Presenters:

Paul Munchbach, Town Clerk

Lauren Goldberg, Town Counsel - KP Law

Topics for Discussion

• Ethics
• Public Records Law
• Open Meeting Law

Contact Information:

Town Clerk's Office: 781-751-9200

Presenter:

Mike Podolski, Planning Board, Chair

About the Planning Board:

• The Planning Board is comprised of 5 elected Board members and one Associate members
  • Vice chair Jessica Porter;
  • Clerk Jay O’Brien;
  • Members John Bethoney and Jim McGrail; and
  • Associate member Andrew Pepoli
• The Board serve 5-year, staggered terms. I have been on the Planning Board for over 20 years.
• The Board is supported by the Planning & Zoning Department.

RECENT PLANNING BOARD PROJECTS

• The Board granted site plan review approval for a 7,000 sq. ft. indoor skydiving facility by iFly at the former Chili’s restaurant at 930 Providence Highway.
• In September, the Board approved through site plan review a 16,000 sq. ft. preschool facility by the Gardner School at 780 Washington, located on the corner of Washington Street and Wilson Avenue.
• In the coming months, the Board will be reviewing to Mixed-Use Development projects. The first is a 150-unit project at 110 and 125 Stergis Way by Nordblom of Burlington, MA. The second is a 20-unit project at the corner of Colburn Street and Bussey Street by First Privilege, LLC of Chestnut Hill, MA

ZONING/TOWN MEETING

• The Planning Board is charged with the duty of holding public hearings and evaluating proposed amendments to the Dedham Zoning By-Law and the Zoning Map. The Planning Board also proposes zoning articles and amendments at most Town Meetings.
• In Spring 2023, the Planning Board submitted three (3) zoning articles for Spring 2023 Town Meeting. One of those articles addressed the recently enacted MBTA Communities state legislation. That article by the Planning Board was overwhelmingly approved by Town Meeting. The state legislation requires municipalities within the Commonwealth that have MBTA transit stations to have a zoning district that would allow a certain number of multi-family dwelling units by right or lose certain state funding opportunities. Dedham is required to provide a by-right multi-family zoning district within a half mile of a commuter rail station that would allow the ability to construct almost 1,600 dwelling units at a density of at least 15 units an acre. The Commonwealth’s Attorney General has recently approved the article passed by Town Meeting. The last step in this process is to submit the approved zoning to the state for compliance review. If approved, Dedham will likely be the first community in the state to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities legislation.
• For Fall 2023 Town Meeting, one zoning article is on the warrant, submitted by Town Meeting Member Attorney Peter Zhaka. That article seeks to rezone a couple of properties along Bridge Street.

PLANNING PROJECTS/STUDIES

• In addition to being a regulatory board, the Planning Board oversees preparing and updating the Town’s Master Plan and other planning studies for the betterment of Dedham.
• The Board is currently reviewing the 2nd Draft of the Designing Dedham 2030 Master Plan, with $150k in funding provided by Town Meeting and a $75k match by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).The Board anticipates voting on adopting the Plan in early 2024 and providing a report on it to Spring 2024 Town Meeting.
• The Planning Board has initiated the Bridge Street Corridor Plan to develop a roadmap for the future growth and preservation of the Bridge Street corridor. The Board has appointed an eleven-member Advisory Committee to work with a consultant team and the Town to establish development guidelines and zoning recommendations to fulfill the community’s vision. The Committee will be reviewing a draft plan in the coming weeks and anticipate a second community meeting before the end of 2023. 
• Begun in 2022, the Wigwam Pond Access and Recreation Plan is the Board’s efforts to develop a vision for future active and passive recreational usage of this important natural resource. The Board appointed a twelve-member Advisory Committee to guide the development of the plan in late 2022. Since then, a community process spanning two community meetings and six committee meeting has culminated in a final plan for the future use of Wigwam Pond.
• In Fall 2023, the Planning Board in conjunction with the Planning & Zoning Department will begin the second of phase of developing a District Improvement Financing, known as a “DIF” District, for Providence Highway. Town Meeting approved the district, and the second phase would develop plan for potential public infrastructure improvements through a community process.
• Lastly, to address the congestion and safety issues of the Legacy Boulevard area, the Planning Board in 2022 requested property owners to collectively fund and develop a transportation plan to mitigate these issues. The anticipated completion of the plan by the property owners is late Spring 2024.

Contact Information:

Planning Board: dedhamplanningboard@dedham-ma.gov

Planning & Zoning Department: 781-751-9240

Presenter:

Dedham-Westwood Water District Executive Director Blake Lukis

HISTORY

The Dedham-Westwood Water District is a self-supporting branch of local government responsible for providing drinking water and fire suppression to the towns of Dedham and Westwood. The district’s origins go back to 1876 when the Dedham Water Company (DWC) was first created. In 1881, the Bridge Street Water Treatment Plant (which still serves us today) was built. In the mid-1930s, the DWC began serving Westwood and was then acquired by American Water Company. In 1936 and 1949, both towns tried to purchase the DWC, but ultimately it was voted down. It wasn’t until 1985 that both Dedham’s and Westwood’s town meetings voted unanimously to take over the assets of the DWC. The Board of Water Commissioners governs the district. The Select Board appoints the commissioners from each town. Three members are from Dedham, and three are from Westwood.

Public meetings are held monthly, typically on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, at the District’s Headquarters, 50 Elm Street in Dedham. Like other boards and commissions, our formal meeting agenda is publicly posted, and we are subject to Open Meeting Law. Bylaws and formal Rules and Regulations govern the district, which the Commissioners approve. Overview of Our Water & Assets The district’s water is sourced locally from groundwater. Groundwater is the underground water found in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations called aquifers. Sixteen wells provide our drinking water; twelve are in Dedham, and four are in Westwood. The district has the capability to purchase additional water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Additional water is typically purchased during the summer months to meet peak demand. This year, the MWRA waived its entrance fee requirements for the ability to purchase additional water. Therefore, in July 2023, the district secured the ability to purchase additional MWRA water from 73 million gallons to 565 million gallons per year. This does not mean that the district will purchase or use that amount, but we have the ability to do so when necessary. The district saved approximately 5 million dollars by capitalizing on this waiver opportunity with the MWRA.

In addition to our groundwater wells, we have three facilities:

• District Headquarters at 50 Elm Street in Dedham
• Bridge Street Treatment Plant on Bridge Street in Dedham
• White Lodge Treatment Plant on University Avenue in Westwood

Additional notable assets include:

• 210 Miles of Water Mains
• 13,330 Service Connections
• 1,600 Fire Hydrants
• Five Emergency Bypass Connections with neighboring water systems
• Eight Booster Pump Stations
• Four Storage Tanks (4.8 million gallons)
  • Two serve Dedham, and two serve Westwood

Our daily operations consist of three departments:

Distribution

• Maintenance of Water Mains and Services, Fire Hydrants, and Gate Valves
• Emergencies are responded to 24/7

Production

• Water Treatment Process
• Water Quality Testing
• Operation and Maintenance of Both Treatment Plants, Storage Tanks, and Booster Stations 
• Handles All Calls After Regular Business Hours•Responsible for Regulatory Reporting
• Requires routine staffing 24/7

Administration and Customer Service

• Meter Reading and Water Billing
• Water Meter Maintenance and Installations
• Backflow Regulatory Device Testing
• Financials, Including Accounts Payable/Receivable, Payroll, Purchasing, Employee Benefits, Budget Implementation, and Audit Preparation
• Emergencies are responded to 24/7

Capital Expenditures and Proactive Planning

Next, I will be discussing our capital improvements. The district allocates funding annually to improve capital assets, such as water infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, and metering equipment.

In April 2023, water main improvements were made on Veterans Road and Oakland Terrace in Dedham.

Work included the installation of approximately 2,100 linear feet of water main, new fire hydrants, valves, and appurtenances, and replacing the district-owned portion of each property’s water service line.

We strive to work proactively with the Town of Dedham and its Department of Public Works. The town’s paving schedule typically5prioritizes our water infrastructure work.

To get longevity out of new pavement and sidewalks, it makes the best sense for the district to upgrade its infrastructure before a road is repaved entirely or new sidewalks are installed. Paving and sidewalk improvements are a significant capital expense, and we do not want to make unnecessary cuts to a newly paved road if it can be prevented.

One project on our radar is the Dedham East Street Bridge and Roadway Reconstruction. Again, upgrading our infrastructure before the final road paving makes the best sense. We plan to work with the Town of Dedham and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to minimize construction impacts.

Water Service Line Inventory Project

There are two new regulations that we would like to inform you of.

First, the Lead & Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) were announced in December 2021 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to better protect communities from exposure to lead in drinking water. The revised rule will require public water suppliers to create a lead service line inventory and replacement schedule by October 2024. In addition, sampling protocols have changed to better meet the science behind how lead and copper enter the water, and there are increased sampling requirements for schools and daycare facilities, which were previously not included in sampling programs. All public water suppliers across the country are required to comply with these new regulations.6In June 2023, the district received a $907,400 State Revolving Fund Grant from the MassDEP and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to support the creation of an inventory that meets the LCRR.

We launched our inventory project last month by mailing approximately 12,000 postcards to customers whose water service line material is unknown. The cards provided information on how to locate, identify, and submit your service line material to the district online.

The district only owns part of each service line. Service line ownership is split between the district and the customer. The district owns the portion of the service line from the water main to the curb stop (usually, the shut-off is located on the sidewalk or in your yard). The customer owns their service line from the curb stop into their property. Both sides of the service could be two different types of material (connection at the water main in the street versus what is inside the house).

That being said, the district does not have schematics or records of the customer-owned portion. The only way to get this information is by having the customer look for where their service line comes into their home.

The district has conducted public outreach for the project at several community events, including Dedham and Westwood Days, and Farmer’s Markets. Also, information has been sent to local media outlets and both towns.

We have given out complimentary project kits at events, our office, and town buildings. The kits include a magnet and mini screwdriver to help customers identify their water service line material.

Our goal is to have all information collected by November 30. To date, we’ve received over 750 submissions.

If information is not received before the end of this year, we will be going door-to-door to conduct inspections.

I encourage everyone here to help us with the inventory project by submitting your service line information and talking to your friends and neighbors.

Per-and Polyfluorkyl Substances (PFAS)

 The second regulatory requirement we would like to discuss is the revised drinking water standards for Per-and Polyfluorkyl Substances, otherwise known as PFAS.

PFAS is a family of chemicals that has been used for over 70 years to manufacture water-resistant, stain-resistant, and non-stick products. Unfortunately, there are thousands of these compounds that exist and are currently being used to manufacture products today. More recently, PFAS compounds have been referred to as the “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and, therefore, stay in the environment for years to come.

PFAS is prevalent in many products used every day by consumers, such as:

• Personal healthcare products8• Household cleaning products
• Paints/varnishes
• Fast food wrappers
• Fire extinguishing foam
• Non-stick cookware; and
• Waterproof clothing and shoes

There are many ways that PFAS can make it from these everyday products into the environment. Some of these include:

• Discharge from manufacturing processes
• Industrial uses, such as fertilizers
• Aqueous firefighting foam
• Leaching from landfills
• Residential uses; and
• Wastewater treatment plant discharges

As mentioned, once these compounds enter the environment, they stay there and do not break down.

Right now, there is no federal PFAS drinking water standard. However, just recently this year, the EPA released their proposed standards, lowering the limit for two of the compounds to 4 parts per trillion (ppt). If their proposed ruling is accepted, the district will be required to comply with the new standards. EPA’s final ruling is planned to be announced at the end of this year, with an effective implementation date two years later.

Massachusetts is one of several states with a set PFAS public drinking water standard maximum contaminant level of 20 ppt for six PFAS compounds.

Since Massachusetts promulgated regulations, we have monitored PFAS levels at each treatment plant monthly. The levels have varied from 7 to 17 ppt at our Bridge Street Facility and 9 to 20 ppt at our White Lodge facility. Although our monthly results have varied, we have found no rhyme or reason (distinct pattern) for the fluctuation of PFAS levels within our sources (cannot be attributed to dry or wet weather, etc.).

In February, the district presented to both towns' Select Board meetings to discuss PFAS and talk about implementing PFAS treatment, given the impending federal regulations.

Currently, we have a pilot study underway at both of our treatment plants to test two treatment techniques, Granular Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange.

The district has also funded the full design for each plant this fiscal year, which will commence after the pilot testing is complete. The district is looking at different ways of funding these improvements, including grant opportunities, rate adjustments, and/or a debt service override. As we discuss funding options with the Board over the next year, we will actively reach out to the community for feedback.

The last thing I would like to mention is that the district is working with SL Environmental Law in a multi-district litigation against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers of PFAS compounds. The reason for joining this lawsuit is to protect our ratepayers and recoup some of the investment costs to reduce PFAS levels in our water.

Contact Information:

• During Office Hours: 781-329-7090
• After Hours Emergency: 781-326-1250

Presenter:

Courtney Daly, Council on Aging Director

At the Ames Senior Center, our programming and social services are designed to incorporate the mind, body, and soul. We are happy to offer fitness programs for all levels every day. Other weekly classes and groups are also expanding, as we have engaged the community to broaden our offerings and provide them with activities that peek their interests. Our social services have recently explained with a bereavement and caregiver support group and also focusing on adult isolation.

We collaborate with multiple departments on our programming including the Library, park and rec, Health and veterans services. We are always thinking forward on how we can meet the needs of a wide range of seniors as our older adult population is growing.

Last calendar year we welcomed over 6500 seniors into our center, so far this year we have welcomed over 9500. We provide transposition for more than 80 Dedham residents with our 3 vehicles. We go to medical appointments, grocery stores, and food pantry and have monthly trips like Walmart or Castle Island

Our doors are always open to those who have not visited us yet and we are doing regular outreach to make our services and offerings more available to all with weekly emails, monthly newsletter, and our Facebook page. We look forward to welcoming all of Dedham’s seniors.

Contact Information:

Contact Courtney Daly, COA Director

Phone: 781-751-9495 ext. 9498

Email: cdaly@dedham-ma.gov

Presenter: Superintendent Nan Murphy

Launch of a New Year

On September 1st, a team of 603 adults, including one new superintendent, arrived at Dedham Middle School to officially begin the 2023 - 2024 school year. This amazing team gathered for the first day included all the adults that support teaching and learning across the District: educators, nurses, food service workers, office administrators, custodial staff, and before and after care providers. My convocation message to the team highlighted the importance of taking the time to develop meaningful relationships and connections with our students.

A few days later, 2,723 students joined us at the seven schools across our District for the start of their school year.

• 131 Preschoolers
• 213 Kindergartners
• 1034 Elementary Students in Grades 1-5
• 565 Middle School Students
• 745 High School Students

Student Learning and Academic Excellence

The District’s strategic focus continues to be on curriculum development, data use, and professional learning structures. These priority areas ensure that all students have a unified, coherent learning experience as they proceed through the elementary years and into the middle school experience. Strategic initiatives have brought continuity and quality to our PK-8 programs of study in Reading, Writing, Science, and Mathematics. This fall, 20 Dedham Elementary educators across grades K - 5 are piloting two new high quality reading programs for possible adoption. This is in response to recent research findings elevating the importance of critical components to the science of reading. 

The alignment and renewal of the PK-8 History and Social Sciences, Health and Wellness, Fine and Performing Arts curriculum are on the horizon and will remain a strategic priority for the district in the months and years ahead.

Targeted and Rigorous Instruction is Alive Across the district.

Dedham High School was recently recognized across the Commonwealth for its high participation rates in advanced placement coursework. DHS has earned a place on the College Board's AP School Honor Roll for the 2022-23 school year!

Our high school was further recognized by receiving the AP Access Award, which honors schools that encourage more low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses. The vast majority of DHS graduates remain college bound with recent graduates attending Yale - Providence College- Northeastern University- Michigan State University - Middlebury College-and Boston College, just to name a few.

Our Student athletes continue to strive to maintain Division Three State Championship titles and the performing arts program continues to engage students in high quality programming and productions across all seven schools.

International Students

Beginning in early September Dedham Public Schools was one of the lucky districts in the Commonwealth to welcome international students. At this time, there are 140 new families from which Dedham Public Schools has welcomed 63 students throughout grades Prek - 12. Federal and State funding will accompany each individual student. Dedham’s per pupil allocation is $21,269. Our international student per pupil allocation is estimated to be $18,720. The estimated cost when any new student arrives at DPS is $5,000. This covers curriculum related costs and extracurricular participation. As a result, DPS stands to gain substantial funding which will be used to further provide rich and engaging opportunities for all students.

Education Commissioner Jeff Riley visited Dedham Public Schools last week as a result of being told what a formidable job Dedham is doing in welcoming our new students. He met with educators, school leaders and students to better understand our work in the hopes to share it with other districts. What a day for Dedham Public Schools!

School Facilities

You may have heard that the Dedham Public Schools has a proposed building project in the works. DPS has been fortunate to have received three new school buildings over the course of the last 20 years and we are extremely excited by the idea of bringing the Greenlodge and Oakdale school communities together in a new state- of- the- art elementary school. The School Building Rehabilitation Committee has put forth a plan to build a new Elementary school on the current Oakdale school property, which includes removing the current Oakdale building for possible expansion space to enhance the project with fields and open space. The school committee has developed a facilities subcommittee which will be tasked, in part, to develop a thoughtful plan for using the Greenlodge building and/or field space once it is vacated, to continue to serve the Greenlodge and broader Dedham community. 

The Massachusetts State Building Authority, which will provide a substantial contribution to the project costs, will consider and vote on Dedham’s project submission on February 28, 2024. We anticipate a town-wide vote (simple majority to pass) and Town Meeting vote (two-thirds to pass) on the project and debt exclusion within 120 days of the MSBA’s approval.

