September 19 2022 meeting

Chair Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:30 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.

Death of former Town Administrator William Gustus

Chair Crawford said that today we received the unfortunate news that Bill Gustus passed away at his home in Lunenberg yesterday. Bill served as town administrator for 12 eventful years which saw completion of the school building and senior center building programs, the approval of the Market Street project, the meeting of the Town’s affordable housing obligations, the acquisition of two golf courses and improving the Town’s financial status, evidenced by achieving a bond rating of AA-plus. He was a profound strategic thinker who also cared deeply for the Town, its employees, and its residents. He was a good friend to many of us, and served the Town of Lynnfield well. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Laura, his children and grandchildren, and his extended family. He noted that his retirement party was more in the line of a roast, and he was joined by his large extended family. Since his retirement, he has owned and operated two golf courses. He said he will be missed.

Mr. Dalton said he worked with him for many years while serving on the Planning Board. He said Mr. Gustus was really a driving force in so many of the important and beneficial things the Town now enjoys. Mr. Connell said he di not know Mr. Gustus, but said what he accomplished in 12 years here was monumental.

A moment of silence was observed in his memory.

Initial presentation of public safety building project

Town Administrator Robert Dolan opened the discussion on behalf of the Public Safety Building Committee, saying he is joined by John Scenna to present the first of many public presentations regarding our plan to replace and /or renovate the Town of Lynnfield's Public Safety building infrastructure and make Town Hall handicapped accessible.  

He reviewed the history of the project. In 2019 the Board appointed a Strategic Planning Committee to identify municipal capital needs, study those needs, and develop a plan of action with funding options.

The Public Safety facility was identified as the top priority among municipal buildings. A preliminary feasibility study was funded to identify broad needs and space. At the annual town meeting an in-depth architectural study was funded and has been completed which identifies specific program needs of police and fire, completes a geo study, and a plan that brings us to the point of identifying full cost and the confidence to seek funding at the upcoming town meeting on November 14.

The Public Safety Building Committee has been charged with identifying the most pressing challenges we face as a town and moving solutions forward. What we are presenting tonight is the first formal analysis of the needs of our Public Safety facilities since the early 1960s.

- When the current stations were built the Town of Lynnfield did not have a full-time fire department

- When the current stations were built Lynnfield was a rural suburb without significant commercial structures and a population of 8100 residents

- When the current stations were built The Town of Lynnfield did not run Emergency Response Medical Services which now generates 70% of our calls

- When the current stations were built the Town had a civil defense department...today Emergency Management not only deals with pandemics, but plans for the litany of unthinkable tragedies that could fall upon us by nature or by man in 2022

- When the current stations were built the thought of a woman firefighter or woman police officer was unthinkable and not an option for young girls and women to dream about

- When the current stations were built the understanding of carcinogens and chemicals and exhaust inhalation were minimal... Now we know (without debate) that these workplace hazards kill and how building design can keep officers safe.

- We present a building project that is efficient, without frills, and focuses on needs more than wants. We are not designing a building however for 2022 we must build facilities for the next 75-100 years.

-We must design a building that will someday house departments that will look very different than they do today.

We must make a community decision that openly acknowledges that there are challenges with interest rates, supply chain, construction costs, and inflation that hits all of us...all of these points are true and not debatable. These are tough times. But we also know that this challenge exists, its serious...and won't go away. We also know that we have the experts in design and incredible chiefs that will deliver an outstanding product, and most importantly we know, proven throughout history, that solving the problem will never be cheaper than it is today.

Public Safety Building Committee chair John Scenna narrated a presentation on the public safety building project. He thanked the Board for providing resources and recommending funding this spring to further study this issue. This resulted in a refinement of the scope of the project, layouts and planning all leading to a better estimate of the project costs to bring to the town meeting on November 14. The Strategic Planning Committee rated the public safety building project the second most pressing capital issue before the Town, only exceeded by elementary school expansion, which project is now being completed. In 2021 a feasibility study was funded, and this year, funds were provided for the conceptual study and environmental studies.

Fire Chief Glenn Davis pointed out several issues of concern in the two existing fire stations. Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, and a recent study shows a 14 percent higher incidence of cancer among firefighters than the general population. Storage of turnout gear in the same are as the fire trucks exposes that gear to carcinogens.

