December 20, 2017 minutes

Chairman Barrett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for transmission by cable television. He led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Selectmen updates

Chairman Barrett reviewed the advantages of the 311 reporting system used for citizens to call in complaints. The program is used to log in and track response to complaints.

Interim Town Administrator Curtin said a tracking system for complaints and service request would be valuable. He is trying to find a community the size of Lynnfield that has implemented the 311 system.

Interviews of Town Administrator candidates

The Board of Selectmen, at its December 11 meeting, accepted the recommendation of the Town Administrator Screening Committee and the Town’s consultant on the Town Administrator search process, Community Paradigm Associates, the names of two finalists for the position of Town Administrator. They are Assistant to Administration Robert Curtin and Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan.

A total of 38 candidates applied for the position. Community Paradigm Associates identified nine candidates to be reviewed by the Screening Committee based on their resumes and credentials.

The Screening Committee chose four semifinalist candidates to be interviewed. After those interviews, three candidates were chosen to be recommended as finalists. One of those candidates withdrew before the Board could receive the names at its December 11 meeting.

The Board has scheduled a meeting for the evening of December 27 to vote on the appointment, subject to a successful negotiation of contract terms.

Mr. Lynch reviewed the process and enumerated the many criteria used to evaluate the applicants. He said draft questions were sent to Board members for their use. Board members thanked Mr. Lynch.

The Board interviewed Interim Town Administrator Robert Curtin and Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan. The candidates were asked identical questions by Board members.

Appointment of town administrator

Chairman Barrett said Mr. Curtin has been a valued member of the Town of many years and knows Lynnfield as well as anyone, and understands its challenges. Mayor Dolan interviewed very well with the screening committee and the Board. He has a fine reputation as mayor, has worked with state federal and local officials, and has considerable experience in municipal budgeting in difficult times, contracts and in other areas. He said that based on their experience in pursuing new growth, building relationships in an outside the community and relationship with schools.

Mayor Dolan brought Melrose from a Singe A bond rating to AA+ during troubling financial times. He noted the Town’s significant capital needs and projects. Mayor Dolan led a library additional renovation project, a plan for new fir e and police stations, and school building and recreational facilities projects. He said Mayor Dolan has worked with school leadership to develop budgets and policy and led bargaining with 12 employee units. He has track record building strong relationships within the community and throughout the state, including the Massachusetts Mayors Association and Massachusetts Municipal Association.

Chairman Barrett said Mayor Dolan would be the best fit. He moved his appointment.

Selectman Crawford said he did not want to repeat Chairman Barret. He said due to his extensive experience in budgets and other issues, he believes his appointment would be in the best interest of the Town of Lynnfield. He said Mr. Curtin would also remain with the Town with his experience and knowledge.

Selectman Dalton said the process is one that yielded two very qualified candidates. He said the Board could not make a bad decision. He said he supports Mr. Curtin due to knowing him for 30 years and as he is held in the highest regard by those in Town. He said Mayor Dolan’s accomplishments are very impressive and he enjoys an outstanding reputation. He said Mr. Curtin has the trust and respect of everyone in Town. Mr. Dalton said he would cast a vote for Mayor Dolan so that the appointing vote would be unanimous.

MOTION by Chairman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move the Board appoint Robert Dolan as town administrator, pending successful contract negotiations. The vote was unanimous.

Screening Committee member David Basile said the strength of the community attracted may many highly qualified candidates. He said that having heard these interviews and participating in the screening process he would be hard pressed not to vote for Mr. Dolan. He said that he hopes that the work of Mr. Curtin is recognized by the community going forward.

Memorandum of Agreement with Lynnfield Police Association regarding donation of sick leave

Police Chief Breen explained that prior to his departure, Town Administrator Jim Boudreau negotiated an agreement with the Lynnfield Police Association that would allow officers do donate unused sick time, subject to certain limitations, for use by Sgt. Al Scotina, who is approaching the exhaustion of his accumulated sick time while out on Family Medical Leave while caring for a seriously ill family member. Supervisors will donate ten days of sick time.

The agreement recognizes that this will not constitute a past practice.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Lynnfield Police Association regarding the donation of unused sick leave for the benefit of Sgt. Alfred Scotina as presented.

Renewal of annual licenses

The Town Administrator’s office has completed the annual renewal process for licenses granted by the Board of Selectmen. In some cases, final inspection documents have not been received and the Town is seeking final payment of outstanding taxes or fees. As a result, it is recommended that all approvals be made subject to satisfaction of all requirements.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board renew the annual licenses as listed, provided all licensees have made final payment on all outstanding fees and taxes and have received their annual inspection as required by law. The vote was unanimous.

Public comment

There was no public comment.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board adjourn. The vote was unanimous.

The Board adjourned at 8:10 p.m.