HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-16 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES September 16, 2024
Call To Order: Chair Brian Roache called the open meeting to order at 5:05PM in the tent at the Stevens Estate located at
723 Osgood Street,North Andover.
Select Board in Attendance: Chair Brian Roache,Janice Phillips,Laura Bates,Clerk Rosemary Smedile and David Kres
were present.
Non-Board Members in Attendance: Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues,Deputy Town Manager Denise Casey and
Assistant Town Manager Laurie Burzlaff
Discuss FY26 Goals
Town Manager Rodrigues reviewed the FY25 goals. Two goals will be carried forward to FY26 and the rest have been
completed.Ms. Rodrigues stated that KP Law will be attending a Planning Board meeting to review the Accessory Dwelling
Unit Bylaw. The Town has gone out to bid for the design of the demolition of 400 Great Pond Road. Ms. Rodrigues
explained that there are no big developments coming up so we will have smaller new growth this year.
The FY26 goals were discussed.
Continue work on downtown improvement-the Town will apply for a grant for zoning.
Plan for Recreation Complex-asking engineer to provide two alternate plans. One with phasing and one with changes. The
Board stressed the need for public to be involved.
Work with school committee to prioritize school security-A security audit was done and the Board should discuss with
School Committee in executive session to understand needs.
Increase signage and crosswalk signals around school entrances;improved safety and visibility at intersections and
crosswalks,especially near schools but also in neighborhoods that could benefit from improved signage; invest in solar
powered speed signs;traffic/speed enforcement measures-The town will do an inventory of what we have and provide
recommendations for implementation of a plan.
Establish a fields maintenance/management plan/fields committee-The Board will need to create a mission statement and list
of members. There is a maintenance plan in the Fields Master Plan that will be implemented.
Curbside composting- sustainability committee working on a survey to see if this is something residents would want.
Implement pavement management plan and increase funding by 25%for paving-Ms. Rodrigues stated that our free cash
number will not be great this year as we didn't give as much back at the end of the year but will look to increase budget.
Riverfront Zoning Overlay to allow for by-right commercial development along the Merrimack River-Brian Roache
explained that this area was not included in the downtown redevelopment plan and the town should start looking at property
for opportunity to bring businesses to waterfront. The Board discussed the importance of retaining all the low income units in
that areas.
Review Committee bylaw and Select Board policies-The board should form a subcommittee to begin review of committee
bylaw and make recommendations regarding committee structures and committee overlap.
Explore possibility of Municipal Power-The Town Manager will research how other communities have done this.
Explore how to form official relationship between Town and Farmers Market-the Board should establish a formal committee
and look at a possible partnership with Merrimack College.
Budget should be respectful of taxpayers during these tough economic times and should reflect reduced costs whenever
possible.
Better understanding of cost analysis of all new hires to include benefits and retirement.
Make certain capital plans include budgeted maintenance plan.
Review Select Board policy regarding Public Comment
Ms.Rodrigues explained that we cannot force someone to give their name and address but the Chair has full discretion over
the length of public comment.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION.Mr. Kres made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Smedile to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 6:50PM. Motion
approved 5-0.
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