If the town votes to move forward with building a consolidated Greenlodge-Oakdale elementary school on the Oakdale property, we expect construction to begin in the spring of 2025 with an anticipated opening date in September of 2026.

In addition to the Greenlodge-Oakdale project, the maintenance of the other aging buildings continues to require significant resources. For example, Dedham High School, at 64 years old, and the Riverdale School, at 103 years old, require extensive roof work and rehabilitation to address exterior wall and window issues, as well as ongoing heating and climate control challenges. It is important to note, the exteriors of school buildings in no way reflect the amazing teaching and learning happening within.

In my short time in Dedham I have been overwhelmed by the collective efforts of town and state officials interested in supporting the needs of students and our schools. I look forward to our further collaborations.

Contact Information:

Superintendent Murphy: nmuprhy@dedham.k12.ma.us

Presenter: Town Manager Leon I. Goodwin, III

Town Manager Updates

Good evening,

            First, I again want to thank everyone for joining us this evening for an update on the Town’s achievements since the last Townwide Summit in February.

            I have the pleasure of walking into and working in Dedham's Town Hall every day, a building which has been an integral part of the town's history for more than 125 years. Originally constructed as a school, it has witnessed numerous transformations throughout its existence. However, in my opinion the latest iteration is the best yet. Our newly renovated Town Hall and Senior Center is a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern functionality. The Town Hall has ample space and amenities to house our employees in collaborative workspaces, host multiple simultaneous meetings of volunteer boards and committees, and make our residents feel both welcome and proud as they conduct their business. At the same time, the Senior Center provides a dedicated Town-owned space to our growing senior population for the first time in Dedham’s history. This one remarkable building is not just a testament to our dedication to honoring the past, but also our commitment to adapting to the future.

            Adjacent to the Town Hall and Senior Center, we are in the final stages of completing a much-needed state-of-the-art Public Safety Building. This construction project addresses a longstanding concern – the outdated, unhealthy, and unsafe conditions in which our firefighters, police officers, and dispatchers previously worked. The new Public Safety Building represents a significant step forward, prioritizing the safety, comfort, and efficiency of those who selflessly protect our community. It's equipped with advanced health and safety features, advanced training facilities, and cutting-edge technology to enable our first responders to perform at their best and continue providing exceptional service to the residents of Dedham. Last but not least, the Municipal Campus now has ample parking for employees and visitors alike. If you haven’t visited in a while, you really should stop by.

            Unfortunately, the good work that local government does on a day-to-day basis is easy to overlook, especially as we focus on whatever issue is dominating the moment, which is only exacerbated by social media and our rapid-fire news cycle. Getting things done in local government isn’t easy or fast, but that’s partly by design. We all have opinions and ideas, and it sometimes takes a while for consensus to form. It’s not unusual for a project to take several years from design to completion. Moreover, it often takes years to even get to the point where you are designing something, because before that happens, we must weave our way through study committees and financial plans, and work with various boards and commissions before ultimately getting funding approval from Town Meeting. As we go through these steps time and again, because we do it for every project and major investment, it’s important to remember that constructive, civil discourse and debate is part of getting to the best possible outcome. Sure, it can be frustrating at times, but the end result is worth it.

            Even as we wrap up a couple of big projects, we are already looking to the future. To that end, the Select Board has established goals that reflect our commitment to further enhancing the quality of life in Dedham. The Board's FY24 goals encompass a variety of focus areas, from improving communication and transparency (new online permitting in the Building Department with plan to expand to most other departments this year and new website to launch later this year), to continuing to improve community facilities, resources, and amenities (we currently have a working group designing the new Town Green and another studying the future use of the Transfer station). Perhaps most importantly, the Select Board has also prioritized maintaining and improving the financial health and stability of the community. What does that look like? Thanks to years of solid financial planning and fiscal management, the Town enjoys a AAA bond rating. That signifies that the Town's financial position compares with the best of the best and allows us to borrow funds at the lowest rates possible. This year, the Town Manager's Office and Finance Department worked with an expert from the UMass Collins Center for Public Management to produce a Five-Year Financial Forecast. You'll hear more about that in a few minutes. Combined with our updated and more comprehensive 5-year capital plan, we are better positioned to make strategic decisions that will impact the Town for the next 30 to 50 years. Working with the Finance and Warrant Committee, we also conducted a benchmarking study to allow decision-makers at every level to identify and compare Dedham to other similarly situated communities in the Commonwealth based on key performance measures. We can see where we excel, where we need improvement, and where we need to focus more resources. All these efforts have been presented publicly to increase transparency, build trust in our local government, and better prepare us for whatever challenges the future brings.

            With that, I am very happy to introduce Stephen Cirillo from the Collins Center at UMass Boston to present Dedham's Five-Year Financial Forecast.

Contact Information:

Town Manager: 781-751-9100, lgoodwin@dedham-ma.gov

Presenter: Associate Stephen Cirillo (Edwards Collins Jr. Center for Public Management)

Download a copy of the presentation slides using this link, or scroll through the slides below

Prepared By: Danielle DeLuca, Chair, Bryan Plummer, Vice Chair

About the ATWG:

The Select Board approved the Active Transportation Work Group (ATWG) to allow for a broader and sustained focus on the many active modes of transportation including, but not limited to walking, bicycling, motor vehicle, public bus, train and ride hail companies. The purpose of the Active Transportation Work Group is to provide residents, local stakeholders and committed professionals with an opportunity to work together to advance mobility in Dedham where all modes of transportation are represented and valued.

Members:

Appointed by Select Board:

• Sharna Borsellino (Regional transportation planning professional)
• Bryan Plummer (Dedham resident with an interest in improving alternative modes of transportation)

Representing Planning Board: Jim McGrail

Representing Dedham Cycle Club: Danielle DeLuca

Representing Livable Dedham: Howard Ostroff

Representing Dedham Public Schools: Trish Sullivan

Representing Disability Commission: Bernie Chirokas

Representing Parks and Rec: Lisa Farnham

Appointed Ad Hoc Members:

• Planning Director or his designee: Jeremy Rosenberger / Michelle Tinger
• DPW Director or his designee: Joe Flanagan
• Council on Aging Director or her designee:  Vacant

Other Regular Participants:

• Jessica Porter, Planning Board
• Vivian Ortiz, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program

Goals (Prioritized in 2023):

1. Research and consider adopting a policy for a 10ft standard for car travel lanes in any future re-striping of Dedham roads, consistent with Complete Streets.
2. Explore adopting a Vision Zero policy and action plan to build on the new Local Road Safety Plan, in light of Dedham’s high rate of pedestrian traffic fatalities compared to neighboring towns.
3. Plan and build a network of safe bike lanes across town in concert with the towns existing pavement plan and potential grant opportunities.

Highlights of Work and Achievements (2023):

1. Coordination of Safe Routes to School Walk Bike and Roll to school days at schools. ATWG is the official SRTS Task Force for the Town of Dedham. (April 2023)
2. Implemented Dedham’s First street mural and community art project, on Needham St in front of Riverdale Elementary. The project. (Sept 2023)
3. Participation in all sessions of the Transportation Safety Working Group towards the potential establishment of the Local Road Safety Plan (on-going)
4. Participation in the Road Safety Audit at Whiting and Walnut, in preparation for Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Project. The ATWG led the grant submission process on this grant. (on-going)
5. Provided recommendations to Town Committees on how to think about improved walkability and bikeability, including:

• Town Green Working Group
• School Building Rehabilitation Committee

Contact Information:

Active Transportation Working Group: atwgdedham@gmail.com

Prepared By: Deni Goldman, Animal Control Officer (ACO)

Statement of Purpose

This report is designed as an informational update about the functions and efforts of the Dedham Animal Control Officer (ACO) FY2023.

The ACO works under the Police Department, protecting public safety and health through the enforcement of town and state animal control laws. The ACO responds to and aims to resolve nuisance pet issues, conflict, and coexistence with wildlife. The
ACO locates lost pets, rescues animals in need, educates, and ensures that all animals are treated humanely.

The ACO also educates the public with cases, material, presentations, and through social, broadcast and print media, as well as interpersonal community relations - communicates issues related to animal health and safety and community resources, that ensure that the public remains informed in a manner that allows animals and people to reside in a safe, healthy environment.

The ACO continues to work closely with numerous Dedham town departments collaborting, addressing, educatingand and assisting with various matters and resolve relative to the safety, health and betterment of the Dedham community.

LICENSING/RABIES PREVENTION/SAFETY PROGRAMMING

1541 dogs have been licensed in Dedham FY2023.

The ACO partnered with the ARL hosting a Low Cost ($10) Rabies Vaccine and Microchip clinic, which not only vaccinated over 100 pets on site of the Dedham ARL campus, but also provided on site dog licensing with the assistance of the Dedham Town Clerk’s office. 

The ACO proposed regulatory modifications to the Dedham Dog Park Committee which would require that all dogs utilizing the Dedham Dog Park, over the age of six (6) months, be required to be spayed/neutered. This proposed regulation is still pending hearing. The proposed regulation aims to minimize aggressive dog behavior/dominance and as well serve as a humane approach to pet health care and controlling the pet overpopulation.

CALLS FOR SERVICE

The ACO intended, and succeeded, in serving the citizens of Dedham and those employed/with businesses, in the most professional, effective, and efficient manner possible - with calls for service that included (but are not limited to) patrolling, monitoring, for -and taking into custody, of -stray, ill, injured, deceased, suspicious, dangerous – dogs, and other animals (domestic and wild) that posed a threat to the safety and health of the community. Investigative efforts included cases of abandonment, neglect, cruelty, bites/attacks, illegal harboring, missing/lost pets, and suspect rabies. All animals were handled in a most humane and ethical manner. 

To date, in 2023, the Animal Control Officer has had 1441 calls for service.

• Loose Dogs: 199
• Dog Bites: 85
• Dog Barking: 72
• Cat Issues: 138
• Rabies Protocol Quarantines: 154
• Wildlife Issues: 469
• Animal Cruelty Investigations: 2
• Other*: 322

*[Dogs in Hot Cars, Unlicensed/illegal Kennels, Missing/Lost pets, Tethering, Inadequate/Illegal Pet Business Activity, Hoarding, Injured Pets, Citations/Court/Legal Matters, Administrative Hearings, Legislation, Complaints/Concerns, Pet/Neighbor Disputes, Veterinary Financial Assistance Programs, Suspect Rabies Testing; Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation]*

IMPOUND REPORT

Animal Control has Impounded a total of twenty-one (24) dogs and eight (11) cats – all of which were either claimed by their owners, adopted into new homes, treated and released* or euthanized due to handling aggression/illness (*healthy, unadoptable cats).

One (1) injured Red-tailed hawk, one (1) rabbit, three (3) orphaned squirrels, nine (9) opossums were captured and transferred to centers for Wildlife Rehabilitation.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

January

• Presented Dog Safety/Bite Prevention to the Delta Preschool Class and Connections class at DHS.
• Presented Dog Safety/Bite Prevention to PTSD children following witnessed attack.
• Initiated Loose Dog/Dog Walker Program Partnership with MA DCR Park Rangers.
• Held Administrative Hearing for a Nuisance [Barking] Dog (currently in Appeal)*

February

• Attended Nero’s Law training at Gillette Stadium – Certification for Instruction on EMT handling of Police K9s injured in the line of duty.
• Presented to Retired Men’s Club – the Animal Control Profession (Endicott Estate).

April

• Presented to Veterinarians and Veterinary Support Staff for Blue Pearl Animal Hospitals on recognizing animal cruelty, family violence, the Link, and MA mandated reporting.

May

• Re-appointment as Inspector of Animals for the town of Dedham, by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health.
• Co-hosted Basic First Aid for Pet Owners with local veterinarian (Endicott Estate),

September

• Held Administrative Hearing for a Nuisance [Dangerous] Dog. Order pending. 
• Currently pursuing Administrative/Town Counsel Order to combat local illegal pet daycare/boarding activity.
• Testified as part of Executive Panel at the MA Statehouse - S. 1309/H. 2019: An Act relative to Kennel Safety — Ollie’s Law – which would allow state oversight and require reasonable rules and regulations of Dog Daycare and Boarding facilities in MA cities/towns.

November

• Scheduled Presentation - DPD Citizen’s Police Academy 
• Scheduled Training Event - Professional Dog Walkers- Community Safety, Laws, Incident Reporting Protocols

WILDLIFE

Wildlife issues in Dedham have been well-managed. Sick/injured wildlife have been quickly removed from the public ways and grounds. Humane wildlife care has been provided as needed. Education has continued on coexistence with wildlife, upticks in wildlife populations. Conflicts with wildlife have been, and continue to be monitored, addressed and resolved, while adhering to State Wildlife Laws.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media continues to be a highly beneficial platform for Animal Control, generating growing connectivity with community members and serving as an exceptional tool for increasing awareness, disseminating information, education, and reuniting lost pets with owners.

CITATIONS & CHARGES

Citations for Civil Violations, following the Dedham Bylaws SOP, have been issued for: Unlicensed Dogs, Unleashed Dogs, Nuisance (Barking and Dangerous) Dogs, Kennel Law Violations, Dogs in Hot Cars (under MGL c.140 s.174F), Unvaccinated Dogs (under MGL c.140 s.145B).

ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF BOSTON

The partnership between the Town of Dedham and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) continues to be a highly worthwhile and growing partnership –in keeping ‘found’ pets safe, ensuring the release of pets appropriately back into the community, and providing extra resources to the ACO. The ACO has maintained superb partnerships beyond the contractual shelter, which include the ARL’s Law Enforcement, Field Services, Advocacy and Veterinary divisions.

TRAINING

The ACO has completed all required DPD and State of MA ACO training requirements and is currently in good standing.

Contact Information:

Animal Control Officer: 781-751-9106, dgoldman@police.dedham-ma.gov

Prepared by: Kevin Doyle, Director of Assessing

About the Assessors Office

The Assessing Department consists of 5 Full-Time Employees: Director of Assessing, Kevin Doyle, Assistant Director Paul D’Olimpio, Field Data Collector Derek Sergi, and two Assessing Specialists Sue Munchbach and Colleen McGourty.

Sue and Colleen are the frontlines of the office and a huge part of the success and reason that the Assessing Office is so well run and so well-respected Office by both co-workers and taxpayers and am always receiving high praise for their service. Both Derek and Paul are an integral part of the office and are often helping taxpayers and lending Sue and Colleen a hand when needed when they are not out on the road doing inspections. I couldn’t ask for more upbeat and fun colleagues who are always willing to step up and go the extra mile for anyone who calls, emails or comes to our Office.

The Assessing Department also has a 3-member Board of Assessors, who oversee the annual valuation of real estate and personal property within Dedham for taxation purposes. The current Board of Assessors consists of the current Chair, Mike Polito, Vice Chair Richard Schoenfeld and George Panagopoulos.

 The Assessing Office does not raise or lower taxes, but rather our primary responsibility is to find the full and fair cash value of your property so that you pay your fair share of taxes. All values are approved every year by the Department of Revenue and are required to have a full valuation and certification done every 5 years. These values are based on the fair market value of your property and are derived by an in-depth review of sales and market analysis each year.

The tax rate is the basis for the Town Budget needed to provide services, such as schools, roads, fire, law enforcement, etc. The tax rates are determined based off the valuations placed on properties to provide the funds to pay for those services.

The Town Budget for FY23 was just under $137 million, which means that is the amount needed to run the entire Town of Dedham with the current demand and high level of services we provide as a Town. From that estimated $137 million dollar budget, $35 million (roughly 25%) was collected from local receipts and other revenue sources, leaving the remaining 75% or roughly $102 million to be raised through property taxes. This is what is called the property tax levy.

Currently, there are almost 10,000 real estate and personal properties in Dedham, with just under 600 properties being exempt from taxes. Residential properties make up roughly 88% of the remaining 9400 taxable properties in Dedham and about 750 (about 8%) are personal property. One of the biggest misconceptions in town is the amount of commercial real estate in town because most of them are visible and located along route 1. There are only 280 commercial properties (roughly 3%) and only 57 industrial properties (less than 1%), which includes vacant parcels of land.

Of the 9,400 taxable properties, the total valuation of all properties in Dedham for FY23 was about $6.7 billion, with residential values comprising about $5.6 billion. From the $6.7 billion in valuation, the tax rate is derived from and produces the $102 million dollars remaining needed to operate the Town. The average single family in Dedham for FY23 was just over $668,000, which is $70,000 more than last year’s assessment of $597,000, almost a 12% increase in value. While the residential tax rate decreased from $13.35 last year to $12.84 this year, the average single family tax bill still saw an increase of over $600, with the average single family tax bill now at $8,580 (in comparison to last year at $7,980).

On top of determining the values on all properties in Town, our Office works in conjunction with the Treasurer and Tax Collectors Office in assisting in the production of the quarterly tax bills for the 9,400 properties along with the 25,000 excise tax bills. The Assessing Office also reviews and processes all property tax exemptions, such as veterans, elderly, blind, etc. and processes over 200 exemptions, relieving roughly $400,000 to qualifying taxpayers under state guidelines including 17 surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of an injury or illness contracted or caused during their active-duty service.

We work hand in hand with both the Veteran’s Office and Council on Aging to oversee the Veterans and Senior Tax Work off programs as well as the new Tax Aid Committee and Tax Aid Fund established to provide tax assistance for elderly and disabled Dedham residents to defray the costs of their property taxes. The veterans and senior tax work off programs assisted roughly 20 residents and the Tax Aid Fund assisted 34 residents in FY23.

