August 19, 2020 minutes

Chairman Barrett called meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. He announced it was being recorded via Zoom, for cable television transmission.

6:05 p.m. public hearing: Petition for Joint Owned Pole Relocation, Main Street at Chestnut Street

Chairman Barrett declared the public hearing open. Richard Forman, representing the petitioner Verizon was on hand for this hearing, as will Town Engineer Charles Richter.  The hearing was duly advertised and posted and abutters were notified.

Mr. Richter said the pole relocation would be better for pedestrians and that he worked with Verizon and Reading Municipal Light Department on the plan.  No members of the public wished to speak on the matter.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the public hearing be closed. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to grant the Petition for Joint Owned Pole Relocation, Main Street at Chestnut Street. Vote was unanimous.

6:10 p.m. public hearing: Petition for Joint Owned Pole Relocation, Summer Street

Chairman Barrett declared the public hearing open. Richard Forman, representing the petitioner Verizon was on hand for this hearing, as will Town Engineer Charles Richter.  The hearing was duly advertised and posted and abutters were notified.

Mr. Forman said the pole would be moved 26 feet southeast of its current location to accommodate the new subdivision at Tuttle Lane off Summer Street. He said the plan will not interfere with public shade trees.

No member of the public wished to speak.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the public hearing be closed. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to grant the Petition for Joint Owned Pole Relocation, Summer Street.

After the hearing was concluded, Buddy Costa of Summer Street joined the meeting. He said he had difficulty joining the meeting via Zoom. He said he has concerns about the plan as it would require a wire to run across his front yard. Mr. Richter said he would work with the utilities to address Mr. Costa’s concerns.

6:15 p.m. public hearing: Petition for Fiber Optic Cable placement on utility poles on Salem Street and Lynnfield Street, RCN

Alex Ortiz, representing the petitioner RCN was on hand for this hearing, as was Town Engineer Charles Richter.  The hearing was duly advertised and posted and abutters were notified.

Chairman Barrett declared the public hearing open.

Mr. Ortiz said that this buildout along Salem Street will serve Peabody. Mr. Richter said these structures will all be attached to existing utility poles.

No member of the public wished to speak.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the public hearing be closed. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to grant the Petition for Fiber Optic Cable placement on utility poles on Salem Street and Lynnfield Street, RCN. Vote was unanimous.

Confirmation of appointment of police sergeant

The promotion of Nicholas Secatore as police captain at the Board’s previous meeting has created a sergeant vacancy. Based on a 2018 exam list forwarded to the Town by the state’s Civil Service office, Jared Provost is the lone referred candidate for the position. He has the recommendation of Police Chief Davis Breen and Town Administrator Robert Dolan can execute the promotion with the Board’s concurrence.

 Chief Breen said that Officer Provost is an excellent patrolman and will be an excellent sergeant. He said he is happy to recommend his promotion. Sgt. Secatore said that his leadership style will fit in with the current administration.

Board members agreed with those assessments. Officer Provost said he is a Lynnfield High School graduate with seven years of experience on the Lynnfield Police Department. He said he is appreciative of what the Town of Lynnfield has done for him and his family.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to confirm the recommendation of the Town Administrator for the appointment of Jared Provost as police sergeant effective August 24, 2020. Vote was unanimous.

6:30 p.m. public hearing: Petition of EAD Entertainment LLC, doing business as Muse Paintbar, 1130 Market Street, Lynnfield MA, Ryan Knowles, manager, for the transfer of the license held previously by Muse Paintbar, LLC

Chairman Barrett declared the public hearing open. Prospective manager Ryan Knowles was on hand for this hearing.  The hearing was duly advertised and posted and abutters were notified.

Mr. Knowles said that Muse Paintbar went into federal receivership so they could stay in operation. He said EAD would like to assume ownership and operate in the present location. Mr. Knowles previously served as the manager of the Skeleton Key at Market Street.

