April 25, 2022 meeting

Chair Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion of MGL Chapter 40A, Section 3A, Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities

Planning and Conservation Director Emilie Cademartori briefed the Board on this new addition to zoning law, which requires communities within the MBTA service area to create high-density housing districts.

She told the Board that since Lynnfield is adjacent to a community with MBTA rail service, it is considered an MBTA community. The 2021 Economic Recovery and Reform Bill includes a provision intended to stimulate housing development in the Commonwealth. Among the changes is reducing to a majority, rather than a two-thirds vote, the requirement for passage for certain zoning issues before town meetings, planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. It also requires MBTA communities to create multi-family housing districts of at least 50 acres that allow for at least 15 units per acre. This would require Lynnfield, which has limited sewer infrastructure and water availability, to create a district for a minimum of 750 units. Communities that fail to do so could lose eligibility for certain state grants, including MassWorks and infrastructure grants. The Commonwealth may expand this list in the future.

Ms. Cademartori said the briefing of the Select Board on this matter is the first requirement in a timeline provided by the Commonwealth. The Town would later have to admit that it currently does not comply with the requirement and draw up an action plan to show how it plans to comply within three years. She noted that creation of such a district would require town meeting approval. She said the Town could look at creating a compliance plan or wait to see whether there will be any changes to these requirements.

She noted that if this were implemented, Lynnfield’s total housing stock would be increased by 15 percent. She said many communities are taking a cautious approach, especially those without sewer infrastructure. She said the requirements might be scaled back in the future based on feedback from affected communities.

Mr. Dalton said this is the most ill-conceived piece of legislation he has seen in all the years he has been involved in government. The state is telling towns how to manage growth and their futures when the state cannot manage the registry of motor vehicles, its state hospital system, and more. He said he hoped Lynnfield officials will join those speaking up against this requirement.

Ms. Cademartori said she did not think it was insurmountable until she saw the specific requirements.

Mr. Connell said this would have a major impact on the Town’s school system and public safety departments, and asked if these costs were considered.

Ms. Cademartori also noted that communities cannot require age restrictions in the housing district.

6:05 p.m. Public hearing: application for a change of license classification from seasonal wine and malt restaurant license to annual wine and malt restaurant license by Sagamore Golf, Inc., 1287 Main Street, Lynnfield MA.

The petitioner was unable to provide the abutters with written notice of the hearing as required by law, and the meeting will be rescheduled.

6:15 p.m. Public Hearing: application for an on-premises wine and malt license permit by Chicken & The Pig, Corp., dba Chicken & The Pig, Guy Ciolfi, Manager, at 525 Market Street

The chair declared the public hearing open at 6:15 p.m. This meeting has been properly posted and advertised.

Attorney Timothy Doyle and manager Guy Ciolfi were on hand for the hearing. Attorney Doyle said Mr. Ciolfi is a lifelong Lynnfield resident, Lynnfield Public Schools graduate and youth sports coach. He has worked in the food business for 20 years and has run his own restaurant and catering shop. He operates a food truck in Middleton and plans to bring this culinary concept to a Market Street storefront. The menu will feature chicken sandwiches and hot dogs.

Mr. Crawford said he has known Mr. Ciolfi for many years. He said the Board stresses the need for TIPS or similar certification and the need to be careful not to overserve or to serve minors. He said the Food has received great reviews. All three Board members wished him well.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the application for an on-premises wine and malt license permit by Chicken & The Pig, Corp., dba Chicken & The Pig, Guy Ciolfi, Manager, at 525 Market Street be approved. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the common victualler application for The Chicken & The Pig be approved. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the weekday entertainment license for The Chicken & The Pig, for recorded music, be approved. Vote was unanimous.

Approval of purchase and sale agreement on land sale on Broadway, Assessors Map 52 Parcel 1243

Assistant Town Administrator Robert Curtin explained that the Board voted at its last meeting to accept the lone bid on the sale of this land on Route 1 next to Loui’s Pizza and Roast Beef to 470 Broadway Trust, the owners of the adjoining parcel on which that restaurant stands. The next step in the process is the approval of the Purchase and Sales agreement.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board approve the purchase and sale agreement as presented and authorize the Chair to execute the documents related to this sale.

