing mission is placed squarely on the
Canton Board of Health (Board) as it relates to the local Canton Community.
Added to this task since September 11, 2001, the Board has also become
responsible for preparing the Town for any large natural or man-made hazards,
diseases, or other public health emergencies that may threaten the Community.
To accomplish this, the Board creates and manages programs of inspection and
enforcement of Federal, State, and local public health statutes, regulations,
policies, trainings, health education, and inspections of a cross section of a number
of health related issues.
Director of Public Health, John L. Ciccotelli, assisted by Health Agents
Timothy Marble, Diane White, and Jane Pratt, RN, and Cindy Bonner, RN,
conducted or responded to investigations, inspections, re-inspections, enforcement
actions, and follow-ups to complaints or violations of various provisions in the
State Sanitary Code or the State Food Code throughout the year.
The list of investigations and inspections conducted by the Board of Health in
2017 includes, but is not limited to:
Food: 237 inspections or investigations including, but is not limited to
restaurants and other food service establishments, retail food stores,
caterers, and function hall kitchens. Also included are inspections
resulting from food complaints or other food emergencies.
Mobile vendors and “canteen” trucks: 7
Title 5 Septic Systems: 43 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: 34
Nuisances and Hoarding inspections and investigation:
54Source page 58
Septage hauler or haul offal truck inspections: 7
Housing and State Sanitary Code, Chapter II Inspections: 162
(includes paid rental pre-inspections, hoarding, housing nuisances, and
tenant complaints)
Ice skating rinks: 2
Health Clubs: 3
Children’s camps: 22
Tobacco and Nicotine Inspections: 96
Miscellaneous complaints: 44
Public health nuisances: 103
State mandated sharps (used needle) drop off and
collections: 140 lbs. properly disposed of.
In total, the Board issued 652 permits and licenses encompassing all phases of the
Boards’ permitting responsibilities.
The Board of Health’s “Regulation of the Prohibition of the Sale of Tobacco
Products to Minors” which was promulgated in August 2013, and was well known
for its prohibition of certain tobacco and nicotine products being sold to
individuals 21 years old or younger by raising the purchase age for tobacco and
nicotine products to 21, was amended and renamed the “Canton Board of Health
Regulation of the Sale of Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. The amendments to
this Regulation primarily create a moratorium on the number of new tobacco
retail; permits issued, and reduces the total number or Permits given over time
through atrophy of available tobacco sales permits. Under the new amendments,
flavored tobacco or nicotine products are prohibited from sale in retail stores
except if sold within an adult only tobacco shop exclusively for selling tobacco
and nicotine products and which prohibits minors under the age of 21 from
entering. Fines have been increased and have become stricter. It is a belief of the
Board of Health that flavors in tobacco and nicotine product are a major
motivating factor in young people deciding to become smokers.
Professional public health nursing staff members continued to provide Canton
Citizens the following services throughout 2017:
Communicable disease surveillance
Vitamin B-12 injections
Office and home visits
Veterans Clinics
Blood Pressure Monitoring Clinics
Children’s camp inspections by the Nurses and Health Agents
Lyme disease and mosquito safety, and sun safety
Home safety assessments
Public health outreach to community members
55Source page 59
CONTINUING INITIATIVES:
In 2017, populations of human-biting mosquitoes infected with Eastern Equine
Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV), two dangerous arbovirus
diseases spread by infected mosquitoes, were again at an all-time low due in part
to drier weather, as well as the result of larvicidal and insecticidal applications by
the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project using a combination of aerial
larvicide spraying along with ultra-low volume (ULV) insecticide ground
spraying. These 2 arbovirus epizootics are monitored by the Board of Health, the
Norfolk County Mosquito Control Program, and the Massachusetts Department of
Public Health throughout the mosquito season.
No cases of the new Zika virus were observed in the area this year as none of the
Zika virus-carrying mosquitos, Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus, were
found in any of the trapped samples collected in Massachusetts.
The Canton Medical Reserve Corps (CMRC) is part of the NC-7 MRC (Norfolk
County-7 Medical Reserve Corps) and is prepared to care for any part of the 7-
town community (Canton, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Wellesley,
Westwood) of which it is composed that might require emergency medical shelter,
medical dispensing site operations, or other necessary large scale or health-related
accommodations during a disaster or other emergency event.
The Canton Medical Reserve Corps (CMRC), as one Division of the NC-7 MRC,
is an agency officially affiliated with the US Surgeon General’s Office. It remains
a vital resource of both medical and non-medical volunteers whose purpose is to
respond to large-scale biomedical emergencies or pandemics. The CMRC is
trained to work as a counterpart with another of Canton’s emergency volunteer
groups, the Canton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) directed by
the Town’s Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief, Charles Doody.
Funding for the CMRC is entirely through State, Federal and private institutional
grants and does not require financial support from Canton taxpayers. New
volunteers are needed and are always welcome.
