December 6 2021 meeting

Chair Dalton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Presentation of Townsend Award

Mr. Dalton said that this year’s recipients are the late Robert Weiss, who spearheaded the effort to create LIFE Inc. which provides elderly housing options to Lynnfield residents and their relatives.  Jane Weiss, his widow, accepted the award at the recent town meeting.

2021 Townsend Award Winner Ellen Crawford accepted her plaque. She was also honored at the recent town meeting for her volunteer efforts.

Interview for Recycling Committee member

Resident Mark Preston has asked about joining the Recycling Committee, which has four members and is authorized for five. He said he works in information technology and serves many nonprofit agencies. He is active in the Friends of the Rail Trail, youth sports, and at St. Paul’s Church. He is interested in promoting composting.

Board members thanked him for volunteering.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell: I move that the Board vote to appoint mark Preston to the Recycling Committee for a term ending on July 1, 2024. Vote was unanimous.

Firefighter Nicholas Holmes commendation

Firefighter/Paramedic Nicholas Holmes was on hand for a presentation of a citation for heroic actions at the scene of a vehicle fire and medical emergency last month on Route 1. He received a special commendation from the Governor. Fire Chief Glenn Davis reviewed the incident.

On November 16, 2020, at 1215 Hours, Lynnfield Rescue 2 was first on scene for the report of a pickup truck engulfed in flames on Route 1. The driver had crashed into a signpost after fleeing police. FF/Paramedic Holmes quickly assessed the situation and determined that the driver was unresponsive and pinned inside that burning vehicle and needed immediate help. Firefighter Holmes used hand tools to break out the windows and climbed into the passenger compartment and placed his SCBA face piece onto the driver. Bystanders from Kelly Jeep arrived with multiple fire extinguishers to help control the fire. A passing concrete truck in the northbound lane approached and was able to use his on-board water supply to help keep the fire from growing. Lynnfield Engine 1 and Engine 2 arrived and were able to remove the victim from the vehicle using the Jaws of Life. The patient was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital via Med-Flight helicopter with multiple traumatic injuries including severe burns, but still alive. For his quick thinking and immediate actions to help a stranger despite danger to himself, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts presented Firefighter/Paramedic Nicholas M. Holmes with the Governor’s citation for meritorious conduct.

Mr. Dalton said Firefighter Holmes is truly a hero. He said his experience is that firefighters have a great sense of dedication and commitment. Mr. Crawford and Mr. Connell also expressed their thanks and congratulations.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to approve the citation prepared for Firefighter/Paramedic Nicholas Holmes. Vote was unanimous.

The Board presented its citation as well as a citation from the House of Representatives.

Traffic/speeding discussion

Chief Secatore and Town Administrator Dolan are preparing an overview of ongoing traffic enforcement and observation activities as well as planned activities.

Mr. Dolan said that traffic is the largest public safety issue for many municipalities. He said speeding enforcement, use of modern technology and education within the community will be the three components of this effort.

Chief Secatore said speeding is among the top five complaints received by the department. The Town purchased a radar speed detector and signboard that monitors traffic to give data and reinforces safety efforts. Smaller signboards are also being installed, on major roadways. Enforcement is not punitive, but educational. He said there are areas the department is still planning to increase traffic enforcement in the upcoming weeks and months.

Mr. Dalton said that traffic in Town has increased, and many drivers are not residents. He said it is a positive that the department is fully staffed.

Mr. Dolan said traffic calming measures have been implemented at Walnut at Summer and similar measures are planned for other roadways as part of the Traffic Improvement Program and Complete Streets programs. Areas targeted for the immediate future are Main, Lowell, Salem and Essex. He said that data collection from the radar signs do not record specific driver data. Chief Secatore said that there has been positive feedback on these measures. He said the enforcement is not driven by fine collection.

Mr. Crawford said they see a difference due to the signs and are glad a plan is in place. Mr. Connell says that the signs and traffic calming measures have been effective.

Resident Erin Hohmann of Salem Street said that street’s intersection with Walnut is a nightmare. She said Salem Street is a throughway for heavy vehicles and that the ban on heavy trucks on Walnut Street is not enforced. She said trucks should be using the highways. She requested a sound wall on Route 95 North and a commercial vehicle exclusion on Salem Street between Route 195 and Route 1. She said the traffic signal cycles are not adequate.

Mr. Dalton said the problem has been discussed with the Chief and Town Administrator.

