July 25 2022 meeting

Chair Crawford called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

Request for executive session under MGL G.L. c. 30A, § 21 (3), litigation

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30a, Section 21 (3) to discuss litigation.

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

Request for executive session under MGL G.L. c. 30A, § 21 (3), contract negotiations with collective bargaining units

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30a, Section 21 (3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy with Town employees.

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

The Board entered executive session at 5:31 p.m. and concluded at 6:04 p.m., re-entering open session at 6:10 p.m.

Interview: Council on Aging applicant Louise Pellegrino

Current Chairman Fred Santangelo has expressed a desire to step down after long service to the Town.

Ms. Pellegrino has resided in Lynnfield since 1985, and is active in the Ave Maia Parish. She participates in art and yoga programs at the Senior Center, and praised its professional and caring staff. She has been an auxiliary member of the Council on Aging.

Mr. Crawford said she is a perfect candidate, and Mr. Connell said she has done great things. Mr. Dalton said he has witnessed her contributions to the Ave Amaria Parish.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board appoint Louise Pellegrino to the Council on Aging for a term to expire on June 30, 2024. Vote was unanimous.

Chair Crawford recognized Mr. Santangelo for his many years of service to the Council on Aging and to the Town in his various roles.

Interview: LIFE Board of Directors applicant George Paris

Mr. Paris is a resident of Essex Village and is a member of its Board of Governors. He has expressed an interest in being appointed to the Board of Directors. Ronald Grasso has indicated that he wishes not to be reappointed to his position. Mr. Paris said he has resided in Lynnfield for 34 years and has been involved in youth sports programs. He owns a printing business.

Board members said he is well qualified and noted he comes recommended by LIFE Board member Sal Yerardi.

Mr. Paris has indicated he will attend for a short interview.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board appoint George Paris to the LIFE Board of Directors for a term to expire on June 30, 2025. Vote was unanimous.

Interview: Finance Committee applicant Alexis Leahy

Ms. Leahy has applied for appointment to the Finance Committee. Member Reilly Bayer has indicated he does not wish to be reappointed to another term. Ms. Leahy has the recommendation of Finance Committee Chair Chris Mattia.

Ms. Leahy said she has resided in Lynnfield for ten years and has served as president of the Summer Street School Parent-Teacher Organization and as Treasurer of Townscape, Inc. She works as an examiner and auditor in financial risk management. He said she believes she will bring some diversity to the Committee.

Chair Crawford aid Ms. Leahy did a fantastic job for Townscape and her background makes her a great fit for the Fin Com. Mr. Connell said her resume is remarkable and Mr. Dalton said her skill set is perfect for the role.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board appoint Alexis to the Finance Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2025. Vote was unanimous.

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 manager of Sagamore Golf Course is not available this evening and has requested a postponement of this hearing, with the Chair granted. It will be rescheduled.

6:15 pm. Public hearing: Application for annual all-alcohol restaurant license by Kiwi Restaurant Group, dba LaGallina, Market Street Suite 1150, Lynnfield MA, Randy Hill, manager

The public hearing, which has been duly advertised and posted. Chair Crawford declared the public hearing open.

Attorney Timothy Houlten said the new restaurant would have a Mediterranean theme. Operator Mattias Kiehm said his wife’s family moved to Lynnfield in the 1970s and his father-in-law founded Captain Pizza. His mother-in-law still resides in Town. He said he has worked in the restaurant business for over 30 years. Manager Randy Hill said he has a certificate of training of service of alcohol and said the business plan calls for all servers to receive this training before the restaurant opens.

Chair Crawford said that the restaurant will make a nice fit at Market Street. He said the Board takes the matter of over-service of alcohol; and serving of alcohol to minors very seriously. Mr. Dalton noted the attorney is the former general counsel to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and said he agrees the restaurant will be a good fit.

Mr. Kiehm said that supply chain issues had delayed the delivery of kitchen equipment.

Walnut Street resident David Moynihan said he appreciates the Board raising the issue of over-serving of patrons. As the resident with the house closest to the restaurant, he said he has an ongoing issue with loud music at Market Street and said he has raised the issue with management and the Town in the past. He said alcohol can be a catalyst for loud voices. He also said lights from the location would come right into his home’s windows.

