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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES APRIL 18, 2000 CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7:04 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, and Terri S. Ackerman, Acting Town Manager. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the Open Session Minutes of April 13, 2000;vote approved 3 — 0 -2 (William Duffy and James Xenakis abstained). COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT: Tax Rates William B. Duffy, Jr. called attention to a memo relating to the average single family tax bills. Comparing North Andover's tax rate to others in local communities shows that North Andover's tax rate is running about$.70 below state averages. Reception for Mike Randone As a result of Father Mike Randone being transferred from St. Michael's Church, a party will be held in his honor to take place on April 27, 2000, at Steven's Estate from 7-10 p.m. Public Meeting DEP has adopted new regulations governing emissions from municipal waste combusters including the MRI facility. There will be two meetings being held at the Wyndham Andover on May 8, 2000: one at 2:00 p.m. and the other at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is for soliciting suggestions from the public on the components of the diversion program for Mercury. Keith Mitchell suggested sending a copy of the Public Meeting to Joan Kulash, Co-Chair for the Merrimack Valley Environmental Coalition, also to Ed Marr, and the Health Department. Marathon Keith Mitchell announced that James Xenakis successfully completed running the Boston Marathon on April 17,2000. Lawrence Municipal Airport Vegetation Plan It has been brought to the attention of the Board by a resident on Wood Avenue that there are trees being removed near the Lawrence Municipal Airport. Some of these trees being cut are within two feet of resident's homes. John Leeman requested that a letter be written to the Airport Commission requesting the attendance of a representative at the next Selectmen's Meeting on April 24, 2000,to answer questions from the Selectmen. Terri Ackerman stated she would create the letter. Board of Selectmen Minutes April 18, 2000 Page 2 LICENSING: Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to move into Licensing; vote approved 5 — 0. Merrimack College A previously approved one day Beer and Wine license was authorized for the event rescheduled from March 18, 2000 to April XX, 2000; vote approved 5 — 0. Steven's Estate One day liquor license for XX Wedding—April 29, 2000, at Stevens Estate x:xx—x:xx p.m. One day liquor license for XX Wedding—May 6, 2000, at Stevens Estate x:xx—x:xx p.m. One day liquor license for XX Wedding—May 20, 2000, at Stevens Estate x:xx—x:xx p.m. Karen—please verify weddings and Merrimack College details from the agenda- I didn't have one and the tape does not list them by name with times,just with the dates. All 4 licenses were allowed without any specific conditions;vote approved 5—0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman to move out of Licensing; vote approved 5 — 0. OLD BUSINESS Marimes & Northeast Pipelines, LLC There are a few items that were raised at the Maritimes &Northeast Pipeline Public Hearing on April 10, 2000. Keith Mitchell made the statement that fighting the pipeline is going to be a difficult task, but the best way to dispute the pipeline would be to unite with other towns. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to instruct the Chairman of the Board to construct a letter regarding the position of the Selectmen; vote approved 5 — 0. Keith Mitchell suggested having a representative from the Board of Selectmen to assist other Town's Selectmen in composing a letter to FERC (Federal Environmental Regulatory Committee)to express denial of the proposed pipeline. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to appoint Keith Mitchell to be the representative of the Board to work together with the other towns for the purpose of attempting to terminate the proposed pipeline; vote approved 5 — 0. The Maritimes &Northeast Pipeline is trying to get permission to survey remaining properties that have not allowed authorization. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to decline permission to Maritimes &Northeast Pipeline to survey Town owned land; vote approved 3 —2 (William Duffy and Keith Mitchell opposed). The Department of Energy and Transportation is receiving letters pertaining to comments for survey work. Any letters must be received by April 21, 2000. John Leeman feels that Maritimes &Northeast Pipeline is not focussing on global options in which the pipeline would be kept out of the Town of North Andover. Board of Selectmen Minutes April 18, 2000 Page 3 John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart to find those comments for the request made by Maritimes &Northeast Pipeline to go on people's properties without their consent as per the state statue; vote approved 5 — 0. NEW BUSINESS: Town Manager's Search Update Thomas Groux is the Town's Consultant working to acquire a new Town Manager. Mr. Groux expects this search to last about 14 weeks. He went over some of the particulars that the Board felt were important characteristics to look for such as energy, strong financial background and budgeting skills, knowledge of legal affairs, outgoing and good communication skills. There will be a draft profile compiled by Mr. Groux to be presented to the Board at the next Selectmen's meeting. A five person search committee was appointed to assist in the search;William Duffy appointed Charles Salisbury, Donald Stewart appointed Carrie Crouch, Keith Mitchell appointed William McEvoy, and James Xenakis appointed William Martineau. John Leeman has not asked the person of which he plans to appoint, so he will announce his nominee at a later date. ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.; vote approved 5 — 0. Sherry A. Collier Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board