January 10 2022 meeting

Chair Dalton called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Possible executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (3): To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell: I move that the Board vote to enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (3): To discuss strategy with respect to litigation, to wit the Boston Clear Water case, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body.

Roll call vote: Mr. Crawford – yes; Mr. Connell – yes. Mr. Dalton – yes.

Mr. Dalton announced that the Board would resume public session after the executive session.

The Board resumed public session at 6:24 p.m.

Change of Officers/Directors, Whole Foods Market Group, Inc. dba Whole Foods Market, 427 Walnut Street

Attorney Ian M. Urquhart of Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP appeared on behalf of Whole Foods. He said there would be no changes to local management. He said this affects all stores in Massachusetts.

Board members had no questions.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to approve the application for a change of officers/directors from Whole Foods Market Group, Inc. dba Whole Foods Market, 427 Walnut Street. Vote was unanimous.

Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Ownership Interest LLC (Members/LLP Partners/Trustees), Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder, Wahlburgers Lynnfield LLC, dba Wahlburgers, 600 Market Street

Allen McKenna, chief legal and administrative officer for Wahlburgers, said this is necessary due to some owners selling their stock to existing stockholders and one new stockholder. He said there would be no change to the existing operation.

Board members had no questions.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to approve the application for a Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Ownership Interest LLC (Members/LLP Partners/Trustees), Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder, Wahlburgers Lynnfield LLC, dba Wahlburgers, 600 Market Street. Vote was unanimous.

Presentation of Open Space and Recreation Plan

Members of the Open Space and Recreation Committee and Planning/Conservation Administrator Emilie Cademartori gave a brief summary of this report, which is required by the state and which makes the Town eligible for certain grants.

Ms. Cademartori introduced Open Space and Recreation Committee members Betty Adelson, Reid Lavoie and Erin Madden as well as Jennifer Welter of the staff. She said COVID and other factors delayed this process. The plan has been sent to the state for comments, which were received and used to revise the document.

Thee process included surveys, public forums and other efforts to reach out to residents to determine the desires of the community. Five goals came out of the process. One is increasing public awareness of existing assets. A second is to provide a variety of passive and active recreational opportunities. A third is management of existing open space. A fourth is acquisition of new open space. The fifth goal is protecting resources and assets.

Mr. Dalton asked if the goals become legal obligations. Ms. Cademartori says it does not require anything of the Town, but assists the Town in seeking funding for its goals.

Ms. Adelson said this is the third plan the Town has adopted, following 1998 and 2010 plans. This plan includes timetables and priorities. She said the plan calls for better signage, mapping and maintenance of existing conservation areas. She said once the plan is adopted locally and approved by the state, the Board will be asked to appoint an implementation committee. She said volunteer groups and local Scouts have traditionally assisted with these activities.

Mr. Crawford thanked the committee for its work. Mr. Connell said that it is a comprehensive document pulling together many elements. He asked whether this should be assigned to an existing committee. Ms. Cademartori said a separate committee is important to draw from people with may interests and viewpoints.

Ms. Welter added that about 13 boards and commissions were sent this plan for review, and ten have responded with an endorsement of the plan.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to endorse the draft Open Space & Recreation Plan as submitted. Vote was unanimous.

Adoption of new mileage rate for Town employees using personal vehicles on Town business

The Board has traditionally adopted the standard IRS mileage deduction rate as the amount it compensates Town employees using personal vehicles for Town business. As of January 1, the IRS rate is 58 cents per mile.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to set the mileage rate for Town employees using personal vehicles on Town business at 58 cents per mile. Vote was unanimous.

Adoption of Senior Tax Work-Off hourly rate

The Board has traditionally adopted the state minimum wage as the hourly compensation for the Senior Tax Work-Off Program. As of January 1, the minimum wage is $14.25.

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to set the hourly rate for the Senior Tax Work-Off Program at $14.25 per hour. Vote was unanimous.

Use of Facilities requests:

1. Lynnfield Athletic Association, July 4 Road Race

MOTION by Mr. Crawford, duly seconded by Mr. Connell I move that the Board vote to allow the use of Town streets and the Town Hall lot for the annual LAA July 4 Road race, subject to any restrictions placed on it by the Police Chief and Director of Public Works. Vote was unanimous.

Mr. Dalton said at the next meeting the Board would take up the Town Administrator’s contract.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.