Message from the Mayor October 1, 2021

 

October 1, 2021 Message from the Mayor I am excited to share that this week, we have two great updates to report when it comes to our work to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. First, the Executive Summary of our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is now available at www.medfordma.org. The full plan will be ready to release later this fall, but the Executive Summary includes an overview of 32 strategies across four focus areas: Buildings & Energy, Ecosystems & Natural Environment, Public Health, and Transportation. This Plan will be critical in helping us take bold decisive action, and to continue on actions we have already started, to help shape the future of Medford and deliver a truly sustainable city for future generations. We also recently signed onto the global "Cities Race to Zero" campaign, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and furthering our commitment to NetZero emissions by 2050. Cities are among the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, accounting for more than 70 percent of total emissions. We need to act, now, to protect our community and our planet from increasing impacts of climate change. Thank you to Alicia Hunt and her team in the Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability for all of their incredible on issues around energy and environment, and for putting the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan together. We look forward to continuing to work with the community on these and other important issues Medford's future. Recent News Medford Seeking to Add EV Charging Stations Through State Grant Through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the City is adding 2 new charging stations, doubling the currently-available public charging stations. Sites under consideration include public lots as well as school locations. The Office of PDS is also currently working to identify more locations and plans to apply for additional grant funding to expand options. If approved, the MassDEP grant funding would be used to add charging stations at Hormel Stadium and at Carr Park. Medford currently has two charging stations: one at City Hall and one at Medford High School. City Signs Onto Global "Cities Race to Zero" Campaign, Pledges to Cut Emissions by 50% Medford has joined cities around the world in a pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, and further the city’s commitment to NetZero emissions, by joining the global “Cities Race to Zero” campaign,. The campaign aims to bring together a coalition of businesses, investors, cities, and regions working together to create jobs and tackle climate change. To date, Medford is one of only a handful of Massachusetts communities to join the campaign. Read more. City Staff Member, Police Officer Receive "Making a Difference" Award Congratulations to Penny Funaiole from the Medford Board of Health and Sgt. Rory Lockowitz from the Medford Police Department on being recognized and earning the Making a Difference Award from the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support. Penny & Sgt. Lockowitz work so hard to support those who are in need of behavioral, substance abuse and mental health services. Thank you for all you do! Medford Leading the Way with "Adopt-a-Drain" Program Last month Medford launched an "Adopt-a-Drain" program designed to keep local storm drains clean and clear of debris. Adopt-a-Drain is a volunteer program where participants can sign up to care for a Medford storm drain close to their home or work. Especially as we head into autumn and as leaves begin to fall, we encourage residents from all neighborhoods to consider adopting a drain and helping prevent flooding and pollution! For more details and to adopt a drain near your home or business, visit the link below. Medford's program has quickly become a regional model, with the Mystic River Watershed Association and surrounding communities currently seeking grant funding to expand the program regionally. Another example of Medford leading the way! Adopt a Drain Near You! The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November 2nd municipal election is October 13th. For all voting information, visit the link below. Election Information See more City news at www.medfordma.org/news Projects + Planning CLIMATE ACTION & ADAPTATION PLAN: Executive Summary Now Available Ahead of the release of a detailed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan later this fall, Mayor Lungo-Koehn and the Medford Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability released a 36-page Executive Summary that outlines the city’s plan to address climate change, cementing its status as a leading voice in the push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Executive Summary serves as a roadmap for the City’s future operational plans, guiding policy initiatives and laying out key steps that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, and includes 32 strategies across four focus areas: Buildings & Energy, Ecosystems & Natural Environment, Public Health, and Transportation. The plan sets new goals for future efforts, like expanding renewable energy sources, providing tools for property owners and tenants to prepare for climate hazards, as well as expands on ongoing work like protecting and growing our tree canopy, investing in stormwater maintenance, addressing food insecurity and increasing local food system resilience. Read the full press release, here, or click the button below to go directly to the Plan Summary. Read the CAAP Summary COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings to hear progress updates on the Plan and to provide input on your vision for Medford.  Wednesday, October 6th, 6pm: Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting (Register for Zoom meeting here) Wednesday, October 20th, 6pm: Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting (Register for Zoom meeting here) Public Health News Flu Clinics Coming to City Hall Starting in October, the Medford Board of Health will be holding flu clinics in and around City Hall. Dates and times are still being finalized so visit medfordma.org for more information! The team at BOH will be administering shots to everyone ages 3 and up. There will be two versions of the vaccine, a standard dose and a high dose for our more vulnerable population. Upcoming Events + Meetings All events and meetings are listed on the City's online events calendar at www.medfordma.org/city-events. Meetings are added frequently, so please check the calendar for updates. EVENTS October 2nd 9:00am - Noon: Paint Shed (DPW, 21 James St.) 11:15am: Sarah Bradlee Fulton Day Event (Salem Street Burying Ground) 1:00 - 4:00pm: Oktoberfest (Medford Square) October 8th 6:30 - 9:00pm: Live Music & Pop-Up Beer Garden (Riverside Plaza) October 13th Last day to register to vote in November 2nd Election October 14th 5:00pm: Medford Arts Council 2021 Community Grantee Reception (Condon Shell) MEETINGS October 4th 6:30pm: School Committee Meeting (See agenda here) 6:30pm: Energy and Environment Committee Meeting (Access Zoom link here) October 5th 6:15pm: City Council Committee of the Whole re: Census (See agenda here) 7:00pm: City Council Meeting (See agenda here) 7:00pm: Cemetery Board of Trustees Meeting (See agenda here) October 6th 6:00pm: Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting (Register for Zoom meeting here) October 11th 7:00pm: Historical Commission Meeting (Access Zoom link here) October 12th 5:00pm: Traffic Commission Meeting (Access Zoom link here) October 14th 6:00pm: Historic District Commission Meeting (Access Zoom link here) October 20th 6:00pm: Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting (Register for Zoom meeting here)  Job Opportunities The City of Medford currently has several open job opportunities, and we encourage residents of all backgrounds to apply! Open positions, job descriptions, and materials are available at www.medfordma.org/departments/personnel/jobs/. The webpage is updated regularly, but current opportunities include: Full-Time Positions: Federal Funds Manager (Finance Department) Information/Reference Librarian (Library) Assistant Civil Engineer (Engineering Division) Land Use Planner (Planning, Development & Sustainability) Elections Coordinator (Registrars of Voters) Head Clerk (Planning, Development & Sustainability) Assistant Purchasing Agent (Purchasing Department) Registered Sanitarian (Board of Health) Recreation Facilities Coordinator (Recreation Department) Facilities Director (DPW) Finance Director/Auditor Part-Time Positions: Circulation Assistant - Adult Services (Library) Community Outreach Coordinator (Council on Aging) Non-Permanent Positions: Program Instruction (Recreation Department, non-permanent) Veterans Services Work Study Position (Veterans Services) Other/Ongoing Positions: Female Detention Attendant/Police Matron (Police Department) Firefighters Police Officers Traffic Supervisors To apply, visit www.medfordma.org/departments/personnel/jobs, or contact the City’s Office of Human Resources at 781-393-2406. Medford city services are available to all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, language ability, economic situation, or immigration status.  ‌  ‌