Medway Police Chief Allen M Tingley is advising all Medway residents that the overnight winter parking ban will go into effect on Sunday November 27, 2011 at 1:00 AM and remain in effect until futher notice.

On street parking will not be permitted during the hours of 1:00 AM through 5:00 AM daily.

Residents are reminded that vehicles parked on the street during those hours will be ticketed, and if such parking interferes with snow removal, they will be subject to being towed.

Residents are also advised that where certain extenuating situations exist and temporary overnight parking on the street is necessary, permission should be requested by contacting the Police Department at 508-533-3212 for each occasion.

Chief Tingley also reminds residents that parking on the sidewalks is not an alternative to on street parking. read more ...

Chief Tingley & DA Morrissey: We will dispose of your un-used prescription drugs

If you have prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet that you no longer need, the Medway Police Department has a new drug take-back container – and you are invited to use it.
“Prescription drugs, particularly opiate-based pain pills left over from injury, surgery or dental work, look harmless sitting in your medicine chest, but we are finding that the opposite is true,” said Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey. “We are hearing from addiction experts that over half, and perhaps three quarters, of young people are having their first experiences with addictive opiates that were taken directly from the medicine cabinets of family or friends.”
DA Morrissey and Medway Police Chief Allen M. Tingley agree that getting un-used prescription drugs out of residents’ medicine cabinets is an important tool in keeping them out of circulation – and thereby preventing addictions and the crime and misery that often follow.
Pilfered or misdirected prescription medications are referred to as “diverted drugs,” and they are a significant problem, according to Chief Tingley. “The reality is that your concern can’t be limited to your own children or grandchildren finding something in the medicine cabinet, but any friends who might visit the home,” Chief Tingley said. “Every time a visitor uses the bathroom, they are alone behind a closed door with whatever leftover drugs might be in the cabinet – be they Percocet or OxyContin or something else.”
Parents of teens often monitor liquor in their home, but Tingley and Morrissey said that few parents keep track of how many unused pills are in the house. “That is proving to be a mistake for many good families,” Morrissey said.
In May, District Attorney Morrissey wrote to Norfolk County police chiefs to ask them to consider hosting a drug collection container.
Morrissey negotiated an arrangement with Bay State Community Services’ Impact Quincy program that provided a two-thirds subsidy for police to acquire the $900 containers. Morrissey awarded Medway a $300 grant from the DA’s office, drawn from drug profits forfeited in narcotics prosecutions, and a $300 grant from anti-drug funds that Impact Quincy had through the Department of Public Health.
With the Food and Drug Administration recommending against flushing unused medicine down the toilet or disposing of it in household trash, for environmental and other reasons, these containers provide a safe method, Morrissey and Chief Tingsley said.
“Come through the front doors of the station and it is already in place and ready to accept the drugs,” Chief Tingley said. “We believe that by residents taking a few moments to clean out their medicine cabinets today, they may well be saving someone else significant consequences.”
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In an effort to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in the area of the Medway Town Hall, the town will be creating two no parking zones on Village Street. The first no parking zone
will be starting at the driveway entrance to the town hall and will end just past Dr. Carchidi's
Dental Office, located at 167 Village Street. The second no parking zone will start at the
intersection of Village and Broad Street and will end in the area of Village and Holliston Street.
The no parking zones will be in effect seven days a week.
The Department of Public Services will begin marking out and painting the no parking zones
as well as repainting the crosswalks in the area on Monday morning, May 16, 2011
Customers or employees of the Medway Town Hall, Richardson & Company, Carchidi's Dental
Office as well parisioners of the Village Church and Saint Josephs Church should use the parking lots in the rear of the town hall. read more ...

Subject: Environmental Police Alert Off-Highway Vehicle Operators of New Rules

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Governor Deval L. Patrick
Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray
Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.
Press Release Contacts: Catherine Williams — 617-626-1809 or catherine.williams@state.ma.us ; Lisa Capone — 617-626-1119 or lisa.capone@state.ma.us

Environmental Police Alert Off-Highway Vehicle Operators of New Rules

New age restrictions, safety education and registration requirements go into effect

BOSTON – March 16, 2011 – With the onset of spring, the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) are reminding snow machine, all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike operators of new safety rules, including new operator age limits.

As part of a effort to protect public safety, a new law passed by the Legislature then signed by Governor Patrick in August 2010, increases safety requirements for minor operators and stiffens penalties for illegal vehicle operation.

“This winter we encourage all recreation vehicle operators to operate safely, use common sense and obey all of the new and existing laws, especially regarding vehicle operation by minors,” said Environmental Police Director Col. Aaron Gross.

