HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES April 27, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Vaillancourt called the meeting to order at 7:01PM. In accordance
with Governor Baker’s Executive Order issued on March 12, 2020, suspending certain provisions of the
Open Meeting Law due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, this meeting took place via
conference call. All Board members and staff participated in this meeting remotely.
ATTENDANCE: The following identified themselves as present on the call: Chairman Richard
Vaillancourt, Clerk Rosemary Smedile, Licensing Chairman, Regina Kean, Chris Nobile, Phil DeCologero,
Town Manager, Melissa Murphy Rodrigues, Deputy Town Manager, Denise Casey, Director of
Administrative Services, Laurie Burzlaff.
Clerk, Rosemary Smedile read the following statement:
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting
Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number
of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Board of Selectmen will be
conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general
guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement
to attend this meeting can be found on the Town’s website, at www.northandoverma.gov. For this
meeting, members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so on their televisions by tuning to
Comcast Channel 8 or Verizon Channel 26 or online at www.northandovercam.org. No in-person
attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the
public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we
are unable to do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the Town of North Andover website an audio or
video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the
meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public hearing to receive comments on proposed amendments to the Personnel Policy for non-union
personnel
Included in the packets was the revised Personnel Policy. The policy was sent to all employees for review
and comment. Pursuant to Town Bylaw, Section 37-3, the Board of Selectmen must approve the
changes.
STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY CHAIR PRIOR TO PUBLIC HEARING:
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting
Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the
number of people that may gather in one place, this public hearing of the Town of North Andover is being
conducted via remote participation. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted,
but the public can listen to this meeting while in progress by tuning in to Comcast channel 8 or Verizon
channel 26 or online at www.northandovercam.org. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually
will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for
public comment, by emailing lburzlaff@northandoverma.gov
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero to open a Public Hearing pursuant to
the Town of North Andover Bylaws Section 37-3 to receive comments regarding revisions to the
Personnel Policy. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes, Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes, Vaillancourt-
yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Town Manager Rodrigues explained the edits which were as follows: classes added to equal opportunity
policy, new policy regarding nepotism, new policy on non-disclosure agreements, defines additional hours
for exempt employees, appointment harassment complaint officer, increase in vacation time from two to
three weeks for new employees, sick leave to be used for routine medical appointments and to care for
family member and increasing bereavement leave. The Town is in the middle of a classification study so
changes will not be made to that until that study is complete.
There were no comments from the public.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 27, 2020 2
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean to close the Public Hearing to
receive comments regarding revisions to the Personnel Policy. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes;
Kean-yes, Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes, Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
GOVERNMENTAL REPORTS
Update on COVID-19
Health Director, Brian LaGrasse, gave an update on cases, more testing is being done at nursing homes.
The Board of Health passed an order for food workers to wear masks. The Board recommended anyone
entering the businesses to wear masks. Dr. McMillan stated the hope is to preserve the health and safety
of everyone since food workers are seeing a large number of people. In response to a question from Mr.
DeColgero, Mr. LaGrasse indicated he is in contact with other health directors and they are working
together to coordinate messaging.
Ms. Smedile asked when will we have testing results for people that are asymptomatic. Dr. McMillan
stated that there is no direct evidence that if you are exposed that you are immune or for how long. Dr.
McMillan stressed the need to continue to practice social distancing and wearing masks, regardless of
where we are with testing.
Chairman Vaillancourt asked about plans for reopening. Mr. LaGrasse indicated they are currently trying
to figure out the best way to allow businesses to reopen. Ms. Smedile asked about allowing pet groomers
to open. Mr. LaGrasse stated the state has determined it is not an essential service.
Director of Community and Economic Director, Andrew Shapiro, updated the Board regarding the small
business grant program which ended today. They received 214 applications for assistance and have
approved 106 applications for grants totaling $222,529 for payment so far. They have been referring
businesses to the Federal programs through a partnership with Mills City Community Investment Group.
Laurie Burzlaff, chair of the Affordable Housing Trust, updated the Board regarding the Emergency Rental
Assistance Program. As of today, 52 applications were received and 10 approvals have been issued.
Deputy Town Manager, Denise Casey, gave an update on the food distribution program. 29,411 meals
have been given since the program started. The Senior Center is running a food bank and is still looking
for donations. Senior Center has been distributing face masks made by the doll making group.
Town Manger Rodrigues stated she is meeting weekly with other town managers and mayors and they
are waiting for guidance from the Governor regarding reopening. Ms. Rodrigues does not anticipate
reopening Town Hall on May 18. Ms. Rodrigues stated that there is an uptick in domestic violence calls
and residents are urged to call if they need help. Sarah Brush will be reaching out to the Board regarding
a video the Town is creating.
