Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-22 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 Call To Order: Chair Laura Bates called the open meeting to order at 7:02PM in the Select Board Room at Town Hall. Select Board in Attendance: Chair Laura Bates, Janice Phillips, Clerk Dave Kres, Vice Chair 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 None. Update from Police Chief regarding cameras Chief Gray was present at the meeting to discuss ARPA funded cameras around the downtown area and Route 114. Mr. Roache asked if they are hardwired in. Chief Gray stated yes and some radio. Ms. Bates asked if they are monitored. Chief Gray stated they can be and the feed can be saved for 30 days. Ms. Bates asked if there was someone continuously monitoring. Chief Gray stated no. Mr. Roache asked how they can help solve a crime. Chief Gray stated by getting the footage to be able to give to the drivers and insurance companies to determine fault. Animal Control Officer- Warrant Article 5 Officer Brad DiCenzo was present at the meeting to explain Article 5 and updating the town’s current laws. Mr. Kres asked if owner has prior pets prior to the new laws, what will happen. Office DiCenzo stated unless there is a health concern they will be grandfathered in. Mr. Roache asked about the leash law and public trails and if does it change existing law. Officer DiCenzo stated it changes somewhat, where it states they must have a 6-foot length leash and be physically holding the leash. Request from Eversource to excavate Sutton Hill Road and Sutton Place for the purpose of replacing 1,716 feet of 6" bare steel Tabled Request from North Andover Athletic Association for permission to use Osgood Street, Stevens Street, Great Pond Road, Pleasant Street and Harkaway Road on October 12, 2024 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM for a 5K road race MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to approve the request from North Andover Athletic Association for permission to use Osgood Street, Stevens Street, Great Pond Road, Pleasant Street and Harkaway Road on October 12, 2024 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM for a 5K road race. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Request of Festival Committee to hold the following events at the Common 1) Sheep Shearing Festival on May 19, 2024 from 6:00AM to 6:00PM th 2) 4 of July celebration on July 4, 2024 from 8:30AM to 12:30PM 3) Annual tree lighting on December 1, 2024 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to approve the festival committee events at the Common as presented. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Appointment Select Board member to the Master Plan Implementation Committee MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to appoint Brian Roache to the Master Plan Implementation Committee. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. 1 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 Elect Clerk of Select Board MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to have Dave Kres serve as Clerk of the Select Board. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0 Board and committee liaison assignments Tabled. Request from North Andover Farmers Market to close First Street between CVS entrance and Main Street from 8:00AM to 3:00PM every Sunday from June 16, 2024 through October 6, 2024 Chris Allen of 5 Beacon Hill Blvd, was present at the meeting for the Farmer’s Market on Sundays. Mr. Roache asked if sales info is received. Ms. Allen stated they check in with all of the vendors and have received positive feedback. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the request from North Andover Farmers Market to close First Street between CVS entrance and Main Street from 8:00AM to 3:00PM every Sunday from June 16, 2024 through October 6, 2024. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 4-0-1. Request from NA Booster Club for approval to put up batting cage at McEvoy for spring and summer Booster Club Softball seasons MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to approve the request from the North Andover Booster club to put up batting cages at McEvoy Field from April 25, 2024 until July 1, 2024. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. ARPA request of $380,000.00 to fund revenue replacement for schools Dr. Gilligan and Dr. Mealey were present at the meeting to discuss ARPA request and to provide update on current fiscal year deficit. They presented the following information: Expenses In-District Special Education Transportation $271,856 Additional buses and monitors, Out-of-District Transportation $545,176 40% increase in from previous year, Homeless Transportation $99,810, Additional students and increased costs (Some are $500/day), Out-of-District Tuition $1,243,151, Increased tuition costs (OSD 14%) and adverse court decisions, Circuit Breaker Reimbursement $257,485 (they budgeted the same amount from the previous year), ESSER Funds $200,000 (anticipated balance of $200,000 had to be used to close out FY23), and repairs and Maintenance $245,011 Increased activity and costs. Sub-Total Expenses $2,862,489 FY24 Budget Deficit - Salaries Salaries Amount Over Budget Explanation- Daily Subs and Long Term Subs $348,742 Increased need for subs Teaching Assistants $480,000- retained Teaching Assistant positions in order to meet increased student needs and had to fill open positions with contracted services, extra Hours $394,259, staff hours associated with student and building needs and column Increases $241,788. Dr. Mealey stated they have seen a sharp rise in column increases. Other salary items were .5% Increase for Teachers $223,183, additional 0.5% increase to teachers' salary schedule, teachers Covering Extra Classes $51,674. Dr. Mealey stated teachers give up a prep to cover an open class- Total salary deficit $1,739,646. Ms. Bates stated