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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JUNE 16, 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; Jr.; Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis; Robert J. Halpin, Town Manager(7:30 p.m.). COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT: Keith Mitchell said there were two requests for approval by the Board that would normally be in Consent Items. North Andover Youth Services requested the use of the Municipal Parking lot on Saturday, June 19th for a car wash from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve this request; vote approved 4 — 0. St. Michael's School requested the use of the Old Center Common for a family picnic on June 23, 1999, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis to approve this request; vote approved 4— 0. Keith Mitchell announced that the Executive Session is being postponed until the next Board meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 22, 1999. Edward Fox of 55 Fernview Avenue (Heritage Green Condominiums) stated that the residents at Heritage pay taxes but receive no services. His main complaint was that he believes the residents at Heritage are paying for traffic control. According to their financial statements, one line item is for traffic control at a cost of approximately$18,000. The Board members said they needed more information and would check with the Police Chief about these payments. The Town Manager will keep Mr. Fox informed. OLD BUSINESS: Master Plan Committee. William Scott, Community Development Director, and Scott Lodde, Chairman of the Master Plan Committee reviewed the goals and recommendations of the Committee. Mr. Scott spoke about the process of developing a plan including conducting surveys of residents. Mr. Lodde said the Town must have growth management and additional revenues. He also said the airport is important for economic expansion. Mr. Scott reviewed topic areas and strategy and the timing for completion of each of the areas. The Rte. 114 Corridor was also discussed. The first step is an economic analysis. Mr. Scott estimates the cost of this to be $30,000 - $40,000. The second step would be to determine the best use options and finally the implementation plan. Mr. Scott said that one of the issues to be addressed is a change in zoning. Residential growth must be managed. Board of Selectmen Minutes June 16, 1999 Page 2 Mr. Lodde urged the Board to support a grant of$381,000 for study of the Rte. 114 corridor and attempt to get it to the top of the list. Keith Mitchell said the Board actively supports the Master Plan and the fact that an impressive collection of strategies was presented. Water/Sewer Financial Planning. The Town Manager reviewed water/sewer collections through the month of May. He said that regarding the bill due July 9'h, they are conservatively estimating an 80% collection by that date. He also said that the Department of Revenue allows a sixty(60) day accrual period for commitments issued in one fiscal year but carry over into the next. Keith Mitchell reported that the Finance Committee will make its recommendations regarding Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds at the Board of Selectmen's meeting on July 19, 1999. The Town Manager reviewed a draft of the future organization and management of North Andover Water Enterprise. He discussed a Utility Board or Commission providing policy direction. Rosemary Smedile, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said that the Finance Committee is leaning in that direction. 'William Duffy suggested that this be included in the Charter review. The Town Manager said a proposed study of rate structure options is a follow through from Wes Gardner's (Consultants to Management, Inc.) recommendations. Keith Mitchell suggested that the Town Manager contact Mr. Gardner and request that he give an update at the July 19th Board of Selectmen meeting. William Hmurciak, Director of the DPW, will also make a presentation regarding water and sewer on July 19, 1999. Budget Mana_eg ment. The Town Manager reviewed revenues and expenditures for FY 1999 through May 31, 1999. The biggest concern is the Snow and Ice Account that is over budget by$257,000. After transfers, it is expected that the deficit will be approximately$200,000. The Town Manager said the total spending is on par with previous years. The Town Manager presented a report and recap of FY 2000 revenues and expenditures. He said that new growth has decreased and building permits fees will decrease by$160,000. The Town Manager said that FY2000 proceeds would be below assumptions by $65,833, FY1999 supplemental lottery would be approximately$124,000, motor vehicle excise tax collections will exceed the FY '99 budget by$250,000, Chapter 70 Education Aid should exceed expectations by approximately$102,000. Other areas discussed were Chapter 90 transfers, permit fees,NESWC supplemental assistance, overlay reserve for abatements, Essex County retirement system and Essex County tax. Appointments. The Town Manager reviewed his appointments to the Board of Assessors, Planning Board, Board of Health, Commission on Disability Issues, Industrial Development Finance Authority, Local Building Inspector, Local Wire Inspector and Local Plumbing and Gas Inspector. He said the Board has fourteen days to review these appointments and reject any they wish. The Town Manager discussed the Board of Selectmen's appointments including Cable Television Committee, Conservation Commission, Constable, Council on Aging, Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management—Auxiliary Police, Historic District Commission, Local Arts Council, Recreation Council, Stevens Estate—Board of Trustees,Youth Services Board of Directors, Zoning Board of Appeals and ZBA Alternative Member. The Board will take formal action on these appointments at the June 22, 1999, Board of Selectmen meeting. Board of Selectmen Minutes June 16, 1999 Page 3 Short Term Borrowing. Keith Mitchell said that 3-month Bond Anticipation Notes in the amount of $2,375,000 and 12-month Bond Anticipation Notes in the amount of$3,679,000 need the Board's approval. The Town Manager said the Town received bids for all short-term debt. NEW BUSINESS: Annual Adjustment of Minimum/Maximum Salaries in Compensation Plan for Exempt Employees to Reflect Changes in Consumer Price Index Effective July 1, 1999. The Town Manager said this is an adjustment of compensation plan not the amount individuals receive in compensation. Salary adjustments are based on performance. This is an adjustment of the minimum/maximum which is 1.95%. He said the Human Resource Director will be doing a market survey on compensation packages. William Duffy suggested that fringe benefits be included in survey. Mr. Duffy also believes it is an executive decision to make interim minimum/maximum adjustments not a Board decision. ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by William Duffy,to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.; vote approved 4— 0. Ann M. Keating Administrative Secretary Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman