2014 Annual Report Cover Photograph: John J
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TOWN OF NATICK 2014 Annual Report Cover Photograph: John J. Lane Park, Speen Street John J. Lane Park is a newly renovated 7.25 acre park located on Speen Street. Of the total area, the Town owns 3.25 acres and 4 acres are leased from the State. The term of the lease is for a period of 30 years at $3,900/year. With the additional leased area, the Town was able to fulfill its vision for a largely undeveloped park to provide open space and recreational opportunities for the West Natick neighborhoods and entire community. J.J. Lane Park features many amenities, including shade structures, seasonal restrooms, open fields, 2 volleyball courts – one sand, one grass – a bocce court, and playground equipment for kids ages 2 and up. Several paths meander through the Park, connecting the amenities and features, including a large bridge. Troop 7’s Eagle Scout candidates installed several benches, reusing trees that were taken down during construction. These benches define and enhance a lovely grove area that can be used for story time and small performances. Fitness equipment will be installed this spring, also by Eagle Scouts. The Park also features 25 community garden plots; this new program has been very successful in its first year of operation. Several of the Park’s historical features were preserved, including the entrance pillars and relocated center pillar. Signage throughout the Park informs and directs people to the Park’s amenities. The Park’s beautiful design has been recognized by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association, which has selected John J. Lane Park as the winner of the 2015 Design of Facility Agency Award. This award was established to recognize Recreation Depart- ments that create and renovate facilities that greatly enhance their community. The Park was designed by Weston and Sampson, in collaboration with the J.J. Lane Park Oversight Committee. Construction was completed by the Marini Corporation. Jon Marshall, Director of the Recreation and Parks Division of the Community Services Department, served as Project Manager. The Conservation Commission funded the project and pays the annual lease. We are very pleased to welcome all residents to the J.J. Lane Park and hope you spend many hours enjoying this beautiful facility! John J. Lane Park Oversight Committee Members: Beth Baumann, West Natick Neighborhood Association representative Bob Bois, Environmental Compliance Officer Matthew Gardner, Chair, Conservation Commission Arthur Goodhind, Supervisor, DPW Division of Land, Facilities and Natural Resources Jon Marshall, Director, Community Services Division of Recreation and Parks Mark St. Hilaire, Member, Recreation and Parks Commission Wayne Szretter, Member, Recreation and Parks Commission Martha White, Town Administrator Roger Alcott , P.E., Project Manager, Weston & Sampson Front & Back Cover Photographs Courtesy of Roger Alcott, P.E., Project Manager,Weston & Sampson Dedication Michael F. McDaniel, Jr. The 2014 Natick Town Report is dedicated to long-time DPW employee and General Foreman Michael F. McDaniel, Jr. On February 4, 2014, Michael was killed in a work accident while he and his crew were performing emergency repairs on a water line on West Street. Born and raised in Natick, Mike was a 1983 graduate of Natick High School. Michael was devoted to his wife Kathleen and daughter Caroline, and derived great pleasure from time spent in the company of his family and friends. Michael enjoyed many outdoor activities including fishing, working in his garden, playing sports and bike riding with Caroline. Michael loved his job, as evidenced by his 26 year career with the Town of Natick’s Water Department. This tragic accident shook Natick DPW and Town employees, the community of Natick, and public works employees across the state. They, along with Michael’s family, friends and co-workers, deeply appreciated the support they received from neighbors, friends and the public. This accident was a terrible reminder of the dangers that may exist in familiar work environments and during routine operations. While the Natick DPW has well-established safety protocols and policies, and employees receive safety training, tragedies can still occur. In losing Michael, we are reminded that our valued employees are individuals with families, interests, histories and hopes; they are men and women who perform essential and varied work throughout the year in support of the community and its residents. The water we drink, the roads we travel, the emergency medical assistance we receive, the education of our children, the library programs we enjoy – and so much more – are made possible by the good work of Natick’s Town employees. We thank and honor Michael F. McDaniel Jr. for his service to the Town of Natick and wish his family peace. 235th Annual Report of the Town of Natick Massachusetts Year Ending December 31, 2014 Table of Contents Retirees Calendar Year 2014 ..............................................................................................................................................................10 General Statistics ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Elected Town Officials ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Committees Appointed by the Board of Selectmen .....................................................................................................................14 Committees Appointed by the Town Administrator .................................................................................................................... 19 Miscellaneous Boards & Committees .............................................................................................................................................20 Committees Appointed by the Moderator ......................................................................................................................................20 Officials Appointed by the Board of Selectmen ............................................................................................................................21 Officers Appointed by the Town Administrator.......................................................................................................................... 22 SECTION I, ANNUAL REPORTS GENERAL GOVERNMENT Board of Selectmen & Town Administrator ..................................................................................................................................25 Human Resources Director ...............................................................................................................................................................31 Town Counsel ......................................................................................................................................................................................33 Town Clerk ...........................................................................................................................................................................................34 Board of Registrars .............................................................................................................................................................................35 Information Technology ............................................................................................................................................................................36 Community Development Department ..........................................................................................................................................39 Building Department ..........................................................................................................................................................................42 Conservation Commission & Environmental Compliance ........................................................................................................43 Planning Board ....................................................................................................................................................................................45 Zoning Board of Appeals ..................................................................................................................................................................46 Sealer of Weights and Measures .......................................................................................................................................................48 FINANCE DEPARTMENTS Board of Assessors ............................................................................................................................................................................49 Comptroller ..........................................................................................................................................................................................51 Treasurer/Collector ............................................................................................................................................................................52 Board of Retirement ..........................................................................................................................................................................53