HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes
BOARD OF SELECTMEN February 22, 2021
Call To Order: Chairman Chris Nobile called the meeting to order at 6:30PM in the Town Hall Meeting Room. The open
session meeting was recorded.
ATTENDANCE: Laura Bates, Phil DeCologero (remote), Rosemary Smedile, Richard Vaillancourt and Chairman Chris
Nobile. Town Manager, Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues, Deputy Town Manager, Denise Casey and Director of Administrative
Services, Laurie Burzlaff were all present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Nobile stated the Board will enter Executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining
(AFSCME Department of Public Works) and declared an open meeting will have a detrimental effect on the litigating
position of the Board.
MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned the Board of Selectmen move into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General
Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining (AFSCME Department of
Public Works). Ms. Smedile seconded. Roll call vote: Bates- yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes, Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes.
Motion approved 5-0.
The Board returned to Open Session at 6:50PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.
MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Kelly Cormier, Stan Limpert, James David and Jon Strauss were present representing the Master Plan Implementation
Committee. Mr. Limpert and Ms. Cormier presented an update of the committee. Mr. Strauss gave a presentation about the
Master Plan Implantation Committee’s recommendation to the Select Board, Transportation. Mr. Strauss encouraged the
Select Board to adopt a MassDOT approved Complete Streets Policy demonstrating a commitment to providing safe and
accessible options for all travel modes for people of all ages and abilities. Mr. Limpert asked Mr. Strauss if the policy was
adopted would North Andover receive grants or funding for projects. Mr. Strauss stated yes otherwise the funding would not
be available without the adoption of the policy. Mr. Vaillancourt asked Mr. Limpert what the challenges of the group and
what can the Select Board help with. Ms. Cormier stated there are no specific challenges and have been successful with
participation. Mr. Limpert stated they may need help from the Select Board on how to move activities forward of some of
the responsibilities are too vague to help make tasks progress. Mr. Vaillancourt asked Ms. Rodrigues about Town Policy and
how to move forward. Ms. Rodrigues stated Daniel Beckley, Staff Planner, has been working on a Complete Streets Policy
and it would be a Select Board vote. Ms. Bates asked if the Staff Planner would write the policy. Ms. Rodrigues confirmed
that Mr. Beckley would and Mr. Beckley will bring it to the Select Board.
TOWN MEETING UPDATE
Mark DiSalvo was present and gave an update on Town Meeting. Mr. DiSalvo suggested an outdoor meeting for Town
Meeting 2021. Ms. Rodrigues stated Town Meeting can be held in June. Mr. Vaillancourt suggested a Saturday morning.
Mr. DiSalvo stated due to weather it is easier to do a weekday evening. Mr. DeCologero asked Mr. DiSalvo why he
recommending a June meeting. Mr. DiSalvo stated due to weather and more people would feel comfortable with a later date
th
as more will be vaccinated by that time. Ms. Rodrigues stated as long as the budget is passed by June 30 a June Town
Meeting date is fine.
REPORT AND RECOGNITION- YOUTH CENTER
Rick Gorman was present and gave an update on the Youth Center. Mr. Gorman stated kids are struggling during this
pandemic and are very concerned with what it has done to their wellbeing.
UPDATE ON THE SENIOR CENTER
Ms. Rodrigues gave an update on the Senior Center and explained:
- The holdup is that one home is occupied and was thought to be vacant in March
- Once vacancy is complete can move forward
- Contractor agreed to hold material pricing at this time.
Ms. Bates asked about the construction timeline. Ms., Rodrigues stated about 18 months.
UPDATE ON STEVENS ESTATE
Ms. Rodrigues gave an update on Stevens Estate Requests for Proposals (RFP). Ms. Rodrigues stated there were eight
potential respondents and two have decided not to bid, the bids are due on 3/1 and there will be an interview and evaluations.
LICENSING:
MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms. Bates seconded.
Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Application of Bird & Wolf LLC for an all alcohol on premises restaurant liquor license at 1268 Osgood
Street
MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to open the public hearing to receive comments regarding the application of Bird &
Wolf LLC for an all alcohol on premises restaurant liquor license at 1268 Osgood Street. Mr. Nobile seconded. Roll call
vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Attorney Vaughn and Xochitl Bielma were present representing Bird & Wolf LLC. Mr. Nobile asked what the hours of
serving alcohol are. Ms. Bielma stated not before 4PM. Ms. Bates asked if alcohol is being served out of the café or only in
the restaurant. Ms. Bielma stated would like to have the option to serve out of both. Ms. Rodrigues stated there is no public
comment.
MOTION: Mr. DeCologero motioned to close the public hearing to receive comments regarding the application of Bird &
Wolf LLC for an all alcohol on premises restaurant liquor license at 1268 Osgood Street. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Roll
call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
MOTION: Mr. Nobile motioned to approve the application of Bird & Wolf LLC for an all alcohol on premises restaurant
liquor license, common victualler license and entertainment license at 1268 Osgood Street. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Roll
call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Application for a common victualler license from Jasmira Montes Maravi dba Fabiano’s Pizza, Seafood &
Grill at 133 Main Street
Jasmira Montes Maravi was present representing Fabiano’s Pizza, Seafood & Grill.
MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve the for a common victualler license from Jasmira Montes Maravi dba
Fabiano’s Pizza, Seafood & Grill at 133 Main Street. Ms. Bates seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
MOTION: Mr. Nobile motioned to close a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms. Bates seconded. Roll
call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Ratification of contract between the town and AFSCME Department of Public Works for FY20-FY2022 Ms.
Rodrigues explained introducing new step structure and job descriptions.
COLAs:
2020- 0%
2021- 2%
2022- 1.5%
Ms. Rodrigues added there are additional steps for employees that have maxed out and reorganize for growth. Mr.
DeCologero asked if pay is retroactive. Ms. Rodrigues stated yes.
MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve and sign the contract between the Town and AFSCME Department of
Public Works for FY20-FY22. Ms. Smedile seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-
yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Plan for Fire Chief Vacancy
Ms. Rodrigues stated present Fire Chief will be retiring early FY22, recommendation to use Municipal Resource Inc. for the
assessment center. Ms. Rodrigues recommended promoting from within since there are strong candidates available. Mr.
DeCologero asked if the Select Board would establish criteria as individuals. Ms. Rodrigues stated she has not worked in a
community where the Select Board selects the Fire Chief but can help to craft questions. Ms. Bates asked what the issues
were with going outside and potentially losing internal applicants. Ms. Rodrigues stated the perception could be insulting to
internal applicants. Mr. Vaillancourt asked if assessments are standardized. Ms. Rodrigues stated the assessments can be
targeted to the community.
Vote on acceptance of Stormwater Maintenance Facility Easement for Definitive Subdivision at 174 Cotuit Street
MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve and sign the Stormwater Maintenance Facility Easement for Definitive
Subdivision at 174 Cotuit Street. Ms. Smedile seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes;
Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Discussion on revisions to the sign bylaw and vote on referral to Planning Board
Attorney Egan went over the major changes to the revisions of the sign bylaw:
1) Regulating placement of signs on private property
2) Planning Board will do the sign permits
3) Signs will be regulated by the event that is occurring as well being regulated as to what the sign says
Mr. Vaillancourt asked if the Planning Board is made as the sign authority and if a business wants a different sized sign would
they go to the Planning Board or the Zoning Board. Attorney Egan stated to go to the Planning Board and the Planning Board
will take care of the special authority/permit.
MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to refer the sign bylaw to the Planning Board as presented. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Roll
call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Discussion on change to stipend for Board of Registrars beginning FY22
Ms. Rodrigues stated comps have been done to find out the current rate amount that other towns are paying their Board of
Registrars as a stipend. Ms. Rodrigues suggested bringing the recommendation to pay an hourly wage instead of a flat rate.
Ms. Smedile asked how it compares to the poll workers. Ms. Rodrigues stated this would incentivize the registrars. Ms.
Smedile asked how much the wage should be. Ms. Burzlaff suggested a similar pay to the wardens’. Ms. Bates asked if
there is a minimum amount of hours. Ms. Rodrigues stated she would work on the wage rate and hours.
Appointments
MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to appoint Karin Rhoton to Board of Registrars for a term ending March 31, 2024. Roll
call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to appoint Kanthi Sattiraju to Sustainability Committee for a term ending June 30, 2022,
Mary Schruender to the Festival Committee for a term ending June 30, 2022, Heather Takesian to the Council on Aging for a
term ending June 30, 2022 and Eileen Marie Donovan-Elliot to the Council on Aging for a term ending June 30, 2023. Ms.
Bates seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-
0.
CONSENT ITEMS
Request of Fire Department to surplus vehicle
MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to surplus the 2005 Ford F350 pickup truck for auction. Ms. Smedile seconded. Roll call
vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of February 8, 2021 as written. Ms. Bates
seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Stevens Estate Warrant Article
Ms. Rodrigues asked the Select Board if they want a Stevens Estate warrant article put on at Town Meeting. Ms. Smedile
asked if it can be decided at a later date. Mr. Nobile stated it would be best to remind residents that this will be a
management contract and not a transaction.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Ms. Rodrigues gave the following report:
- Went over the Town’s Sidewalks and Snow Policy
- Recognized and thanked Brian Freeman and Nick Colossi who both recently retired from the Fire Department
- Recognized and thanks Staff that helped to organize the 75+ Vaccination Clinic
- Stated Ethan Allen site has been refiled this week
SELECT BOARD UPDATES
Ms. Bates thanked the Town for sending postcards and making phone calls to the 75+ seniors. Ms. Bates stated Restaurant
Week is currently going on.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Ms. Bates made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smedile to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM. Roll call vote: Bates-yes,
DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jillian A. Brothers
Executive Assistant
_______________________________
Richard Vaillancourt, Clerk of the Board
Documents used at meeting:
License Applications
Master Plan Committee presentation
Stormwater Maintenance Facility Easement
Sign bylaw revision
Memorandum