The Board of Health would like to thank the entire Health Department Staff and
all its volunteers for their generosity of time and hard work in order to help keep
Canton a safe and healthy community.
As always, the Board of Health is pleased and privileged to serve the Town of
Canton and its citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Slattery, Chairman
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Vice-Chairman
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, Clerk
56Source page 60
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
801 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021
histcomm@town.canton.ma.us
Sepp J. Bergschneider- Chairman Susan Gibbs - Secretary
George Comeau - member Michael Nourse - member
Paul Mitcheroney - member Gerald Carmichael – member
Emily Prigot - 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 2016 the Commission
has completed over 460 surveys of historic properties which are listed on the
Massachusetts Historical Commission’s State Register of Historic Places. The
inventory forms may be found through the Massachusetts Cultural Resources
Information System (MACRIS). Also available on MACRIS is the national
Register of Historic Places nomination form for the Canton Corner Historic
District. Links to MACRIS are on the Historical Commission’s webpage on the
town website.
This year the Commission engaged an architectural historian to survey a number
of properties, some of which were slated for demolition. Although a building may
be lost to demolition it is important to town history to have photographic and
written documentation of a property.
In 2012 the Canton voters adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) which
has been a great benefit to the Commission’s ongoing projects throughout the
Town. Prior to the adoption of the Community Preservation Act the Commission
was only able to have a minimal impact due to fiscal limitations. Due to funding
from the Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) the Commission
has been able to complete a headstone preservation project, receive funding for
work on the Canton Cemetery Receiving Tombs and restoration of the Olde
English Cemetery.
57Source page 61
The Commission takes an active interest, including Committee representation, in
various projects about town such as the Tilden House Restoration and the Paul
Revere Heritage site. Both 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.
In closing I would be remiss not to acknowledge the passing of James Fitzpatrick,
a member of this Commission, and other Canton boards, for many years. He was
a strong advocate for the historical and cultural preservation of the history of
Canton. Rest in peace Chief, you are missed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sepp J. Bergschneider, Chairman
58Source page 62
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Board of the Canton Housing Authority 660 Washington St
Chairman - John McSweeney Canton, MA 02021
Vice Chairman - Glen Hannington 781-828-5144
Board Members –
Joseph DeFelice, Adam Brothers, Janet Walrod
Executive Director - Mark Roy cantonhous@aol.com
Hours of Operation: 8:00AM to 4:00PM W 12:30PM to 4:00PM
The Canton Housing Authority reports the following activities for 2017.
The CHA had a very difficult year this year. Our Executive Director, Mark Roy
suffered a stroke and was out for most of the year. We’re happy to report he is on
his way to recovery and is working part time at this point. We were also down to
two maintenance men (from four) as our lead maintenance man John was out for
several months. The remaining staff –Brenda and Denise (office), Mike and Jim
(maintenance) really stepped up to the plate to make sure the housing authority ran
smoothly and that our residents saw little disruption in services. They are to be
commended for all their hard work!!
We continued with a number of capital improvement projects, such as: window
replacement during unit turnover at Hagan & Rubin Courts, kitchen and bath
upgrade at a family site, ADA door upgrades at Rubin Court and Brayton Circle,
window replacement at the Hemenway and an emergency boiler replacement
project at the Hemenway. We also completed the second phase of the bathroom
ventilation project at Hagan Court. This project was funded by CPA funds and we
are most grateful to the Town for their assistance. We hope to receive CPA funds
again this year for the second phase of the bathroom ventilation upgrade at Rubin
Court.
The maintenance staff managed to turn over 20 elderly units and 1 family unit
(which required complete rehab) this past year. We continued the conversion to a
new work order system as required by the State. We thank the staff for their hard
work, in particular John, who supervised all the capital projects. We also thank our
Senior Tax Program volunteers Nancy and Bill! Both worked part time for the
authority while we were short-handed.
The Canton Housing Authority manages 202 units of elderly housing, 33 units of
family housing, 12 units of barrier-free housing, 25 Massachusetts Rental Housing
Vouchers, and we host 14 Section 8 Vouchers. Canton does not have an actual
Section 8 program and therefore cannot issue any vouchers.
59Source page 63
The wait for elderly Canton applicants is several months. The age requirement is
60. There is a new preference for veterans throughout the state. This places non
local veterans ahead of our local applicants (unless they are also a veteran).This
has added a longer wait time for local residents. The wait for “non-elderly/
handicap” applicants is extremely long, even for Canton residents. Our family wait
list is currently closed to standard applications. We will continue to accept
emergency applications, and as a reminder, local residents are given a priority.
Top priority will of course go to local, veteran applicants.
The Board holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday starting at 6:00pm at
the Hemenway School.
