June 4, 2018

Chairman Dalton called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. He announced that the meeting will be recorded for cable television transmission and left those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Dalton acknowledged the recent death of Robert Baker, who was the superintendent of the Lynnfield Center Golf Course, and later became a Town employee when the Town purchased the course. He employed many Lynnfield youth in their first job.

Interview of Council on Aging member

Rich Sjoberg has applied to fill a vacant position on the Council on Aging, created by the resignation of James Walsh.  Mr. Sjoberg is well known to the Board as a School Committee and Recreation Commission member.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that Richard Sjoberg be appointed as an alternate member of the Council on Aging for a term to expire on June 30, 2019. Vote was unanimous.

Designation of Council on Aging members and Recreation Commission members as special municipal employees

The designation of certain boards and committees as special municipal employees allows those board members to hold multiple positions and allows greater latitude for Board members to conduct business with the Town in areas unrelated to the board/committee. The School Committee has already been designated as special municipal employees. It does not allow volunteers to receive any salary or benefits.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that members of the Council on Aging be designated as special municipal employees. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that members of the Recreation Commission be designated as special municipal employees. Vote was unanimous.

Lynnfield Center Water District discussion of water issues

Lynnfield Center Water District Superintendent Kenneth Burnham and Board of Water Commissioners members Richard Lamusta and Constance Leccese attended along with Elaine Sistaire and Angela Moulton of CDM Smith to review recent complaints regarding the LCWD water quality and to review measures to be taken by LCWD to ensure that its water continues to meet all state and federal standards.

Chairman Dalton said the LCWD is independent of the Town and the Board has no authority over them. They are accountable to members of the LCWD. He said District and Town officials met last week to discuss complaints about discolored water. He said they were invited here to help them get information to the public and allow the public to ask questions. He announced the rules under which the meeting will proceed.

Mr. Burnham thanked the Board for this opportunity to discuss these matters. Ms. Sistaire said that her firm has worked with the districts for decades. She explained about the LCWD water sources which are wells, and the distribution system. She said the district complies with state and federal regulations on water testing, and has always met these regulations. That does not mean people will be happy with brown water coming from their tap. Ms. Moulton said the district has two storage tanks and four water sources, or well locations. She said multiple sources of water cause complex flow systems, but protects the district should there be a problem with one source.

Ms. Moulton said that the Apple Hill neighborhood has been the location of most of the water quality complaints. Discolored water is treated by directional flushing, which is done by opening a hydrant, creating a high speed of water flow that forces any sediment in the pipe, usually containing iron and manganese, out of the pipe. These are naturally occurring minerals. The LCWD will continue it program of directional flushing twice per year.

Ms. Sistaire said long-term solutions to water issues include a new water treatment plant to assist with the removal of iron and manganese, which occur in the Phillips Road wells. Green sand filters are used for that purpose now. The Glen Drive wells did not show high levels of these minerals when installed, but the levels have crept up. Green sand filters will be installed there as well. Optimization of the system would include certain operational measures. The LCWD will also look into obtaining other sources of water, including tapping into a new water line in Peabody to provide an additional source of water.

Ms. Sistaire said the LCWD will work to use new measures to warn residents about directional flushing, including traffic message boards and Code Red notification.

Ms. Sistaire said if cold water is discovered, report it to the LCWD. If only hot water is discolored, this is likely due to issues within the resident’s home, for which the LCWD is not responsible. Ms. Sistaire said the LCWD has imposed an outside watering ban as a result of directives from the state regarding water levels in the Ipswich River aquifer.

Fire Chief Mark Tetreault submitted a letter addressing this issue, stating the water districts keep their infrastructure in good order. He said directional flushing also addresses issues that could clog fire hydrants and equipment.

Resident Kevin Prouty asked about water testing. Mr. Burnham said in additional to regular testing of water at sources and along the distribution infrastructure, discolored water is tested when residents report it as it enters the building. Ms. Sistaire said residents should report discolored water if it persists after they have run the tap to flush the system. Mr. Prouty said that he has been told that if he is reporting discolored water, he has been told it is fine to drink.  Ms. Sistaire said that the LCWD has responded to calls at residences in recent weeks. Ms. Moulton said that directional flushing was instituted in the LCWD last year after CDM Smith recommended it. She said the levels of minerals coming from the LCWD wells have changed over time, although they are within allowable levels. High demand during summer creates water supply issues that could require a supplemental source.

In response to questions from residents, Ms. Sistaire said the plan for capital upgrades, Ms. Sistaire outlined the criteria used to evaluate the correct treatment options. She said they are in the early design phase. Ms. Moulton said all systems have sediment in the pipes. LCWD have cement lining, which helps protect the pipe and prevent sediment buildup. LCWD pipes are in very good shape.

Resident Ben Lagman said he worked at CDM for many years and MWRA for several years. He asked if the engineers said the water was safe to drink. Ms. Sistaire said while it meets federal and state regulations, she would not say a resident should drink a discolored cup of water. He said the water quality has deteriorated in the last two years.