No member of the public wished to speak on the matter.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the public hearing be closed. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to approve the common victualer license to EAD Entertainment LLC, doing business as Muse Paintbar. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board approve the transfer of a wine and malt annual restaurant license from Muse Paintbar LLC to EAD Entertainment, LLC, doing business as Muse Paintbar. Vote was unanimous.

Acceptance of donation from Ambrefe Family

Fire Chief Glenn Davis said he was approached by the Ambrefe family following the untimely passing of Brian Ambrefe, owner and pharmacist at Village Pharmacy, He read a letter from Mary Ambrefe expressing the desire to support the community as Mr. Ambrefe and his family had done for years. He said that the Ambrefe agreed to fund the purchase of a Lucas CPR device, which is a sophisticated piece of equipment that will assist the Fire Department in providing CPR to patients. He said the department is very grateful for the donation.

Chairman Barrett said that the death of Brian Ambrefe was a huge loss for the community. He said this donation is part of a wonderful legacy he has left and thanked the Ambrefe family for the donation, as did Selectmen Dalton and Crawford. Chief Breen shared his memories of Brian Ambrefe and said he was impressed by the capabilities offered by the Lucas device.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to accept on behalf of the Town a donation of $9,647.80 for the purchase of a Lucas CPR device by the Fire Department. Vote was unanimous.

Acceptance of donation from Unicare

Local resident and Finance Committee member David Morales was instrumental in obtaining this grant from Unicare, for which he serves as general manager. Board members thanked Unicare and Mr. Morales for the donation.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to accept on behalf of the Town the donation of $3,000 from Unicare for support of the Town’s efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vote was unanimous.

Dock permit application, 30 Edgemere Road

The owner of 30 Edgemere Road is seeking a dock license from the Town. The type and design of the license has been considered by the Conservation Commission, which has no objection to it. However, the land on which the dock would rest is Town-owned land, is 70 feet from the terminus of the applicant’s property line. The applicant, Steve Sampson, said he went before the Conservation Commission on the matter.

Assistant Town Administrator Robert Curtin said that one option would be to grant an easement over Town land or to seek to auction the Town-owned land around the pond to abutting property owners.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to take the application for a dock license at 30 Edgemere Road under advisement. Vote was unanimous.

Town preparations for school reopening plan

Town Administrator Rob Dolan, Public Works Director John Tomasz, Police Chief David Breen, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis and Health Director Kristin McRae were on hand to discuss steps Town departments are taking to assist with the reopening of the Lynnfield Public Schools according to plans presented by the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee.

Chairman Barrett said that all departments are working with the schools to prepare for a safe reopening. He said that in his professio0nal experience partnership is the only path to success. The School Department, Health Department, Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, School Committee, Superintendent of Schools office and Town Administrator’s office have created a team to protect the students and citizens. They review changing state directives in preparing this plan. The Town can take great pride in the work that is being done. The reopening policy is in the purview of the School Committee.

Mr. Dolan discussed the work of the Emergency Management team and the collaboration of Town and School personnel on the issue. Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis said that the team has been meeting every day since March to look at local and state statistics and the state guidance on issues. Health Director Kristin Esposito McRae explained the tracing system used to identify those exposed to the virus. Mr. Dolans said that so far Lynnfield is the only community that has a School Committee that voted unanimously for a reopening plan. He said that the superintendent recently answered about 50 questions about the plan at a recent School Committee meeting.

Chief Davis said that the Reopening task Force met with about 49 parents with questions about public health and safety and the protocols that will be in place. He said the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers guidance on these issues. The Town is hiring a COVID-19 liaison and is working with a physician ion medical decisions. Mr. Dolan said that the custodial staff has cleaning protocols with one person dedicated to cleaning the building all day and that the instructors feel that this will meet their needs.

Public Works Director John Tomasz said that needs. In the hybrid model, instruction will take place in school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and cleaning will take place on Wednesdays and on the weekends. The custodial staff has been trained on disinfecting machines and large amounts of cleaning supplies have been purchased. Buses will also be cleaned, although fewer students will be bused to school due to the School Committee vote on the mileage requirements for students to qualify for bus service.

