Ask Me Anything Day III

Now Entering.. (0.00 / 0)

Why are there not "Now Entering Dedham" signs at every borderline of Dedham - specifically on Sprague Street at Hyde Park?  There are several other locations that I can think of, but this one specifically causes a lot of people/delivery trucks to show up at my house and neighbors.  They think it is the office park that has Brodericks and other assorted businesses.  Once Dedham FD (backing up Boston) showed up looking for a kid with a broken wrist, among other assorted deliveries such as food, office furniture, flowers, etc...this happens almost daily and it's getting old after almost 20 yrs! I've tried to contact the DPW, but they say it is a State deal...

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by: piscesgirl @ Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 02:28:21 AM UTC

Hello? (0.00 / 0)

Brian - is there any avenue you know of that can help me get a simple sign or 2 installed??

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by: piscesgirl @ Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 02:07:52 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm working on it (4.00 / 1)

I've asked, but haven't heard back yet.  I'll follow up again today.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 14:58:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Update (4.00 / 1)

The DPW is going to look into doing something with the owner of the grassy area which is not quite on the border, but very, very close, across the street from the BBQ place.  I then thought that if we were going to be working with a private property owner anyway, and since there was space for it, perhaps one of those beautiful granite post signs Civic Pride puts up would be better.  I can't promise either will materialize, but both departments are at least thinking about it and have promised to put a little effort into it.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 21:05:31 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

DOT Response (0.00 / 0)

I sent your request to Mass DOT.
Below is there response.

Thank you for your email. I would suggest contacting the City of Boston regarding a town line marker sign. Where the location is on the border of the City of Boston and the Town of Dedham it's tough to determine where the jurisdiction would lie but I would start with the City. I have copied the email address for the Mayor's 24 hour hotline below:

mayor24reply@cityofboston.gov

Best regards,

MassDOT, Highway Division

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by: cebonvini @ Fri Jan 25, 2013 at 14:54:44 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Update (0.00 / 0)

I guess Sprague Street isn't the only main entry to/from Dedham that doesn't have one of those 'official' signs.  

I have started my own a small investigation to check every town line (major streets) to see if there is a sign or not.  I know some that are there off hand, but have now confirmed the following:  

* No signs at River Street nor Milton street indicating a town/city line.

* East St. has a 'Welcome to Dedham' wooden green/gold sign.  

* On Washington Street (1a) at Gay Street there is a simple 'Welcome to Westwood' wooden sign, nothing on the welcome to Dedham way.

Feel free to help me update the Map I've printed out and noted the locations of exits/entry/exit points of Dedham.

p.s. Brian can I start this as a new post? So it gets some attention..?

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by: piscesgirl @ Sat Feb 23, 2013 at 23:59:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Who is on (0.00 / 0)

the new Senior Site Committee?

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by: JM @ Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 13:50:03 PM UTC

and from where & whose budget is the $50K coming from? (3.00 / 1)

 As a follow up to Jim's question.  

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by: Dan63 @ Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 18:09:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Good Question? (0.00 / 0)

Before it was from private funds, now with the Town paying for it I hope it comes from the COA's budget at some point, they are the Dept. that originally asked for a new Senior Center.

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by: OakdaleLifer @ Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 00:42:16 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Budget (0.00 / 0)

For clarification, the COA never requested these funds.

This was requested by the Article proponents (mostly town meeting members). And it was approved by Town Meeting.
The article was recommended IP by the Fincomm, but Town Meeting saw fit to override that recommendation.

As I understand it, these monies are not under the control of the COA, but the newly formed Senior Site Committee, which is I guess under direct control of Town Meeting (as they are chartered to report back to 2014 Town Meeting).

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by: cebonvini @ Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 15:43:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Funding (0.00 / 0)

I would suspect the same place the 45K came from for the School Rehab committee which was granted by Town Meeting at the Special Town Meeting in November, approved by both the FinComm and Town Meeting Members.

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by: cebonvini @ Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 15:39:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Raise and appropriate (3.00 / 1)

At the time of the Special Town Meeting, the tax rate for next year had not yet been set.  As it turns out, new growth came in higher than expected.   So, after consulting with Town Counsel, it was determined that they would simply raise the levy for next year and set the tax rate accordingly.  It's not coming from any other department's budget.  I think it is recognized that it isn't an ideal solution, but it works.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 13:10:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Members so far (3.00 / 1)

As of now, the Committee is comprised of Carmen Dello Iacono from the Selectmen, David Martin from the FinCom, and Andy Lawlor from the School Building/ Rehabilitation Committee, with Paul McMurtry, Cherylann Sheehan, Shaw McDermott, and Bunk  Read who were appointed by the Moderator.    The Council on Aging is meeting on the 17th, and I would imagine they would appoint their representatives then.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Thu Jan 10, 2013 at 13:46:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

What changes are being proposed for the charter? (0.00 / 0)

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by: plums @ Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 21:40:34 PM UTC

Nothing specific yet (0.00 / 0)

We haven't reached the point where we are debating or even proposing any specific changes.  The Committee has heard from every elected and a few major appointed boards so far.  Next week we have invited all the appointed boards to send a representative to come and discuss with us what changes they would like to see in the Charter.

