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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-27 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2023 Call To Order: Chair Janice Phillips called the open meeting to order at 7:03PM in the Select Board Room at Town Hall. Select Board in Attendance: Chair Laura Bates, Janice Phillips, Clerk Richard Vaillancourt, Rosemary Connelly Smedile and Brian Roache were present. Non-Board Members in Attendance: Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues, Deputy Town Manager Denise Casey and Assistant Town Manager Laurie Burzlaff were present. Public Comment Gerald Brecker of 488 Pleasant Street was present at the meeting and commented on the recent survey he had received from the Town regarding the Commission on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. Mr. Brecker had several questions regarding what the commission will be recommending for the Town. Mr. Brecker felt the survey was intrusive and inappropriate. Mr. Brecker asked when the public will be made aware of what this commission is all about. Update from the Senior Center Kathy Shelp was present at the meeting to give an update on the new Senior Center. Ms. Shelp mentioned that the North Andover Senior Center has received the national accreditation to the Council on Aging which only 2% in the country receive. Ms. Shelp mentioned the newly added programs and classes: - New exercise programs - Writing classes - Oil painting classes - Lectures are now 25-50 people -Van driver full time and now trips have been increased - New international trip has been scheduled for October 2024 - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday lunch Ms. Smedile asked about the concern with getting residents to the new center. Ms. Shelp stated she is not aware of anyone having an issue getting to the new center. Mr. Vaillancourt asked about the most popular activities. Ms. Shelp stated lectures are the most popular as well as the movies and lunches. Ms. Bates asked about the Thanksgiving Day at Stevens Estate. Ms. Shelp stated 180 people in attendance and Police and Fire helped out with the home deliveries. FY24 1st quarter financials st Ms. Rodrigues gave a presentation of the FY24 1 Quarter financials. General Fund Revenue: •All budget amounts are based on the 2023 Annual Town Meeting. •Property Tax Revenue: collections are at 25.9% year to date which is right in line with this same period last year which was 23.9%. •Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes: collections through the first third month are running at 10.76% which is up from this same time last year which was 9.86%. The majority of Motor Vehicle Excise taxes are billed in the month of February with the collection occurring in the months of March and April. •Meals Tax: collections for the first quarter are $188,525 which is up by ($7,238) from this same time last year. •Ambulance Services: collections are at 29.9% which is in line with last year's collections. •Inspections Fees (Bldg. /Plum. /Elec.): collections are at 31.35% which is up 5.9% from last year. •Interest Income: collections have already exceeded budget by $2,873. This is due to the increased investments that are handled by our Treasurer Collector. 1 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2023 •When Motor Vehicle Excise Tax is factored out of Local Receipts revenues are tracking at 34.34% of budget which is up 5% over last year. •Although some revenues are still not reflecting any collections at this time in the fiscal year, this is normal; some revenues are collected at specific times within the fiscal year and are not typically collected monthly. At this point in the fiscal year all revenues are tracking on target to meet budget. Expenses: All departmental budgets excluding encumbrances are running at approximately 29.28% of budget at this point in the fiscal year which is right on track. At this time there are no areas of concern. As more information becomes available, I will update you as needed. Enterprise Funds: Water/Sewer: •Water revenues collections are at 23.77% of budget with expenditures excluding encumbrances and transfers to capital are running at 21.31% of budget. Sewer revenues collected are at 23.84% of budget with expenditures excluding encumbrance and transfers to capital are running at 35.25% of budget. Based on normal operations this is not unusual for this time in the fiscal year. Ms. Smedile asked about building permits. Ms. Rodrigues stated building permits are up 6% to last year. Mr. Roache asked if historically a line item varies from budget does it tend to compound or vary from quarter to quarter. Ms. Rodrigues replied st that it varies. Mr. Roache asked about the expense portion if it is front loaded in the 1 quarter. Ms. Rodrigues stated yes there are some bills that if prepaid there is a savings. Presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units Staff Planner Zach Melcher was present at the meeting and gave a presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units. In summary: - Maintains a separate entrance from primary dwelling - 900 sq feet or ½ the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is smaller - Allow by-right development in single-family zoning districts (no special permit required) - No bylaw shall unreasonably restrict the use of land or structures for an ADU (ADU could be attached or detached) - No restrictions on owner occupancy (both primary and accessory unit can be rented; can prohibit short-term rentals) - An ADU may be subject to reasonable regulations, including but not limited to: Title 5 requirements, site plan review, regulations concerning dimensional setbacks and the bulk and height of structures - One parking space required per ADU - No parking requirements if ADU is located within 0.5 miles of public transit Ms. Smedile asked about the basement dwelling and if you need to have direct access to the main dwelling unit. Mr. Melcher mentioned that you need to have a separate entrance. Ms. Bates stated the creating a bylaw for North Andover does not have to wait for the State, it can be done at any time. Mr. Melcher stated yes. Mr. Roache asked what is the short-term rental definition. Ms. Bates asked if North Andover can define the short-term rentals in the bylaw. Ms. Rodrigues mentioned that many towns have created Airbnb bylaws and rules that in North Andover would be enforced by the Building Department. Mr. Roache asked about the property taxes. Mr. Melcher stated there were questions if/how the assessed value would change if they included additional structure on their property. Ms. Phillips asked if there are any surrounding communities that have ADU already in place. Mr. Melcher stated he did not have a list of communities. Discussion and possible vote regarding expansion of Emergency Flood Relief