February 26, 2018 meeting

Chairman Barrett called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced the meeting was being recorded for cable television.

Yorkshire Drive/Grey Lane parking restriction discussion

Chairman Barrett said that a change in the student parking policy at Lynnfield High School led to students parking on side roads around the school, leading to complaints from residents of Yorkshire Drive and Grey Lane. Banning parking on those roads could push parking onto nearby Keniston Lane and Lovell Road.

Town Administrator Robert Dolan and Police Chief David Breen reviewed parking issues around Lynnfield High School with neighborhood residents earlier this evening. Chief Breen said the consensus of that meeting is to post signs prohibiting parking on Yorkshire Drive, Grey Lane, Keniston Road and Lovell Road from 7:00 a.m., to 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. He said Town officials are working with school officials to identify additional parking on the school grounds. The Board commended excellent communication from Town departments to find 15 additional spaces available for student parking on the school site.

Chief Breen noted that parking on the school site is the domain of the Lynnfield Public Schools.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move the Board vote to amend the Town’s parking regulations by prohibiting parking between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the following roadways: Yorkshire Drive, Grey Lane, Keniston Road and Lovell Road. The Board directs the Department of Public Works to install signage reflecting this regulation on those roadways.

Chairman Barrett thanked residents for reaching out on this issue and Chief Breen thanked residents for sharing their thoughts tonight. Signs will be up in seven to ten days.

Town Administrator Update/Goals

Chairman Barrett said that the Town Administrator goals update will be part of every meeting.

Mr.Dolan discussed the goals and projects outlined in the tool adopted by the Board for this purpose. Topics covered included goals for the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator and department heads; the 10-year capital budget tool and its integration into the annual capital budget request; work on the regional permitting software project; updates in the Town website; work on the proposed subdivision plan at the Perley Burrill site; work on the King Rail Golf Course and the Middle School fields project. Three new items were added: senior citizen tax relief, school space and enrollment, and upper Main Street development.

Annual joint meeting, Lynnfield Water District

Pursuant to Section 108B, Chapter 41, of the General Laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this Annual Joint Meeting between the Selectmen and the Water Commissioners is called to set the salary to be paid to the Tax Collector and the Board of Assessors for work performed for the District. Lynnfield Water Commissioners Ruth E. McMahon, John K. Harrigan and Stephan F. Rondeau, D.C. were in attendance

MOTION by Ms. McMahon, duly seconded by Mr. Rondeau: I move that Chairman Christopher Barrett be nominated as Chairperson of the Annual Joint Meeting. Vote was unanimous

MOTION by Mr. Rondeau, duly seconded by Ms. McMahon: I move that the reading of the minutes of the February 22, 2016 Annual Joint Meeting be waived.  Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Harrigan, duly seconded by Ms. McMahon: I move that the Fiscal Year 2018 annual compensation for services rendered to the Lynnfield Water District be set as follows; Tax Collector $550.00, Assessors $250.00 each. Vote was unanimous

MOTION by Ms. McMahon, duly seconded by Mr. Harrigan: I move the meeting be adjourned. Sine Die. Vote was unanimous.

Annual joint meeting, Lynnfield Center Water District

Pursuant to Section 108B, Chapter 41, of the General Laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this Annual Joint Meeting between the Selectmen and the Water Commissioners is called to set the salary to be paid to the Tax Collector and the Board of Assessors for work performed for the District. Lynnfield Center Water Commissioners Constance Leccese and Richard Lamusta were in attendance

MOTION by Ms. Leccese, duly seconded by Mr. Lamusta: I move that Chairman Christopher Barrett be nominated as Chairperson of the Annual Joint Meeting. Vote was unanimous

MOTION by Ms. Leccese, duly seconded by Mr. Lamusta: I move that the reading of the minutes of the February 22, 2016 Annual Joint Meeting be waived.  Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Ms. Leccese, duly seconded by Mr. Lamusta: I move that the Fiscal Year 2018 annual compensation for services rendered to the Lynnfield Center Water District be set as follows; Tax Collector $550.00, Assessors $300.00 each. Vote was unanimous

MOTION by Ms. Leccese, duly seconded by Mr. Lamusta: I move the meeting be adjourned. Sine Die. Vote was unanimous.

Appointment of animal control officer

Police Chief David Breen recommended that Lynnfield resident David Crockett be appointed as the Animal Control Officer, succeeding Jonathan Santos, who is entering the police academy after being appointed as the Town’s newest patrolman. Mr. Crockett has served the Town as an elections officer and as the animal inspector. Chief Breen said that Mr. Crockett has the requisite training and that there should be a seamless transition.

