Dedham Completes File Room and Announces District Court Projects Update

The Norfolk County Commissioners convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss several key updates and projects impacting the county. The meeting began with an announcement regarding the completion of the new file room located on the first floor of 614 High Street. The high-density storage system has been installed, and a team has been formed to coordinate the movement of records into this space. The transition will start with human resources records this Sunday, with plans to hire temporary staff to assist with the more complex non-human resources records over the coming weeks.

Next, the commissioners received gratitude from Medway Town Manager Michael Boynton for the recent approval of an additional $15,000 for improvements at the town's Council on Aging. The meeting also addressed the Dedham District Court building management system project, which is nearing completion. This project, funded by ARPA, aims to enhance the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning management within the court.

Discussion then shifted to the Dedham Superior Court project, initially set to enter the bidding phase in September or October. However, concerns were raised about proceeding with this $2 million project, prompting further evaluation and discussions with stakeholders over the next few weeks.

The commissioners were informed of a favorable determination from the Department of Energy Resources regarding the Kearsarge solar project at the agricultural high school, marking a significant step forward after previous litigation.

Additionally, updates were provided on the Grand Jury Room at the registry of deeds, which has undergone a deep cleaning and reorganization. Future steps may include procuring new furniture in collaboration with the trial courts.

Looking ahead, the commissioners will be visiting the Quincy District Court and Wall Street recreational facilities as part of their summer schedule to assess ongoing projects, particularly the stabilization of the cooling system at the Quincy District Court.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the development of a new smoking policy in response to complaints about smoke infiltrating county buildings. Feedback from Dedham public health officials is being incorporated into the policy, which is expected to be presented for adoption in the coming weeks.

The meeting concluded with an invitation to the dedication of Suite Park in Wrentham, further emphasizing the county's commitment to community engagement and development.