Under Massachusetts law, no person under 14 years old may operate an all-terrain vehicle or recreation utility vehicle. No person age 14 to 16 years old may operate an all-terrain or recreation utility vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters, and no one between 14 or 16 years old may operate an all-terrain or recreation utility vehicle without direct supervision by an adult. Supervising adults must be at least 18 years old and must be sufficiently close to the operator at all times to maintain both visual contact and verbal communications with the operator. No one under the age of 16 and a half may operate a recreation vehicle across a public way unless directly supervised by an adult.

As of February 1, 2011, operators under the age of 18 are required to take an approved safety course. Parents of operators under the age of 16 will be required to attend one mandatory safety course session.

The 2011 safety course schedule.

In addition, the new law requires all operators of recreation vehicles operated on public and private property to register their vehicles with MEP. Previously, operators who rode exclusively on private property were not required to register their vehicles.

The new law also includes increased penalties for illegal operation of off highway vehicles.
During the 2009 to 2010 winter season, there were 22 snowmobile accidents, with one fatality. During the winter of 2008 to 2009, there were 27 accidents and four fatalities. In 2010, there were 62 total recreation vehicle accidents and six fatalities. In 2009, there were 50 recreation vehicle accidents and two fatalities. In 2008, there were 50 accidents and three fatalities.

MEP also reminds operators of these safety tips.
• Never operate a recreation vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Operating a recreation or off highway vehicle under the influence can result in fines, drivers’ license restrictions, suspensions and vehicle impoundment.
• Operate at reasonable speeds.
• Wear a safety helmet.
• Operators are prohibited of operating within 150 feet of an occupied residence without permission of the owner.
• It is prohibited to operate a recreation vehicle on an ocean beach or sand dune in a manner to destroy, damage or break down the beach or dune.
• It is prohibited to operate in a manner to harass or chase wildlife or domestic animals.
• Report all recreation vehicle accidents to the MEP at (800) 632-8075.

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Law Enforcement – known also as the Massachusetts Environmental Police – is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the Commonwealth’s fish and game and boating and recreation vehicle laws. MEP officers enforce laws and regulations related to the protection of natural resources and public parks and land; boat and recreation vehicle use; and hazardous waste disposal. MEP officers serve as stewards of the state’s natural resources, patrolling forests, parks, inland waterways and coastal waters throughout the Commonwealth.

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View videos on You Tube………………………………….www.youtube.com/MassEEA
View downloadable photographs on Flickr:................. www.flickr.com/photos/masseea/sets/
Visit the Energy Smarts blog:.................................... www.mass.gov/blog/energy
Visit The Great Outdoors blog:….………………………..www.mass.gov/blog/environment
Visit our website:....................................................... www.mass.gov/eea

100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114-2119 — (617) 626-1000 office / (617) 626 1181 (fax)

Catherine Williams
Acting Press Secretary
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1809 office - (617) 571-6235 mobile - (617) 626-1027 fax

Follow Secretary Sullivan on Twitter: twitter.com/massEEA
Visit The Great Outdoors blog: www.mass.gov/blog/environment
Visit the Energy Smarts blog: www.mass.gov/blog/energy
View videos on You Tube: www.youtube.com/MassEEA
View downloadable photographs on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/masseea/sets/
Visit our website: www.mass.gov/eea
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New Mobil Phone and Texting law- Effective September 30, 2010

No person under 18 years of age shall use a mobil telephone, hands-free mobil telephone or mobil elcctronic device ( including texting devices, pagers, PDA, laptop video games and digital cameras, ect.) while operating a motor vehicle on any publc way. The only exception is for emergency use for disabled vehicles or accidents, medical assistaince, and police or fire services needed.

PENALTY STRUCTURE:

1st Offense, 100 dollar fine, 60 day license suspension and an attitude adjustment course
2nd Offense 250 dollar fine, 180 day license suspension
3rd Offense 500 dollar fine, 1 year license suspension

MOBIL PHONE USE AS AN ADULT OPRERATOR, without having at least one hand on the steering wheel.

PENALTY STRUCTURE

1st offense 35 dollars
2nd offense within 12 months: 75 dollars
3rd offense within 12 months: 150 dollars

TEXTING WHILE OPERATING A VEHICLE. The operator used an electronic device or mobil phone to manually compose, send or read an electronic message.

PENALTY STRUCTURE

100 dollar fine

NEGLIGENT OPERATION AND INJURY FROM MOBIL PHONE USE- When committing any of the above listed offenses. The operator drove negligently so that the lives and safety of the public might be endangered; and caused injury to some other person, vehicle or property.

PENALTY STRUCTURE

No less than two weeks at the house of corrections, No more than 2 years and/or a fine no less than 20 dollars and no more than 200 dollars plus a 250 dollar head injury foundation surcharge. There will be no continuance with out a finding (CWOF) with out the judges written finding that it is "in the interests of justice"

License suspension 60 days for the first offense; 1 year for subsequent offenses within 3 years.
JUNIOR OPERATORS- license suspension 180 days for first offense; 1 year for subsequent offenses within 3 years. May revoke registration if the defendant9 Operator) is the exclusive owner of the vehicle read more ...

