June 26, 2017 meeting minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, June 26, 2017

Board of Selectmen

June 26, 2017

Regular Session

Merritt Center, 600 Market Street

 

Present:

Christopher Barrett, Chairman

 

Richard Dalton, Selectman

 

Philip Crawford, Selectman

 

Chairman Barrett called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for transmission by cable television. He led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Joint meeting with School Committee on substance abuse issues

School Committee members Jamie Hayman, Dorothy Presser, Richard Sjoberg and Timothy Doyle were present for the joint meeting.

 

Chairman Barrett complimented Superintendent of Schools jane Tremblay and the School Committee for a strong end to the school year and said the two boards have worked in cooperation for many decades. He said Selectman Crawford has done a lot of work on substance abuse issues in recent months.

 

Selectman Crawford said he has discussed these issues with School Committee members, the superintendent, and high school administrators and staff. The schools are on board with the effort. Town-wide, 38 people have volunteered for this effort, called “A Healthy Lynnfield,” which will include tasks for the schools, police and fire departments, and other Town departments. Due to the size of the larger group, Selectman Crawford is suggesting that the board appoint a steering committee of a smaller number as an official Town committee. He said the group is working on awareness and education, community resources and treatment programs as well as a budget and goals for its first year.

 

Ms. Tremblay said that that the Youth Risk Behavior Survey was last administered in 2014. Grades 6, 9 and 11 were surveyed. Some statistics were alarming, including those on use of marijuana and the number of students reporting feeling sad or hopeless. Recommendations included the appointment of a school resources officer from the Police Department, hiring of a full-time adjustment counselor, increased communication with outside providers, and a transitional assistance program at the high school, all of which were put in place.

 

Ms. Tremblay said that students are still struggling with behavioral issues such as suicidal thoughts and all schools are focused on some sort of social and emotional learning. Students must learn how control their own behaviors in order to build relationships. In the elementary schools, these lessons are embedded into the curriculum. At the middle school, resiliency to adversity is addressed. At the high school, the Compass Program, seminars on leadership and other programs are in place.

 

Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Kevin Cyr reviewed the Compass Program which works to create role models and peer leaders. Fire Chief Mark Tetreault discussed the administration of Narcan to patients overdosing on opiates and the training of all first responders in this practice. The Fire Department has worked with the Health Department on collecting and disposal of needles. The Fore Department is involved with the school son risk reduction measures.

 

Police Chief David Breen said the Police Department addresses substance abuse issues by helping those who self-identify with an issue get medical treatment and support. The department also works with the district attorney’s office to provide programs for criminal law violators, through diversion programs where youth offenders can complete a program to avoid criminal sentencing. Cruisers are equipped with Narcan. He said he would work with the Healthy Lynnfield Coalition and the district attorney’s office to ensure any programs adopted meet requirements.

 

Rev. Martin Ritt of the Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative said this is a noble and needed effort and must address emotional, intellectual and spiritual learning. He said local religious and charitable organizations have a role to play.

 

On the motion of Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to appoint the following to the Healthy Lynnfield Steering Committee: Selectman Crawford, Town Administrator James Boudreau, Health Director Kristin McRae, School Committee member Jamie Hayman. Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Kevin Cyr, Police Chief David Breen, Fire Chief Mark Tetreault, School Nursing Director Mary Homan, Firefighter Jeffrey Fiorentino, Thomas Adamczyk of Lynnfield Psychological Associates, and Rev. Paul Ritt of the Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative.

 

Chainman Barrett and School Committee Chairman Doyle discussed meeting jointly twice a year to discuss these efforts. Mr. Doyle said he is looking forward to working jointly on this issue. Mr., Hayman said that Lynnfield is not immune to substance abuse issues and that a frank discussion is welcome. Resident Patricia Campbell said she worked on a coalition to address this issue in the 1990s and commended the attention to these issues.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the joint meeting voted unanimously to adjourn.

 

Public hearing: Petition from Peabody Municipal Light Plant for installation of a Guy Stub Pole on Locust Street near the intersection with Clark Road

Chairman Barrett declared the public hearing, scheduled for 7:00 p.m., open at 7:19 p.m. Abutting property owners were notified of the meeting by certified mail.

 

William Cardello of the Peabody Municipal Light Plant explained that this proposal would replace a guy wire attached to a tree with a wire attached to a new stub pol, which would secure the existing utility pole and keep in from leaning.

 

Locust Street resident Lucy Karas asked about the location of the guy pole. Mr. Cardello said the pole would be on the grass strip near the sidewalk, to the left of Ms. Karas’s driveway. He said the weight of the utility cables are pulling on the pole. She asked whether another location could be chosen.

