April 13, 2021 meeting

Chair Barrett called the meeting to order at 8:02 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television telecast,

Application for common victualler and weekday entertainment licenses, LSF Lynnfield, dba Legal C Bar, 200 Market Street

These license applications come after the Board’s approval of the change of ownership petition approved at a recent meeting. The entertainment application is for television and recorded music.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board vote to approve the common victualler license and weekday entertainment license for LSF Lynnfield as presented. Vote was unanimous.

Use of common, Race Amity Day, Lynnfield for Love

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board vote to approve the use of the common on June 13 by Lynnfield for Love for Race Amity Day. Vote was unanimous.

Use of lawn in front of Pope-Richard Lynnfield Historical Center, several dates, Lynnfield for Love

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board vote to approve the lawn in front of Pope-Richard Lynnfield Historical Center by Lynnfield for Love on the dates and times indicated on the application.

Remarks of chair and Board members

Chairman Barrett made the following remarks:

It truly is hard to believe that it’s been six years since we all waited for election results that ended up with a historically close race with a difference of only 39 votes - 36 after a recount.

I still remember how difficult my decision was to leave the School Committee to run for the Board of Selectmen - but I knew the move was needed and would allow me to better serve the students and families of Lynnfield Public Schools. I genuinely loved the work we were accomplishing for our students, educators, staff and administrators. I was proud of what we had done as a team to firmly place Lynnfield Public Schools on the road to success with a new Superintendent of Schools. We always knew that any of our accomplishments were the direct result of the hard work and dedication of our educators, staff, administrators and, of course, our Pioneer students and families.

My transition to the Board of Selectmen was made easy because I was proud to join a team that always put education first - our students and families have always been our main focus. That was quite evident this past week with the wonderful presentation of the Youth Council of A Healthy Lynnfield before the Select Board and their highlighting the great work that Dick Dalton and Phil Crawford have accomplished on behalf of the youth of the Town of Lynnfield.

To my fellow Board members. We laughed together, we cried together - we lost some of our biggest supporters along the way - but I know they look down on all of us today with great pride in the work we accomplished these past six years. I could not choose two better people to be at my side these past few years that saw great change in our families, community and world. You truly are the best of the best and Lynnfield should take great pride and confidence in the people leading the Town of Lynnfield on the Select Board.

I’m proud of the wonderful fact that in this little Town of Lynnfield, we have been able to do something that seems so difficult on the national level. We have always found the middle ground for the benefit of Lynnfield now and in the future. We built consensus, always strove for the positive and always worked with all stakeholders to accomplish great things for our wonderful town. Never losing sight of the important fact that anything we accomplished was the direct result of so many wonderful people who volunteer their time and efforts - and treasure - to making Lynnfield the absolute best place to call home.

There are many highlights that we all can take great pride in these past 6 years on the Select Board. I am beyond humbled that I was able to play any part in our success this past decade. A decade that I am proud to say has truly set Lynnfield up for great success for many, many years to come!

This Select Board, Town Hall and our community can take great pride in the many accomplishments over these past six transformative years in Lynnfield history.

We should be proud of the appointments of Rob Dolan as our extraordinary Town Administrator. This remains my best vote. His insight and foresight are exactly what we’ve needed to be a great success since he joined our team.

We should be proud of the appointment of Bob Curtin, everyone’s best friend, as Rob’s perfect and outstanding second in command. Rob and Bob have always been the people I speak to last before I made any decision that could impact the Town of Lynnfield. Thank you to Rob and Bob for being the partners I needed to lean on these past 6-9 years.

We should be proud of our appointment of an outstanding Fire Chief, Glen Davis, who has been exactly who we have needed to lead Lynnfield’s Emergency Management Team during one of the most challenging years in Lynnfield’s long and celebrated history.

We should be proud of the appointment of our DPW Director John Tomasz who has been exactly the leader we have needed to make sure our investment in fields, sidewalks, streets, public works and playgrounds meet the needs of all residents and neighborhoods throughout our town.

We should be proud of the recent appointment of Interim Police Chief and fellow Pioneer Nick Secatore who I think has just what it takes to admirably lead the Lynnfield Police Department for many years to come.

This Select Board can take great ‘Pioneer Pride’ in always investing in Lynnfield Public Schools and making sure our students and educators have all that they need to maximize their full potential in and out of the classroom. From the new Lynnfield Middle School Track & Field to the expansion of both elementary schools, this Board has always acted immediately to meet the needs of all students, families and educational staff.