We wish to express our continued appreciation to the Town (in particular the
DPW), our staff and the residents for their support in our efforts to provide decent,
safe, sanitary, and affordable housing within our community.
Respectfully submitted,
John McSweeney, Chairman
CANTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
60Source page 64
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Upper Memorial Hall
801 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021
Fax: 781-575-6602
Jody K. Middleton, Human Resources Director
Jmiddleton@town.canton.ma.us, 781-821-2936
Meredith L. Hartling, Human Resources Generalist
mhartling@town.canton.ma.us , 339-502-5727
Office Hours: Monday, though, Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
It is my pleasure to present the annual report for the Human Resources Department.
The Human Resources Department continues to strengthen the partnership with all
town and school employees. We believe this provides continuity and streamlines
some processes.
The following initiatives have been accomplished this year:
Completion of updating and implementing new job descriptions and
compensation scale
Memorial Hall fire drill and lock down training was performed regarding
how to respond to acts of violence perpetrated by an individual.
Informational meetings were held with Social Security Representative
explaining government pension offset, windfall act and the interaction of
Medicare A & B with our insurance plans
The Town renewed its participation with the Southeast Regional Service
Group (SERG) to contract services for the Employee Drug and Alcohol
Program. Our participation with SERG, partners us with other towns
enabling maximized purchasing power
The Human Resources Department continues to provide benefit administration
services and support to over 645 school and municipal employees and to over 430
retirees. The Human Resources website continues to be a great resource for
benefits information, job postings, updated announcements and open enrollment
material.
Visit us at: http://town.canton.ma.us/Human-Resources-Department
I would like to thank all of the hard working Town and School Employees,
Boards, Commissions, and Committees for their support and cooperation during
the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Jody K. Middleton, Human Resources Director
Meredith L. Hartling, Human Resources Generalist
61Source page 65
PUBLIC LIBRARY
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Kathy Alfano, Chairperson 786 Washington St.
Joyce Wiseman, Vice-Chairperson Canton, MA 02021
Peg Mead, Secretary Telephone: 781-821-5027
email: calib@ocln.org
Mark Lague, Library Director
director: mlague@ocln.org
Hours of Service: Tue-Thu 10:00-9:00,
Fri-Sat 10:00-5:30, Closed Sun
(Children’s Library Closed Tues 5:30pm)
In Town Elections Susan Cogliano, George Comeau, and Dorothy Shea ran
unopposed. In May, the Board elected to return the same slate of officers for the
year. Kathy Alfano appointed Emily Prigot and herself to serve as liaisons to the
Friends of the Library. George Comeau continued to serve on the Mass. Board of
Library Commissioners. Meeting room policies were amended to no longer
support private social functions.
The Library completed a five-year strategic plan, led by a committee composed of
Library staff, Trustees and Friends. One staff and two public planning exercises
were conducted with dozens of community representatives. Thanks in particular to
Selectman Kevin Feeney and Rep. Bill Galvin for their participation, to Susan
Cogliano for research, and Michael Sundin for leading a focus group. A written
survey was completed by 840 residents. The Library Board endorsed the pursuit
of many needs expressed through the public process, including desire for Sunday
hours, a place to eat in the building, and expanded parking.
The library was honored with a bequest of $385,294.72 from the estate of Victoria
Chaisson the largest monetary donation in its history. “Vickie” Chaisson had
served as a volunteer at the Library for many years. The Board continues to
consider a number of projects that would enhance the Library and memorialize her
generosity.
Director Mark Lague ended his term as Past President and Personnel Committee
chair of for OCLN. Senior Librarian, Lisa Quinn attended a four-day training in
Genealogy. Information Technology Librarian Matt Amory presented a workshop
at the New England Library Association convention on the Digital Public Library
of America. Reference Librarian Patty Ryburn attended a series of workshops on
emergency preparedness in collaboration with the Canton Fire Department.
Circulation Assistant Sondra Hazelton was accepted in the Graduate Program for
Library and Information Science. Sondra and Children’s Assistant Lori Brooks
passed the qualifying training to become authorized passport agents.
62Source page 66
The Library met State Certification Standards at the highest level, and received a
State Aid Award of $27,966, $11,304 of which was used to purchase books. Our
six agents processed 1198 applications, another record high, earning $29,950 in
The acceptance fees. We began providing passport photo services and earned an
additional $4,150. $19,648 was spent from our revolving fund on books and
media. $4,115 was collected from room rental fees and $3,975 of that was spent
on supplies.
The Library received a grant from the CPC to restore the library entrance,
refinishing the large oak door, and lamp posts, and conserving the stone steps.
Other funding was used to remove the glass entry and make the front door an
emergency only exit.
As print books continues to show incremental decrease in loans, eBook borrowing
from Overdrive and Axis360, and streaming audio and video content from Hoopla
and Freegal continues to increase. OCLN joined a pilot project with our neighbors
at the Minuteman and SAILS library networks to share eBook collections to better
serve borrowers. Our door count increased by more than 12% over last year, to
168,000, and active cardholders improved slightly to 11,392.