Interviews for member of Board of Registrars to fill vacancy created by

resignation of Michael Feinberg

Former Fire Captain and Board of Registrars member Michael Feinberg has resigned from the Board after moving out of Town. He was the at-large member of the Board, which has

representatives from the Democratic Town Committee and Republican Town Committee. Under state law, the Board must solicit nominations from each of the major party Town Committees to consider when filling a vacancy. The Board must have at least one representative from each party. The Republican Town Committee has nominated resident Caroyln Scollard and the

Democratic Town Committee has nominated resident Joseph Gallagher. The Board is free

to add either member to the Board of Registrars.

Select Board member Joseph Connell recused himself from this portion of the meeting, stating that candidate Carolyn Scollard is his sister.

Ms. Scollard said she is a 27-year resident who has always taken an interest in politics. She said she now has the time to volunteer on behalf of the Town. Mr. Gallagher said he is also seeking to volunteer on behalf of the Town. He has worked as a project manager and a user experience designer managing data, He volunteers with Summer Street School PTO.

Board members thanked the candidates for volunteering.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to appoint (choose member) to the Board of Registrars for a term ending on June 303, 2023. Vote was 2-0 (Mr. Connell recused).

Chair’s update on goals and objectives

Chair Dalton and Town Administrator Dolan presented a project report on various goals and projects being undertaken in the Town.

Mr. Dalton stated that in the Spring of this year the Select Board adopted a comprehensive set of goals which they would use as a planning document in the year ahead. It was also offered up as a declaration to the citizens of Lynnfield of what the Board viewed as its priorities and a basis for holding the Board and its management team accountable. He said he believes it is important to provide the community updates. He said that the goals are either completed or on schedule to be completed.

Mr. Dolan outlined the various goals and objectives:

1. School Building Project a. School designed, bid, and construction continuing without incident on school grounds. b. All material on site in order to make all the additions weather tight by mid-January c. Phase 2 (gym at Huckleberry school) begins after February vacation d. On target to deliver 8 new classrooms in April 2022 for student use. e. Full project completion goal August 15, 2022

2. Rail Trail Project a. Contract signed formally with engineering firm b. $100,000 state grant will be spent by January 1 on getting to 75% design c. all regulatory / permitting approvals happening now at the state and federal level with a goal of design completion in the end of 2022 for submittal and DOT approval d. post regulatory / permitting construction schedule set and approved by DOT e. Lynnfield Team aggressively pushing to move the project up on the state Transportation Improvement Project list. Project currently to be funded in 2026.

3. Historical Commission a. The Historical Commission is now managing the Meeting House and the Pope-Richard Historic Center b. Financial controls and procedures have been put in place to collect rental income and a budget has been created to insure accountability. c. Invested in all new chairs and tables and ordered new kitchen appliances to upgrade the building. d. Completed significant investment upgrades to the Pope-Richard Historic Center with wood rot repair, masonry repair, new doors, garage renovation, painting of building, roof repair, site improvements, painting inside and water damage repair. e. Investigating additional kitchen work in the meeting house for submission in FY23 capital budget

4. Federal Stimulus Funds a. Received $3.8 million in stimulus funds to be spent over 4 years. b. Senior staff trained in regulations governing the use of funds c. An independent auditor was hired to account for the dollars, to ensure that they are used in compliance with the complicated regulations issued by the Federal government and to provide consulting assistance. d. A Management Committee was formed consisting of both Chiefs, the DPW Director, LCWD Superintendent, the Town Administrator, the Assistant Town Administrator, the Town Planner and Chaired by Town Accountant. e. Procedures have been established to submit projects, review them for eligibility and for each project to be ranked. f. The first round of spending proposals has been submitted by all departments and both Water Districts. The Committee will meet and review the first round of recommendations and present to the Select Board in January.

5. ESCO Energy Conservation / Green Investment Project a. Town wide assessment completed b. $5.4 million dollar bond approved at Town Meeting c. Contract signed with guaranteed savings to cover the cost of the bond over 20 years. d. Project began 10-12-21 e. Phase 1 complete which included inside weatherproofing, windows, and insulation f. Phase 2 which includes all light replacements is in process g. Phase 3 Summer work includes replacement of controls, boilers, air unit replacements h. Project completion October 2022

6. COVID / FEMA Reimbursement a. Vaccination plan implemented hitting 83% vaccination rate town wide b. All municipal programing reopened safely (senior center / library / recreation / town hall) c. No layoffs / furloughs or decline in approved services during covid d. Emergency Management team operating with weekly formal meetings e. FEMA reimbursement coming in monthly and accounted for f. Outstanding teamwork between Select Board / school committee / board of health / youth sports groups / business community in crisis g. Ongoing communication with public h. Goal of hitting 80% vaccination rate at Lynnfield High School very close. 2 child vaccination clinics complete j. Flu shot clinics complete k. Booster clinic scheduled for 12-11

