HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 1999
CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman;William B. Duffy, Jr.;
John R. Leeman, Jr.; Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis; Robert J. Halpin, Town Manager.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to approve the Minutes of
November 1, 1999; vote approved 5 — 0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Calendar Item. Keith Mitchell announced there would be a Board meeting on November 22, 1999, but
no meeting on November 29, 1999.
Harrison's. After being remodeled, Harrison's has not reinstalled its handicapped parking signs.
Additions to A_eg nda. William Duffy asked that a follow-up on the Town Accountant's report and
Department of Education Reform Proposal be added to the agenda under Old Business. He also asked
that"Confidential"not be stamped on some legal notices.
Presentation and Discussion of North Andover Millennium Banner. Rosemary Smedile showed the
Board three different banners to be displayed on poles on Main Street celebrating the Millennium.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to designate Rosemary Smedile to make
the decision on the banner; vote approved 5 — 0.
APPOINTMENTS:
Resignation—Local Arts Council. John Leeman, made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to
accept the resignation of Patricia Conroy from the Local Arts Council and send a letter of thanks; vote
approved 5 — 0.
Appointments to Local Arts Council. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart to
appoint Kathleen Troiano and Judith Lee to the Local Arts Council for three-year terms to expire June 30,
2002; vote approved 5 — 0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Budget Message and Projected Revenue FY 2001. The Town Manager said the final discussion is what
refinements the Board wants to make to the Policy Statement. Keith Mitchell said the projected revenue
increase over FY 2000 is 3%.
Keith Mitchell reviewed the Executive Summary including advocating a change in the Chapter 70
funding, achieving a higher level of financial reserves, establishing a Stabilization Fund, reducing the
percentage of tax supported debt and exploring options to assist senior citizens with property taxes.
William Duffy suggested some minor changes to the Executive Summary Policy Statement.
Board of Selectmen Minutes November 15, 1999 Page 2
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to adopt with the changes made by William
Duffy the FY 2001 Budget Policy Statement; vote approved 5 — 0.
Town Accountant Report—Follow-up. William Duffy had comments regarding the Town Accountant's
update. He voiced his concerns over adjustments that should have been done. The Town Manager said
these adjustments will be made at the Special Town Meeting on December 6tn
William Duffy commented that he wants to see this type of detail.
Department of Education Reform Proposal. William Duffy said he had been hopeful about corrections
for North Andover. However, his confidence has dropped when he read that"each district is guaranteed
that it will receive at least the same percentage.....it received in the preceding year." He said that is what
the Town opposes. He stated the formula should be changed to increase aid to North Andover and other
towns in the same circumstances.
The Board asked that the Town Manager prepare a response to the Department of Education. The Town
Manager said he would write and letter and have the Board review it at the Board meeting on November
22, 1999.
NEW BUSINESS:
Recap of North Andover's `Building for the Future" Capital Pro_ gram. The Town Manager reviewed the
Program including the preparation process,the organizational benefits, and the accomplishments. He
reviewed the building and facility needs including an out country elementary school, youth athletic and
recreational facilities, a Town office building, and out country fire station,traffic safety improvements,
water and sewer extension and rehabilitation, a new high school, and public safety complex.
The Town Manager discussed the implementation of the capital program in years one through four. He
also discussed the tax impacts. The Board of Selectmen has been asked to call a Special Town Meeting.
Joyce Bradshaw, Town Clerk, said the warrant can be opened anytime but must be closed 45 to 60 days
before the Special Town Meeting. A Special Town Meeting would cost approximately$3,000. She
also said an override election would cost between$8,000 to $10,000.
Mr. Daniel Griffin, former Finance Committee member, asked whether it would be possible to have the
Meeting after the election. Keith Mitchell said the proponents would want to present what was being
done.
Sam Ameen, noted that the School Committee had done a presentation on a new high school and wanted
to know if there would be one on the public safety complex.
William Duffy voiced concern about not having information on the water and sewer rate picture and
operations. The Town Manager said Wes Gardner of Consultants for Management is nearly ready to
make his presentation. Mr. Duffy said there also isn't any information on the school operational budget.
Mr. Griffin questioned how the operating budget can be cut by$500,000 in order to fund the Stabilization
Fund. The Town Manager said Free Cash could be transferred to the Stabilization Fund at the May
Town Meeting. The Town Manager said it is not possible to sell a$44 million bond with only$350,000
in Free Cash.
William Scott, Director of Community Development, gave a presentation of a public safety facility. He
reviewed both a separate Fire Station and Police Station and a combined public safety facility. He said if
Board of Selectmen Minutes November 15, 1999 Page 3
they are combined,the savings could amount to $1.2 million. At the present time a site is being looked
for.
William Dolan, Fire Chief, spoke about response times and how important it is. Chief Dolan showed an
overhead indicating response times now and with the proposed stations.
ADJOURNMENT: William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to adjourn the
meeting at 9:05 p.m.; vote approved 5 — 0.
Ann M. Keating
Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board