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Canton Annual Town Report — 2023
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Source page 1
Town of Canton
Annual Report
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2023
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Town of Canton
Town of Canton
Annual Report
Annual Report
2023
2023Source page 2
On the cover: Canton Fire Department Headquarters, 99 Revere Street Photo courtesy of Jennifer Kemalian, Executive Assistant
Source page 3
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TOWN OF CANTON
2023
2022Source page 4
DEDICATION
This Annual Report is dedicated to
DEDICATION
This Annual Report is dedicated to
DEDICATION
This Annual Report is dedicated to
Retired Police Chief John F. Ruane, Jr.
&
Detective John F. Ruane, III
Retired Police Chief John F. Ruane, Jr.
&
Detective John F. Ruane, III
Retired Police Chief John F. Ruane, Jr.
&
Detective John F. Ruane, III
In recognition of this father and son’s combined 60 years of dedicated service to the Town of Canton and its
citizens as members of the Canton Police Department.
In recognition of this father and son’s combined 60 years of dedicated service to the Town of Canton and its
citizens as members of the Canton Police Department.
In recognition of this father and son’s combined 60 years of dedicated service to the Town of Canton and its
citizens as members of the Canton Police Department.
1
1
1Source page 5
IN RECOGNITION OF THE FOLLOWING RETIREES FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO
THE TOWN
Anthony Allen, Library Custodian
Kathleen Butters, Town Accountant
Lisa Grega, Assistant Town Engineer
Brian Kiely, Water Foreman
Gerald Peters, Service Technician
Linda Sacramona, Information Systems Network Coordinator
Mark Eardley, School Maintenance
Donna Ferguson, School Administrative Assistant
Margaret Foley, School Food Services
Donna Kilday, Preschool Coordinator
Lori Mooney, Teacher
Stephen Prisco, School Custodian
Cathy Spera, School Administrative Assistant
IN MEMORIAM OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED THE TOWN
Peter Capernaros, School Superintendent
Edward Marshall, Board of Registrars/poll worker
Edward Poznysz, Teacher
Edward Lukaszewicz, Conservation Commission
Barbara Stanwood, Poll Worker
Deborah Gray, Teacher
John F. Ruane, Jr., Retired Police Chief
John F. Ruane III, Police Detective
Maryann Sullivan, Poll Worker
Paul Mitcheroney, Historical Commission
Robert DeYeso, Veterans Council
Ada Goodrich, Playground and Rec Commission
William Dickie, Schools
Karen Bunszel, Teacher
Mary Devine, Teacher
Joseph Trovato, Principal
Donna Giudici, Teacher
Richard Lavache, Teacher
Robert Wadman, Police Officer
Paul Scully, Teacher
2
2Source page 6
CANTON COMMUNITY PROFILE
• Settled: 1650
• Incorporated: 1797
• Location: Southeastern Massachusetts at the foot of the Blue Hills
• Roadways: Town 115 miles and State 5.3 miles
• Altitude: 126.8 feet above sea level
• Population: 22,525
• Form of Government: Open Town Meeting
• Annual Town Election: First Tuesday after the first Monday in April
• Annual Town Meeting: Second Monday in May
• Total Number of Registered Voters: 18,120
• Tax Rate: Residential: $10.57 Commercial: $21.57
• Taxable Property: $6,892,908,580
• School System: 3 Elementary, 1 Parochial Elementary, 1 Middle, 1 High School and 1 Regional High School
• Police: Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 4 Lieutenants, 7 Sergeants, 31 Patrolmen, 1 Animal Control Officer, 1 Admin. Aide
• Fire: Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 5 Captains, 9 Lieutenants, 40 Firefighters, 1 EMS Coordinator, 1 Admin. Aide
• United States Senators for Massachusetts: Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey
• United States Congressman Representing the 8th District of Massachusetts: Stephen Lynch
• Massachusetts Governor’s Council District 2: Vacant
• State Senator for Norfolk & Bristol Districts: Paul R. Feeney
• Representative in Massachusetts General Court 6th District: William C. Galvin
3
3Source page 7
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Select Board, Term Town Clerk Term
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Board of Public Works & Licensing Board
Expires Expires
John J. Connolly, Chair 2025 Tracy Kenney 2024
Select Board, Board of Public Works & Licensing Board Town Clerk
Thomas W. Theodore, Vice-Chair 2024
John J. Connolly, Chair 2025 Tracy Kenney 2024
Michael C. Loughran, Clerk 2024 Board of Assessors
Thomas W. Theodore, Vice-Chair 2024
Christopher M. Albert 2026 William C. Galvin 2025
Michael C. Loughran, Clerk 2024 Board of Assessors
John R. McCourt 2026 Gene Manning 2026
Christopher M. Albert 2026 William C. Galvin 2025
Rocco Digirolamo 2024
John R. McCourt 2026 Gene Manning 2026
Board of Health
Rocco Digirolamo 2024
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, O.D., Chair 2025 School Committee
Board of Health
Anjali Bayliss, MSOT, OTR/L, Vice-Chair 2026 Kristian Darigan Merenda, Chair 2025
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, O.D., Chair 2025 School Committee
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Ph.D., Clerk 2024 Kendall O’Halloran, Vice-Chair 2024
Anjali Bayliss, MSOT, OTR/L, Vice-Chair 2026 Kristian Darigan Merenda, Chair 2025
Maureen E. Moran, Clerk 2025
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Ph.D., Clerk 2024 Kendall O’Halloran, Vice-Chair 2024
Planning Board Kimberly McCourt 2026
Maureen E. Moran, Clerk 2025
Patricia McDermott, Chair 2026 Laura Arboleda 2026
Planning Board Kimberly McCourt 2026
David McCarthy, Vice-Chair 2025
Patricia McDermott, Chair 2026 Laura Arboleda 2026
Kathy Gibbs McCormick, Clerk 2024 Trustees of the Library
David McCarthy, Vice-Chair 2025
James Quigley 2027 Margaret Mead 2025
Kathy Gibbs McCormick, Clerk 2024 Trustees of the Library
Joseph Amrhein 2026 George Comeau, 2026
James Quigley 2027 Margaret Mead 2025
Nancy Connery 2025
Joseph Amrhein 2026 George Comeau, 2026
Canton Housing Authority Jan Chamberlain 2024
Nancy Connery 2025
John McSweeney 2024 Susan Cogliano 2026
Canton Housing Authority Jan Chamberlain 2024
Glen Hannington
John McSweeney 2027
2024 Joan
SusanSchottenfeld
Cogliano 2024
2026
Adam Brothers 2028 Emily Prigot 2025
Glen Hannington 2027 Joan Schottenfeld 2024
Agnes Hagan 2026 Christine Untersee 2024
Adam Brothers 2028 Emily Prigot 2025
Janet Walrod 2025 Betty Chelmow 2026
Agnes Hagan 2026 Christine Untersee 2024
Janet Walrod 2025 Betty Chelmow 2026
Moderator
Alan Hines/Richard Staiti
Moderator
Alan Hines/Richard Staiti
APPOINTED BY THE SELECT BOARD
BeautificationBY
APPOINTED Committee
THE SELECT BOARD Harriet Burak 2024
Christopher Connolly 2024 Janet Donnelly 2024
Beautification Committee Harriet Burak 2024
Michael McHugo 2025 Barbara Casaly 2024
Christopher Connolly 2024 Janet Donnelly 2024
Helen McHowell 2024 Michael Mahan 2024
Michael McHugo 2025 Barbara Casaly 2024
Alan Rapoport 2025 Derek Folan 2024
Helen McHowell 2024 Michael Mahan 2024
Michael Molway 2026 James Goodrich 2024
Alan Rapoport 2025 Derek Folan 2024
Phyllis Moore 2024
Michael
Board of Molway
Directors Paul Revere Heritage Trust 2026 James Goodrich 2024
Megan Berube 2024
Phyllis Moore 2024
Alan Hines 2027 Diane Tynan 2024
Board of Directors Paul Revere Heritage Trust Megan Berube 2024
Elizabeth Sugameli 2028 Victoria DiMaria 2024
Alan Hines 2027 Diane Tynan 2024
Victor Del Vecchio 2024 Carolyn Elkort 2024
Elizabeth Sugameli 2028 Victoria DiMaria 2024
Stephen Schottenfeld 2026 Adam Hughes 2024
Victor Del Vecchio 2024 Carolyn Elkort 2024
Matthew McDonald 2025
Stephen Schottenfeld 2026 Adam Hughes 2024
Laura Smead 2027
Matthew McDonald 2025
Cable License Renewal Committee
Laura Smead 2027
CAASA Tanya Willow 2024
Cable License Renewal Committee
Christopher Albert 2024 Louis Jutras 2024
CAASA Tanya Willow 2024
Chief Helena Rafferty 2025 Stephen Marshall 2024
Christopher Albert 2024 Louis Jutras 2024
Chief Wendell Robery 2024 Charles Doody 2024
Chief Helena Rafferty 2025 Stephen Marshall 2024
Tyler Radicioni 2024
Chief Wendell Robery 2024 Charles Doody 2024
Tyler Radicioni 2024
4
4 4Source page 8
Term Term
Expires Expires
Canton Affordable Housing Trust Conservation Commission
David McCarthy 2024 Kevin Colmey 2026
Charles Doody 2024 Melissa Mayer 2025
William R. Scollins, III 2024 Paul Degnan 2026
TJ Torres 2024 Thomas Birmingham 2024
Michael Loughran 2024 Robert McDonald 2024
John McSweeney 2024 Joshua Cohen 2024
Melissa Mayer 2024 Gerald Carmichael 2025
Canton Cultural Council
Angela Mouradian 2025 Council on Aging
Maria Bueno 2026 Peter Marshalka 2026
Arielle Galinsky 2026 Jane Pratt 2026
Diane Silva 2026 Elaine Glimore 2025
Patricia Cohen 2024 Ellen Donovan 2024
Maribeth McCabe 2024 Richard Kulas 2024
Lien Phan 2024 Paul Sloan 2026
Janet Cooper 2024 Janet Walrod 2024
Cynthia Thomas 2024
Joyce Stenmon 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Nancy McCusker 2025 Chief Helena Rafferty 2024
Alexandra Hapenny 2026 Laura Arboleda 2024
Matthew Masciarelli 2024
Commission on Disabilities Nicola Gallagher 2024
Laura Findlen-Lane 2025 Amy Peterson 2024
Alexandra Hapenny 2026 Sherry Herzog 2024
Heather Cahill 2024 Sasha Martone 2024
Jill Juran 2024 Joan Schottenfeld 2024
Lynn Findlen-Valkanas 2025 Melanie Martin 2024
Naomi Akan 2024
Community Preservation Committee Alan Rapoport 2024
Kendall O’Halloran 2025 Kathleen Howley 2024
C. David Emhardt 2024
Melissa Mayer 2024 Economic Development
John McSweeney 2025 Tyrishma Allen 2024
Thomas W. Theodore 2025 Alan Rapoport 2024
John Leonetti 2025 Mindy Millman 2024
Allyson Grossman 2025 Bill Wolfson 2024
David McCarthy 2024 Gene Manning 2024
George Comeau 2024 Emilio Mauro, Jr. 2024
Tera Kull 2024
Comprehensive WaterResource
Comprehensive Water ResourceManagement
Management Plan
Plan Greg Murphy 2024
Alan Rapoport 2024 Ryan Obolewicz 2024
Michael Trotta 2024
William R. Scollins, III 2024 Energy Advisory Committee
Charles Doody 2024 Thomas Birmingham 2025
Regen Milani 2024 Christine Smith 2025
James Quigley 2024 Carl Engelbourg 2025
Christopher Sykes 2024 Emily Torres-Cullinane 2025
5 5Source page 9
Term Term
Expires Expires
Mapping Commission Janet Donnolly 2024
Alfons Koka 2024 Thomas Theodore 2024
Louis Jutras 2024 Robert Gorham 2024
Michael Trotta 2024
Kelsey Quinlan 2024 St. Gerard’s Re-Use Committee
Charles Doody 2023
Master Plan Implementation Committee Marilyn Curran 2023
Stacey Gorman 2024 Amanda Ryder 2023
Peg Mead 2024 Edward Sussek 2023
Michael Nourse 2024 Mary Graziano 2023
Kristian Merenda 2024 Brian Callery 2023
Emilio Mauro 2024 Heather Cahill 2023
Patti McDermott 2024 William Quinn 2023
Robert MacDonald 2024 Gene Manning 2023
Alan Rapoport 2024 Peter Marshalka 2023
Christopher Albert 2024
Sick Bank Committee
Permit Advisory Committee Jody Middleton 2024
Charles Doody 2024 Ellen Jones 2024
Robert McCarthy 2024 Diane Tynan 2024
Edward Walsh 2024 Karen Lawlor 2024
Gregory Pando 2024 Tamra Stock 2024
Regen Milani 2024 Marc Zade 2024
Chief Helena Rafferty 2024 Kathy Butters 2024
Chief Wendell Robery 2024
TJ Torres 2024 Sustainability Committee
James Quigley 2024 Sadie Gugliotta 2024
Gene Manning 2024 Angelika Mayman 2024
Patricia McDermott 2024
Playground & Recreation Commission Stephen Marshall 2024
Mark Grossman 2025
Allison Grossman 2025 Traffic Committee
Marsha Armando 2025 Thomas Theodore 2024
Cabot Devoll 2025 Chief Helena Rafferty 2024
Stacey Gorman 2025 Alfons Koka 2024
Debra Kelley 2026 TJ Torres 2024
Heather Cahill 2024
Registrar of Voters Kathy Gibbs McCormick 2024
Tracy Kenney 2024 James Quigley 2024
Marilyn Curran 2026 Jordan Jones 2024
J. Daneene Pate 2025 Matthew Isaacs 2024
Robin O’Connell-McCarthy 2026 Michael Loughran 2024
Reservoir Pond Advisory Committee Walk, Bike & Hike Committee
Chief Helena Rafferty 2024 Jeffrey Sullivan 2025
Chief Wendell Robery 2024 Patricia McDermott 2025
William Walsh 2024 Tim Calabrese 2025
David Cahill 2024 Linda Silverstein 2025
Scott Winter 2024 Debra Stein-Sharpe 2025
Pauline O’Leary 2024 Brian Loughran 2025
Julie Moffat 2024 Allison Paige Patton 2025
Marsha Armando 2024
Christine Santiago 2024
6 6Source page 10
Term Term
Expires Expires
Veteran’s Council George Comeau 2026
Francis Labollita 2024 Paul Mitcheroney 2025
Robert DeYeso 2024 Emily Prigot 2025
Water & Sewer Rate Policy Committee Wayfinding Sign Design Task Force
William R. Scollins 2024 Victor Del Vecchio 2023
Michael Trotta 2024 Emily Prigot 2023
Patricia Cawley 2024 Michael Loughran 2023
C. David Emhardt 2024 Regen Milani 2023
Gerald Carmichael 2024 Larry Bogue 2023
Christopher Sykes 2024 James Quigley 2023
Daniel Cole 2024
Walter Spiegel 2024
Zoning Board of Appeals
Sustainability & Climate Action Plan Committee Michael Khoury 2025
TJ Torres 2024 Gregory Pando 2026
Kristine Meaney 2024 Brian Black 2024
Patricia McDermott 2024 Alternate Matthew Carlton 2024
Timothy Calabrese 2024 Alternate Barbara St. Andre 2024
Thomas Birmingham 2024
Hannah Gervais 2024 Health Insurance Advisory Committee
Brianna Abend 2024 William R. Scollins III 2024
Jennifer Wexler 2024 Charles E. Doody 2024
Jennifer Collins 2024 Jody Middleton 2024
Matthew Masciarelli 2024 Charles Rae 2024
Isabella Luca 2024 Diane Tynan 2024
