February 13, 2017 minutes

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

Joint meeting, Lynnfield Water District

Pursuant to Section 108B, Chapter 41, of the General Laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Water Commissioners of the Lynnfield Water District was called to set the salary to be paid to the Tax Collector and the Board of Assessors for work performed for the District in Fiscal Year 2018. Commissioners Ruth McMahon, John Harrigan and Stephan Rondeau were in attendance.

On the motion of Commissioner McMahon, duly seconded by Commissioner Rondeau, the joint meeting voted unanimously to name Chairman Crawford as chairman of the joint meeting.

On the motion of Commissioner Rondeau, duly seconded by Commissioner McMahon, the joint meeting unanimously voted to waive the reading of the minutes from the February 22, 2016 joint meeting.

On the motion of Commissioner Harrigan, duly seconded by Commissioner McMahon, the joint meeting unanimously voted to approve compensation for Fiscal Year 2018 annual compensation for services rendered to the Lynnfield Water District to be set as follows: Tax Collector, $550, and Assessors, $250 each.

On the motion of Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Commissioner Harrigan, the joint meeting unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting sine die. The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

Recreational Path Committee interviews

The board interviewed four candidates for appointment to the Recreational Path Committee.

Angela Addonizio of Ashwood Road has resided in Town since 1984. She has several family members who also live here. She said she has several questions about the proposed rail trail and would like to learn more about it.

Robert Almy of Wymon Way has been a resident of the Town for five years. He has served as a manager in public agencies and has been involved in a number of projects. He has no opinion on the rail trail but has seen others and knows the issues and uses.

Marian Orfeo is a Lowell Street resident who has lived in Town for 20 years. She has been following the discussion about the rail trial in local news outlets and is a user of rail trails who understands the issues being raised by both sides. She has a background in municipal and regional planning. She has not made up her mind about the local proposal.

Randall Russell of Chatham Way has lived in Town for more than 30 years. He is an outdoor enthusiast who regularly used the rail trail in Lincoln and who sees the rail trail as a potentially high-value resource. He said he sees the costs and risk as well. He works as a professional researcher for a consulting firm.

Selectman Barrett said he is impressed with the qualifications of the applicants and would like to consider making appointments at the next meeting. Selectman Dalton agreed. Chairman Crawford said the committee has been dormant band that he recommends expanding the committee membership. Mr. Russell suggested asking existing committee members if they wish to continue.

Council on Aging budget presentation

Senior Center Director Lina Naccara appeared before the Board to review the Fiscal Year 2018 budget request. No new initiatives are sought in the operating budget. She said the major capital request this year is for a 20-passenger van, which would replace the 2004 van. The van provides transportation to various trips, medical appointments, shopping and other activities. Many of them have waiting lists.

Council on Aging Chairman Fred Santangelo said the 2004 van is in poor condition and needs expensive repairs. He said the replacement cost would be about $80,000.

Chairman Crawford commended the Council on Aging and its director and staff for its work, with increases in programs and attendance each year. Selectman Barrett also praised the efforts.

Conservation Commission budget presentation

Conservation Administrator Betty Adelson, commission chairman Bob Milano and vice-chair Paul Martindale were on hand to present the Fiscal Year 2018 budget request.

Ms. Adelson said the Conservation Commission is seeking funding for two capital requests: improvements to the Highland Avenue boat ramp, which provides the only access for motorized boats to Pillings Pond, and stormwater improvements in the system along the “wood” roads that abut the pond. Mr. Milano said that both issues have been discussed with the Department of Public Works. He said that pesticides, fertilizers, sand and salt are running into the pond. The cost of engineering and permitting is estimated at $25,000. Mr. Martindale said that these roads are 50-60 years old, and the stormwater systems are outdated and need to be replaced. None treat the stormwater. This project would improve water quality in the pond and help reduce maintenance costs at the pond.

Mr. Milano said the crushed stone used at the boat launch causes tires to spin. Chairman Crawford asked if there was any consideration of wideni9ng the access. Mr. Milano said the engineering work would also help determine the property lines.

On the operating budget, Mr. Milano said that Ms. Adelson is planning to retire in the fall and the commission would like a smooth transition. He said that it would be fortunate if the current assistant, a trained wetlands scientist who now works eight hours per week, could be hired ho could be qualified to step into the role. Ms. Adelson reviewed projects that the assistant is working on. Mr. Milano said some overlap between the outgoing and incoming administrator would be helpful. The commission is seeking to expand the assistant’s hours from eight to ten per week, and add 20 hours for a four-week transition period. Selectman Dalton asked if this would be enough.

Town Administrator James Boudreau said that the administrator job will be posted when Ms. Adelson gives her notice.

Use of Town facilities

Beth Aronson of the Tree Committee appeared before the Board to request use of the common for an Arbor Day celebration on April 29. She also requested that the Board allow the use of a tree on the Common as a “wishing tree” for a special program from April 29-May 22.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to allow the use of the common on April 29, 2017 for the Arbor Day celebration.

Chairman Crawford said that the tree requested for the wishing tree was dedicated to a Vietnam War veteran. Ms. Aronson said that the Tree Committee is requesting the use of another tree, a Turkish filbert near the bell on the common.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to allow the use of the Turkish filbert on the common by the Tree Committee as a wishing tree from April 29-May 22, 2017.

Proclamation

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to proclaim April 28, 2017 as Arbor Day. Chairman Crawford read the proclamation.

Approval of minutes

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 7, 2016 as presented.

One-day liquor license

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve a one-day liquor license at the Knights of Columbus, Post Office Square, on May 13, 2017.

Public participation

Resident Ed Baud of Dale Road asked for an update on the legislation filed to allow the Town to breach the MBTA dam near Reedy Meadow. He said he hoped that the funding for the project would be included in the budget.

Mr. Boudreau said that the legislative session expired without action taken on the bill that was sent by the Town. He said the Town will seek to refile the bill during the next legislative session.

Mr. Boudreau said that the speed of action will likely have much to do with the MBTA’s position on the project. If approved, the Town would have to appropriate the money for the required insurance and the engineering work must be done, which would be followed by a cost estimate. Funds for engineering and insurance must be sought at town meeting. He said the impact on the proposed rail trail would depend on the solution decided upon, and the displacement of water.

Other business

Selectman Dalton announced a blood drive being held at a local auto dealership for local resident Molly Malone. Selectman Barrett complimented the work of the Department of Public Works on snow removal efforts.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.