We developed MakerSpace resources, adding two iMacs, and six Chromebooks,
and a media conversion station. A collection of “Maker” kits for loan was begun
to serve all ages and interests. Wireless “hot spots” are also now available to
borrow and we greatly improved wireless printing process for patrons .
Attendance at library programs increased by 17% overall, with 7,818 children and
adults attending 329 programs. Adult programs conducted by library staff
included monthly book clubs and genealogy, and Makerspace workshops. The
third annual volunteers’ expo drew over 100 prospective volunteers who met 23
local charity/service groups in one room. Author appearances included Ted
Reinstein and Gary Hylander. Adults also enjoyed Blind Date with a Book, Purls
Gone Wild knitting circle, and Color Me Calm adult coloring group. Circulation
Librarian Bonnie Jette coordinated with assisted living centers in providing books
for their book clubs. Community Outreach Librarian Carolyn Elkort worked with
the Friends of the Library to bring professional programs around the theme of
Exploring Your Identity that included programs on genealogy research, genetic
genealogy, and genetic migrations. Patrons were invited to place a pin in a global
map to measure the diverse origins of Canton.
The Children’s Library maintained a busy schedule of programs including
morning and bedtime story-times, family movies, and crafts. We collaborated
with CAPT to bring books to life with larger-than-life costumed storybook
characters. The popular Barn Babies petting zoo enthralled young and old alike.
Therapy dogs Dolly and Sunny listened attentively to our young readers share
their favorite stories. Project Self-Help, Inc. continued to offer a variety of
programs for both preschoolers and school age children. Fifteen children reached
63Source page 67
the goal of reading “1,000 Books before Kindergarten” and 93 new families signed
up. The Summer Reading program “Build a Better World!” attracted 269 kids
who read a total of 2789 books.
Teen volunteers helped with retrieving and shelving books, shared
recommendations on books and media, and participated in planning and
conducting their own programs and displays. Young Adult Librarian Rosie
Moore taught the fine arts of pumpkin carving and making apple pies. A lively
Dungeons & Dragons group of teens led by volunteer Maeve Moore met every
Saturday.
We collaborated with the COA and senior housing groups to host “The Memory
Café” the 3rd Thursday of each month. We also collaborated with the Historical
Society and the Veterans' Services Department to scan and document the stories of
many local veterans and their families, which are now online. The Library posted
daily notices on behalf of town departments and non-profits on the Community
Message Board. Community Outreach Librarian Carolyn Elkort participated in
the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse, the Citizen Engagement Task
Force, and Canton Families Embracing Diversity. We assisted our
community partners in their missions, including the Historical Society, AAUW,
Project Rise, and others .The Library helped the Stoughton library, while they
build a new library by hosting their Adult Literacy and ESL programs. The Open
Book Coffeehouse held on the 3rd Saturdays, continued to thrive in its 10th season
under the management of Emily Prigot, Library Trustee and Friend.
CantonWrites, led by Kathy Alfano also enjoyed a successful 8th year with over
100 entries.
We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the Canton Art Association, the
Moms’ Club, the Lions’ Club. Special thanks to the Knights of Pythias who again
donated six bicycles for the summer reading program. Thanks to the Canton
Cultural Council for their support of the Pastel Workshop and a Julia Childs
impressionist.
We are indebted to the many volunteers and senior tax program workers whose
service helps to keep the Library running smoothly; and to the Friends of the
Library whose support for the Library is essential. We gratefully acknowledge the
commitment of our library staff to serving each individual with care and respect,
and for the team spirit of all town departments. We thank our patrons for
encouraging words and constructive criticism, and we always welcome public
participation in helping the Library better serve our community.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Fox-Alfano, Chairperson, Board of Library Trustees
Mark Lague, Library Director
64Source page 68
NORFOLK COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS
Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell
649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026
781-461-6116
www.norfolkdeeds.org
The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records in Norfolk
County. The Registry receives and records hundreds of thousands of documents
annually. It houses more than 6 million land documents dating back to 1793. The
Registry is a primary and indispensable resource for title examiners, mortgage
lenders, municipal officials, homeowners, title examiners, real estate attorneys,
genealogists and others with a need for land record information.
The Registry operates under the supervision of the elected Register, William P.
O’Donnell who has held the position since 2002. In continuous operation for
nearly two hundred and twenty-four years dating back to President George
Washington’s administration, the Registry’s mission has remained the same: to
maintain and provide for accurate, reliable and accessible land records to all
residents and businesses of Norfolk County.
2017 Registry Achievements
Register William P. O’Donnell and his staff continued their direct
outreach to town halls, senior centers, businesses, historical commissions
and civic groups across Norfolk County. The Register held office hours
at Canton Town Hall on November 2nd.
