Board of Selectmen |
May 10, 2010 |
Regular Meeting |
Selectmen’s Hearing Room, Town Hall |
Present: |
Al Merritt, Chairman |
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Arthur J. Bourque III, Selectman |
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Robert P. MacKendrick, Selectman |
Chairman Merritt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Discussion of chairman’s goals
Chairman Merritt outlined his goals for the 2010-2011 year (see attached exhibit).
He explained that the most important goal required keeping on top of the current economic situation. The Town budget must stay within the limits imposed by Proposition 2-1/2, and preserve strong reserves.
The Town will continue to work on developing a Pillings Pond management plan and seek grants to support its implementation.
The Town will assist local community service organizations in creating greater awareness of their efforts and missions and enhance their impact on the quality of life here. Part of that effort will be to give these groups five minutes at each Board of Selectmen meeting to present their history, goals and activities and their impact on the Town’s quality of life. The Town will also work to assist these organizations enhance their online presence.
The Town will assist in the initiation of development at the Meadow Walk site as the economy improves, and continue to work with the owner of roadway improvements through federal stimulus funds. Eighty percent of voters supported the Meadow Walk project, and the Town is looking forward to its completion.
The selection of two new commanding officers for the Police and Fire Departments, through processes that have already begun.
The Capital Facilities Maintenance Plan, developed in 2004, will be updated to include the schools and roadways; a study of the latter was completed by the Department of Public Works several years ago.
The furthering of the Rails-to-Trails project is ongoing, with the design study being funded. Community input will be elicited through the process, with abutters and other interested parties consulted. Next week, Recreational Path Committee member Richard Simmons Jr. will appear before the Board.
The Town will update and republish its public safety emergency response plan, the need for which was made clear by the water emergency last week. This goal will include looking into the Reverse 911 function.
Townscape, Inc.
Kendall Inglese, representing Townscape, Inc., reviewed with the Board the history, goals, activities and future plans of that organization.
The nonprofit organization is best known for its annual Geraniumfest, held each May, and raises funds for tree planting in Lynnfield. In this effort, Townscape partners with the Department of Public Works, which assists with care of the planted trees? Membership is free. The organization also educates residents about the benefits of trees.
This year’s Geraniumfest, to be held on May 15, will honor longtime member Donald Harriss. Brochures for the new Request a Tree program will be available, and the event will features geraniums and other plants for sale, live music, entertainment, food, activities, trolley tours, book signings, and an arborist. The event will also run in conjunction with the Art Guild show and the Library Book and CD Sale,
The organization also holds an annual potluck dinner for its membership in November, and plans for the coming year at that time.
The group has raised over $30,000 and is responsible for the planting of 660 trees in Lynnfield.
Chairman Merritt commented that Ms. Inglese provided a lot of great information and thanked her and Townscape for all they do. Selectman Bourque said that Townscape’s efforts are a chief reason the Town looks as it does. He urged citizens to support the Geraniumfest. Selectman MacKendrick agreed.
Gianna Drive traffic improvements
Public Works Director Dennis Roy and Town Engineer Charles Richter were on hand for a discussion of proposed improvements to the Gianna Drive-Walnut Street intersection.
Mr. Roy said they are seeking a final approval on these plans, previously presented to the Board. He met with neighbors and they agreed that this is the only feasible plan to correct traffic issues at that site. He said traffic on Walnut Street probably travels faster than the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour, and the speed combined with existing conditions makes it hard for vehicles traveling on Walnut to see traffic attempting to exit Gianna Drive.
The Town looked at several options. Engineers from VHB, Inc. reported the Commonwealth will not fund a traffic signal at that location due to the lack of traffic entering Walnut from Gianna.
Based upon the recommendation of VHB, the preferred solution is an advanced warning sign on Walnut Street as traffic approaches from the Salem Street side. A loop system to trigger the sign and a traffic island at the bottom of Gianna Drive will be installed. As a first step, a painted island with barrels will be put in the planned spot for the island to make sure that vehicles will stay to the right and not try to cut the corner, avoiding the loop that triggers the sign, which will flash when vehicles are waiting to exit Gianna Drive. The 48-inch sign will read “Vehicles entering right when flashing” and will be lit in LED. Motorists will heed this type of sign, and a significant improvement to traffic safety should be achieved.