Contact Information:

Assessors Office: 781-751-9130

Prepared by: Meredith LaBelle, Conservation Agent

About the Conservation Commission:

The Conservation Commission is responsible for the protection and management of Dedham’s wetlands and natural resources, largely through the administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch 131 Section 40; 310 CMR 10.00) and the Town of Dedham Wetlands Protection By-law (Chapter 271). These regulations are designed to protect resource areas that are considered valuable to humans from activities that may cause disturbance or alteration of wetland areas. These areas are important components in mitigating the effects of flooding, pollution, and climate change and are also crucial to the ecological health of the Town and the region overall.

Conservation Commission Members and Staff:

The Conservation Commission is comprised of 7 Associate Members and 2 Alternate Members who serve three-year terms and are appointed by the Select Board. Both alternate positions are currently vacant.

The current associate members of the Commission are:

• Tim Puopolo, Chair (term expiring June 2025)
• Erik DeAvila, Vice Chair (term expiring May 2024)
• Stephanie Radner, Clerk (term expiring May 2024)
• Nathan Gauthier (term expiring December 2023)
• Leigh Hafrey (term expiring June 2025)
• Anne Gotay (term expiring 2025)
• Susan Short (term expiring July 2026)

Meredith LaBelle is the Town’s Conservation Agent, who began her role in August of 2023.  Her role includes reviewing applications for work in and near wetlands, drafting permits (Orders of Conditions), and monitoring construction activities to ensure compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act and the Town By-law. In addition, the Conservation Agent provides educational and outreach material on the wetland permitting process for residents and developers. She also works closely with Patrick Hogan, the Town’s Stormwater Manager, to coordinate on applications that require both wetlands and stormwater permitting.  Additionally, she serves a municipal liaison to both the Open Space and Recreation Committee and the Sustainability Advisory Committee.

Wetlands Protection Act and Bylaw Administration:

Persons contemplating any work in or within 100 feet of a wetland, or within 200 feet of a river or stream which flows continuously throughout the year require an Order of Conditions per the Wetlands Protection Act.

Any resident or developer contemplating work within 100 feet of a wetland or within 200 feet of a river or perennial stream is required to file a wetlands permit with the Town of Dedham Conservation Commission. During Calendar Year 2023 so far, the Conservation Commission held 19 meetings and issued 8 Orders of Conditions and 6 Determinations of Applicability. Additionally, the Conservation Commission has issued numerous administrative approvals, notices of violation, and certificates of compliance. The Commission continues to enforce wetland and dumping violations at properties that border wetland areas, issuing notices to correct various violations.

Goals of the Conservation Commission:

• The Commission will continue to review and issue permits. Much of this work is done in-house by department staff, but projects with complicated engineering plans sometimes require outside peer review which is funded by the applicant.
• The Commission will expand our outreach to Dedham residents and business owners in an effort to increase the number and diversity of native plantings (trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses and ground covers) to counter the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and the spread of invasive species. The Commission will work on compiling online resources and reference guides to assist residents and business owners who may have wetlands on their property. Additionally, the Commission will develop a more robust suggested planting list for wetland restoration projects.
• Under the recently revised Stormwater Management Rules & Regulations (adopted by the Conservation Commission on September 7, 2023), the Conservation Commission has designated stormwater permitting to the Town of Dedham’s Stormwater Manager. With the Conservation Commission no longer responsible for stormwater permitting, we hope to expand the Conservation Commission’s stewardship of conservation lands. Article 12, which is proposed to be voted on at Fall Town Meeting 2023, would designate Open Space and Recreation duties to the Conservation Commission, while maintaining an Open Space and Recreation Sub-Committee to update the Open Space plan and implement certain initiatives at the discretion of the Conservation Commission. The article as proposed will increase the resources and attention on the town’s natural resources and open space, and hopefully attract new membership to the Conservation Commission.

Contact Information:

Meredith LaBelle, Conservation Agent

Conservation Department: 781-751-9211

Prepared By: Dedham Cultural Council Members

Objectives and Priorities:

The Dedham Cultural Council (DCC) gathers input from the community frequently and develops funding priorities based on this feedback. As in years past, the Dedham Cultural Council will give priority to:

• Applicants who have secured a local venue and event date
• Projects that serve youth or the elderly

In addition, we consider:

• How well the program meets local needs
• Community support and involvement
• Evidence of track record and dedication of the applicant
• Ability to address the diverse cultural needs of underserved populations
• Ability to support diverse forms of cultural activities
• Financial need
• Demonstrated planning

Typical Grant Calendar:

• September:
  • DCC sets Council Priorities
  • State Announces Funding Award
• October:
  • Grant Cycle Opens 
  • Town Announces Funding Award
• November:
  • Grant Applications Due from Artists
• November to January:
  • DCC Grant Application Review Discussions
• February:
  • DCC Annual Report Due 
  • Applicant Decisions Due
• Spring/Fall:
  • DCC Conducts Annual Community Survey
  • DCC Manages Applicant Reimbursements
  • DCC Manages Ongoing Community Marketing/Advertising

*Funds available to distribute in 2023-24 grant cycle: $24,820. Grant review meeting to take place in late November.

 

The Cultural Council has up to 22 members who have demonstrated scholarship, creativity, or service in the arts. All members are appointed by the Select Board and serve staggered, 3 year terms. Current members include those listed below:

NAME	ROLE	TERM END
PatriciaDorsey	Chair	June 2024
VirginiaBrobst	Treasurer	June 2024
AndrewCzazasty	Member	June 2024
MegDuncan	Member	July 2024
StephenW. Dunne	Member	June 2024
Barbara Gula	Member	June 2024
Virginia Hickey-Ferentinos	Member	July 2024
Amy Haelsen	Member	June 2024
KimberleighHolman	Member	June 2024
AnaHutker	Member	June 2024
Dasha Layne	Member	June 2024
MargaretLias	Member	June 2024
Kaitlin Peoples	Member	June 2024
Erik Privert	Member	November 2022 (Reappointment In Progress)

Community Impact:

Since 1998, the DCC has disbursed approximately $350,000 in grants, satisfying half of all grant requests. Town funding typically supports less than 50% of annual disbursements.

• Fiscal Year 2023
  • Funds Requested: $54,200
  • Funds Disbursed: $25,581
  • Community Members Serviced (across all events): Approx. 245,000

GRANTS APPROVED	APPLICANT	PROJECT TYPE	WHEN
Crocodile River Music African Arts in Education Residency Year Two	Avery School P.T.O.	Multidisciplinary	Spring 2023
Street Art at Riverdale School	Dedham Active Transportation Working Group	Visual Arts	Summer 2023
Programming For Dedham Art Association Members	Dedham Art Association	Visual Arts	2022/2023
2022 to2023 Season	Dedham Choral Society, Inc.	Music	2022/2023
Music for Dedham Seniors	Council on Aging	Music	2023
Powder House Interpretive Sign	Dedham Historical Society	Humanities	Spring 2023
Dedham Human Rights Commission's Second Annual Dedham Multi-Cultural Celebration	Dedham Human Rights Commission	Multidisciplinary	August 2023
LGBTQ+ Pride Event	Dedham Human Rights Commission	Humanities	June 2023
Arts at Endicott	Dedham Junior Women's Club	Music	Summer 2023
Music at Dedham Farmers Market	Dedham Square Circle, Ltd.	Music	June to October 2023
2 Performances Brushed by an Angel's Wigs and the second is TBD	Exsultet, Inc.	Music	Dec. 2022 and May 2023
Dedham Historical Enhancement Project	Fairbanks Garden Club	Science	Spring 2023
Oakdale Square Live Music Series	Gilman, Sam	Music	Summer 2023
3 Interactive Music Concerts for Young Children and their families	Haller, Evan	Music	Spring, Summer, Fall 2023
Dedham Parent Tour	Kehoe, Renana	Visual Arts	Feb. 11, 2023
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration	Kelly, Christopher	Multidisciplinary	January 16, 2023
It's Your Story - Tell It!	Leventhal, Rona	Theatre	January 28, 2023
Music Access for the Underserved/low income residents of Dedham	Music Access Group, Inc.	Music	2022/2023
Holiday Pops	Parkway Concert Orchestra, Inc.	Music	December 11, 2022
Porchfest Dedham 2023	Porchfest Dedham	Music	June 2023
Outcomes	Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc.	Visual Arts	January -June, 2023
Dedham Public Library -Dedham Mass Memories Road Show	Tuttle, Brittany	Humanities	September 2023
William B. Gould Memorial	William B. Gould Memorial Committee	Visual Arts	Memorial Day 2023

Contact Information:

Town Manager's Office: 781-751-9100

Prepared By: Jeremy Rosenberger, Planning Director

About the Design Review Advisory Board (DRAB)

The Design Review Advisory Board (DRAB) provides recommendations and professional design review for development projects and signage. DRAB is also tasked with granting waivers to the Town’s updated Sign Code, approved by Town Meeting in Fall 2021. DRAB seeks to maintain and improve the overall character and appearance of the Town and to encourage the reduction of visual clutter and uncoordinated development through knowledge of the community’s historic traditions, existing structures, environment, and proven design principles.

Members

DRAB is made up of five members: two appointed by the Select Board, two by the Planning Board, and one by the Historic Districts Commission or Civic Pride. John Haven currently serves as Chair, Bryce Gibson serves as Vice Chair, and Christine Perec serves as the third member. Earlier this year, the Select Board selected Alexa Asakiewicz and the Historic Districts Commission selected Leslie Kepner as the Board’s fourth and fifth members.

Town Staff Support

DRAB is supported by the Planning and Zoning Department. The Board has held 8 meetings and reviewed approximately 34 applications for signs and façade improvements/changes so far in 2023. Among these were several large-scale projects including iFly Indoor Skydiving (930 Providence Highway), Kelly’s Roast Beef (725 Providence Highway), Dela Park Plaza (270-290 Bussey Street), and the Dedham Mall (300 Providence Highway).

Contact Information:

Planning & Zoning Department: 781-751-9240

Prepared By: Endicott Estate Commission Members

Mission:

The mission of the Endicott Estate is to promote, protect and preserve the historic heritage, character, and architecture of the Estate by efficient management of community use and revenue generating events while striving to become financially strong and to remain a constant reminder of the rich heritage and historic grandeur of the Town of Dedham.

Goals:

It is the goal of the Endicott Estate Commission to operate as a financially self-supporting property while continuing to respect the on-going civic use by ensuring the Estate is being maintained and utilized most productively and effectively. We are pleased to report that the Endicott Estate was able to generate just over $330,000 in FY23 revenue.

About the Commission:

The Endicott Estate has a five-member board (Endicott Estate Commission) appointed by the Town Manager that meet regularly to discuss the operations of the Estate. The Commission was established to make rules and regulations for the use of the land and buildings on the Estate and may include provisions with respect to the necessity for permits for use of the property, policies governing the use of the Estate, and the charging of reasonable fees therefor. It is also the duty of the Commission to advise and to make recommendations to the Town Manager with respect to specific recreational, educational, and other public uses.

Estate Improvements:

Endicott Estate Roof Replacement

• $250,000 approved at May 2022 Town Meeting for roof replacement.
• Contract awarded to Capeway Roofing.
• Replacement to begin November 2023.

Barn Reconstruction

• Dore & Whittier hired for design services.
• Claim assessment and value of award agreed and accepted.
• Discussions surrounding depreciation holdback continue.
• Return to proposed design plans to determine next steps.

Balconies

• Proposals received for balcony railing and balustrade repair work.

Contact Information:

Endicott Estate: 781-326-0012, information@endicottestate.com

Prepared by:

Jason Mammone, Director of Engineering

The following is a brief update on some of the projects that the Engineering Department is currently working on and/or involved with:

• 2022 I/I Inspection Project – completed – This project involved the cleaning & TV inspection of approximately 125,000 linear feet (23.7 miles) of sewer mains, 36 private laterals and 579 sewer manholes. The project was completed in October. The total cost of this project was approximately $440,000.
• 2022 Town-Wide Flow Monitoring Project – completed – This project began in March 2022 and was completed in November 2022. The Engineering Department, in conjunction with Weston & Sampson, installed 24 temporary flow meters, 3 temporary groundwater gauges and a rainfall gauge to measure and identify peak inflow and infiltration from 25 sewered subareas. The data recovered from this project was compared to the Town-Wide Flow Monitoring Project conducted in 2011 and 2016. The resultant data indicated that the estimated infiltration has been reduced by approximately 900,000 gallons per day (gpd) since 2011 and that the estimated peak design storm inflow has been reduced by approximately 3,850,000 gpd. This reduction in I/I can be attributed to the ongoing annual I/I Rehabilitation Projects. The results of this project assist the Engineering Department on its 5-year prioritization plan for wet weather inspections.
• 2022 I/I Rehabilitation Project – completed – The project this year only consisted of approximately 20,000 linear feet of sewer main, and 26 sewer manholes being chemically treated for root intrusions. The total cost of this project was approximately $41,000.
• Private Infiltration Removal Project – ongoing – Back in 2020, the Private Infiltration Policy was adopted enabling the Town to remove sources of infiltration from privately owned sewer services. Using the private lateral inspections performed during our annual wet weather inspection projects over the past several years, we were able to develop a list of identified sources of private infiltration that can be removed through this project.

In our 2nd year of this ongoing project removed approximately 12,500 gallon of infiltration per day through a combination of open cut spot repairs and trenchless technologies. The project included the rehabilitation of 9 private residential properties. To date over the past 2 years, we have been able to remove approximately 63,000 GPD of infiltration from a total of 17 private residential properties. All the work associated with this project was paid for through the Town’s Sewer Enterprise Fund. The total cost of the project for Year 2 was approximately $300,000. The total project cost of the past 2 years has been approximately $420,000. As with any new project, we are learning many things as we go that will be used to improve our contracts for this work moving forward for the years to come. We anticipate rehabilitating an additional 5 to 10 private residential properties in 2023 under our current contract.

• Inflow and Infiltration Project – ongoing – The Engineering Department has been working to reduce inflow and infiltration using an in-house approach to inspect, assess, design, and oversee improvements to the sanitary sewer system. Over the last sixteen years the Town has inspected approximately 2,254,000 linear feet (427 miles) of sewer main, performed approximately 7,981 manhole inspections, installed approximately 206,200 linear feet (39 miles) of cured-in-place liners, installed approximately 3,491 feet of short liners, installed approximately 203 full-wrap lateral liners, installed approximately 35 top hat lateral liners, cementitiously lined approximately 11,710 vertical feet of manholes and chemically root treated approximately 356,000 linear feet (67 miles) of sewer main. To date, the project has cost approximately $20 million ($3,799,350 in Grants) and we estimate that we have conservatively removed 6.3 million gallons per day (MGD) of inflow & infiltration from the system. In addition, the Town’s MWRA sewer assessments have remained stable and our sewer rates have remained unchanged since 2008 as a result of our decreasing flow share. Assuming a no change in flow share scenario, we estimate that Dedham has cumulatively saved $15.9 million over the past sixteen years as a result of these efforts (See Chart 1).

• Anthony Lane Inflow Removal – ongoing – During our annual wet weather inspections, we observed a suspicious connection to the Town’s sewer main that runs from sewer manhole HH800 located on Anthony Lane to sewer manhole HH780 located on Washington Street. The existing sewer main between these manholes extends through 2 private properties (#37 Anthony Lane & #853 Washington Street). Upon further investigation it was determined that the existing stormwater utility that was supposed to be installed parallel to the sewer utility and connect into the State’s drainage system in Washington Street, was actually connected to the Town’s sewer system. The stormwater system that serves the Anthony Lane neighborhood, flows to a drain manhole located on the property of #37 Anthony Lane where it was then directly connected to the Town’s sewer system.

We calculated that an approximate amount of 500,000 GPD of peak stormwater inflow is entering our sewer system. The stormwater entering our system is being transported and treated by the MWRA at a cost to our rate payers. The inflow can also create a capacity issue for our sewer utility during significant storm events. This is a significant amount of inflow entering our sewer system that should be properly redirected to the stormwater infrastructure.

Due to the topography of Anthony Lane and the closest location of any existing stormwater infrastructure, the easiest route to redirect the stormwater was to follow the originally proposed path being parallel to the existing sewer main and connect into the State’s stormwater system in Washington Street.

Before we could perform the design, we had to perform research at the Registry of Deeds to determine if the proposed 20’ Sewer & Drain easement shown on the recorded registry subdivision plan for Anthony Lane existed on the 2 properties mentioned above. Our research, combined with Town Counsel’s assistance, resulted in determining that the 20’ sewer and drain easement was never formally granted to the Town. We worked with the property owners, Town Counsel and the Select Board to collect the required Grants of Easements.

The design for the new stormwater utility was conducted and completed in house this past Fall and we are now working alongside the DPW who plans to install the stormwater utility this upcoming Spring/Summer.

• Washington Street Restriping – ongoing – At the request of the Town Manager, the Engineering Department designed on-street parking spaces on Washington Street in front of the Town Hall to mitigate the lack of parking because of the ongoing Public Safety Building project.

The design for on-street parking included 8 new parking spaces, maintained the existing MBTA bus stop location and provided reduced travel lane widths to potentially mitigate the speeds at which vehicles travel along this section of Washington Street. Of the 8 on-street parking spaces, 5 will be located directly in front of Town Hall and the other 3 spaces are located on Washington Street between Spruce Street and the entrance to Town Hall.

The design was supported by the Select Board provided the property owner at 462 Washington Street did not object to having the 3 proposed spaces located in front of their property. The Town Manager is currently having communications with that owner to get their approval. This will be presented back to the SB following the Town Managers communications with the property owner for their approval. Should the SB approve the design, once the section of Washington Street gets repaved (Bryant Street to Spruce Street) as part of the Public Safety Building Project, the DPW will restripe this section of Washington as designed.