Mr. Crockett said he has at times aided former Animal Control Officer Jon Procurot and has taken several animal safety courses.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board appoint David Crockett as animal control officer for a term ending June 30, 2018. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board designate the position of Animal Control Officer as a special municipal employee. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board designate the position of Animal Inspector as a special municipal employee. Vote was unanimous.

School space needs and enrollment

Chairman Barrett outlined issues related to school space needs and projected enrollment, which came up at the School Committee’s recent presentation of its budget request to the Board. He said the elementary grades are the most affected by space issues. He said it is prudent to be proactive. He reviewed a proposed creation of a new committee for this purpose, the School Enrollment and Capacity Exploration Committee and a draft mission statement and committee composition.

Selectman Dalton said he full agrees with establishing the committee but suggested some amendments to the proposed mission statement, which he circulated. He said these changes reflect the respect for the autonomy of the School Committee. Chairman Barrett said he was in agreement with Selectman Dalton’s proposed changed.  Selectman Crawford said he is fine with either version, but said he believes the amended version better states what the Town should focus on.

MISSION STATEMENT
This Committee is charged with gathering and analyzing data on school enrollment projections.  That data will be used to determine if the projected enrollment will in fact require additional classroom space. If it is determined that additional space is required to support the educational goals of the Lynnfield Public Schools, the Committee will provide a report outlining its recommendations to the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee as to specific space requirements and their associated costs. The Committee will also support the strategic planning that will be necessary if capital expenditures are found to be needed to satisfy the findings of the Committee.

MEMBERSHIP (7 Voting/3 Ex Officio)
Board of Selectmen (1 - Designated by Board of Selectmen Chair)

School Committee (1 - Designated by School Committee Chair)
Parents (2 – Designated by Board of Selectmen) 
Community Member (1 – Designated by Board of Selectmen) 
Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (1 – Designated by CFAC Chair)

Finance Committee (Designated by Finance Committee Chair)

Town Administrator (Ex Officio - Nonvoting)

Superintendent of Schools (Ex Officio - Nonvoting)

Department of Public Works Director (Ex Officio - Nonvoting)

COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW
The School Enrollment & Capacity Exploration Committee is responsible for conducting its activities in a manner that is in compliance with all relevant State and Local Laws and regulations including, but not limited to the Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law and Conflict of Interest Law.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton: I move that the Board of Selectmen create the School Enrollment and Capacity Exploration Committee with a mission and membership as outlined by Chairman Barrett and revised by Selectman Dalton. Vote was unanimous.

School Committee Chair Timothy Doyle said that he believes that this is consistent with the mission of the Board and the School Committee. He said both elementary schools should be included in the analysis and said many options should be considered before asking the Town for additional funding. He said if space has to be tight for one year, that can be tolerated, but if school enrollment increases, the Town must be prepared to act quickly. He said he looked forward to working with the Board on this issue. Chairman Barrett noted to large developments are being proposed at the annual town meeting.

Residents were asked to submit letters of interest if they wished to be considered for appointment to this committee.

Report of the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee

Chairman Ted Caswell gave the report of the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee. The CFAC was consulted by The Abrahams Group in the creation of the Town’s 10-Year Capital Expenditure document.

Mr. Caswell said that CFAC was created three years ago to plan for the Town’s capital facilities needs for the next 20 to 40 years. He said the school building project was a great success, and the project to improve the Town’s athletics fields and playgrounds is ongoing. He said the next challenge will be dealing with municipal buildings in a similar manner. CFAC toured the buildings, talked to Town officials and department heads and the public. A number of public forums were held with the Planning Board and Library Building Committee.

Mr. Caswell noted that the newest municipal building outside of the school is the Town Hall, which is 55 years old. He said that the Town has changed greatly since this building was opened, and that the demands on Town services have also greatly increased. The only new addition to space available for municipal use has been the space provided at the Merritt Center at Market Street. He said there are deplorable conditions in many of the buildings and additional space is needed. A 2004 long-range maintenance plan was compiled in 2004. He said a similar plan should be adopted for the schools, now that it is about 15 years since the school building project.

Mr. Caswell said that CFAC recommends placing the new library on a portion of the Reedy Meadow Golf Course site, and the razing of the South Fire Station and re-utilization of that site. He suggested that a new public facilities building be placed on that site or behind Town Hall.