Alan Abend 2024 Derek Folan 2024
Kathleen O’Connell 2024 Robert Collins 2024
Steven Colson 2024 Jane Consalvi 2024
Gregory Murphy 2024 Tamra Stock 2024
Debra MacDonald 2024
Historical Commission James Galanis 2024
Paul Buckley 2024
Gerald Carmichael 2026
Sepp Bergschneider 2025
Michael Nourse 2026
APPOINTED BY THE MODERATOR
Finance Committee Susan Cogliano 2024
Karen Foley 2024 C. David Emhardt 2024
Reuki Schutt 2026 Maureen McDonough 2025
Timothy McKenna 2024 John McCourt 2024
Daniel Cole 2026 Robert Benedetti 2026
Cynthia Thomas 2025 Mary Graziano 2026
Emilio Mauro 2024 Robert McCarthy 2025
David Clough 2025 Kathleen Butters 2025
Maureen Menconi 2026 Capital Planning Committee 2024
Kristin Mirliani 2025 Christopher Deck 2024
Jason Green 2025
Building Renovations Committee C. David Emhardt 2024
John Connolly 2025 Adam Nichols 2026
Kristian Merenda 2024 Gregory Murphy 2025
Charles Armando 2025 Lisa Lopez 2026
7 7Source page 11
DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION HEADS
Charles E. Doody, Town Administrator
William R. Scollins, III, Finance Director/Collector/Treasurer
Helena Rafferty, Police Chief
Thomas A. Keleher Jr., Deputy Police Chief
Patricia A. Sherrill, Deputy Police Chief
Wendell Robery, Fire Chief
Scott E. Johnson, Deputy Fire Chief
Edwin Freitas, Deputy Fire Chief
Derek F. Folan, Superintendent of Public Schools
Carolyn Floyd, Director of Assessing
Barbara T. Reardon, Director of Public Health
Edward T. Walsh, Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer
Regen Milani, Conservation Agent
Diane M. Tynan, Director of Elder and Human Services
Kathleen D. Butters, Town Accountant
Allyson M. Podgurski, Assistant Town Accountant
Louis M. Jutras, Information Systems Manager
Susan Desjardins, Assistant Treasurer/Collector
Jody K. Middleton, Human Resources Director
Andrea J. Capone, Library Director
Tyler Radicioni, Parks & Recreation Director
James Coutoumas, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director
Michael P. Trotta, Superintendent of Public Works
Lisa H. Grega/Josh Gittings, Assistant Town Engineer
William J. Walsh, Operations Manager
Lawrence D. Bogue, Highway Supervisor
Christopher J. Sykes, Water and Sewer Supervisor
Brian Lynch, Director of Facilities and Grounds
Stephen D. Choiniere, Facilities and Grounds Supervisor
Paul R. DeRensis, Esq, Town Counsel
TJ Torres, Town Planner
Arafat M. Knight, Department of Veteran’s Services Director and Veteran’s Agent
Tracy K. Kenney, Town Clerk
Gale M. McHugo, Assistant Town Clerk
Stacy Nee, Animal Control Officer
8
8Source page 12
Report
Report of
of the
the
SELECT
SELECT BOARD
BOARD
Thomas
Thomas W.W. Theodore,
Theodore, Chair
Chair 801
801 Washington
Washington St.
St.
John
John J.
J. Connolly,
Connolly, Vice-Chair
Vice-Chair Canton, MA
Canton, MA 02021
02021
Michael
Michael C.
C. Loughran,
Loughran, Member
Member Telephone
Telephone 781-821-5000
781-821-5000
Christopher
Christopher M.
M. Albert,
Albert, Member
Member Fax
Fax 781-821-2935
781-821-2935
John
John R.
R. McCourt,
McCourt, Member
Member bos@town.canton.ma.us
bos@town.canton.ma.us
Charles
Charles E.
E. Doody,
Doody, Town
Town Administrator
Administrator
Jennifer
Jennifer Kemalian, Executive
Kemalian, Executive Assistant
Assistant
Laurie
Laurie Bogue,
Bogue, Administrative
Administrative Secretary
Secretary
Judith
Judith Levitsky,
Levitsky, Secretary
Secretary
Office
Office Hours:
Hours: Monday,
Monday, Wednesday,
Wednesday, Thursday
Thursday 8:00
8:00 AM
AM to
to 5:00
5:00 PM,
PM, Tuesday
Tuesday 8:00
8:00 AM
AM to
to 7:00
7:00 PM,
PM, and
and Friday
Friday 8:00
8:00 AM
AM –– 1:00
1:00 PM
PM
2023
2023 was
was aa year
year that
that included
included many
many accomplishments
accomplishments as as described
described below
below and
and presented
presented some
some significant
significant challenges
challenges as
as well.
well. The
The year
year
culminated
culminated with a Special Town Meeting that convened on November 20, 2023 after 300 citizens petitioned the Select Board to
with a Special Town Meeting that convened on November 20, 2023 after 300 citizens petitioned the Select Board to call
call aa
special
special meeting.
meeting. The
The meeting
meeting was
was the
the most
most attended
attended in
in recent
recent history
history with
with over
over 1,700
1,700 residents
residents turning
turning out
out to
to cast
cast their
their votes
votes on
on
several
several articles. With citizens occupying three different areas of the Canton High School, the Moderator, his Deputy Moderators and
articles. With citizens occupying three different areas of the Canton High School, the Moderator, his Deputy Moderators and
the
the Town
Town Clerk’s
Clerk’s staff
staff and
and volunteers
volunteers navigated
navigated the
the complex
complex task
task of
of presenting
presenting the
the articles
articles and
and counting
counting the
the votes.
votes. In
In the
the end,
end, Article
Article
VI,
VI, which
which called
called for
for aa committee
committee toto be
be formed
formed toto develop
develop and
and RFP
RFP toto conduct
conduct aa review
review ofof Police
Police Department
Department policies
policies and
and procedures
procedures
narrowly
narrowly passed
passed by
by vote
vote ofof 903
903 to
to 800.
800.
Central
Central Maintenance
Maintenance Division
Division
As
As Canton’s
Canton’s municipal
municipal buildings
buildings age,
age, the
the cost
cost of
of maintenance
maintenance continues
continues toto grow.
grow. The
The Town
Town Hall
Hall underwent
underwent substantial
substantial renovations
renovations to
to
its
its exterior brick façade to make it water tight and structurally sound. In addition, 1.3 million dollars was approved for HVAC and
exterior brick façade to make it water tight and structurally sound. In addition, 1.3 million dollars was approved for HVAC and
library
library roof
roof repairs
repairs to
to mitigate
mitigate the
the effects
effects of
of water
water infiltrating
infiltrating an
an aging
aging roof
roof system.
system. In
In order
order to
to identify
identify building
building issues
issues before
before they
they
become
become significant
significant repair
repair projects
projects and
and to
to achieve
achieve cost
cost savings
savings by
by streamlining
streamlining preventative
preventative maintenance
maintenance needs,
needs, the
the Board
Board endorsed
endorsed the
the
hiring
hiring aa Central
Central Maintenance
Maintenance Director
Director toto oversee
oversee the
the Building
Building Grounds
Grounds Division
Division that
that currently
currently sits
sits under
under the
the DPW.
DPW. Mr.Mr. Brian
Brian Lynch,
Lynch,
formerly
formerly the
the Facilities
Facilities Director
Director for
for the
the Canton
Canton Public
Public Schools,
Schools, was
was hired
hired toto develop
develop and
and implement
implement aa maintenance
maintenance program
program for
for all
all
municipal buildings.
municipal buildings.
Top
Top Golf
Golf Opening/Dedham
Opening/Dedham Street
Street Improvements
Improvements
Top
Top Golf
Golf had
had their
their official
official ribbon
ribbon cutting
cutting Friday
Friday November
November 33rd at
rd
at the
the former
former Cumberland
Cumberland Farms
Farms site
site at
at 777
777 Dedham
Dedham Street.
Street. Our
Our Chair
Chair
and
and Vice
Vice Chair
Chair spoke
spoke at
at the
the grand
grand opening
opening along
along with
with Rep.
Rep. Galvin
Galvin and
and Senator
Senator Feeney.
Feeney. The
The Dedham
Dedham Street
Street improvements
improvements waswas
nearing
nearing completion
completion with
with the
the the-off
the-off ramp
ramp to
to Route
Route 95
95 from
from Dedham
Dedham St St open
open and
and new
new traffic
traffic lights
lights and
and turning
turning lanes
lanes constructed
constructed on
on
the Dedham Street overpass and Top Golf entrance.
the Dedham Street overpass and Top Golf entrance.
Affordable
Affordable Housing
Housing Trust
Trust Condominium
Condominium Conveyance
Conveyance
A
A two-bedroom
two-bedroom condominium
condominium unit
unit located
located at
at 50
50 Copperworks
Copperworks WayWay was
was conveyed
conveyed to
to the
the Town
Town asas part
part of
of the
the development
development agreement
agreement
between
between Canton
Canton Holdings
Holdings and
and the
the Town
Town of
of Canton.
Canton. The
The unit
unit will
will be
be sold
sold and
and the
the proceeds
proceeds will
will go
go directly
directly to
to the
the Affordable
Affordable Housing
Housing
Trust
Trust to
to be
be used
used to
to further
further affordable
affordable housing
housing opportunities
opportunities in
in the
the Town
Town of
of Canton.
Canton. The
The Town
Town also
also hired
hired its
its first
first part-time
part-time Affordable
Affordable
Housing
Housing Trust
Trust Coordinator,
Coordinator, Mr.
Mr. Kevin
Kevin Shea.
Shea.
American
American Rescue
Rescue Plan
Plan Act
Act (ARPA)
(ARPA)
Under
Under the
the direction
direction of
of the
the Finance
Finance Director,
Director, the
the Town
Town has
has continued
continued to
to manage
manage aa variety
variety of
of public
public projects
projects funded
funded through
through the
the
American
American Rescue Plan Act in excess of 4.4 million dollars. Projects of not include upgrading the granular activated carbon
Rescue Plan Act in excess of 4.4 million dollars. Projects of not include upgrading the granular activated carbon facility
facility at
at
the
the Moran
Moran Water
Water Treatment
Treatment Plant
Plant (1.1
(1.1 million),
million), Installation
Installation of
of unit
unit ventilators
ventilators at
at the
the Hansen
Hansen School
School ($625,000)
($625,000) Standby electric
Standby electric
generators
generators upgrades
upgrades atat our
our pumping
pumping stations,
stations, Fire
Fire Department,
Department, DPW
DPW andand Board
Board ofof Health
Health ($179,870)
($179,870) and
and walkway
walkway andand parking
parking lot
lot
reconstruction
reconstruction at
at the
the Hemenway
Hemenway Housing
Housing Complex.
Complex. The The deadline
deadline for
for identifying
identifying projects
projects and
and obligating the funding
obligating the funding is
is December
December 30, 30,
2024.
2024. The
The Town
Town has
has several
several additional
additional projects
projects in
in the
the pipeline.
pipeline.
9
9
9Source page 13
1860 Washington Street (Former St. Gerard’s Property)/Canton Helpline Food Pantry
As the Town continues to study the potential uses for the 9-acre property at 1860 Washington Street, the Board approved the use of
the lower level of the former church for the Canton Helpline Food Pantry. The Food Pantry relocated from the small space it occupied
in the basement of the Rodman Administrative Building to this larger space that will allow for the storage of more food and better suit
the needs of our food challenged residents.
Mission/Vision Statements
This year, our departments gathered to examine Canton’s Vision and Mission Statements and worked collaboratively to redefine these
fundamental values included in those statements:
The Town of Canton recognizes and values the rights of all citizens and strives to foster a connected community by providing services
that support a vibrant, strong, safe, united community and a sustainable tomorrow.
The mission of the Town of Canton is to ensure the safety, education, and well-being of the community; to deliver efficient and
effective quality services that respond to community needs; to encourage an environment of trust through communication and
transparency; to respect cultural and economic diversity; and to preserve the historic character of the community.
These statements help guide the day to day decisions of our employees to ensure that our local government addresses the needs of all
of our citizens.
Conclusion
The town said goodbye to Town Accountant Kathleen Dooley Butters upon her retirement on December 31, 2023. Kathy served in
that position for 13 years under two Finance Directors and was instrumental in keeping the town compliant with a myriad of local,
state and federal finance regulations. She is succeeded by her Assistant Town Accountant, Allyson Podgurski, who she mentored to
someday assume the position of Town Accountant.
I would like to thank my fellow Board members John Connolly (Vice Chair), Michael Loughran (Clerk) and new members John
McCourt and Christopher Albert. Although 2023 was a difficult year for the Town, your commitment to doing the important business
of Canton was steadfast. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Select Board members Christopher Connolly and Lisa Lopez
for their service to the community and thank them for their dedicated service.
Finally, the professionalism of our municipal employees has never been more apparent and we as a town are fortunate to have so
many dedicated, compassionate and talented staff. From department heads to entry level employees, they strive to provide the highest
quality of service to our residents. A special thank you as well goes out to all of our citizen volunteers that populate our many Boards
and committees. It is this spirit of volunteerism that makes Canton a special place to live and raise a family.
