November 5, 2018 minutes

Chairman Dalton called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Request executive session under G.L. c. 30A, §21 (a)(6) to discuss the value of real property, specifically the Perley Burrill property at 914 Salem Street.

Selectman Barrett was not present for this portion of the meeting. He had previously indicated he would recuse himself from this matter as he owns property abutting the property to be discussed.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Chairman Dalton: I move that the Board enter Executive session to discuss the value of real property, specifically the Perley Burrill property at 914 Salem Street.

Roll call: Crawford – yes; Dalton – yes.

After the adjournment of executive session, Chairman Dalton announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman Barrett joined the Board for the remainder of the meeting.

Appointment of assistant building inspector Joseph O’Callaghan

The Town of Wakefield has hired Mr. O’Callaghan as an assistant building inspector.  Jack Roberto has recommended that Mr. O’Callaghan be appointed to that position in Lynnfield. He would work during periods when Mr. Roberto is on vacation or sick leave. Mr. O’Callaghan will be present at the Board’s meeting.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board appoint Joseph O’Callaghan as assistant building inspector for a term to expire on June 30, 2019. Vote was unanimous.

One-day liquor licenses

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board approve a one-day liquor license for the Knights of Columbus for November 23, 2018. Vote was unanimous.

John Thompson, Notch Brewing Mobile Biergarten, Nov. 10, 23; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, warming tent at ice skating rink at Market Street

Mr. Thompson and Charlotte Woods, marketing manager and Lauren Taylor, general manager of representatives of Market Street are proposing that the Town grant eight one-day wine and malt licenses for an area in and around a warming tent to be placed near the temporary skating rink. Ms. Woods said signage would be placed to ensure patrons did not move beyond the approved area, and that a police detail would be hired for these events. Mr. Thompson said he has managed similar events in a number of municipalities and aid the atmosphere would be family friendly. He said stanchions would confine the licensed area. Police Chief David Breen said he met with Market Street representatives and discussed the issues. If the license is approved, officers will be assigned for detail at the expense of Market Street.

Chairman Dalton said he would find it difficult to support this proposal, as he does not believe a parent needs to have access to alcohol to take a child skating. He said there are plenty of license operators at market Street. Selectman Crawford agreed, and said those who wanted alcohol before or after the event could patronize one of the establishments at market Street. Selectmen Barrett agreed that alcoholic beverages are not necessary for such a family event.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board dent the request for one-day liquor licenses for John Thompson, Notch Brewing Mobile Biergarten, for the following dates: Nov. 10, 23; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, warming tent at ice skating rink at Market Street. Vote was unanimous.

Peg Sallade, Prevention Coordinator

Ms. Sallade was introduced by Chairman Dalton, who said that Town Administrator Robert Dolan and Selectman Crawford were instrumental in bringing Ms. Sallade to the Town’s employ. He said she is a compassionate advocate on the issue of substance abuse prevention.

Ms. Sallade said she is happy to be working with the Town and A Healthy Lynnfield on prevention initiatives. She reviewed work she has done for other communities in the region and said A Healthy Lynnfield has done a fabulous job in its first year of existence. She said she hopes to capitalize on this start and invited community members to share input and concerns. The goal is keeping youth and residents healthy and preventing substance abuse. She said an assessment study will be undertaken and an action plan will be developed to address areas of concern. She will also work with grant-writing and fundraising efforts. She said she is passionate about her work and that there is clear leadership in the community.

Selectman Crawford said he has become acquainted with Ms. Sallade and her past work and is excited that she will be assisting Lynnfield. Selectman Barrett said that Ms. Sallade is very well regarded and offered his support.

Change of manager application, Kings Bowl, Market Street

Prospective manager Keith Reid said he has worked for Kings for five years and opened the Lynnfield location. He was recently promoted general manager, as the previous manager was transferred to Burlington. He said that serves are certified in safe alcohol service within 309 days after hire.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board approve the change of manager petition from Kings, Market Street, to Keith Reid. Vote was unanimous.

Continuation of public hearing on the laying out of Parsons Avenue Extension

Mr. Dolan said that resolution of the issues between the landowners and developer regarding issues related to driveways and drainage are not completed. Once these issues are complete, a new hearing will be posted.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the public hearing on the laying out of Parsons Avenue Extension be adjourned. Vote was unanimous.

