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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES SEPTEMBER 27, 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.; Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis; Robert J. Halpin, Town Manager. EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to move into Executive Session for an update on Fire Negotiations and Police Negotiations; vote approved 5 - 0. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to move out of Executive Session at 7:20 p.m.; vote approved 5 — 0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to approve the Minutes of September 13, 1999 (Executive and Open Session); vote approved 5 — 0. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Change. The Chairman said that under Old Business, FY2000 Budget and Water and Sewer Rates Study will be postponed to the next meeting on Tuesday, October 5, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. Groundbreaking for Youth Center. The Chairman said the Center is moving forward and is expected to be completed by July, 2000. Agenda Addition. Board vote on 0%interest water and sewer project bonds. Ethics Commission and Sexual Harassment Policy Training. This training will be held for employees and Town officials on October 21, 1999, 8:30 a.m. at Stevens Memorial Library. The Town Manager invited those on volunteer boards to participate in training. Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The Town Manager said he has spoken to numerous residents about forming a committee to look at solid waste disposal options including encouraging recycling. The first meeting is scheduled for October 5th, but will have to be changed in light of the Board of Selectmen meeting. Soil Contamination at 51 Inglewood Street. Sandra Laurette of 61 Inglewood Street came before the Board to seek their help in rectifying the situation. A neighbor spilled oil from an oil drum and has not cleaned it up. Chief Dolan, Deputy Chief Ed Morgan and Lt. Andy Melnikias of the Fire Department attended and said they are working on having the oil cleaned up. Deputy Chief Morgan said he will speak to the resident at 51 Inglewood Street on Tuesday, September 28, 1999. He will tell him to clean up the spill or face further action. Board of Selectmen Minutes September 27, 1999 Page 2 CONSENT ITEMS: Donation Acceptance. Chief Dolan stated that Prescott House has sent a check to the Fire Department as a donation to purchase accessories for one of the thermal imaging cameras. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to accept the donation and send a thank you letter to Prescott House; vote approved 5 — 0. OLD BUSINESS: MEETING WITH STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION. Chairman Mitchell introduced Senator James Jajuga, Representative Brad Jones and Representative David Torrisi. He stated they would address a number of topics of interest to North Andover. The Town Manager acknowledged the enactment of NESWC Tip Fee assistance in the amount of $122,959 to help with the retrofit. Also,the Legislature did enact a$218,376 FY 1999 supplemental lottery distribution. Review of Education Financing Formulas. The Town Manager said that the current formula does not take into effect high growth/residential communities. Chairman Mitchell asked Rep. Torrisi if a sub-committee had been established regarding education reform on the State Representative side. Rep. Torrisi said the Education Committee held hearings throughout the state and received a great deal of feedback from citizens, school committee and the Town Manager. Rep. Torrisi said at the current time, because the Education Committee chairman is stepping down, he does not know where Chapter 70 funding is going. Rep. Torrisi said he has stated to the outgoing chairman that high growth communities such as North Andover need to be considered. Sen. Jajuga said he has spoken to the Senate President and he has gone on record suggesting that in order to keep at this momentum, an additional $100 million per year to cities and towns. He said he has spoken to various committee chairs voicing his opinion that change is necessary. Rep. Jones said its going to be a joint effort on what amount of money is put in every year and how it is distributed. He stated that as a political reality, what has the return been and certain communities that have done very well won't want to backslide. A question that needs to be answered is with future money, how will the inequities be addressed. Chairman Mitchell asked Rep. Jones if the Speaker of the House has taken a position on this issue. Rep. Jones said that he doesn't know if the Speaker has taken a position, but he will want to know that whatever commitment is made, it can be fulfilled. Rosemary Smedile, Chairman of the Finance Committee, asked if there was anything residents can do to help. Rep. Torrisi said the hearings helped considerably. Sen. Jajuga stated that actually nothing more can be done because it is beyond the public hearing process. Rep. Jones said that possibly reaching out to similar situated communities could help. Sen. Jajuga said the first person to contact is Education Commissioner Driscoll. John Leeman asked the Representatives and Senator where the other communities they represent stand. Representative Jones said