Respectfully Submitted,
Thomas Theodore
Select Board Chair
10
10Source page 14
Report of the
BLUE HILL REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Francis J. Fistori ‘75, Avon 800 Randolph St.
Chair Mr. Eric C. Erskine ’81, Braintree Canton, MA 02021
Mr. Mark Driscoll ‘87, Canton Telephone 781-828-5800
Mr. Thomas R. Polito, Jr., Dedham Fax 781-828-0794
Secretary Ms. Taryn M. Mohan ’96, Holbrook dsc@bluehills.org
Mr. Clinton Graham, Milton
Vice Chair Mr. Kevin L. Connolly, Norwood
Ms. Karen Graves, Randolph
Ms. Sheila C. Vazquez, Westwood
Ms. Jill M. Rossetti, Superintendent-Director
Ms. Michelle Resendes, Business Manager
Ms. Jill M Brilhante, Business Manager
Mr. Geoffrey Zini, Principal
The Blue Hills Regional District School Committee is pleased to submit its Annual Report to the residents of the town of Canton.
Blue Hills Regional Technical School continues its steadfast commitment to providing the highest caliber academic and technical
instruction to students in grades nine through twelve, and to adults receiving postgraduate training. The nine towns comprising the
District include Avon, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Holbrook, Milton, Norwood, Randolph, and Westwood.
Ms. Jill Rossetti continues to serves as Superintendent, Mr. Geoff Zini serves as Principal, Ms. Jill Brilhante serves as Business
Manager, and Mr. Mark Driscoll is the Canton representative to the District School Committee. The District School Committee meets
once a month with the caveat that additional meetings will be added to the schedule should they be needed to address the needs of the
District. These meetings take place in the William T. Buckly District Board Room (Room W-218) at Blue Hills Regional and begin at
7:00 PM. Although the state continues to allow remote or hybrid meetings, Blue Hills Regional’s District School Committee meetings
are In-Person. The School Committee continues to encourage public attendance. Further, public participation is welcomed during the
Public Comment portion of any meeting by community members that have signed up to be heard.
COVID continues to be monitored, however, masks and other personal protective items, are optional with the exception of the School
Nurse’s Office. Masks continue to be required there. The school’s maintenance staff complies with all safety regulations and cleaning
practices. The school is clean and welcoming.
The Blue Hills Sports Program is enjoying record participation numbers from the student body and the individual teams are working
and playing hard. Most have had winning seasons as well as participating in local, vocational, state championship games, and
tournaments. The Baseball team made it to the MIAA State Tournament, and the Rugby team did the same. This fall, the BH Football
team made it to the Mass Vocational State Tournament and won the Mayflower League Tournament.
The Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer Teams have both had wonderful and winning seasons with the girl’s team being undefeated and
went all the way through the State finals where they took it all. The Coed Golf Team also enjoyed an undefeated 2023 Season.
This past year, Mr. Ed Catabia was nominated and selected as the District 8 Athletic Director of the year. Also notable was Coach
Flynn being selected as Coach of the Year in Girls Varsity Soccer and Brian Gearty selected for Boys Varsity Soccer for the
Mayflower league.
The academic and vocational programs proved to be successful as demonstrated by Blue Hills MCAS scores. (2021, 2022 and 2023).
Many of the supports that were put in place during the pandemic to help aide all students; continue to be available. In addition, after
school and before school help is available to all students. Summer School was offered this past summer and all enrolled students
completed and passed their classes. (half of those participating were students with IEP’s.) New supportive opportunities are being
introduced and staffed to further meet social/emotional and mental health needs for students in need but not identified as being eligible
through IEP and 504 plans. There has been no significant decrease in testing scores.
End-of-year awards, celebrations, accomplishments and honors were noted and celebrated in both the Spring and Fall of 2023. Event
participants turned out in record numbers. Activities include Prom, Field Day, the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, sport
team recognition events, and Senior Awards Night. This past fall, we welcomed both returning and new students who have hit the
ground running in all areas, most participating in school clubs, activities, and sports. The annual Open House and Showcase were held
in November. Both events enjoyed record attendance from all District towns.
Senior Scholarship and Awards Night was celebrated on May 25, 2023. Dozens of students were honored for their achievements. Over
60 single and multi-recipient awards/scholarships were distributed to the student honorees. They were recognized or given
scholarships for their academic, athletic, and technical program success. Blue Hills Regional truly appreciates all the individuals,
civic, and municipal organizations that generously recognized these deserving young men and women. Blue Hills has 56 John and
Abigale Adams Scholars in the Class of 2023, 4 were from Canton. Canton Abigale Adams Scholars are Gema Chireno, James Fitch,
Brian Mahon, and Jameson Seaver.
11
11Source page 15
Commencement was held on June 6, 2023, on the BHTS Turf Field. There were 210 graduates; 21 were from Canton. Canton
graduates include Gema Chireno, Ciara Gabriel, Riley Moriarty, Jonathon Shine, Rhys Draper, Sarah Ryan, James Fitch, Brian
Commencement
Mahon, was held
Cedric Lestin, JackonCanavan,
June 6, 2023,
XavieronHeath
the BHTS TurfShane
Mosley, Field.Draper,
There were
Paul 210 graduates;
McCann, 21 were
Maksimos fromAva
Zotaj, Canton. Canton
Feeley, Brendon
graduates include
Mullin, Marcus Gema
Bain, Chireno,
Ashton Ciara Gabriel,
Papalcure, JamesonRiley Moriarty,
Seaver, PatrickJonathon
Crowley,Shine, RhysByrd.
and Maria Draper, Sarah Ryan, James Fitch, Brian
Mahon, Cedric
Blue Hills Lestin,
Regional Jack Canavan,
is proud Xavier services
to offer various Heath Mosley, Shane Draper,
(Cosmetology, Paul McCann,
Early Education Maksimos
and Care, Zotaj, Ava
Construction Feeley, Brendon
Technology, Graphics,
Mullin, Marcus Bain, Ashton Papalcure, Jameson Seaver, Patrick Crowley, and Maria Byrd.
Design & Visual Communications, our in-house, student-run restaurant, the Chateau de Bleu, Electrical, Metal Fabrication and
Blue Hills Regional
Automotive) is proud
to district to offer
residents, andvarious
in someservices (Cosmetology,
cases, the general public.Early Education
Over and
the years, Care, Construction
residents and civic orTechnology,
municipal groupsGraphics,
in the
Design &
District Visual
towns Communications,
have saved considerableour money
in-house,bystudent-run
having Bluerestaurant, the Chateau
Hills Regional studentsdeperform
Bleu, Electrical, Metal Fabrication and
work for them.
Automotive)
The to district
school pool is openresidents, and intosome
and continues cases, the
be available to general
communitypublic. Over the years, residents and civic or municipal groups in the
schools.
Districtwere
There towns920have savedenrolled
students considerable
at Bluemoney
Hills by having
as of Blue1,Hills
October 2023.Regional students
Seventy-four (74)perform work
are from for them.
Canton.
The school pool is open and continues to be available to community schools.
There were 920 students enrolled at Blue Hills as of October 1, 2023. Seventy-four (74) are from Canton.
The Practical Nursing Program (Postsecondary Programs Division) is a full-time program of study provided to adults on a tuition and
fee basis. The Practical Nursing students are prepared upon graduation to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure
The Practical for
Examination Nursing Program
Practical (Postsecondary
Nursing) through the Programs Division)
State Board is a full-time
of Registration program
in Nursing. TheofPractical
study provided
Nursingtoprogram
adults on(Postsecondary
a tuition and
fee basis. The
Programs Practical
Division) heldNursing
its 34thstudents are prepared uponthis
Annual Commencement graduation
past June.to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure
Examination
Blue for Practical
Hills continues Nursing)
to offer through
and provide ourthe State Board
students of Registration
and school community inthe
Nursing. Theacademic
very best Practical and
Nursing program
vocational (Postsecondary
education
Programs Division)
experiences for theirheld its 34thand
immediate Annual
futureCommencement
success. this past June.
Blue Hills continues
Respectfully to offer and provide our students and school community the very best academic and vocational education
submitted,
experiences for their immediate and future success.
Respectfully
Mark Driscollsubmitted,
Canton Representative
Mark Driscoll
Blue Hills Regional Technical School District
Canton
FebruaryRepresentative
1, 2024
Blue Hills Regional Technical School District
February 1, 2024
Three years ago, Blue Hills welcomed its first Therapy Dog Enzo (a Black Labradoodle). He quickly became a favorite staff member
available to all students and a valuable asset to the school. This past Fall, Enzo was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and he passed
Three
away. years
Luca, ago, Blue HillsGolden
a five-month welcomed its first Therapy
Labradoodle, is Blue Dog
Hills’Enzo
new(a Black dog
therapy Labradoodle).
in training.He
Hequickly becamewith
loves playing a favorite staff
students, member
welcoming
available to all students and a valuable asset to the school. This past
them at the start of day and visiting classes throughout the school day. Fall, Enzo was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and he passed
away. Luca, a five-month Golden Labradoodle, is Blue Hills’ new therapy dog in training. He loves playing with students, welcoming
them at the start of day and visiting classes throughout the school day.
12
12
12Source page 16
Report of the
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Gene Manning, Chairman 801 Washington St.
William C. Galvin, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Rocco DiGirolamo, Member Telephone 781-821-5008
Fax 781-575-6624
Carolyn Floyd, Director of Assessing assessing@town.canton.ma.us
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Board of Assessors hereby submits its annual report:
Gross Amount to be Raised by Taxation: $142,433,509.84
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds: $46,921,390.98
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation: $95,512,118.86
Residential Valuation: $5,793,895,560
Commercial, Industrial & Personal Property Value: $1,814,758,660
Total Taxable Valuation: $ 7,608,654,220
Residential Tax Rate: $9.97
Commercial Tax Rate: $20.80
The Department of Revenue approved the tax rates for the Town of Canton. The Town saw a record 2.3 million in New Growth,
mostly due to Top Golf, the near completion of Stillwater Estates and continuing growth of Canton Copperworks. The next
revaluation will be FY2026. We would like to thank our current staff, Carolyn Floyd, Director of Assessing, Mary Tynan-Cassidy,
Assistant to the Director, Susan Langan, Assessing Technician, and Patricia Brooks, Board Secretary for all their hard work and
dedication throughout this past year.
Report of the
BOARD OF HEALTH
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, O.D., Chair Canton, MA 02021
Anjali Bayliss, MSOT, OTR/L, Vice Chair Telephone 781-821-5021
Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Ph.D., Clerk Fax 781-821-0337
breardon@town.canton.ma.us
Barbara T Reardon, P.E., REHS, Director of Public Health
Timothy Marble, R.S., Sanitarian
Ruth Slattery, Health Agent/Administrative Assistant
Jamie Goodrich, DNP, R.N., Sanitarian/Public Health Nurse
Margaret Goldstein, RN-BC BSN, Part-time Public Health Nurse
Karen Murphy, Recording Secretary
Deborah Tyler, Harriet Blackman, Donna Jean Downer, Joel Skolnick: Senior Volunteers
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday &Thursday 8:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.; Tuesday 8:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M., Friday 8:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
The Board of Health is comprised of three elected citizens that oversee and authorize the Health Department to take actions that
protect the public health of the people of Canton. The Health Department implements and oversees the policies and regulations
mandated by the Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection.
The mission and responsibility of the Board of Health is to protect the health of our community through permitting and surveillance
activities and through healthy lifestyle promotion.
The following permits were issued by the Board of Health in 2023:
• Animal Keeping License: 7
13
13Source page 17
• Body Art Practitioner/Establishment: 4
• Day Camp License: 11
• Disposal Works Installer License: 22
• Food Establishment License: 239 (includes brick, mobile, farmers market and temporary)
• Funeral Director: 4
• Offal Haulers: 8
• Hazardous Materials Storage License: 39
• Public Pool License: 20
• Tanning Facility: 1
• Tobacco License: 21
• Recumbent DNA License: 2
The following surveillance activities were conducted by the Board of Health staff in 2023 :
• Food: 328 inspections of restaurants, retail food stores, mobile food trucks, caterers, function hall kitchens and farmers’
market vendors. Number does not include inspections resulting from food complaints or other food emergencies.
• Title 5 Septic Systems: 27 field inspections including septic system installations and soil testing.
• Public and semi-public swimming pools: 31
• Housing and State Sanitary Code inspections: 23
• Health Clubs: 12
• Tanning Establishments: 2
• Septic Haulers: 4
• Body Art: 8
• Keeping of Animals: 7
• Children’s Camps: 13
• Tobacco: 57
• Miscellaneous complaints/nuisances’ investigations: 124
The following healthy lifestyle promotions were undertaken by the Board of Health in 2023:
• Pool and sun safety information were provided during a rain-soaked Heritage Day.
• Free COVID tests and information on safely aging at home were distributed on Grandparents’ Day at the Farmer’s
Market.
• Healthy habit information and related activities were shared throughout the year in the kids’ room of the Library.
• A variety of important health topics, seasonal safety advice and food recall information were shared throughout the year
on Facebook and a newly created Twitter Page
In addition to providing 274 flu shots in the Fall of 2023, the Board of Health supported our community in the following:
• Partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Canton Board of Health brought the COVID-19
Mobile Vax Unit to Canton enabling 75 members of the community to receive boosters at the Council of Aging facility.
• Communicable disease surveillance
• Weekly blood pressure screenings
• Vitamin B-12 injections
• Office and home visits
• Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse
• Memory Café
The fall of 2023 also saw the successful return of the Town of Canton Health Fair. Sponsored by the Board of Health, offerings
included but were not limited to: flu vaccination, CPR & first aid information, cholesterol screenings, diabetes risk information, blood
pressure screenings, mental health awareness, skin cancer information, recovery information, and environmental health information.
Participants included representatives from local residential care facilities, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, Narcotics Anonymous,
HESSCO Elder Services, Boy Scouts, Canton Food Pantry, Canton Department of Elder and Human Services, Canton Alliance
Against Substance Abuse, Canton Library, Canton Fire and Canton Police.
As always, the Board of Health is pleased and privileged to serve the Town of Canton and its citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, Chair; Anjali Byliss, Vice Chair; Dr. Julie E. Goodman, Clerk
14
14Source page 18
Report
Reportofofthe
the
BUILDING
BUILDINGDEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT
Edward
EdwardT.T.Walsh,
Walsh,Building
BuildingCommissioner/Zoning
Commissioner/ZoningEnforcement
EnforcementOfficer
Officer 801
801Washington
WashingtonSt.St.