Program to allow for reimbursements for items other than appliances Ms. Burzlaff explained the Emergency Flood Program stating that to date there have been expenditures of $83,668 from the fund balance. Ms. Burzlaff asked the Select Board if they wanted to open the program up to include personal belongings, th sheetrock and floor coverings as well as keeping the eligibility date to those that have applied by the August 18 deadline. Ms. Smedile asked about offering it toward the resident’s deductible on their homeowners’ policy. Ms. Burzlaff mentioned that homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage so there is no deductible. Ms. Bates asked if there are residents th that applied after August 18. Ms. Burzlaff stated yes there are about 50 that applied before the form was shut off. Ms. 2 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2023 Phillips suggested to expand the items that can be submitted and revisit this again at a later date. Ms. Bates suggested to talk about it again at the next meeting. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the expansion of the Emergency Flood Relief Program to include flooring, walls and electrical service as qualifying expenses for reimbursement. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Ms. Rodrigues mentioned that 20 businesses have applied for a total of $77,307 and there are still funds available in the amount of $173,000. Ms. Bates asked how many businesses are not up and running. Ms. Rodrigues stated about 8 businesses are not 100% up and running mostly from High, Water, Charles and Sutton Streets. Request of Rabbi Asher Bronstein of Chabad of Merrimack Valley to place a menorah at the Town Common from December 6, 2023 through December 16, 2023 and a lighting ceremony on December 14, 2023 at 5:00PM MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve the request of Rabbi Asher Bronstein of Chabad of Merrimack Valley to place a menorah at the Town Common from December 6, 2023 through December 16, 2023 and for a lighting ceremony on December 14, 2023 at 5:00PM. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Request of Tina Klein of the Black History Month Banner Planning Committee to display banners for Black History Month on the light poles at the Town Common Tabled Request of Friends of Memorial Park to install a sign at Patriots Memorial Park Leslie Frazier, Phila Slade and Norma Lochmann were present at the meeting to request a 16 x 22 sign to be put on a granite post at the corner of Main & Middlesex in front of the mock orange trees. The idea of the sign is to state the history of the park and its significance and purpose using a QR code so that brochures do not have to be constantly updated and reproduced. Ms. Phillips asked where the funding would come from. Ms. Frazier stated the Cultural Council in Town has been asked for a grant. Mr. Roache asked if there are any restrictions since the park is on the historical registration list. Ms. Frazier stated she is unaware of any restrictions. MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the request of Friends of Memorial Park to install a sign at Patriots Memorial Park. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Approve ARPA request in the amount of $315,000 for a sewer connection along Rea Street Jim Stanford was present at the meeting to request money through ARPA funds for $315,000 for a sewer connection along Rea Street. Mr. Vaillancourt asked if there any connection done from the houses. Mr. Stanford stated there was no connection at the time when the houses were built. Ms. Bates asked what will happen when they convert to town sewer. Mr. Stanford mentioned there is a process that will be followed. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the ARPA request in the amount of $315,000 for a sewer connection along Rea Street. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. LICENSING MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Application from Richard Aversa of D&R Café, Inc. d/b/a Diane’s Café on the Common for a common victualler license at 800 Massachusetts Avenue Richard Aversa was present at the meeting requesting a common victualler license. Mr. Vaillancourt asked what the normal business hours will be. Mr. Aversa stated 7AM-3PM about 5 days a week though not sure which days they will be open. 3 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2023 MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve the application from Richard Aversa of D&R Café, Inc. d/b/a Diane’s Café on the Common for a common victualler license at 800 Massachusetts Avenue. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to close a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Consent Items A. Accept grant to Elder Services in the amount of $13,326.00 for bridging the digital divide B. Accept grant to Public Works in the amount of $14,300 from MADEP C. Accept donation in the amount of $100 to the library from Richard and Marcy Rosenthal D. Accept donation in the amount of $500 to the Police Department in memory of Henry Fink II E. Accept donation in the amount of $500 to the Fire Department in memory of Henry Fink II F. Accept donation in the amount of $1000 to Veterans Services from Fidelity Charitable G. Accept donation in the amount of $20,305.65 from Joseph N. Hermann Youth Center, Inc. to the Youth Center MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to accept all consent items. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Approval of Open Session Minutes of November 8, 2023 MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of November 8, 2023. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. SELECT BOARD UPDATES - Mr. Roache mentioned the meeting for the website on 12/5 - Ms. Phillips thanked the Festival Committee for the Thanksgiving festivities - Mr. Vaillancourt mentioned 400 Great Pond Rd will be coming with a proposal soon - Ms. Phillips mentioned North Andover Merchants will have a Gingerbread Walk at the Masonic Lodge on 12/2 and 12/3 TOWN MANAGER UPDATES - Ms. Rodrigues thanked the Town Staff and Police for all of their help over the past few weeks - Breakfast with Santa will be held at the new Senior Center on 12/17 ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. Roache made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Smedile to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 8:32PM. Motion approved 5-0. 4 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2023 Respectfully submitted, Jillian A. Brothers Executive Assistant _______________________________ Richard M. Vaillancourt, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting: st FY24 1 Quarter Financials Presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units Emergency Flood Relief program spreadsheet Memorandum Licensing application Consent Items Minutes 5