July 31 2023 meeting

Chair Connell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He stated that the meeting is being recorded for cable television transmission. He asked those in attendance to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Common victualer license application, Beyond Tea LLC Moge Tea, 678 Market Street

Attorney Timothy Doyle, representing the license applicant, said that the client is stuck in traffic and was unable to attend. He said that this tea shop will not serve food, and has 12 seats at four table. He said the owners also operate Soi 8/Sushi Ike at Market Street.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board approve the common victualer license for Beyond Tea LLC, doing business as Moge Tea, 678 Market Street. Vote was unanimous.

Common victualer license application, Loui’s Pizza and Roast Beef, 470 Broadway

The new owner, Thomas Marmiani of Peabody, said there are no plans to expand or change the restaurant’s operation.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board approve the common victualer license for Loui’s Pizza and Roast Beef, 470 Broadway. Vote was unanimous.

Class II motor vehicle dealer’s license application (office use only), Richard Noto, 306 Pillings Pond Road

Resident Richard Noto has applied for a Class II motor vehicle dealer’s license. He has been informed that the conditions placed on such licenses by the Town restrict the dealership to office use only, and that no storage, display or repair of vehicles may take place at the premises.

Mr. Noto said he is a lifelong Lynnfield resident and will only deal in wholesale sales, and that he understands the limitations on the license. He said he will be buying from auctions and store any vehicles in a lot in Wakefield.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board grant a Class II motor vehicle dealer license to Richard Noto, 306 Pillings Pond Road, with the following conditions: office use only; no display, storage or repair to vehicles on the premises. Vote was unanimous.

Appointment of treasurer/collector/pre-tax plan administrator: Susan Mistretta

Susan Mistretta is the Town Clerk and Tax Collector in Dover, NH. She was one of five candidates interviewed by Town Administrator Robert Dolan, Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin and Town Accountant/Assistant Director of Finance Julie McCarthy. A second finalist withdrew after accepting another position. Ms. Mistretta has significant experience in the field and comes highly recommended.

Tow Administrator Robert Dolan said the Town was fortunate to have excellent candidates for a position that is very difficult to fill. He said Ms. Mistretta stood out with 20-plus years of direct experience. She is now working in New Hmapshire but plans to move back to Massachusetts. She has incredible qualifications and a very positive attitude, with strong managerial and customer service skills.

Ms. Mistretta said she is very excited at the prospect of coming to Lynnfield.

Mr. Connell said that her resume speaks for itself. Mr. Dalton said he has complete confidence in Mr. Dolan and his team. Mr. Crawford said the Town is very fortunate to have such a great candidate.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board appoint Susan Mistretta to the position of Treasure/Tax Collector/Pre-Tax Plan Administrator. Vote was unanimous.

Appointment of police patrolman: Nicholas Goodwin

Nicholas Goodwin, a former Department of Public Works employee, was the top candidate on the civil service list qualified to accept the position of police patrolman after department review. Last week he graduated from the Police Academy and will be joining the force this week. He is recommended for appointment by Chief Nick Secatore, who noted that Mr. Goodwin is a 2008 Lynnfield High School graduate with an associates degree from North Shore Community College. His DPW colleagues spoke highly of him, and Chief Secatore said Lynnfield is lucky he is a candidate for the position.

Mr. Goodwin thanked his family, Chief Secatore and the department for their support. He said he cannot wait to start this new journey. Mr. Dalton congratulated him and said he has much to be proud of. Mr. Crawford said he has known Mr. Goodwin since he was a boy, and he and Mr. Connell congratulated him/

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board confirm Town Administrator Robert Dolan’s appointment of Nicholas Goodwin as police patrolman. Vote was unanimous.

Appointment of special police officer: Philip Tansey

Philip Tansey, a retired Danvers Police Officer, has applied to serve as a special police officer. He is recommended for appointment by Chief Secatore, who said he will be used primarily for traffic control.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board vote to appoint Philip Tansey as a special police officer. Vote was unanimous.

Site license agreement with Reading Municipal Light Department for use of Centre Court property for access to conservation area

The Conservation Commission is working to create greater access for residents to its properties to enable passive recreation. The Beaverdam Brook conservation area behind the center stores on Main Street does not have any public parking. The Conservation Commission has negotiated a one-year site license to utilize parking on land owned by the Reading Municipal Light Department adjacent to the center stores parking lot. The agreement has been reviewed by Town Counsel Thomas Mullen and the fee is $1.

Mr. Dolan said that the area in the rear of the center stores has been the site of teens drinking and some vandalism. Her said there will be increased police patrols and the Conservation Commission believes that additional legitimate use of the area will help keep unwanted use in check.

Resident and Planning/Conservation administrative assistant Jennifer Welter made the same point.

Mr. Dalton said he believes that making the area more accessible is likely to increase unwanted uses, and said he is not in favor of this agreement. He said the Town has invested in the Richardson property to give this type of access.

Mr. Crawford asked if this is the paved area at the far right of the parking lot. Assistant Town Administrator Robert Curtin said it is. He said Planning and Conservation Administrator Emilie Cademartori is in agreement with all the conditions sought by the abutters except for towing cars that are in violation, since the Town cannot promise to do this because only the owner of the property can initiate towing.

Ms. Welter said this is a one-year trial lease. She said there is also access from Trog Hawley and three other areas, but only street parking for uses. Mr. Connell said he drove by the site and said he favored limitations between sunrise and sunset.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell: I move that the Board ratify the site license agreement with Reading Municipal Light Department and authorize the Chair to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board. Vote was 2-1 in favor (Mr. Dalton opposed).

GFOA Certificate of Achievement

For the third straight year, the Town of Lynnfield has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the quality of its Comprehensive Financial Report. Town Accountant and Assistant Director of Finance Julianne McCarthy is responsible for preparing this report. Mr. Dolan said only 30 percent of applicants receive the award. It is a testament to the detail, transparency and thoroughness of the report. He credited Ms. McCarthy and all who assisted her in its preparation.

Use of Facilities requests

a. Common, Historic Lynnfield, October 14.

b. Car wash, LHS girls’ soccer, September 10.

c. Car wash, Little League, July 30 (1-4 p.m.)

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board approve the facilities requests subject to conditions imposed by the Chief of Police and Public Works Director. Vote was unanimous.

Request for executive session w, G.L. c. 30A, § 21, section 6: 6. To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board enter into executive session, under G.L. c. 30A, § 21, section 6. To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.

Roll call: Dalton – yes; Crawford – yes; Connell – yes.

The chair announced that the Board does not plan to resume public session.

The Board entered executive session at 6:31 p.m. and adjourned at 7:01 p.m.