Canton,
Canton,MA
MA 02021
02021
Paul
PaulMcCarthy,
McCarthy,Local
LocalBuilding
BuildingInspector
Inspector Telephone
Telephone781-821-5003
781-821-5003
Marc
MarcZade,
Zade,Plumbing/Gas
Plumbing/GasInspector
Inspector Fax
Fax781-575-6574
781-575-6574
Jonathan
JonathanLevis,
Levis,Electrical
ElectricalInspector
Inspector
bldg_dept@town.canton.ma.us
bldg_dept@town.canton.ma.us
TamraStock,
Tamra Stock,Administrative
AdministrativeAssistant
Assistant
IngridHartfiel,
Ingrid Hartfiel,Department
DepartmentAssistant
Assistant
OfficeHours:
Office Hours:Monday,
Monday,Wednesday,
Wednesday,&Thursday
&Thursday7:30
7:30AM-
AM-3:30
3:30PM
PMTuesday
Tuesday7:30
7:30AM-5:00
AM-5:00PM
PMFriday
Friday7:30
7:30AM-
AM-1:00
1:00PM
PM
PLUMBINGAND
PLUMBING ANDGAS GASDIVISION
DIVISION
Plumbingpermits
Plumbing permitsissued
issued- 542
- 542 Feescollected
Fees collected- $47,747
- $47,747
Gaspermits
Gas permitsissued
issued- 359
- 359 Feescollected
Fees collected- $18,659
- $18,659
ELECTRICALDIVISION
ELECTRICAL DIVISION
Electricalpermits
Electrical permitsissued
issued- 772
- 772 Feescollected
Fees collected- $180,741.05
- $180,741.05
BUILDINGDIVISION
BUILDING DIVISION
SummaryReport
Summary Reportofofthe
theBuilding
BuildingPermits
PermitsIssued
Issued
New
NewSingle-Family
Single-FamilyDwellings
Dwellings 77 Commercial
CommercialSolar
Solar 33
New
NewTwo-Family/Multi
Two-Family/MultiDwellings
Dwellings 33 New
NewCommercial/Industrial
Commercial/IndustrialBuildings
Buildings 55
Additions
AdditionstotoResidential
ResidentialDwellings
Dwellings 5858 Additions
AdditionstotoCommercial
CommercialBuildings
Buildings 55
Alterations
Alterationsand
andRepairs
RepairstotoResidential
ResidentialDwellings
Dwellings 825
825 Alterations
Alterationsand
andRepairs
RepairstotoComm/Ind
Comm/IndBuildings
Buildings 160
160
Signs
Signs 3030 Swimming
SwimmingPoolsPools 77
Renewed,
Renewed,Replace
ReplacePermits
Permits 1111 Occupancy
OccupancyPermits
Permits 8383
Residential
ResidentialSolar
Solar 139
139 Stoves
Stoves 22
Accessory
AccessoryBuildings,
Buildings,Sheds,
Sheds,Barns,
Barns,etc.
etc. 1414 Demolition
DemolitionPermits
Permits 1313
Temporary
TemporaryStructures,
Structures,Tents,
Tents,etc.
etc. 2323 Foundation
FoundationPermits
Permits 77
Amendments
AmendmentstotoPermits
Permits 1212 Sprinkler/Fire
Sprinkler/FireProtection
Protection 3030
TOTAL
TOTAL- 1437
- 1437
Valuation
ValuationononBuilding
BuildingPermits
PermitsIssued
Issued- $88,271,024.04
- $88,271,024.04
Fees
Feescollected
collectedBuilding
BuildingPermits
PermitsIssued
Issued $1,047,383.26
$1,047,383.26 Fees
Feescollected
collectedAnnual/Assembly
Annual/AssemblyCertificates
Certificates $2,365.00
$2,365.00
Issued
Issued
Fees
Feescollected
collectedPlumbing/Gas
Plumbing/GasPermits
PermitsIssued
Issued $66,406.00
$66,406.00 Fees
Feescollected
collectedElectrical
ElectricalPermits
PermitsIssued
Issued $180,741.05
$180,741.05
TOTAL REVENUE- $1,296,895.31
TOTALREVENUE - $1,296,895.31
Respectfully submitted,Edward
Respectfullysubmitted, EdwardT.T.Walsh,Building
Walsh,BuildingCommissioner
Commissioner
1515
15Source page 19
Report of the
BUILDING RENOVATIONS COMMITTEE
Bob McCarthy, Chairman 801 Washington St.
Chuck Armando, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
John Connolly, Select Board Telephone 781-821-5000
Kristian Merenda, School Committee bos@town.canton.ma.us
Kathy Butters, Finance Dept.
George Comeau, Library
Chris Podgurski, Maureen McDonough, John McCourt, Bob Benedetti, Members At Large
During the 2023 year the Building Renovation Committee (“BRC”) continued its management of the projects approved at earlier
Town Meetings. The Following is a list of some of the projects that were addressed by the Building Renovation Committee in the past
year:
1. The low bid for the Luce Playground was received from Ulti Parks and Playground. Playground Equipment installation
and Rubber surface was completed in 2022. The Additional Site work was completed in the Spring of 2023.
2. Galvin Middle School Feasibility Study Was voted by Town Meeting. The BRC appointed a subcommittee as required
by the state’s MSBA. The New Subcommittee will be The Canton School Building Committee. The Owners Project
Manager (OPM) is Left Field. In April they have been hired at $346,000. A Designer/Architect was hired. Ai3
Architect at $500,000 for Basic Service and $350,000 for Schematic Design. Many Public meeting have been held and
will continue into 2024
3. The JFK Bathroom & Snack Shack: The Architect is Socotec AE Consulting, (Formely CBI Consulting)This project has
finally gone out to bid in May and Page Building Constructions was the low bid at $1,061,970. Construction began in
September and the project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024
4. Library Project: In January RGB is the Architect Hired at $120,000 to assess the damage at the Library. The conditions
are far worse than expected. Town Meeting voted an additional $3,931,210 for this project. The Architect’s fee increased
$224,156.30 to a Total of $344,156.30. An Owners Project Manager (OPM) was hired. Anser Advisory at $169,065 in
September. The Project went out to bid in December 2023. This project is only addressing the exterior of the Library.
The Interior will have to addressed in 2024
5. Mutch Skating: The firm Weston & Sampson has been hired at $48,500. They will assess options to update and repair
this facility. A conceptual Master Plan has been presented and funds are being requested from the CPC
We wish to thank Kathy Butters for her years of dedicated service to the town and to the BRC and we wish her all the best in
retirement.
We wish to also give thanks to Charles Doody, Town Administrator. Randy Scollins, Finance Director, Stephen Marshall, Business
Manager Canton Public Schools, Brian Lynch, Supervisor of Facilities. Mike Trotta, Superintendent of Canton Public Works. Bill
Walsh, Operations Manager, Canton Public Works. Regen Milani, Conservation Agent and all the other professional employee’s at
Town Hall. As a volunteer committee these people keep us informed and perform the day to day work necessary to allow these
projects to be completed on time, on budget.
I would like to thank my fellow committee members. Their knowledge and expertise is what makes this committee function
so well.
Respectfully Submitted, Robert J. McCarthy, Chairman
16
16Source page 20
Report of the
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
John McSweeney, Chairman, Housing Authority 801 Washington St.
George Comeau, Vice-Chairman, Historical Commission Canton, MA 02021
David Emhardt, Treasurer, Capital Planning Committee Telephone 339-502-5729
Alison Grossman, Clerk, Parks & Recreation Commission ccpc@town.canton.ma.us
Thomas Theodore, Select Board
Kendall O’Halloran, School Committee
Melissa Mayer, Conservation Commission
David McCarthy, Planning Board
John Leonetti, Citizen-at-Large
CPA IN CANTON
The Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) is the town board that implements the Community Preservation Act (CPA)
which was adopted by Canton voters in 2012. Through the CPA, state and local funds are collected to fund open space, affordable
housing, historic preservation, and recreation projects. Local funds are raised through a 1% surcharge on all real estate property tax
bills with three exemptions: (1) residential property owned and occupied by any person who qualifies for low-income housing, or low-
or moderate-income senior housing; (2) the first $100,000 of taxable value of all residential real property; and (3) the first $100,000 of
taxable value of all commercial and industrial property.
FUNCTION & COMPOSITION
The CCPC administers the community preservation fund, writes and adopts a Community Preservation Plan based on community input,
receives proposals from the community for expenditures from the fund, recommends projects to Town Meeting to be considered for
funding, and monitors the progress of approved projects. The Committee is comprised of nine volunteer members: one citizen-at-large
and one member each from the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Housing Authority, Planning Board, Parks &
Recreation Commission, Select Board, Capital Planning Committee, and School Committee. Given this composition, the CCPC
typically experiences turnover in one or more of the seats in any given year. In 2023 the CCPC welcomed back a previous representative
from the Planning Board: David McCarthy, a new representative from the Select Board: Thomas Theodore, a new representative from
the Capital Planning Committee: David Emhardt, and a new representative from the Parks & Recreation Commission: Alison Grossman.
The Committee would like to thank Kathy McCormack, Lisa Lopez, Shaun Chu, and Stacey Gorman for their service.
2023 ACTIVITY
In 2022, due to a lack of administrator and Committee member turnover, the Committee voted to place a pause on recommending the
funding of new projects for FY24, which would be voted on at Annual Town Meeting in May of 2023. This is in accordance with Section
6 of the Community Preservation Act: “In each fiscal year and upon the recommendation of the community preservation committee, the
legislative body shall spend, or set aside for later spending, not less than 10 per cent of the annual revenues in the Community
Preservation Fund for open space, not less than 10 per cent of the annual revenues for historic resources and not less than 10 per cent of
the annual revenues for community housing… Funds that are set aside shall be held in the Community Preservation Fund and spent in
that year or later years; provided, however, that funds set aside for a specific purpose shall be spent only for the specific purpose.”
The Committee recommended that $232,990 be appropriated to pay the 5th of 10 contracted bond payments on the Paul Revere Heritage
Site, $45,196 be set aside for administrative spending (5% of the expected income for FY24), and 10% of the expected FY24 income
($90,393) be transferred into each of the reserve accounts for Recreation/Open Space, Historic Preservation, and Community Housing,
as required. All remaining money collected for FY24 was held in the CPA unreserved fund to be used for project expenditures in FY25.A
new Community Preservation Plan was written and approved by the Committee with updated information and goals, including the
results of the community outreach performed in early 2022.
Pre-applications for CPA funding in FY25 were due by August 18, 2023. 14 pre-applications were submitted, totaling $3,955,000. Final
applications were due by October 13th. Several projects withdrew their pre-applications, while some others changed the amounts
requested, leading to a final total of 11 applications totaling $2,355,000 in CPA funding requests for FY25.
FINANCIALS
Total CPA revenues in fiscal year 2023 were $1,110,828.56. This includes surcharge revenue of $753,081.71, a State Match (in 2
disbursements) totaling $275,006.00, and $82,740.85 in other revenue. The total state match for fiscal year 2023 was 38.64%, the second
highest match percentage in Canton’s CPA history behind the 43.71% match in 2022. $159,133 was received in late 2023 for fiscal year
2024 (a match of approximately 21%). Due to funding limitations at the state level a second disbursement of funds is not expected for
FY24.
17
17Source page 21
Unlike other Town departments, unexpendedUnlike
funds
otherinTown
a community
departments,
preservation
unexpended
account
funds
rollinover
a community
from year preservation
to year and unappropriated
account roll over from y
funds continue to accumulate in the various
funds
CPA
continue
accounts.
to accumulate
The following
in the
chart
various
captures
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Fund’s The
actual
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end of fiscal year 2023 (which closed at end
the end
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of June
year2023).
2023 (which closed at the end of June 2023).
CPA Revenue by Fiscal Year CPA Revenue by Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Surcharge CollectionsFiscal Year StateSurcharge
CPA Collections Other State CPATotal Revenue Other
Distribution Distribution
FY2014 $480,993.57 FY2014 $0.00 $480,993.57 $877.59 $0.00 $481,871.16 $877.59
FY2015 $491,959.51 FY2015 $153,822.00 $491,959.51 $5,812.76 $153,822.00 $651,594.27 $5,812.76
FY2016 $520,788.81 FY2016 $145,336.00 $520,788.81 $7,341.15 $145,336.00 $673,465.96 $7,341.15
FY2017 $545,946.62 FY2017 $108,001.00 $545,946.62 $11,689.00 $108,001.00 $665,636.62 $11,689.00
FY2018 $581,951.58 FY2018 $94,671.00 $581,951.58 $25,996.39 $94,671.00 $702,618.97 $25,996.39
FY2019 $613,699.65 FY2019 $110,487.00 $613,699.65 $32,523.76 $110,487.00 $756,710.41 $32,523.76
FY2020 $619,735.77 FY2020 $147,419.00 $619,735.77 $30,548.53 $147,419.00 $797,703.30 $30,548.53
FY2021 $684,473.45 FY2021 $181,402.00 $684,473.45 $16,524.16 $181,402.00 $882,399.61 $16,524.16
FY2022 $711,659.16 FY2022 $299,178.00 $711,659.16 $13,742.80 $299,178.00$1,024,579.96 $13,742.80
FY2023 $753,081.71 FY2023 $275,006.00 $753,081.71 $82,740.85 $275,006.00$1,110,828.56 $82,740.85
Totals $6,004,289.83 Totals$1,515,322.00
$6,004,289.83 $227,796.99 $1,515,322.00 $7,747,408.82 $227,796.99
Based on the revenue data above, and following
Based ondiscussions
the revenuewith
datathe
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Town’s
andfinancial
followingprofessionals,
discussions with
the Committee
the Town’sused
financial
an estimated
professionals, the
revenue figure of $903,925.00 for FY 24.revenue figure of $903,925.00 for FY 24.
The Committee wishes to thank past and Thecurrent
Committee
project
wishes
sponsors,
to thank
Canton
pastcitizens,
and current
Townproject
officials,
sponsors,
the Massachusetts
Canton citizens,
Community
Town officials, t
Preservation Coalition, and each of its Committee
Preservation
members
Coalition,
for their
and each
continued
of its Committee
dedication to
members
the CPA.for their continued dedication to the CPA.
