June 12 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.

Lynnfield Saugus Youth Hockey Mite 2 Team citation

Mr. Connell read a citation that was signed by the Board congratulating the team on its success. Coaches and players were introduced and presented with a copy of the citation.

Lynnfield Saugus Youth Hockey Pee Wee 1 Team citation

Mr. Connell read a citation that was signed by the Board congratulating the team on its success. Coaches and players were introduced and presented with a copy of the citation.

Interview, Jim Wilkie, LIFE Board of Directors

Jim Wilkie, member of the Lynnfield Housing Authority board, has volunteered to serve on the LIFE Board of Directors. He said that he has a background in housing and education in business and finance. He said he has consulted with the State Ethics Commission and town counsel and was advised there is no conflict in him serving on both boards.

Board members praised Mr. Wilkie’s volunteerism and said his skills will be a perfect fit for the LIFE Board. LIFE Board member Sal Yerardi said he looks forward to working with Mr. Wilkie.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board appoint James Wilkie to the LIFE, Inc. Board of Directors. Vote was unanimous.

Renewal of intermunicipal agreement with Lynnfield Center Water District

Mr. Connell explained that the intermunicipal agreement with the Lynnfield Center Water District regarding the sharing of the services of Superintendent John Scenna is up for renewal. The proposed renewal has a term of two years, and calls for annual compensation of $25,000 to Mr. Scenna and $5,000 for the LCWD for the project management duties undertaken by Mr. Scenna on behalf of the Town. The LCWD Board approved the agreement at its meeting of last week.

Town Administrator Robert Dolan explained that the agreement addresses the sharing of services and the assistance provided on complex capital projects. Mr. Scenna, Public Works Director John Tomasz and Town Engineer Lisa DeMeo all have expertise in various areas that can be utilized by both the Town and LCWD and assist each other. Mr. Dolan will also assist the LCWD Board of Water Commissioners with health insurance negotiations with the LCWD workers; union.

Mr. Dalton said this is a true benefit to the Tow. Mr. Crawford said this agreement gives the Town tremendous band for the buck.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board approve the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Lynnfield Center water District as submitted. Vote was unanimous. The Board signed the agreement.

Proposed moving of the cardboard recycling container inside the Recycling Yard fence at Town Hall

Mr. Connell stated that Public Works Director John Tomasz has suggested moving the cardboard recycling bins within the fenced area of the yard behind Town Hall to restrict use to Lynnfield residents and prevent unsightly accumulation of cardboard left outside the bins. The yard will be open for such use on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The proposed implementation date is September 1. While no Board approval is required, the matter is brought to the Board to ensure there is no objection. Feedback received since the Board originally discussed this proposal has been positive.

Mr. Dolan said that Lynnfield residents would not be bearing the cost of people dumping their cardboard here. He said that the recycling area is available to residents. Board members agreed with the proposal.

Proposed barrel household limit for weekly trash collection

Mr. Connell said that the Recycling Committee has recommended that the Board adopt a five-barrel limit for households for weekly trash collection. Surrounding communities have been surveyed and the Board has their policies. They vary from allowing one large container (generally provided by the municipality) to four barrels.

Mr. Dolan said there would be an educational component to this effort. The Recycling Committee had favored a lower barrel limit, but proposed a five-barrel limit as a first measure. Most surrounding communities have a three-barrel limit; some of them charge for extra barrels, which is difficult to administrate. He said it will not be as economically advantageous as it was in past years but it will be ecologically beneficial.

Mr. Dalton asked why the Town should implement the proposal if there is no economic benefit. Mr. Tomasz explained that that there is a savings if people start recycling more, as disposal of recycled material is $10 per ton less than trash. He said in a survey responded to by 1600 residents, 96 percent answered they use four or fewer barrels a week for rubbish. He said Lynnfield has a low recycling rate, which is not advantageous when the Town applies for grants. He also said there is an environmental benefit.

Mr. Crawford asked about enforcement and said he favors lowering the limit to four barrels. Mr. Tomasz said that there would be a warning for a first offense, and then additional barrels would be left without being collected. He said there will be exceptions made during Christmas week and for occasional additional barrels, but regular violators of the policy will be informed that they must adhere to the limit.