Recreation Path Committee update

Chair Gerard Noumi and members of the Recreation Path Committee were before the Board to give an update to the Board via Power Point presentation.

Selectman Barrett recused himself from this portion of the meeting. He had previously indicated he would recuse himself from this matter as he has a relative who owns property near the proposed rail trail.

Mr. Noumi said that his nine-member committee was charged with finding information on several topics related to the rail trail. The committee worked with other boards to research recreational path opportunities within Lynnfield. He said the proposed rail trail through reedy meadow had no terminus, but would likely end in the Jordan Park/Pillings Pond area. Two alternative routes were rejected as they relied on surface streets. A third was rejected because it ran through a potential wellfield on Lynnfield Center Water District property.

The committee reviewed issues such as funding, environmental safety, neighbor impacts. A public hearing on the 25 percent design is planned for January or February. The 25 percent design is like a feasibility study; a community workshop was held, and feedback from the community was included. The project is ready to proceed to the final design phase, which will include more sessions with abutters on issues such as fencing and scre3eniong. Environmental permitting issues will be explored with the Conservation Commission. The project would then proceed to final bid, then construction. Wakefield and Lynnfield would be responsible for long-term maintenance of the trail.

Notices were distributed to abutters of the proposed trail on the march event at the Middle School. Those attending broke into small groups to discuss design and abutter concerns. Over 100 people attended.

The cost to Lynnfield for the remaining design work would be $337,000. Insurance costs are estimated at $50,000, over five years, and the obtaining of temporary easements and rights of way are estimated at $6,000. Maintenance is expected to be $8,000 annually. Potential funding sources are a $500,000 earmark for engineering costs of the trail in the recent bond bill, and a $100,000 grant secured by the Friends of the Rail Trail.

The cost of the lease from the MBTA will be $1 for 99 years. Town meeting authorized the Board to enter a lease in April of 2017. The standard lease has been reviewed by town counsel. Committee member Robert Almy researched the topic of contamination mitigation, and no spills were documented. The Town will be required to obtain hazard mitigation insurance in the terms of the lease. If any contamination is found during testing, best practices will be used to isolate or remove the contamination.

Parking would be available at the Middle School, Town Hall, Reedy meadow Golf Course, the High School, Jordan Park, and Summer Street. The committee recommends no use of school parking lots while school is open. There have been 300 parking spots identified, and the study says 20 to 50 sports are required.

In a master plan survey undertaken in 2017, 59 percent of respondents said they were in favor of the development of the recreational path, and 28 percent were opposed.

The committee will continue to work with other boards and prepare for the Department of Transportation 25 percent hearing. The committee will provide another update to the Board at its March meeting. Tonight’s presentation will eb available on the Town’s website.

Chairman Dalton congratulated the committee on an outstanding report.

Resident Jill Jorgenson said the path would travel under Route 95 and through Reedy meadow and would attract a large number of people. She said the Middle School lot is crowded on weekends and the Town hall lot is used by the library and Meeting House. She expressed concerns about the safety of the crossing at Summer Street and said the Town could be transformed into a crowded tourist destination.

Resident Patricia Campbell said that terms of the lease would allow for the land to revert back to the MBTA with two years’ notice. She said there will be insurance costs and issues with pesticides and contamination. She asked that the Board put a question on the rail trail on the ballot.

Resident Vincent Inglese of the Friends of the Rail Trail said he wants the chairman to make the Board’s decision-making process public by the end of the year.

Resident James Gerace questioned the estimate on the maintenance cost and said that he expects it to be closer to $50,000 to $100,00 per year. Resident Steve Sorrentino asked about pre-existing contamination coverage in the Town’s insurance policy. Resident Daniel Card said that work on the culvert along the rail bed has increased flooding in his yard. He said that he is concerned about how the building of the trail will affect flooding issues. Resident Brian Hunter said that he uses paths in other communities and said that he does not believe claims that Lynnfield’s trail will be crowded with people from other communities.

Resident Kendall Inglese said she has biked 40 trails in the region and found these trails to be a positive for local families. She said abutters have legitimate concerns but that there will not be a great influx of people coming to use Lynnfield’s trail. She said it will be a positive for the community.

