December 2, 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.

Citation for Lynnfield Youth Football ‘B’ Team Super Bowl Champions

The coaches introduced each player. A citation for the team and letters for individual players and coaches were presented. The Board congratulated the coaches, parents and team members on their achievement. Selectman Barrett read the citation that was presented to the team members.

Tax classification public hearing

The Chairman declared the public hearing open. Interim Assessing Manager Dick Simmons made a presentation on tax classification.

Mr. Simmons explained the residential exemption, which is generally adopted by communities with a large number of vacation properties and rental properties, the small commercial exemption, which shifts some of the burden off the owners of certain commercial property owners whose properties house only smaller businesses, and the open space discount, which few communities adopt. The Town of Lynnfield has never adopted these programs. A motion is necessary only if the Board wishes to adopt these programs.

On the matter of classification, the Town has had a split rate for commercial and residential properties. This allows the Town to shift a portion of the tax burden from residential property owners to commercial property owners. By total value, residential property makes up over 85 percent of the Town’s total property value. Mr. Simmons said the Board has adjusted the shift factor to offset any fluctuation in appreciation between the property classifications, so that the percentage increase on taxes for all classes is equalized.

Last year’s shift factor was 1.24, resulting in a residential rate of $13.91 and a commercial rate $17.95 per thousand of value. Mr. Simmons showed examples of how changing the shift factor would affect the two rates.

To try to balance the percentage increase of the average tax bill on both residential and commercial properties as best as possible, a shift factor of 1.29 is recommended by the town administrator. This would result in a residential rate of $13.92 and a commercial rate of $18.86.

Chairman Crawford said that under the agreement with market Street on its property valuation, the Town cannot increase the shift to more than 1.30. He said he does not favor adopting any of the optional programs and exemptions outlined.

He said the average household increase will be about $200.

Selectman Dalton asked about the fluctuating value of condominiums in Town over the last few years. Mr. Simmons said that large increases in values in past years was not reflected in this year. Board of Assessors member Richard O’Neill said that the Market Street agreement is in its last year, and did not affect the proposed shift. Board of Assessors member Donald Garrity agreed.

Mr. O’Neill thanked Mr. Simmons for returning from his retirement to assist the Town. The Board also thanked Mr. Simmons.

No members of the public wished to speak.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to adopt the residential shift factor of 1.29 for Fiscal Year 2020. Vote was unanimous.

The Chairman declared the public hearing concluded.

Resignation of town clerk

Town Clerk Trudy Reid has resigned after accepting the clerk’s position in North Andover. Chairman Crawford read her letter of resignation. Board members thanked Ms. Reid for her many efforts on behalf of the Town over the last five years and wished her the best in her new endeavor. Members praised her for her professionalism and said she will be difficult to replace.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board accept with regret the resignation of Town Clerk Trudy Reid, effective December 27, 2019, and that Assistant Town Clerk Diane Hammerbeck be appointed Interim Town Clerk effective December 28, 2019. Vote was unanimous.

Ratification of contract, Lynnfield Library Association

Town Administrator Robert Dolan thanked members of the Library union for their work on this agreement. The Town and members of the library collective bargaining unit have reached an agreement on a three-year contract. The contract includes annual base pay increases of 1.5 percent and addresses issues regarding tuition reimbursements, establishment of a sick leave bank, and the longevity payment schedule.

Chairman Crawford thanked Mr. Dolan for his work on this contract. Selectman Dalton said he believes that these agreements with Town employees have been beneficial to both the Town and its employees.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement and the final contract between the Town of Lynnfield and the Lynnfield Library Staff Association, Local 4928 (MSLA), American Federation of Teachers, AFT Massachusetts (AFL-CIO), for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022. Vote was unanimous.

Use of facilities: manger display on Common

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board approve the use of the Common for a manger scene provided by resident Mary Stewart. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to adjourn.

The Board adjourned at 7:22 p.m.