HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JULY 24, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Thomas Licciardello called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM at Town Hall Meeting
Room.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Thomas Licciardello, Chairman; Rosemary Connelly
Smedile, James Xenakis; Daniel P. Lanen; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli,
Assistant Town Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move into Executive Session to
discuss negotiations with non-union employees. Vote approved 5-0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. Daniel
P. Lanen, yes; James Xenakis yes; Mark Caggiano yes; Rosemary Smedile, yes, and Thomas
Licciardello yes. Vote approved 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano to approve the Minutes of Executive
Session May 22, May 30, and June 26, 2006, Open Session June 26, July 14, 2006 as written and Open
Session May 30, 2006 as Amended by Daniel Lanen. Vote approved 5-0-0.
CONSENT ITEMS:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve consent to the Elder
Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc. to use town roads for their annual Walk/5K Run on Sunday, September
17, 2006 at 9:45 a.m. Vote approved 5-0-0.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve consent to Ed Mitchell
Veterans Services Director to conduct a dedication ceremony for Vietnam Fallen Heroes Memorial on
September 23, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Vote approved 5-0-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Pole Petitions
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to open Public Hearings. Vote
approved 5-0-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve National Grid and Verizon
New England, Inc. pole petition plan #W53/495 Winter Street#95 to install new poles with guys and
anchors to service new customer. Vote approved 5-0-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve National Grid and Verizon
New England, Inc. pole petition plan #W53/497 Winter Street#95 to install new underground conduit from
new pole to service new customer. Vote approved 5-0-0.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to approve Verizon New England, Inc.
pole petition plan #876 Waverly Road to place approximately 31 feet of underground conduit. Vote
approved 5-0-0.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to close the Public Hearings. Vote
approved 5-0-0.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS:
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to move into Licensing.
Vote approved 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes July 24, 2006 2
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the following one-day
licenses requested by Cynthia Rostiac, Stevens Estate Director, 723 Osgood Street.
Vote approved 5-0-0.
1. Anita Therapeutics, Kerry McCormick, Thurs. 8-30-06 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM, Beer&Wine
License
2. Madeline Maley Bridal Shower, Sat. 8-5-06 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, Beer&Wine License
3. Tamara Stashlurk Wedding, Sat. 5-19-06, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Full Liquor License
4. Jamebeth Courture Wedding, Sun. 8-20-06 from 2:00-8:00 PM, Full Liquor License
5. Lindsey Rappa Wedding, Sat. 8-26-06, from 4:00-10:00 PM, Full Liquor License
6. Jane Putnam Wedding, Sun. 8-27-06, from 3:00-9:00 PM, Full Liquor License
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move out of Licensing. Vote
approved 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Clean Water Action
Clean Water Action Group are asking the Board of Selectmen to send a letter to the Chairman of the
House Ways and Means Committee advocating adoption of H-4764, a bill that would require "computer
manufacturers take their products back and recycling them, thereby saving towns millions of dollars."
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION to send a letter of support in favor of H-4764 to the House Ways and
Means Committee. Motion failed for lack of second.
Health Insurance and Compensation for Non-union employees
Chairman Licciardello requested the Board to consider implementing the proposed changes in the health
insurance plans for non-union employees, both municipal and school employees, that was proposed but
rejected by the collective bargaining units.
The Board of Selectmen voted after a discussion regarding the 70% give back and an explanation of how
the insurance vs. wages proposal works on a person-to-person basis.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to increase health insurance
contributions for HMO Blue for all municipal and school management and non-union personnel to 25% for
both family and individual effective September 1, 2006. Vote approved 4-1-0. Daniel Lanen opposed.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve and implement a formal
program for$100 monthly health insurance waiver payment. Vote approved 4-1-0. Daniel Lanen
opposed.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to calculate for municipal employees
affected a 70% "give back" on wages on a person-by-person basis as it specifically applies. Vote
approved 4-1-0. Daniel Lanen opposed.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, recommending the School Committee to
endorse a similar"give back" of 70% on a person-by-person basis as it specifically applies. Vote
approved 4-1-0. Daniel Lanen opposed.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to increase health insurance
contributions for all new hired employees of municipal and school management and non-union personnel
to 25% (for both family and individual, or the $100 monthly waiver payment) hired on or after
September 1, 2006. Vote approved 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes July 24, 2006 3
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Certificate of Appreciation: Donald Stewart
The Board of Selectmen recognized former Selectman Donald B. Stewart for his many years of serving
the Town of North Andover.
Certificate of Appreciation: Rosemary Connelly Smedile
The Board of Selectmen recognized Selectman Rosemary Connelly Smedile for serving as the Board's
Chairman for four years.
Certificate of Recognition: Richard C. Boettcher
The Board of Selectmen recognized Richard C. Boettcher, Director of Administrative Services (Police
Department)was recently honored with the Jeff Grossman 9-1-1 Award that is annually presented to the
"Outstanding Tele-communicator or other individual associated with the statewide 9-1-1 System.
Boettcher is an "unsung hero", giving himself to further the goals of public safety for the benefit of the
citizens of the Commonwealth.
Town Manager's Contract
The Board of Selectmen announced that they have approved a three-year contract for Mark Rees Town
Manager and congratulate him on his outstanding performance during this year's fiscal crisis.