• Town-Wide Culvert & Bridge Assessment – completed – Working with our consultant, The Engineering Corp. (TEC), an inspection and assessment of our 24 Town-owned culverts and 9 Town-owned bridge was completed in April of 2022.
  Of the 24 culverts, 5 were identified as “critical”. Of those 5, 1 was recommended for replacement within the next 5 years and the remaining 4 were recommended for replacement within the next 5 to 10 years. It is extremely important to replace these structures as a failure would likely result in significant public safety issues and property damage.
  Of the 9 bridges, only 1 bridge was considered in “poor” condition and the remaining 8 bridges were rated “good” to “satisfactory”. The Bussey Street Bridge is the one bridge rated “poor” and is being reconstructed in 2023 as part of MassDOT’s Bussey Street Corridor Improvements project. Construction costs for that project are funded through a combination of State and Federal funds. Although the remaining 8 bridges were in good to satisfactory condition, 1 bridge was recommended for maintenance and repairs within the next 5 years and 5 bridges were recommended for maintenance and repairs within the next 5 to 10 years. These bridges require repairs and maintenance to extend their life expectancy and to mitigate future increased costs associated with repairs and/or replacement. Some of the repairs recommended for these bridges include various safety improvements for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
  Early this year the Engineering Department submitted an application through the State’s Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant to get funding to start collecting the necessary field data for the design of a new culvert located on Highland Street. Unfortunately, we were not awarded any funding on that round of applications, but plan to resubmit again in 2023. In the meantime, the Engineering Department has requested capital funding in FY2024 for the design and permitting associated with our most critical culvert located on Westfield Street. Should the department receive funding for FY2024, the design and permitting would be complete the same year, allowing the DPW to request the capital funding needed for construction in FY2025. The complete cost estimate for the design and construction is approximately $500,000.

The Engineering Department has also requested capital funding for FY2024 for the design and permitting for necessary repairs and maintenance for the Maverick Street Over Mother Brook bridge. Should the department receive funding, the DPW would likely request capital funding needed to put the repair and maintenance project out to bid for the following fiscal year. The cost estimate for design and construction of this bridge is approximately $240,000. In FY2025, the Engineering Department will request capital funding for the design and permitting of the Maverick Street Over Water Canal, Washington Street and Eastern Avenue bridges. These bridges have spans less than 20 feet making them eligible for grants through the State’s Municipal Small Bridges Grant. Following the design and permitting, the department would submit a grant application for all 3 bridges at once for complete repair and maintenance funding in FY2026.
A copy of the report can be found on the Town’s website or downloaded by clicking the following links below.

Part 1 – Culverts
Part 2 - Bridges

• Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) – ongoing - In the winter of 2013/2014 the Engineering Department presented to the BOS four potential projects that could be considered a viable project for funding through the MPO TIP. The BOS selected moving forward with the sidewalk/corridor improvements for Bussey Street and Rustcraft Road/Elm Street. The Engineering Department hired BETA Group as the design consultants for the project.

MassDOT put the contract for the Elm Street/Rustcraft Road Sidewalk Improvements Project out to bid at the end of 2020 and awarded the contract to RM Pacella, Inc. in January 2021. In 2021, construction began in June and consisted of installation of sediment and erosion control measures, tree protection, clearing and miscellaneous drainage work. Eversource also performed several gas relocations to accommodate the drainage work and the installation of a new electrical truck line to replace the existing aged infrastructure within the project limits. In 2022, the installation of the curbing and sidewalk began along with the repaving of Rustcraft Road within the project limits. The project is currently in a winter shut down but is very close to completion. The contractor should be wrapping up the final work in the first half of 2024.

As for the Bussey Street Corridor Improvements Project, we submitted the 75% and 100% designs to MassDOT this year along with acquiring all necessary environmental permitting. The Engineering Department has been diligently working on the acquisition of all the temporary and permanent construction easements required by MassDOT for construction. This project has over 60 temporary easements and 2 permanent easements. The State has moved the construction schedule forward by several months and is now slated to be bid in the winter of 2022 with a start of construction set for the Spring of 2023. This project will included all new accessible concrete sidewalks with vertical granite curbing, new concrete access ramps, repaving of Bussey Street within the limits of work (Town Line to the Fire Station), a combination of sharrows and dedicated bike lanes, geometry changes for the intersection of Colburn Street at Bussey Street to reduce the excessive lengths of the existing crosswalks and the replacement of the structurally deficient superstructure of the Bussey Street Over Mother Brook bridge. This project is anticipated to take at least 2 years to complete.

• Sewer Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Issues – ongoing – As part of our overall inspection program the Engineering Department also has an aggressive FOG program to help eliminate back-ups and maintenance issues related to excessive grease in the sanitary sewer system. The Engineering Department has implemented a biological dosing program at key locations to help digest grease at known trouble spots.
  • Legacy Place – ongoing – The Engineering Department, in conjunction with the DPW and Health Department, has been monitoring the grease traps at Legacy Place. These grease traps have been improperly maintained to date and have been causing multiple problems at our Rustcraft Road Pump Station. We have been conducting random sampling of the grease traps throughout the year to determine if the establishments have been properly cleaning their grease traps according to their mandated cleaning schedule. When it is determined that an establishment is not cleaning their grease traps properly, the information is provided to the Health Department for their intervention. Our department will continue to monitor the grease traps to determine if the establishments are complying with the Board of Health’s cleaning schedule.

   

• NPDES Phase II MS4 Permit – ongoing - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued the new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater General Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) for the Commonwealth on April 13, 2016 and became effective on July 1, 2018. This new permit has a significant amount of requirements that the Town will be responsible for annually reporting on.

Most of the new requirements affecting the Engineering Department pertain to Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE). IDDE involves the inspection and testing of our stormwater infrastructure for the presence of pollutants (i.e. ammonia, phosphorus, fecal coliform, surfactants, nitrogen, etc.). If any pollutants discovered exceed tolerable levels in our waterways, the source of the pollutant must be discovered and eliminated.

In our Year 5 submission (due 9/30/23) the Engineering Department will be responsible for providing information and/or confirmation on the following:

• Update as necessary our Inventory of all Town owned outfalls/interconnections with required pertinent information. Based upon our existing data we have 176 outfalls/interconnections that will require inspection and testing before the end of Year 3.
• Continue development of a Phosphorous Control Plan
• Develop a Nutrient Source Identification Report
• Continue wet weather outfall inspections for High Priority outfalls
• Continue catchment investigation for High Priority catchments
• Update as necessary our Inventory of all Town owned stormwater utilities
• Update as necessary all of the catchment areas responsible by the Town.
• Assist in the development of a written Operation & Maintenance procedure manual for all municipal activities.
• Annual IDDE training for all Engineering and DPW Staff
• Inspect all 87 Town owned Best Management Practices (BMPs). Some BMPs require monthly inspections.
• Developing the Town’s Phosphorous Control Plan

The Engineering Department is also responsible for obtaining the services of a consultant to assist the Town in its compliance with our permit. The Engineering Department also acts as the Town’s MS4 coordinator for all the other departments that must perform work and activities that fall under their departments (DPW, Conservation, Environmental, Planning, Facilities and Parks & Rec).

For detailed information regarding the Town’s MS4 permit please visit our webpage at https://www.dedham-ma.gov/departments/engineering/municipal-stormwater-ms4

• Town Green Project – ongoing – At the Annual Town Meeting in May 2022, Town Meeting approved $2.55 million in funding for a new Town Green to be constructed on the property of the former Police Station located at 600 High Street.

The Engineering Department is acting as the Project Manager for this project and is working closely with the DPW, SB and Town Green Working Group (TGWG).

Currently, the Engineering Department has been working with our consultant BETA Group on the design and contract specifications for the demolition of the existing Police Station building. The contract and specifications have been completed and the Invitation For Bids was made available on 12/28/22. The bid opening is scheduled for 1/26/23. The project is anticipated to be completed within 120 days from the Notice To Proceed which is likely to be issued by the end of February.

During this same time, the Engineering Department has been working with the Town Manager’s Office and the TGWG on the development of an RFQ to select a qualified engineering firm for the design, permitting, and construction services for the new Town Green. The TGWG received 5 RFQ submissions from engineering firms to which they invited 4 in for interviews. Following interviews, the TGWG recommended their selection to the Town Manager for consideration. The Town is currently in negotiations with the recommended firm and are hopeful to have a professional services agreement in place in the first half of January.

The Engineering Department is also working alongside its consultant, Tighe & Bond to conduct a traffic study for the immediate area of Dedham Square including the intersections of High St/ Maple St/Church St, High St/Washington St and High St Eastern Avenue. The consultant has collected existing traffic data while the Police Station is still currently in full use and will use this data as the base line. The consultant will perform another study a few months following the demolition of the building and making the angled parking on High Street available for public parking. This will help the consultant determine if there has been a positive or negative effect of traffic conditions in the Square following the demolition. A final traffic study is anticipated to be undertaken once the Town Green project has been completed to determine if there has been a positive or negative effect of traffic conditions in the Square with the new use of the property. The consultant will make any recommendations necessary to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the Square following collection of all 3 studies.

• Pavement Management – ongoing – The Engineering Department, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, has continued the pavement management program which began in 2007. Through sixteen years of the program, the Town completed approximately $27 million worth of repairs and maintenance to approximately 73 miles of roads and 24 miles of sidewalks. During this time the pavement condition index has risen from 70 to 85.

In December of 2021, the Engineering & DPW department presented our next 1-year Town-wide road program to the SB. As part of our presentation, we discussed our switch in the Town’s Pavement Management Program (PMP) from consultant’s Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) program to BETA’s program. The reason for the switch is that BETA’s PMP will be able to provide the Town with the ability to develop a more comprehensive program that will allow the Town to prioritize our rehab efforts on all of our existing roadway assets including roads, sidewalks and access ramps based upon their condition and their compliance with the American Disability Acts (ADA).

Back in 1992 the United States Department of Justice and Department of Transportation mandated that any public agency with more than 50 employees develop and submit a 504 Transition Plan before 1995. The 504 Transition Plan requires public agencies to assess its existing Right-Of-Way infrastructure specifically utilized by those with disabilities (sidewalks and access ramps) for compliance with ADA requirements. The agencies must then develop a 3-year ongoing plan to repair non-compliant sidewalks and access ramps to be in compliance with ADA.

The Town of Dedham developed and submitted a 504 Transition Plan in 1993 but was more geared towards addressing accessibility issues with our publicly owned properties/building rather than our sidewalks and access ramps.

Although this plan was approved by the State a strategy for addressing our non-compliant sidewalks and access ramps was never addressed and developed to make these required improvements. It imperative that the Town correct this and develop a comprehensive plan that can be incorporated into our ongoing 3-year PMP that would be updated yearly. Every year we receive emails and phone calls from those with disabilities pointing out areas in Town where our sidewalks and access ramps are non-compliant and asking when we plan to repair these deficiencies. By combining sidewalks and access ramps into our roadway PMP, it will provide the residents of Dedham the ability to view our 3-year PMP on the Town’s website and see exactly where improvements are being made and when they are anticipated to be completed. Having a comprehensive 504 Plan will also allow Dedham to apply for various ADA grants in the future.

The Engineering Department and DPW will be presenting our new comprehensive 3-year PMP for consideration by the SB in the early 2023.

• 2022 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Action Grant – ongoing - The Town of Dedham, acting as the lead applicant, along with other communities within the Neponset River Watershed applied and was awarded $387,457 in grant funding for the Neponset Watershed Regional Adaptation Strategy and Flood Model project.

This project will bring together the communities of the Neponset River Watershed to:

1. Prepare a strategic framework for regional collaboration on adaptation implementation priorities,
2. Develop a regional flooding model for the freshwater portion of the Neponset River Watershed and evaluate regional scale flood impact reduction options,
3. Demonstrate the use of the model to conduct more detailed analysis of local flood mitigation strategies for the Manor neighborhood in Dedham,
4. Provide communities with technical assistance on deploying the MAPC municipal adaptation toolkit and
5. Conduct public outreach and engagement activities in support of the other project objectives.

All the communities under this project will be working closely with our consultants Weston & Sampson, the Neponset River Watershed Association, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. To date, we have held a regional public meeting that invited various environmental justice populations to understand their priorities and challenges pertaining to flooding and have also began collecting data necessary for the flood model. A regional public meeting and survey for all are being planned for January 2023.

• Central Avenue Sidewalk Design – ongoing – A traffic calming request was submitted to the Transportation Advisory Committee in 2019 for Central Avenue. Unfortunately, the initial evaluation determined that Central Avenue did not meet the minimum criteria for traditional traffic calming measures. However, during the time data was collected for the evaluation, it was observed that there was heavy pedestrian use along Central Avenue, not only by the residents but also by employees at the General Dynamics/Red Cross Building on Rustcraft Road during their lunch break and by parents that have kids playing sports at Fairbanks Field who like to walk this stretch of roadway while their kids are at practice.

As a result of this observed pedestrian usage, the TAC recommended that Central Avenue be considered for capital funding for the installation of sidewalks. Currently, Central Avenue is without continuous sidewalks on either side of the roadway between Wentworth Street and Rustcraft Road. Pedestrians using this roadway have been doing so by walking in the roadway. This section of Central Avenue is also the location of 3 Oakdale School bus stops. The TAC requested that the applicant of the traffic calming request to collect the signatures of more than 50% of the property owners along this section of Central Avenue that would be in favor of sidewalks on this section of Central Avenue. The applicant returned signatures from 68% of the property owners in favor of sidewalks. The TAC then made a recommendation to the SB for $175,000 for the installation of new sidewalks consisting of vertical granite curbing and asphalt sidewalks. The SB approved the recommendation and the DPW requested the $175,000 at Town Meeting which was approved in May 2022. Once funding was approved by Town Meeting, the Engineering Department designed the sidewalks for this section of Central Avenue all in-house to be installed by the DPW also using it’s own personnel for construction. The design includes approximately 2,500 linear feet of sidewalk, 25 concrete access ramps, and 4 new crosswalk locations across Central Avenue. The sidewalk construction will narrow the roadway width by about 5 feet to mitigate the speed at which vehicles travel. The DPW anticipates construction to take place in the summer of 2023.

• Traffic Calming – ongoing – In 2012, The SB approved the traffic calming policy created by the Engineering Department. The Engineering Department will continue to work with the SB and the Town Manager to refine and revise the policy, as needed, in order to give clear guidance to residents wishing to implement traffic calming strategies in their neighborhoods through the submission of Traffic Calming Request Forms to the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC). The Engineering Department sits as an ex-officio member of the TAC responsible for general oversight of the committee and performing preliminary investigations consisting of traffic counts, intersection turning movement counts, and speed surveys using in-house equipment and labor.

To date, the TAC has received and decided on twenty-four (24) traffic calming requests. The majority of the requests were determined not to require traditional traffic calming measures based upon the initial traffic evaluations performed by our department (i.e. speed tables, speed humps, road narrowing). However, for those requests that did not warrant traditional traffic calming measures, the TAC does provide low-cost traffic calming alternatives that the concerned neighborhood could implement on their own (i.e. staggered parking, step 2 kid alert). Of the twenty-four requests, only three (Lower East Street, Upland Road and Colburn Street) were determined to require traditional traffic calming based upon the results of the initial traffic evaluation. The Engineering Department generated a Traffic Calming Needs Assessment report for each of these roadways to determine what traffic calming measures would be appropriate. Lower East Street was discussed in detail in our 2019 annual report. For Upland Road we recommended temporary speed humps be installed on Upland Road and Tophill Avenue. The SB approved the installation of the temporary speed humps which were installed in June 2021. In January of 2022 a ballot was sent out to all of the property owners that abut Upland Road and all the affected property owners that live on Tophill Ave, Hermaine Ave, Pine Grove Ave and Walters Ave to ask if they want to have the temporary speed humps to remain permanently. According to the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy, at least 75% of the of the property owners abutting Upland and at least 60% of the property owners on the affected roadways must vote in favor of the speed humps in order to have them remain permanently. The ballots returned met the minimum requirements as stated above and the temporary speed humps are now permanent. For Colburn Street, we recommended speed humps for Colburn Street and speed cushions for Curve Street and Maverick Street. The DPW installed the speed humps and cushion in July and we are planning to send out ballots to the affected area in January. Should the ballots meet the minimum requirements, the DPW will be requesting $100,000 to permanently install the speed cushion and to reconstruct the sidewalks adjacent to the speed cushions to include vertical granite curbing to mitigate on-street parking within these areas that are restricted for “No Parking”. The TAC is currently working with the applicants of the Curve Street (Maverick Street to Washington Street) and Brookdale Avenue applications to determine what traffic calming measures will work best in their neighborhood as the initial evaluations determined that traditional traffic calming measures were needed to mitigate ongoing traffic issues.

All meeting, minutes, evaluations, and decisions are posted on the Town’s website at the following link:

https://www.dedham-ma.gov/government/transportation-advisory-committee

• High Street & Bussey Street Speed Study – completed – At a Select Board public meeting held in July 2021, the Select Board listened to several residents discuss their concerns pertaining to the speeding that occurs on Bussey Street and the section of High Street from Churchill Place to its intersection with Bussey Street, Milton Street and Sawmill Lane. As a result of their discussion, the Select Board requested for the Engineering Department to perform a speed study for both roadways and apply to MassDOT to have the speed limits reduced from their current posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour (mph) to 25 mph.