that last year North Andover received a big increase, whereas North Reading received the same amount. Sen. Jajuga stated that Haverhill, Methuen and Amesbury have done very well, while Newburyport has been as adversely affected as North Andover. Board of Selectmen Minutes September 27, 1999 Page 3 The Town Manager said that in 1989 the Town had$5 million a year in State aid from all sources. This was reduced to approximately$152,000. He further stated that the Town has never recovered. William Duffy distributed a chart that demonstrated how poorly the Town of North Andover has been treated by the State in terms of education. Rep. Torrisi made the point that he represents two communities on opposite ends of the spectrum. He said that Lawrence receives approximately 95%of their school budget from the State and North Andover receives 12%. He believes the Town should be looking for 25%. William Duffy further stated that because of the formulas imposed by the State to support the school system and Proposition 2 ''/2,make it increasingly difficult for the Town. Reduction in Solid Waste Costs. The Town Manager said all the NESWC communities have benefited from the Tip Fee Stabilization assistance. He stated that although it was for one year, he is hoping this aid will continue. Prohibition of Herbicide Spraying. The Town Manager said the residents are concerned because of their belief they are exposed to toxics. He said letters have been sent regarding spraying. Increased Public Safety Financing. The Town Manager said that the two significant capital projects are the high school and relocating the fire station and police department to a combined facility. Senator Jujuga said that 61 police and fire stations are needed in various towns;the dollar amount is $500 million. Acceleration of S.B.A.B. Reimbursement. The Town Manager said there was good news regarding this issue also. Both Senate and House budgets provide reimbursement this year. Essex County Retirement System Assessment. The Town Manager said according to the bill abolishing Essex County North Andover as well as the ten other towns are picking up the past liabilities of county workers. Rep. Torrisi mentioned that if North Andover accepted more roads, he would get more Chapter 90 funding. Proposed M.B.T.A. Assessment. Rep. Jones reviewed the MBTA billing process. Sen. Jajuga said the Transportation Chair does not believe assessment cuts should be made in Boston and surrounding communities. Historic Center Roadways Program(Federal Grant). Keith Mitchell discussed the Old Center traffic problems. He said the Town applied for a federal grant. He requested any assistance the Senator and Representatives can give. Route 114 Corridor Study State Grant). The Town Manager said they are seeking a Public Works Economic Grant. He said the Town is looking to perform a comprehensive study of this roadway. Chapter 90—FY 2000 Appropriation. The Town Manager said the Chapter 90 funds have been reduced from$600,000 to $200,000. He said this was a surprise because it was felt that the worst case would be $400,000. Rep. Jones said the Governor vetoed$50 million from the bond bill and the original plan was to get$50 million into the operating budget. When the operating budget is approved,there will be additional funds. MediaOne License Transfer— Open Access to Broadband. The Town Manager said the Selectmen have asked for a waiver to allow a hearing regarding open access. He stated that eight residents who are executives at MediaOne have asked to meet with the Town Manager to discuss this issue. Essex County Tax—FY 2000 and Essex Agricultural Technical School. Rep. Jones said the House plan would limit the Town's liability to whatever it was before. Board of Selectmen Minutes September 27, 1999 Page 4 Binding Arbitration. William Duffy brought up the issue of binding arbitration. The Town Manager said Town Meeting should have a say in the outcome of binding arbitration. Both the Chairman and the Town Manager thanked Senator Jajuga, Representative Jones and Representative Torrisi for attending. Update on"Stop" Sign at South Bradford/Winter Street. Keith Mitchell said Sgt. Soucy had computer problems and would later make a recommendation. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to install the "Stop" signs and to have Sgt. Soucy locate the position for that"Stop" sign and monitor the area after installation; vote approved 4— 1 (William Duffy opposed). McDonald's Update. The Town Manager read a letter from McDonald's stating McDonald's did not violate the conditions of the license by painting the building. Keith Mitchell asked that the Town Manager discuss with Town Counsel whether any other options are available to the Board. NEW BUSINESS: Policy—Board of Selectmen Role in Litigation and Settlement Discussion. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to continue this agenda item until the next Board meeting; vote approved 5 — 0. Water and Sewer Project Bonds. The Town Manager said these are zero percent interest bonds to fund water and sewer projects. William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to approve the bonds; vote approved 5 - 0. ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.; vote approved 5 — 0. Ann M. Keating Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board