Public Comment
Judy Goodwin, 10 Campbell Road, Mel Robbins, 45 Cricket Lane, Karen Kline, 55 Cricket Lane,
Tom Dawley, 95 Hickory Hill Road, Peter Lafond, 75 Greene Street voiced their opinions about local town
officials and the budget process. These residents are hoping to bring unity back to town, talk about
innovative ways to approach the school budget. They intend on looking at the budget line by line.
Tim Pybus, School Committee member, 34 Milk Street, spoke about the budget and did welcome people
to look over the budget, and if anyone discovered extra money, it could be put into a reserve fund for
budget shortfalls during the year. He also encouraged residents to attend meetings starting in the fall to
get familiar with the budget.
The Selectmen responded that everyone has to work together and focus on the possible, to get away
from the sense of helplessness and move forward with what the we can do, than what we can't do. The
Board also said that there would be more communication through a quarterly newsletter about town
news.
Selectman Smedile said the state mandates a lot of our regulations and then does not fund us enough. A
town committee came together and sent other under-funded towns letters to ask their legislators to
change the chapter 70 formula.
NEW BUSINESS:
FY07 Water&Sewer Rates
The DPW recommended the water and sewer rates for FY07. While still maintaining a projected reserve
equal to 10% of operating expenses, for the second year in a row, rates are recommended to be reduced,
this time by an average of 8%, resulting in the average user saving approximately $90 per year.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the recommended FY07
water and sewer rates to a two-tier system with a 10% retained earnings. Water rate 0-20 ccf/qu $3.13;
Sewer$3.45; over 20 ccf/qu irrigation Water$4.84, Sewer$4.96. Vote approved 4-1-0. James Xenakis
opposed.
Comments on Merrimac Condominiums
The Zoning Board of Appeals is seeking comments from town boards regarding the proposed 40B project
"Merrimac Condominiums" prior to making their final decisions.
Board of Selectmen Minutes July 24, 2006 4
Selectman Caggiano and Director of Community Development Curt Bellavance will review and send forth
comments to ZBA before their next meeting on August 10, 2006.
Comments on Orchard Village (40B) Housing Proposal
The developer is seeking approval from the Massachusetts Housing Financing Agency to proceed with
the Orchard Village 40B proposal. As part of their review, Mass Housing is seeking comments from the
Board of Selectmen prior to making their determination. Community Development Director Curt
Bellavance and Town Planner Lincoln Daley suggested comments on the project.
Selectman Caggiano and Director of Community Development Curt Bellavance will review and send
comments back to the Mass Housing Finance Agency.
Housing Authority Appointment
With the passing of William P. McEvoy whose term of office would have expired in 2010, has created a
vacancy on the Board of the North Andover Housing Authority. The Town Manager has verified the
process to fill the vacant position with the Elections Division at the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Appointment of Temporary Treasurer-Collector
With the resignation of Linda Casey as Finance Director Treasurer/Collector, it is necessary to appoint a
temporary Treasurer/Collector while a permanent replacement is recruited. Roberta McGowan, recently
retired Assistant Treasurer/Collector has agreed to come out of retirement to fill that role on a part-time
basis, three days a week.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to appoint Roberta McGowan as
temporary Treasurer-Collector. Vote approved 5-0-0.
Request to fill position vacancies
Previously the board voted to require that all requests to fill vacancies be approved by the Board of
Selectmen. Given the FY07 budget has been approved and that a certain amount of financial stability
has been achieved, the board may want to consider rescinding its requirement that hiring decisions be
approved by the Board of Selectmen. The Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire
Department, Finance Department and Town Clerk's Office are requesting to fill vacancies critical to their
operations. All of these positions are funded in the FY07 budget.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to approve the requests by these
departments in filling critical vacancies to their operations. Vote approved 5-0-0.
The Town Manager ask the Board to rescind its requirement that hiring decisions be approved by the
Board of Selectmen. After a discussion, the Board wanted to revisit this in a few months.
Yard Waste Recycling Proposal
Agresource, Inc. a firm that specializes in operating yard waste recycling operations has approached the
town with several proposals to assist the town with the options, including the possible development of a
request for proposal, we are seeking feedback from the Board as to your interest in this matter.
Selectmen suggested that this should be forwarded to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the DPW
for a recommendation.
Declaration of Surplus Items
The Town has a list of equipment that we are requesting the Board declare surplus so that they can be
disposed of in conformance with state law.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to declare town equipment as surplus
property. Vote approved 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes July 24, 2006 5
Invitation to meet with City of Methuen, re: Greater Lawrence Technical School
The Chairman of the City of Methuen City Council invited Selectmen to a meeting on August 14, 2006 at
6:30 p.m. to discuss the Greater Lawrence Technical School financial practices in their traveling
accounts. The Board of Selectmen have a scheduled Meeting on that date and is requesting the Town
Manager to send a letter to the City of Methuen requesting a time change so that members of the Board
of Selectmen can attend. Also to notify John Driscoll.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
Location for the Summer Band concerts has been changed to the North Andover Middle School.
John Weir was promoted to Fire Lieutenant on July 19, 2006
The Board still needs to schedule approximately 4-hours to receive National Incident Management
Systems (NIMS)training. Failure to complet4e this training by September 30, 2006 may jeopardize future
funding from the Federal Government.
The Fire Department in conjunction with neighboring communities will be conducting a training simulation
with Maritimes Gas on Tuesday, July 25, 2006.
ADJOURNMENT:
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to adjourn the meeting at10:17 PM.
Vote approved 5-0-0.
Adele J. Johnson
Administrative Secretary
James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board