Published in the June 13, 2018 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — With several large capital projects looming and a possible murky budget picture on the horizon, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint the Strategic Planning Committee last week.
Selectmen Chairman Dick Dalton said the board recently discussed appointing the Strategic Planning Committee in order to build on the work undertaken by the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC).
“The committee will help prioritize several large capital projects,” said Dalton. “They are going to be investigating cost estimates for those projects as well as funding sources and options. The committee will determine how these projects will be integrated into the town’s spending plan.”
In addition to focusing on large capital projects, Dalton said the committee will be looking at the town’s operating budget as well.
“They will be looking at the next three years with respect to the town’s operating budget and developing a strategy they will recommend to the Board of Selectmen,” said Dalton. “I consider this to be an extremely important task. I have expressed concerns in the past about the direction the operating budget is taking and also with our long list of capital needs. If we address those issues in an intelligent and thoughtful manner, we will provide for the town in an appropriate way.”
Dalton said five people accepted his offer to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee, including War Memorial Committee member Joe Connell.
“Joe is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army and was chief of staff to General David Petreaus,” said Dalton. “Since his retirement from the Army, he has worked for major companies such as Siemens, Stanley Black and Decker and State Street. He is active in town and is a member of the War Memorial Committee. He is also a board member and coach with Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse.”
Dalton said former Finance Committee member David Basile agreed to serve on the newly formed committee.
“David is a senior vice president in the financial services industry with Janney Montgomery Scott,” said Dalton. “He served on the Finance Committee for many years and is a longtime resident.”
Dalton said Board of Assessors member Richard O’Neil, Jr. accepted his offer to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee as well.
“Richard is president of Everett Bank, is a long practicing attorney and is an assessor,” said Dalton. “He served with me on the Planning Board and was chairman for quite a few years.”
Dalton recommended John Scenna serve on the committee as well.
“John is currently the DPW director and head of capital projects in Melrose,” said Dalton. “Right away, some might draw the conclusion that recommendation came from Town Administrator Rob Dolan, who worked with John while he was mayor of Melrose. John is well-known to the board, and was interviewed for the DPW director position after (former DPW Director) Andrew Lafferty left. He very much impressed us. He is president of Lynnfield Youth Soccer. He brings a particular skill set to the table.”
Lastly, Dalton recommended that Lauren George serve on the Strategic Planning Committee.
“Lauren is a forensic accountant,” said Dalton. “She is currently employed in the private sector and previously worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She has a leadership role with Lynnfield Pioneer Youth Football and Cheer.”
Dalton said the Strategic Planning Committee will consist of “five outstanding individuals.”
“We are fortunate they have come forward to offer their services,” said Dalton. “I didn’t get a no from any of them, which almost surprised me because of the commitments they have both professionally and personally.”
Selectman Phil Crawford expressed his support for the make-up of the new committee.
“I think this is one of the best committees put together in awhile,” said Crawford. “After putting the CFAC report together the last three years, taking that and implementing it into a strategic plan is very important moving forward.”
After the selectmen voted to appoint the Strategic Planning Committee, the board voted to appoint Connell as the committee’s acting chairman.
Selectman Chris Barrett thanked Connell, who was sitting in the audience, for agreeing to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee.
“I want to thank Joe for everything he has done for Lynnfield,” said Barrett. “You are always willing to step up and help out whenever something has come up. Thank you for your service to our country and our community.”
