April 1, 2020 minutes

Chairman Crawford called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. He noted that the meeting was being recorded for cable television transmission.

Vote to authorize the Town Administrator to execute all essential routine functions of the Board (i.e.: approval to deficit spend in accordance with the guidance provided under BUL-2020-01 and any other further guidance issued upon approval of pending legislation related to the outbreak.)

Chairman Crawford said that as a result of the pandemic, the Board is meeting remotely and the video will be shown on local cable television and posted to the website. He explained that as part of the Governor’s emergency order regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, in acknowledgment of the social distancing measures that are recommended, Board are allowed to delegate to the Town Administrator all essential routine functions of the Board, including approval of deficit spending and execution of documents approved by the Board. The Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services has issued a bulletin giving cities and towns guidance on this matter.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to authorize the Town Administrator to execute all essential routine functions of the Board, including approval to deficit spend, in accordance with the guidance provided under BUL-2020-01 and any other further guidance issued upon approval of  pending legislation related to the outbreak. Vote was unanimous.

Postponement of Annual Town Election pursuant to section 1 of chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to postponement the Annual Town Election, pursuant to section 1 of chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 and because of the state of emergency declared by the governor pursuant to executive order 591, Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19, to Saturday, June 20, 2020. The polling place will remain Lynnfield High School, 275 Essex Street, for Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 4. Vote was unanimous.

Chairman Crawford said it is unknown whether schools will resume classes before that time he said the election was planned for a non-school day in case schools are reopened.

Update from Town Administrator on operations during state of emergency

Town Administrator Rob Dolan gave a brief overview of the measures undertaken in Lynnfield as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said there are now 17 reported cases in Lynnfield, and that a peak is expected in the next few weeks. He outlined the social distancing measures that have been recommended. The schools are closed for the month, and discussions are being held about postponing town meeting until May 27, with a potential further postponement. The Town Hall has a drop box where residents can leave documents and payments. Schools are pursuing online instruction and the Office of Prevention is addressing issues of mental health that may be affected by the pandemic and the necessary measures undertaken.

Chairman Crawford thanked Mr. Dolan, the Emergency Management Team and the public safety employees who risk their own health to keep residents safe.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board adjourn. Vote was unanimous.

The Board adjourned at 5:07 p.m.