Respectfully submitted, John McSweeney
Respectfully submitted, John McSweeney
Report of the Report of the
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Joshua Cohen, Chair Joshua Cohen, Chair Pequitside Farm Pequitside Farm
Kevin Colmey, Vice-Chair Kevin Colmey, Vice-Chair 79 Pleasant Street 79 Pleasant Street
Robert MacDonald, Treasurer Robert MacDonald, Treasurer Canton, MA 02021 Canton, MA 02021
Paul Degnan, Clerk Paul Degnan, Clerk Telephone 781-821-5035 Telephone 781-821-5035
Thomas Birmingham, Member Thomas Birmingham, Member
rmilani@town.canton.ma.us rmilani@town.canton.ma.us
Melissa Mayer, Member Melissa Mayer, Member
Gerald Carmichael, Member Gerald Carmichael, Member
Regen Milani, Conservation Agent Regen Milani, Conservation Agent
Robin O’Connell-McCarthy, Senior Clerk
Robin O’Connell-McCarthy, Senior Clerk
Meghan Sullivan, Recording Secretary Meghan Sullivan, Recording Secretary
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 Hours:
Office AM to 4:00 PM, through
Monday Friday 9:00 AM to9:00
Thursday 1:00AM
PMto 4:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Established in 1963, the Canton Conservation Commission
Established in 1963,isthe dedicated to preserving Commission
Canton Conservation the town’s natural resources
is dedicated for the benefit
to preserving of
the town’s natu
current and future generations. The Commission
current and owns
futureand manages over
generations. The 500 hundred acres
Commission owns of andconservation
manages over land.
500Most landacres
hundred is of con
specifically set aside for the intrinsic and economic set
specifically value thatfor
aside natural areas provide
the intrinsic to the community
and economic – flood areas
value that natural control and mitigation,
provide to the community
uptake and filtering of pollution, preservation
uptake of
andthe uniqueofnatural
filtering heritage
pollution, of Canton,
preservation of water quality
the unique and quantity,
natural heritage climate change
of Canton, water quality
mitigation, and so much more. In addition, several and
mitigation, largesoproperties,
much more. including Pequitside
In addition, Farm
several largeand Wardwellincluding
properties, Conservation Area,Farm
Pequitside are and Wa
open to the public for recreational activities
open tosuch
the as hiking,
public for walking,
recreational activities such
snowshoeing, bird as hiking, animal
watching, walking,tracking, nature bird
snowshoeing, study,
watching,
photography, and picnicking. The Commission is responsible
photography, for developing
and picnicking. and overseeing
The Commission the Canton
is responsible for Open Space and
developing and overseeing
Recreation the Canto
Plan, seeking grants for acquisition ofPlan,openseeking
space, and
grantsaccepting gifts of of
for acquisition land or money
open for conservation
space, and accepting gifts purposes
of landthrough
or money its for cons
Conservation Land Fund. Conservation Land Fund.
The Commission holds public meetings The on the second andholds
Commission fourthpublic
Wednesdays
meetingsofon
most
the months at Pequitside
second and Farm in theofTavern
fourth Wednesdays Room at Pequit
most months
located at the rear of the Edward J. Lynch, Jr. House.
located Meetings
at the rear of thebegin at 7:00
Edward P.M. All
J. Lynch, meetings
Jr. House. are openbegin
Meetings to theatpublic and recorded
7:00 P.M. by are ope
All meetings
Canton Community Television. Canton Community Television.
18 18
18Source page 22
The Conservation Commission works directly with developers, town departments, and residents regarding both new and redevelopment
projects, including new subdivisions, construction of new single-family homes, building additions, landscaping, and more to help ensure
an understanding of the requirements for compliance with state and local laws. The Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetland
Protection Act and Regulations (1972), the Town of Canton Wetland Protection Bylaw and Regulations (1980), and the Town of Canton
Stormwater Bylaw and Regulations (2007). Copies of current regulations and forms are available on the Conservation Department
website https://town.canton.ma.us/335/About-Conservation-Commission or at the Conservation Office (781) 821-5035. Online
permitting in Conservation in the ViewPoint system remained stalled in 2023 due to staffing issues but it is our aim to eventually move
permitting under the Canton Bylaws onto ViewPoint once we have the capacity and expertise to help us accomplish this move.
In January Meghan Sullivan joined us as Recording Secretary and has been a great addition to the department. In July, Regen Milani
was elected President of the Massachusetts Society of Municipal Conservation Professionals for a one-year term.
In 2023 the Commission started a program to treat non-native, invasive Variable Milfoil in Glen Echo Pond. It was treated with a
herbicide that selectively targets this plant and the treatment is guaranteed to keep the milfoil in check for three years. We are continuing
to monitor the pond. We also conducted hand-pulling of non-native European Water Chestnut at Messinger Pond volunteer day one
Saturday in July in partnership with the Neponset River Watershed Association. This follows the 2021 and 2022 chemical treatments
for this aggressive plant that is taking over. We managed to fill a dumpster provided by the DPW 2/3 full with 20 people helping in eight
canoes but it barely made a dent. Regular hand pulling efforts throughout the season coupled with a chemical treatment before the seed
pods drop is what is needed at this pond.
In 2023, the Commission held 17 meetings with 102 agenda items. The Commission issued a total of 17 new wetland permits, 2 new
stormwater permits, and 55 Certificates of Compliance (Table I). It should be noted that wetland projects over 20,000 s.f. in disturbance
also must meet the performance standards of the Canton Stormwater Bylaw, although a separate permit is not issued. Open conservation
permits encumber the title of the property for which the permit was taken. These encumbrances can hold up a closing date when the
owner goes to sell the home. Therefore, it is very important that after the permitted work is completed, applicants/property owners
return to the Commission to receive a Certificate of Compliance.
TABLE I
Breakdown of permits issued and actions taken by the Conservation Commission January 1 to December 31, 2023.
Stormwater Permits Land Disturbance
Wetland Permits Permits
Order of Conditions (OOC) 16 SMP Permit 2 LDP Permit n/a
Duplicate OOC 0 Duplicate SMP 0 Duplicate LDP 0
Amended OOC 0 Amended SMP 0 Amended LDP n/a
OOC Extension 5 SMP Extension 1 LDP Extension 1
Bylaw only OOC 1 SMP violation notice 0 LDP violation notice n/a
Order of Resource Area 1 SMP Certificate of 5 LDP Certificate of 13
Delineation (ORAD) Compliance (COC) Compliance (COC)
Determination of 13 Partial SMP COC 0 Partial LDP COC 1
Applicability
Violation Notice 2 Invalid SMP COC 0 Invalid LDP COC 0
Enforcement Order 3
Certificate of Compliance 27
(COC)
Partial COC 1
Invalid COC 8
Duplicate COC 2
Total agenda items 79 8 15
Percent of agenda items 77% 8% 15%
Fees collected under Wetland Protection Act: $ 5,990.00
Fees collected under Wetland Protection Bylaw: $17,817.00
Fees collected under Stormwater Management Bylaw: $ 1,050.00
Fines charged for Violations: $ 0.00
Total fees collected: $24,857.00
19
19Source page 23
The Commission manages the Canton Community Garden located at Pequitside. There are 27 plots that are rented each year by
individual residents to allow them to grow their own personal produce from May to October. As we write this report renewals for plots
are on-going for the 2024 season. It looks like for the second year in a row at least two residents from the waitlist will be able to get a
plot in the upcoming year.
As always, we would like to thank the Canton DPW, in particular William Walsh, Highway Supervisor, Steve Choiniere, Canton
Facilities and Grounds Supervisor, Building and Grounds Technicians: Ed Butler, Kevin Brophy, Rob Martin, and Peter Ferry, and Dan
Ouzounian and his team in Forestry, all without whose assistance we would not be able to maintain and repair our buildings and grounds.
A reminder, if you happen to find a rare animal, plant, or insect in Canton, please take photos (don’t disturb), and document the date,
time, and location with GPS if possible, and call the Agent right away. This important data will help us to protect the Town’s natural
history.
Respectfully Submitted, Josh Cohen, Chair and Regen Milani, Agent
Report of the
COUNCIL ON AGING and DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AND HUMAN SERVICES
Chairperson, Janet Walrod 500 Pleasant St.
Vice-Chair, Elaine Gilmore Canton, MA 02021
Secretary, Ellen Donovan Telephone 781-828-1323
Member, Jane Pratt dtynan@town.canton.ma.us
Member, Rich Kulas
Member, Peter Marshalka
Member, Paul Sloan
Diane Tynan, Director
Victoria DiMaria, Social Worker; Alexandra Benjamin, Social Worker; Donna Porcello, Program Coordinator; Marylou Sullivan,
Program Coordinator; Elizabeth Barrera, Principal Clerk; Susan Burns, Clerk; Bus Drivers: Stephen Genatosio, Rich D’Attanasio,
Fred Rausa,James Paschal, Robert Trayers and Al Widberg
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
DEHS Mission
The Department of Elder and Human Services, DEHS, herein referred to as the Center, has a primary mission to be the agency
focused on the physical, social, emotional, and economic issues affecting the community and older adults. As such, our focus is
offering an array of onsite and outreach programs that have never been greater than this past year.
Programs
The Center offers a variety of informational and social offerings along with several fitness classes. Discussion groups and speaker
meetings are focused on current and relevant issues. Social programs include special occasion lunches, day trips, overnight trips,
various fitness programs, dance classes, and Barre Classes as examples. The MA Aging Network has determined that socialization is
vital to aging in place. Our Social Workers also provide social services to the community onsite and with home visits when necessary.
The Center's efforts as Canton's primary public social service agency, or the social service hub, reflect these aging network
realizations. Our multifaceted efforts continue to meet the community's immediate needs, including daily shopping trips, medical
appointments, and prescriptions. The inability to socialize due to the lockdown is reflected in enhanced attendance of our programs,
which encourage socialization. Many members see the Center as a club, a home away from home. These attitudes are reflected in our
day trips, pizza or ice cream parties, and even taking part in card games. Something is always going on at the "clubhouse."
The need for economic assistance has grown dramatically with the economy's continued worsening. Once provided, eligibility
information determines which, if any, resources they may be eligible to receive. While space and personnel are limited, the number of
retirees and residents needing assistance continues to grow. Since continuing to use our existing space effectively, we are actively
looking at plans to expand the Center.
Transportation
2023 demonstrated the efficiency and flexibility of the Center's transportation program.
20
20Source page 24
Despite the limited seating capacity of each vehicle, we could still maintain scheduled runs. As previously stated, our current
transportation schedule includes medical appointments, food shopping, and shopping mall runs that often offer lunch options. We also
assist residents with obtaining transportation outside of our service area. We have seen an increase in transportation post COVID.
From January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, we provided 8707 trips with our vehicles and additional 3835 rides using other
resources.
Health and Wellness
Physical activity, recreation, and self-care are integral components of healthy aging. The Center provides several well-attended
exercise programs, including Heart Fit, modified Chair Fit, Zumba, Men's Fitness, Yoga, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, and Pickleball.
Additionally, throughout the year, the Center hosts health-related seminars and clinics, sometimes in conjunction with other Town
Departments or agencies.
Social Work/Social Service
The Social Work/ Social Service function continues to successfully assist those needing assistance for residents of any age requiring
social services. The DEHS is the primary agency for services in the Canton community. These services include assisting individuals
and families that are experiencing homelessness in applying for housing, as well as those facing foreclosure and eviction, completing
fuel assistance applications through Self-Help, Inc. and advocating on client’s behalf for heating emergencies, SNAP assistance,
employment, home care services, tax abatements, long-term care placement, prescription drug programs, friendly visitor programs,
and other programs and services. The Social Service team which consists of two Social Workers are able to evaluate the safety and
overall well-being of an individual and file protective service reports when appropriate. Further, they develop and conduct support
groups such as Caregiver Support, Low Vision, and Memory Cafe. Recognizing the importance of socialization, our team encourages
those aging-in-place to attend the Center often, when feasible.
Reflecting on this past year, we are concerned with the uptick in numbers within the community that are experiencing housing
insecurities in all aspects, increase with food insecurities, and the rise in mental health concerns.We collaborate with the School
Department, Building Department, Police Department, Fire Department, Board of Health, Veterans Department, Canton Housing
Authority, Saint Vincent DePaul, Salvation Army, The Canton Helpline, Select Board, and other Town Departments and agencies to
offer as much assistance as possible to Canton Residents.
Tax Work Program
The Town of Canton offers a Tax Work-Off Program for senior homeowners over 60 and Veterans of any age. Participants are offered
a real estate tax credit of up to $1,500.00 for work provided to various Town Departments. This Program benefits all who are
involved.
Staff & Volunteers
While the Center's hard-working staff is limited, they remain highly efficient and versatile. The Center's current team is listed above in
this report. In addition, we have a dedicated group of volunteers who allow us to function efficiently with a small departmental staff.
The passing of Doctor John Crowe saddened us. Doctor Crowe had served on the COA Advisory Board since 2012 and was gentle,
kind, and passionate about the senior Center. John Thoener unfortunately had to resign from the Board. John has served on the Board
since 2017 and was always a kind and gentle presence as well. We will miss Doctor Crowe and John Thoener dearly!
The DEHS is thankful for all the individuals, organizations, and Town Departments supporting us with their time, talent, and
resources. We are incredibly grateful to the townspeople, the Board of Selectmen, and all Canton Boards and Departments for their
continued support throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, Janet Walrod, Chairperson and Diane Tynan, Director
21
21Source page 25
Report of the
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Wendell Robery, Emergency Management Director 99 Revere St.
Paul Clark, Deputy Emergency Management Director Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-575-6654
Fax 781-821-6591
wrobery@town.canton.ma.us
Emergency management is currently working in collaboration with Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) on
updating the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) for Canton.
The department worked collectively with the Regional Emergency Planning Committee (REPC) and updated the towns critical
facilities for emergency response.
The department merged the Emergency Management Performance Grant along with a host of other communities to the Norfolk
County Technical Rescue Team to obtain much needed technical rescue gear. The Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team will use
this very valuable equipment for technical rescues in Canton and the surrounding towns.
