Anne Marie Tobin
Daily Item, Lynn, Mass.
(TNS)
Mar. 22—LYNNFIELD — The town of Lynnfield is pushing toward an unprecedented undertaking of several major projects and purchases.
Already the town is making preparations for its massive $63.5 million public safety building improvement project, locking up temporary office quarters for Town Hall and other town properties that will be closed during construction.
Recently, the Select Board set a projected $3 million capital budget for fiscal year 2024. Town Administrator Rob Dolan said the figure represents a 30 percent increase over FY23.
Coupled with the town’s plans to spend nearly $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on a variety of other projects ranging from a new tennis court complex at the high school to improved ventilation systems at the Senior Center and high school, the town is looking at more than $5 million of improvements that will elevate the quality of life for Lynnfield residents and many employees for years to come.
“These are all major, major investments in the infrastructure that, coupled with the ESCO (Energy Service Company) program, is $5-6 million in infrastructure. We’ve been able to do millions and millions of dollars [in infrastructure projects] with no impact on the tax rate, which we never would have been able to do understanding our revenue challenges. These programs have all been used wisely,” Dolan said.
More than $1.2 million in road and sidewalk improvement projects tops the charts of the FY24 capital budget. The town will contribute $550,000 with the state picking up the balance.
The next big ticket capital item is an $800,00 fire engine pumper. Dolan said the truck will not be available for another 24 months, but “it’s never cheaper than to [buy] it today. We have to invest in that equipment or it’s going to come back and be double the cost.”
Other capital items include two new police cruisers at a cost of $110,000, $385,000 for a new ambulance, $250,000 for school technology, $65,369 for a golf loader/backhoe, $150,000 for a fire alarm bucket truck, and $15,000 for historical signage.
Select Board member Dick Dalton questioned the necessity of a new bucket truck at the board’s March 13 meeting, asking if there had been any analysis as to how many times it would be used compared to a rental.
Dolan responded that a truck would need to be rented four times a month to address the needs of the fire alarm wire system. He also noted that the Department of Public Works (DPW) uses the truck to clear storm branches.
Dalton pushed on, saying he thought the wire system was not needed.
Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin explained that the fire alarm system allows the town to charge business owners who have service to the fire box system. He added that while the system is “antiquated” as a pull box, it’s an alarm system that generates “significant” revenue.
Another ticket item, the signage project, is “unique,” according to Dolan. He said the Historical Commission has identified several locations that do not have clear signs indicating historical significance. Signs are currently in place at a number of locations including the Meeting House, the Pope Richard House, and the library.
“People will know what they are when they see them and I think that’s a nice touch,” Dolan said.
In terms of ARPA funds, Dolan said the town is planning to dedicate about $2.2 million over the capital budget in FY24. He said that while year one’s ARPA funding was used primarily to reimburse the community for losses the town suffered as a result of COVID-19, it also included an appropriation of more