After that is completed, the plan is to review the charter page by page and begin discussing changes.  I think we each have several ideas, but nothing concrete has really been put forth yet.  

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Thu Jan 10, 2013 at 03:53:13 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Dedham Public Art Project Results (0.00 / 0)

Does anyone know how much money was raised from the Dedham Bunny auction? And the net proceeds after deducting expenses?

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by: CFILL84 @ Thu Jan 10, 2013 at 18:52:58 PM UTC

Not a matter of public record (0.00 / 0)

The Dedham Public Art Project is a privately run non profit.

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by: plums @ Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 01:38:57 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Just ask (0.00 / 0)

No, I couldn't put in a public records request for that information, but I didn't have to for any of the other questions as well.  With one exception, I find that just about every department head is more than willing to help when asked a question.  Same is true for most regular people, like the good people behind the pubilc art project.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 13:22:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

$42,639 (3.00 / 1)

The net take from the auction was an impressive $42,639.  I'm told there were some significant expenses, however, so the final tally will be less than that.  Also, in case you are wondering where all that money wil go, here is what one of the organizers told me:

Proceeds from the project will allow Dedham Shines to further promote and support art in Dedham, and we will be establishing the process and criteria for funding other local non-profit organizations in their arts and community programming, including the Motherbook Arts and Community Center.  The money we raised was an incredible amount for a small arts project in Dedham, and we're deeply grateful to everyone in the community who helped support the project through their enthusiasm and donations both large and small.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 13:18:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Old Avery School Lease Update? (0.00 / 0)

Does anyone know what the status of the proposed lease of the School to a non-profit org? It seems a little clandestine to me.

I still would like to see the Town do a proper financial analysis to see it it really is feasible to let a non-profit do all maintenance, updates, and repair work and then pay some small lease amount, if anything at all, versus, the Town doing a 20 year income and expenses projection, and getting repair estimates to update the School on their own and factor in market rents which they can then lease on their own, instead of giving it away to a non-profit.

But, the taxpayers will not be able to compare and see whether Town Hall's plan will make the most financial sense or not without the analysis, par for Dedham's course.

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by: OakdaleLifer @ Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 00:55:50 AM UTC

Almost there (3.00 / 1)

The Town and the Arts & Community Center have come to an agreement, finally.  It's a few months behind schedule, but they got there.  The Community Center board voted on Tuesday, and the Selectmen are expected to take it up at their next meeting.  

I haven't seen the final agreement, but you should know that - as of the last I heard about a month ago - the Town is getting a pretty good deal.  We are certainly not "giving it away to a non-profit."  There will be money put aside in escow, plus the Town will collect a percentage of rents. Again this is as of a month ago, but I think, aside from a discussion on how big those amounts should be, there was agreement on those issues.  I expect to see them in the final lease.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 15:22:45 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Saw this on Boston.com (0.00 / 0)

http://www.boston.com/news/loc...

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by: JM @ Thu Jan 24, 2013 at 14:22:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Chickens? (0.00 / 0)

So what was the answer on poultry? I looked through the linked thread and didn't see the question or answer.  

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by: manorman @ Sat Jan 12, 2013 at 00:57:00 AM UTC

First time (0.00 / 0)

The question was asked in the first Ask Me Anything Day.    There are three that are specific to poultry.  First, you can't keep a rooster without a special permit from the Board of Health, and if one of your neighbors complains about the noise then that is reason enough to revoke the permit.

Secondly, there is a minimum floor space needed per chicken, and you have to disinfect the coop at least three times a year.  Finally, you need at least 1/4 acre of land for up to four chickens, and if you want more than that you need to convince the Board that your lot is big enough.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 13:38:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

A quarter acre? (0.00 / 0)

No eggs for me. Thanks. Maybe I could raise hummingbirds.  

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by: manorman @ Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 18:59:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Double poles (0.00 / 0)

What is the status of the double utility poles, in the Square and more generally? I thought Town Meeting had passed something Brian submitted to help get rid of the extra poles. Where does this stand, and would any sort of organized campaign help? (By organized campaign I mean getting a bunch of people to commit to call the utilities every day to complain, or something similar.)

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by: barney miller @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 15:05:20 PM UTC

2 years ago... (0.00 / 0)

I have a pole in front of my house that was crashed into 2 years ago this month - several utilities have made the swap over and they trim the pole smaller each time, but there are a few more lines that need to be moved...who knows which ones?  

I can only imagine when it will finally be done...If there's someone to call to take care if it, I would love to know.

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by: piscesgirl @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 18:47:12 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Call Beacon Hill (4.00 / 1)

I think you would do better to call Beacon Hill than to call the utilities.  There is a law on the books that say double poles can't be in place for more than 90 days, but there is no penalty attached to it, so the utility companies regularly ignore it.  Every year there are bills filed in the General Court to attach some kind of enforcement mechanism, but NStar, etc, have better lobbyists than we do and the bills always die.  

