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Emma Twombly

Site will serve the community during emergencies, act as a resiliency hub, and host other community events and programs 

Project included in list of Appropriation Requests by Congresswoman Katherine Clark 

 

The City has secured $850,000 to help transform the Dorothy T. Hegner Center into a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness site serving the community, announced Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn. The funding is part of an $11M federal package for MA-5 community projects secured by Congresswoman Katherine Clark.

The Hegner Center site will be renovated into a community space that the City will use to coordinate emergency responses and will serve as a resiliency hub for residents during climate emergencies. The site will also host after-school programming through the City’s recreation department and other community-oriented events when not being used for emergencies.  

“Creating a trusted space where we can assist our community, especially our marginalized populations, in the case of emergencies has been a goal my administration has been working towards diligently,” said Mayor Lungo-Koehn. “Numerous City departments contributed to our application last spring, and this would not be possible without their help – including the Board of Health, Recreation Department, Outreach and Prevention, Planning, Development, and Sustainability, Facilities, and the staff in my office. Thank you to Congresswoman Clark for supporting this project and including it in her package of funding requests.”

The City, working with the Congresswoman’s office, crafted the application that highlighted the community’s need for a shared space with multiple functionalities that can serve as a meeting place during emergencies. 

“Our vision for the Hegner Center renovations will allow the City to respond and adapt quickly to a variety of emergency situations,” said MaryAnn O’Connor, Emergency Response Coordinator and Board of Health Director. “We will apply everything we’ve learned from the COVID-19 emergency to prepare ourselves and the community for the future thanks to this federal funding.” 

More details about the funding source and corresponding bill for this project are available here

  • Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
Emma Twombly

Firm attributes strong rating to improved reserve levels and annual new growth

S&P Global affirmed the City’s AA+ credit rating, the second highest possible rating for a municipality, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced. When deciding on its rating, S&P cited Medford’s “consistent financial results and improved reserve levels,” as well as noting that the City’s levels of taxable new growth had “rebounded from pandemic-related slowdowns,” and that local receipts “outperformed” budget estimates.

“I am thrilled that S&P has acknowledged the tremendous work our team has been doing to expand the City’s growth, improve our financial outlook and prepare for future emergencies by building our cash reserves,” Mayor Lungo-Koehn said. “This credit rating solidifies that our financial strategy is on the right track and will continue to prioritize the community’s fiscal health while also continuing to invest in key infrastructure, programming, and resource initiatives while settling several fair contracts. Thank you to our finance team, led by our Finance Director/Auditor Bob Dickinson and Assistant Finance Director/Budget Manager Courtney Cardello, as well as  Treasurer/Collector Judy Johnston, Chief Assessor Ted Costigan, and Chief of Staff Nina Nazarian.”

The report gave a substantial overview of the City’s credit overview and specifically cited several factors that led to the impressive credit rating, including:

  • Fund balance has “nearly doubled over the last three years...”
  • City Council approved establishing a general stabilization account
  • A “strong management environment with a suite of formal policies and robust long-term capital and financial planning.”

As for the City’s outlook, S&P Global stated that “our view of Medford’s consistent financial performance and reserve levels that is likely to be sustained based on the city’s strong managerial framework.”

This affirmation wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative work between the City administration, City Council and School Committee to craft responsible budgets and begin the planning to properly protect the community from future unforeseen emergencies.

The full report is available on the City’s website at medfordma.org/budget.

  • Finance
Emma Twombly

The City’s Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability is now accepting applications for the 2024 Outdoor Dining program for eligible restaurants and eateries interested in offering outdoor dining options. Medford’s outdoor dining season will continue through October 31. The application is available here under “Licensing.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

The City is looking to accommodate as many restaurants as possible for the 2024 season, subject to a review of factors including physical geography, availability of space/accommodation for neighboring businesses, accessibility, health and safety requirements, and others deemed necessary by City staff. Guidelines for outdoor dining, including dimensional and operational requirements can be found here

All restaurants interested in expanding their premises to include outdoor areas for dining, including but not limited to full table service, seating areas for take-out, café seating or benches, must apply through the City’s outdoor dining permitting system. Restaurants with permits with already designated outdoor areas are not required to apply for an annual Outdoor Dining license.

If you have questions about the permitting process before submitting the application please contact the Office of Planning, Development, & Sustainability via email at ocd@medford-ma.gov or via phone (781) 393-2480. 

  • Local Business
Emma Twombly

The Water and Sewer Commission is looking to fill one spot on its three-member board. This is a stipend position that pays $950 per year.

The Water and Sewer Commission works with internal departments, the City Council and the public to serve Medford.  The Commission plays an intricate role in establishing yearly water and sewer rates, enforcing water and sewer regulations and working with the public to find a solution to any water and sewer billing issues that they may encounter.

The Commission typically meets once a month. For more information and to apply for the position, visit medfordma.org/boards-commissions.

  • Boards and Commissions
  • Water and Sewer
Medford to Host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27
Emma Twombly

The Medford Police Department and the Medford Board of Health are hosting a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10am to 2pm, at the City Hall rear lot (85 George P. Hassett Drive), and Wegmans (3850 Mystic Valley Parkway). National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. This service is free and anonymous for residents.  

Accepted medications include:  

  • Pills  
  • Tablets  
  • Capsules  
  • Cough medicines or other liquid medications  
  • Any prescription medications  
  • Needles / syringes  

Items NOT ACCEPTED include:  

  • Medical devices such as IV bags or home infusion items  
  • Thermometers  
  • Medical instruments  

For more information about National Take Back Day, please visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/ or call 781-393-2449. 

  • Board of Health
  • Medford Police Department

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