HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2000
CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the meeting to order at 6:30 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; Attorney Kenneth Kimmell, Special Town Counsel..
EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to move into
Executive Session to discuss the GLSD and ISS International; vote approved 5 — 0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
Because of the length of discussion regarding the GLSD,the ISS International issue was postponed until
February 28, 2000.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Jamaes Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to approve the Minutes of
January 10, 2000; vote approved 5 — 0.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the Minutes of
February 7, 2000; vote approved 5 — 0.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the Minutes of
February 14, 2000;vote approved 5 — 0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Discussion. The Town Manager presented an overview of the
GLSD. He stated it is a conventional secondary waste water treatment plant located in North Andover,
was designed to handle 52 million gallons per day generated from the communities of North Andover,
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and Salem,NH. Currently the sludge is being trucked which is very
expensive and causes traffic and odor. The GLSD considered ten options;two of the options would
reduce odor and traffic, and the GLSD chose one of those options.
Attorney Ken Kimmell, Special Town Counsel reviewed the memorandum of understanding and the time
line. He said there is no case law that specifically states that a site assignment is necessary. Robert
Ercolim, Bridle Path, asked how long litigation could take and was told years. Attorney Kimmell said
what is before the Selectmen tonight is who has jurisdiction over the facility. He said the document
gives the Town the legal equivalent of a site assignment. He stated that the Board of Health has voted to
enter into this agreement.
John Leeman asked if the Town had the right to financial information regarding NEFCO. Mr. Leeman
requested a copy of the agreement between the GLSD and the contractor,the reports produced by the
consultant and financial information from NEFCO. Attorney Kimmell said the consultants' report would
not be completed by next week.
Mr. Richard Hogan of the GLSD described the two projects, one being the GLSD and the other NEFCO.
Keith Mitchell said there would be a public hearing on this subject on Monday, February 28, 2000.
Board of Selectmen Minutes February 22,2000 Page 2
Mr. Robert Ercolim said this was an important agreement, and there are financial concerns. He also had
questions about the wording of the memorandum of understanding.
Mr. Walter Soule, Raleigh Tavern Lane, stated that a similar project was voted against at the Annual
Town Meeting approximately ten years ago.
John Leeman asked what percent of operating expenses each community paid. The Town Manager said
North Andover pays 11%, Lawrence—45%-48%, Methuen—20%-25%,Andover— 11%- 13%, and
Salem,NH— 8%.
FY 2001 Enterprise Fund Budget. The Town Manager said the water and sewer rates need to be
adopted. Keith Mitchell said a budget and rate impact public hearing will be held on March 7, 2000.
Permit Fees—Update. James Xenakis said the Town Clerk did not receive any comment from any
licensees.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the proposed license fees; vote
approved 3 — 1 — 1 (John Leeman opposed and James Xenakis abstained).
NEW BUSINESS:
Ambulance Fees. Chief William Dolan presented the proposed increase for ambulance rates. The base
rate would remain the same.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to approve the proposed ambulance rates;
vote approved 5 — 0.
FY 2001 Budget. William Duffy requested that the Board receive the quarterly expense actuals by
March 7th and the revenue actuals by March 14tH
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to move the FY 2001 budget to the Finance
Committee with the condition that they receive the actuals; vote approved 5 — 0.
Capital Improvement Plan. The Town Manager recommended that the CIP be moved to the Finance
Committee.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by William Duffy,to send the CIP to the Finance Committee;
vote approved 5 — 0.
Tax Increment Financing(TIF) Sub-Committee. William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John
Leeman,to appoint John Leeman and James Xenakis to the TIF Sub-Committee; vote approved 5 — 0.
ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,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