November 20, 2019 minutes

Chairman Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Budget Summit

Chairman Crawford thanked those for attending.

Town Administrator Robert Dolan said the Town is being faced with more modest new growth tax revenue as the buildout of Market Street is completed, and the need to adjust to a slower expansion of tax revenue. He said that local receipts have stagnated, and a two percent increase is projected. State assistance is also projected two percent while state assessments are expected to increase. He said the Town had received $1 million in new growth in several recent years; it is projected to settle in closer to $300,000 annually going forward. He said the Town’s free cash is strong at $2.8 million, due to the sale of the Perley Burrill property, conservative budgeting and revenue estimates. Employee and retiree health insurance costs have been ameliorated with the continuing participation in the state Group Insurance Commission. He said employee bargaining units have agreed to fair contracts with annual cost-of-living increases of 1.5 percent.

The Town’s strong free cash position will allow for another robust capital budget, as well as continued investment in the Stabilization Fund and the Capital Building Fund. He said that there will be limited expansion of

As committees study the Town’s capital facilities and its school capacity and enrollment, the Town can expect a recommendation for potential investment in new space at both elementary schools. He said choices will not be easy. Public safety infrastructure options will also be considered. The new library project continues to move up on the state funding list. The Town will face some decisions on whether to allow developments that will expand the Town’s tax base.

Planning and Conservation Administrator Emilie Cademartori said spending in this fiscal year is on target. She discussed the shared GIS/site review position shared with the DPW is working well. Costs of Pillings Pond treatment may be reduced if a new approach implemented this year tests well. She reviewed ongoing residential subdivisions. She said she expects no changes for next year’s budgets.

Eric Hamlin, director of the Town’s cable operations, reviewed his duties and activities, said they have provided over 100 programs of Town meetings and events. He also manages the Merritt Center, with over 150 events this year. The current budget is in good shape. The addition of Drew Sanborn as a full-time employee has allowed for coverage of more events. He said he is looking to replace and upgrade outdated gear in the next year.

Town Accountant/Assistant Finance Director Julianne McCarthy said this year’s budget is on target and next year’s budget will include a request to upgrade 12-year-old computer servers. She reviewed the budget submission process.

Superintendent of Schools Jane Tremblay said the schools will be able to absorb some increases in special education expenses they have incurred, but these will be reflected in next year’s budget request. She said development of next year’s budget in in the early stages. She is meeting with principals as they finalize their budgets. Social-emotional learning and the addition of more adjustment counselors is a likely request, as well as funding to address class size challenges.

Recreation Commission Chair Richard Sjoberg said that a storage container purchase allowed for the purchase of a wet water slide, which presented significant savings against renting a slide. He discussed program growth, with 10,000 total participants, and the upcoming Tree Lighting event. He said there will be no additional items requested. All but the director’s salary is paid through user fees.

Health Director Kristin Esposito McRae reviewed the duties of her department. She said next year’s budget will be similar to this year’s, with a request for a modest increase.

Police Chief David Breen said that with the exception of patrol officer overtime, line items are at or below expectations. He said two officers have been out on leave, and that one vacancy will be filled soon by a transfer from another department. He said that the Town will hold an assessment center to replace Capital Karl Johnson, who is retiring. Next year’s capital budget includes requests for two cruisers, a new telephone system for both police and fire departments. The current system is over 20 years old. Key scan, computer and radar upgrades will also be sought. The conversion from copper to fiber optic service on the public safety radio site, a five-year project, will conclude next year. Detective Sgt. Nicholas Secatore reviewed this project.

Building Inspector Joseph O’Callaghan reviewed high activity due to new subdivisions and permits for improvements to existing development. He said the budget request will likely include a small increase for vacation coverage.

Library Director Jennifer Inglis reviewed this year’s activities, including filling three vacant positions. One vacancy remains to fill due to a recent resignation. She said over 8,000 visits are made to the library every year. She said this year’s budget is on target; next year’s budget request will include a request for funding for staffing of the children’s room nights and on Saturdays.

Senior Center Director Linda Naccara said that the budget request will be similar to this year’s due to the support the Center receives from the Friends of Lynnfield Seniors group. She credited the Department of Public Works for assisting with building, site and vehicle issues. She read a letter from a senior praising the joint program held with the Senior Center and the High School.

Treasurer/Collector Leslie Davidson said the current budget is on track and next year’s budget will be similar.

Town Clerk Trudy Reid said this year’s budget is in line with projections. She expects an increase in elections expenses due to early voting requirements and a possible request to purchase

Director of Golf Donald Lyons said that his operation is very weather dependent. He said that greens fees are increased every three to four years; golf cart rentals are also increased at the same rate. He said revenues are up dramatically compared to last year. He said budget requests will include an automated sprinkler system and replacement of equipment inherited with the purchase of the Colonial golf course ten years ago. These items would be funded through golf revenue.