When applying for a speed reduction on a regulated roadway, we are required to follow the latest version of MassDOT’s “Procedures for Speed Zoning on State Highways and Municipal Roads”. We had to conduct a traffic study following the procedures that would show that a speed reduction was warranted. The biggest task when conducting a speed study is the collection of the necessary data which included gathering the number of driveways that exist along the roadway, the number of signals or controlled approaches to intersections, on-street parking activity and usage, pedestrian activity, bicyclist activity, average daily traffic volumes, vehicular speeds and crash data. Most of the information can be found using our GIS data, but the collection of vehicular volumes and speeds had to be done by a combination of manual counts using a radar gun and counts taken by a radar that was mounted on a utility pole. After collecting all the data, it was turned into a 45+ page study that included a background, existing conditions for both roadways, presentation of the volume and speed data collected for both roadways, crash data for both roadways over the past 3 years, supporting maps and conclusion showing the need for the proposed speed reduction. This study was conducted completely in-house and took approximately 120 hours to collect the data and generate the report required by MassDOT for their review. The report was sent to MassDOT in October of 2021 for their review. MassDOT completed its review of our study in March of 2022, but denied our request to reduce the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph. MassDOT stated that amount of crashes and the types of crashes experienced along these roadways were not significant enough to warrant a speed reduction at this time.

• Private Ways – ongoing – The Town By-laws for acceptance of private ways as public ways were updated and accepted at the 2014 Annual Town Meeting. The Engineering Department worked with the private ways subcommittee that developed the updated policy/standard by which the residents of a private way would have to adhere to in order to become a public way. The policy also includes the construction standards/specifications by which a private way must be reconstructed. There are 3 phases that must be completed and approved by the SB in order for a Private Way to be presented at Town Meeting for acceptance as a Public Way. Those phases include the “Public Way Layout Petition Form”(Phase 1), “Acceptance of Conceptual Overlay Plan Form”(Phase 2), and Design and Layout (Phase 3). Since 2015, The Engineering Department has received 18 Public Way Layout Petitions. Of those 17 petitions, only 2 (Birch St & Quarry Rd) have been through the entire process and became Public Ways.

Below is a summary, of the last 3 years, of those Private Ways that have requested Public Way Petition Forms from the Engineering Department and their to date progress. Please refer to previous reports for past year petitions:

•  2020 - Wiggin Avenue – Phase 3 ongoing
• 2021 - Karen Pines – Phase 1 ongoing
• 2022 - Clisby Avenue – Phase 1 ongoing

All of these Private Ways that are ongoing in a particular phase have either stalled due to 100% of the abutters to the Private Way not agreeing to have their way become Public or the applicant is still acquiring signatures from all abutters required to move forward in the acceptance process.

• Greenlodge Street Corridor Improvements Project – ongoing – Over the past few years the Engineering Department has been working alongside our consultant Dewberry Engineers to design a new sidewalk on the northern side of Greenlodge Street extending from Sprague Street to Colwell Drive (southerly connection).

This project was a result of a traffic evaluation performed by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) at the request of the Select Board. The results of the traffic study showed that there was a speeding issue along this section of Greenlodge Street particularly during school pick-up and drop-off times in excess of up to 12 mph over the school speed limit of 20 mph. The study identified two intersections (Greenlodge St at Colwell Dr & Greenlodge St at Fox Meadow Lane) that could benefit from geometric changes to mitigate speeds at which vehicles travel and improve pedestrian safety. The study identified that Greenlodge Street is excessively wide with variable widths and could be reduced to a consistent width to also mitigate the speeds at which vehicles travel. This reduction in roadway width could be accomplished by installing a new sidewalk on the northerly side of Greenlodge Street. This would also improve pedestrian safety by adding a sidewalk that currently does not exist on that side of the roadway.

As a result of the study, Town Meeting approved $84,000 for the design to make the improvements and the subsequently approved $700,000 at the following Town Meeting for construction. The Engineering Department put the project out to bid in June of 2022, but the bids submitted exceeded the amount available and were not able to award a contract. The Engineering Department put the project out to bid again in October of 2022 and this time was able to award the project to Richard D’Ambrosia, Inc. We are currently finalizing contract paperwork and construction is anticipated to begin around May 2023 and be competed by November 2023. We will be putting together a project page on the Town’s website for public outreach and coordinating with the Greenlodge School over the next few months to mitigate the inconvenience of the construction during the months school is in session.

• Grants – ongoing – The Engineering Department applied for 5 grants in 2022. The grants, amounts and status are detailed below.
  • 2022 Shared Streets & Spaces Grant (MassDOT) – Applied for $225,000 to offset the local funding of $700,000 approved at Town Meeting for the Greenlodge Street Corridor Improvements project. The State awarded $25,000 for the purchase of the Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons to be installed at the main Greenlodge School crosswalk located at the intersection of Colwell Drive and Greenlodge Street. The Town did not receive any additional funding from this grant for the current year. This project is anticipated to be started and completed in 2023.
  • Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program (MassDER) – Applied for $44,850 for the field data collection necessary for the design of a replacement culvert for the existing culvert located on Highland Street. The Town was not awarded any funding this year but will reapply again if it is available in 2023.
  • Local Bottlenecks Grant (MassDOT) – MassDOT created this grant to fund innovative solutions to address congestion bottlenecks on local roadways to improve traffic flow. The Engineering Department submitted an application for the signalized intersections of High St/Ames St/Court St, High St/Washington St and High St/Harris St/East St/Harvard St. These intersections were studied by MassDOT and was determined to be a good candidate for funding to make improvements along this corridor of High Street. The design and construction of recommended improvements is undertaken by MassDOT. MassDOT determined that the installation of video detection at the intersection of High St/Ames St/ Court St and minor signal retiming and replacement of existing traffic signal controllers at all three signalized intersections to be able to implement traffic signal timings that can be adjusted throughout the day with specific emphasis on peak periods should improve conditions along this corridor. The cost of the improvements is estimated to be approximately $100,000.
  • Safe Streets & Roads For All (U.S. DOT) – Applied for approximately $260,000 to hire a consultant to develop a comprehensive Local Roads Safety Plan (LRSP). This plan would study all of the Town’s public collector and arterial roadways to identify improvements that can be made to improve safety for all modes of transportation (vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian). U.S. DOT is anticipated to announce award recipients in January 2023.
  • 2022 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Action Grant – The Town of Dedham, acting as the lead applicant, along with other communities within the Neponset River Watershed applied and was awarded $387,457 in grant funding for the Neponset Watershed Regional Adaptation Strategy and Flood Model project.

• Public Safety Building – ongoing – As part of the Public Safety Building construction project, the Engineering Department has attended various meetings to discuss potential design changes associated with the sewer and drainage infrastructure. We have been on-site to perform inspections of all sewer work and the reconstruction of the 24” drain line that had to be relocated to accommodate the location of the new public safety building.

• East Street Bike Lane Redesign – completed – In 2011, the section of East Street from the Dedham/Westwood Town Line to the Endicott Roundabout was restriped follow our repaving of that roadway. Dedicated bike lanes, using the current guidelines of 2011, were designed for along this section of East Street by our department and installed by the DPW. Since 2011, the guidelines for designing bicycle accommodations have improved making our current bike lane out of date. The pavement markings along this roadway have also deteriorated significantly requiring a new application. This made for a perfect opportunity to redesign the bike lane using current guidelines. Improvements included creating a “No Parking” restriction on both sides of East Street with associated signage, dashed bike lane marking through intersecting streets and increased bike lane signage along the corridor. The installation of the pavement markings and signage is anticipated to be completed by the DPW in the Spring/Summer of 2023. The Engineering Department also reviewed the bike lane design for the section of East Street from the Endicott Roundabout to High Street as designed by our consultants Environmental Partners as part of our approved MassDOT Complete Street project for Eastern Avenue. This section is also to be completed in 2023.

• MWRA’s Southern Extra High Pipeline Project – completed – The MWRA’s project will be conducted in two phases (North and South Phase). Construction of the North Phase of the project started in December of 2017 and includes the installation of a 36-inch water line from the Town line on Dedham Boulevard to East Street. During construction, our department will be providing daily inspectional services to ensure that our sewer and drainage infrastructure remains intact. We will also be involved in attending construction meetings to stay up to date on construction activities and to address any issues to our infrastructure. The North Phase was completed in 2020. The South Phase started construction in 2019 and our department provided the same inspectional services as in the North Phase. The South Phase extended from East Street, down Rustcraft Road to the train station then under the track towards Route 128 where it will enter Westwood. The South Phase was completed in 2021. 

• Trenton Road Playground – completed – At the request of the Select Board and Town Manager, the Engineering Department was tasked with assisting the Manor Neighborhood Association (MNA) in applying for a Notice of Intent with the Town’s Conservation Commission. The property located at 96 Trenton Road was purchased by the Town in 1999 following a foreclosure. The property has become overgrown, unsightly, and unused over the past 21 years. The MNA had a vision to turn this piece of land into a neighborhood playground and began to secure donations to secure the funds necessary for design and permitting.

A portion of the property contains wetlands and is located within the flood zone. A significant portion of the property lies within the 100’ wetland buffer which also consists of a 40’ Undisturbed Buffer Area. Due to the sensitive wetland and flood zone issues, the Engineering Department hired consultant Activitas with extensive experience with environmental permitting and playground design.

A Notice of Intent and Major Stormwater Management Permit were submitted to the Conservation Commission in March 2021. After a few meetings, the Commission approved all permits associated with the project in May 2021. The project was then placed out to bid in June 2021. Unfortunately, the all the bids came in higher than what we were appropriated for funding due to an increase in materials and labor resulting from the pandemic. The DPW graciously provided their services to handle the majority of the construction work so the project could be rebid just for the installation of the boardwalk. The second bid went out in September 2021 and was awarded to Paqcon LLC. In 2021 and 2022, the DPW performed a majority of the site work for the playground and contractors installed the playground equipment and installed the boardwalk. Earlier this year the MNA had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new playground.

• Sewer Billing Project – ongoing – The Engineering Department has been working with the Collectors Office to identify properties which were likely on sewer but not receiving bills using billing data and GIS information. To date 156 properties have been added to the sewer billing system. Of the 156 properties, 24 are properties located in Westwood and 3 are properties located in Boston. We are currently utilizing our sewer TV inspection data and GIS to plot locations where active sewer connections are made to the Town’s system to identify additional properties that are likely connected but not receiving bills. We are hopeful in 2021 to develop another round of lettering, similar to the letters sent in 2010 & 2011 to residents believed to be connected to sewer but not receiving bills. We will be working again with the Collector’s Office, Town Manager and Select Board with this effort.

• Pump Station Operation – ongoing – The Engineering Department, in conjunction with the DPW, oversees the operation of the three sanitary sewer pumping stations, including the weekly maintenance, routine and emergency repairs, and upgrades of various components. The Engineering Department and DPW monitors alarms at all stations 24 hours a day and responds as needed.

• Sewer Connection, Extension, and Repair Inspections – ongoing - The Engineering Department reviews, issues, and inspects permits for the installation and satisfactory testing of sewer lines and manholes on a daily basis. We spend a great deal of time responding to questions from residents and builders and we provide them with locations of existing facilities from record plans or television inspections. Over the past year, the Department reviewed, issued and/or inspected 45 permits. In addition to sewer permits, our department administered Drainlayer Licenses to 27 bonded and insured sewer contractors. 

• Storm Drainage Improvements/Inspections – ongoing – The Engineering Department routinely responds to complaints and flooding issues throughout Town. As part of our evaluations of drain lines we have cleaned and inspected approximately 29.6 miles of pipe. In addition, we design improvements as needed. Over the past year the Town has installed 3 new deep sump catch basins.

• Neponset Stormwater Partnership – ongoing - The Engineering Department sits as one of the representatives from Dedham as part of the regional stormwater collaborative with 14 other Neponset Valley Communities. This partnership was formed through the Community Innovation Challenge Grant awarded to the MAPC and Neponset River Watershed Association. The collaborative is working together to prepare the communities for the challenges that are anticipated to arise from the new MS4 permit to be issued to the Commonwealth from the EPA.

• Charles River Watershed Association – ongoing – The Town of Dedham is 1 of 23 communities the reside in the Charles River Watershed. The Engineering Department is currently working with the CRWA to develop a strategy to remove sources of Phosphorus pollution from the Charles River. The Charles River has a Phosphorus Impairment and the EPA (as part of our NPDES Permit) is requiring us to lower the load (lbs) of Phosphorus that exists within the river to acceptable levels.

• Subdivision and Site Plan Review – ongoing - The Engineering Department reviews numerous site plans and subdivisions for consistency with Town regulations and acceptable design standards. We provide written comments to the respective boards on the adequacy of those plans and calculations.

• Town of Dedham Construction & Design Standards – ongoing – The Engineering Department is responsible for updating the Town’s Design and Construction Standards. Every few years we review all the standards and update and/or revise those standards to meet local and state requirements. Our last update/revision of the standards took place in 2018.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Administration – ongoing - The GIS Division, led by its GIS Manager, manages the administration of the GIS for the Town. The role of the GIS Division within the Engineering Department is to respond directly to the various needs of the Town’s various departments, as they relate to GIS. Some of the responsibilities of the GIS Division include database administration, software application development, generating reports, creating maps and updating the Town’s geospatial data. Below is a listing of some of the projects that the GIS division has been involved with:

