Published in the July 5, 2017 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The Board of Selectmen voted to continue the public hearing on the Peabody Municipal Light Plant’s request to install a guy stub pole along the westerly side of Locust Street.
PMLP Junior Electrical Engineer Will Cardello said the pole would be 35 feet tall and would also involve the installation of laterals, cables and wires to replace guy wires currently connected to a tree.
Lucy Karis, 54 Locust St., expressed concerns about the pole being located in close proximity to her home. Karis said the neighborhood’s residents received a letter about the project, which she said was very technical and difficult to understand.
“I don’t understand why something this poor went out to describe what was happening in my neighborhood and basically in front of my house,” Karis said.
In response to a question from Karis, Cardello said the pole would be located in a grass plot between the sidewalk and Locust Street.
“The pole wouldn’t be on your property,” said Cardello.
“It’s in front of my property,” Karis responded.
After a brief discussion, Barrett proposed conducting a site visit to Karis’ home and the proposed guy stub pole location on Locust Street. The public hearing was continued to the board’s next meeting on Monday, July 10 at 6:15 p.m. (Note the change in time for this hearing from 4:15 p.m. The selectmen’s meeting was originally going to be held at 4 p.m., but the meeting time has since been changed to 6 p.m.)
Marijuana bylaws OK’d
Crawford announced the Attorney General’s office approved the general and zoning bylaws voters approved at the April town election and April Town Meeting, which prohibit recreational marijuana from being sold in town.
Additionally, Crawford said the Attorney General’s office approved the town’s temporary moratorium on marijuana establishments. Under Article 22, Town Meeting passed the temporary moratorium under on the retail sale of pot as a stop gap measure in case either the state or the courts rule that towns and cities cannot prohibit the retail sale of marijuana as approved by Lynnfield voters at the polls and with the passage of Articles 20 and 21.
Civil Service hearing officer
The selectmen voted to appoint attorney James Lampke as a Civil Service hearing officer. Town Administrator Jim Boudreau said the town has a “potential issue with Civil Service.”
“The law allows the board to appoint a hearing officer, who hears the case,” said Boudreau. “This is really precautionary in the event a hearing does come in. I am hoping that is not the case.”
Boudreau said Lampke serves as Hull’s town counsel. He is also the executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association.
Appointments made
The selectmen voted to appoint two residents to two boards last week. They appointed Reid Lavoie, 4 Juniper Rd., to the Open Space and Recreation Committee. Lavoie recently approached Conversation Administrator Betty Adelson about joining the committee.
“I have lived in town my whole life,” said Lavoie. “I love the outdoors, so it seemed like a great way to help out.” He is a science and math teacher at the Pioneer Charter School of Science. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in environmental science, with a focus in chemistry and biology.
“I think Reid is the perfect person for this committee,” said Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett.
“I can’t thank Reid enough for doing this,” said Crawford. “I have known Reid his whole life because he lived down the street from me. It’s nice to see some young blood doing volunteer work in town,” added Selectman Phil Crawford.
The selectmen also voted to appoint Vasundhra Ganju to the Lynnfield Cultural Council. She has lived in town for four years. Cultural Council member Diana Ellis approached her about joining the board. “I am looking to help out in the community,” Ganju said.
Ganju is also a member of Lynnfield For Love, a local group that is seeking to establish a stronger and more connected community. According to the group’s Facebook page, Lynnfield For Love encourages “kindness, equality and justice for people of all races, religions, genders and orientations,” and is working to “create new and enduring friendships among a diverse group of people.”
Ganju said Lynnfield For Love held a picnic recently, and will be holding an event this fall. Barrett said this group “has done a tremendous job” since its formation.
Dock license OK’d
The selectmen voted to approve Robert LoNigro’s request for a dock license at his home located at 25 Bourque Rd. Barrett said the Conversation Commission reviewed the application recently. “There were no objections,” said Barrett.