On Wednesday June 30, 20 10 at 11:45 AM the Town of Medway tested the Blackboard Connect Mass Notification System. A test call was placed to all residents and businesses that were in the Blackboard Connect database or had signed up using the Blackboard Connect web portel and entered the appropriate calling information. The portals are located on the Medway Police Department website (www.medwaypolice.com) or the Town of Medway web site (www.townofmedway.org). By entering your information in the system you will also have the option to receive emergency messages via your home phone number, cell phone number, text messaging and email. If you didn't receive the test call please go to one of the two web portals and enter your information into the Blackboard Connect Mass Notification portal. If you don't have access to the internet, please contact the Medway Police Department and we will enter your information into the system. If you had any problems with receiving the test call or you are a business and received numerous calls to several different business numbers please contact Lt. Boultenhouse or Chief Tingley for assistance at 508-533-3212. read more ...

Town Improves Communication and Emergency Preparedness with Multi-modal System

[MEDWAY, MA – April 9, 2010] – The Town of Medway announced today it has selected the Blackboard Connect mass notification platform, enhancing communication and emergency preparedness. Medway has
implemented the Blackboard Connect platform so that town officials can directly notify, update and provide direction to the community in an efficient, timely manner, should a need arise.

Using the Blackboard Connect platform, officials can record, send and track personalized voice messages to thousands of residents, businesses, and local agencies in just minutes, through a single phone call. The town can also send text messages to cell phones, PDAs, e-mail accounts, and TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired.

“We are excited to announce that Medway will now offer residents a new method of receiving important information, through the Blackboard Connect service,” said Suzanne Kennedy, Medway Town Administrator. “With the Blackboard Connect service, we will be able to quickly provide residents with important news, such as severe weather notices, missing person alerts and other important issues, helping to keep our community safe, informed and connected.”

Town administrators can target each message to an unlimited number of groups – everything from mobilizing response teams to coordinating efforts with necessary agencies or volunteers. Authorized users can also use a map on the Blackboard Connect system to contact specific geographical locations, sending messages only to the residents within select neighborhoods when needed.

“We encourage all residents to take advantage of this new service and register their contact information into the Blackboard Connect system’s portal, which may be found on the Town of Medway Web site, as well as the Medway Police Department Web site,” said Kennedy.

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in Medway will automatically be included in the system. However, to ensure that the town has the most up-to-date contact information, residents should visit the town Web site (www.townofmedway.org) or the Medway Police Department Web site (www.medwaypolice.com) and click on the link that says “SIGN UP NOW – SERVICES BY BLACKBOARD CONNECT,” to provide their complete information (up to three phone numbers and two e-mail addresses) and indicate if they have a TTY/TDD. Those without Internet access are encouraged to use the computers at the local library or call (508) 533-3212 to provide their up-to-date contact information. Residents with call blocking services should add (508) 533--3200 to their approved number list to ensure they receive essential notifications from the town.

“The best way to keep residents informed and, therefore, safe is through communication, and the Blackboard Connect platform makes it easy,” said Karl Engkvist, Executive Vice President of Blackboard Connect. “With the Blackboard Connect platform, administrators have a powerful tool for mass communication without having to purchase new computers, software and telephone lines.”

For more information on the Blackboard Connect platform please visit http://www.blackboard.com/Alert-Notification/Connect-Platform.aspx or contact the company at (818) 808-1789.


Additional Information about the Blackboard Connect Platform
The Blackboard Connect platform allows officials to send thousands of messages in minutes, requires no additional hardware, and can be used from any computer with Internet access or telephone. This ensures that administrators can send vital messages from wherever they are located—even if they are evacuated. Additionally, officials receive detailed reports on contacts that did not receive a message, enabling them to follow up through alternative means as needed.

*Blackboard Connect Inc. does not sell, lease, share, or rent personally identifiable information (names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) to any companies or persons outside of Blackboard or its service providers.

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The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has cancelled written reminders for license renewals. This has caused quite a bit of difficulty for many people who have let their license expire, expecting advance warning from the RMV.

Below is a link that will put you on an email reminder system. This will notify you when your license is set to expire. Please take a moment to fill out the form and possibly avoid the aggravation and problems of an expired license.

Click here for RMV reminder page.
 

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Effective July 10, 2008- Children riding in motor vehicles must be in a federally approved child passanger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old or over 57" tall.

Children 8 through 12 must wear a properly fastened safety belt.

A police officer can stop a motor vehicle if a child age 12 or under in not properly restrained, and the operator of the motor vehicle could be issued a non-criminal citation for twenty-five dollars.

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