• Addressing – ongoing – The GIS Division is responsible for maintaining an up-to-date Master Street List and Master Address File (MAF), and for carrying out the duties contained within its regulations. This data is crucial for the First Responders, all departments, residents and the general public. The GIS division continues to add new addresses, modify and update existing addresses and solve conflicts.
• Aerial Imagery (Spring 2020) – complete – Prepared the specification, contracted and acquired 3” pixel resolution suitable for producing 1”= 40’ scale planimetric data Aerial Photographs/Images for the Town of Dedham. The new aerial imagery was flown in mid-April of 2020 is to be utilized for updating the Town’s planimetric data. New aerial imagery is recommended every 2 to 5 years. Aerial imagery is vital in providing vast amount of data at low cost. The consultant has delivered the Town-wide 4-band (color and CIR) orthophotograph with 3 inch pixels or better in June of 2020.
• Planimetric Update (phase II) – complete – Working with the consultant on Phase II of The Town of Dedham, MA Spring 2020 Aerial Photography and Mapping Services Project which will consist of:
  • New DTM to support creation of accurate Orthorectification
  • Set of 1-foot contours and spot elevations
  • New 40 scale Planimetric mapping features from stereo
  • Add new, modify, delete, migrate, and consolidate the existing data with the newly collected data while maintaining integrity
• Migration to ArcGIS Pro – In the next few years, ESRI will be discontinuing the ArcGIS Desktop platform and moving to ArcGIS Pro. Over the past year, we have been simplifying the architecture of our GIS server to prepare for the migration of our assets, web applications and custom applications to be compatible with ArcGIS Pro.
• Data Integrity – ongoing – The criticality of having and providing accurate data is imperative, and data integrity is key in facilitating that. Therefore, The GIS Division continues to not only conduct deep and thorough evaluation, modification, and maintenance of the existing and newly created data, but also continue to embrace and adopt the standard recommended structures by the GIS community.
• Data Update – ongoing – The GIS Division continues to update the underlying data such as parcels, road centerline, street regulation, and right of way…etc. to better represent/replicate the real world.
• Partnership with ESRI – complete –The Town's GIS Division has recently partnered and collaborated with a GIS consultant (ESRI) to work together to draft a plan to not only leverage ESRI's latest technologies and available services, but also taking into consideration migrating the current Town wide GIS system to be in alignment with the current industry wide path going forward. The contract will end of March 2021. This project has been divided into 4 phases:
  • System migration (Phase I) – complete / maintenance – Migrating all the infrastructure, GIS software, data and all supporting software needed to bring the Town with up-to-date technology.
  • Application Migration (Phase II) – complete – In this phase each existing application is being examined carefully and either migrated to the new system or was replaced with a newly developed application.
  • New Application (Phase III) – complete / maintenance – New application and functionality are being developed to provide both citizen and employees with tailored functionally for their specific area of need.
• Mapillary – ongoing – The Town's GIS Division has collaborated with Mapillary to provide street level images for the whole Town that is captured by the Town and to the Towns preferred accuracy. This technology allows the Town to capture its georeferenced high-resolution images and geographically attach it the street allowing for a 3D view, this capability allows the Town to check features such as asset type, sign syntax, and visibility of structures from street which enable the Town to update its assets and data in the office instead of a site visit, which saves time and effort. First set of images capture for the Town was completed in September 2019. Second set of images was captured in August and September of 2020. (Please click on this link to access the application)
• Department Outreach – ongoing – The GIS Division continues to conduct informational sessions with individuals and/or small groups of departments’ representatives to have a focused discussion and better understand their needs.
• Department Training – ongoing – The GIS Division continues to train individuals and/or small groups of departments on utilizing the GIS technology to meet their needs.
• Departments’ Special Projects – ongoing – The GIS Division continues to work closely with many departments to create, and produce data, and maps that can facilitate and support their needs and decision making by migrating, modifying, evaluating, and analyzing the available information.
• Web GIS for Town staff – ongoing – The GIS division has been implementing cloud and web-based GIS technology called ArcGIS Online. This technology provides GIS capabilities to departments and staff that do not otherwise have GIS. These tools allow sharing and collaboration of information between departments. The GIS Division continues to develop new content on ArcGIS Online to enhance the Town’s GIS.
• Public Web/Mobile GIS – ongoing – The GIS Division continues to maintain, enhance, update and publish mapping content through the Town of Dedham Maps Online application. Information is available as downloadable PDF files, web maps, and applications.
• Infrastructure Engineering Operations – maintenance – As part of the MS4 Permit the Town is required to inspect, test and monitor its outfall. The GIS Division worked closely with The Engineering Department to analyze the need, propose solutions, create data, design, test and implement a web-based application that enables the Town Engineer to report the inspected outfall in the field using any mobile device. The application allows the Engineers to report findings and monitor the inspection status on the fly. The application is designed to maintain a historical record of the activities associated with each outfall allowing the Engineers to analyze the data and generate the needed reports and information required for the Permit.
• Sewer Billing Project – ongoing – The GIS Division has been working with the Engineering Department, Collectors Office, Department of Public Works, Dedham Westwood Water District, and Boston Water and Sewer Commission to identify properties which were likely on sewer but not receiving bills. Properties determined to be severed will be notified and billed, which will allow the Town to collect money for the services provided. In order to get to this goal, data from various departments and agencies were collected, compared, field verified in some cases, and a new set of data was generated and is being maintained.
• Stormwater Outfall Catchment area – ongoing – As part of the MS4 Permit the Engineering Department is required to submit a detailed geo-analytical report for each outfall catchment area. The GIS Division performed several data manipulation and analysis to create the outfall network, assign the related structures a unique identifier, and factor in data (geographically and tabular) gathered from other departments to generate the catchment delineation statistics.
• Work Order and Asset Management for Public Works – complete/ongoing – This project has been divided into 3 phases:
  • Analyzing the need (Phase I) – complete – The GIS Division surveyed and analyzed the Department of Public Work needs
  • Work Order System Implementation (Phase II) – complete – Working with the consultant to implement a new work order and asset management solution allowing Public Works staff to create, assign and track service requests and work orders to completion. The implementation allows DPW to track maintenance history on specific assets (e.g. sign, sidewalk, Drain Manhole, etc.).
  • Integrating Trash Bin in the Work Order System (Phase III) – ongoing – In this phase GIS Division is working closely with DPW and a its contract and consultant to locate all sites in the Town that shall be assigned a trash bin that have a unique serial number and incorporate this information into the work order to manage and maintain going forward
• Citizen Access Service Requests – complete - The GIS Division is working with DPW and its consultant to implement new applications for the public to be able to report issues and for the Department Public Works to receive, categorize, assign, resolve and manage all reported issues in a timely manner. The solution will have both a web interface and mobile application. Applications will integrate directly into the new Public Works work order management system, allowing staff to access all service requests.
• Catch Basin Cleaning for Public Works – maintenance – Working closely with the Department of Public Works, the GIS Division was able to analyze the need, create data, design, test and implement a web based application that empower DPW staff and contractor to inspect, collect and report Catch Basin information in real time, such as whether it was cleaned or not, by whom and when, type of pollutant (if existed), number of scoops collected, condition…etc.
• Cemetery – ongoing – Continue to maintain and enhance the data and web application for the Brookdale Cemetery. The Brookdale Cemetery web application was redesigned for better support on various tablet and mobile devices. This allows the Cemetery Division to access burial record information from the field. The same application was repackaged for the Village Cemetery.
• Clerk – ongoing – Verify and update the Town Precinct and Street List Voting data and Map. Data from Census, State voting list, Town active street name list and active addresses is being used to generate an up-to-date Street voting list and map.
• Fire – ongoing – Working with the Symposium Technologies to automate updating the Fire database with the most recent GIS data.
• Police – ongoing – Police department have adapted a new system which will require implementing new GIS processes to automate mapping the incident information from the police database. The process will provide the police and engineering department with a secured web map of incident data updated every six hours and categorized for their need. The data is also made available to other GIS users for mapping of accident or other relevant police incident information
• Drug and Zoning Violation – ongoing – To fully enforce the law, evidence must be provided. In some cases, location-based analysis and maps can be one of the essential proofs of violation. The GIS Division works with Police to generate and produce these specific kinds of maps that gets submitted to the court.
• Police Sectors – complete – Police depend on maps to identify and assign police to different sectors. Street name list and key facility locations along with police sectors were updated to produce an accurate map for the Police to use.
• Safety - School safety – ongoing – In an effort to protect against the threats that Dedham schools may encounter, and to ensure safety for all students, teachers, parents, and other individuals involved in the education system, the Police department took proactive and precautionary measures to generate safe escape routes and plans for quick and effective response. The GIS Division is working closely with the Police department to generate these plans that will be used in various scenarios for all Dedham schools. A set of plans has been produced for the escape routes for all Dedham public schools. A set of control plans for Dedham public schools has been completed and is currently working to expand the solution to the private schools and major malls in the Town.
• Economic Development – ongoing – Working closely with the departments on various projects to collect, extract, link and analyze data, and produce maps to better assist in decision making.
• Providence Highway - Create Better Corridor – ongoing – When the Town is well informed about its resident opinion, it can take the right decision that will affect the Town future, that is why the Providence Highway - Create Better Corridor crowdsource application was implemented to gather not only ideas for improving but points of shortage, categorized in well-defined groups that will be the foundation for the next step of the project.
• Planning and Zoning
  • Firearms regulation, adult use overlay district – complete – Firearms regulation, adult use overlay district and housing study are some of the many projects that needed the data to be collected, extracted, linked, and analyzed to better assist the department and the board in the decision-making process.
  • Zoning Map – ongoing – Working with Panning and Zoning Department and consultant to review the zoning map and identify any historical discrepancies to fix.
• Town’s Trail Inventory – ongoing – Collecting, modifying, and validating the Town’s Trail Inventory to better serve the resident and be able to evaluate the different areas’ needs along with other projects.
• Town’s Open Space – ongoing – Working closely with the Open Space Committee to collect, modify, validate, and categorize the Town’s Open Space to better serve the resident and be able to evaluate the current resources and identify the needs for improvements.
• Conservation Department – ongoing – Protecting our nature is important, therefore the GIS Division is working with the Conservation Department to generate an inventory of Potential Vernal Pool and implement an application that will allow Conservation Department to collect and maintain the data and for the public to view.
• Information Technology – ongoing – Supporting and solving IT related issues during the transition period to minimize the impact on the GIS database and the availability of GIS applications and data to all of its customers.
• Assessors – ongoing – The Assessors department has migrated their system to a new technology which impacted previous existing procedures and software. The GIS Division is working with consultant to evaluate the impact and recreate new procedures and reconnect the previously connected systems to retrieve the up-to-date data.
• Town wide Permitting System – ongoing – The Town has adopted a new permitting software that shall be utilized in all Town departments. The GIS Division is working with various departments and consultant to automate generating the underlying data that the software depends on by generating this information on the fly from various databases, systems and resources residing in different Town’s department.
• State/Regional Collaboration – ongoing –
  • MassGIS – ongoing - Working with MassGIS staff to provide updated standardized structure data for the Town of Dedham to the state. Standardized parcel and structure information are critical data layers for creating statewide address information to support E911 services.
• Other notable completed projects:
  • Illicit Discharge Removal – Dedham Mall (2022)
  • Town-Wide Traffic Signal Evaluation (2021)
  • MWRA’s Southern Extra High Pipeline Project (2021)
  • Heavy Commercial Vehicle Exclusion – Subcommittee (2021)
  • 2018 Rustcraft Road Sewer Improvements Project (2021)
  • Gonzalez Field Expansion (2021)
  • Nobles & Greenough – Private Infiltration Removal (2021)
  • Private Infiltration Removal Policy (2020)
  • Whiting Avenue Restriping & Signage Plan (2020)
  • Dedham Square Pedestrian Signal Evaluation (2020)
  • Liana Estates Subdivision (2020)
  • Fox Meadow Lane Crosswalk Design (2020)
  • Gonzalez Field Sewer Design (2020)
  • Crane Street Stormwater Design (2020)
  • 106 Washington Street Sewer Extension (2019)
  • McDonald Square Sidewalk Improvements Project (2019)
  • Colburn Street Dam Project (2017)
  • Needham Street Bridge (2017)
  • Dedham Mother Brook BMP Implementation Project (2017)
  • Greenlodge School Parking Lot Expansion (2017)
  • Dedham Square Improvement Project (2016)
  • Town-Wide Flow Monitoring Project (2016)
  • Sewer System Hydraulic Flow Model Project (2016)
  • Vincent Road – Illicit Connection Detection & Elimination (2016)
  • Massachusetts Avenue Stormwater Utility Design (2016)
  • Lancaster Road/Kennsington Road Sewer Design (2016)
  • 2015 Inflow Investigations (2015)
  • Violet Avenue at Pine Street Intersection Realignment (2015)
  • 2014 Inflow Investigations (2015)
  • Striar Property (2015)
  • Private Building Inspections (2014)
  • Violet Avenue Drainage Study (2014)
  • Gonzalez Field – Accessible Parking Design (2014)
  • 2013 Inflow Investigations (2014)
  • Washington Street Discontinuance (2013)
  • Municipal Building Inspections (2012)
  • Town Wide Inflow & Investigation & Rehabilitation Program (2012)
  • Lowder Street at Highland Street Intersection Realignment (2012)
  • Town-Wide Flow Monitoring Project (2011)
  • Highland Street Sidewalk Design (2011)
  • High/Lowder/Westfield Street Traffic Calming (2011)
  • Stormwater BMP Retrofit Grant (2012)
  • Lowder Street Culvert Replacement (2011)
  • Cedar Street Culvert Replacement (2011)
  • Colburn Street Reconstruction (2011)
  • Pacella Drive Illicit Discharge Removal (2010)
  • Traffic Regulations Update (2010)
  • East Street Reconstruction – Phase II (2009)
  • East Street Reconstruction – Lowe’s Money (2009)
  • Condon Park Parking Lot Design (2009)
  • Bussey Street Culvert Abandonment (2009)
  • Maverick Street Wall Replacement (2009)
  • Zoar Avenue Sewer Replacement (2009)
  • Rustcraft Road Sewer Replacement (2009)
  • Gaffney Road Sewer Improvements (2009)
  • Brookdale Cemetery Expansion (2008)
  • Flanagan Place/Orphan Line Drainage (2008)
  • Bridge Inspections (2008)
  • Intersection Redesign, Greenlodge Street at Sprague Street (2008)
  • East Street and Washington Street Sewer Replacement (2007)
  • Street Opening Regulations Update (2006)
  • Sewer Regulations Update (2006)
  • Salt Shed (2006)

Contact Information:

Engineering Department: 781-751-9350

Prepared by:

Matt Haffner, Director of Facilities

Barbara Smith, Department Assistant

Bernardo Rodriguez, Project Manager

About the Facilities Department

The Facilities Department maintains and oversees repairs to all town and school buildings. This includes custodial services, preventative maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal on these properties. There are 21 school and municipal buildings totaling 1,029,397 sq. ft. of gross area.

The Facilities Department is also responsible for overseeing capital projects and day-to-day project management for new construction, along with major and minor renovations. These projects are identified during planning through a collaborative approach with school principals and department heads.

Capital projects this past year include:

The new Public Safety Building

• Currently in Phase Three, new landscaping, paving, plantings, and punch list activities ongoing

The Dedham Middle School Safety Vestibule

• In progress, scheduled completion is late November 2023.

Resetting of the existing granite steps and new ADA-compliant railings at the Main Library on Church Street

• Project complete pending final inspection by the Building Department

Design development of front landscaping and water mitigation at the Main Library

Dance Studio and ADA Bathroom at the Capen School

• Project Awarded, Demolition and prep. work completed, submittal review in progress.

Completion of new roof with exhaust fans over DPW Maintenance Garage

Upgrade of the existing HVAC System at the DPW Main Office Facility

• Design development is ongoing, creating documentation to go out to bid.

Endicott Estate Roof Replacement Project

• Design and bid completed and awarded. The project is scheduled to start in November.

New Elevator at the Motherbrook Arts and Community Center

• Design finalized and reviewed with stakeholders. The bid package is being prepared.

Additional EV Charging Stations at Town Hall

• Proposals are being requested to add additional EV Charging Stations at the front and rear of Town Hall.

Transaction Counter at the Planning & Zoning Department

• A schematic design review is underway to install a new transaction counter, remove a dividing wall, and install new cubicle workstations for a newly combined Department incorporating the Planning, Zoning, Conservation, and Stormwater departments under one umbrella at Town Hall.

Furnish and Install New Workstation and File Cabinets for Human Resources

Updating of the HVAC controls at the Middle School

Additional cameras at the High School

Staff Highlights

This year, the Facilities Department welcomed Matt Haffner as its new Director.  Many items are being reviewed: facility assessments, vendors, operating procedures, and practices.

Contact Information:

Facilities & Maintenance: 781-751-9172, facilities@dedham.k12.ma.us

Prepared By:

Dave Roberts, Chair

The Finance and Warrant Committee (FWC) has completed the hearing and deliberation process for the Fall Town Meeting.  Recommendations will be published in the Warrant  Book.

Beginning in November, and in preparation for the Spring Town Meeting, the FWC will be meeting jointly with the Capital Expenditure Committee (CEC) to review capital requests from Town Departments.  The joint meeting process was initiated last year and proved to be a positive step in the capital budgeting process.

Looking forward to the Spring Town Meeting, the FWC invites Town Meeting members and the general public to an important informational meeting. On the first Saturday of March, the FWC conducts hearings with each town department head, except for the School Department, regarding their proposed operating budgets. These hearings provide valuable information as we review the operating budget for the town. The School Dept. budget presentation is conducted at a separate meeting.

In addition to the annual budgeting process, members and/or representatives of the FWC are involved in reviewing the town's financial policies, serving on the School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC), and membership on several town working groups including DIF (Planning Dept.),  DEI (Human Resources), and the Local Roads Safety Plan.

Contact Information:

Finance Department: 781-751-9150

<p><font class="subtitle"><strong>Prepared By:</strong></font></p>
<p>Fire Chief William Spillane</p>
<b>
<h5>Mission:</h5>
</b>
<p>The members of the Dedham Fire Department are committed to serving the community by protecting life, property, and the environment. Our mission is to provide the highest level of fire prevention and education, emergency medical and fire services to all those who visit, work and live in the Town of Dedham.</p>
<b>
<h5>Services:</h5>
</b>
<ul>
    <li>Fire Suppression</li>
    <li>Fire Investigation</li>
    <li>Emergency Medical Response</li>
    <li>Hazardous Materials Response</li>
    <li>Fire Prevention</li>
    <li>Fire and Safety Education</li>
</ul>
<b>
<h5>Incidents: January 1 – October 1</h5>
</b>
<ul>
    <li>Total Incidents – 4,307</li>
    <li>Fire Suppression – 83</li>
    <li>Building Fires – 11</li>
    <li>Emergency Medical and Rescue – 2,900</li>
    <li>Hazardous Materials or Condition – 201</li>
    <li>Service Calls and Mutual Aid – 418</li>
    <li>Alarm Activations – 546</li>
    <li>Other Calls for Service - 158</li>
</ul>
<b>
<h5>Public Safety Building:</h5>
</b>
<ul>
    <li>April 20, 2023 – Fire Department and E-911 Dispatch Center moved into new facility.</li>
    <li>Adequate space for fire apparatus and equipment.</li>
    <li>All Fire, Police and Dispatch personnel vehicles are now parking in the sub-surface parking garage, leaving the newly created parking lot available for Town Hall and Senior Center employees and visitors.</li>
    <li>The training room accommodates all on-duty fire personnel during weekly training sessions. </li>
</ul>
<b>
<h5>Personnel:</h5>
</b>
<ul>
    <li>Captain Edward Berry retired July 19, 2023, after 27 years of service.</li>
    <li>Lieutenant David Sheehan promoted to Captain August 26, 2023</li>
    <li>Firefighter Richard Becker promoted to Lieutenant August 26, 2023</li>
    <li>Firefighter Matthew Jasset promoted to Lieutenant August 26, 2023</li>
    <li>Firefighter Paul Bouchard promoted to Lieutenant August 26, 2023</li>
    <li>Firefighter James Morrison promoted to Lieutenant October 1, 2023</li>
    <li>Currently accepting applications from candidates on the Civil Service eligible list to fill four firefighter positions. Once selected, the firefighter candidates will attend a 12-week training academy where they will learn all the basic aspects of being a firefighter. The next available fire academy is in the Spring of 2024. </li>
</ul>
<b>
<h5>Capital Projects:</h5>
</b>
<ul>
    <li>Squad 3 / Special Operations Vehicle: Due for delivery in October 2023. This vehicle is primarily used when responding to incidents involving hazardous materials and technical rescues. The funding for this project was approved as part of the fire department’s FY23 capital budget request.</li>
    <li>ATV: Currently awaiting delivery of this off-road vehicle that will be used to gain access to and transport injured individuals from within wooded and hard to reach areas. The funding for this project was approved as part of the fire department’s FY23 capital budget request. </li>
    <li>Squad 1 / Brush Unit: Currently in the design process with the vendor and we are hoping to have this vehicle within 10 – 12 months. The funding for this project was approved as part of the fire department’s FY24 capital request.</li>
    <li>Rescue Boat: Currently working with several vendors on proposals for this vessel. The funding for this project was approved as part of the fire department’s FY24 capital request.</li>
</ul>
<b>
<h5>Fire Prevention and Education:</h5>
</b>
<ul>
    <li>The fire department continues to provide fire and life safety education to all pre- and elementary school age students. Fire department educators engaged with over 1,500 students throughout the town as they visited schools and held an open house during <i>fire prevention week </i>in the month of October. </li>
    <li>All public and private schools are required to have quarterly fire drills and safety inspections. These drills and inspections are conducted by on-duty fire department companies along with the Captain assigned to the Office of Fire Prevention.</li>
    <li>The Office of Fire Prevention is also responsible for: </li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
    <ul type="circle">
        <li>Commercial and residential plan review.</li>
        <li>Commercial and residential inspections.</li>
        <li>Code enforcement, violations and investigating complaints.</li>
        <li>Issuing sprinkler, fire alarm and other permits required under 527CMR 1.00.</li>
        <li>Conducting quarterly inspections of facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health and Department of Public Welfare, including daycare and childcare facilities as required by M.G.L. Ch. 148.</li>
        <li>Conducting quarterly inspections of hotels and motels as required by M.G.L. Ch. 148.</li>
    </ul>
</ul>
<b>
<h5>Training:</h5>
</b>
<ul>
    <li>All firefighters receive 100 plus hours of in-service and specialized training throughout the year.
    <ul>
        <li>Emergency medical services</li>
        <li>Hazardous materials</li>
        <li>Emergency vehicle operations</li>
        <li>Pump operations</li>
        <li>Aerial and ground ladder operations</li>
        <li>Vehicle extrication</li>
        <li>Technical rescue</li>
        <li>&nbsp;Health and wellness: physical fitness, nutritional and mental wellness</li>
    </ul>
    </li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h5><b>Future</b></h5>
<ul>
    <li>Looking forward, the fire department will continue to find ways to maintain and improve upon the level of service that we provide to the citizens of our town. Our staffing levels, equipment and training will continue to be the focus of our success as we cope with demographic changes. Muti-unit residential properties, over-55 communities, day care facilities and mixed-use occupancies are now a part of our community, and we must be able to meet their needs.</li>
    <li>Built in 1898 our East Dedham Fire Station is 125 years old and is an integral part of our East Dedham neighborhood. Many improvements, including structural, life safety, electrical and plumbing have taken place over the years, but it is becoming more evident that this building needs to be replaced. Home to Engine 3 and Reserve Engine 6, this station is responsible for providing timely emergency response within District 3, which includes the East Dedham, Oakdale and Manor sections of town. The most recent study / evaluation of this building was performed in 2009 and at that time the town was presented with several options for replacing or renovating the existing building. It is imperative that the town performs an assessment of the East Dedham Fire Station to better understand its current condition and then establish a plan based upon that assessment. </li>
</ul>
<h5>Contact Information:</h5>
<p>Fire Department (Non-Emergency): <a href="tel:781-751-9400" target="_blank" id="link_1677619311439" title="opens new phone call">781-751-9400</a></p>
<p>Emergency: 911</p>