Report of the
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
William R. Scollins, III, Finance Director 801 Washington St.
rscollins@town.canton.ma.us 781-575-6612 Canton, MA 02021
Fax 781-575-6608
Kathleen D. Butters, Town Accountant Allyson M. Podgurski, Assistant Town Account
kbutters@town.canton.ma.us 781-575-6605 apodgurski@town.canton.ma.us 781 821-5011
Louis M. Jutras, Information Systems Manager Susan Desjardins, Assistant Treasurer/Collector
ljutras@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-5069 sdesjardins@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-5006
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M, Friday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
After 23 years of incredible service as Network Coordinator in the Information Systems department, Linda Sacramona retired in
February of 2023. She was part of several successful modernizing IT initiatives over that time, as technological change was a constant.
Also, at the end of calendar 2023, long serving Town Accountant Kathy Butters decided to retire. Her positive impact on the Accounting
department and Town government will be long lasting. As a result of her succession planning and hiring of excellent staff, Assistant
Town Accountant Allyson Podgurski has been promoted to Town Accountant, Payroll Specialist Cody Pratt has been promoted to
Assistant Town Accountant, and Deborah (Deb) Gallagher has been promoted to Payroll Specialist. I wish Linda and Kathy all the best
in their well-deserved retirements and I also wish Allyson, Cody and Deb well in their new roles.
The Finance Department contributed to several major accomplishments during the year:
• Received from the Government Finance Officers Association their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
related to our preparing an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal 2022. This is the 17th consecutive year we
have received this award .
• Prepared an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal 2023, and submitted it for consideration for GFOA’s Certificate for
Excellence, which is available on the Town’s website on the Finance department webpage.
• Issued bonds in February 2023, amounting to a net of $10.92 million for the District Improvements to the former Plymouth Rubber
Site (Revere Site), several water main replacements, water storage tank maintenance, initial funding for the Library roof & HVAC
replacement project, a sidewalk tractor, a 10 wheel truck and plow, ventilators for the JFK elementary school, network switch gear
and the final funding for the St. Gerard’s property acquisition. Raymond James and Associates, Inc. purchased the bonds at an
effective interest rate of 3.073%.
• Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed Canton’s AAA rating prior to the February 2023 bond sale.
22
22Source page 26
• Navigated bringing forward a balanced Town-wide FY 2024 budget to Town Meeting in a shifting revenue environment.
Coordination with all Town boards, committees and departments resulted in a positive result in planning for the funding of services
for FY 2024, against the backdrop of continuing recovery from a world-wide health pandemic and economic downturn.
• Collected 98.87% of the property taxes due for fiscal 2023, amounting to $89.8 million, which was in line with historical collection
rates in the year of tax.
• Continued administration of a major Federal grant program, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Funds are expected to
provide a stimulus to the recovering COVID impacted economy. $6,976,762 in ARPA Funds are expected in Canton. $6,100,489
has been received to date. Canton is a direct recipient of ~$2.5MM and a subrecipient of Norfolk County for another $4.49MM.
• The Select Board has voted to fund 24 requested projects with ARPA funds after a public vetting process. Most of the funds have
been committed to 19 projects. Accessing the remaining funds requires applying to Norfolk County and fitting the projects into
narrowly prescribed expenditure categories. The County process is challenging, yet we continue to work to obtain these funds for
the voted projects that align with the allowable spending categories, including: Public Health; Negative Economic Impacts; Services
to Disproportionately Impacted Communities; Premium Pay; Infrastructure; and Revenue Replacement.
• Supported the annual tax rate setting process.
• Invested cash balances in a rising interest rate environment resulting in FY23 interest income of $2.13 million in all Governmental
funds, 900% of FY22, and $489,388 in Water, Sewer and Rink Enterprise funds, 1,150% of FY22.
• Continued to track solar credits generated at closed landfill on Pine Street with net financial benefit amounting to $966,209 in fiscal
2023, the highest year on record due to DPU’s electricity rates.
• Submitted various required financial reports to the Department of Revenue. Free Cash reserve was certified at $10.23 million as of
June 30, 2023. This undesignated fund balance along with $10.3MM in the Stabilization Fund, and $4.44MM in Overlay Reserve
will help to maintain the Town’s highest bond rating of AAA and to fund one-time expenditure needs.
• Updated OPEB (retiree health benefits) actuarial study estimates a net unfunded liability of $94.09MM, a decrease of $2.56MM,
driven primarily by the Medicare supplement premium remaining unchanged for two years and offset by increased assumptions in
healthcare costs.
• Continued responsibility of issuing stickers to allow commuters to park along Greenlodge Street.
• Completed annual process of attempting to locate recipients of $79,376 in uncashed Town checks.
• For the May 2023 Annual Town Meeting:
1. Recommended $1.0MM appropriation to establish a new Capital Stabilization Fund;
2. Recommended $740K appropriation to supplement the State’s Ch. 70 Roads funding;
3. Recommended $250K appropriation as a contingency for capital budgets.
The Information Systems division successfully managed several important technology projects, including: the ARPA Sewer SCADA
project; Microwave radio replacements; copier upgrades; IP phone replacements; firewall replacement for the Library; as well as various
software renewals and other hardware refresh projects.
We have prepared a comparative balance sheet and statement of revenue and expenditures for the Town’s general fund. We have also
prepared a report on trust fund cash balances and long-term debt.
Thank you to the entire Finance & IT staff for their tireless efforts in successfully managing all of the Finance and IT operations for the
Town during extraordinary and challenging times in the aftermath of the worldwide COVID pandemic.
23
23Source page 27
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS Balance Sheet (1) General Fund for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30 As of June 30 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Assets Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 45,577,329 $ 42,268,784 $ 35,532,272 $ 26,541,458 $ 25,360,443 Receivables-Net of Uncollectible Amounts: Property Taxes 741,651 645,984 629,391 1,466,488 158,381 Tax Liens and Foreclosures 1,663,537 1,645,968 1,530,013 1,165,361 1,309,397 Excise Taxes 506,242 530,998 609,781 736,262 390,130 Due From Other Governments 0 33,089 65,119 504,594 1,500,585 Leases 4,801,273 4,290,283 0 0 0 Other Assets 0 976,550 751,282 1,803,556 670,357 Total Assets $ 53,290,032 $ 50,391,656 $ 39,117,858 $ 32,217,719 $ 29,389,293 Liabilities and Fund Equity Liabilities Accounts Payable $ 1,633,787 $ 1,638,317 $ 1,614,086 $ 1,403,487 $ 1,381,801 Payroll Payable 5,662,998 7,386,764 4,838,560 4,713,867 4,114,932 Other Liabilities 3,777,791 2,984,763 1,076,407 434,087 35,693 Deferred Revenue 7,274, TAT 7,026,702 2,310,318 1,240,856 2,631,585 Provision for Abatements & Exemptions 1,141,795 1,257,816 1,218,014 2,119,816 968,747 Total Liabilities 19,491,118 20,294,362 11,057,385 9,912,113 9,132,758 Fund Equity Restricted/Nonspendable 0 0 0 115,915 12,412 Committed 4,029,719 3,628,842 1,108,984 1,148,811 976,324 Assigned 4,598,262 3,688,869 4,872,726 1,354,167 1,680,982 Unassigned 25,170,933 22,779,583 —«-22,078,763 «19,686,713 —«17,486,817 Total Fund Equity 33,798,914 30,097,294 28,060,473 22,305,606 —-20,256,535 Total Liabilities and Fund Equity $53,290,032 $ 50,391,656 $ 39,117,858 $ 32,217,719 $ 29,389,293 ee (1) Excerpts from audited financial statements. 24
Source page 28
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS Combined Statements of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance (1) General Fund for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30 (000's omitted) Revenues 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 roperty Taxes $ 89,550 $ 84527 $ 84,134 $ 78318 $ 76,035 ayments in Lieu of Taxes 937 1,883 282 254 243 Tax Liens Redeemed 223 149 221 235 220 Excise Taxes 5,290 5,014 5,058 4,560 4,903 enalties and Interest 314 285 382 240 284 Departmental and other revenue 3367 1,009 1,173 937 1,560 Licenses and Permits 3726 1,610 1,945 1,422 1,258 Intergovernmental - State 18,591 16,885 22,800 21,021 18,502 Fines and Forfeitures 58 39 53 55 87 Earnings on Investments 3955 214 832 1,299 660 Hotel and Meals Taxes ,024 718 422 569 618 Total Revenues $ 122,235 $ 112,334 $ 117,300 $ 108,910 $ 104,370 Expenditures General Government $ 4475 $ 4,149 $ 4058 §$ 4092 $ 4,269 ublic Safety 14,365 13,611 12,364 12,738 11,928 Education 53,052 50,500 47,002 46,109 44,481 ublic Works 7,784 6,402 6,471 5,886 5,801 Human Services 5147 3090 985 ,007 978 Culture and Recreation 2,546 2,558 2,241 2,250 2,192 ension Benefits 14,084 13,094 18,872 16,801 14,173 Employee Benefits 13,992 13,730 13,626 13,315 13,014 State and County Charges 3513 3462 1,425 ,187 5231 Debt Service 4,765 4,568 5,183 4,571 4,661 Total Expenditures 117,724 111,164 112,226 107,956 102,728 Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures 451 5170 5,075 954 642 Other Financing Sources (Uses) Premium from Issuance of Debt 0 0 245 0 84 Proceeds from refunding bonds 0 0 2,060 0 3398 Payments of refunded bonds 0 0 (2,305) 0 (1,482) Operating Transfers - In 1,292 1,878 1,311 1,970 S477 Operating Transfers - Out 2,102) (1,011 (631 875 2,744 Total Other Financing Sources (Uses) $10) 867 680 1,095 5267 Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues and Other Financing Sources (Uses) Over Expenditures 3,702 2,037 5,755 2,049 375 Fund Balance - Beginning 30,097 28,060 22,306 376 0 Fund Balance - Ending $33,799 $ 30,097 $ 28,060 $ 2425 §$ 376 (Ll) Excerpts from audited financial statements. 25
Source page 29
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS Report of Cash Activity and Trust Balances TRUST FUNDS C.T. Downes Library Fund Cemetery P.C. Fund Compensated Absences Conservation Land Fund Dean Luce Scholarship Fund Dental Trust Fund Drug Forfeiture Acct E. Bolster Library Trust E.C. Harding Lib Fund E. Kenealy Memorial Trust Frederico Memorial Fund GE. Downes Library Fund Health Claims Trust Fund Helen Martis Scholarship Fund High School Scholarship Fund Jack Galvin Library Fund Joanna A Connors Fund Kendall Recreation Fund Kennedy Scholarship Fund M Badoian School Fund Municipal Bldg. Insurance Fund OPEB Police Detective Bureau Scholar Dollar Fund Second Century Library Trust Senior Center Shaler Charity Fund Solar Stabilization Capital Stabilization Stabilization Fund Stabilization Fund Teen Activity Center Unemployment Comp Trust Van Schagen Library Trust Victoria Chaisson Memorial Trust Workers' Comp Trust Total Trust Funds For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 6/30/22 BALANCE 24,788.71 636,331.96 8,002.07 168,947.05 26,341.48 1,100,690.82 44,049.24 65,683.02 2,694.44 3,821.90 8,589.69 22,595.90 8,939,508.84 5,768.44 16,232.66 3,605.11 3,678.91 1,197.56 11,400.37 246.98 20,397.90 8,620,247.72 198,573.71 6,509.04 51,755.80 2,602.63 13,946.34 223,952.29 0.00 2,887,214.51 7,167,736.77 3,208.56 297,895.73 6,708.87 443,092.23 1,505.34 31,039,522.59 INCREASE (DECREASE) (10,037.40) 15,000.00 53,020.69 13,178.61 95,534.46 126,806.74 (46.88) (1,054.83) 26.09 (4,351.11) (6,068.75) 199,426.45 (2.41) (500.00) 1,476.85 2.57 106.71 2,500.00 1,994.54 1,150,000.00 (184,838.67) (34.66) 13.21 1,000,000.00 (0.80) 68,815.25 6.05 (29,481.08) 1,445.95) 2,490,045.69 26 INTEREST 1,007.71 21,342.28 325.32 6,322.98 1,070.83 22,582.14 9,735.21 2,670.16 109.55 155.36 349.19 918.57 198,579.32 234.51 659.88 146.56 149.55 48.71 463.44 10.04 763.38 764,306.10 8,072.51 264.60 2,104.01 105.79 566.96 8,381.62 25,877.00 108,056.55 160,549.28 130.42 12,110.13 272.73 16,583.13 61.22 1,375,086.74 6/30/23 BALANCE 15,759.02 672,674.24 61,348.08 188,448.64 27,412.31 1,218,807.42 180,591.19 68,306.30 1,749.16 4,003.35 4,587.77 17,445.72 9,337,514.61 6,000.54 16,392.54 5,228.52 3,831.03 1,352.98 11,863.81 2,757.02 23,155.82 10,534,553.82 21,807.55 6,773.64 53,825.15 2,721.63 14,513.30 232,333.91 1,025,877.00 2,995,271.06 7,328,286.05 3,338.18 378,821.11 6,987.65 430,194.28 120.61 34,904,655.03
Source page 30
TOWN OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS Long Term Debt For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023 6/30/22 6/30/23 INTEREST DATE PRINCIPAL NEW PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL PAID IN ISSUED INTERESTRATE _ BALANCE BONDISSUE PAYMENTS — BALANCE FY 2023 7/8/10 2.00% 1,871,600 191,711 1,679,889 35,515 8/19/13 0% 218,000 109,000 109,000 0 11/13/13 2.00% to 5.00% 1,005,000 405,000 600,000 30,150 3/15/14 2.50% to 5.00% 2,120,000 1,035,000 1,085,000 80,750 3/15/15 2.50% to 3.00% 1,120,000 340,000 780,000 29,700 3/17/16 2.50% to 3.00% 975,000 255,000 720,000 19,500 3/16/17 3.00% 5,305,000 445,000 4,860,000 159,150 4/5/17 2.00% to 4.00% 1,435,000 235,000 1,200,000 36,025 3/15/18 3.00% to 5.00% 3,000,000 420,000 2,580,000 122,300 5/1/19 3.00% to 5.00% 5,425,000 600,000 4,825,000 220,300 5/20/20 2.50% to 5.00% 9,875,000 795,000 9,080,000 371,369 7/15/20 2.00% 240,370 15,676 224,694 4,729 8/24/20 0% 2,340,000 260,000 2,080,000 0 1/25/21 0% 61,335 6,815 54,520 0 5/5/21 2.00% to 5.00% 7,120,000 925,000 6,195,000 265,750 8/13/21 0% 1,116,000 111,600 1,004,400 0 3/22/22 2.25% to 5.00% 14,345,000 1,015,000 13,330,000 562,781 4/15/22 0% 44,588 4,459 40,129 0 2/8/23 2.00% to 3.50% 0 10,920,000 0 10,920,000 0 Totals 57,616,892 10,920,000 7,169,261 61,367,632 1,938,019 27
Source page 31
Report of the
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Wendell Robery, Fire Chief 99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021
Telephone 781-821-5095
Fax 781-821-0956
wrobery@town.canton.ma.us
The Canton Fire Department welcomed one new member, Michela Kelly to the department in 2023. Michela received two weeks of
training before being placed on a working group. Additionally, two firefighters Alana Burke and Ronan O’Mahony graduated from the
Massachusetts State Fire Academy and became certified Firefighter 1 and 2. Two Firefighters Amira Kim and Joseph Wright
resigned. Firefighter Frank Walsh was promoted to Lieutenant. Captain Edwin Freitas was promoted to become our first Deputy
Chief of Operations. Lieutenant Jamie Meier was promoted to Captain in our Training and Safety Division and became our Fire
investigator. Captain Thomas Driscoll took charge of our Fire Alarm Division.
