November 7, 2016 minutes

Chairman Crawford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Crawford announced that the meeting was being recorded for transmission by cable television.

Interview for Council on Aging

Steven Galante, a 23-year resident of Town, appeared before the Board to interview for a vacant position on the Council on Aging. Mr. Galante owned a manufacturing company that produced medical products and sold that company to Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he worked as a vice president of business development for five years. He then went into business for himself again, and has volunteered with SCORE, a nonprofit entity in which retired business executives give free business advice. He has served as vice chair of the New England Chapter of SCORE. He has also volunteered at the Senior Center and attended Council on Aging board meetings. Mr. Galante says his father goes to the Senior Center and enjoys the programming.

Chairman Crawford praised the work done by the Senior Center and thank Mr. Galante for coming forward. Senior Center Director Linda Naccara said that Mr. Galante has been to every board meeting and volunteered over the last few months, and that he is highly recommended by the Council on Aging board.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Steven Galante to a vacant position on the Cultural Council, the term of which expires on June 30, 2018.

Public hearing, revocation of all-alcohol restaurant license, Broadway Lights, LLC, dba Fat Cactus, Broadway

Town Administrator James Boudreau said that the Board renewed this license in December after approving a name change. The business has not been open during this calendar year and the property has been sold and is now occupies for use by a car dealership. The owner was attempting to sell the liquor license and felt it may have a buyer. The owner was served notice of the hearing and the attorney requested a postponement. The Board has the authority to revoke the license for non-use.

Chairman Crawford said that the owner was given additional time before the Board proceeded with the revocation process to allow the owner to sell the license. The owner and representative were not in attendance. He said he sees no reason not to move forward on revocation tonight after months of inactivity.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to revoke the all-alcoholic beverages restaurant license of Broadway Lights, LLS, dba Fat Cactus, effective immediately.

Proposed revision of ambulance and emergency medical services billing rates and procedures

Fire Chief Mark Tetreault appeared before the Board to propose a revision to the ambulance and emergency medical services (EMS) billing rates and procedures. He said some of these changes have come at the recommendation of the Town’s new billing service for EMS, to simplify billing practices and to conform to the current industry billing practices.

The proposal includes charging an increased flat rate for advances life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) services while eliminating additional charges for services. This the preferred method for insurance companies as well as Medicare. It is comparable to the system used in other communities and will simplify the collection process.

Medicare rates would remain unchanged, as they are set by the federal government. Patients will not be billed for charges above what the insurance company will pay, a practice known as balance billing.  Residents with financial hardships can fill out a form seeking a waiver of deductibles and co-payments. For balances of $200 or more after insurance payment and no response from the patient, the bill will be sent to a collection agency. The Board of Selectmen can waive fees if the Fire Department declines to do so. The policy and rates have not been changed in three years.

In response to questions from Chairman Crawford, Chief Tetreault said he could not estimate ab average bill. He said net billing would probably be increased under the new policy. He said a la carte charges can mount quickly for ALS patients. He said there would be fewer disputes with insurers under the new system.

Chairman Crawford said he would like to see Lynnfield’s rates to be in the middle of those from comparable communities. In response to questions from Selectman Barrett, Chief Tetreault said that while there will be an increase in charges to those who do not have insurance, the Town can forgive some or all of the cost depending on the financial situation of the patient.

In response to questions from Selectman Dalton, Chief Tetreault said that the Town would accept the standard rate offered by Mass Health and Medicare, and that the increase in the BLS rate would only affect private insurers. He said that while Lynnfield’s rate would be 20 percent higher than average, he believes other communities will be adjusting their rates as well. He said applications of financial hardship cases would be screened first by the billing company, and granted if they meet the criteria. If not, the applications would be sent to the chief. He could then send applications to the town administrator or the Board for review.

Selectman Dalton asked about the collection rate for EMS billing. Chief Tetreault said the former company was collecting about 50 percent of the amount owed, and that while there is not enough data to provide for the new company, it is much higher. Mr. Boudreau agreed that collections are significantly higher under the new company. He also said that a small committee made of the fire chief, the town administrator and the treasurer/collector, rather than the Board, handled petitions for hardship cases, and that this worked out well.

Chairman Crawford asked how many bills would exceed the bundled rate. Chief Tetreault said most insurers will incur a slight increase. Selectman Dalton said that he believes this is a move in the right direction, but he would like more information on how residents might be affected by the change in policy, and information on the status of the enterprise account.

Chairman Crawford said the matter would be added to the agenda for the meeting of November 28.

Selectman Dalton said he would prefer to see a process for consideration of hardship cases like that in Norwell rather than having the Board consider these requests. Resident Patricia Campbell asked how verification of financial hardship was conducted. Chief Tetreault said information on household income, number of dependents and insurance coverages is requested. Mr. Boudreau said that in Norwell, the committee gave residents the benefit of the doubt. Selectman Dalton said he would like to see tax returns required or some other verification method used to prevent abuse. Chief Tetreault said under the current policy, those who meet federal poverty guidelines have their fees waived automatically. He has only processed one such case as chief. Mr. Boudreau said there was not a history of abuse in Norwell.