The two stations were built in the 1960s, prior to female firefighters being hired. The department now has two female firefighters, and there is no provision for separate bunk space and showers for them, resulting in the use of an office for dressing and sleeping during the overnight shift, which is inadequate. He pointed to chemicals being stored in the open and the lack of proper storage space, as well as a number of other deficiencies.

Police Chief Nick Secatore said that the entrance to the station is not adequate for the public, and a community-oriented station with safe space is needed. Prisoners must be taken into the station through the garage and up a staircase, which is a safety issue. The holding cells are substandard and the female cell is located in the female locker room. There is inadequate meeting space and office space. The station must be brought to current standards to address safety issues for officers, prisoners and the public.

Mr. Scenna said that the problems with current stations have been well documented. He said that after studying the issue, the proposed solution is the creation of a new fire headquarters at the site of the current south station, which will be razed once the new station is completed. The current headquarters, the police station, and Town Hall, at 55-59 Summer Street, will be fully renovated and expanded to address the issues raised and be brought up to current safety and handicapped accessibility codes, as well as providing additional meeting space.

Architectural firm Tappe Associates has partnered with Mitchell Associates, which has extensive experience in public safety building projects and has worn award for fire station design to work with the two chiefs on plans that will meet their needs. The layout was revised to reduce redundancy and gain efficiencies. During this year, a geotechnical survey of the sites was undertaken. Cost estimates are being reviewed in light of inflation, supply chain issues, the current market and interest costs. Within a month, the project team will provide an extensive presentation for the public.

Mr. Scenna reviewed the proposed layout at each of the buildings. He reviewed the project timeline, which would conclude design in 2023, with bidding and construction to be completed by 2026. He said the project is expected to last five years due to its complexity.

The Town will be leveraging up to $500,000 in state funding through the Complete Streets Program to address the intersection of Summer and Salem streets, where the new fire headquarters will be located. The Town is pursuing an extension of the current lease of the South Hall building to the United States Postal Service.

At town meeting, voters will be presented with an article seeking funding of the entire project, as cost estimates will be completed in the next few weeks.

Chair Crawford said this issue has been studied for many years, and said it is now the Town’s top capital need. He said the timing is right to pursue this project now that the debt from the 2000 school building project will be paid off. He said this is not a desire, but must be done to comply with today’s codes and functionality. These buildings were not built for current police and fire operations. Mr. Scenna noted there has not been any significant work done to these buildings since 1990.

Mr. Connell said there is no one better than Mr. Scenna to lead this project. He said police, fire and Town employees deserve better working conditions. Town hall will be made fully Americans With Disabilities Act compliant, and the Town will finally have adequate space for committee meetings and community functions. He expressed confidence the Town will support the project.

Mr. Dalton said the process is important, and that Mr. Scenna’s leadership on the elementary school project, which was completed under budget with even more enhancements than had been originally planned, shows his capabilities.

Mr. Scenna said that the costs are being examined on a line-by-line basis, so if any adjustments must be made, the impact will be understood immediately.

Mr. Dolan said all realize that this project must be cost-effective.

Resident Wayne Perry suggested that the current public library space could be utilized for other purposes once the proposed new library is constructed.

Extension of agreement between the Town of Lynnfield and Lynnfield Center Water District

Lynnfield Center Water District Superintendent John Scenna and members of the LCWD Board of Water Commissioners are seeking an extension of the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town adopted in 2019.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board agree to a three-year extension of the Intermunicipal Agreement between the Town and The Lynnfield Center Water District, with a term to conclude on June 30, 2025. Vote was unanimous.

Use of Facilities applications

• Lynnfield Pioneer Football Club ball drop, September 23-October 2.
• Car wash, South Fire Station, Lynnfield High School Drama and Music, October 2

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to approve the applications of use of Town facilities subject to any restrictions requested by the Public Works Director and Chief of Police. Vote was unanimous.

One-day liquor license application, Market Street, October 1, 2022

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board approve a one-day liquor license for Market Street for October 1, 2022. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the meeting be adjourned. Vote was unanimous.

The Board adjourned at 7:14 p.m.