Notice of withdrawal of town meeting warrant article seeking rezoning to Elderly Housing District of land on Ramsdell Way

The Town has received notice that the petitioner in the matter of the proposed rezoning of land on Ramsdell Way does not wish to move forward with Article 15 on the annual town meeting warrant and is seeking no action on that article.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board recommend that no action be taken on Article 15 of the annual town meeting warrant. Vote was unanimous.

Acceptance of assignment of rubbish and recycling contract from JRM Hauling and Recycling Services, Inc. to Republic Services, Inc.

Town Administrator Robert Dolan said that the Town’s rubbish and recycling hauler, JRM, has sold its operation to Republic Services and is seeking to assign the contract between the Town and itself for these services to the purchaser. The Board is asked to approve the assignment of this agreement, with the understanding that the provisions of the contract remain in full force. He said that this is in order and that he fully supports the agreement.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board approve the assignment of rubbish and recycling contract from JRM Hauling and Recycling Services, Inc. to Republic Services, Inc. authorize the Chair to execute the documents related to this sale. Vote was unanimous.

Street improvement program for 2022

Public Works Director John Tomasz and Town Engineer Patrick McAlpine reviewed the road improvement plan. Mr. Crawford said that street improvements are part of his goals for the coming year, and that he appreciates how difficult this past winter has been on road conditions and the efforts the DPW has made to address them.

Mr. McAlpine explained the Town’s process for rating streets by condition and use, as well as the attempt to bundle projects together in a neighborhood for purposes of economy. He said this proposed program represents a 65 percent increase in funding for major road projects, which does not include the funds set aside for regular repairs to potholes. He said that he assesses the roadways if there seems to be new damage as indicated by complaints, and also relies on the ratings done by an independent consultant. Major roadwork is also scheduled around major utility installations and repairs so a road is not redone then torn up for repairs soon after.

He said Lynnfield prefers to do all work at once, including replacement of curbing, addressing drainage and handicapped-access issues. He explained that the Commonwealth prefers this approach.

The proposed roadwork project will be made up of $410,112 from state Chapter 90 funds, $550,000 from a Town appropriation, $93,792 in funds carried over from the most recent fiscal year, and a $230,000 state grant. The tentative list of projects includes work on Chestnut Street, Fletcher Road, Timberhill Lane, Timberhill Terrace, October Lane, Carter Road, Grant Street, Willard Street, Maple Street, Pinehill Road and Knoll Road. He said that the contractor said there should be no issue in finishing the proposed projects during the paving seasons.

Mr. Crawford said he met with Mr. Dolan and Mr. Tomasz to discuss the contractor’s capacity and said he thinks the Town should attempt to maximize the work given the current conditions. He asked if an additional $100,000 were added to the paving budget, would the Town have the capacity to complete that work. Mr. McAlpine said he believes so, as long as the contractor is informed in a timely fashion. Mr. Crawford suggested taking $500,000 from free cash and using the $50,000 from free cash that was planned to be put into the Capital Facilities Maintenance Fund.

Mr. Connell said road conditions are a concern of many and this plan is well thought out. Mr. Dalton asked what the breaking point would be in terms of the contractor’s capacity to get the work done in season. Mr. McAlpine said it depends on the nature of the additional projects, especially if they require the contractor to mobilize in a number of locations. Both Mr. Connell and Mr. Dalton said they favored the plan to add $100,000 to the paving budget. Mr. Dalton said it is the most pressing issue in Town given the difficult pothole season due to weather conditions. He asked about adding $200,000 instead. Mr. Crawford said any further reduction of Town reserves could affect interest rates on major Town capital projects. Mr. Dolan said the Town will be asked to transfer almost $200,000 from free cash to cover the snow and ice budget overruns. He said the Town could consider an additional appropriation at the fall town meeting.