The Registry of Deeds Customer Service and Copy Center continues to
provide residents and businesses with quality service. This year alone,
the Center handled more than 5,000 requests. These requests included
the filing of Homesteads, accessing deeds, verifying recorded property
documents and assisting those in need of obtaining a mortgage discharge
notice. Customers can contact the Customer Service and Copy Center at
781-461-6101. Hours of operations are 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday
through Friday.
In calendar year 2017, the Registry collected more than $50 million in
revenue.
The Registries of Deeds had several legislative accomplishments
spearheading legislation signed into law in early 2017 that allowed for
registered land (Land Court) documents to be recorded electronically.
First Registry in Massachusetts to electronically record Land Court
documents. Phased in approach – discharges in April 2017; all documents
by July 2017.
65Source page 69
This year saw a record number of electronic recording filers,
approximately 1,400.
In 2017, we hit a milestone of recording our 35,000 Registry of Deeds
book. For the sake of security and redundancy, we store our documents 3
different ways: hard copy, electronically and by microfiche.
So far this year, more than 12,500 Homesteads applications have been
filed at the Registry. The law Chapter 188 (M.G.L.) provides limited
protection of one’s home against unsecured creditor claims.
The Registry in 2017 completed its History Comes Alive Transcription
program. The initiative, the first in New England, makes land recorded
documents written by scriveners of the 18 th and 19th centuries in the old
cursive hand writing style much easier to read by converting the words
into easy- to- read electronic text. The program earned the praise of
two-time Pulitzer Prize historian, David McCullough.
In 2017, the Registry for easier customer research indexed all land
documents recorded from 1793-1900.
The internet library of images, accessible to the public through the
Registry of Deeds’ online research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org
continues to expand. Today, all documents dating back to the first ones
recorded in 1793 are available for viewing.
This year, many technology, office and program improvements were
implemented, including the redesigning of our Land Court area. We also
continued and strengthened our commitment to cyber security protection
of our infrastructure as well as the training of our employees. We also
updated our computer equipment and added two major television state-of-
the-art monitors to instantly update our staff on incoming electronic
recording filings. The Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org is
routinely updated to alert the public on such news as real estate statistics,
answers to frequently asked questions, the latest schedule for our
community outreach initiatives, along with detailing our consumer
programs.
The Registry’s free Consumer Notification Service hit a milestone with
its 700th subscriber, a 40% increase from the previous year. This
consumer/public safety program, started last year, allows any county
resident to opt in to this free notification service and be alerted when any
document – fraudulent or otherwise – is recorded against their name. For
more information, please see our website at: www.norfolkdeeds.org.
Register O’Donnell hosted several free computer seminars at the Registry
to provide hands-on-training to the public, including trade groups, public
66Source page 70
officials, real estate professionals, genealogists on how to access land
record information, using the Registry’s new website technology. This
year the Registry also designed and marketed a new seminar exclusively
for municipals officials.
The Registry expanded its community outreach commitment by working
with the Veterans Administration of Boston on our ‘Suits for Success’
program and supporting the New Life Furniture Bank of MA in Walpole
to assist those who are in need of household items, including furniture.
Our Toys for Tots’ Drive has over the years collected 1,650 presents.
Our Annual Holiday Food Drive continues to support Food Pantries in
Norfolk County. This year’s food drive was one of the biggest ever.
Finally, the Registry received from generous donors more than 3,000
articles of clothing for its “Suits for Success,” program this year.
Canton Real Estate Activity Report
January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017
During 2017, Canton real estate activity saw decreases in both total sales volume and
average sales price.
There was a 9% decrease in documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of
Deeds for Canton in 2017, resulting in a decrease of 548 documents from 5,769 to
5,221.
The total volume of real estate sales in Canton during 2017 was $270,483,167, a 52%
decrease from 2016. The average sale price of homes and commercial property was
also down 47% in Canton. The average sale was $623,233.
The number of mortgages recorded (1,017) on Canton properties in 2017 was down
22% from the previous year. Also, total mortgage indebtedness decreased 7% to
$493,918,194 during the same period.
There were 6 foreclosure deeds filed in Canton during 2017, representing a 25%
decrease from the previous year when there were 8 foreclosure deeds filed.
Homestead activity decreased 4% in Canton during 2017 with 490 homesteads filed
compared to 510 in 2016.
Finally, our objective at the Registry will always be to maintain, secure, accurate and
accessible land records for the residents and businesses of Norfolk County. It is a
privilege to serve you.
Respectfully submitted by,
William P. O’Donnell
Norfolk County Register of Deeds
67Source page 71
NORFOLK COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
CANTON
2017 REPORT OF THE NORFOLK COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
NCMCD operations apply an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to
mosquito control that is rational, environmentally sensitive, and cost effective.
Surveillance
NCMCD is engaged in an intensive monitoring process through weekly field
collections and data analysis in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health (MDPH) to detect for disease-vectoring mosquitoes. Virus
isolations assist us in focusing our surveillance to hot zones thereby allowing us to
alert nearby towns of a potential epidemic. Public requests for service alert us to
high numbers of nuisance mosquitoes.
Virus Isolations in the town: 11 pools submitted, no isolations in 2017
Requests for service: 322
Water Management
Communication with residents and town/state/federal officials, site visits,
monitoring, wildlife management, and land surveys while maintaining regulatory
compliance is integral to the management of waterways that may contribute to
mosquito breeding. Pre- to post-management documentation allows us to assess
the efficacy of our work. Tire collections remove a common breeding site of
mosquitoes.
Culverts cleared 26 culverts
Drainage ditches checked/hand cleaned 245 feet
Intensive hand clean/brushing* 0 feet
Mechanical water management 0 feet
Tires collected 9
* Combination of brush cutting and clearing of severely degraded drainage
systems or streams by hand.
68Source page 72
Larval Control
When mosquito larval habitat management is not possible, larval mosquito
abatement is the most environmentally friendly and effective method of mosquito
control. An intensive monitoring program, aides in our decision to effectively
target culprit locations.
Spring aerial larvicide applications (April) 890 acres
Summer aerial larvicide applications (May – August) 0 acres
Larval control - briquette & granular applications by hand 10.7 acres
Rain basin treatments – briquettes by hand (West Nile virus control) 1,402 basins
Abandoned/unopened pool or other manmade structures treated 1
Adult Control
Adult mosquito control is necessary when public health and/or quality of life is
threatened either by disease agents, overwhelming populations, or both. Our
surveillance program, along with service request data and state of the art GPS and
computer equipment, allows us to focus our treatments to targeted areas.
Adult aerosol ultra-low volume (ULV) applications from trucks 7,600 acres
Barrier applications on municipal property 1 using 30 gallon mix
Respectfully submitted,
David A. Lawson, Director
69Source page 73
PLANNING BOARD
801 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021
Tel: 781-821-5019
Thomas C. Scully, Chairman
Robert Panico, Vice Chairman
Michael Mitcheroney, Clerk
David McCarthy, Member
Patricia McDermott, Member
Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant
Laura Smead, Town Planner
Thomas Houston, Professional Services, Inc.
Organization and Membership
On April 4, 2017, Robert Panico was elected as a Planning Board member for a
five (5) year term; David McCarthy was elected as a Planning Board member for a
three (3) year term; and Patricia McDermott was elected as a Planning Board
member for a one (1) year term. On April 5, 2017, the Planning Board
reorganized, at which time Thomas C. Scully was elected Chairman; Robert
Panico was elected Vice Chairman; and Michael Mitcheroney was elected Clerk.
Function
The Planning Board is comprised of five elected, volunteer town residents of
varied backgrounds. They are charged with the following responsibilities:
Preparation and updating of the Town’s Master Plan;
Review and approval of the construction of new subdivisions;
Adoption and Review of Town’s Subdivision Rules and Regulations;
Presenting new streets to Town Meeting for Acceptance;
Review and recommendation of site plans for the Zoning Board of Appeals;
Proposal of amendments to the Zoning By-laws and reporting on
amendments filed by others;
Overseeing the Town’s Scenic Ways;
Approval of some special permits as permitted under the Zoning By-
Laws;
Appointment of the Canton Center Design Review Board;
Any other duty as prescribed under the General Laws of the
Commonwealth and the By-Laws of the Town of Canton.
70Source page 74
Development Activity
The Planning Board conducted technical Site Plan Reviews for seven (7) projects,
and their approval; four (4) Definitive Subdivision plans for compliance with its
Rules & Regulations, which were approved; review and approval of three (3)
Preliminary Subdivisions; three (3) Scenic Way Public Hearings on projects that
were proposing the removal of shade trees or stone walls within designated Scenic
Ways in the Town; one (1) extension of time for the Completion of a Subdivision;
two (2) Bond Draw Downs and Lot Releases for Approved Definitive
Subdivisions; one (1) Rescission of an Approved three (3) lot Subdivision to allow
one (1) home on the property; and one (1) application for a Special Permit and
Approval of a Site Plan for a Flexible Definitive Development. The Board
reviewed and approved Minor Modifications of Site Plans for three (3) projects;
approved five (5) Approval Not Required (ANR) Plans for division of land having
frontage on existing roads and streets.
The Planning Board played an active role in 2017 during the Town Meeting
process by holding public hearings on Zoning Articles and sponsoring Zoning
Articles. These articles include, but are not limited to the procedures regarding
accessory apartments; the time laps of one (1) year to two (2) years; the build
factor; groundwater protection zones; downzone of private golf courses;
definitions of manufacturing and scientific or research laboratory; off-street
parking; special requirements for registered marijuana establishments; table of use
regulations; rezoning Massachusetts Audubon Society and Trustees of the
Reservation Lands; and rezoning public conservation lands.
