HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 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 B. Duffy, Jr.;
John R. Leeman, Jr. (arrived at 8:00 p.m.); Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to move into
Executive Session to discuss ISS International; vote approved 4— 0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the Executive Minutes and
Open Session Minutes of December 2, 1999; vote approved 4— 0.
The Minutes of December 6, 1999 were withdrawn.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Resignation of Town Manager. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by William Duffy to accept
the resignation of the Town Manager effective February 25, 2000; vote approved 4— 0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Department Response Time. Chief William Dolan said that an out-country fire station is needed
because response time is so critical. William Duffy said that because there are no roads to effectively get
to Route 114. He also asked Chief Dolan about mutual aid. Chief Dolan said mutual aid was only to be
used in an emergency.
Historic Roadway Grant. Keith Mitchell said a letter was received from William Scott, Director of
Community Development regarding an update on the Old Center Grant process. An application was
submitted for federal highway money. The application is due on January 20, 2000.
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to have William Scott work with the Old
Center Traffic Sub-Committee and resubmit the grant application; vote approved 4— 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Deed Restriction—North Andover Historical Society. Martha Larsen, President of the North Andover
Historical Society, said the Board of Selectmen has to agree to this restriction. She said she has the final
draft and does not expect any changes. She asked that the Board grant conditional approval if there are
no changes.
Martha Larsen said the restriction states that the owner cannot subdivide the property but can add on.
The owner is being encouraged to place mature trees with the same type.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the restrictions and to have the
Clerk of the Board execute the final document on behalf of the Town; vote approved 4— 0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes December 20, 1999 Page 2
Veteran Services Director Selection Process. Christine Liebke, Human Resources Director, said she has
received ten applications for the position,two from North Andover, one from Boxford and seven are
outside applicants. She asked how the Board wanted to proceed. Keith Mitchell suggested that a
sub-committee be formed that would include two Board members and veterans from Town.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by William Duffy,to appoint Donald Stewart and John
Leeman to the subcommittee; vote approved 4— 0
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to interview the candidates from Boxford
and North Andover only; vote approved 4— 0.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to appoint Frank Dushame, Ken
Chadwick and Theodore Eaton to the subcommittee; vote approved 4— 0.
Town Manager Search Process. Keith Mitchell said the charter provides some guidance. William
Duffy said he was concerned that the time limitation for replacing the Town Manager is only six months.
Donald Stewart felt a Town Manager could be found within six months. John Leeman said that to go
any longer than six months without a permanent Town Manager would be a problem. Donald Stewart
said that one stipulation should be that the Interim Town Manager can not apply for the permanent
position.
Keith Mitchell said in order to extend the interim Town Manager position for longer than six months,the
charter would have to be changed.
Keith Mitchell suggested that a Search Committee should be formed consisting of five residents.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to support an amendment to the charter to
increase the interim Town Manager's time another six months; vote approved 3 —2 (Donald Stewart and
John Leeman opposed).
In order to amend the charter the warrant for the special town meeting would have to be opened on an
emergency basis. The vote by the Board of Selectmen would have to be unanimous.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to reconvene
the Executive Session; vote approved 5 — 0.
ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Jon Leeman,to adjourn the meeting
at 8:30 p.m.; vote approved 5 — 0.
Ann M. Keating
Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board