Mr. Dolan said the successful paving bidder for the Tri-Town Consortium, in which Lynnfield is the lead community, is among the best in the business. He noted the owner’s children live in Lynnfield. Mr. Tomasz and Mr. McAlpine said they are impressed by the work so far.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to alter the FY 2023 budget and spending plan by eliminating the proposed $50,000 appropriation to the Capital Facilities Maintenance Fund and adding $100,000 to the capital budget line item for street improvements, with funding to come from free cash. Vote was unanimous.

Discussion of goals for 2022-2023

Chair Phil Crawford discussed the topic of goals for the Board during 2022-2023. He said this is a robust list that includes ongoing and new projects. They include:

1. School Building Project

- Complete both classroom expansions and open to students (May)

- Complete gym expansion at Huckleberry Hill School (August)

- Complete new playgrounds and outdoor classrooms

- Complete new softball and baseball fields at Summer Street and new walking track and field at Huck

- Manage and complete all punch list work

2. Rail Trail

- Hold public information meeting for Wakefield and Lynnfield, led by World Tech, reporting progress on the Rail Trail Project

- Update construction schedule with clear timeline

- Proceed to manage ongoing regulatory/ permitting requirements

3. ESCO / ARPA ventilation / energy saving upgrade program

- Complete all work on the $5.4 million dollar ESCO energy efficiency / infrastructure improvement plan

- Assess ongoing energy savings to ensure we are meeting goals

- plan and implement ARPA proposal to replace all ventilation systems at the senior center and entire Central School Complex ($715,000)

- Plan and implement ARPA proposal to replace ventilation systems at the high school, middle school, and two elementary schools ($1,475,130)

4. Public Safety Building Project:

- Complete assessment of submitted architectural design firms and choose a design partner

- Pass design funding at Town Meeting

- Continue ongoing work of the PS Building Committee

- Continue ongoing information portals to educate the public regarding project progress

- Position project for construction funding at the 2023 Town Meeting

5. Speed Reduction Plan

- Install and operate new solar speed signs on Main/Lowell and upper Main Street

- Evaluate and recommend next installation point for fall 22

- Purchase 2 mobile speed monitoring radars to place in neighborhoods on a temporary basis for neighborhood enforcement

- Ongoing reports by Police Chief regarding ongoing enforcement and speed reduction planning

6. Sagamore Development

- Work with all departments, boards and commissions, as well as appropriate third parties to manage ongoing and potential development in the town in a proactive manner

7. Veterans Memorial

- Spend current grant to provide site work for the project

- Monitor status of funding request from the Commonwealth in the FY23 budget

- Work in partnership with the Veterans Memorial Building Committee to advance this important project

8. Common Lights Program:

- Complete Common Light Program with current approved contractor

- Develop light policies and use potential and management

- Investigate bringing Wi-Fi for common

9. Contract Negotiations:

-All seven collective bargaining contracts for the Town of Lynnfield expire on July 1.

-All contracts must be renegotiated with a goal of fair investment in our valued employees but also a clear recognition of the financial restraints of the town.

10. Library Building Proposal:

-Work collaboratively with the Library Building Committee, state delegation, and the Library Board of Trustees and staff to review and advance the library proposal on the state list for funding before the MBLC.

11. Road Improvement Program / Capital Budget / ARPA Spending Plan:

-Over the coming year Lynnfield will begin a road improvement program, a capital investment plan, and an ARPA spending plan totaling over $7 million. It is a plan that will touch all town departments and require constant management and oversight. It is my goal to implement systems of tracking progress and oversight to ensure all projects are delivered in a timely manner with clear supervision of both quality and cost.

Mr. Crawford thanked Mr. Dolan, Mr. Curtin, and his fellow Board members for their work.

Use of Facility applications

          a. Banner and use of Town streets request, Reid’s Ride, Jul7 17, 2022

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to approve the Use of Facilities requests as presented subject to any conditions that may be placed on them by the Police Chief or Public Works Director.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to adjourn.

The Board adjourned at 6:55 p.m.