7. Public Safety Building Project a. A product of the Strategic Planning Committee, a feasibility study for police and fire facilities upgrades was funded, studied, and completed by an architecture firm b. A formal committee was formed in 2021 c. Peer review of potential project costs and design completed 2021 d. Presentation to public safety staff in January 2022 e. Formal presentation to Select Board in early February 2022 f. Proposal at spring 2022 Town Meeting to fund design g. Design completion summer of 2023 h. Bid and complete Phase 1 (new south fire station) 2024 -2025. i. Begin and complete Phase 2 of the project which includes renovation of police and central fire station as well as making Town Hall handicapped accessible - bringing the building up to legal code which will be necessary. 2025-2026 j. Project completion spring 2026 k. Funding the Public Safety project up to an estimated $45M should have zero impact to the taxpayer as it coincides with the debt service expiring from the Reedy Meadow Golf course purchase and major School projects from the early 2000s. This debt service will be paid off in fiscal 2025.

8. New Police Chief a. Acting Police Chief appointed following retirement of Chief Breen b. Civil service process was commenced c. An independent firm was hired to conduct a full assessment of the 3 top candidates d. The Assessment Center concluded that Captain Nick Secatore was the top finisher and he was moved forward to the Select Board with the recommendation of the Town Administrator. e. Select Board ratified the recommendation of the Town Administrator f. Process for filling now vacant captain position through Civil Service process is underway g. Action to be taken at next week’s Select Board meeting includes ratification of their contracts and a formal swearing in ceremony at the Meeting House. h. With three new hires the Lynnfield Police Department is at full staffing for the first time in a decade.

9. Health Department a. Regionalization studies and grants were approved but it was decided it would not be the best course of action for the Town. b. The Town Administrator and the Board of Public Health Chair have been working closely at considering options as to how the Board and its staff can better serve the community.

10. Traffic Enforcement Plan a. Speed limits reduced in applicable areas / other areas will be investigated b. Speed bumps and lights placed at key school crosswalks c. A new portable speed display board purchased for police use in neighborhoods with success. 2 additional speed boards to be recommended in FY 23 capital budget d. Solar speed monitoring devices placed in key high-volume streets in town with success. New devices to be installed this winter on upper Main St and the Main St and Lowell St intersection. Additional devices recommended for Salem St and Essex Street to be included in the FY 23 budget. e. Our goal is a renewed commitment to speed enforcement by the LPD throughout the town. The focus of this initiative is not punitive in nature but focused on livability, safety, protection of our youth, the elderly and pedestrians that enjoy walking, exercising, bike riding and enjoying our beautiful walkable community and neighborhoods.

11. Phase 2 of Complete Streets State Grant Program a. Town will apply for a second grant in 2022. Can only apply every 2 years b. In 2020 Town received $450,000 c. Phase 2, if funded, will consist of a project to improve the South Common / Main Street area which is very dangerous. d. Application is due Spring of 2022

12. Long Term Cemetery Planning a. Conducted long term assessment of grave availability in Lynnfield b. Approved and funded a grave expansion program at Forest Hill Cemetery (30 graves) c. Ongoing evaluation of pre-sale policies and availability.

13. LCWD / Town of Lynnfield Expanded Partnerships a. Negotiated and approved a Shared Services Agreement with LCWD that brought water to the Town Common for the improvements and Huckleberry Hill playing field to create a safe playable service. b. Project Management / Engineering Services by LCWD Executive Director formalized in an Interagency Agreement drafted and approved by both Boards and commencing 12 /1/21, saving the town considerable money in project cost management

14. Supporting our Business Community a. Working in partnership with our business community during COVID to expand outside dining, special events with timely approvals and support. b. Creating a regulatory system in town hall that is responsive, supportive, and efficient with clear communication. c. Working with business property owners to find solutions and improve infrastructure that supports business and promotes property upkeep and beautification d. Holding all businesses accountable equally to bylaws, codes, zoning and planning regulations. These laws create a balance that puts all business on an equal playing field but also protects neighborhood quality of life, abutters, and the high standards of our community.

15. Economic Development a. Continued ongoing dialogue with all developers in a proactive manner to support important investment yet balancing that with our quality of life and neighborhood rights. b. After careful discussion and creative funding, a decision was made to purchase 20 acres known as the Richardson property for environmental protection through a partnership with Essex Greenbelt, Lynnfield Conservation Commission, and significant federal and state grants. This important investment was made without the use of local tax dollars and will have no impact on future operating budgets. c. Passing the tree bylaw that balances the preservation of our important tree landscape with property rights and development

16. Veterans Memorial a. Working closely with Memorial committee b. Select Board approved design and location of memorial c. Requested, advocated for and received $50,000 to start the estimated $250,000 project. $50,000 will be used for design and site engineering costs and will be spent by 7/1/22

17. Historic District Upgrades a. Historic Bell restoration project completed through a donation from the Calvary Church b. Requested, advocated for and received state appropriation of $50,000 for Town Common improvements including Wi-Fi and tree light project. c. Companies are being interviewed now for implementation in the Spring 22. d. Working with the Center Stores property owner to replace septic, invest in property aesthetics, improve pedestrian safety and apply for grants that invest in pro business infrastructure around the property.

18. Rt 1 Reconstruction Project / Carpenter Rd. a. Managed communication for the Lynnfield portion of the RT 1 reconstruction project. b. advocated and received improved design for Carpenter Road exit in project working with neighbors

19. Diversity and Inclusion a. It must be acknowledged that the national issues of diversity, inclusion, and social justice have indeed touched our community in many ways. In fact, over the past year, we have had incidents of hate crimes that impacted families directly as well as our community as a whole. b. The difference in Lynnfield is the response. Lynnfield did not point fingers, cast blame, or create more victims. c. We united with our police to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. We rallied around the victims as neighbors and friends. We publicly stated our abhorrence of hate and discrimination of any kind in our community. We supported a group of Lynnfield High School students that wanted to plan a peaceful and unifying protest to acknowledge that hate exists and that we all must do better. d. It was just that, peaceful and unifying. We support our police as a community. We continue to be united as a community focused on solutions, treating our neighbors as we would like to be treated, and supporting each other as friends and neighbors with an open heart. e. This approach has made us different and for that the Select Board is proud.

20. Bargaining Unit Contracts expire 7/1/22 a. Developing a negotiations strategy that fairly invests in our incredible town employees, but also focuses on budget sustainability while staying within our tax limits and our ability to create additional revenue. b. We must maintain a challenging balance between taxation, investment, and maintaining public services for all our citizens. c. Publicly acknowledging the incredible efforts of our public safety staff, teachers and school employees, custodians and clerks, our librarians, senior center workers, managers and staff that throughout Covid, have protected us, saved lives, and have worked tirelessly under very challenging times to maintain services for all of us. Without question, Lynnfield is a safe, desirable, and forward-looking community by any standard.

Mr. Dalton thanked all those Town employees and officials who worked hard to continue to provide services and keep the community safe during the pandemic.

21. Tax Credit Expansion a. Proposed expanded tax breaks for veterans/ disabled / low-income residents b. Authorized at Town Meeting and implemented.

22. Library a. Reforming Library building committee with recommendations to the Select Board forthcoming in January. b. Review documents in Winter 2022 c. Conduct new and thorough cost evaluation and reaffirm state funding

Mr. Dalton said that comprehensive cost estimates must be presented before a vote on the library project.

23. Bond Rating a. Secured a AA+ bond rating from Standard and Poor's with a positive outlook at key borrowing period and national economic decline due to COVID b. Achieved our second award for budgetary transparency / The GFOA certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting. c. Three-year budget analysis developed and presented to the Select Board in November 2021. d. A renewed budget approach and partnership between the Select Board and School Committee that maintains open communication between the two.

Mr. Dalton said Town-School cooperation has been excellent.

24. King Rail Clubhouse a. Formal in-house team created to develop, manage and complete this long overdue investment. This proposal will be a dramatic improvement. It will be comfortable, efficient, fiscally prudent, and use money that was allocated and budgeted for this purpose some years ago. b. Meeting regularly with a goal to bring a formal plan to Town Meeting for funding at Spring Town Meeting 2022.

Mr. Dalton said the project was halted when the architect’s vision far exceeded the amount the Town believes it can afford.

Mr. Dalton said that he hopes this practice of reporting will continue in the future. Mr. Crawford and Mr. Connell thanked Mr. Dolan and Mr. Dalton for the report.

Police Chief contract

This agenda item was postponed for one week.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell: I move that the Board adjourn. Vote was unanimous.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m.