Request for Keno monitor, Center Market, Main Street

The Board received notice from the state treasurer’s office that Center Market of 588 Main Street has applied for permission to install a Keno monitor in the store. The state will allow it absent an objection from the Board. The store currently offers Keno, but does not have a monitor, Bets can be checked with the store operator via the store machine or online currently. The store owner said there will not be a lot of additional traffic due to the addition.

Chairman Crawford asked if the Board could revisit the matter if there were an adverse result. Mr. Boudreau said revocation would be up to the state. Chairman Crawford said there have not been problems with the store and that store owners do not want a disruption.

Resident Patricia Campbell discussed an issue with a tree on the Pump’n’ Pantry store on Main Street, which has the same owners. She also complained about parking issues at that store. The owner said the tree will be cut next week.

Selectman Barrett said that he has concerns about adding the monitor and would like the neighbors to know this is a possibility. Mr. Boudreau said that the next meeting is on November 28, and this would be outside the 21-day window the state requires for a response. Selectman Dalton said he has seen Keno monitors in may stores and does not see it as a problem. He said it could help to bring some business to the store. Chairman Crawford said he understands the concerns and hopes the owner will seek to control any issues that might arise.

On the motion of Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Chairman Crawford, the Board voted 2-1 (Selectman Barrett in the minority) to raise no objection to the petition of Center Market for a Keno monitor.

Chairman Crawford said that he hopes the owners will work with neighbors on any issues and Selectman Barrett said he does not want the store to become a hangout. The owner said he would furnish only one table with three or four chairs for Keno players.

Open Space and Recreation Committee and committee vacancies

Chairman Crawford said that the Town must prepare an open space and recreation plan every few years in order to qualify for certain state grants. The plan provides a resource for planning and would create a task force to carry out its recommendations. The Board is seeking volunteers for the re-formation of the Open Space and Recreation Committee. Interested residents should send letters of interest and resumes to the Selectmen’s Office in Town Hall.

Other committees with vacancies include the Historical Commission, Recreation Path Committee, Memorial Day Committee, Personnel Board and Board of Appeals (alternate). Interested residents should send letters of interest and resumes to the Selectmen’s Office in Town Hall.

Memorandum of Agreement with public works employee bargaining unit and clerical bargaining unit

Mr. Boudreau presented to the Board a Memorandum of Agreement reached with the American Federation of State, Municipal and County Employees (AFSCME) public works employee bargaining unit for a three-year contract beginning July 1, 2016 and concluding on June 30, 2019. The agreement calls for a 2.5 percent increase in base pay for each of the three years. It also provides stipends for those who hold a hoisting license. The agreement also calls for the installation of an electronic time clock and minor changes to the clothing allowance and a uniform requirement.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the AFSCME Public Works Employees bargaining unit and the Town, for a three-year term from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019.

Mr. Boudreau said that he is working on language for an agreement with the AFSCME school custodian and bus drivers bargaining unit, and is close to reaching an agreement with the firefighters bargaining unit.

Mr. Boudreau presented to the Board a Memorandum of Agreement reached with the American Federation of State, Municipal and County Employees (AFSCME) clerical employee bargaining unit for a three-year contract beginning July 1, 2016 and concluding on June 30, 2019. The agreement calls for a 2.5 percent increase in base pay for each of the three years. It also cleared up some language regarding grievance procedures.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the AFSCME Clerical Employees bargaining unit and the Town, for a three-year term from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019.

Needham Road update

Chairman Crawford said that the cease and desist order promulgated by the building inspector regarding short-term rental of a house on Needham Road was upheld last week by the Board of Appeals. The owners can no longer rent the home out on a short-term basis. He said he was very happy the Board of Selectmen upheld the order.

Public comment period

No members of the public wished to speak. Mr. Boudreau congratulated Town Clerk Trudy Reid and her staff as well as the residents of Lynnfield for the high turnout at last week’s presidential election. He said the election workers and Ms. Reid did an outstanding job.

Use of public facilities

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the use of the common on December 3, 2016 by the Recreation Commission for the annual tree lighting ceremony.

The Board postponed action on a request by Cavalry Christian Church to use Town roads for a road race on June 23, 2017 as Police David Breen has not completed his review of the proposed route.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the use of Jordan Park by Townscape, Inc. for a community service day on April 8, 2017.

Approval of minutes

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 3, 2016 as presented.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 17, 2016 as presented.

Public comment period

Two members of the public who arrived late asked if they could speak. Chairman Crawford agreed.

Richard Simmons of the Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail said that he wanted to correct a recent statement that money for the rail trail project may not be forthcoming from the state and Town funds may have to be used for the project. He said the Town can seek state and federal funds. Vincent Inglese of the Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail said funds are available from the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Mr. Simmons said that all that is sought from the Town at this time is permission to enter a lease agreement with the MBTA on the rail bed. Mr. Inglese said the project has 670 supporters, including the six people in attendance. He said they want the Board to lead the effort, as the Town will benefit from the project. Ms. Campbell asked to rebut the speakers. Chairman Crawford said Ms. Campbell was present earlier and had an opportunity to speak then.

On the motion of Selectman Barrett, duly seconded by Selectman Dalton, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:01 p.m.