November 1, 2021 meeting

Chair Dalton called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television telecast.

Change of officers and directors application, California Pizza Kitchen, Market Street

Andraya O’Keefe, manager at California Pizza Kitchen was on hand to address the application. In response to a question from Chair Dalton, she said she did not know if this change in officers was the result of any Chapter 11 reorganization

MOTION by Mr. Crawford of the Select Board, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to approve the change of officers and directors application of California Pizza Kitchen as submitted. Vote was unanimous.

Inter-municipal agreement between Town of Lynnfield and Lynnfield Center Water District

Town Administrator Rob Dolan explained that he has been working with Lynnfield Center Water District officials on an intermunicipal agreement which would allow LCWD Superintendent John Scenna to perform certain duties for the Town of Lynnfield regarding capital projects in return for payments by the Town to LCWD. Town Counsel Thomas Mullen has drawn up the agreement, which has been shared with LCWD Board of Water Commissioners, who would also have to approve the agreement.

He said the Town has a number of significant capital projects underway or being planned, including the two elementary school additions, the public safety building project, the King Rail gold course clubhouse, the new library, and the rail trail. He said the Town has also received a large amount of American Rescue Plan Act funds and other stimulus funds which can be used for certain infrastructure projects. He said Mr. Scenna can augment the work of the town engineer and the public works director with his experience with large capital projects. He estimated this arrangemenrt5 will save Lynnfield taxpayers $80,000 to $100,000 per year that would have to be expended on additional personnel or outside consultants.

The Town would pay $20,000 per year for Mr. Scenna’s services, plus an additional amount to the LCWD toward Mr. Scenna’s benefits. This deal is a one-year deal that can be renewed, and will be evaluated yearly.

Chair Dalton said that Mr. Scenna is a proven commodity and has done outstanding service for the Town as a volunteer. He said this proposal will be beneficial for all. Mr. Crawford said Mr. Scenna is someone Town officials know well and have worked closely with. Mr. Connell spoked of Mr. Scenna’s service with the Strategic Planning Committee and said he knows the proposed projects and the Town’s needs, and is perfect for this role.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford of the Select Board, duly seconded by Mr. Connell: I move that the Board vote to ratify the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Lynnfield Center Water District as presented. Vote was unanimous.

Use of Facilities:

a. Chabad, Menorah on Common

b. Mary Stewart, Manger scene on Common

c. MS Walk, June 18, 2022

MOTION by Mr. Crawford of the Select Board, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to approve the Use of Facilities application as received, subject to any restrictions that may be placed on them by the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Director of Public Works. Vote was unanimous.

Chair Dalton said the Board would pause as the only remaining items were a public hearing advertised for a time certain and motions to go into executive session.

Public hearing: Change of premises application, Burton’s Grill, Market Street

Chair Dalton declared the public hearing, which was duly posted and advertised, open.

Representatives of Burton’s Grill were Attorney Gregory Demakis and manager Denise Herrera were on hand to address the application, which is an expansion of space in the building for which they are currently licensed.

Attorney Demakis said that the license was approved last year but the occupation of the premises was delayed due to the COVID-19 virus. During the interim, additional space became available that allowed the expansion of the interior from 5400 to 7617 square feet and the patio from 400 to 970 square feet. The lease was amended to reflect this change and the building permit was granted. Subsequently, the alteration of premises application was submitted to the Board when this oversight was realized.  The grand opening is planned for November 15. The state has promised to expedite its review if the local licensing authority approves this application.

Chair Dalton said he is glad to be the space being used and said Burton’s Grill is a great operator and a great fit for market Street. Mr. Crawford said that this a great concept and Mr. Connell wished them the best.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford of the Select Board, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to approve the change of premises application of Burton’s Grill as presented. Vote was unanimous. 

Possible executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (2):  To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford of the Select Board, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (2):  To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

Roll call vote: Mr. Crawford – yes; Mr. Connell – yes; Chair Dalton – yes.

Possible executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (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. Crawford of the Select Board, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (3):  To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body.

A roll call vote is required. Roll call vote: Mr. Crawford – yes; Mr. Connell – yes; Chair Dalton – yes.

The chair declared the Board does not intend to resume public session.

The Board entered executive session at 6:20 p.m. and adjourned at 7:09 p.m.