Mr. Roy said that the project would be funded through Chapter 90 money, and would be put out to bid. The installation would take place in late summer or early fall. Preliminary cost estimate is $43,000, not including the cost of the island, which would add about $3,000.
Edward South of Mansfield Road said that he believes this is the best the Town can do with the situation.
Muriel Cecere of Mansfield Road said she is satisfied by the plan and was initially concerned that the island would be too wide. She said that she hoped the mirror would remain on the pool opposite Gianna Drive, and was told it will. She said it was about time the situation was addressed and thanked the Board.
Mr. Roy said the island would not be directly in the intersection, and thanked the neighbors for their ideas and their patience.
John Donegan of Mansfield Road said he was on hand at his neighbors’ request. He said he knew every member of the Board had been to the site and was aware of the issue. Every day people take their lives in their hands exiting onto Walnut Street. He said he applauds the attempt to correct the issue and does not know whether it will work. He was glad the neighbors appear to be happy. He said that he felt a portion of the hill should be removed to increase sight lines. He also acknowledged nothing installed can help with drunk, texting or otherwise reckless drivers.
Selectman Bourque said that if this solution is not effective the Board will try something else. But he said he is hopeful this will slow drivers down.
Chairman Merritt confirmed with Mr. Roy that he may proceed and thanked him for his work.
Fire Chief selection process
Chairman Merritt said that with the retirement of Police and Fire Chief Paul Romano the Board appointed interim chiefs for both departments. He said the Board will be selecting two permanent chiefs, and noted Austin Sennett of Emergency Response Systems has evaluated the Fire Department and has provided him with broad guidance in key issues to be explored by Mr. Merritt when reviewing the candidates’ qualifications.
In April, the Board stated it preferred to hire a new chief from within the Lynnfield Fire Department, in keeping with the will of the voters. On April 30, the job opening was posted internally, and applications were due on May 7. Five Lynnfield firefighters applied: Interim Chief Francis Lennon, Captain Michael Feinberg and Firefighter James Alexander from the full-time force and Firefighters Thomas Bogart and John Walsh from the call force. Chairman Merritt thanked them for applying.
The next step is for the members of the Board of Selectmen to review the candidates and select finalists based on their qualifications and the posted job description.
On Monday, May 17, the Board will select three finalists and will interview them individually, in one-on-one sessions. A thorough background check of all candidates will be undertaken. Once these steps are complete, the Board will discuss the finals steps needed to conclude the process and choose a new chief.
Liaison appointments
Chairman Merritt announced the appointment of liaisons from the Board to various committees and departments See attached exhibit).
Approval of minutes
On the motion of Selectman Bourque, seconded by Selectman MacKendrick, the Board approved minutes of regular meetings held on March 29, 2010, April 12, 2010, and April 26, 2010.
Summer meeting schedule
After consultation with Town Administrator William Gustus and the members, Chairman Merritt announced that the Board will meet on July 19, 2010 and on August 16, 2010. He also acquiesced to Selectman Bourque’s suggestion that the traditional “summer meeting dress” of an open collar be observed.
Use of common for private party
The Board received a request to use the common for a family barbecue on May 15, from 6-10 p.m., in association with the rental of the Meeting House.
Mr. Gustus explained that no cooking or erection of tents, as included in this request, have been permitted on the common for private parties. These have been allowed for public events. He said approval of this request could set a precedent for future events.
Selectman MacKendrick said that if approved, the event planners should coordinate their activity with the Fire Department.
Selectman Bourque said that if there were to be an exception made to the Board’s general view of limiting use of the Common for private entities, there could not be a better reason than a party sending off a resident to military service. He said he favored granting this request as an exception to the regular policy, and that he does not want to turn the Common into a location for private parties.
Chairman Merritt said it should be made clear that there can be no alcoholic beverages on the Common.
On the motion of Selectman Bourque, seconded by Selectman MacKendrick, the Board voted to grant permission for the use of the Common on May 15 from 6-10 p.m. for a family barbecue as requested.
Other business
On the motion of Selectman Bourque, seconded by Selectman MacKendrick, the Board approved a block party on Edward Avenue on Saturday, June 26, 2010, from 3-8 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, June 27, 2010, from 3- 8 p.m.
Selectman MacKendrick congratulated the Pillings Pond Association on its Family Fishing Day, held at the pond on Sunday. Chairman Merritt said that about 100 families and 200 children participated and received instruction.
On the motion of Selectman MacKendrick, seconded by Selectman Bourque, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
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