Published April 17, 2019

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a contract extension for Town Administrator Rob Dolan on April 9.

Dolan served as Melrose’s mayor for 16 years prior to becoming town administrator in February 2018. Selectmen Chairman Dick Dalton said the contract extension would be in effect to February 2021.

“By Charter, we are limited to granting the town administrator a two-year contract,” said Dalton. “This extension is for the maximum of two years.”

Dalton said the contract would award Dolan a 2 percent pay raise, which would bring his salary to $173,400.

“The 2 percent is in line with what everyone else in town government, whether union or non-union, is getting this fiscal year,” said Dalton.

Dalton said he has enjoyed working with Dolan over the past year.

“He is a breath of fresh air,” said Dalton. “I start my day off every morning at 7 a.m. talking with him about the day’s business. He is a great communicator and I know he communicates well with both of my colleagues. It’s important to me that we have good communication with our town administrator. He has been excellent in dealing with the town management team and has gotten rave reviews in how he conducts himself. He has a very inclusive style.”

Dalton also said Dolan “has been on top of every issue that has come before the board.”

“He does his research and puts his time in,” said Dalton. “He goes above and beyond. I would judge his performance over the past year to be exemplary. He has surpassed my highest goals for him this past year. It’s been a real pleasure working with him and I think he is a real asset to the town. I think us committing to him for another year is a no-brainer quite frankly.”

Selectman Phil Crawford expressed his support for giving Dolan the contract extension and raise.

“Rob has done a fantastic job,” said Crawford. “He has been everything we expected and more. I have no problem doing this since it’s certainly in line with what we do with every employee in town.”

Selectman Chris Barrett agreed.

“The three of us understand the value of having Rob Dolan,” said Barrett. “He is the best municipal leader in the state. And the fact we have him in Lynnfield Town Hall is a great benefit to us. I hope we extend his contract many times for the foreseeable future. It has been a pleasure working with Rob and I am looking forward to that continuing.”

After the discussion, the selectmen unanimously approved Dolan’s contract extension.

Dolan thanked the selectmen for their support.

“I want to thank this incredibly professional Board of Selectmen,” said Dolan. “You provide outstanding oversight, but no micromanaging. It’s everything and more than I thought this job would be. I want to thank Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin, who has been my right hand. We would not have been as successful this past year if it were not for Bob and our outstanding administrators, Police Department, Fire Department, DPW and School Department. I have fallen in love with this great town and I hope this is a long-term relationship. I want to thank you for this vote of confidence. It’s very humbling and I greatly appreciate it.”