April 13, 2020 minutes

Chairman Crawford called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. He noted that the meeting was being recorded for cable television transmission.

Vote to accept local option to extend due dates of property tax bills

Vote to accept local option to extend the due date for exemption and deferral applications

Vote to accept local option to waive interest in certain payments made after due dates

Town Administrator Robert Dolan explained that in recognition of the difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the state legislature and governor have approved several measures under Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, three of which must be accepted locally.

The first allows the extension of the due dates of property tax bills from May 1, 2020 to a date not later than June 1, 2020 for communities such as Lynnfield that have quarterly tax billing.

The second allows the extension of the due date for applications for tax exemption and deferral applications from April 1, 2020 to a date no later than June, 2020.

The third allows for a municipality to waive interest and other penalties for late payment of any excise tax or any other tax for any payments with a due date on or after March 10, 2020 where payment is made after its due date but before June 30, 2020.

Mr. Dolan said he is recommending adoption of all three of these local option measures after consulting with Town Accountant/Assistant Finance Director Julie McCarthy and Town Treasurer and Tax Collector Leslie Davidson.

Once adopted, the Town will provide taxpayers with notice of their acceptance via the Town’s website and Facebook page.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to adopt Section 10 (a)(i-iii) of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, regarding the due dates of real and personal property tax bills and set the due date for such bills as June 1, 2020. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to adopt Section 10 (a)(i-iv) of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, regarding the extension of the due date for exemption and deferral applications, and set the due date for such applications as June 1, 2020. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton I move that the Board vote to adopt Section 11of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, regarding the waiving of interest and other penalties for late payment of any excise tax and other taxes and charges enumerated under this section for all payments made on such bills which had due dates before March 10, 2020 and are paid by June 30, 2020. Vote was unanimous.

Designation of public health official to submit a report to the Attorney General providing the justification for the moderator’s continuance of Town Meeting.

Under the same legislation referenced above, the state outlines the manner in which towns can postpone the date of the annual town meeting. For communities such as Lynnfield that had already executed the warrant, the power to postpone that meeting is granted to the moderator; however, the Board must designate a public health or public safety official to issue a report to the attorney general within 10 days of the posting of that postponement giving the reason for the postponement.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to designate Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis as the local public safety or public health official who shall submit a report to the attorney general providing the justification for the declaration, as provided for by Section 4 of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020. Vote was unanimous.

Acceptance of a gift from the Lynnfield High School Class of 1969 for costs related to the hydration station at Lynnfield High School

The Lynnfield High School Class of 1969 has donated $2,000 to pay for expenses related to the recent installation of a hydration station at the renovated fitness room. The Board must vote to accept this gift. Board members thanked the Class of 1969 for the generous gift.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to accept the gift of $2,000.00 from the Lynnfield High School Class of 1969 for costs related to the installation of a hydration station at the Lynnfield High School fitness facility, and extend to the Class of 1969 the thanks for the Board for this donation. Vote was unanimous.

Update from Town Administrator on operations during state of emergency

Town Administrator Rob Dolan gave a brief overview of the measures undertaken in Lynnfield as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He discussed how the Senior Center staff is contacting seniors to ensure they are doing well and working with Greater Lynn Senior Services to extend service during the period when the Senior Center is closed to the public. The Department of Public Works has expanded hours for recycling and yard waste drop-off. Hours are Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3p.m. The recycling containers have been moves into the gated area due to the abuse of these containers by non-Lynnfield residents.

The Town Election will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lynnfield High School. Proper social distancing measures will be in place.

Selectman Barrett asked Mr. Dolan to thank Senior Center Linda Naccara for her efforts. Chairman Crawford noted that residents wishing to help can donate to food banks, and that A Healthy Lynnfield is asking a donation to a local food bank.

Request for executive session under Mass. General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy with union personnel for which an open discussion may adversely affect the Town’s negotiating position.

MOTION by Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board vote to enter executive session under Mass. General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (3) to discuss bargaining strategy for which an open discussion may adversely affect the Town’s negotiating position.

A roll call vote is required. Barrett – yes. Dalton – yes. Crawford – yes.

Chairman Crawford announced the Board will not be returning to open session.

The Board entered executive session at 4:13 p.m. and adjourned at 4:24 p.m.