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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES MARCH 13,2000 CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman; John R. Leeman, Jr.; Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis; Terri Ackerman, Acting Town Manager. William B. Duffy, Jr. was not in attendance. EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Leeman, made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to move into Executive Session to discuss GLSD potential litigation and updates; vote approved 4— 0. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the Executive and Open Session Minutes of February 28, 2000;vote approved 4— 0. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT: A congratulation was given to Matthew Twiss regarding his graduation from the Massachusetts Fire Academy. Keith Mitchell presented a Certificate of Accomplishment to Mr. Twiss regarding his completion. Yong Nam was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding efforts and contributions in the community. Unfortunately, due to illness, Mr. Nam could not be there to receive his award. A petition was presented with twelve signatures for the purpose of requesting the Annual Town Meeting to be moved from Saturday, May 13, 2000,to a weekday evening. Out of the twelve signatures, only three actually attended the Annual Town Meeting last year. The purpose of having the meeting on a Saturday would make it easier for the elderly residents to attend. Keith Mitchell pointed out the fact that there is always going to be someone who will have a schedule conflict and that not everyone can be pleased all of the time. The Chairman asked whether the Board wished to reconsider the action taken on March 7, 2000. No Motion to reconsider was made. LICENSING COMMISSIONERS: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to move into Licensing; vote approved 4- 0. Merrimack College. Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to approve the request of two one-day Wine and Malt Licenses for Art Shows to be held on Thursday, March 16, 2000, and Saturday, March 18, 2000; vote approved 4— 0. Franklin School. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to approve the request of a one-day Beer and Wine License for a fundraiser to be held on Friday, March 24, 2000, and to waive the fee; vote approved 4— 0. Board of Selectmen Minutes March 13,2000 Page 2 CONSENT ITEMS: St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church. The Pastor and Board of Trustees request the use of the North Andover Common for their Church Picnic/Festival for Sunday, September 10, 2000. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis to authorize this request; vote approved 4- 0. OLD BUSINESS: Water& Sewer Revenue. Mr. Sam Ameen of 33 Coventry Lane continued his discussion about the Town's Water Revenue. He stated his concern for the lack of revenue versus the amount of water pumped. He established the average revenue, which is derived by the total revenue divided by the total gallons. The total revenue collected in 1999 was 2.9 million dollars. The total amount of water distributed in 1999 was 10%greater than 1998,however,the revenue collected was six hundred thousand dollars less. Therefore, over 25%of the Town's water is not generating any revenue. A 10%to 15%water loss is considered to be typical. With this in mind, Mr. Ameen wanted to stress that the Town probably could collect another thirty-six cents more per hundred cubic feet if they could locate the variation. Mr. Ameen is going to research the figures more in detail so that he may present a chart to the Board of Selectmen at a later date. During this discussion, James Xenakis inquired about speaking with William Hmurciak, Director of Public Works,to find out the status of the water meters presently being replaced. GLSD Update. Details are in negotiation with GLSD. There was an emergency meeting held at GLSD in which John Leeman, Donald Stewart and Keith Mitchell attended. The latest information is that GLSD has voted to authorize their attorneys to take any necessary actions against the Town to proceed with the plans for the plant. The Board of Selectmen expressed their concerns with the Director of GLSD. If litigation does occur, it will be addressed at the Annual Town Meeting to approach the legal costs. There are still necessary arrangements that need to be worked out. Town Manager Search Update. The Selectmen have requested the Finance Committee make a reserve transfer for the Town Manager's search. The Committee meets on Thursday, March 16, 2000,and will consider the request at that time. NEW BUSINESS: Traffic Sign Request. The Police Department recommended a stop sign be placed at the end of Flagship Drive. Without a sign there is the risk of hazards due to increased traffic, uncontrolled traffic and excessive speeds. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman to approve the stop sign request; vote approved 4— 0. No Parking Signs Request. L-Com of 45 Beechwood Drive had requested No Parking signs be placed on Beechwood Drive. The area has been used mostly for overflow parking by Microwave Engineering. Sergeant Soucy spoke with Jim Herman of Microwave Engineering, asking him to utilize this space only as overflow when needed and to use caution when pedestrians are crossing. The area was determined to be wide enough to accommodate vehicles. The Police Department advised that instead of placing No Parking signs there should be pedestrian signs warning motorist of the pedestrian traffic. Board of Selectmen Minutes March 13,2000 Page 3 Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to authorize the pedestrian sign request; vote approved 4— 0. Open Town Meeting Warrant. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman to open the Town Warrant; vote approved 4 - 0. Any articles need to be submitted before the warrant is closed on March 27, 2000. Out-Country Fire Station Proposal. Chief Dolan announced an informational meeting to be held to update the Public regarding the land located at Foster and Boxford Street. This engagement is to be held at the Sargent School Cafeteria on March 20, 2000 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Chief Dolan and Bill Scott gave a presentation on the proximity of response for the new proposed station. Currently the response time is excessive to areas particularly in the out-country. If the proposed station is built on Boxford and Foster Streets the availability of response to the 1600 residents living in the out-country is greatly reduced from over 6 minutes to between 2 to 6 minutes. These are actual drive times tested by the Fire Department. In addition,the proposed station would offer better availability for overlap to cover other stations. Currently,the overlap offers long response times. When there is a severe motor vehicle accident, sometimes there is only one person left with a ladder truck downtown to cover the entire town. The response time would be reduced to roughly 2 to 4 minutes with the proposed Out-Country Station, Johnson Street Station and Prescott, Osgood, Chickering Central Station. With three stations,the community would be receiving acceptable coverage and effective response times. A consultant for the Town recommended in 1990 that the Town purchase this 1.25-acre property. The Planning Office did an analysis in 1997 on the Foster Farm area and displayed that over 900 lots have been created since 1975. Since this was concluded in 1997,there is an even greater amount today. The maximum preferred response time is between 4 to 6 minutes. Since time is absolutely critical, when a response time exceeds 6 minutes it is considered not to be effective. Residents raised concerns about purchasing another piece of land. As an alternative, some proposed that the Foster Farm land be used. Bill Scott voiced that the land on Foster Farm is very wet. The Conservation Administrator has flagged the wetlands on-site. As a result,the land has less usable space then previously suspected. More information is to be provided to the Board of Selectmen regarding Foster Farm. Community Center Building Demolition. The figures have been returned from the insurance company for the Thrift Shop building damage. Several factors from the fire combined with the structural problems below code have made the building more costly to renovate then to reconstruct. Several residents spoke of issues such as the concern that the building would simply be removed and not rebuilt. Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to appoint John Leeman and Keith Mitchell to a sub-committee to work with the residents and Community Development; vote approved 4 - 0. Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to act on William Scott, Director of Community Development's, recommendation to demolish the Community Center building; vote approved 4— 0. Board of Selectmen Minutes March 13,2000 Page 4 Certificate of Appreciation. Keith Mitchell presented Ann Keating with a Certificate of Appreciation for a remarkable job as Administrative Secretary to the Town Manager. ADJOURNMENT: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.; vote approved 4— 0. Sherry A. Collier Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board