<h5>Prepared by:</h5>
<p>Kylee Sullivan, Health Director</p>
<h5>Recent Events</h5>
<p>The Town had another successful flu vaccination clinic season. The Board would like to thank all Health Department staff and volunteers who attended the clinics and ensured things ran smoothly.</p>
<ul>
    <li>Public clinic (October 5^th): 320 residents received their flu shot at the annual public clinic.</li>
    <li>Senior clinic (October 10^th): 100 seniors received their flu shot at the American Legion.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are homebound resident in need of a flu vaccine, or have additional questions, please contact the Dedham Public Health Nurse at (781) 751-9220. </p>
<p>The Board encourages residents to reach out to their medical provider or preferred pharmacy to stay up to date on their vaccinations, including the flu and COVID-19 vaccine.</p>
<h5>Upcoming Events</h5>
<p>The next Household Hazardous Waste Day will be on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Department of Public Works (55 River Street). Proof of Dedham residency must be provided.</p>
<p>The following items will be accepted:</p>
<ul>
    <li>oil paint</li>
    <li>pool chemicals</li>
    <li>motor vehicle chemicals</li>
    <li>pesticides, antifreeze</li>
    <li>fluorescent light bulbs</li>
    <li>gasoline</li>
    <li>household chemicals</li>
    <li>mercury thermometers</li>
    <li>1 pound propane cylinders</li>
    <li>rechargeable batteries</li>
</ul>
<p>The following items will NOT be accepted: </p>
<ul>
    <li>latex paint</li>
    <li>fire extinguishers</li>
    <li>motor vehicle batteries</li>
    <li>appliances</li>
    <li>tires</li>
    <li>propane tanks</li>
</ul>
<p>Please note, all waste must be in labeled containers, and containers must be disposed of with the waste. Contact the Health Department at <a href="tel:781-751-9220" target="_blank" id="link_1697567635720" title="opens new phone call">(781) 751-9220</a> with questions.</p>
<h5>Request for Community Input </h5>
<p>Opioid Settlement Survey: The Town of Dedham is conducting a survey to gather input from residents and businesses affected by opioid use, including people currently using drugs, those in recovery, and their friends and family. This survey will help the Town understand the needs and preferences of our community and guide the allocation of funds that the Town will receive from settlements with opioid producers and distributors.</p>
<p>The Massachusetts Attorney General has reached multi-billion-dollar resolutions with opioid producers and distributors that aim to address the opioid crisis by providing funds for prevention, treatment, and recovery. The Town of Dedham will receive funds from these settlements over the next decade and a half. We value your input in allocating these funds effectively.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/home/showpublishedimage/7150/638671632807070000" alt="QR Code for Opioid Settlement Funding Community Input Survey" title="QR Code for Opioid Settlement Funding Community Input Survey" longdesc="QR Code for Opioid Settlement Funding Community Input Survey" style="width: 400px; height: 400px; vertical-align: middle; margin: 0px;"></p>
<h5>Contact Information:</h5>
<p>Board of Health:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dedhamboardofhealth@dedham-ma.gov" title="opens new email to Board of Health" id="email_1677616965341" tabindex="0">dedhamboardofhealth@dedham-ma.gov</a></p>
<p>Health Department:&nbsp;<a href="tel:781-751-9220" target="_blank" id="link_1677616973327" title="opens new phone call" tabindex="0">781-751-9220</a></p>

Prepared By:

Chris Kelly, Dedham Human Rights Commission Chair

Sari Chait, Dedham Human Rights Commission Vice Chair

Vicki Castagnola, Dedham Human Rights Commission Clerk

DEDHAM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 2023

The Dedham Human Rights Commission has had a busy year.

Our activities have included coordinating and hosting four large-scale community events, including Dedham’s sixth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration in January, the third annual LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Raising Celebration in June, and the second annual Cultural Festival and Community Picnic in August. This year, the HRC also collaborated with the Dedham Coalition for Equity and Inclusion and Town leadership to present Dedham’s first-ever Juneteenth Flag Raising Celebration.

We participated once again at Dedham Day, where we hosted a table and encouraged residents to create a collage of words that they would use to describe themselves or their hopes for our community.

We continue to provide a platform to know one another better and to consider issues facing our town with the HRC’s monthly program on Dedham TV, I Am Dedham.

More recently, the Human Rights Commission has been working with a coalition of town leaders and residents to help coordinate assistance for 140 migrant families, many with small children, who have been housed in two Dedham hotels while they pursue the asylum process.

With several new members arriving on the HRC this year, we have also begun the process of reviewing our activities and initiatives to determine where we can have the best and strongest impact in our community. As an un-funded group, we are exploring the formation of a Friends of the HRC organization to raise money for our many annual activities.

Contact Information:

Human Rights Commission: dedhamhrc@gmail.com

Prepared by:

Dedham Public Library Director Amber Moroney and Board of Library Trustees

About the Dedham Public Library

The Dedham Public Library has been serving the residents of Dedham for over 150 years. Since its establishment in 1872, the Library has grown from a rented room over Thomas J. Baker’s store on the corner of Court and Norfolk Streets to a Library with two bustling buildings.

Existing Buildings

For more than 50 years, study after study has shown that the library buildings are not adequate to properly serve the Dedham community. A 1977 report concluded that “the present library building and facility in Dedham is critically inadequate.” That report cites a 1967 survey that stated “the building was too small to meet preset day demands…that many programs which represent the library’s attempts at adult education…have been canceled because the latter [space] were not provided in the present building.” Similar sentiments are found in reports from 2003 and 2013.

Library Statistics

Yet the Library has continued to reach residents. From 2003 to 2023, Dedham’s population has increased 12%, physical circulation of library material increased 32.7%, reference questions increased 95%, and program attendance increased 831%. While the library is thriving, it has long been clear that the physical space is inadequate and hinders more, bigger, and better programs and collections.

The Library is excited to announce that it is taking steps to determine the physical needs to sustain and grow its programs and services and will be applying for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant.

Upcoming Community Survey

In the coming weeks, residents will have the opportunity to complete a survey and/or attend community meetings to share their opinions about our town and Library and offer ideas for the future. Whether or not you are a current Library user, your participation in the survey and community meetings is valuable. It will help us better understand the community needs, interests, and priorities, so the Library can better serve us all.

The survey will open the week of October 23 and will be available for one month. Information regarding the survey, community meetings, and the MPLCP grant can be found at dedhamlibrary.com/building.

Contact Information:

Board of Library Trustees: librarytrustees@dedham-ma.gov

Main Library: 781-751-9284

Endicott Branch: 781-751-9178

Prepared by:

Jim Maher, Chair

On-Going Work

1. Worked with the Conservation Commission to revise Article 12 to include the continuance of the OSRC.
2. In the process of making public our Way Finding GIS Map of public Recreational or Conservation Properties to the public.  This was a Project that we collaborated with the Engineering Dept., Recreation Dept, Conservation Dept and Town Hall.     
3. Had 2 members volunteer for the Wigwam Pond Advisory Committee for the Planning Board and will make a presentation to the Planning Board on October 11th.
4. Contacted the Noble and Greenough School regarding Jenney Lane and making their path more accessible to the local community. The Head of School, Dr. Hall has agreed to have the path made more accessible.
5. Reviewing Grants for an ADA Accessible path to the Powder House for viewing purposes.

About the Committee

Created by a vote of Town Meeting in April 2004, the Open Space & Recreation Committee conducts continuous review and oversight of the Open Space Plan for the Town. Its duties include:

1. Keeping the Town current with State requirements for open space or recreation plans and with opportunities and eligibility for State funding;
2. Reviewing and revising a Five-Year Action Plan for open space preservation and recreational needs;
3. Increasing public awareness and support of open or recreational space through education, advocacy, and promotion of land trusts, conservation, or agricultural restrictions for suitable properties; and
4. Submitting an annual report to the Select Board

Contact Information:

Planning and Zoning Department: (781) 751-9240

Prepared by:

Robert Stanely, Parks and Recreation Director

Department Highlights

As we step into 2024, the Park and Recreation department proudly affirms its full recovery from the challenging pandemic years. Both program revenue and pool revenue have soared to unprecedented heights. While the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) typically sees program revenue make up around 20% of an operating budget, our department has remarkably surged towards the 50% mark, with fiscal year 2023 revenues exceeding our ambitious $500,000 target by a significant 12%.

Goals

While revenue achievements are impressive, our primary focus remains on boosting community participation, a goal we achieved exceptionally in the past year. Furthermore, we have an exciting plan to relocate our Recreation Center to the Capen School, affording us a full-size gym and expanding our spectrum of programming opportunities.

On the Parks front, we maintain our advocacy for increased funding to support our fields. Maintaining these athletic spaces is paramount for ensuring athlete safety and fostering a positive sports culture. The continuous upkeep of these fields plays a critical role in preventing accidents stemming from uneven surfaces, holes, or other hazards. It's worth noting that the proper maintenance not only guarantees safety but also preserves the appeal of these fields to athletes and fans, thereby elevating the overall sporting experience. Although field maintenance can be a costly endeavor, involving activities like mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and repair work, bolstering the budget for this purpose is a necessity. It ensures the provision of safe and well-maintained facilities, a key factor in promoting a vibrant and healthy sports community.

Also on the Parks side of our department, we are committed to enhancing the user-friendliness of our open spaces for the entire community. We have secured funding in our budget and obtained grants for shade structures, the first of which you will witness at Gonzalez field next spring, with plans to introduce them to other parks as well. We've also made significant investments in additional picnic tables and benches. Furthermore, we are set to install bike racks at various park locations across the town. Building on the success of our kayak and canoe storage racks at the Dolan Center, which had a waiting list, we have expanded these storage systems. For those without a kayak, we are excited to introduce the first kayak vending machine in Massachusetts. Simply use our user-friendly mobile app to unlock a kayak at your convenience.

In the medium to long term, our strategic focus is to devise plans that address the current shortage of playing fields. Given the limited availability of open space, acquiring additional land is a challenging option. Consequently, we will persist in exploring the feasibility of developing the Striar property, given its status as one of the few remaining open spaces available to us.

Contact Information:

Parks & Recreation Department: 781-751-9250

Prepared By:

Police Chief Michael J. d'Entremont

Mission:

The mission of the Dedham Police Department is to protect and serve the citizens of Dedham through collaboration, preventative programs and the judicious enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the by-laws of the Town of Dedham.

While life for all drastically changed with the outbreak of Covid-19, members of the Dedham Police Department remained on duty throughout all stages of the Pandemic to serve the community.  We are most grateful to the many community members and organizations who supported our personnel through donations of personal protective equipment to help keep all safe and healthy during this very challenging time.

Services:

The Police Department provides services to the community in the form of:

Uniformed Patrol: The uniformed officers who patrol the community and respond to calls for service;

Traffic Enforcement:  Officers who primarily focus on traffic enforcement efforts throughout the community;

Investigations:  Plain clothes officers with specialized training to respond to serious crime scenes and conduct protracted investigations;

School and Community Resource Programs:  Uniformed officers with specialized training who focused on working with youths in the community, schools and senior citizens.  Two School Resource Officers are trained as handlers for our Community Resource Dog, Ruby.  Ruby is trained as a comfort dog and in tracking.  She is a 3 year old English Cream Golden Retriever trained by Golden Opportunities of Independence.

Animal Control:  One uniformed civilian with specialized training in managing issues related to domestic animals and wildlife.  This position also provides parking enforcement in the Dedham Square area as well as assistance with the maintenance of parking meters.

Court Prosecution and Diversion:  Works in conjunction with the court system and District Attorney’s office representing the Department in all matters related to criminal charges, protection orders and civil traffic issues submitted by department members.

Administrative Services:  A variety of administrative services and support for Department operations including management, licensing, training, property and evidence, information technology, police details, public records and more.  

Parking Enforcement:  The first parking enforcement officer was hired to focus on parking violations in Dedham Square and throughout town.

Domestic Violence:  The department is fortunate to have the services of a Domestic Violence Advocate made available to us through a Violence Against Women Act grant by Domestic Violence Ended (DOVE).  Sarah Kinnae works with members of the community and Department members on domestic violence issues one day a week and is available as needed.

During December of 2020, the Department entered in an agreement with Riverside Community Care to work in collaboration with a Master Level Clinician (“Riverside Clinician”) to provide on-site clinical support to serve the community as part of Riverside Community Care’s Law Enforcement Clinical Support Program.  Our clinician works 20 hours each week with our personnel and members of the community.  Examples of the duties of the Clinician include:

1. Provide flexible mobile or station-based intervention, counseling, assessment, triage, referral and education to the community as requested by the police department.
2. Meet with the family members of a struggling minor in the community at an agreed upon location, which may include school, home or the library.
3. Assist with referrals for mental health treatment and support services.
4. Respond with law enforcement to calls requiring mental health support.
5. Outreach with community members to provide guidance in the development of safety plans.
6. Provide crisis evaluation and assistance to community members seeking substance abuse treatment.
7. Complete data related tasks.

Recognition:

School Resource Officer Meghan Jenkins and Officer Brian Crump were recognized with a commendation for Excellence in CIT, presented to them by the Brookline Police CIT-TTAC Team during February of 2023.

Business Manager Karen Camerano was presented with a Special Recognition Award from the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement based on her on-going above and beyond contributions to the Department.

Personnel Changes:

• Officer Dan Ford transferred to the Plymouth Police Department on July 10, 2022

• Elizabeth Hodgdon retired on November 4, 2022

• Officer Bill Wilds retired on March 24, 2023.  Sadly, Officer Wilds passed away on April 18, 2023

• Deputy Chief Michael Buckley retired on April 14, 2023

• Officer Erin McIsaac resigned from the Department on June 2, 2023 after transferring to Dedham from Sharon on October 10, 2022

• Alysia Dimuzio joined the Department in a civilian administrative role on January 2, 2023

• Officer Jonathan Dillon joined the Department as a Patrol Officer on January 29, 2023

• Officer Georgios Emmanouilidis joined the Department as a Patrol Officer on January 30, 2023

• Officer Dominic Alessio began a police academy to be trained as a police officer on February 21, 2023

• Officer Marissa Holland was promoted to Sergeant effective August 21, 2022

• Officer James Quigley was promoted to Sergeant effective August 22, 2022

Combined Public Safety Building:

Department members continued to work with Dore and Whittier, Commodore Builders, Vertex and other Town Departments on the new Combined Public Safety Building during the construction phase.  We are most appreciative of the community’s support to make this project a reality.  The Department officially moved into the new building on May 1, 2023.  The building is fantastic.  The operations of the Police Department are fully supported by the building. 