FY20 Third Quarter financials and revenue update
rd
Finance Director, Lyne Savage, reviewed the FY20 3 quarter financials. Excise tax revenue are down
but it is taking longer to post deposits due to employees working remotely. Other revenues and expenses
are tracking on target and interest income is over projections. There will be a snow deficit and a deficit for
overtime at the Fire Department but the Town should be able to cover those deficits. Mr. DeCologero
asked if there are any concerns of not receiving property tax payments until next quarter. Ms. Savage
indicated she will report back to the Board in May but she looked at 2009 and 2010 for comparison and
collections were at 99%. With regard to the FY21 revenues, Ms. Savage stated she sees no issues with
the current projections and is more concerned with FY22.
Update on Columbia Gas road repairs
Department of Public Works Director, Jim Stanford, gave an update on the Columbia Gas road repairs.
nd
They will be having a 2 public information meeting once meetings can happen again. Presently, the
Department of Public Works is behind on work due to COVID-19. Mr. DeCologero asked if granite curbing
will be used town wide or just where it currently is. Mr. Stanford stated they will make decisions on a case
by case basis. They want to try to prevent people from parking on sidewalks and do what makes the most
sense for the area. Mr. Stanford indicated they will look into adding a comment section to the “projects”
section of the website. Contact information is on there now if anyone wants to email or call.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile to approve the Open Session
Minutes of April 2, 2020. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes;
Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 27, 2020 3
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero to open a meeting of the North
Andover Licensing Commission. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-
yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Application of Robert T. Holland for renewal of a Junk dealer/collector license for 114 Jewelry & Antiques,
2350 Turnpike Street, Suite 110
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of
Selectmen, acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve the request of Robert Holland for a junk
dealer/collector license at 114 Jewelry & Antiques, 2350 Turnpike Street, Suite 110. Roll call vote:
DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Applications for Fortune Teller license renewals
Dolly Miller of Physic Readings, 163 Turnpike Street
Elizabeth Santana of Mystic Moon Medium, 75 Park Street, #316
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen,
acting as Licensing Commissioners, approve the request of Dolly Miller to renew the fortune teller
license for Psychic Readings, 163 Turnpike Street and the request of Elizabeth Santana to renew
the fortune teller license for Mystic Moon Medium, 75 Park Street, #316. Roll call vote:
DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero to close the meeting of the
North Andover Licensing Commission. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Vote to extend due date for real estate and excise taxes
Town Manager Rodrigues explained that the state passed the Municipal Relief Bill which allows the Town
st
to extend the due date for tax bills until June 1, waive interest on overdue payments as long as bill is
thth
paid by June 30, and to extend the due date for exemption applications for taxes to June 30. Chairman
Vaillancourt stated they should adopt all three to give some relief to residents since they will be paid by
the end of this fiscal year.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectmen adopt
the local options authorized by the following sections of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, Section
10(a)(i-iii) to extend the due date of property tax bills under General Law chapter 59, sections 57
and 57C from May 1 to June 1, 2020; Section 10(a)(iv) to extend the due date under General Law
chapter 59, section 59 for exemptions from April 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020; and Section 11 to waive
interest and other penalty for late payment of any excise, tax, water rate or sewer charge or other
charge added to a tax from any payments due on or after March 10, 2020 but paid before June 30,
2020. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion
approved 5-0.
Vote to approve Personnel policy
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen accept
the changes to the Personnel Policy, as presented. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes;
Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Vote maximum useful life of departmental equipment to be finance
A vote of the Board is required in order to issue bonds for financing equipment.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile that the Board of Selectmen hereby
determine pursuant to G.L. c.44, §7(1) that the maximum useful life of the equipment listed below
to be financed with a portion of the proceeds of the $2,788,230 borrowing authorized by the vote
of the Town passed at the May 14, 2019 Annual Town Meeting (Article 11) is to be as follows:
Purpose Borrowing Amount Maximum Useful Life
Replace Engine Truck $660,000 10 Years
APX 6000XE Portable Radios $191,700 8 Years
Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion
approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 27, 2020 4
OLD BUSINESS
None
TOWN MANAGERS REPORT
Job posting/vacancy log
Included in the packet was the job posting/vacancy log provided by the Human Resources Department.
SELECTMEN’S UPDATES/COMMENTS
Ms. Smedile announced the Women’s Club is doing the Flamingo Fundraiser to thank COVID heroes.
Chris Nobile announced there is an “Adopt a High School Senior” Facebook page.
nd
Phil DeCologero announced the front steps project ends May 2.
ADJOURNMENT
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile to adjourn the meeting at 9:07PM. Roll
call vote: Nobile-yes; DeCologero-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Kean-yes; Smedile-yes. Motion approved
5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie A. Burzlaff
Executive Assistant
_______________________________
Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk of the Board
Documents used at meeting:
Personnel policy
rd
FY20 3 quarter financials
Minutes of April 6, 2020
Holland application
Fortune teller license applications
Maximum useful life of equipment memorandum
Job posting/vacancy log