HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 1998
CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the Executive Session to order at 6:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman;William B. Duffy,
Donald B. Stewart; David M. Torrisi; (John R. Leeman, Jr.,not present); Robert J. Halpin, Town
Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
The Board of Selectmen held an executive session to discuss T.B.I. vs. North Andover Board of Health;
City of Haverhill vs. North Andover Zoning Board of Appeals; Mass. Refusetech, Inc. v. Palmer and
Dodge,N.E.S.W.C. and Inspector General; Robert Nicetta vs. Technical Training Foundation(Owner of
Record Campion Hall); Mesiti Development v. North Andover Planning Board; Tara Leigh Development
v. Town of North Andover(David Torrisi excused himself from Mesiti and Tara Leigh discussions).
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart to move out of Executive Session at 7:30
p.m.; vote approved 4—0.
Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman, called the open meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to
approve the Minutes of November 9, 1998;vote approved 4— 0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Postponement of Agenda Items. Keith Mitchell postponed the review of established water rates for FY
1999 and the water and sewer enterprise budget policy until the next Selectmen's meeting on Monday,
November 30, 1998.
Rep. Brad Jones. Rep. Jones requested a meeting with the Board regarding legislative matters. The
Town Manager will schedule this meeting.
Poll Workers. Keith Mitchell voiced appreciation to the poll workers and asked that letters be sent to
them.
Department of Environmental Protection. Keith Mitchell read a letter from the DEP in response to a
letter sent by the Selectmen regarding the incinerator.
The Town Manager stated that two tentative dates have been set to meet with representatives from the
DEP regarding the NESWC incinerator. The two dates are December 15, 1998 at
7:00 p.m. to present technical findings regarding emissions and the second date is
December 16, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. to respond to the Selectmen's request to discuss the future of the plant.
OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Fighters' Contract. The Town Manager said that the Town has reached a tentative agreement with
the firefighters' union for a new three year contract commencing on July 1, 1998.
Board of Selectmen Minutes November 23, 1998 Page 2
The Town Manager summarized the settlement and includes an increase of 2%in FY'99, 3%in FY'00,
2%on July 1, 2000 and 1.5%on January 1, 2000. The clothing allowance will be increased. Overall
compensation for the three year contract is approximately 10.5%.
Group Health Insurance—Agreement on Master Health Plus Contribution Rate. The Town Manager
stated that an agreement had been reached with all unions. The contribution rate for employees has
increased to 50%from 35%with an effective date of November 15, 1998. Employees have until
December 15, 1998 to change the health insurance selection.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the coalition agreement; vote
approved 4— 0.
Lawrence Municipal Airport Industrial Park—Approve Special Legislation. The Town Manager
discussed the benefits of this joint venture for both North Andover and Lawrence. Forty-eight acres will
be cleared and will be eligible to be sold and developed. The Lawrence Municipal Airport Enterprise
Commission would provide for joint governance. Revenues will be shared by North Andover and
Lawrence after expenses have been deducted.
Karen Baptiste from Mass. Development answered questions from the Selectmen. David Torrisi asked
about the cost of services to the industrial park and was told this would follow the rate of inflation and
will be noted and changed in the legislation.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by David Torrisi,to approve supporting the amended
legislation; vote approved 4— 0.
Comprehensive Traffic Study— Old Town Center/Town Common Area. The Town Manager presented
the draft RFP for a traffic study and said he has worked with Paul Hajeck,the Town's Traffic Consultant.
William Duffy suggested that there should be a common understanding. The Town Manager will meet
with Betty Beland,Nancy Breen, Jay Enright and Ben Osgood.
Keith Mitchell said that this will be discussed at the December 7, 1998 Board Meeting.
Budget Process. William Duffy requested that the Town Manager carry forward the statement. He feels
that the process is too long and believes a resolution is necessary. One resolution is Charter reform. Mr.
Duffy also said that possibly a Town election be held before Town Meeting to override Proposition 2 ''/2.
NEW BUSINESS:
Charter Review. Keith Mitchell said this issue would be discussed further at a meeting in December.
The Town Manager said that there is an individual who could make a presentation to the Board on
Charters and Charter adoption or amending a Charter.
ADJOURNMENT:
David Torrisi made a MOTION, seconded by William Duffy,to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.; vote
approved 4— 0.
Ann M. Keating
Administrative Secretary David M. Torrisi, Acting Clerk of the Board