Town Engineer Charles Richter addressed the increased safety and accessibility created at areas near the schools, with enhanced sidewalk signals and signage. Police Chief David Breen said that the school resource officer will be available for drop-offs at the elementary schools. Mr. Dolan credited the Healthy Lynnfield program for creating a program for students who are struggling with anxiety issues.

Chairman Barrett gave credit to the Lynnfield teachers for agreeing to the reopening plan and said he is confident that children will get the best education possible under these difficult circumstances. He and the Board members thanked all participants in this effort.

Stop sign request, Archer Lane at Robin Road

This request has been reviewed and it is recommended by the Police Department and Department of Public Works. Resident Susan Parziale said there are many children in the area and cars are moving very fast around the corner. Board members thanked her for coming forward to bring the issue to the Town’s attention.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to amend the listing of isolated stop signs under the Town Bylaws, Chapter 380, Section 23 by adding the following location: Archer Lane eastbound at Robin Road. Vote was unanimous.

Road construction projects for FY 2021

Town Engineer Charles Richter reviewed roadway improvement projects being undertaken this fiscal year. The 2020 plan included Chestnut Street from Lowell to Tophet; Glen Drive; Fairview Road; Laurel Road; Sylvan Circle; Sylvan terrace; Douglass Road; Rossmore Road. The overall cost was $759,000.

The 2021 and 2022 plans include the following work, which is subject to change based on any changes in road conditions: Chestnut Street from Tophet to Hart; Juniper Road; Pine Street; Phillips Road; Kings Road; Shady Nook Lane; Fletcher Road; Timberhill Road; Timberhill Terrace; Edgemere Road from Wildewood to end.

Mr. Richter explained the roadways are rated for condition and amount of traffic, and that the Department of Public Works attempts to group streets close to each other together when creating the working list.

Notice of Intent to Sell for Residential Use, Richardson Green, Assessors Map 8, Parcel 1325 on Main Street

Town Counsel Thomas Mullen explained the process by which an owner of property seeking to develop land that has been receiving a tax rate for open or recreational space must notify the Town if it plans to develop that land. The Town has first right of refusal to purchase the land for the agreed-upon price of the opposed sale. The Town would generally have 120 days to act after receiving notification, but that deadline has been extended during the State of Emergency.

Planning and Conservation Director Emilie Cademartori said that the Planning Board and Conservation Commission discussed the matter last night. This land off Main Street was considered for development for an elderly housing project and is now planned to be used for a residential subdivision. The Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Essex Greenbelt Association attended the meeting and have interest in the preservation of this land as open space, in part due to water supply issues, as does the Lynnfield Center Water District, due to its proximity to its wellfields. Ms. Cademartori said the conversation about these issues has just begun.

Mr. Mullen said the Board’s sole action required tonight is to receive the notice. A public hearing to consider whether the Town wishes to exercise its option or assign its option can be scheduled for a later date.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to take under advisement the Notice to Intent to Sell for Residential Use the land described on Assessors Map 8, Parcel 3125 on Main Street. Vote was unanimous.

Request for “No Parking” designation on portion of Grove Street near Calvary Church driveway

No action was taken as the Town is still awaiting a response from nearby property owners to this request.

Approval of Warrant for 2020 State Primary

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to approve the warrant for the 2020 State Primary as prepared by the Town Clerk. Vote was unanimous.

Open fall town meeting warrant for acceptance of articles – closing date September 21, 2020

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to open the fall town meeting warrant for the acceptance of articles and to set as the closing time for the warrant September 21, 2020 at 6:15 p.m.. Anyone considering a petition article should contact the Town Clerk’s office to obtain the proper petition documents. Vote was unanimous.

Executive Session under G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(1) to discuss the discipline of, or complaints and charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to enter Executive Session under G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(1) to discuss the discipline of, or complaints and charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual.

Roll call vote: Dalton, yes; Crawford, yes; Barrett, yes.

The Chairman announced that the Board would not re-enter open session.

The Board entered executive session at 7:25 p.m. and adjourned at 8:01 p.m.