Mr. Caswell endorsed the plan to build a new library, noting that this would provide extra community space and storage, and that the state would pay for 40 percent of the project. He said a golf equipment maintenance facility could also be put on this site. He said an additional building could be used to house a recreation or community center. He noted the proposed rail trail would pass through this property.

Mr. Caswell discussed the possible relocation of the public works facility to another location.  He said the current library building could be repurposed to allow for additional space for Town Hall or school administration, and that the current police and fire buildings could be used for this purpose as well.

Mr. Caswell said that additional maintenance efforts will be needed as the school building age. He said CFAC has not analyzed the costs or tax implications for any of these projects. He said he expects a ten- or 20-year process tied to available funding. He suggested an execution committee be created to carry forward this effort, and that funds should be provided to hire a consultant to assist the Town with planning.

Board members thanked Mr. Caswell and his committee for the presentation.

Chairman Barrett asked about use of land owned by the Lynnfield Center Water District on the Lynnfield/Middleton line. Selectman Crawford said that land was reviewed as a possible athletic field site and that due to the wetlands present, use of this land would be very expensive and challenging. He said efforts to look into use of land at Camp Curtis Guild were rebuffed by the National Guard a few years ago.

Selectman Dalton said that many of these proposals require much more discussion. He said there is a need for additional meeting space in Town. Selectman Crawford said that the Town’s excluded debt does not decrease significantly until 2025. He said adding debt related to these projects could begin then and the tax consequences would be diminished. Mr. Caswell said he would like to see the needs considered as one project.

Appointment of Betty Adelson to Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee

Recently retired Conservation Administrator Betty Adelson has volunteered to serve on the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee. In her previous role, Ms. Adelson was instrumental in the development of the Town’s previous Open Space and Recreation Plans. She told the Board that open space is one of her passions.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board appoint Betty Adelson to the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee. Vote was unanimous.

Appointment of Donna Hegan to the Board of Registrars

Town Clerk Trudy Reid has recommended that Donna Hegan be appointed to serve on the Board of Registrars to fill an unexpired term. Ms. Hegan was unable able to attend Monday’s meeting but is well known to the Board for her civic involvement.

Chairman Barrett recused himself from this portion of the meeting, stating Ms. Hegan had served as chair of his campaign.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board appoint Donna Hegan to the Board of Registrars for a term ending on June 30, 2018. Vote was 2-0 (Chairman Barrett not participating).

Discussion of opioid litigation

Town Administrator Dolan discussed the Town’s potential participation, along with several other municipalities, in litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors. He has discussed this with town counsel and other area municipal leaders. He said he will bring a recommendation to the Board at a subsequent meeting.

Resignation from War Memorial Committee

Jason Kimball has submitted a letter of resignation from the War Memorial Committee, as he has moved out of Town.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board accept with regret the resignation of Jason Kimball from the War Memorial Committee. Vote was unanimous.

Opening of annual town meeting warrant for acceptance of articles

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board open the annual town meeting warrant for the acceptance of articles, and set March 19, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. as the time for the closing of the warrant. Vote was unanimous.

Referral of petition articles to Planning Board

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board refer to the Planning Board for public hearing five articles received by citizen petition. Vote was unanimous.

Selectmen Update:

Recreational Path Committee (Selectman Dalton): A new chairman has been appointed and one member has resigned. Residents should submit letters of interest to the Selectmen’s Office.

Market Street Advisory Committee (Selectman Dalton): National Development outlined a proposal for a theater at Market Street and will appear before the Board on this topic is the near future.

Public Comment

Resident Patricia Campbell said she would like to know whether other communities have moved forward with a request to use the land at Camp Curtis Guild without Lynnfield’s participation. Chairman Barrett said Town Administrator Dolan would look into the issue.

Use of Town Facilities:

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board approve the use of the Common, March 28, 4-5 p.m., Easter Egg Hunt, Lynnfield Recreation Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board approve the use of the Common, May 12, Book Sale, Friends of Library; Tree Committee; Art Guild. Vote was unanimous.

Request for executive session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, specifically the Sagamore Golf Course

The chair made the following declaration prior to the roll call vote: "An open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town."

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move the Board enter into executive session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, specifically the Sagamore Golf Course. Roll call vote: Barrett, yes; Crawford, yes; Dalton, yes.

Chairman Barrett announced that the Board does not plan to re-enter open session.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move the Board adjourn. Vote was unanimous.

The Board adjourned at 9:35 p.m.