HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-01 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 1997
CALL TO ORDER: John Leeman, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: John Leeman, Chairman; Kevin Foley; Donald Stewart;
David Torrisi; (William Duffy not present) and Robert J. Halpin, Town Manager.
NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH- PLAN NUMBER 838 - CHESTNUT
STREET: Kevin Foley made a motion, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve New England Telephone
&Telegraph Company plan number 838 on Chestnut Street to place approximately 42 feet of underground
conduit; vote approved 4-0.
DISCUSSION REGARDING DEBT MANAGEMENT - OSGOOD HILL AND THOMSON
SCHOOL PROJECT: Kevin F. Mahoney, Director of Administration and Finance, reviewed with the
Board of Selectmen the financing options for the above two projects and how they relate to the debt
management. Mr. Mahoney offered four scenarios for the board to choose from in considering their debt
management options. The presentation of the options is attached to the minutes as page 3.
PUBLIC HEARING- TAX CLASSIFICATION: The Board of Selectmen discussed the tax
classification and the information provided by Garrett Boles, Chief Assessor. Mr. Boles provided the
board with information calculated at the last year's shift of 1.16%.
Joe Bevilacqua of the Chamber of Commerce spoke in support of the business community and felt it was
important to expand the CIP base in North Andover. Mr. Bevilaqua requested that the taxes classification
be either reduced or maintained so that businesses can remain competitive.
Mr. Foley stated that last year the Board made a difficult decision in shifting the classification from 1.08%
to 1.16%. He stated that it is important for the Board to set a fair rate for businesses and residents and that
due to the new reevaluations a possible reduction in the shift may be in order. Mr. Stewart stated that he
intended to vote to lower the classification shift to 1.08%. This subject will be placed on a later agenda for
a vote.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS: Donald Stewart made a motion, seconded by Kevin Foley,to move
into licensing; vote approved 4-0.
Public Hearing -Alleged Violation of All Alcohol Package Goods Store License of Andrew Buco,
McCracken's Liquors &Wines, Inc. 531 Chickeringg Road -The Licensing Commissioners-The Licensing Commissioners held a hearing
with respect to the above referenced matter. It is alleged that on October 18, 1997 McCracken's Liquors
and Wines at 531 Chickering Road was found in violation for the following reasons:
1. Whoever makes a sale or delivery of any alcoholic beverage to any person under 21 years of age
MGL Ch. 138, Sec 34.
2. Failure to post copies of penalties per ABCC MGL Ch. 139, Sec. 34D.
Chief Stanley notified the Commission that criminal charges with regards to this case remain pending in
court. Sgt. Frederick Soucy presented the Police Department's findings of the above listed two allegations.
Mr. William Buco of McCracken's Liquors then discussed with the Board his belief that the accusation of
Board of Selectmen Minutes -December 1, 1997Page 2.
sale to a minor is incorrect. Mr. Buco read a statement for the record and implied that it is his belief that
an adult bought the alcohol for the minors.
David Torrisi made a motion, seconded by John Leeman,to send a letter of reprimand for failure to post
Chapter 139, Section 34D, as required by law, and to continue this hearing regarding the alleged sale of
alcohol to a minor; vote approved 4-0.
The Board of Selectmen then discussed the need for license holders to be responsible for the sale of alcohol
and to remind all license holders of the seriousness of underage drinking and the fact that the licensed
establishments are responsible for the sale of the alcohol.
John Leeman made a motion, seconded by Kevin Foley,to request that the Town Manager,the
Police Chief, and Sgt. Soucy send a letter to all alcohol license holders regarding the seriousness of
underage drinking and to remind license holders of the fact that the licensed establishments are responsible
for the sale of alcohol; vote approved 4-0.
Kevin Foley made a motion, seconded by David Torrisi,to move out of licensing; vote approved 4-0.
DISCUSSION OF TAX CLASSIFICATION: Kevin Foley and Donald Stewart continued their
discussion in regards of the establishment of the tax rate and the effect of tax classification. Mr. Foley
stated that the Board needed to be fair to both businesses and residents and that the Board needs to consider
the impact of previous override elections (Osgood Hill, Middle School)which have not yet hit the tax rate.
Mr. Foley stated his belief that many residents were unaware that these projects are not included in the tax
rate. Mr. Stewart stated that it is the public perception that the North Andover residents were tricked into
approving an override election by the Board of Selectmen and by the most recent vote of the board to
establish the classification shift at 1.16%. Mr. Foley took exception to the statements made by Mr. Stewart
and stated that Mr. Stewart's opinion of the public perception is unfounded.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Kevin Foley made a motion, seconded by
David Torrisi,to adjourn this meeting; vote approved 5-0.
Melissa A. Powers, Administrative Secretary David Torrisi, Clerk of the Board