You could also try calling the Selectmen and reminding them to enforce the measure Town Meeting passed, and that is to not grant any company that currently has a double pole a permit for a new pole.  If the company took us to court over it we might lose, but hopefully it would create such a hassle for them that they would find it easier and cheaper to just take down the double poles.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 21:10:34 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Katherine Endicott (0.00 / 0)

Where can I find the will and testament of Katherine Endicott hopefully online.

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by: Dan63 @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 05:16:17 AM UTC

Here you go (3.50 / 2)

Here, online for the first time, is Katherine Endicott's will.  I assume you are interested in the parts dealing with her house, and not to whom she left her Belgian tapestries or golden thimbles.  So, you probably want to check out Part Second beginning on page 5, and the second codicil on page 22.  There you will see she left it "to be used by said Town for public educational purposes, public recreational purposes, or other exclusively public purposes."

My first thought upon reading the words "exclusively public purposes" was not to question whether or not we should allow private weddings there, but whether or not the Cub Scouts should be allowed.  I was actually in the Supreme Court when Boy Scouts of America vs. Dale was argued.  In that case the Court held that the Scouts were a private organization, not a public one.  I wonder if they, or any of the other community organizations who use it, would qualify under a strict reading of the will.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Sat Jan 19, 2013 at 23:01:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

$2.3 million (3.00 / 1)

If you count up how much she doled out in cold hard cash to specific people, excluding things like the gold lipstick case with a a "K" in rubies she gave to a friend in Switzerland, it comes out to $352,000.  That is $2,338,623 in today's dollars.  

She also gave $25,000 to one of her employees, and lesser amounts to three others by name.  That's $166,095 today.  Other employees who had been with her for at least two years got up to $10,000 each.  Not a bad bonus.  

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Sun Jan 20, 2013 at 14:29:08 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Throw them all out! (0.00 / 0)

There could be a difference between public purpose and public organization. In any case, a private wedding is not a exclusively public purpose under any definition I can imagine. Nor are "meetings, seminars (or) corporate events."

If you rule of the Scouts, you rule out the moneymakers.

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by: manorman @ Mon Jan 21, 2013 at 22:36:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank you. (0.00 / 0)

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by: Dan63 @ Tue Jan 22, 2013 at 14:53:20 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Siemens project (3.00 / 1)

What is the status of the Siemens project that we the taxpayers were to save $$$. Have we seen the ROI? I know there was a clawback clause if we did not see the savings.  

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by: Dan63 @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 05:19:34 AM UTC

Question? (0.00 / 0)

Does anyone know the original cost of the Siemens project, I think it was about 9 or 10 million. It got the least amount of attention for a capital expense at Town Meeting that I can remember.  It got passed on blind faith that at some point the Town would save X amount of dollars.

Would be nice to see a detailed analysis report of the data.

The Facilities Dept. was suppose to start collecting data and at some point go back and compare what the costs would be before and after implementing the new Seimens hardware/software tracking system.

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by: OakdaleLifer @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 18:28:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not blind faith (3.00 / 1)

It cost $12.3 million and is projected to pay for itself over the next 15 or 20 years.  I think you are also mistaken about this not getting any attention at Town Meeting.  I know for a fact that a presentation was given and questions were asked as I was one of those who posed a question.

The projections underlying the proposal were also not taken on blind faith.  Seimens is obligated to make up the difference if we do not save as much money as they projected we would.  As it turns out, we have saved 98% of what they thought we would save and are at 98% completion of the construction phase.  That seems pretty spot on to me, but going forward they would have to cut us a check for the 2% if it falls short in the future.

Finally, if you would like to see an analysis of the data, I'd recommend watching last night's Selectmen's meeting.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 20:45:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Great Info! (0.00 / 0)

I did not know about Siemens giving a savings guarantee, that's great!
I will watch the BOS re-run, thanks!
Hopefully, the Town can or will save some big money.  

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by: OakdaleLifer @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 22:51:13 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

98% done (4.00 / 1)

As it so happens, there was a report on this last night at the Selectmen's meeting.  We are still in the construction phase, though it is 98% done.  Until the construction is complete, Seimens is not responsible for making up any difference between how much money we were promised to save and how much we actually have saved.

That said, we have saved $373,000 so far.  Then again, that is $8,500 less than was projected, but still pretty good.  If construction was at 100% Siemens would have cut us a check for the difference.  Next year, if it happens again, they will.

myDedham.org - a community since 1636 and online since 2007!

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by: Brian @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 19:52:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Senior Center (0.00 / 0)

Brian can you tell us who was appointed to the new senior comm. and when will they hold it's first meeting.

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by: robert @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 15:07:35 PM UTC

Even tho' I'm not Brian . . . (0.00 / 0)

The members of the Senior Center Site Committee are as follows:

Appointed by Selectmen: Carmen DelloIacono
Appointed by School Building Rehab Committee: Andy Lawlor
Appointed by Council on Aging: Margot Pyle and Russ Poole
Appointed by Finance Committee: David Martin
Appointed by Town Moderator: Paul McMurtry, Cherylann Sheehan, Shaw McDermott, Cameron (Bunk) Read

From what I hear the first meeting will be at 7 PM at Town Hall on Monday 2/4

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by: FredCivian @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 17:05:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]