Town Of Dedham: What's Happening This Week Here In Dedham

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

06/21/2021 5:24 PM

Download the Weekly Update PDF 

REMOTE MEETING OPTIONS CONTINUES INTO 2022

In the evening hours of Tuesday, June 15, 2021, the Massachusetts Senate and House both approved a compromise relief bill that extends various provisions that were put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the morning of June 16, Governor Baker signed this bill, now known as Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, that includes the provision allowing for remote public meetings to be held through April 1, 2022.

Here in Dedham, Town Buildings have reopened and our local boards/committees have begun to meet again in person after operating for over one year in a virtual setting. With this update, boards/committees can choose to hold their meetings in person, virtually, or use a hybrid approach.

If you have questions about hosting or attending a public meeting, please contact the Town Manager's Office at 781-751-9100 or stop by the office on the 3rd floor of Town Hall.

A previous executive order issued by Governor Baker announced this provision would expire with the State of Emergency on June 15th.

VOLUNTARY WATER RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

Today is the first full day of summer and we have already experienced days with record-breaking temperatures and our first heatwave of the year. Unsurprisingly, with the heat comes dry conditions that can have a negative impact on our water supply. The Dedham-Westwood Water District (DWWD) has announced the start of voluntary water restrictions to help conserve resources. For Dedham residents and customers, the DWWD recommends Dedham residents limit the use of outdoor lawn sprinklers to Mondays and Thursdays, between 6AM and 9AM, or 6PM and 9PM.

For more seasonal tips and to learn more about what you can do to conserve water, visit the DWWD website.

COME BE A PART OF THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS, 'DESIGNING DEDHAM 2030'

Designing Dedham 2030 is a town-wide master planning process that will provide the basis for decision-making in Dedham for the next 10 years. The Dedham community will evaluate the town's strengths and challenges and envision the type of community Dedham would like to be in the future.

Everyone is encouraged to participate and attend to share feedback on housing, land use, economic development, transportation, natural resources, services, local government, and more! Join the upcoming Steering Committee Meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, June 22 at 7PM.

STATE LAUNCHES VAXMILLIONS GIVEAWAY, BEGINS JULY 1ST

Aimed at encouraging more eligible residents to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, the Baker-Polito Administration and the State Treasurer's Office have partnered with the Massachusetts State Lottery to set up a reward system in the form of weekly drawings and scholarships. Beginning on July 1, Massachusetts residents 18 years of age or older who have been fully-vaccinated (received both doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one Johnson & Johnson dose) can enter for a chance to win $1 million. Drawings will be done once per week for 5 weeks, and winners will be required to provide proof of vaccination.

Also beginning July 1, Massachusetts residents age 12 to 17 years old who are fully vaccinated can enter to win one of five $300,000 college scholarship grants. Grants will be the managed by the Massachusetts Education Finance Authority (MEFA) in a 529 College Savings Plan that can be used for tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses for college.

To learn more and to enter the giveaways (each resident can enter once), visit the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway website.

CONSTRUCTION & ROADWORK AROUND TOWN

Bridge Street Paving (MassDOT Project)

• Sidewalk work will continue this week.
• Utility Companies will continue to transfer wires
• If you have any issues with the construction on Bridge Street please contact Northern Construction The Contact is Graham Johnson: (413) 289-1230 x209 or by email at: gjohnson@northernconstruction.com 

Eastern Avenue

• Water main replacement work has been completed. The contractor will work on service connections, beginning June 21.
• Complete Streets drainage work continues in the area this week.
• Saw cutting for curbs will continue.
• Dedham Police will be onsite to assist with traffic management and flow. Expect delays in and around the area this week.

Rustcraft Road

• Eversource Electric has installed the majority of the conduit. Crews will be onsite working on installing manholes and handholes
• Expect traffic delays in and around the area this week. 

Updates

Additional Road Construction Updates available on the DPW "Road Construction Updates" page (updated every Friday).

Public Safety Building Project

The contractor will begin backfilling the interior footings and the underground garage retaining wall footing on the north side of the site. Crews will continue to install the elevator shaft formwork and place interior footings, piers, and walls throughout the site. For more information and to sign up for weekly construction updates, visit the Public Safety Building Project page.

PUBLIC MEETINGS & COMMUNITY EVENTS THIS WEEK

Monday, 6/21/21:

• Dedham Parks & Recreation Committee at 7:00 p.m. - Town Hall and Zoom (Hybrid Meeting)

Tuesday, 6/22/21:

• Designing Dedham Master Plan 2030 at 7:00 p.m. - Virtual Meeting

Wednesday, 6/23/21:

• Dedham Farmer's Market at 1:00 p.m. on First Church Green
• Human Rights Commission at 6:00 p.m. - Town Hall, Room 305
• Historic Districts Commission at 7:00 p.m. - Town Hall, Room 322
• Snow Committee at 7:30 p.m. - Virtual Meeting

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FOLLOW US!

Departments across Town have set up social media accounts to share information, as well as post about exciting news around Town. Visit our Social Media page to find the accounts you want to follow!

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.