Jason Caravaggio

The meeting included discussions and proposals for a donor recognition and memorial ceremony for Mary (Mimi) Harrington, focusing on plaques and a donor recognition area. The board discussed museum passes for those outside Dedham, deciding to open unreserved passes to the general public one week prior to their date. A sales book cart proposal was discussed but not approved. The board approved CORI checks for all Friends of the Dedham Public Library. A merit pay raise was approved for the Director. The Director reported on paving and restriping at the Main Library, a new hire, presentations at NELA and Internet Librarian, furniture updates, local history projects with Fairbanks House, and a food service program. The board also discussed the Strategic Plan and Quarterly Professional Development meeting.

The meeting included a discussion with representatives from the Dedham Historical Society regarding the Dedham Water Works project, focusing on the history of waterways, water conservation, and the Dedham Water Trail. The committee also received a final presentation from the Climate Fellow on the Town's progress in meeting the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy requirements, including data analysis and future climate change impacts. Additional discussions covered the Environmental Checklist, municipal policy, goals review, and planning for a fall recycling day.

The committee discussed a reserve fund transfer request to cover property insurance costs for the new town hall construction site. They also reviewed the town's excess levy capacity, benchmarking it against other towns' tax rates and levies. The committee explored District Improvement Financing (DIF) as a tool to leverage future development for infrastructure improvements along the highway corridor, including presentations on its advantages and potential benefits. Additionally, they discussed benchmarking practices and reviewed minutes from previous meetings.

The meeting included a report from the Friends of the Dedham Public Library regarding a recognition ceremony for Mary (Mimi) Harrington, a request for a book sales area and donation drop-off, and fundraising efforts. The board discussed and voted on the minutes of July 24, 2018, and the financial report dated August 6, 2018. They also discussed and accepted a policy for the 3D printers. Trustees planned to discuss their personal evaluations in September 2018. The director reported on completed painting at the Main library and scheduled painting at the Endicott branch, a proposed awning for the back of the Main library, and the new DIY librarian's activities. Security cameras have been installed at both libraries. Other topics included a parking meeting, recognition of donors, a letter from the Attorney General, working groups, and a DLIT event.

The meeting addressed several applications, including demolition and construction projects on Bussey Street, redevelopment projects on Bussey Street, Milton Street, and Sawmill Lane, a new single-family dwelling on Icehouse Lane and Powers Street, and roadway and utilities for a proposed subdivision on East Street. Discussions also covered roadway widening and pavement work on Elm Street and Rustcraft Road. The commission discussed the installation of a ramp and canoe/kayak launch on Town Landing Way, including concerns about Japanese Knot Weed. Additionally, the commission discussed a new single-family home on Schoolmaster Lane and the demolition and construction of a retail building on Providence Highway and Eastern Avenue. An informal discussion was held regarding the MotherBrook Trails, a Conservation Committee vacancy, and the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Committee. Certificates of Compliance were addressed for Circuit Road, Country Club Road, and Gonzalez Field, along with administrative approval for tree removal on Westfield Street.