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Public Comment and Town Administrator Update (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:09:00)
The Marblehead Select Board meeting commenced with Chair Erin Noonan inviting public comments from online attendees. Seeing none, the meeting proceeded to the Town Administrator update. Thatcher Keezer, the Town Administrator, presented three key updates. The first item was the necessity to change the voting location for the upcoming June elections due to accessibility issues with the elevators at the current polling sites, the old townhouse, and Abbott Hall. Keezer explained that the elevators were not designed for heavy use, leading to overheating and trapping people inside. Consequently, the elections will be consolidated to a single location at the high school field house, which has been approved by the school committee. This change aims to simplify logistics and ensure compliance with accessibility laws. Keezer also discussed the ongoing efforts to certify free cash before the town meeting. He highlighted the challenges posed by the Legacy software system and staff turnover, which have delayed the reconciliation process. The town is working with the Department of Local Services (DLS) and has enlisted an accounting firm to expedite the process. Lastly, Keezer reported on the successful town employee benefits fair, organized by Amanda Veseli, the benefits coordinator. The event saw approximately 250 attendees, more than double the previous year’s numbers, and was praised for its organization and vendor participation.
License and Entertainment Application (Link: 00:09:00 – 00:11:00)
The meeting then moved to the discussion of a license and Sunday entertainment application from Jared Chorney, General Manager at the Eastern Yacht Club. Chorney sought approval to expand member services by obtaining an entertainment license for the pool area, allowing for solo acoustic and light amplified music. The board discussed the application, noting the pool’s location and the potential for music to enhance the atmosphere. A motion was made and unanimously approved to grant the Eastern Yacht Club a seasonal annual and Sunday entertainment license for live music and DJs, with specific conditions regarding the timing and sound levels.
Library Signage Proposal (Link: 00:11:00 – 00:22:00)
Kim, a representative from Abbott Library, presented a proposal for new library signage in town. The proposed signs are intended to guide visitors to the library, with two suggested locations: Bubier Road and Atlantic, and Lafayette. The sign on Bubier Road would include a directional arrow, while the sign on Lafayette would simply state “Library.” The board engaged in a detailed discussion about the necessity and potential impact of the signs, considering past efforts to reduce signage clutter in the town. Chair Noonan expressed concerns about the proliferation of signs and questioned the value of the Lafayette sign. The board considered the importance of wayfinding for visitors, particularly those coming from Swampscott, and debated whether a single sign on Bubier Road would suffice. The board leaned towards authorizing only the Bubier Road sign, emphasizing the need to balance wayfinding with maintaining the town’s aesthetic.
Library Signage Proposal Continued (Link: 00:22:00 – 00:27:00)
The discussion on the library signage proposal continued with various speakers weighing in on the potential impact and significance of the signs. An unidentified speaker emphasized the symbolic importance of the National Library sign, suggesting it serves as both an advertisement and a reminder of the library’s presence in the town. Another unidentified speaker raised concerns about the distraction potential of additional signage, while considering the balance between awareness and direction. The board debated the optimal location for the sign, with considerations of traffic flow and visibility. Ultimately, a motion was made to approve the erection of a National Public Library sign, with the final location to be determined by the Town Administrator and the Department of Public Works (DPW), allowing for flexibility in placement.
Consent Agenda and Halifax Race Welcome Letter (Link: 00:27:00 – 00:31:00)
Chair Erin Noonan moved the meeting to the consent agenda items, which included approvals for various events and the declaration of a surplus item. The board also discussed the preparation of a welcome letter for the Halifax Race, a biennial event with a long-standing tradition. Kate Ferris Richardson, Vice Commodore of the Boston Yacht Club and United States Chair of the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, was present to discuss the inclusion of a photograph of the board in the race book. The board agreed to provide a current photo for the publication, acknowledging the historical significance of the race and the town’s involvement.
Contracts and Rail Trail Project Update (Link: 00:31:00 – 00:40:00)
The board reviewed and approved several contracts, including a contract with Impact Solutions LLC for an employee classification study and a contract with the Metropolitan Area Planning Committee for a town comprehensive plan. The discussion then shifted to the rail trail project, with Amy McHugh, DPW Director, providing an update on two construction projects on the rail trail. McHugh explained the timelines and challenges associated with the projects, including the need to coordinate with historical groups regarding the preservation of certain elements. The board approved change orders to extend project timelines without additional costs.
North Shore Medical Center Improvements (Link: 00:40:00 – 00:43:00)
The board considered a request from the North Shore Medical Center to make improvements to their leased building, specifically the replacement of an air handler unit. Town Administrator Thatcher Keezer explained that any improvements exceeding $25,000 require board approval as per the lease agreement. The board approved the request.
MBTA Zoning Compliance Plan Update (Link: 00:43:00 – 00:44:00)
An unidentified speaker provided an update to the Marblehead Select Board regarding the planning board’s recent decision. The planning board voted unanimously to move forward and recommend the adoption of the MBTA 3A zoning compliance plan. The speaker acknowledged the efforts of Mark Liebman, a planning board member who chaired the meeting, and commended the board for their dedication over the past two years. The update concluded with a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded and approved by all members present.
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