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Vol. 4, No. 2 - FREE - www.advocatenews.net Lynnfield@advocatenews.net 978-777-6397 Friday, January 12, 2018
Town’s budget is Dolan’s top priority By Christopher Roberson
U
pon taking office on Feb. 5, newly hired Town Administrator Robert Dolan will immediately sink his teeth into this year’s budget, which is sure to be tight with the drop-off in new growth revenue from MarketStreet Lynnfield. “I will immediately need to bring department heads together to be updated on the status of the fiscal year 2019 budget and the current budget,” he said. “This is a critical time of year for any community as the state formulates their budget and the towns work toward that common goal.” Based on prior experience, Dolan is confident that he can
make the budget work. “In Melrose, I have balanced 16 budgets in a city that is 96 percent residential with a very small commercial tax base,” he said. Dolan said he partnered with Lynnfield officials several times during his 16-year tenure as the mayor of Melrose. However, he said that does not take away from the fact that he will still be the new guy. “It is critically important for me to get to know the community culture,” said Dolan. “That involves a longer process of getting to know the citizens of Lynnfield.” Without ample information, Dolan did not wish to comment on matters such as the Perley Burrill property, the Wakefield-
Robert Dolan
Town Administrator
Lynnfield Rail Trail and the possibility of a new library. However, he said he has been involved with similar ventures in Mel-
rose.“As mayor of Melrose, I have been involved in many initiatives regarding recreational development, historic and natural preservation [and] private development as well as building new municipal facilities,” said Dolan. “My goal is to bring my experience to benefit the town of Lynnfield.” Regarding the possibility of hiring a town planner, Dolan said he has plenty of prior knowledge that he could share with the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board should the town decide to move in that direction. Going forward, Dolan said “transparency and good communication” are essential in terms of problem-solving and
the overall effort of moving the town forward. “I look forward to working closely with the Board of Selectmen to help them continue their impressive efforts to strengthen communication with the community and implement transparency measures to keep all of the residents fully informed on the important work of the town of Lynnfield,”he said. Dolan also vowed to pull from his experience as an elected official as well as from his work in the private and nonprofit sectors to better Lynnfield’s“already stellar reputation.” “From that process, longer-range goals will emerge, and working together we will take on those challenges,” he said.
Public Works responds well to bomb cyclone
FIXED RATE
MORTGAGES NO POINTS
15 YEAR
30 YEAR
3. 4. 108% 709% 3. 4. 625%
060%
APR*
RATE
APR*
Mortgage Department 617.381.3615 or 617.381.3616 419 Broadway • Everett
771 Salem St • Lynnfield
For more rates visit our website at everettbank.com **Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is effective January 9,2018 and is subject to change. All Rates and APR’s are calculated based on a $250,000 loan for an owner occupied single family dwelling with 20% down payment. Rates are also based on Loan to Value and Credit Scores. The monthly principal and interest payment for 15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage is $7.21 per $1,000 borrowed. Monthly principal and interest payment for 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage is $4.81 per $1,000 borrowed. These payments do not include taxes and insurance. Your payment may be greater if the loan is secured by a first lien. Loans subject to credit approval. NMLS #443050
may be greater if the loan is secured by a first lien.
TEAMWORK: George and Chris McCarthy shoveling out their driveway in Lynnfield by Pillings Pond. (Advocate photo by Laura Jolly)
By Christopher Roberson
T
hree days into the New Year, Lynnfield was bombarded by a blizzard that brought screaming winds, single-digit temperatures and more than one foot of snow across the region. John Tomasz, director of the Depar tment of Pub lic Works (DPW), said there were no surprises with the storm, which struck on Jan. 4. “It was just about what was predicted,” he said. Tomasz said his department responded with 14 of its own employees, 44 independent contractors and 120 tons of road salt. “Overall we had very few issues
with the vehicles and equipment during the storm,” said Tomasz. The wind was the top opponent as it howled at more than 50 miles per hour. “The wind made it very frustrating,” said Tomasz. “It seemed that within 20 minutes after clearing a street, the wind had blown back the snow, making it look like we were never there.” From a financial standpoint, Tomasz said the town had already exceeded its $120,000 snow and ice budget by $16,000. “That last storm cost us approximately $80,000,” he said.
BLIZZARD | SEE PAGE 4