December 27, 2017 minutes

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

Town Administrator contract

Chairman Barrett said that the previous town administrator informed the Board of his intention to leave in October. The Board decided to try to appoint a replacement before the end of the calendar year, which resulted in an ambitious schedule. He credited Bernard Lynch of Community Paradigm Associates and members of the Screening Committee and the Board for their efforts.

The proposed contract with Robert Dolan of Melrose was drawn up by the chairman in consultation with Mr. Lynch. It is fiscally responsible for the Town of Lynnfield and provides for a February 5, 2018 start date.

Selectman Dalton said he reviewed the contract and found it acceptable and what would be expected in its terms and conditions, Selectman Crawford thanked the chairman, Mr. Lynch and Mr. Dolan for their work and said he was very happy with the search process and the contract.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I approve the contract with Robert Dolan as the new town administrator as presented. The vote was unanimous.

Chairman Barrett said that since the appointment, he has heard from contacts around the state that Mr. Dolan is a valuable person with record of great achievement in Melrose. Mr. Dolan thanked him for those words but said it is his honor to accept the position. Lynnfield is a tremendous community and the process was handled with dignity and class. he said he looks forward to working hard and smart for the Town and the Board.

Acceptance of gift of land near Parsons Avenue Extension

Attorney John H. “Jay” Kimball of Lynnfield explained to the Board that when the Parsons Avenue Extension subdivision was approved, the Planning Board asked that the owner grant a waterline easement to the Town from the new road to the Town land for purposes of allowing the Town to install a water line to the vicinity of the DPW garage. The developer agreed.

In addition, at that time the Planning Board asked if the owner would also donate a parcel of land to the Town shown on the Definitive Plan as Parcel A, contiguous to the middle school property, to allow the potential of future access.

Town Counsel Thomas Mullen has reviewed the deed review the deed to the Town for the land donation, along with the IRS Form 8283.

Kimball & Kimball, counsel for the owner, will be on hand to explain this process and to have the Board execute the documents.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Town accept the gift of a vacant parcel of land at the end of Parsons Avenue Extension in Lynnfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, being designated “Parcel A” containing 6,073 square feet of land, more or less, being shown on a plan entitled “Definitive Plan Parsons Ave. Ext., Lynnfield, Massachusetts, Assessors Map 29, Lot 1617 & 959 by Hayes Engineering, Inc, Wakefield, Massachusetts, dated June 16, 2014 and revised as noted on said Plan, which plan is recorded in Essex South Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 447, Plan 91, to which plan reference is made for a more particular description of said Parcel A. The vote was unanimous.

Reimbursement rate for employees using personal vehicles on Town business

The Town has for many years accepted as its reimbursement rate for Town employees using personal vehicles on Town business the IRS standard mileage rate. For calendar year 2018, the IRS has adopted a rate of 54.5 cents per mile.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board establish as the reimbursement rate for Town employees using personal vehicles on Town business the rate of 54.5 cents per mile.

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 7:17 p.m.