 

Board members agreed to make a visit to the site with Mr. Cardello.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the public hearing to July 10, 2017 at 4:15 p.m. at the location of the proposed guy pole. After the site visit, the hearing will resume at the Board’s meeting on the same date at the Merritt Center.

 

Ten-year capital program

Mr. Boudreau explained that as part of the Board’s goals and through $222,000 in funding received through the Commonwealth’s Community Compact program, the Town contracted with The Abrahams Group to assist in the development of a ten-year, all-inclusive capital plan for the Town. This will help ensure the Town maintains its equipment and infrastructure and will assist in budgeting and planning. That report is complete and runs over 300 pages, and is easily updated for different funding sources and timing. He said it will be a very useful tool in addressing capital projects and their funding.

 

Mr. Boudreau will discuss the process and introduce Matt Abrahams of the Abrahams Group said a summary report is also included, with the main piece of the report a spreadsheet developed with input from Town staff, including department heads. The report is all-inclusive and reviews past capital spending by year and department, with estimates of costs going forward for various capital needs. The program allows adjustment by year, funding source, cost estimates, term and interest rate. His firm is available for support if needed.

 

Chairman Barrett thanked Mr. Abrahams for his work and said the tool is impressive. Mr. Boudreau said the tool is user friendly and will help the Town plan its capital program. He said the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee had input, and that large building projects such as the proposed new library are included, but not with hard cost estimates. Selectman Dalton noted smaller capital needs are addressed as well. Selectman Crawford said he has been through ten budgets as a member of this Board and the Finance Committee and said this program will be very helpful.

 

Interview, Open Space and Recreation Committee

Reid Lavoie appeared before the Board to discuss his interest in serving on the Open Space and Recreation Committee. He reviewed his educational and work background. He has discussed this application with Conservation Administrator Betty Adelson. Board members thanked him for coming forward and said he is well qualified.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Reid Lavoie to the Open Space and Recreation Committee.

 

There are remaining openings on this committee. Those interested in serving should contact Betty Adelson in the Conservation Commission office.

 

Application for dock license, Robert LoNigro, 25 Bourque Road

Mr. LoNigro has applied for a dock license on Pillings Pond. Last week the Conservation Commission reviewed his application and has no objection. Under the Town’s bylaws, grant licenses do not expire. Mr. LoNigro has paid the $5 fee.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to grant a dock license to Robert LoNigro at 25 Bourque Road as proposed.

 

Interview of for Cultural Commission

Vasundhra Ganju appeared before the Board to discuss her interest in serving on the Cultural Commission. She reviewed her background. She has discussed this application with members of the Cultural Commission, who have recommended her nomination to succeed Amber Vaccaro, who is resigning.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Vasundhra Ganju to the Cultural Council for a term expiring on June 30, 2019.

 

Memorandum of Understanding, Town of Lynnfield and Lynnfield Dispatchers Association

Mr. Boudreau has reached an agreement with the dispatchers bargaining unit. He said this is a one-year bridge agreement and that he will continue to work with the unit on a three-year agreement. This allows the Town to encumber funds to pay retroactive salary increases. The agreement includes an adjustment of the steps in the salary sale and a 2.5 percent wage increase for Fiscal Year 2017.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Lynnfield and the Lynnfield Dispatchers Association as presented.

 

Appointment of civil service hearings officer

Town Counsel Thomas Mullen has advised that a personnel matter involving a civil service employee may require a hearing in the near future. Mr. Boudreau is recommending the appointment of James Lampke as the hearings officer.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to appoint James Lampke as Civil Service Hearing Officer.

 

Reappointment to various boards, committees and positions

Those Town officials whose terms expire on June 30 have been asked whether they wish to be reappointed. Finance Committee member Thomas Kennedy, Recreation Commission member Rod Boone, Board of Registrars member Robert Casoli and Historical Commission member Faith Honer-Coakley have indicated they do not wish to be reappointed. This Board thanked them for their service to the Town.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to re-appoint the list of board and committee members seeking reappointment with the exception of Board of Appeals member Thomas Aylward. All appointments rune from July 1 to June 30 and are for one year unless otherwise noted.

