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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES September 27, 2016 CALL TO ORDER: ChairmanRichard Vaillancourt called the meeting to order at 5:10PM at the Senior Center Conference Room. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Chairman Richard Vaillancourt, Clerk Rosemary Smedile, Licensing Commissioner, Phil DeCologero, Donald Stewart, Tracy Watson, Town Manager Andrew Maylor and Executive Assistant, Laurie Burzlaff. No members of the public were in attendance. NEW BUSINESS: The Board discussed the following items as part of the Strategic Planning Session for FY2018. No votes were taken. Finance The Board stressed the need to sustain the AAA bond rating and a balanced budget, adhering to the financial reserve policies adopted by the Board and Finance Committee in 2015. Energy efficiency The Board wants to continue to reduce or maintain energy costs. Rosemary Smedile stated although there are now bigger buildings (Town Hall, Fire Station), the goal would be to keep energy costs the same. Capital As the Town approaches the final phases of the Facility Master Plan, Richard Vaillancourt indicated that work on the next Facility Master Plan should begin. The only municipal buildings not included in the current Facility Master Plan were Fire Station #2, the library and the youth center. These would be discussed as possible projects in the next Facility Master Plan. Town documents The Town Manager explained that the Town is in the process of recodify/updating the general bylaws, zoning bylaws and policies. A company will be hired to recodify the bylaws and Town Counsel will be reviewing the current policies and making suggested revisions for approval by the Board. Economic Development The Board discussed the need for the town to market North Andover to try to attract new businesses. The Town Manager explained that Eric Kfoury, Director of Community and Economic Development, has been meeting with local businesses to get their input on the concept of branding for the Town. Downtown parking The Town Manager indicated that parking downtown continues to be an issue even with the spaces that were added last year. The Board instructed the town manager to research properties surrounding Town Hall and report back to the board with options for either obtaining a right of first refusal or a taking by the town. Long term plan for Stevens Estate The Board discussed the options for Stevens Estate and agreed that the Town should subdivide the estate and sell the portion of land that the buildings are on and keep the surrounding land as open space. Tracy Watson stressed the need for lodging in North Andover and suggested looking for a boutique hotel with a high end restaurant. Tree replacement program The Board asked the Town Manager to set up the criteria for a tree replacement program where the town would purchase and plant the trees and ask residents to take responsibility for watering them. Board of Selectmen Minutes September 27, 2016 2 Master Plan The Town Manager explained that Eric Kfoury and Ray Santilli are drafting an RFP for a company to work with the Town on developing a Master Plan. It is expected that the RFP will be issued in the next month or two and the Plan will take 2-3 years to complete. Opioid issue Phil DeCologero informed the Board that a new resource center has opened at the High School. The Board would like the Town to continue to train first responders in dealing with the opioid issue and provide outreach/education. ADJOURNMENT: Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Vote approved 5-0. Laurie A. Burzlaff Executive Assistant _______________________________ Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting: Agenda TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER BOARD OF SELECTMEN 120 MAIN STREET NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01845 Richard M. Vaillancourt, Chairman TEL. (978) 688-9510 Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk FAX (978) 688-9556 Phil DeCologero Donald B. Stewart Tracy M. Watson BOARD OF SELECTMEN AGENDA TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 at 5:00PM Senior Center Conference Room 120 Main Street I. CALL TO ORDER II. STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION III. ADJOURNMENT No votes will be taken.