HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES August 20, 2014
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Vaillancourt called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Town Hall
Meeting Room.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Chairman Richard Vaillancourt, Clerk William Gordon,
Licensing Chairman Tracy Watson, Rosemary Smedile, Donald Stewart, Town Manager Andrew Maylor,
Assistant Town Manager Ray Santilli, Executive Assistant Laurie Burzlaff
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to approve the Open Session
Minutes of July 21, 2014 as written. Vote approved 4-0-1. (Tracy Watson abstained.) Tracy
Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the Open Session Minutes
of August 6, 2014. Vote approved 4-0-1. (William Gordon abstained.)
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Introduction of Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Executive Director Cheri Cousens
Cheri Cousens, Executive Director of the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District, gave a Powerpoint
presentation of how the GLSD operates. The GLSD is looking to expand operations to accept food waste
and will be running a pilot program in 2015. Chairman Vaillancourt asked Ms. Cousens to return to give a
report on the results of the pilot program.
Introduction of new staff members
Town Manager, Andrew Maylor, briefed the Board of the organization changes and introduced new staff
members: Jean Enright (Assistant Community Development Director), Matthew Egge (Town Planner),
and Laurie Burzlaff(Executive Assistant to the Town Manager). Mr. Maylor also announced that Karen
Robertson has become the Human Resources Assistant and Adele Johnson has become the Assistant to
Veteran's Services. Mr. Maylor thanked them both for their work in their previous positions and wished
them well in their new positions.
Announcement from the Chair-School Committee Vacancy
Chairman Vaillancourt explained the process for filling the vacant seat on the School Committee.
Applications are being accepted at the Town Manager's office until August 28, 2014.
The Board extended condolences to the Foley family.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Request to Dispose of Surplus Vehicles— Police Department
Per the Town Policy regarding surplus vehicles, Police Chief Paul Gallagher provided a request for three
vehicles to be declared surplus. William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, that
the Board of Selectmen approve the request of Police Chief Paul Gallagher to dispose of surplus
vehicles per his memo to the Town Manager dated July 24, 2014. Vote approved 5-0.
Request from Kim Myerson of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to use Drummond Park on Saturday, May
16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for`Great Strides: A Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis'
Kim Myerson spoke on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation requesting the use of Drummond Park on
Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for`Great Strides: A Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis'.
All relevant Town Departments recommended approval. William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded
by Tracy Watson, that the Board of Selectmen approve the request of the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation to use Drummond Park on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for
`Great Strides:A Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis'. Vote approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes August 20, 2014 2
Request from Karen Kline to use Town Common on Sunday, July 19, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
for`Remembrance of Seth Robert Kline's 35 Birthday'
Request was withdrawn.
Request from Mary Beth Lawlor-Chesler of the North Andover Middle School to use Stevens Pond from
Monday, September 15 to Thursday, September 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. for an 8 grade
Physical education unit on kayaking
Mary Beth Lawlor-Chesler of the North Andover Middle School requested the use of Stevens Pond from
Monday, September 15th to Friday, September 19th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. for an 8th grade physical
education unit on kayaking. The request was revised to include Friday as the size of the class was larger
than originally anticipated. Ms. Lawlor-Chelser was informed that there would be no rain date available
since the bathrooms would be closed for the season on September 19th. Tracy Watson made a
MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, that the Board of Selectman approve the request of the
North Andover Middle School to use Stevens Pond from Monday, September 15th to Friday,
September 19th from 11:30 a.m, to 1:45 p.m, for an 8th grade physical education unit on kayaking.
Vote approved 5-0.
Request from Alexandra Coakley of North Andover Athletic Association to use Town streets on Saturday,
October 18, 2014 starting at 9:30 a.m. for the "4 in Annual Knights on the Run" road race
Alexandra Coakley of the North Andover Athletic Association requested to hold the "4 Annual Knights on
the Run" road race on Saturday, October 18, 2014 starting at 9:30 a.m. The race is held as a fundraiser
in support of the High School Athletic Department. The relevant Town Departments recommended
approval. William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, that the Board of
Selectmen approve the request of the North Andover Athletic Association to hold the "4th Annual
Knights on the Run"road race on October 18, 2014 starting at 9:30 a.m. Vote approved 5-0.