Resident Peter Volpe said a third-party laboratory reported water in his home is not safe for drinking due to high copper content. Ms. Moulton said that the state requires testing for copper, and some of the test sampling is done in homes as well as at the source. Mr. Burnham said that in some homes, electricians had used the copper water pipes to ground their system. He said this contributed to the deterioration of the copper pipes inside of the house.

Mr. Volpe said the copper level in the sample in his house was double what is allowed. He asked what interim steps should be taken until the capital improvements are undertaken. In response to questions, Ms. Sistaire said testing for copper occurs regularly. Resident Amy Sewyck said third-party testing of her water reported high levels of iron, manganese and copper, and was told she should not drink it.

Mr. Burnham said water sources are tested daily, and distribution points throughout the system are tested weekly at schools, Town Hall and other sources, and are analyzed by the state lab. A regular schedule of other samples covers a number of other issues. He said LCWD found that the directional flushing helped a great deal last year, and that when residents complained about discolored water, they found some sediment from the flushing may have been drawn int the hot water tank. He said that LCWD will work to do a better job notifying residents through multiple sources about the flushing program, which can result in a short-term discoloration of water.

Mr. Burnham said higher copper levels can result from changes to the pH of the water, which is monitored and can be adjusted to prevent corrosion of copper pipes.

Resident Erin Dennehy said she has had issues since she moved into Town a year ago. She has called on several occasions, and understands the issues regarding changes in flow and low water levels. She said samples taken at her home were taken 10 days after directional flushing, and that the third-party lab said that she should not use the water for drinking due to high copper levels. LCWD has done testing at the house, but not during periods it has been discolored.

Resident Michael Kennedy asked if Lynnfield Water District has the same issues. Ms. Sistaire said that district is supplied by a different source the MWRA. She does not know what issues that LWD may be facing.  A resident asked about the cost of joining the MWRA. Ms. Sistaire said that a supply line along Route 1 is some years away and that there are many issues to examine such as how it would be supplied whether the chemical mix of the water is compatible. She said MWRA water is significantly more expensive.

Resident Richard Cohee said that LCWD has quality and quantity issues. He asked about the process for joining the MWRA. Mr. Dolan said MWRA is seeking to sell water in order to lower their costs and pricing. The MWRA is responsible for a Boston Harbor clean-up and the Deer Island plant. The cost of joining the MWRA has been very high. He said the Town is looking into this issue of joining the MWRA.

Resident Steve Rhode of Bancroft Street asked why the problems are concentrated in specific areas. Ms. Sistaire said it is related to where the water sources are and that when there is a change in the direction of flow, it stirs up sediment. Neighborhoods closer to water sources are less likely to experience these issues.

Resident Marie Lagman said she appreciates the effort to better publicize issues, with more specific dates and times regarding flushing operations. Resident Patricia Campbell asked for assurance those who have reported these test results will get assistance from LCWD. She asked if cleaning the tanks will help. Ms. Sistaire explained the tank cleaning protocols.

Ms. Sistaire said outdoor watering of lawns except for hand-held hoses is banned in the summer due to the listing of Ipswich River as endangered and state regulations that have resulted from that status. Ms. Campbell suggested educating the public about using environmentally sound practices for lawns. Mr. Burnham said nitrates have risen in the Beaverdam Brook, which supplies the well field, in part due to fertilizing of lawns. As a result, this well has been placed in reserve.

Resident Lisa Lopez said he has experienced brown water for all five years she has lived in the district. Ms. Sistaire said that these incidents should be reported to the district. Ms. Sistaire said samples should be taken as close to the source, to eliminate any issue that may be occurring inside the house. The LCWD has told her in the past the water is fine and flushing lines inside the house will alleviate the problem.

One resident said installation of a home filter corrected the problem of discolored water. Ms. Sistaire said the filter system sold commonly will assist with removal of sediment effectively.

Selectman Crawford thanked those who attended and said he has had high copper content in the past and found that the issue was inside the house, due to grounding to the hot water pipe. He said uses an in-home filtering system. He agrees the problems seems to be increasing, and must be addressed. He suggested the LCWD assist residents with issues with testing.

Selectman Barrett asked that the MWRA option should be pursued. Mr. Burnham said LCWD is actively pursuing this issue with the MWRA.

Chairman Dalton said improved communication efforts will help and the Town will assist that effort. He suggested that LCWD draw up an action plan to address individual issues as well as a long-term plan. He said the credibility of the water district is in question and residents should have assistance with testing and other issues. He said he is hearing that problems are not new due to flushing protocols.

Vote to approve the award of the Bond Anticipation Notes

Town Accountant/Assistant Finance Director Julianne McCarthy explained that this is a new one-year issuance of shirt-term notes on the Middle School fields project. There were three bids and the low bid was 2.0 percent.

The second issuance was a short-term note for the balance on the Center farm sale, for about $400,000, to be paid over five years. There were two bidders, with the low bid at 2.6 percent.

