August 27, 2019 minutes

Chairman Crawford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Interview of Finance Committee candidate Reilly Bayer

Mr. Bayer appeared before the Board. Chairman Crawford said that his education and work background would make him an outstanding addition to the Finance Committee. Sel. Barrett and Sel. Dalton agreed and referred to his family’s long history of service to Lynnfield.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to appoint Reilly Bayer to the Finance Committee for a term expiring on June 30, 2022. Motion was approved unanimously.

Opening of special town meeting warrant and acceptance of petition article

Chairman Crawford noted that the Board had received a petition for a special town meeting and for an article (that would seek an appropriation of funds for $348,000 in engineering services and other associated costs in connection with the proposed rail-trial project. The Board has 45 days from the receipt of a petition for a special town meeting to hold a meeting. The warrant for a special town meeting must be posted at least 14 days in advance of the meeting. The petitioners have requested Sept. 26 for the meeting date.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board accept the petition article on funding for rail trail engineering services and that this article be included on the special town meeting warrant. Motion was approved unanimously.

Setting date to close special town meeting warrant and setting date of special town meeting

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote set the date of the special town meeting called by petition for Thursday, September 26, 2019, and that the closing of the special town meeting warrant be set for Monday, September 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Motion was approved unanimously.

Request for Sunday brunch hours, Market Street

Steven Vallarelli, manager of record at Temazcal Mexican Cantina, Market Street, and regional manager Michael Bainton spoke to the Board about the company’s request for earlier Sunday hours for the serving of alcohol. Under state law, the Town cannot allow service on Sundays before noon unless it accepts a state statute that allows for Sunday service to begin no earlier than 10 a.m. Mr. Bainton said that the restaurant plans to serve brunch soon and believes guests would enjoy being able to purchase alcohol. He would like to have the license amended to allow service beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays if town meeting votes to accept the local-option statute.

Selectman Dalton said that this is done in many locations and that Temazcal has been a responsible operator. Board members had no questions.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board direct the Town Administrator to draft a warrant article for inclusion in the annual fall town meeting. Motion was approved unanimously.

Request to purchase Town-owned land, 0 Rear Salem Street

The Board received a letter from commercial landowner owner Michael DiOrio, who has requested that the Town consider selling three small parcels of land abutting land he owns in order to expand his parking lot. These parcels abut the parcel that contains the former South Branch Library and the existing parking for South Hall/South Fire station on Salem Street.

The process for making land available for sale include querying Town committees and departments whether they object to the sale or have use for the land; having the Board declare the land surplus; having the Board set any conditions on the land sale and future use; seeking an appraisal of the land to set a minimum price; seeking Town Meeting approval for sale of the land; and sale of the land through an open bidding process.

In addition, the request by Mr. DiOrio contemplates commercial use of the land, which would require rezoning of the land by Town Meeting, as well as other processes.

Chairman Crawford said the Town probably would not want to sell this land while considering its use for other purposes. He said he looks forward to hearing from Town departments on the matter. He said the Board cannot declare it surplus as the Town may want to examine this area as a potential site for a new police or fire station. Sel. Dalton asked if it would be possible to consider providing Mr. DiOrio with a short-term lease in order to protect the Town’s interest.

The Board directed Town Administrator Robert Dolan to discuss the matter further with Mr. DiOrio.

Use of facilities requests

a. September 29, 5K Race for Inclusion, Northeast ARC

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to approve the use of Town streets for the Race for Inclusion on September 29, 2019, subject to any conditions imposed by the Public Works Director and Police Chief. Motion was approved unanimously.

One-day liquor license requests, John Thompson, Notch Brewing Mobile Biergarten, at Market Street: September 18, 6-8 p.m.; October 9, 6-8 p.m., October 20, 2-5 p.m.; November 24, 3-6 p.m.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board approve the one-day beer and wine licenses for Notch Brewing at the locations in Market Street described in the application for the following dates and times: September 18, 6-8 p.m.; October 9, 6-8 p.m., October 20, 2-5 p.m.; November 24, 3-6 p.m.

TION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was approved unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.