Mr. Kiehm said that the proposed outside seating would be an expansion of the area formerly occupied by California Pizza Kitchen. He said music would be recorded and not live. He said the outdoor area would feature string lights. He said he is sure he can address any lighting concerns. He said the patio area would be set apart by stanchions and planters.

Mr. Moynihan expressed concern that the outdoor seating area is being enlarged. He said he has been told by Market Street representatives that they are willing to work with him since the development opened. He said he is neither comfortable nor happy with the plans. He said that when his wife’s family bought their house it abutted a nine-hole golf course. He said that lights were not supposed to face the residences. He said he has to hear voices from bullhorns during outdoor activities on the greenspace. He wished to have his objections registered.

Chair Crawford said the Town’s ordinances must be obeyed and told the operator that he expects him to comply with all regulations.

No other person wishing to be heard, Chair Crawford declared the hearing closed.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to approve the application for annual all-alcohol restaurant license by Kiwi Restaurant Group, dba LaGallina, Market Street Suite 1150, Lynnfield MA, Randy Hill, manager. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board approve the common victualer license application for LaGallina. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board approve the Weekday Entertainment license for LaGallina for recorded music and guitar. Vote was unanimous.

One-day liquor license application, Market Street, August 24, 2022, 6-8 p.m.

Alchemy plans to host another in the series of Yappy Hour outdoor promotions. Chair Crawford said past events were very well received.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board approve the One-Day Liquor License for Market Street on August 24, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. Vote was unanimous.

Appointment of Open Space and Recreation Committee

Chair Crawford stated that with the completion of the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, the Board is responsible for appointing a committee with representation from the planning, conservation and recreation sectors to oversee its implementation. The Planning and Conservation office has recommended the following individuals, who have indicated a willingness to serve, to this ad-hoc committee. Other candidates may be added at future meetings.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to appoint the following to the Open Space and Recreation Committee: Donald Gentile, Amy McNulty, Darlene Kumar, Matt Monkiewicz. Vote was unanimous.

Approval of State Primary Warrant

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to approve the 2022 State Primary Warrant as prepared by the Town Clerk. Vote was unanimous.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board delegate to the Chief of Police the assignment of police officers to polling places. Vote was unanimous.

Annual appointments

TOWN CLERK

Emerson, Linda

Lagorio, Sue (Assistant)

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Crockett, David

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Davis, Glenn

DeCarlo, Christopher (Assistant)

TREASURER/ TAX COLLECTOR/ PRE-TAX PLAN ADMINISTRATOR

Davidson, Leslie

BUILDING INSPECTOR

O’Callaghan, Joseph

WIRE INSPECTOR

Skinner, Arthur

Minnear, Thomas (assistant)

GAS AND PLUMBING INSPECTOR

Kulacz, Stanley

Romano, Kurt (assistant)

SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS

Peabody, Charles

TWO-YEAR EMPLOYEE APPOINTEES

TOWN ACCOUNTANT

McCarthy, Julianne

TOWN COUNSEL

Mullen, Thomas

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Riley, Steven

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton: I move that the Board vote to reappoint the Town officers as listed. Vote was unanimous.

New mileage reimbursement rate for employees

Due to the fluctuations in the price of motor fuel, the IRS has made a mid-year adjustment to its mileage reimbursement rate, which the Town has followed as its reimbursement rate for Town employees and officials using their personal vehicles for Town business.

MOTION by Mr. Connell, duly seconded by Mr. Dalton I move that the Board adopt the rate of 62.5 cents per mile for employees and Town officials using their personal vehicles on Town business. Vote was unanimous.

Use of Facilities applications

•           South Fire: Boys Soccer Team Car Wash, Sept. 25

•           Common: Robotics Fair, August 6

•           Common: Library Concerts, September 1 and October 12

•           Common: Night of Hope, September 18

•           Banner: Night of Hope

MOTION: I move that the Board vote to approve the applications of use of Town facilities subject to any restrictions requested by the Public Works Director and Chief of Police.

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

The Board adjourned at 6:46 p.m.