Resident Alan Dresios said that a discovery of contamination could cause cost overruns, and that there will be a $50,000 deductible for each incident. He said advocates are downplaying the cost and that the Town must exercise due diligence. He discussed concerns about pesticide sprayings done in the past, as well as nearby magnesium mines and cider mills that may have contaminated the land in the past.

Resident Josh Goldstein said that if there is historical contamination, it is better that it be identified and addressed. He said the benefits must be weighed against the potential harm. Resident Patrick Curley thanked the committee for its investigation of difficult issues. He said dozens of communities, including many of the best in the state, have explored these issues and built trails. He said that town counsel would handle any issues regarding the proposed lease. Resident Bill Bouras asked why no abutters were allowed to serve on the committee. He said about 80 abutting properties will be affected, and said the trail is not a priority for the Town.

Resident Debbie Laconte said she is opposed to the proposed trail and said most of the trial that falls in Wakefield is in commercial, not residential, areas. She said that the trail goes past four schools, and that parking and policing of the trail will become a major issue. Resident Laura Addario said she moved to Lynnfield because it is a quiet community, but has found traffic issues and youths causing problems in the woods along the trial. She said Lynnfield resident who want to use trails can visit other communities.

Resident Maria Donovan said she is excited about then possibility of the trail and that if built it will enhance the value of abutting properties, and will be enjoyed by most abutters. She said that she does not mind the cost of maintaining the trial in the future. Resident mark Preston said that the Town is fortunate if this is the biggest controversy it faces. He said others around Town have seen abutting properties developed for use and have made sacrifices for the greater good of the community. He said this proposal will incur little expense to the Town for a major amenity.

School safety update

Selectman Barrett rejoined the Board.

Police Chief David Breen provided the Board with an update on safety measures undertaken in cooperation with the School Dept., Police Dept., Fire Dept., and Public Works Dept., including a new door-locking system with staff ID card access. He explained the implementation of the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) protocols and the training of school staff, as well as the COPSYNC program which allows school personnel to share information on emergencies in real time with law enforcement. He said the Town’s provider of this service recently went bankrupt and alternatives are being explored.

Chief Breen discussed the work of the Security Task Force, evacuation drills held at all schools, and the installation of 160 cameras in the schools. He also discussed hardware and software initiatives aimed at better controlling access to schools and classrooms. Students will also receive ALICE training, some of which was modified out of concern on of the reaction for younger students. The safety initiatives have been discussed with parents at PTO meetings. A tabletop exercise was held by police and school officials. Chief Breen said he is excited by the progress made on safety issues and that new programs, software and hardware are constantly reviewed.

Chairman Dalton thanked Chief Breen and Superintendent of Schools jane Tremblay for their leadership on this issue. Selectman Barrett also applauded the work done by the police, public works and schools.

Interviews of finalists for Fire Chief

Deputy Chief Glenn Davis and Lt. James Alexander were interviewed by the Board and answered identical sets of questions. Chairman Dalton explained that they were the finalists identified by a five-member screening committee previously appointed by the Board after a review of resumes and an initial round of interviews.

Lt. Alexander reviewed his career with the Fire Department, which began as a volunteer at age 15, included many years as a member of the call force and his appointment as a permanent firefighter. He has also managed a trucking company, which gave him experience in finance and personnel issues, but he said firefighting is his true vocation. He said he has been involved in every aspect of the department and earned a degree in fire science.

Lt. Alexander said he would lead by example and believed in treating membe4rs with respect, fostering a sense of team. He said he enjoys great relationships with personnel from other departments built over years of service, and that there is an atmosphere of mutual respect and the sharing of goals.

Lt. Alexander said he was born and raised here and has witnessed many changes in the community, with the growth of businesses and the establishment of major housing developments, the taking over of the ambulance service, and new trends in training, firefighting and emergency medical services.

Lt. Alexander said that ensuring projects comply with code and getting the maximum benefit of expenditures would be a priority and that he would work within the budget set by the Board. He said he completed two courses at the State Fire Academy to better himself and has attended programs at the national Fire academy. He believes strongly in training and is in a fire chief accreditation program currently.

In closing, Lt. Alexander said that if chosen for chief, he will not disappoint the Board and that he has been training all his life for this opportunity. He thanked the Board for its consideration.