The position of Deputy Chief of Operations was created at the 2023 annual town meeting. Tasked with overseeing Operations with an
emphasis on EMS and community paramedic program. Operationally the departments guideline for emergency response have been
reviewed and updated. EMS continues to be a large percentage of the department’s requests for service. An outline of community
paramedicine is being developed with input from other town departments for future implementation to be able to continue to deliver
services the citizens and visitors are accustomed to receiving.
The Canton Fire Department responded to 5,023 calls in 2023. This is a 3% increase over the call volume from 2022. Emergency
Medical Services runs where 64% of the calls. Fire and other related hazard calls where 37% of the runs.
Canton Fire Prevention was also busy in overseeing construction of multiple new construction projects including Top Golf and
multiple condos being completed along Revere St. We also saw renovations in many buildings bring in new business to Canton. As a
department the demand for services continues to grow in 2023 both on the 911 responses and the Fire Prevention services.
The Fire Department received delivery of a new Squad-2 brush truck that will be housed at station-2.
Training / Safety Division remained committed to promoting firefighter safety and training to its members so they can best serve the
Town of Canton. Trainings were provided by department members and outside subject experts throughout the year to on duty
personnel as well as off duty training provided at the Canton Fire Department, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s, and remote
training locations. Topics included live-fire training, equipment use, skills maintenance, rescue techniques, vehicle operations and site
tours of existing and new structures and areas throughout the town. The Canton Fire Department remains committed to its firefighter’s
health and well-being. Through its Health and Safety Committee firefighter physical examinations, cancer screenings, and physical
fitness programs were continued, reviewed and revised.
The Following permits and inspections were performed by the Canton Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division in the Year 2023.
• 389 Smoke Detector Inspections
• 43 Plan Reviews
• 40 Oil Burner permits
• 50 Cutting and Welding permits
• 31 Liquid Propane permits
• 9 General permits
• 2 Blasting permits
• 13 Flammable Liquids permits
• 10 Diesel Storage permits
• 48 Tank removals
• 6 Storage tank permits
• 1 Waste Oil Storage permit
• 4 Flammable Gas permit
• 1 Hazardous Material Processing permit
• 30 Candle permits
• 147 Burning permits
Total revenue brought in was $26,005.00
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The Fire prevention Division is actively involved in the many construction projects both commercial and residential, ensuring work is
completed to the current Fire Code. Canton Fire Prevention will continue to visit schools and educate our youth on the importance of
fire safety and preparedness in our community. We also will continue to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in
homes of Canton seniors. These programs are available with the help of grants obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Fire
Services. In addition, inspections were conducted in all schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, restaurants, many
commercial businesses, and hotels.
Total EMS calls in 2023 were 2823, which is an increase vs our previous average totals of 2300-2400 annual runs. Of that number,
Canton FD apparatus transported 2585 patients to Metro-Boston area hospitals.
Our ambulances responded to 102 calls for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, which has reduced slightly in numbers
versus the last several years.
Notably, of the total transports, 323 calls were for trauma, and 336 calls were Cardiovascular in nature including Cardiac arrest, chest
pain, Stroke, and suspected STEMI’s. Of the Cardiac arrest calls, 20 patients were successfully resuscitated by Canton Paramedics
which is well above the regional average. Additionally, there were 20 calls for opiate related overdoses which required the use of
Narcan. CFD EMS also responded to 220 motor vehicle accidents.
Our crews continued to adapt well to the ever-changing conditions and problems presented by the resurgence of Influenza and other
respiratory illnesses, the statewide private EMS shortages resulting in increased calls for service at our area nursing and long-term care
facilities, the challenges presented by the reduced number of available area Hospitals and ER overcrowding, and added new
emergency care protocols and equipment to their arsenal of skills.
CFD EMS also partnered with Boston Medical Center to develop a program to spearhead significant advancements in pre-hospital
Trauma care and become the first EMS service in the Northeastern United States authorized to administer Low Titer Whole Blood to
trauma patients in the field.
Due to a space issue, the Fire Department moved the EMS Division into an office trailer that is stationed in the parking lot of station-
1. The trailer will be the office of the EMS Coordinator along with a training SIM Lab.
The Canton Fire Department would also like to acknowledge the following foundations and businesses that have so generously
donated money to fund different projects and equipment to help the department better serve the community; Chestnut Hill Properties,
Pulse Systems and Furgeson Supplies. We also appreciate the kind citizens who generously made donations in appreciation of services
received by our firefighters.
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Report of the
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Sepp J. Bergschneider, Chairman 801 Washington Street
George Comeau, Member Canton, MA 02021
Paul Buckley, III, Member Telephone 781-821-5000
Emily Prigot, Member histcomm@town.canton.ma.us
Michael Nourse, Member
Gerald Carmicheal, Member
The Historical Commission is responsible for community wide historic preservation planning. The Commission's duty is to identify,
protect and preserve Canton's properties and sites that are of historic significance.
The Commission works in cooperation with other municipal agencies, such as the Board of Selectmen, Building Inspector,
Community Preservation Committee, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals to ensure that the
goals of historic preservation are considered in the planning and future development of the Town.
The inventory of Cultural and Historic Resources for the Town is one of the principal and ongoing projects of the Commission. As of
2023 the Commission has completed over 460 surveys of historic properties, some of which have been replaced, which are listed on
the Massachusetts Historical Commission's State Register of Historic Places. The inventory forms may be found through the
Massachusetts Cultural Resources Information System (MACRIS). Also available on MACRIS is the National Register of Historic
Places nomination form for the Canton Historic District. Links to MACRIS are on the Historical Commission's web page on the town
website.
Over the past year the Commission did engage a historian to survey several properties, some of which were slated for demolition. The
Commission was unable to stop any demolitions and though the structures were lost their history, both photographic and written, have
been captured for future research. These histories reside within the MACRIS database.
In 2012 the Canton voters adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) which has been a great benefit to the Commission's
ongoing projects throughout the Town. Prior to the adoption of the CPA the Commission was able to have only minimal impact due
to fiscal limitations. Due to funding from the Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) the Commission has been able to
complete several projects that help capture the history of the Town. Several projects such as headstone preservation at Canton Corner
Cemetery and the Olde English Burying Ground, and restorative work of the Canton Corner Receiving Tombs help preserve the
graves of our past citizens. Ongoing projects such as the restoration of the Hannaman 1829 hand pumper and the LaFrance fire engine
help capture historic technology and its usage. The Commission also supports the restoration/rehabilitation of the Tilden House and
the development of the Paul Revere Heritage Site as a means to more fully understand the lives of those who walked before us. All of
these projects offer the rare opportunity to preserve, restore and rehabilitate historic structures and items for general welfare and
enjoyment of the town's citizens. It is hoped that the Town will continue to stand behind these, and future, projects that highlight the
rich historic nature of Canton.
Finally I would like to acknowledge the passing of long time member Paul Mitcherony. Paul was a lifelong resident of Canton and a
descendant of some of its earliest residents. He took great pleasure in being part of Canton's history and took an active part in many
projects including the Little Red House (Tilden) and the Paul Revere Heritage Site; not to mention being the President of the
Historical Society. Always an advocate for the richness of Canton history, his voice will be missed.
Respectfully Submitted, Sepp J. Bergschneider, Chairman
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Report of the
HOUSING AUTHORITY
John McSweeney, Chairman 660 Washington St.
Glen Hannington, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Janet Walrod, State Appointee Telephone 781-828-5144
Agnes Hagen, Member cantonhous@aol.com
Adam Brothers, Member
Mark Roy, Executive Director
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Wednesday 12:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
The Canton Housing Authority reports the following activities for 2023.
Our administrative staff includes Executive Director Mark, Denise, Shanna, Janice, volunteer Nancy and our Resident Services
Coordinator Christine. We thank them for all their hard work! Our maintenance guys are John, Mike, Tim and Andrew. They work
tirelessly to handle daily work orders and nonstop emergencies. They managed to turn over 23 elderly units and 2 family units. The
guys are to be commended for all their hard work.
Especially all those New England snowstorms!
We had a number of capital improvement projects including: window replacement during unit turnover and kitchen floors at our
elderly complexes, exterior metal stairs and roofs at Hagan Court, HVAC upgrade at the Rubin Court community room, a fire alarm
upgrade and window replacement at the Hemenway. There were two emergency boiler repair projects at our family sites. We look
forward to a walkway repair project at the Hemenway this Spring, which is a Norfolk County ARPA funded project. Thank you to
Commissioner Richard Staiti for all his assistance. We also want to thank the Town for their continued commitment to CPA funds. A
big thank you to John McCourt for his supervision of all these projects on behalf of the Authority.
The Canton Housing Authority manages 202 units of elderly housing, 33 units of family housing, 12 units of barrier-free housing, 25
Massachusetts Rental Housing Vouchers, and we handle paperwork for one Section 8 Voucher for another housing authority. Canton
does not have an actual Section 8 program and therefore cannot issue any vouchers.
The wait for standard elderly Canton applicants is several months. The age requirement is 60. There is a preference for veterans
throughout the state. The wait for “non-elderly/ handicap” applicants is also long, even for Canton residents. Our family wait list can
be several years. Top priority will go to emergency applicants who are local veterans. We now work off a statewide wait list, which
limits our ability to do that sometimes.
The Board holds its monthly meetings virtually on the second Tuesday starting at 6:00pm. We wish to express our continued
appreciation to the Town (in particular the Police Department, Fire Department, DPW, DEHS, BOH, BOS, CCPC and IT
Department), our entire staff and our residents for their support in our effort to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing within our
community.
Respectfully submitted, John McSweeney, Chairman
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Report of the
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Jody K. Middleton, Human Resources Director 801 Washington St.
jmiddleton@town.canton.ma.us 781-821-2936 Canton, MA 02021
Fax 781-575-6602
Meredith L. Hartling, Human Resources Generalist
mhartling@town.canton.ma.us 339-502-5727
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
It is my pleasure to present to you the 2023 Annual Report for the Human Resources Department.
The Human Resources Department plays an important role with Town and School departments to ensure that we are serving as an
employee advocate and a management partner. We continue to bring forth the Town’s mission and vision through recruitment,
training, and compliance of our policies and procedures.
The Human Resources Department would like to welcome Julie Shore who transitioned to a new role at Canton Public Schools as the
Director of Personnel Services.
• The Town of Canton has a new Fire Chief. Wendell Robery was appointed Fire Chief last October. Chief Robery has been with
the Canton Fire Department for over 35 years.
• The Human Resources Department has started their partnership with Lexipol. Lexipol works with municipalities to update their
policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal laws
• The Human Resources Department had another busy year with recruitment of positions. The HR Department coordinated the
advertising, recruiting, interviewing and background checks of non-union and union vacancies. Some of those departments
included:
• Board of Health Department
• Canton Public Library
• Parks and Recreation
• Public Works Department
The Human Resources Department continues to provide benefit administration services and support to over 600 school and municipal
employees and to over 400 retirees. Visit us at: http://town.canton.ma.us/Human-Resources-Department
The Human Resources Department looks forward to another year working with Town and School employees, boards, commissions and
committees. I would like to thank them all for their support and cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, Jody K. Middleton, Human Resources Director and Meredith L. Hartling, Human Resources Generalist
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32Source page 36
Report of the
PUBLIC LIBRARY
George Comeau, Chairman 786 Washington St.
Joan Schottenfeld, Vice-Chairman Canton, MA 02021
Nancy Connery, Secretary Telephone 781-821-5027
calib@ocln.org
acapone@ocln.org
Andrea J. Capone, Library Director
Regular Hours of Service: Monday 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 10:00
AM to 5:30 PM Service hours subject to change due. Please check our website for the most current hours of operation.
The Canton public library continued to be led by a dedicated 9 member elected board of trustees. George Comeau served as chair of
the board, and Joan Schottenfeld served as vice chair. Janet Chamberlain served as liaison to the Friends of the Library. Nancy
Connery continued to serve as secretary.
The library staff welcomed many new additions to our staff, Seamus Pecararo and Neal O’Brien joined the library as building
custodians. Tony Allen, our long-term building custodian retired. Our library welcomed Jarod Cole as the Young Adult Associate.
In 2023 the library remained fine free and will continue to provide all of our programs and services to the community at no cost. This
level playing field for all allows the library to offer patrons the best level of service regardless of their financial circumstances. 8,458
borrowers held Canton Public Library cards in 2023. The library hosted 567 live programs with 12,259 in attendance. An additional
1000+ library patrons were served at offsite programs held in the community at locations like the new Paul Revere Heritage Site, the
Department of Elder and Human Services, and at the Sunday Farmer’s Markets held at the high school.
This year the library once again served as a gathering place for the community. Library book clubs, crafting programs, educational
seminars, and classes for library users were extremely popular with the community and were held in both virtual and in person
formats. Storytimes were held thrice weekly and new programs specifically targeting 7-11 year olds were added to our offerings.
Library Director Capone represented our library as a member of the Old Colony Library Network. Circulation Supervisor Bonnie Jette
serves as administrator of the library’s Passport Acceptance Program affords our users the opportunity to apply for a passport at the
library. Library staff attended numerous trainings on how to operate the library safely and creatively and with a focus on Diversity
Equity and Inclusion and protecting the First Amendment at the library.
The Library met State Certification Standards at the highest level, and received a State Aid Award of $49,635.06, the majority of
which was used to purchase books. The library suspended the collection of fines and fees and room rental revenue was not available
during the pandemic.