Mr. Dalton said he believes if the policy is to be changes, it should be reduced to three barrels. Mr. Crawford said he would support that, and said there will be feedback from residents if there is an issue.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board vote to implement a barrel limit of three barrels per household on weekly trash collection effective September 1, 2023. The vote was unanimous.

Update of FEMA flood maps

Town Engineer Lisa DeMeo gave an update on the new FEMA flood maps under consideration by FEMA, how to view the proposed maps, and the appeals process individual landowners can avail themselves of should they believe their properties are incorrectly designated. She said that residents whose homes are in the designated flood districts must by flood insurance to satisfy the requirements of their mortgage holders. She noted some Town-owned properties are affected as well. Town officials have reviewed the maps. Residents who receive a letter from FEMA that their property is in a flood district and who disagree with the finding can file an appeal with FEMA. Information on that process will be posted on the Department of Public Works page on the Town’s website. Residents can expect they will receive a FEMA letter later this year. She said homeowners wishing to dispute the designation may have to hire a surveyor to provide evidence where their dwelling is on their lot.

There was some discussion of Reedy Meadow being shown as an area subject to flooding. Ms. DeMeo noted that the dam in the meadow is owned and controlled by the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission.

Chair’s goals for 2023-24

Mr. Connell discussed his goals for the coming year. They are:

1. War Memorial: Goal to build the war memorial by the end of 2024.

2. Flood Maps: The 10-year FEMA flood maps have been released by the federal government. This could have impacts on residents and community projects. This has to be carefully managed. 3. Golf Clubhouse: With design and specs complete we plan on going before the conservation commission in July and bid in August for a spring 2024 opening.

4. Road Program: Complete without delay our road program which is the largest in town history

5. Rail Trail: With the award of a $200,000 state grant and $150,000 in ARPA funds complete 75% design, get DOT to allow some flooding with new flood maps, and maintain our place on the 2026 TIP schedule or move it up.

6. Tennis Courts: Demolition starts this week with construction to follow. Goal of tennis and basketball court completed in fall 23 for use during the 2024 spring season. 7. Cemetery: Create an internal committee to investigate regional policies for grave management and purchases and form a report of proposed changes for the Select Board. 8. Public Safety / Town Hall Projects: Many goals but immediate challenge is managing the move out of town hall, police station and fire in November as well as successfully bid job.

9. Monthly Newsletter / Update: Prepare for online posting a monthly newsletter acting as an update on town happenings. This will be posted at the end of each month and the first should be completed today for Monday.

10. Stadium maintenance plan: With repair work complete set up a tour with LHS Athletic Director, DPW, recreation and Chair to review work and set up standards that we must maintain and responsibilities of each representative at tour to reach that goal.

11. Library: Prepare for letter from state that approves Lynnfield funding.

12. AARPA: Implement year 2 of spending plan

13. HVAC/Boiler projects: Complete over $3 million in new HVAC / boiler projects at Senior center, Lynnfield High, and both elementary schools.

14. Police Negotiations: Continue to negotiate in good faith to find common ground on a contract that is fair and reasonable to all parties.

15. New Treasurer/Collector and Clerk: Conduct a search to find two new senior department heads to join our team.

16. Sagamore Springs: Manage Sagamore Springs regulatory and approval process that will begin in June 2023.

Appointment of interim treasurer/collector

Mr. Connell said that Treasurer/Collector Leslie Davidson has resigned effective June 23, having accepted a similar position in the Town of Belmont. Under state law, the Board can appoint a Temporary Treasurer/Collector in order to carry out the duties of the Treasurer and Collector under law. Assistant Treasurer/Collector Rosemary Kenney has served in the office for many years. Ms. Davidson has offered to assist the Town during this transition.

Mr. Crawford said Ms. Kenney will do a fine job.

MOTION by Mr. Dalton, duly seconded by Mr. Crawford: I move that the Board appoint Rosemary Kenney Temporary Treasurer/Collector effective June 26, 2023.Vote was unanimous

10.       Use of Facilities requests

            a. South Fire, July 30, 2023, car wash for Lynnfield High Cheering

            b. Common and use of streets, September 10, 2023, See the Good walk

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. The vote was unanimous.

Request for executive session w, G.L. c. 30A, § 21, section 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

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 G.L. c. 30A, § 21, section 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body.

Roll call vote: 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 6:47 p.m.