This Select Board should be proud of doing all that we can to ensure that our senior citizens receive the services and support that they deserve as the heart of our community. We never forgot that everything we have and cherish is because of the significant investment our senior citizens have made to the Town of Lynnfield.

This Select Board can take great ‘American Pride’ in always supporting our veterans and always celebrating our storied history that has been a part of the American experience since that first “shot heard ‘round the world” of the American Revolution.

This Select Board, proudly no longer the Board of Selectmen, can also take great pride in our embracing diversity and taking a bold stand over this past year to make sure our community remains on the right side of history.

As always, I know none of these accomplishments would be possible without the outstanding service of our dedicated town employees, generous support of our residents and the dedication and support of the oldest form of representative government, Town Meeting!

It is for this reason why I was proud to introduce the Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence to recognize volunteers who went above and beyond in service to the Town of Lynnfield. It truly has been through the trust and undying support of one another that we have together made the Town of Lynnfield one of the greatest places to call home.

I would like to thank my wife Beth, two children Kaylee and Michael, my mother, late mother-in-law Gail and father-in-law Walter for their unwavering support and patience as they allowed me to serve in these demanding leadership roles. Beth has been my best friend since high school and nothing I have accomplished would be possible without her help and support. My children certainly hit the lottery with her as their mother and, likewise, I can say the same as her husband. Thank you, Beth, Kaylee, Michael, Mom, Walter and Gail!

I would like to end on this one positive and important note. When I was elected, we had a very challenging election that many of us remember - especially me. We were all passionate back then and we are all passionate now because Lynnfield is worth fighting for.

At the end of the day, we all want what is best for our wonderful town. I think it is important that we remember how we came out of my election six years ago. We came out of it stronger, more united and more dedicated to doing what is best for our town and community. I said that election night, and I still mean it six years later, I have remained dedicated to representing all of the people, even those who did not vote for me.

I hope and pray that I left Lynnfield in a far better spot than how I found it and that my supporters and those who did not support me can genuinely say that I always did what I thought was best for the Town of Lynnfield!

Best of luck to all of the candidates who ran today to serve our wonderful community. Win or lose, we can all take great pride knowing that we have so many amazing residents always ready and willing to serve our outstanding community.

Thank you for allowing me to play a small part in the success of the Town of Lynnfield. I will forever be humbled by the trust you have placed in me to serve the Town of Lynnfield for the past two decades. Best wishes to my great friends Dick Dalton, Phil Crawford, Rob Dolan and Bob Curtin on your continued success leading our wonderful community. I know there will always be better days ahead with this solid team in place leading the Town of Lynnfield!

State Senator Brendan Crighton presented a proclamation from the Massachusetts Senate recognizing Mr. Barrett for his nine years of service as an elected official.

He said he has a tremendous amount of respect for local government, and said this Board makes a tremendous team. He said he is honored to have known Chris Barrett as a person and a leader, and said he embodies everything positive about being a public servant both as an elected official and as an educator.

Mr. Crawford read a proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives recognizing Mr. Barrett for his nine years of service as an elected official.

Mr. Dalton and Mr. Crawford offered some humorous comments and presented a mock-up of a newspaper to Mr. Barrett.

Mr. Dalton said he has been proud to serve alongside Mr. Barrett for the last five years, and said he had served the Town so well for passion with duties. He said he has served as a role model for those who might serve consider public service. He thanked his family for sharing him with the Town, and said that he deserves to spend his next years focusing on his family and his career.

Mr. Crawford thanked Mr. Barrett for all he has done and praised his passion and optimism for everything Lynnfield, which he said in contagious. He said he has the ability to keep a smile on his face whether he is agreeing or disagreeing. Six years ago was a crucial time in Lynnfield’s history and said Mr. Barrett has been a powerful force for improvement during his two terms. He said he will always be grateful to Mr. Barrett for that. He listed many accomplishments over that time period and said Mr. Barrett has made many sacrifices and has been a great team member. He also thanked Mr. Barrett’s family for its willingness to share him with the community and wished him the best for his future.

Mr. Barrett said he has made great friendships during his time as a Lynnfield official and will miss everyone greatly. He said he is leaving the Board in good hands with his colleagues and soon-to-be board member Joseph Connell.