 

AGING, Council on (3 yr. terms): Bittner, Jack; Lane, Annie

 

BUILDING INSPECTOR: Roberto, Jack

 

ASST. BUILDING INSPECTOR: Luther, John; Colantuoni, Richard; Melanson, Stephen

 

CLERK, TOWN: Reid, Trudy

 

ASST. TOWN CLERK: Hammerbeck, Diane

 

CONSERVATION COMM. (3 yr. terms): Martindale, Paul; Salamone, Angelo

 

CONSTABLES: Minsky, Paul; Ruerwhein, John; Small, Ronald
 

CULTURAL COUNCIL (3 yr. terms): Howard, Erin; Williams, Katianne

 

DOG OFFICER: Santos, John

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR: Tetreault, Mark

 

ASST. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR: Burnham, Kenneth

 

GAS/PLUMBING INSPECTOR: Donohoe, Paul

 

ASST. GAS/PLUMBING INSPECTOR: LoConte, Donald; Kulacz, Stanley; Flores, Paul

 

HEALTH, Board of (3 yr. terms): McCausland, Gail

 

HISTORICAL COMM. (3 yr. terms): Sorli, Roy

 

IPSWICH RIVER WATERSHED ADVISORY BOARD: Pezzella, Jerry

 

LIFE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (3 yr. terms): Adelson, Jack; Siegel, Bruce

 

LOCK-UP KEEPER: Breen, David

 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMM.: (3 yr. terms): Siegel, Bruce

 

PERSONNEL BOARD (3 yr. terms): Marcus, Gail

 

POLICE SPECIAL OFFICERS: Lamusta, Richard; Peabody, Charles

 

RECREATION COMM. (3 yr. terms): Monkiewicz, Matt

 

TREASURER, TAX COLLECTOR, PRETAX PLAN ADMINISTRATOR: O’Sullivan, Christine

 

TOWN COUNSEL (2 years): Mullen, Thomas

 

WIRE INSPECTOR: Sardella, David

 

ASST. WIRE INSPECTOR: Metell, Alfred; Skinner, Arthur

 

Summer meeting schedule

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following meeting dates and times for July and August: July 10 at 4:00 p.m., August 14 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting schedule is subject to change.

 

Appointment of elections officers

Town Clerk Trudy Reid has provided a list of elections officers she wished to have reappointed. Selectman Dalton recused himself from this portion of the meeting, as his wife is an election worker.

 

On the motion of Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Chairman Barrett, the Board voted 2=0 (Selectman Dalton not participating) to the following elections officers be reappointed for a term expiring on June 30, 2018:

 

Selectmen Update

Improve process to contact the Board of Selectmen: Chairman Barrett said he is looking to improve access to the Board for community members who wish to contact them. The updated website will allow for such contact to Board members that will also be able to be tracked by the town administrator’s office.

 

Chairman Barrett said that the community survey undertaken as part of the master plan process showed a strong response by community members seeking a way to serve the Town. A volunteer fair was organized by the Master Plan Subcommittee. Chairman Barrett proposed recognizing volunteerism by launching the Daniels Townsend Award for Excellence, in which the Board would recognize one person each year for outstanding volunteer service to the Town of Lynnfield. The award would be named for Daniel Townsend a Minuteman from Lynnfield who dies during the Battle of Menotony during the opening days of the American Revolution. The award would be presented in September.

 

Selectman Crawford and Selectman Dalton agreed with the idea, although Selectman Crawford said there was no need to limit it to one person. He said the Board should come up with criteria for the award.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to create the Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence to honor one of more Lynnfield volunteer each year.

 

Fields Update: Selectman Crawford gave an update on the fields program, with progress on the middle school track and field. He said the contractor hired was low bidder David White and Sons, who worked on the high school fields project. The bid was $1,865,000 for the entire project, which includes irrigation and ledge removal. Work will begin on the site on July 10.

 

Town Administrator Update

Perley Burrill update: Chairman Barrett recused himself from this portion of the meeting due to his owning land abutting the Perley Burrill site. Mr. Boudreau said the excavator crew was on site today. Chairman Crawford said that two buildings have been certified as a danger to public safety as they could collapse and damage homes abutting the property. Other buildings were not deemed as a public danger by the building inspector.

 

Chairman Barrett rejoined the meeting

 

Public Comment

 

Resident Robert McDonald asked if the middle school track would be available for public use. He was informed it would be. He said he sent questions regarding Market Street to the town administrator that were referred to the Market Street Advisory Committee and asked wen he might receive an answer. Mr. Boudreau said he does not know why the email address given Mr. McDonald did not work. He said the committee is reviewing a draft response. Chairman Barrett said the committee as just formed and the questions have been passed on. Mr. Boudreau said the questions required some research and said that he would send the draft response to Selectman Dalton, liaison to that committee, for review.

Resident Patricia Campbell asked for an update on the Union Hospital issue. Selectman Crawford said he would provide an update at the July 10 meeting. Resident Mary Stewart asked for the Fire Department dispatch protocols for emergency medical services.

 

In other business

Selectman Crawford said that the Town’s warrant articles regarding the banning or recreational marijuana facilities were approved by the attorney general.

 

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:27p.m.