Deputy Chief Davis said that he is a 28-member of the Fire Department who has progressed from firefighter to lieutenant to captain to deputy chief. He said that he has served as a member of the call department while managing the oncology center for Hallmark Health at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He said he has learned management and leadership skills and manages a $5 million budget. Firefighting is a love and a calling as well.

Deputy Chief Davis says he believes in leading by example and considers that Fire Department one entity, not divided into full-time and call members. He said he believes in a culture of respect and trust and has taken many leadership courses. He said collaboration with other departments is a major part of the job, and that he has built relationships with school, police and public works personnel, and with other area fire departments.

Deputy Chief Davis praised the dedication of member so the department, and discussed the evolution of the department from an all-call department to the hybrid of call and fulltime members. He said all members bring experience and skills, and that one of the major challenges faced by the next chief will be recruiting and retaining call firefighters, which is a challenge all over the country.

Deputy Chief Davis said finding new ways to do things and motivating employees is important to create efficiency. He said fire prevention done well eliminates future problems. He said training is paramount, as the department must keep on top of trends in firefighting and emergency medical services.

Deputy Chief Davis described the Fire Department as a calling, a way of life, and an extended family. He discussed the need to lead by example and keep members trained. He thanked the Board for this opportunity and said if he is chosen as chief, he looks forward to guiding the department into the future and providing quality services to the Town of Lynnfield.

Chairman Dalton said that the screening committee was unanimous in rating Deputy Chief Davis as the top candidate. He said he has had experience working with him on the recently implemented new staffing plan and recognized his management skills and ability to convey complex information. He has also witnessed him in a command situation and was very impressed by his actions and quiet, calm leadership. He said he has great respect among members of the department and other Town departments. He praised Lt. Alexander’s skills as a firefighter and said he also impressed the screening committee.

Selectman Crawford said he has known both candidates for many years and considers both as friends. He said both are outstanding individuals and well respected in Town. He said that while it was a tough choice and both are deserving, he believes Deputy Chief Davis is the best choice.

Selectman Barrett said it was a difficult choice between two candidates who have served the Town very well, and that both could be effective leaders. He said that he would go with the recommendation of the screening committee and support Deputy Chief Davis.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board appoint Glenn Davis as Fire Chief subject to successful negotiation of terms of employment with the Town Administrator. Vote was unanimous.

Chairman Dalton said he looks forward to stability in a position that has been marked by turnover in recent years. He asked Chief Davis to consider making lt. Alexander his deputy chief, acknowledging that it is the chief’s management decision.

Tennessee Gas pipeline maintenance of pipeline easement

Town Administrator Dolan informed the Board that the Tennessee Gas/Kinder Morgan gas pipeline running from Essex Street near the Peabody line to Gianna Drive at the Saugus line will be undergoing the same maintenance of the easement that the other main distribution line underwent last year. This project includes removal of vegetation and any other structures that would obstruct the aerial view of the pipeline that is required to detect leaks and other safety issues. Homeowners subject to the easement have been noticed by the company and right-of-way agents will be discussing individual issues with property owners. Work is expected to begin on November 12.

Those residents who are affected by this work should contact the company with their concerns. The company has been asked them to work with residents to preserve, relocate and/or restore features affected by this work whenever possible.

Town Administrator Update

Mr. Dolan gave brief updates on Perry Avenue flooding issues, the development of the budget document, work of the Strategic Planning Committee and School Enrollment study committee, and a meeting on the Summer Street traffic improvement project.

Public participation

There was none.

Use of Town facilities

Common, December 1, 2018, Lynnfield Recreation Tree Lighting Ceremony

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board approve the use of the common for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1. Vote was unanimous.

Common, December 15-26, 2018, Mary Stewart, manger display

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board approve the use of the common for the annual manger display from December 15-26. Vote was unanimous.

Common, November 29-December 11, 2018, Chabad of the North Shore, menorah display

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board approve the use of the common for the annual menorah display from November 29-December 11. Vote was unanimous.

Selectman Barrett congratulated the Lynnfield Pioneers C Team on its season and wished them well in their Super Bowl game on Sunday.

MOTION by Selectman Crawford, duly seconded by Selectman Barrett: I move that the Board adjourn. Vote was unanimous. The Board adjourned at 9:28 p.m.