MOVED by Selectman Barrett, duly second by Selectman Crawford, the Board voted to approve the following:

            Voted:  to approve the sale of a $376,000 2.60 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note, Series A (Subject to Federal and Massachusetts Income Taxation) (the “Series A Notes”) of the Town dated June 15, 2018, and payable June 14, 2019, to Century Bank and Trust Company at par and accrued interest, if any.

Further Voted:  to approve the sale of $1,000,000 2.00 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, Series B (the “Series B Notes” and together with the Series A Notes, the “Notes”) of the Town dated June 15, 2018, and payable June 14, 2019, to Century Bank and Trust Company at par and accrued interest, if any.

Further Voted:  that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Notes, the preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated May 23, 2018, and a final Official Statement dated May 30, 2018, each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted.

Further Voted: that the Town Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen be, and hereby are, authorized to execute and deliver a significant events disclosure undertakings in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be approved by bond counsel to the Town, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference in the Notes for the benefit of the holders of the Notes from time to time.

Further Voted: that we authorize and direct the Treasurer to establish post issuance federal tax compliance procedures in such form as the Treasurer and bond counsel deem sufficient, or if such procedures are currently in place, to review and update said procedures, in order to monitor and maintain the tax-exempt status of the Notes.

Further Voted:  that each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes.

The vote was unanimous.

Approval of end-of-year reporting methodology

Town Accountant/Asst. Finance Director Julie McCarthy explained the methodology for calculating school spending for reporting to the state. This methodology must be approved from time to time by the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee.

Ms. McCarthy said a very specific mythology was developed in 2004. A couple of minor changes were pointed out by the auditors, including costs of the dental plan, which did not exist in 2004, and a small change in calculation of insurance costs

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the end-of-year reporting methodology for calculating school spending be approved as presented. Vote was unanimous.

Appointment of the Strategic Planning Committee

At recent meetings, the Board has discussed appointing a Strategic Planning Committee to take up where the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee had left off and help prioritize major capital projects, investigate cost estimates for such projects, as well as funding sources and options, and determine how these projects would be integrated into the Town’s spending plan. The Town’s three-year plan for its operating budget will also be considered.

Chairman Dalton said he is concerned with the trend of increasing expenditures in the operating budget and the

Chairman Dalton has identified the following as nominees for this committee: John Scenna, David Basile, Richard Sjoberg, Joe Connell, Richard O’Neill and Lauren George. He reviewed the qualifications of each member. Mr. Connell is a retired Army colonel who has worked for several major corporations and has been involved in local youth sports activities; Mr. Basile is a former Finance Committee member who works in the finance industry; Mr. O’Neill is a member of the Board of Assessors, a former Planning Board member and president of Everett Savings Bank; Mr. Scenna is the director of public works and head of capital projects in Melrose and president of Lynnfield Youth Soccer; Lauren George is a forensic accountant employed in the private sector and formerly worked in the US Attorney’s office.

Selectman Crawford said this is an outstanding committee and will build off the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee’s work. Selectman Barrett thanked Mr. Connell for his service to the country and the community.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board vote to establish the Strategic Planning Committee and appoint the following residents to this committee: John Scenna, David Basile, Richard Sjoberg, Joseph Connell, Richard O’Neill and Lauren George. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board vote to appoint Joseph Connell as temporary chair. Vote was unanimous.

Designation of Strategic Planning Committee members as special municipal employees

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that members of the Strategic Planning Committee be designated as special municipal employees.

Chairman Dalton asked that Mr. Dolan and Ms. McCarthy ask the consultant who prepared the ten-year capital tool to train them on its use.

Board of Selectmen Updates

Heathy Lynnfield (Selectman Crawford); The parent survey will be re-issued this week, and the deadline was extended.

Market Street Advisory Committee (Chairman Dalton): The committee is looking to finish its work by the end of June. He urges residents with concerns to attend their meetings.

School Capacity and Enrollment Committee (Selectman Barrett): First meeting is scheduled on June 15.

Town Administrator Update

Mr. Dolan said that the Fire Department and Public Works will make their first quarterly reports at the Board’s next meeting. The end-of-fiscal-year report will also be given at this time.  He also provided brief updates on informational technology improvements at Town Hall and the Council on Aging, Perry Avenue flooding, Middle School field and track improvements, school safety and other subjects.

Selectman Barrett suggested that a public event be held when the new Middle School track is completed.

Use of Town Facilities

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move the Board approve the use of the Common by the American Legion for the Flag Day observance on June 14. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move the Board approve the use of the Common by Lynnfield For Love for the Race Amity Day observance on June 10. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move the Board approve the raising of a banner for the Lynnfield Athletic Association’s July 4 road race from June 23-July 4. Vote was unanimous. The LAA will donate equipment for the new track from funds raised.

Public participation

There was none

Proclamations

The Race Amity Day proclamation was approved and signed by the Board.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that we adjourn.

Vote was unanimous.

The Board adjourned at 9:59 p.m.