The Board welcomed the Town Planner, Laura Smead, to her second year with the
Planning Board; and the election of three (3) new Board members, for varying
number of years on the Board, due to the departure of George Jenkins, a long time
Planning Board member, and the departure of long time Planning Board member
Jeremy J. Comeau, who chose to not run after serving fifteen (15) years with the
Planning Board. .
Committees
The Planning Board appointed the following members to various Boards: Laura
Smead, Walk/Bike and Hike Committee; Laura Smead, Recreation Open Space
Committee; Robert Panico, Building Use Committee ; Thomas Scully, Paul
Revere Committee.; Patricia McDermott, Comprehensive Water Resource
Management Committee; Patricia McDermott, Permit Advisory Committee; and
David McCarthy, Master Plan Steering Committee.
71Source page 75
Other Initiatives
This year the Planning Board and Town Planner worked together to draft Warrant
Articles for Town Meeting 2017. The Board continued the process to update the
Subdivision Rules and Regulations, and in creating a new Master Plan Steering
Committee.
At Town Meeting 2017, residents voted to approve the Zoning Articles as
presented by the Planning Board.
The Planning Board with the Town Planner has continued to transition the
Planning Department to the Digital Era to have all plans and planning documents
submitted digitally and available online for all members and residents to be able to
access.
The Planning Board continued to work with the MAPC to help the Town in
realizing the current housing situation in Canton and establishing a direction for
future development.
We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Zoning Board of Appeals, the
Engineering Division, Town Counsel at Deutsch Williams Brooks DeRensis &
Holland, P.C, and HR Administrator Jody Middleton for their continued support
throughout the year. We would also like to thank the Planning Board’s Consultant
Engineer, Thomas Houston, and his entire staff at PSC for their efforts in assisting
the Planning Board with the peer review process.
Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to express our gratitude to Karen
Lawlor, Administrative Assistant and Laura Smead, Town Planner. Ms. Lawlor
and Ms. Smead have been extremely helpful in the operation of this department
this past year and their work is much appreciated.
72Source page 76
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Annual Town Report-2017
Mission Statement
It is the primary mission of the Canton Police Department, to deliver professional
police services to the residents and business owners of Canton, as well as those
who visit our community regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic origin or sexual
orientation.
Crime
The men and women of the Canton Police Department solved many substantial
cases throughout 2017. Most notable were the arrests of the suspects responsible
for an armed home invasion that occurred in July, the take down and subsequent
arrests of those responsible for a major drug dealing operation, and the successful
resolution and prosecution of several commercial robbery cases. We also served
several search warrants and made numerous arrests for suspects selling narcotics
such as Heroin and Fentanyl. We will continue to aggressively investigate, arrest
and prosecute individuals who sell drugs or provide alcohol illegally to residents
in our community.
Personnel
The start of 2017 brought us a new patrol officer - Manuel Gomes. Manny is bi-
lingual, serves in National Guard and volunteers as a football coach at Canton
High School.
Paul Gallagher and Edward Lehan were promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Detective Sergeant Gallagher was assigned to head up the Criminal Investigative
Unit and Sergeant Lehan is a midnight shift supervisor.
Robert Quirk and Kevin Albert were reassigned from the patrol division to the
Criminal Investigation Unit. Officer William Branca was assigned as a task force
officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Sergeant Michael Lank
was assigned as our liaison representative with the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Best wishes and thank you to Detective Sergeant James Quigley who retired after
completing his 32nd year of full time service to the force and our community.
73Source page 77
Community Initiatives
The Canton Police Department continues to build strong meaningful bonds with
our community through proactive programs such as the Canton Substance Abuse
Coalition, Interfaith Clergy Committee and Canton Families Embracing Diversity.
The Family Service Unit, which includes a robust School Resource Officer
program, continues to serve the youth population full time with Officer McCourt
at the Galvin Middle School, Officer Scott Connor at the Blue Hills Regional and
Officer Ensley Cotard at the Canton High School while Officer Tim Taylor is a
frequent presence in the halls of the Pappas Rehabilitation Center. We will
continue to work hard to educate our students on the dangers of substance and
alcohol use through our School Resource while providing drug and alcohol free
alternative gatherings for our young residents, such as the popular summertime
Open Gym Nights, throughout 2018.
Under the supervision of Canton resident Dr. Dan Muse, the Canton Police
Department continues to train and equip every police officer with the narcotic
overdose reversal drug, Narcan. We are hopeful that as we aggressively target this
issue from both an enforcement and educational standpoint, we will need to utilize
this tool less and less.
