HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-26 Board of Selectmen Supplemental Materials BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES APRIL 26, 1999
CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman;
William Duffy; John R. Leeman, Jr.; Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis; Robert J. Halpin, Town
Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to move into
Executive Session to discuss Police Contract Collective Bargaining,North Andover Little League, Inc. v.
Town of North Andover, and Renshaw Property; vote approved 5 — 0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
The Open Session reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the Minutes of
April 12, 1999; vote approved 5 — 0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Keith Mitchell, Chairman, reminded the audience of the Town Meeting on May 3, 1999,being held at the
High School beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Keith Mitchell congratulated Robert C. Hardacre on his graduation from the Massachusetts Firefighting
Academy and presented him with a certificate of accomplishment.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS:
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to move into Licensing; vote approved 5 —
0.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to approve a request for a one-day beer and
wine license from Evy Gillette, Manager, Stevens Estate @ Osgood Hill, 723 Osgood Street for the
Lajeunesse wedding to be held on June 5, 1999, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; vote approved 5 — 0.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to move out of Licensing; vote approved 5
— 0.
CONSENT ITEMS:
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to approve the Bradstreet School PTO's
request to use the North Andover Common for a picnic on May 23, 1999;vote approved
5 - 0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 26, 1999 Page 2
Abolition of Essex County—Associated Costs. The Town Manager confirmed the fact that all county
employees will become State employees and that no provision has been made for funding past liability.
North Andover is the second largest member community in the retirement system and is being assessed
one of the largest amounts. Corrective legislation has not been adopted but has been filed. The Town's
assessment most likely will increase by 12%. The best outcome is the state government would pick up
all of the liability. If no corrective legislation is passed,the Town's liability would increase by 25%.
John Leeman asked about the time table for this bill. Kevin Mahoney, Finance Director, said it should be
solved by June 30, 1999.
Fire EMS Back-up Service. The Town Manager discussed the meeting the Finance Committee had with
Chief Dolan. The Town Manager and Chief Dolan met with Mr. Lyons of Lyons Ambulance Service to
discuss various specifications. Mr. Lyons said he thought a number of ambulance providers would bid,
at a fairly reasonable price, on this contract. After listening to all the specifications,the Finance
Committee did not change their recommendation.
Chief Dolan stated that the firefighters provide not only EMS service but also provide staffing as
firefighters. He believes the voters should decide. John Leeman had concerns regarding the Town's
cost of maintaining a second ambulance versus contracting a second ambulance.
FY 2000 Budget Discussion. The Town Manager said there were discussions between the Finance
Committee and the School Committee regarding a change in the Finance Committee's CIP
recommendation. The School Committee requested that$385,000 be transferred to the School
Committee's operating budget from the CIP. The Finance Committee did not change their
recommendation. Kevin Mahoney, Finance Director,gave an overview of this request.
Keith Mitchell said that in his opinion funds should not be diverted to the Schools' operating budget. He
also stated that all departments have had constrained budgets. He urged all citizens to attend Town
Meeting.
William Duffy asked that the Finance Director give an update on water and sewer. Kevin Mahoney said
that the Town had to get through this fiscal year and in FY'00 get into a monthly billing cycle. Residents
will still be billed quarterly but billing would be done monthly. The 3d quarter billing was late and
another bill will be sent out in May. William Duffy asked that the Finance Committee give its
recommendation on rates before Town Meeting. Kevin Mahoney said the Committee's recommended
that the Enterprise Fund be self-supporting.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to request the Finance Committee to present
before Town Meeting an analysis of FY 2000's proposed water and sewer budgets and what rate is
necessary to sustain that rate; vote approved 5 — 0.
Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority. The Town Manager reported that he has had several
meetings with the MVRTA. He pointed out that any complaints should be directed to the MVRTA
rather than the contractor. One clarification made by the MVRTA Director is that contractors,because
of liability problems, are not allowed to assist clients out of or into their homes.
Street Acceptances and Zoning g Proposals—Report from Planning Board. William Scott, Director of
Community Development, addressed both issues. The Planning Board has made most recommendations
on most articles;there is another meeting on April 29, 1999. He reviewed these recommendations.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 26, 1999 Page 3
Underground Utilities. The Town Manger presented a report on underground utilities. He stated a
by-law must be adopted. The two areas being considered are the downtown business area(Main Street)
and the Old Town Center area. The Town is seeking comments from residents. The utilities effected
are Mass. Electric, Ball Atlantic, MediaOne, and the fire alarm system. The cost of this endeavor would
be recovered by adding a 2%differential to all North Andover accounts by each service. Mass.
Electric's early estimate is $650 per linear foot. Other issues to be considered are the need for locations
for transformers, required easements and an additional expense of changing private overhead services to
conduit for the owners.
ADJOURNMENT:
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by William Duffy,to adjourn the meeting at
8:45 p.m.
Ann M. Keating
Administrative Secretary John R. Leeman, Jr., Clerk of the Board