Public Works Director John Tomasz said that the current budget has allowed not for just expected operations but new projects. He said that he has a $50,000 shortfall due to higher than expected contract bids. Tree work is up due to recent storms. Federal stormwater requirements require a second round of street sweeping in the fall. The Town also must dispose of street sweeping and catch basin cleaning at a registered landfall. He said the snow budget is dependent on weather events. He will seek two large truck replacements in the capital budget to replace worn and old vehicles.

Director of Veterans Services Bruce Siegel noted that the state reimburses the Town for 75 percent of veterans’ aid programs. He discussed the War Memorial project and said he is working to have Lynnfield designated as a Purple Heart Community.

Fire Chief Glenn Davis says the department will once again have its busiest year to date, with over 2000 calls for services. The department has more paramedics than it has ever had. The enterprise account and the current budget are healthy and on track. He discussed fire prevention and emergency management activities and planning. He said next year’s capital request will include funds for personal protective equipment.

Many department heads thanked their counterparts for outstanding support and cooperation.

Finance Committee Chair Chris Mattia said department heads will be scheduled to see the committee beginning in January.

The Board took a brief recess and resumed the meeting after the break.

Visit by Webelos II Cub Scouts, Pack 48

Members of Boys Scout Troop 48 Webelos II Cub Scout group attended and asked informal questions of the Board members of Town government and their roles.

Check presentations for Jordan Park Project: Lynnfield Youth Soccer Association and Townscape, Inc.

Representatives of the Lynnfield Youth Soccer Association and Townscape, Inc. made ceremonial check presentations to the Board for the Jordan Park project. Richard Sjoberg of Townscape, Inc. presented a ceremonial $50,000 check. He said the Geraniumfest and Kids Day proceeds allowed for this donation. Chairman Crawford thanked Mr. Sjoberg and the Townscape, Inc. Board of Directors. John Scenna of the Lynnfield Youth Soccer Association presented a ceremonial $175,000 check toward the project. He said these funds were raised years ago by past board members and families. He said they look forward to playing on the renovated Jordan Park. Chairman Crawford said these donations, with a Town appropriation, will allow this project to begin this week.

Recycling survey results

Public Works Director John Tomasz reviewed responses to the Recycling Committee’s recent survey of residents. He said the Town spends $67 per ton to dispose of trash and $25 per ton to dispose of recycling. He said if he were to go to market today on those services, its would be about $90 per ton on each category. The Town will go out to market next year on these items.

He said about 1800 responses were received to the survey. Many commented said they would like to see weekly instead of biweekly collection and the offering of recycling barrels with lids instead of the open containers. He said weekly collection would be very costly.

Many people commented with support for the program. Responses were split on a plastic bag ban. The Town has a limit of seven barrels; most respondents put out two or less. A barrel limit might encourage additional recycling. The Town allows one bulky item for collection at no cost per week. The Recycling Committee is looking at cost-effective ways to help people recycle, including education of what items can be recycled. He also said many people wanted additional hours at the Town yard in the spring when many residents due their spring cleaning. Some expressed an interest in a “swap shop” where useable items would be left for others to take.

Chairman Crawford said he was very happy with the strong response. Mr. Tomasz said that the committee should have recommendations this weekend.

Dock license application, 427 Edgemere Road

Ryan Ferguson has submitted a dock application and has paid the license fee. The dock was approved last night by the Conservation Commission. Mr. Ferguson said the dock would be four feet by 16 feet.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board approve the dock license application for 427 Edgemere Road.  The vote was unanimous.

Reappointment of Barbara White to the Cultural Council

Barbara White was omitted from a listing of Town officials seeking re- appointment. She wishes to serve another term.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that Barbara White be reappointed to the Cultural Council for a term ending on June 30, 2022.  Vote was unanimous.

Town Administrator report

Mr. Dolan gave very brief reports on the following topics: the rail trail; school enrollment; contract negotiations.

8:00 p.m. public hearing: Application for a change of officer and change of beneficial interest for the on-premises wine and malt license for 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC, dba 99 Restaurant and Pub, 317 Salem Street

This change of officers and beneficial interest has been processed globally by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Local Boards are being asked to approve the change ministerially.

No one from the public wished to speak on the matter.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board approve the application for a change of officer and change of beneficial interest for the on-premises wine and malt license for 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC, dba 99 Restaurant and Pub, 317 Salem Street. Vote was unanimous.

Use of facilities: Menorah 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 Menorah display by Chabad of the North Shore. Vote was unanimous.

Request for executive session under Mass. General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy for which an open discussion may adversely affect the Town’s negotiating position.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to enter executive session under Mass. General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy for which an open discussion may adversely affect the Town’s negotiating position.

A roll call vote is required. Barret – yes; Dalton – yes; Crawford – yes.

Chairman Crawford announced that the Board will not resume open session. The Board entered executive session at 8:07 p.m. and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.