the frustration of just learning about the deficit number at this time and the ripple effect it will have on the Town. Ms. Smedile asked about the rising cost from the State side if they were any forewarning about the rise. Dr. Mealey stated the OSD was approved a 14% increase to private schools that provide out of district placement for North Andover and that impact was known at the end of the year after the budget has passed. Dr. Mealey stated that is what the Special Education Stabilization Fund was created to account for, the unanticipated expenses, but there was more this year than previous years. Mr. Roache asked about the $700,000 for the OSD that was brought up before the school year and asking when was it brought to the attention of the School Committee. Dr. Mealey stated it was mentioned before the school year was complete last year. The State indicated they knew the impact and they established an emergency relief, but not sure of the amount. Ms. Smedile stated the State needs to do more to help out with the students need. Dr. Gilligan stated he did not 2 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 believe that the State realized the impact of families without housing. Dr. Gilligan mentioned the uptick in homelessness and students that remain in the school system, even though not living in the town. Ms. Phillips asked if North Andover gets a reimbursement of homeless busing. Dr. Mealey stated you need to have 3% of your students qualify as homeless to be approved to receive compensation. Ms. Phillips asked about the last 3 to 4 years of homeless students. Dr. Gilligan stated not homeless but in need of transportation that has to be accounted for. Dr. Gilligan stated about $500 a day per student. Ms. Phillips mentioned getting an Uber instead. Dr. Mealey stated some parents do use Uber. Ms. Phillips stated the frustration of leadership and asked what the checks and balances are. Dr. Mealey stated he feels that the lack of leadership is due to himself, and that he struggled to believe that the deficit was as bad as it ended up being and takes full responsibility. Ms. Phillips asked about what checks and balances are in place. Dr. Mealey stated a budget status report was done late October/early November and indicated the pressure points at that time and the next one was done on February 1, 2024 and saw a $1.5 million deficit as well as salary expense concerns at that time. Ms. Bates asked about the unbudgeted teacher assistants. Dr. Mealey stated he thought they were past recovery point. Mr. Roache asked what the plan was when the assistants stayed on but not budgeted for. Dr. Mealey stated they would offset the expense since they typically have $1.3 million to offset with, but everything happened all at once. Ms. Phillips asked how $1.5 million in February turned into $5 million now. Dr. Mealey stated it is $3.2 million since there are offsets that can be applied, he stated he further looked into it when Finance Director Lyne Savage stated that there was a n issue with Salary Expense. Mr. Roache asked Dr. Gilligan what actions or directions did he put in place. Dr. Gilligan stated a budget freeze but relied heavy on the offsets. Ms. Phillips asked if he found out when Ms. Savage brought it up to his attention. Dr. Mealey stated yes. Mr. Roache asked Dr. Gilligan about the budgeting process. Dr. Gilligan stated they work with Principles and School Councils to identify needs and come up with a list of items needed to be done. They will then present the Superintendents Recommended Budget to the School Committee. After that, there is a Public Hearing. Mr. Roache asked if it has been compared with prior to spending since 58 items on the list were identical for previous years. Dr. Mealey stated many lines have been the same since prior years. Mr. Roache asked what about inflation. Dr. Mealey stated there are contracts that are known for how much it will be and other contracts get a percentage of what it might be increasing. Ms. Phillips asked Dr. Gilligan who decides to report to the School Committee and how that decision is made. Dr. Gilligan stated he tried to get a hold of what the actual expense was with the salary piece and putting it all together and came up with it last week. Ms. Phillips asked when was it was reported. Dr. Mealey stated that Dr. Gilligan reported when he brought it to his attention. Ms. Phillips asked Ms. Rodrigues what will happen on the Town side. Ms. Rodrigues stated there will be a hiring freeze until July 1, spending freeze, if not an emergency, and there is a 10% budget from all departments. Mr. Roache asked if there is a way to rebuild the Finance Committee Reserve Fund. Ms. Rodrigues stated each year the Finance Committee Reserve Fund gets an appropriation of $1.5 million. Dr. Mealey mentioned the recent court case that will affect the out of the district expenses. Mr. Roache asked about the ESSR funding. Dr. Mealey stated it was used in 2023 and 2022. Ms. Phillips asked Dr. Gilligan if the bucket of money being spent was accurately being portrayed. Dr. Gilligan stated Special Education is a challenge each year and that Covid has exasperated the increase of needs. Ms. Bates stated monthly reporting process needs to be looked at and not to be in the position again. Mr. Roache asked for monthly reports and previous reports burn rates. Ms. Phillips suggested for Schools to use ClearGov. Ms. Smedile asked about rising fuel cost. Dr. Mealey stated this year was a warm warmer year. Ms. Smedile asked about transportation. Dr. Mealey stated yes, the transportation expense has been up this year. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned approve the ARPA request of $380,000 to fund revenue replacement for the schools. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. LICENSING MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Application from Konstandinos Chongris of Patrick’s North Shore LLC, located at 80 Chickering Road, for a common vicutaller license Konstandinos Chongris was present at the meeting. MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to approve the application from Konstandinos Chongris of Patrick’s North Shore LLC, located at 80 Chickering Road, for a common vicutaller license. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. 3 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 Application from Joshua Yaines of Psychic Readings of North Andover, located at 163 Turnpike Street, for a Fortune Teller License renewal Joshua Yaines was present at the meeting. MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to approve the application from Joshua Yaines of Psychic Readings of North Andover, located at 163 Turnpike Street, for a Fortune Teller License renewal. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to close a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Town Meeting warrant article recommendations- Articles 5 and 7-27 Article 21 Attorney Morris was present at the meeting and stated this will be going in front of the regional communities for an amendment. Article 22 Ms. Rodrigues suggested to withdraw Article 22 as other communities do not have it on the Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Phillips asked Attorney Morris how many students go to Greater Lawrence; how many are from North Andover and how many can be accepted. Attorney Moore is stated about 2% from North Andover, that technical schools are on the rise and it is the cost is based on enrollment. MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to withdraw Article 22. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 21. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 25 James Worden was present at the meeting. Mr. Roache asked how many barns this could this impact. Mr. Worden stated about nine. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 25. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 5 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 5. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 7 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 7. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 8 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 8. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 9 4 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 Ms. Rodrigues explained taking a bond out to appropriate funds to purchase a firetruck in 30 months. Mr. Roache asked if it affects the Rex Plex bond. Ms. Rodrigues stated no because the bond is never actually used. Ms. Bates asked about the track item and what the article is. Ms. Rodrigues stated Article 14, but the description needs to be amended and ABCC is off the table for now. Mr. Roache mention the High School fire alarm is still not working, it is continuously beeping. Ms. Rodrigues stated more work needs to be done and wiring was done incorrectly. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 9 as amended. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 10 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 10. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 11 MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 11. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 12 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 12. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 13 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 13. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Articles 14 and 15 MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Articles 14 and 15. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Articles 16 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to suspend the rules and policies of the Select Board to vote on Article 16. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 16. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 17 Report at Town Meeting. Article 18 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 18. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 19 MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 19. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. 5 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 Article 20 MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 20. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Articles 23 & 24 MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Articles 23 & 24. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 27 Tabled. Consent Items A. Accept donation in the amount of $5000.00 from North Andover Youth Baseball MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to accept the donation from North Andover Youth Baseball in the amount of $5,000.00. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Approval of Open Session Minutes of April 8, 2024 MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to approve the minutes of April 8, 2024 as presented. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. SELECT BOARD UPDATES - Ms. Smedile stated Happy Passover TOWN MANAGER UPDATES Ms. Rodrigues provided a copy of her Town Manager Report which can be found with the agenda packet. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. Roache made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Kres, to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 9:53PM. Motion approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Jillian A. Brothers Executive Assistant _______________________________ David Kres Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting: Application for request for Booster Club for Batting Cages School Department Presentation for Request for use of ARPA funds Licensing Applications Memorandum of Stevens Pond Fees 6 NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 Memorandum of Public Hearings Warrant Articles Consent Item Open Session Minutes Town Manager’s Report Summary 7