HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES MARCH 7,2000
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;
Terri Ackerman, Acting Town Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to move into
Executive Session to discuss the GLSD; vote approved 5 — 0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis to approve the Executive and Open
Session Minutes of February 22, 2000;vote approved 5 — 0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Keith Mitchell invited the Board to attend an on site progress report at the new Youth Center on Saturday,
March 11, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. This time was changed to 12:30 p.m. so more Selectmen can attend.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Setting of Water& Sewer Rates. Keith Mitchell said he would like to postpone this for a couple of
weeks in order for William Hmurciak, DPW Director,to review the actual consumption and the two
proposed budgets.
Sam Ameen, 33 Coventry Lane, said because of late 41h quarter billing and a large settlement with Lucent
Technologies that no revenue deficits occurred in FY 1999. Approximately$2 million dollars was
included in the late billing. Mr. Ameen wanted to know how much was received in FY'99 vs. FY'00.
He also stated that the prior year had a substantial shortage in consumption because of a very wet year
and the past summer it was very dry.
Susan Dennett, Master Plan Committee, said the Committee is in favor of setting graduated rates for
higher users.
William Duffy asked how much of the debt was due to the West Side sewer. He noted there was a
significant increase in the capital outlay. He also stated that the residents who are West Side sewer users
should have been paying for it ten years ago when the consent order was entered into.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Manager Search-Update. Keith Mitchell said he went before the Finance Committee to request a
transfer in order to hire an advisor to the Board in the search for the new Town Manager. They took it
under advisement and will probably vote at their meeting on March 9, 2000. They didn't have a quorum
at the meeting.
Donald Stewart is not in favor of hiring a consultant. He believes the search committee is capable of
hiring a Town Manager.
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 7, 2000 Page 2
Keith Mitchell said the cost of a national search was prohibitive. The Acting Town Manager said she
believes Massachusetts is a unique state and candidates should be from the area.
The Board agreed to re-bid the RFP.
Wheelabrator Monitoring -Update. Keith Mitchell said he spoke with Gayton Osgood, Board of Health,
and Sandy Starr, Health Administrator regarding emissions monitoring and they have an RFP put
together. They will be working with"People for the Environment"and will be hiring a consultant.
Greater Lawrence Sanitary District—Update. Keith Mitchell reminded the Board of a meeting scheduled
with the GLSD on Thursday, March 9th. There will be discussion of the memorandum of understanding.
Selectmen Mitchell and Leeman will attend as representatives of the Board.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to form a sub-committee of five people,to
include two Selectmen and three others who will be presented at another time; vote approved 5 — 0.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to appoint John Leeman and Keith Mitchell
to the sub-committee; vote approved 5 — 0.
Keith Mitchell repeated the vote taken in the Executive Session. He stated that the Board has made a
decision to hire David Graber, consulting engineer, on matters of GLSD and the memorandum of
understanding.
Tax Increment Financing—25 Commerce WaX. John Leeman said he, Selectman Xenakis and Rosemary
Smedile, Chair of the Finance Committee met with William Scott, Director of Community Development
and a gentleman from 1 Clark Street(25 Commerce Way)to discuss the agreement. There were a couple
of issues that needed to be addressed.
William Scott said modifications were made to the agreement to prevent North Andover companies from
moving to this area unless they can demonstrate that the site they are at now will not accommodate
expansion.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to have the Board of Selectmen approve
and execute the agreement as amended; vote approved 5 — 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Date of Annual Town Meeting—Discussion. Keith Mitchell proposed that the Annual Town Meeting be
held on Saturday, May 13, 2000. He said he has had discussions with elderly on the difficulty for them
to attend night meetings.
Diane Huster, Chair of the School Committee, did not think people would attend a Saturday meeting.
Sue Dennett, League of Women Voters, said the League purchased signs saying Town Meeting on
Monday.
John Leeman said notes should be sent to sports organizations notifying them of the Saturday meeting.
James Xenakis said he thought it was a good idea to have a Saturday meeting. He said attendance has
been declining over the past few years and perhaps this change could attract more participation.
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 7, 2000 Page 3
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to set the Annual Town Meeting on May
13, 2000 at 1:00 p.m. and to send notices to the athletic organizations; vote approved 5 — 0.
Proposed Rail-Trail Project. William Scott said a grant was received to analyze the feasibility of
constructing a bike trail. There is a bike trail committee working on this. He said wetlands issues must
be addressed with Conservation. A GIS system has been developed showing property lines, etc.
John Leeman said some of the abandoned railways go through front yards. William Duffy said it must
be determined what is owned by Mass. Electric, railways and private citizens.
ADJOURNMENT: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by William Duffy,to adjourn the meeting
at 8:15 p.m.; vote approved 5 — 0.
Ann M. Keating
Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board