HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Rosemary Connelly Smedile called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM at Town Hall
Meeting Room.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis;
Mark J.T. Caggiano; Thomas Licciardello; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town
Manager. Donald Stewart was absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to move into Executive Session to
discuss negotiations with union employees and negotiations with non-union employees. Vote
approved 4-0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. James
Xenakis yes; Mark Caggiano yes; Thomas Licciardello, yes, and Rosemary Smedile yes. Vote approved
4-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to approve January 9, 2006, Open
Session as Amended and Executive Session as written. Vote approved 4-0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
MBTA Advisory Board
The Town Manager has recommended Community Development Director Curt Bellavance serve as the
town's representative to the MBTA Advisory Board.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve Curt Bellavance as the town's
representative to the MBTA Advisory Board. Vote approved 4-0.
Certificate of Accomplishment—Kirsten Kasper
The Board of Selectmen recognized Kirsten Kasper for her accomplishments as the Division II State
Champion Cross Country, and the Boston Globe Division II Runner of the Year.
Save the Arts and Music Program (STAMP)
Jeanne Andrusin and Chris Allen addressed the Board regarding the cuts that have been made to the
Arts and Music Programs in the North Andover School System. STAMP is a unified voice advocating
strongly for the inclusion of Fine Arts and Music Education as core curriculum, to ensure the complete
education for the public students of North Andover.
State of the Town Presentation
Town Manager Mark Rees gave a State of the Town Presentation for 2005-2006. He covered the
Financial Situation, 2005 Accomplishments and 2006 Opportunities. Even though State aid had dropped
considerably in the past few years, North Andover has continued to give its residents the same level of
services. There were a number of accomplishments such as Reducing crimes, Top environmental Award
for Water Quality, Saving around $150,000 in Recycling costs and starting a massive construction project
to put utilities underground at the Old Town Center. Looking ahead, the Town has a number of
opportunities to improve. Replacing the Town's water reservoirs, planning for new Police, Fire and
School facilities and spurring economic development.
NEW BUSINESS:
Solid Waste Advisory Committee Mission Statement Revision
Chairman Tina Klein gave an overview of the accomplishments of the NASWAC over the past year and
specific goals from July 2005 through June 2007. The Town has saved around $150,000 because of the
new Recycling program.
Board of Selectmen Minutes January 23, 2006 2
The North Andover Solid Waste Advisory Committee is requesting the Selectmen to revise their mission
statement to reflect their current goals and operations.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve the changes and provisions in
the Solid Waste Advisory Committee Mission Statement. Vote approved 4-0.
Town Election Location
The Town Clerk is recommending that the March 28, 2006 Town election and the State Primary Election
of September 19, 2006 be held at the North Andover High School. This location with the enhanced
access road and voters being familiar with the location, and anticipated lower turnout than 2005 (override
vote)would ease the transition and give the Town the time to upgrade any proposed location if
necessary.
The November 7, 2006 State election posses a much larger logistical problem and the Town will be
studying various options with a recommendation for your consideration by June 30, 2006.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to hold the Town election on March
28, 2006 at the High School as recommended. Vote approved 4-0.
Review of possible Articles submitted for Annual Town Meeting
The Town Manager reviewed possible Articles for the Annual Town Meeting that was submitted by Town
departments/boards by the January 6, 2006 deadline. The warrant is scheduled to close on March 6,
2006.
Town Manager Evaluation
Once a year the Board of Selectmen evaluate the performance of the Town Manager. This evaluation
comments on his strengths, areas of improvement, and specific objectives for the Town Manager to
achieve in the next year.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to release the Town Manager's
performance evaluation to the public. Vote 4-0.
Joint Meeting of the Board of Selectmen/School Committee/Finance Committee
There will be a joint meeting of the three Town Boards: Board of Selectmen, School Committee and
Finance Committee on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at the Senior Center starting at 6:30 PM.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
Lawrence Exchange Club will honor Charles Fucca and Michael Colbert as North Andover's Police Officer
and Firefighter of the Year Award, respectively, on Thursday, January 26, 2006, at the Wyndam Hotel in
Andover beginning at 6:30 PM.
On Thursday, January 26, 2006 the North Andover Housing Partnership and the Community
Development Division will be conducting a public forum on affordable housing issues in North Andover.
The forum will be held at 7:00 PM at Town Hall in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.
The Department of Public Works has begun a reporting system to track snow events and their associated
expenses. This is a helpful tool for budgeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM.
Vote approved 4-0.
Adele J. Johnson
Administrative Secretary
James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board