The Year Ahead
In 2018, the Canton Police Department will continue to concentrate on reducing
the demand for drugs in our community by proactively engaging students at all
grade levels. We are confident that the programs and strategies we employ,
coupled with the partnerships we have formed, will continue to help us identify
children “at risk” in their younger years and help to circumvent issues from arising
in the future.
We embrace our primary function as the Canton community caretakers. Officers
have been asked to assume so many different vital roles, including that of
guardian, social worker, mediator, medical and mental health provider and yes,
traditional police officer. Members of our department continue to provide security
for our nation and impede the illegal possession and sale of narcotics and firearms
by participating in state and federal task forces. The Canton Police Department
will again play a vital role in partnering with the Boston Police, the State Police,
federal law enforcement and a host of surrounding local police agencies in
securing the 2018 Boston Marathon.
In Service,
Kenneth N. Berkowitz
Chief of Police
74Source page 78
ANNUAL STATISTICS
Assault & Battery 100
Assault & Battery Dangerous Weapon 5
Arson 1
Burglary-House 44
Burglary-Building 11
Disorderly Conduct 14
Disturbing The Peace 3
Drug Possession 25
Drug Distribution 3
Larceny Under $250 46
Larceny Over $250 121
Larceny of A Motor Vehicle 15
Operating Under the Influence of Drugs 2
Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol 29
Shoplifting 3
Trespassing 4
Violation of Restraining Order (209A) 17
75Source page 79
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Administrative Office & Engineering Division 801 Washington Street-Lower Level
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 781-821-5023
Water Division Administration 801 Washington Street-Second Floor
Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM 781-821-5017
Michael Trotta Superintendent of Public Works
Daniel Teague Operations Manager
James Donovan Town Engineer
William Walsh Highway Supervisor
Dennis Morton Water & Sewer Supervisor
Patricia Cawley Water & Sewer Billing Coordinator
It is the mission of the Public Works Department to ensure the value and
maintenance of the existing infrastructure of the Town of Canton as well as to
promote an investment in its future, thereby providing for the health and well
being of its Citizens.
The Public Works Department, acting through the Superintendent and Managers,
will provide these services in a cost effective, responsive, and accountable manner,
according to generally accepted municipal standards. The services will be
provided with a commitment to constant improvement.
ADMINISTRATION and HIGHWAY & MAINTENANCE DIVISIONS
The Administration Division provides centralized administrative and management
support for Public Works. Its activities include managing customer service
requests, business accounts, payroll, and information processing.
The Administration Division handled 7,172 phone inquiries, issued 1,418 Yard
Waste Stickers, processed 3,975 invoices, and created 862 work orders.
The Highway & Maintenance Division is responsible for the upkeep of Town
roads, sidewalks, trees, drains, the Canton Corner Cemetery, and the maintenance
of all equipment. Its activities include sweeping streets, repairing or
reconstructing roads and sidewalks, providing winter maintenance, cleaning catch
basins on all public streets, and repairing both Public Works and other Town
owned vehicles and equipment.
76Source page 80
Highway & Maintenance Division coordinated 4.2 miles of paving on 13 streets.
The streets included a section of York St., Cedar St., Campanelli Cir., Carver Cir.,
York Brook Rd., Mechanic St., Walnut St., Messinger St., Rockland St., Howard
St., Belcher St., Lehan St., and Feldman Way. The Division closed out 780 work
orders generated from customer service requests.
All streets were swept three times and 1,803 catch basins were cleaned and
inspected.
Streets were sanded or plowed 22 times. Winter storms totaled 53-inches. The
largest snow fall was 13-inches falling January 5/6, 2017 and 13-inches February
9/10, 2017.
ENGINEERING DIVISION
The Engineering Division provides technical support and project co-ordination for
the Department as well as for other Town Boards and agencies. The Division also
inspects and approves contract and private work that add to the infrastructure of
the Town.
The Division dealt with hundreds of service requests and issued street opening or
utilities permits. The Division continued data collection and field inventory of the
drainage, water, and sewer systems to meet regulatory requirements.
Engineering partnered with Neponset River Watershed Group to prepare and
receive a $197,000 State Grant to construction storm water infrastructure.
WATER SEWER DIVISION
The Water Sewer Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
Town’s water and sanitary sewer systems. The Division provides safe clean
drinking water from Town wells and the MWRA. Sanitary waste is removed
through the sewer system and transferred to the MWRA interceptor and then to
Deer Island treatment facility.
The Division processed 29,323 water sewer bills, handled 2,254water and 279
sewer service requests, and completed 145 water meter installation and water
meter service calls.
Water Sewer Division produced 440 MG from the Moran and Sullivan Treatment
Facilities and bought 473 MG from the MWRA for calendar year 2016.
The five year required EPA / DEP water service lead and copper testing was
conducted. All samples meet National and State drinking water standards.
77