Circulation of physical materials like books and movies increased by 6% to 191,935. The demand for Ebooks and digital media
content continues to increase at significant rates. In 2023. The Canton Public Library continued to improve our digital offerings
through subscriptions to Kanopy, OverDrive, Hoopla, the New York Times, and new additions of Acorn Films and the Wall Street
Journal online. The library's dedication to digital resources is evident in the substantial increase in E-book usage, which has risen by
17.06%, from 52,848 last year to 61,907 this year. This growth reflects the library's commitment to providing diverse reading options
and accommodating patrons' preferences for digital materials.
William Quinn was elected President of the Friends of the Canton Public Library. The Friends held many successful fundraising
efforts such as a “Comedy Night” and “Sip N’Shop”. This group of highly dedicated and committed Friends supported the staff during
challenging times and provided the library with continued financial assistance for expanded technology services such as mobile Hot
Spots and by sponsoring our library Museum Pass Program.
The Open Book Coffeehouse continued to thrive in its 15th season under the management of Emily Prigot, Library Trustee and Friend
and resumed in-person concerts once again. Canton Writes, led by Kevin Boyce also enjoyed a successful 14th year with many
entries.
We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the Canton Art Association, the Moms’ Club, and the Lions’ Club. Thanks to the Canton
Cultural Council for their support of popular programs and events.
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We are indebted to our many volunteers and to the Friends of the Library whose support for the Library is essential. We gratefully
acknowledge the commitment of our library staff to serving each individual with care and respect, and for the team spirit of all town
departments. We thank our patrons for encouraging words and constructive criticism, and we always welcome public participation in
helping the Library better serve our community.
Respectfully submitted, George Comeau, Chairman, Board of Library Trustees & Andrea J. Capone, Library Director
Report of the
MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
Emilio E. Mauro, Jr., Finance Committee (MPIC Chair) 801 Washington St.
Kristian Merenda, School Committee (MPIC Vice Chair) Canton, MA 02021
Chris Albert (since June) / Lisa Lopez (until May), Select Board Telephone: 781-821-5019
Stacey Gorman, Playground and Recreation Commission mpic@town.canton.ma.u
Bob MacDonald, Conservation Commission www.cantonmasterplan.com
Patricia McDermott (since October) / Joe Amrhein (through September), Planning Board
Margaret Mead, Citizen-At-Large
Michael Nourse, Historical Commission
Alan Rapoport, Economic Development Committee
Gene Manning, Interim Town Planner / Committee Staff (until June)
Taylor (TJ) Torres, Town Planner / Committee Staff
MISSION
The Canton Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) was established by the Select Board to coordinate the effort of
implementing the Town of Canton Master Plan. The current Master Plan was developed through a process that began through action at
the Annual Town Meeting in 2017 that funded the update of the Master Plan, which was then led by the Master Plan Steering
Committee and the hired consulting firm of Horsley Witten to reach out to all stakeholders in town to complete the fifteen-year Master
Plan that was approved by the Planning Board in 2020. The goal of creating the Master Plan itself was to evaluate existing conditions
at the time of the plan's creation, identify needs in town, recommend actions that could help meet those needs, and identify parties who
could be responsible for implementing those actions. The MPIC has been working with responsible parties to both raise awareness
about the plan and to advance the recommendations and goals of the Master Plan through education, coordination, collaboration, and
cooperation between these ultimately responsible departments, boards, and committees.
The vision expressed in the Master Plan covers most aspects of life in Canton. This long-range vision built by the entire community
can lead to great achievements by 2035. This includes what housing is available in town and what the town’s neighborhoods look like.
The Master Plan has recommendations for how the Town should address public health issues and foster social well-being. There are
goals on how to improve all town services to meet the needs of a diverse public while including all residents and stakeholders in Town
decisions. There are guidelines on how to promote economic development in ways that make Canton competitive and prosperous
while also meeting the needs of the workforces and consumers in town. There are actions to help encourage and expand access to
parks, open spaces, and other recreational facilities in Town for all residents. The plan provides steps on how to develop safe and
accessible multimodal neighborhood, town-wide, and regional connectivity in transportation that serves all residents and commuters
well. It supports the protection of historical resources and encourages the community to foster the arts and diverse cultures in town to
build a more robust community. It also provides guidance to preserve the town’s ecosystems and landscapes through wise
environmental stewardship. It will help ensure that Canton is ready to adapt to changing needs in energy and sustainability as growing
natural hazards arise brought on by climate change. The Master Plan identifies special focus areas (Canton Junction, Downtown
Canton, and Route 138) where many Master Plan goals can be realized together. The plan has a wide range of diverse goals and it will
take all stakeholders in Canton, whether public government, commercial entities, organizations, or private residents to help implement
the plan through awareness, advocacy, and policy choices. The MPIC has the responsibility of bringing a wide range of groups
together to advance these goals and implementation is ongoing.
The nine-member MPIC is composed of members from eight different town boards and committees. The committee is constituted to
also have a place for a citizen-at-large to ensure a stronger voice for residents.
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2023 COMMITTEE ACTION
The committee has been meeting approximately once-per-month via Zoom and has continued the process of meeting with featured
guest department heads, boards, committees, or other stakeholder or advocates and has had productive meetings.
In 2023, those attending as guests included leaders (or other representatives of), the Energy Advisory Committee; sustainability
advocates; Department of Elder and Human Services and the Council on Aging; Canton Public Library and the Board of Library
Trustees; Department of Parks and Recreation and the Playground and Recreation Commission; and the Walk, Bike, and Hike
Committee. In addition, the MPIC met with the Housing Coordinator and Stormwater Manager.
The chair of the MPIC also engaged in some outreach on behalf of the committee by participating in the Canton Heritage Festival on
May 20, 2023. The MPIC had a table in the community tent where visitors were educated about the Master Plan while also being
given an opportunity to provide public feedback and suggestions. This information was then reviewed by the MPIC and later the new
Town Planner. The Chair also participated in a Communications Forum with other board and committee chairs and vice chairs in
February that was hosted and led by the Town Administrator.
The MPIC also supported projects that were consistent with the goals of the Master Plan. The committee supported the successful
Article 27 of the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, which involved the development of a Climate Action Plan. It authorized the Chair to
write three letters of support for certain Community Preservation Act funding applications in late-2023 that were considered by the
Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) for approval at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting for FY 25. The three projects,
among others, were eventually recommended by the CCPC for approval by the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, which is currently
pending. The three MPIC supported projects were the Wentworth Recreation Facility Master Plan; Library Park, Phase I; and the
continued funding of the position of Housing Coordinator.
The MPIC has also monitored the progress of the new MBTA Communities Law regarding transit-oriented housing, the feasibility
study on the Galvin Middle School, a zoning article regarding short-term rentals (Article 30, ATM 2023), proposals for the reuse of
the Town-acquired Saint Gerard’s property, a zoning review of the Downtown area, the ongoing development and expansion of the
Royall Street Shuttle Service, and the new Climate Action Plan Steering Committee.
The MPIC entered 2023 without a permanent staff member due to the then ongoing search for a new town planner. The MPIC is
grateful to Gene Manning, who was appointed to the position of Interim Town Planner by the Select Board and who started to assist
the MPIC in September 2022, for his assistance to our committee and his overall service to the Town. The MPIC then welcomed the
new Town Planner Taylor (TJ) Torres who began meeting with the committee in September 2023, following some summer
coordinating with the MPIC Chair.
Like many Town committees, the MPIC meetings were aired and streamed online through Canton Community Television and this has
allowed the committee to reach a larger number of members of the community and raise greater awareness for the Master Plan and the
issues being discussed. The committee is appreciative that this outreach medium is available.
The chair acknowledges the volunteer committee members that make up the MPIC for being committed to the goal of promoting the
Master Plan and for the thoughtfulness and dedication that they have brought to committee meetings. These meetings have succeeded
in allowing responsible parties identified in the Master Plan to discuss shared priorities with individuals representing a cross-section of
Town boards and committees. It has also allowed the MPIC to, at times, act as a forum to discuss ideas or proposals related to Master
Plan goals. These efforts will continue.
Respectfully submitted,
Emilio E. Mauro, Jr., Chair
Master Plan Implementation Committee
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Report of the
NORFOLK COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS
William P. O’Donnell, Register 649 High Street
Dedham, MA 02060
Telephone 781-461-6101
registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
This year saw some significant milestones and achievements for the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. We were proud to release our
third volume of Notable Lands Records, titled “We Remember Our Veterans,” in honor of the veterans of Norfolk County. Also, The
Registry, in partnership with Quincy Access Television, achieved national recognition by winning the “Best of Experimental Access
Center Professional” award at the 2023 Hometown Media Awards.
The release of the “We Remember Our Veterans" booklet was commemorated with an open house with keynote speaker Secretary of
Veteran Service Jon Santiago. The third edition of Notable Lands Records is a tribute to the brave men and women of Norfolk County,
from the Revolutionary War to present-day peacekeepers. The booklet features detailed stories of veterans all throughout the 28
communities that make up Norfolk County, including U.S. Army Corporal Tony Andreotti from Canton.
The “Best of Experimental Access Center Professional” award is given to individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional
creativity, innovation, and impact in their work and was presented by the Alliance for Community Media Foundation for the segment
“History Comes Alive, Norwood Town Hall,” an extension of a History Comes Alive land record project at the Norfolk County
Registry of Deeds.
The Registry operates under my supervision and management as the elected Register. I have held the position since 2002. In
continuous operation for nearly two hundred and twenty-four years, dating back to President George Washington’s administration, the
Registry’s mission has remained the same: to maintain and provide for accurate, reliable, and accessible land records to all residents
and businesses of Norfolk County. The modernization initiatives implemented during my administration have created a sound
business operation oriented toward quality customer service at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.
2023 Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Achievements
• The Registry of Deeds Customer Service and Copy Center continues to provide residents and businesses with quality
service. These requests included the filing of Homesteads, accessing deeds, verifying recorded property documents and
assisting those in need of obtaining a mortgage discharge notice. Customers can contact the Customer Service and Copy
Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30AM to 4:30PM.
• In calendar year 2023, the Registry collected approximately $51.2 million dollars in revenue. Out of that money, more than
$45.7 million was apportioned to the Commonwealth and more than $5.4 million was disbursed to Norfolk County
in the form of deeds excise taxes and recording fees and surcharges. Of that money in accordance with M.G.L. Ch. 64D Sect.
12(a) not less than 40 per cent shall be disbursed and expended for the automation, modernization and operation of the
registries of deeds. There was collected $4,363,400 pursuant to the Community Preservation Act (CPA).
The Registry of Deeds continues to address legislative issues to benefit consumers. In 2023, we will continue to advocate for
filed legislation that accomplish mortgage transparency by requiring mortgage assignments be recorded at the appropriate
Registry of Deeds in a timely manner.
• This year saw a record number of electronic recording filers, approximately 2,750. The Registry recorded more than 74,500
documents electronically, accounting for nearly 80% of all recorded land records.
• Norfolk Registry of Deeds was the first registry in Massachusetts to electronically record registered land documents. This
started in the Land Court section of the Registry of Deeds in 2017 and was crucial in remaining operational during the
coronavirus pandemic. Initially, the percentage of registered land documents recorded electronically was 15%. The
percentage of registered land documents recorded via electronic recording has now grown to over 73%. This technology
alone brought in close to $44 million.
• In 2023, we shelved Registry of Deeds Book 41575. At the end of 2023, we were processing the documents for Book 41583.
These books house land records dating back to 1793 and are available for public research. For the sake of security and
redundancy, we store our documents in three different ways: hard copy, electronically, and by microfiche.
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• In calendar year 2023, the Registry processed nearly 9,700 Homestead applications. The law, Mass General Law Chapter
188, provides limited protection of one’s primary residence against unsecured creditor claims.
• The internet library of images, accessible to the public through the Registry of Deeds’ online research system at
www.norfolkdeeds.org continues to expand. Today, all documents dating back to the first ones recorded in 1793 are available
for viewing.
• Our website includes a genealogy page and a section highlighting land records of notable people – United States Presidents,
military heroes, noted authors, and leaders in their fields of education, the environment, and the law.
• The Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org routinely updates the public on such news as real estate statistics, answers to
frequently asked questions, along with detailing of our consumer programs. Additionally, we also write a monthly column for
various Norfolk County newspapers and their online websites. We also distribute a weekly press release to alert residents of
the latest happenings as well as to remind them of our consumer services.
• The Registry’s free Consumer Notification Service allows any county resident to opt in to this free notification service and be
alerted when any land document – fraudulent or otherwise – is recorded against their name. Over 2,000 Norfolk County
residents have signed up for this free service. For more information, please see our website at: www.norfolkdeeds.org.
• In 2023 we continued our partnerships with, among others, Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring
of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Circle of Hope in Needham, United
Parish’s Thrifty Threads, St. Vincent de Paul in Plainville, St. Francis House in Boston, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain,
InnerCity Weightlifting and New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts in Walpole to assist those who are in need of clothing
as well as household items. Our Annual Holiday Food Drive continues to support several food pantries in Norfolk County
and our Christmas Toys for Tots campaign in partnership with the United States Marine Corps. was again a success.
Canton Real Estate Activity Report
January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
During 2023, Canton real estate activity saw a decrease in the total number of deeds and number of mortgages recorded.
There was a significant decrease in the number of documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for Canton in 2023; a
decrease of 1,039 documents from 4,745 to 3,706.
The total volume of real estate sales in Canton during 2023 was $566,520,480, a 15% increase from 2022. The average sale price of
homes and commercial was $1,039,587, a 10% decrease compared to the previous year. The average sale price was adjusted to
prevent 3 high value properties, over $57 million, from skewing the average.
The number of mortgages recorded (585) on Canton properties in 2023 was down 36% from the previous year. Also, total mortgage
indebtedness decreased 74% to $365,888,000 during the same period.
There were no foreclosure deeds filed in Canton during 2023, 2 less than the number recorded the previous year. The total number of
notices to foreclose was 13, which was 7 more than the number last year.
Homestead activity decreased by 13% in Canton during 2023, with 426 homesteads filed compared to 489 in 2022.
Finally, our objective at the Registry will always be to maintain, secure, accurate, and accessible land records for the residents and
businesses of Norfolk County. It is a privilege to serve you.
Respectfully submitted by,
William P. O’Donnell
Norfolk County Register of Deeds
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