Affordable Unit Resale
200 Chickering Road, Unit 106 (Kittredge Crossing)
1305 Basswood Circle (Oakridge/Maplewood Reserve)
The Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) notified the Town that the affordable housing
units at 200 Chickering Road, Unit 106 (Kittredge Crossing) and 1305 Basswood Circle
(Oakridge/Maplewood Reserve) are up for sale. It is recommended the Board not exercise its right of first
refusal. Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, that the Board of Selectmen
decline the right of first refusal to purchase the affordable housing unit at 200 Chickering Road,
Unit 106(Kittredge Crossing). Vote approved 5-0.
Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, that the Board of Selectmen decline
the right of first refusal to purchase the affordable housing unit at 1305 Basswood Circle
(Oakridge/Maplewood Reserve). Vote approved 5-0.
MassDOT Special Speed Regulation No. 7929—Andover Street(Chickering Road/Johnson Street)
MassDOT has modified the speed limit on Andover Street between Chickering Road and Johnson Street.
A stretch of Andover Street is under Town jurisdiction and recommended by the North Andover Police
Department to modify the speed limit due to curve in roadway. Tracy Watson made a MOTION,
seconded by William Gordon, that the Board of Selectmen adopt the modified speed limits on
Andover Street between Chickering Road and Johnson Street per MassDOT Special Speed
Regulation No. 7929. Vote approved 4-0-1. (Donald Stewart abstained.)
Requests by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts:
In accordance with M.G.L. c164 §70, the Board must give consent to the gas company to `dig up and
open the ground in any of the streets, lanes and highways of a town.' The Department of Public Works
recommends approval for these projects. Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Donald
Stewart, that the Board of Selectmen approve the request of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to
excavate 320 feet at 221 Sutton Street for the purpose of replacing service and 50 feet on
Columbia Road for the purpose of abandoning service. Vote approved 5-0.
Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, that the Board of Selectmen
approve the request of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to excavate 1,190 feet on Sutton Street
from Charles Street to High Street and 300 feet on Ellis Street for the purpose of replacing service.
Vote approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes August 20, 2014 3
PUBLIC HEARING:
(Taken out of order)
Removal of Public Shade Trees per MGL c87, §3—266 Waverly Road
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, to open a public hearing per MGL
c87, §3 for the removal of public shade trees at 266 Waverly Road. Vote approved 5-0.
Chairman Vaillancourt recognized Assistant Superintendent, James Mealey, who spoke on behalf of the
North Andover School Department regarding the request. The School Department is requesting to
remove two (2) public shade trees from the Town's right-of-way in front of the Thomson Elementary
School at 266 Waverly Road. The removal of the trees is requested in order to create twelve (12)
additional parking spaces needed for daily school operations. New trees would be planted in another
area. Selectmen expressed concerns with the change in esthetics and effect on neighborhood by
removing healthy trees.
Rosemary Smedile, made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to close a public hearing per
MGL c87, §3 for the removal of public shade trees at 266 Waverly Road. Vote approved 5-0.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, that the Board of Selectmen
deny the request of the North Andover School Department to remove two (2)public shade trees at
266 Waverly Road. Vote approved 4-0-1. (Donald Stewart abstained.)
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS:
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to open a meeting of the North
Andover Licensing Commission. Vote approved 5-0.
Jianis John Bido requests a Common Victualler License and Entertainment License for Niki's Famous
Roast, Pizza & More at 208 Sutton Street
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a Common Victualler License and Entertainment
License for Niki's Famous Roast Beef, Pizza &More, 208 Sutton Street, North Andover. Vote
approved. 5-0.
Armen Jeknavorian of St. Gregory's Armenian Church requests One-Day Wine & Malt License for annual
picnic on September 7, 2014 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt, that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve the One-Day Wine and Malt Licenses for St.
Gregory's Armenian Church for September 7, 2014 from 12:30 p.m, to 5:30 p.m. Vote approved 5-
0.
Mukta Shah of Merrimack College requests a One-Day All Alcohol License for a `New Faculty Welcome
Reception & Dinner' at the Rogers Center on August 27, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day All Alcohol License for Merrimack
College for a `New Faculty Welcome Reception &Dinner'at the Rogers Center on August 27, 2014
from 5:00 p.m, to 11:00 p.m. Vote approved 5-0.
