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Home My WebLink About2004-11-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Rosemary Connelly Smedile called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at the Stevens Memorial Library. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; Wendy Wakeman; Donald B. Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. Absent: James Xenakis EXECUTIVE SESSION: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move into Executive Session to discuss. Vote approved 4-0. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. Donald Stewart yes; Mark Caggiano yes; Wendy Wakeman yes, and Rosemary Smedile yes. Vote approved 4-0. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT: Emergency Management Department Due to health issues, John Coco has tendered his resignation effective November 8, 2004 as the Town's Emergency Management Director. His wife Evelyn, has also resigned as secretary in order to assist in his health care. The Town Manager recommended the board appoint Jeffery Coco, who is currently the Deputy Director, to the position of Director. At a future selectmen's meeting Mr. & Mrs. Coco would be honored for their many years of service to the Town. Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to appoint Jeffrey Coco as Director of the Emergency Management Department. Vote approved 4-0. The Town Manager said all Town Boards, Committees and Commissions are invited to participate in an educational forum lead by Town Counsel Thomas Urbelis on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the North Andover Senior Center. Topics to be covered include the state ethics law; open meeting law and public records law. Resident Colleen Contrada of 209 Bridges Lane expressed her displeasure of the Town's decision for having only one location at the High School for polling/voting for the national election held on November 2, 2004. She was concerned about safety with only one access road in and out of the school's property. The Town Manager said a meeting with all those involved with the election and the school would be meeting to resolve problems in the future. LICENSING COMMISSIONERS: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move into licensing. Vote approved 4-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the transfer of all alcoholic beverage licenses from the North Andover Restaurant Group dba, "The Loft Restaurant"to The Loft Steak& Chop House, LLC, James A. Dietz, Manager, 1140 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA. Vote approved 4-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes November 8, 2004 2 Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve a one-day wine and beer license to John Obert of Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street on Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 3:00—6:00 PM for a post Christening celebration. Vote approved 4-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move out of licensing. Vote approved 4-0. OLD BUSINESS: FY04 Financial Reports Town Accountant Lyne Savage reviewed the Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 20, 2004. Ms. Savage pointed out many accomplishments that occurred during fiscal year 2004, which enhanced North Andover's financial position. 1. Moody's Investor Service recently upgraded the Towns bond rating from A2 to Al. This indicates the rating agency's belief in the Town's sound financial policies. 2. $6,450,000 Series B General Obligation Bonds were issued for the purpose of refunding a 1997 Municipal Loan saving the Town approximately $193,000 in interest cost. 3. The Town successfully issued $7,500,00 in Bond Anticipation Notes in June 2004 at favorable rates for the purpose of funding various capital improvements, including police station design, school building repairs, technology improvements, department equipment, Water Main Rehabilitation and roadway improvements. These Notes have a net interest cost of only 1.7425%. 4. Free Cash as of June 30, 2004 was $1,487,260. This is the fourth year Free Cash was certified in excess of$1,000,000. 5. General unreserved Fund Balance (UMAS accounting) decreased from $3,740,412 in FY03 to $2,971,060 reflecting the use of town reserves to maintain municipal services during difficult financial times. The Enterprise Fund is used to account for activities that are self-supporting in nature by generating user charges sufficient to cover operating costs. 1. Water Fund retained earnings decrease by $868,824 to $260,304 due to the use of retained earnings to stabilize water rates, with revenues of$3,713,742 down from FY03 of$4,070,599 due primarily to a billing period being postponed to FY05. 2. Sewer fund retained earnings decrease by $196,302 to $1,097,509 due to the use of retained earnings to stabilize sewer rates, with revenues of$3,199,369 up from FY03 of$2,909,300. 3. Stevens Estate retained earnings decreased by $60,715 to $116,690 on revenues of$455,536 down from FY03 of$677,582 due to reduction in bookings at the facility. FY05 1St Quarter Financial Reports Town Accountant Lyne Savage reviewed the budget status report for the revenue and expenses for the first quarter ending September 30, 2004. The revenue collections are staying steady with prior year trends. Motor vehicle collections are at 11.25% at this point in the year. Over all, the total revenue collect of 21.96% is in line with our target percentages at this point in the fiscal year. Both Water and Sewer revenues are slightly below the target percentage of 25% through this period in the fiscal year but based on previous years trends this does not appear out of line. NEW BUSINESS: Tax Classification Workshop Chief Assessor Garrett Boles gave a report on Tax Classification. He provided a spreadsheet with estimated values for FY2005. The Town Manager provided supplemental information from the Department of Revenue. A Public Hearing for Tax Classification would be held on November 22, 2004 and the Board must vote on the new tax rate at that meeting. Board of Selectmen Minutes November 8, 2004 3 Legislative Input, Senator Baddour Senator Baddour would like input regarding possible legislative ideas for the upcoming session of the General Court. Any suggestions the board has would be forwarded to the Senator. Chair Rosemary Smedile suggested the PILOT program of state owned land, education reform funding, train station, health insurance, construction bidding reform. The Town Manager would draft a letter to Senator Baddour with the board's suggestions and send a copy to the Governor. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: In conjunction with the School Superintendent, the Town Manager will be organizing a meeting with involved parties to discuss the polling/traffic situation that occurred at the November 2, 2004 national election. The purpose of the meeting is to review what occurred, why it occurred and what can be done in the future to address deficiencies in the process. Mr. Robert Stevens and family requested permission from the Board of Selectmen to replace his family's deteriorated historical memorial stone with a copy of the original stone in the First Burying Ground on Academy Road. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to approve the request by Robert Stevens to replace his family's historical memorial stone at the cemetery. Vote approved 4-0. ADJOURNMENT: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM. Vote approved 4-0. Adele J. Johnson Administrative Secretary Wendy D. Wakeman, Clerk of the Board