Community Engagement:

Building relationships and trust between community members and police officers is a foundation for effective policing and community safety.  Non-enforcement interactions help to develop relationships and build trust.  While not all inclusive, the Department took part in the following community engagement events during FY2023:

• Visit to Traditions by School Officers and Community Resource Dog Ruby to discuss scams with seniors on July 7, 2022
• National Ice Cream Day at Ron’s Ice Cream on July 17, 2022
• Annual Bike Rodeo at the Endicott Estate on July 27, 2022
• Child safety seat installations throughout the year
• Pink Patch hat sales during October lead to a donation of $1,500 to Dana Farber
• National Night Out events during July and August in partnership with the Oakdale Square Alliance, Dedham Public Library, Blue Bunny Books, Manor Neighborhood Association, Dedham Coalition for Equity and Inclusion, Mother Brook Community Group and Riverdale Neighborhood
• Youth kickball game in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department
• Annual fund raising golf tournament on August 8, 2022
• Middle School trip to see a Woo Sox game on August 17, 2022
• Summer Fit Club in partnership with the Dedham Public Schools from June through July
• Dedham Day on September 25, 2022
• Coffee with a Cop at the Big Bear and Dick’s Sporting Goods on October 5, 2022
• Faith and Blue meet and greet with St. Mary’s Parish on October 8, 2022
• High School Breakfast Club in partnership with Dedham Public Schools and the Youth Commission throughout the school year
• Walk and Bike to School on October 12, 2022 and May 3, 2023
• Dedham County Day first grade visit to the police station on October 27, 2022
• DEA National Drug Take Back Days during October of 2022 and April of 2023
• Trunk or Treat in Dedham Square, October 29, 2022
• Holiday Stroll, December of 202
• Oakdale Light the Night on December 3, 2022
• Holiday visits to Dedham Housing Authority properties for coffee and treats
• Annual holiday donation to the Dedham Food Pantry, 140 ham’s were donated on December 18, 2022
• Middle School ski trip to Gunstock Mountain, February 2, 2023
• Launch Trampoline Park Middle School event on April 19, 2023
• Eight Grade Cookout, June 21, 2023
• Training and Intervention Procedures for Alcohol Servers during November of 2022 and May of 2023
• Distribution of reflective straps to enhance pedestrian safety courtesy of grant funding provided by EOPSS
• Autism Awareness patch sales led to a donation of $1,030 to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, Spring 2023
• Memorial Day celebration
• Ride to school raffles in support of community events throughout the year
• Flag Day Parade
• Assistance unloading food deliveries at the Dedham Food Pantry one day per month
• Participation in multiple Rail Safe Events in partnership with the MBTA throughout the year

2023 Statistics:

Motor vehicle infractions cited:  8,172

Top three infractions cited:  speeding, failure to stop and vehicle inspection violations

Arrests:  88

Criminal complaints submitted to the courts:  162

Part 1 crimes reported to the FBI:

• Forcible rape - 2
• Robbery – 6
• Assault – 140
• Burglary – 21
• Larceny – 319
• Motor vehicle theft – 27

Initiatives in Support of Vulnerable Community Members

“Carter Kits™ Sensory Bags contain clinically proven items known to comfort and appropriately focus children who are on the autism spectrum, as well as many other children who occasionally find themselves overwhelmed or otherwise impacted by traumatic events.” (Carterkits.org)

Officers received training and five Carter Kits were deployed in marked cruisers to assist officers when interacting with community members impacted by sensory challenges during August of 2022.

“Project Lifesaver is the premier search and rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies, and is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering.” (Projectlifesaver.org)

Through grant funding provided by the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, three officers were trained/re-trained on the Project Lifesaver program and equipment.  All Department members were subsequently trained and the Department received new program equipment.

Municipal Road Safety Grant 

Courtesy of grant funding provided by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Dedham Police Department was able to dedicate additional resources to traffic enforcement to focus on pedestrian safety, impaired operation, distracted driving, seat belt use and speeding.  Enforcement efforts under this grant achieved the following results:

• Pedestrian safety enforcement hours:76
  • Citations for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk:154
• 246 enforcement hours focused on risk taking behavior resulting in the issuance of 625 citations, including:
  • Speeding:333 citations issued
  • Failing to stop/yield:107 citations issued
  • Use of a cell phone while driving:66 citation issued

The men and women of the Police Department show up to collaborate with and serve the community day in and day out to provide public safety services under circumstances which are increasingly complex and challenging.  The dedication and professionalism of all personnel is truly remarkable and appreciated.

Contact Information:

Police (Non-Emergency): 781-751-9300

Emergency: 911

Prepared by:

John Tocci, Chair

• John Tocci, Chair, Town Moderator Appointment Steve Bilafer, Vice Chair, Town Moderator Appointment
• Josh Donati, Member, Selectboard
• Mayanne MacDonald Briggs, Member, School Committee Stephen Acosta, Member, School Committee
• John Heffernan, Member, Finance & Warrant Committee Phillip Gonzalez, Member, Town Moderator Appointment Nancy Baker, Ex-Officio, Assistant Town Manager
• Nan Murphy, Ex-Officio, DPS Superintendent of Schools
• Matthew Wells, Ex-Officio, DPS Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Jennifer McGowan, Ex-Officio, Greenlodge School Principal
• Kimberly Hermesch, Ex-Officio, Oakdale School Principal Kerri Bryant, Ex-Officio Appointee
• Kaitlyn DeStefano, Ex-Officio Appointee Katherine Duceman, Ex-Officio Appointee Steve Popper, Ex-Officio Appointee Anthony Rodriguez , Ex-Officio Appointee Sara Rosenthal, Ex-Officio Appointee

In April of 2021 State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to invite the Town of Dedham into the MSBA’s funding program, commencing with an “Eligibility Period” for the Oakdale Elementary School.

Dedham’s application was one of only fifteen projects accepted by the MSBA from 161 applying municipalities. This acceptance made Dedham eligible for state funding through the MSBA for elementary school renovation/construction costs.

Under the guidance of Superintendent Welch, Dedham successfully completed the MSBA’s “Eligibility Period” requirements. This project is now in the “Feasibility Study” phase of the MSBA Capital Pipeline. In November of 2021, Town Meeting appropriated up to one million dollars for a feasibility study. The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC) is charged with guiding school construction or rehabilitation projects in Dedham. We chose Vertex as our Project Manager after a very competitive process this spring of 2023 and in November 2023 we selected Jonathan Levi Architects (JLA) as our Project Designer.

The reconstruction process is very much driven by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The MSBA has been in existence since 2004 and helped fund the construction of the Middle School, the Avery School and our new ECEC. In 2016 the MSBA conducted a statewide review of school buildings and evaluated the condition of every school facility in our community.

Oakdale was rated as in most acute need of rehabilitation and Riverdale and Greenlodge were also determined to be substandard based on today’s standards. Following this evaluation, the school department issued a long-term capital plan in 2020 which calls for the replacement or reconstruction of the Oakdale School (121 years old), the Riverdale School (102 years old) and the Greenlodge School (71 years old).

The feasibility process is the process by which the School Committee and SBRC — together with the community — develop and evaluate alternative options for addressing the building conditions of the Oakdale School. Our goal is to determine the most educationally appropriate and cost effective solution for the community. Since we are availing ourselves of the MSBA funding process, we must comply with MSBA rules and the MSBA timeline. The MSBA required Dedham to consider three enrollment options:

 

Between September 2022 and July 2023, the SBRC engaged the community in over 40 meetings. See Attachment A. In addition to duly posting meeting announcements with the Town Clerk, meeting announcements were regularly distributed to all Dedham elected officials, Dedham Town Meeting Precinct Chairs and Vice-Chairs, through town distribution channels and via eight separate Facebook groups. See Attachment B. The meetings included presentations and discussions with each school PTO (including the ECEC and Middle School), meetings held at each elementary school, a walking tour of five potential construction sites, and several community meetings held at Dedham Middle School.

In March of 2023 the SBRC issued a Preliminary Design Plan to the MSBA which provided an analysis of existing conditions, consideration and analysis of various sites and narrowed options. At that time, the prospective building sites were narrowed to Oakdale, Greenlodge, Riverdale, the Capen site (on Sprague Street) and the Striar Property.

In June of 2023the School Committee unanimously voted to approve the 550 enrollment option which entailed the consolidation of the Greenlodge and Oakdale Elementary Schools. By that time, the construction site options had been narrowed to the Greenlodge, Capen and Oakdale sites. The Greenlodge site was eliminated from consideration soon thereafter. At its June 26 meeting, the SBRC chose the 6.2 acre Oakdale campus over the 4.2 acre Capen campus as the site for the combined school. At the behest of several Dedham residents, the SBRC held a meeting in July 2023 to deliberate on possible reconsideration or recission of its vote in favor of the Oakdale campus. The SBRC unanimously rejected any reconsideration or recission.

At the end of August the SBRC submitted a Preferred Schematic Report (the PSR) to the MSBA. This report included a detailed analysis and description of narrowed options, decisions regarding enrollment for the options and Dedham’s preferred solution of a 550 enrollment school situated at the Oakdale campus.

 

The School Department has indicated its intent to maintain control of Greenlodge for education/recreation purposes or other community use. The School Department has also engaged with its redistricting consultant to develop a preliminary redistricting plan. The redistricting process will aim to fairly distribute students and ensure that all Greenlodge students will attend the new school. Moreover, the School Committee has established a facilities subcommittee which is studying use of the Greenlodge campus and possible uses for Capen.

With the submission of the PSR, the Project Designer has turned its attention to the detailed design of the new school. At its October 10 meeting, the SBRC unanimously voted in favor of design D.2. Attachment C. This design is the favored design concept of Dedham Public Schools superintendent Murphy and Greenlodge and Oakdale Principals McGowan and Hermesch. JLA has held meetings with over 50 educators and staff members of the Greenlodge and Oakdale Schools to derive insights into design choices. Throughout the fall of 2023, the design will be refined by JLA. By the end of 2023, the SBRC shall deliver a Schematic Design to the MSBA. This will be an architectural design of the chosen option. This will allow us to issue a refined project budget. The current construction estimate for the combined school is $113,189,843.00. Conservatively estimating a 25% total project cost contribution from the MSBA -- $28,297,461 – the total net project cost to Dedham will be $84.9 million. Attachment D.

The MSBA will consider and vote on Dedham’s Schematic Design on February 28, 2024. We anticipate a town-wide vote (simple majority to pass) and Town Meeting vote (two-thirds to pass) on the project and debt exclusion within 120 days of the MSBA’s approval. The exact date and order of the town-wide vote and Town Meeting vote will be determined in early 2024.

If the town votes to move forward with building a consolidated Greenlodge-Oakdale elementary school at the Oakdale property, we expect construction to begin in the spring of 2025 with an anticipated opening date in September of 2026.

Contact Information:

Email the project team at greenlodge-oakdaleproject@dedham.k12.ma.us

Prepared By:

Taxation Aid Committee Members Geoff Tegnell and Michael Perna

About the Taxation Aid Committee:

The Taxation Aid Fund was established to provide financial help in paying real estate taxes for elderly and disabled Dedham resident homeowners of limited means. On May 19, 2014 the Annual Town Meeting voted to approve Article 37, thereby accepting Section 3D of Chapter 60 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 166 of the Acts of 1998 authorizes cities and towns to establish a fund for the purpose of accepting donations for property tax relief for certain seniors and disabled taxpayers. Since 2014 taxpayers have been designated contributions on their quarterly tax bill to this Fund. As of 2022 more than $30,000 has been raised, allowing allocation of the first annual awards. In all, this past December thirty-four qualified applicants received awards of $400 each.  

Members:

The Taxation Aid Fund is overseen by a five-person committee. Three are volunteer citizens members, Chair Geoff Tegnell, Michael Perna, and Clerk Jo-Anne Richard, interim Dedham Treasurer Jason Caravaggio and Chair of the Board of Assessors Michael T. Polito.

Work of the Committee:

Since 2023 was the first year that awards were to be made, the Committee was tasked by the Select Board with establishing qualifying application criteria, publicizing the Fund, facilitating the application process, evaluating the applications, and determining the amount of awards. It was a total team effort, with a little help from our friends. Lauren Perna is to be thanked for designing the Fund’s brochure and its printing was paid for by the Council on Aging. The brochure was disseminated to all of Dedham’s churches as well as the government offices, Food Pantry, Farmers’ Market, town libraries, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Moose, and numerous businesses.  

In addition, a PowerPoint presentation about the Fund was added to the Dedham town website with voice overs in both English and Spanish. Thanks to Alexandra Shumway for producing the English version and to Erick Straghalis for producing the Spanish version. The response was gratifying in that over 40 applications were received, most of which qualified for awards. More than $13000 was awarded to qualified recipients.  It must be noted, however, that the FY2023 awards have diminished the Taxation Aid Fund considerably.

This Fall the Taxation Aid Committee has again launched a campaign to publicize Dedham’s program of F2024 tax relief for eligible candidates via newspaper articles, brochure distribution, and online resources.  In these means Dedham’s elderly and disabled homeowners are being notified that they may apply for 2024 taxation aid until November 1^st, 2023.  Directions to do so may be found on the town website at Taxation Aid Fund | Town of Dedham (dedham-ma.gov)

Since they are based on both the number of qualifying applicants and available funds, awards will vary in amount from year to year. In order to increase both the amounts awarded and the number of recipients, the Taxation Aid Fund needs additional funding. Therefore, donations are always needed and will be gratefully accepted by the Select Board in any amount and at any time.  Donations can be conveniently made on each property tax bill, by logging on to the Town Donation page at Pay a Bill or Fee Online | Town of Dedham (dedham-ma.gov), or by sending a check payable to the Town of Dedham to: Treasurer/Collector: Town of Dedham, Taxation Aid Fund, 450 Washington St., Dedham, MA 02026. Note: Per Massachusetts law governing this program, taxation aid donations made via a property tax bill must amount to at least $1.

Contact Information:

Taxation Aid Committee: 781-751-9160, TaxAid@dedham-ma.gov 

Prepared by:

Dan Driscoll, Moderator and Cherylann Sheehan, Deputy Moderator

Town Meeting Forum

Last May, we convened a first -ever Town Meeting Forum, an open meeting designed to gather ideas for making Town Meeting work better. Deputy Moderator Cherylann Sheehan and I were joined by Sarah Sally, Mike Butler and Kevin Preston in presenting this discussion.  Three principal areas were identified:

• Improve the availability of Information
• Clarify Town Meeting procedures and terminology
• Review Dedham’s practice of completing business in one night

Steps Taken

• With the expert guidance and hard work of Public Information Officer Amanda Smith, Dedham’s website now has a Town Meeting page dedicated to the upcoming Town Meeting. This page brings together, on one page, the Warrant, public hearings dates, budget information and a list of Town Meeting Representatives with contact information. Our thanks to Town Clerk Paul Munchbach for his contributions to this effort.
• We are making every effort to mail the Town Meeting Warrant book earlier. For the May Annual Town Meeting process, this requires concentrating the budget preparation work done by the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Director of Finance and the Finance and Warrant Committee.
• The Finance and Warrant Committee and the Capital Expenditures Committee now conduct joint meetings make the process more efficient and to provide a better flow of information.
• We will continue to offer special information sessions on complex issues, such as has been done on the Town Green and the Public Safety Building.
• We have used short video presentations, done with the assistance of Dedham Cable TV and Public Information Officer Amanda Smith, to provide some introductory information on Town Meeting procedures and the Town’s budgeting process. We want to thank Bob Lo Porto, District 5 Chair, for championing this idea.
• The Planning Board and the Select Board have agreed to schedule complex Planning Board articles earlier in the evening, so that they can get the attention they deserve. The previous Planning Board Chair, John Bethoney, and Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager worked to make this improvement.
• The Select Board have agreed to post Town Meetings for two nights, instead of one. This procedural improvement makes it easier to adjourn the Meeting to another night if the Town Meeting Representative vote to do so.

We are continuing our efforts to identify improvements that can make the Town Meeting a more efficient and meaningful experience.

Prepared By:

Joe Hamilton, Veterans Services Officer

Role of the Veterans Services Office

The Veteran’s office has been engaged in outreach events to inform Veterans and their families of benefits available. A monthly meeting is scheduled for the last Monday of every month at 10am in the Senior Center.” Military Mondays” is open to all Veterans, family, and friends of veterans. The last report from the Mass Department of Veteran Services to our Dedham office was in 2021. At that time Dedham had 319 federal benefits recipients totaling $485,955. For the year. 269 veteran compensation, 4 veteran pension, and 38 DIC beneficiaries.  

The Veteran’s Office has been working with the Council on Aging, the Youth Commission, The Health Department, The Brookdale Cemetery, and the Assessor’s office to help provide information and benefits to veterans and their families. Working with Assessing Director Kevin Doyle, The Town of Dedham now participates in a state funded DIC pension program (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) that waives homeowners property tax that are receiving a DIC pension. Dedham currently has 18 homeowners receiving a DIC pension. In past practice a DIC recipient homeowner would receive a $2,000 tax exemption on each year’s property tax. This new program waives the property tax, and the state fully reimburses the town for each DIC homeowner.  

Our state CH115 program has 6 recipients. This past year Dedham CH 115 recipients were paid a total of $40,068.98. Our state reimbursement back to the town was $31,823.82, this is over the 75% reimbursement requirement from the state.  We are working to make more Dedham residents aware and enrolled in the Chapter 115 program. This program has strict guidelines and financial requirements to be able to participate.  The Veteran’s Office has seen a significant increase in federal claims in the last year. The Veteran’s office has had an increase of over 100 federal VA claims in the last year.  Not just with Dedham residents but also with neighboring towns and cities. West Roxbury, Hyde Park and Roslindale are some of the other communities seeking Veteran Benefits at the Dedham office. I believe this is happening for a few different reasons. One, the Dedham office is more accessible than the Boston offices to some communities. Another is the cost of living and tax increases. Veterans and their families are looking for ways to help with these costs. Lastly, I think word of mouth is a big component. We can only submit ch115 applications to Dedham residents. Federal VA compensation, pension and Health care has no residential restrictions. We try to be present, understanding, informative and trustworthy to every person that walks into the office.  

The Veterans Office coordinates Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies and events. We will be having a religious service on Memorial Day followed by a ceremony at Brookdale Cemetery. Afterwards a brunch will be hosted at one of the Veterans Posts.   

The Council on Aging and the Veterans Office host a luncheon a day or two before Veterans Day. On Veterans Day we have the ZERO-K road race followed by a thank a veteran, town wide lunch in. Proceeds from the road race go to the PFC John Andrew Barnes III Armed Forces Scholarship. This scholarship is managed by the Dedham Combined Veterans Council.   

The Veteran’s Office is open to all of Dedham. Anyone who has any concerns, ideas or thoughts is encouraged to call, email, or come in. Dedham is a strong Veteran community and will only become stronger. 

Contact Information:

Veterans Services Office: 781-751-9267