Kristy Kuplast of Epizyme, Inc. requests a One-Day Wine & Malt License for company outing on August
23, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms (tent)
Debra Ingall of Smolak Farms clarified that there is an error in the time and the event is from 12:00 pm to
5:00 pm.
Board of Selectmen Minutes August 20, 2014 4
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day Wine &Malt License for Epizyme, Inc. on
August 23, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms in tent. Vote approved 5-0.
Amy Sherr requests a One-Day All Alcohol License for family reunion on August 24, 2014 from 3:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms (tent)
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, that the Board of
Selectmen, acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day All Alcohol License for Amy
Sherr for family reunion on August 24, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms in tent.
Vote approved 4-0-1. (William Gordon abstained.)
Michelle lannacci requests a One-Day All Alcohol License for wedding reception on August 30, 2014 from
3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms (tent)
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt, that the Board of
Selectmen, acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day All Alcohol License for
Michelle lannacci for wedding reception on August 30, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at
Smolak Farms in tent. Vote approved 4-0-1. (William Gordon abstained.)
Ashley Brecken requests a One-Day All Alcohol License for wedding reception on August 31, 2014 from
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms (tent)
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day All Alcohol License for Ashley Brecken
for wedding reception on August 31, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms in tent.
Vote approved 4-0-1. (William Gordon abstained.)
Paula DaCosta requests a One-Day All Alcohol License for wedding reception on September 6, 2014
from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms (tent)
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day All Alcohol License for Paula DaCosta for
wedding reception on September 6, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms in tent.
Vote approved 4-0-1. (William Gordon abstained.)
Alexandra Lezberg requests a One-Day All Alcohol License for wedding reception on September 7,
2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms (tent)
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day All Alcohol License for Alexandra
Lezberg for wedding reception on September 7, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms
in tent. Vote approved 4-0-1. (William Gordon abstained.)
Ashley Kulp requests a One-Day All Alcohol License for wedding reception on September 13, 2014 from
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak Farms (tent)
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, that the Board of
Selectmen, acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve a One-Day All Alcohol License for
Ashley Kulp for wedding reception on September 13, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Smolak
Farms in tent. Vote approved 4-0-1. (William Gordon abstained.)
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt, to close the meeting of the
North Andover Licensing Commission. Vote approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Main Street Banners
The Board continued the discussion of hanging banners across Main Street(at#136 and #133) in order
to be able to announce various Town events, etc. A memorandum from Curt Bellavance, Community
Development Director and requirements of both National Grid and Verizon were discussed. Town
Manager, Andrew Maylor, explained that there needs to be a policy in place to address such requests.
There is a specific request from the North Andover Merchant's Association for Restaurant Week which is
Board of Selectmen Minutes August 20, 2014 5
to take place in September. The Board agreed to take no action on the request for a banner across Main
Street and move forward with exploring the use of existing brackets to have individual banners on several
poles around town.
NEW BUSINESS:
NONE
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Melissa Marquis of 3 Woodcliffe Road, Andover, introduced the Coalition for Merrimack College Smart
Growth Proposal for Reconsideration.
Joanna Rack, 15 Rock Ridge, Andover, further discussed the proposal.
Jeff Raymond, 18 Foxhill Road, Andover, voiced his concern that the entire community will be surrounded
by students.
Bill Page, 54 Brookfield Road, Andover, stated concern over sewer and water for buildings.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
Police Department Report
A summary of July 2014 crime statistics was provided by Police Chief Paul Gallagher.
Fire Department Report
A summary of July 2014 Activity Report was provided by Fire Chief Andrew Melnikas.
Capital Project Status Report
Town Manager, Andrew Maylor, gave a status summary of the new Fire Station project, the Town Hall
expansion project and School Administration Building project.
Next Meeting
Monday, September 8, 2014
ADJOURNMENT:
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to adjourn the meeting at 8:46
p.m. Vote approved 5-0.
Laurie A. Burzlaff
Executive Assistant
William F. Gordon, Clerk of the Board