Mr. Dalton said the Board will be presenting to Mr. Barrett a chair with the Town of Lynnfield seal.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board stand in recess until such time as the town clerk has tabulated the election results. Vote was unanimous.

The Board went into recess at 8:24 p.m. and Vice Chair Dalton reopened the meeting at 9:07 p.m.

Announcement of election results by Town Clerk

Linda Emerson will announce the preliminary election results. The following candidates were elected without opposition: Moderator - Joseph Markey; Select Board – Joseph Connell; Planning Board – Paige Wilkins (five-year term), Amy McNulty (partial unexpired term); Board of Library Trustees – Andrew Kenneally, Russell Boekenkroeger; Board of Assessors – Donald Garrity.

In the lone contested race, for two positions on the School Committee, the preliminary results were: Philip McQueen – 697, Kate DiPrizio – 595, Brian Charville – 545.

Swearing in of elected officials

Ms. Emerson administered the oath of office to the successful candidates who were present: Mr. Connell, Ms. DiPrizio, Ms. Wilkins, and Ms. McNulty.

Mr. Connell assumed his position on the Board. Mr. Dalton congratulated Mr. Connell on his election and said that his service as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee has prepared him well for the position. Mr. Crawford also congratulated Mr. Connell and thanked him for his service to the community and the country. Both said they look forward to working with him.

Election of chair, vice chair and clerk

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell: I move that the Board vote to name Richard Dalton as chair. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to name Phil Crawford as vice chair. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to name Joseph Connell as clerk. Vote was unanimous.

Remarks of new Board member

Mr. Connell made the following remarks:

To the Town Administrator Rob Dolan, and Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin, to the Selectmen, Phil Crawford, Dick Dalton, and the outgoing Selectman Chris Barrett, and all the current Town elected officials, and my fellow Lynnfield citizens. I am humbled by the honor of being chosen as your town selectman, and grateful that you have seen fit to grant me this awesome responsibility.

I want to thank so many of you who have shown me your confidence and support during the election campaign and with your good wishes since I decided to run.  I want to single out my family: my wife, Kate, my daughter Natalie and my son Jake, for their unflagging commitment to my efforts this past several months, and to what we are about to undertake over the next three years.

I want to thank my brothers, sisters, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nieces, who stood for hours over the last four weekends holding signs for me.  The hours of waving to passing cars, will always be remembered, and forever thankful for your support.  Also, the fifty homes, great friends, that let me put signs on their front lawns.  So, humbling the amount of people that reached out to me directly to ask if they could assist in any way before the election. I am a very lucky man.

Thank you for all that voted for me.  I am forever indebted

During the past two weeks as I have been preparing for this transition, I found myself reminded of the extraordinary responsibilities and expectations of a Select Board Member in the Pearl of the North, Lynnfield.   To that end, I would like to acknowledge the current Select Board members and thanks to a remarkable man am I replacing, Chris Barrett who has been the icon of selfless service to this Town.  When you See Chris on the street, please thank him for his countless dedicated hours to this remarkable town. He has made the Town of Lynnfield a better place.

Chris, along with Phil Crawford and Dick Dalton collectively, have made Lynnfield a better place for all of us to live and raise our families, and I am very lucky to join Phil and Dick on the Select Board now.   I will work hard for the people of this Town, and to maintain the remarkable reputation of this Board.

As the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee for the last three years, I’ve also had a chance to meet many of our town’s dedicated employees.  I’ve developed an even greater appreciation for their commitment to the important, and sometimes dangerous, work that they do.  They make our community safe, a great place to live; they educate our children; and they provide the processes and services that allow the rest of us to do the things we want to do in our daily lives.  I look forward to working with them to make Lynnfield a truly “community-centric” community – a town that continues to work for all its citizens.

Effective communication is a key part of making ideas into reality.  My approach to communication is first listening and learning, and then leading.

Tonight, I start the job you elected me to do. I can’t wait to begin making great ideas for Lynnfield into reality!  Thank you.

Thank You Lynnfield for this opportunity, I will not let you down.

Mr. Connell said he has submitted these remarks with additional information to sister-in-law the local newspapers.

Chair Dalton said that he will present his list of goals to the Board at its April 26 meeting, and said he will also present the Board’s Code of Conduct for members to sign.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell: I move that the meeting be adjourned. The vote was unanimous.

The Board adjourned at 9:22 p.m.