HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-23 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
Call to Order: Chair Brian Roache called the open and joint meeting of the Select Board and the North
Andover Housing Authority to order at 6:32PM in the Select Board Room located at 120 Main Street North
Andover.
Select Board in Attendance: Chair Brian Roache, Janice Phillips, Laura Bates, Clerk Rosemary Smedile
and David Kres were present.
North Andover Housing Authority in Attendance: Chair Tracy Watson, Stephen Long, Edward Capodilupo
and Marsha Finkelstein were present
Non-Board Members in Attendance: Deputy Town Manager Denise Casey and Assistant Town Manager
Laurie Burzlaff were present.
JOINT MEETING between Select Board and the North Andover Housing Authority
Interviews for open position on Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
A. Adam Bagni
Adam Bagni gave a brief introduction and background of himself to the Select Board and North Andover
Housing Authority.
Ms. Phillips asked what characteristics will be brought to the Commission. Mr. Adam Bagni answered the
perspective of someone in the community who is interested in what will benefit the community. Mr. Bagni
stated his experience leading people and navigating people going through conflict. Mr. Bagni stated he will
learn to start, but his goal is to be a good teammate and representative of the town. Chair Tracy Watson
asked what past professional or personal experience, or volunteer experience will benefit the Housing
Authority. Mr. Bagni stated he advises executives in his current role in difficult times or crises. Mr. Bagni stated
he helps navigate conversation and asks the right questions. Mr. Bagni stated he is willing to contribute in
times of success and in times of distress. Ms. Bates asked have you served on other volunteer committees,
and what conflict resolution strategies do you have. Mr. Bagni stated he served on a baseball board and
community preservation board. Mr. Bagni stated he was a director of community relations where he engaged
with a wide variety of stakeholders. Mr. Bagni stated conflict resolution starts with being transparent, open
minded, and thoughtful. Mr. Long asked if appointed will you be willing and able to make monthly meetings.
Mr. Bagni stated he is willing and able to be present at monthly meetings. Ms. Smedile asked with your skills
and training how would you offer help to a resident who may be losing housing. Mr. Bagni stated it starts with
more education. Mr. Bagni stated the importance of understanding what can and cannot be offered. Mr. Bagni
stated to ask for help on how to assist a resident. Mr. Bagni stated he will do whatever he can to help a
resident and go beyond responsibilities. Ms. Finkelstein asked what motivates you to become a Housing
Authority Commissioner and what do you hope to contribute to affordable housing in this community. Mr.
Bagni stated he is motivated to advocate for those who struggle to afford housing. Mr. Bagni stated he is
passionate about providing safe housing. Mr. Kres stated all major questions have been asked. Mr. Kres did
not ask a question. Mr. Capodilupo did not ask a question. Mr. Bagni thanked the Select Board and North
Andover Housing Authority for their time and consideration.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
B. Al Manzi
Al Manzi gave a brief introduction of himself and background to the Select Board and North Andover Housing
Authority.
Ms. Phillips asked what characteristics will be brought to the Commission. Mr. Manzi stated his education,
experience, and past community service to the Select Board. Mr. Manzi stated his experience in zoning, law,
construction, and real estate. Mr. Manzi stated to learn more about this Commission; not something he has
been involved in previously. Chair Tracy Watson asked what past professional or personal experience, or
volunteer experience will benefit the Housing Authority. Mr. Manzi stated he has been practicing law for 20
years; concentration in real estate law. Mr. Manzi stated he was a part of the Zoning Board and Cable
Advisory Committee. Mr. Manzi stated he believes in community service and likes to give back. Mr. Manzi
stated whatever the need is he would like to think he can help fill the void. Ms. Bates asked have you served
on other volunteer committees, and what conflict resolution strategies do you have. Mr. Manzi stated he was a
part of the Zoning Board and Cable Advisory Committee for the town. Mr. Manzi stated there were many
committees as he liked to serve. Mr. Manzi stated not sure what strategy would be and hoping there will not
be any conflicts. Mr. Long asked if appointed will you be willing and able to make monthly meetings. Mr.
Manzi stated yes, he would make every effort to attend every meeting. Mr. Manzi stated he has more time to
give back compared to previous years. Ms. Smedile asked with your skills and training how would you offer
help to a resident who may be losing housing. Mr. Manzi stated his understanding of the process is that there
is a process and a waitlist. Mr. Manzi stated he tries to guide individuals as best he can. Ms. Finkelstein asked
what motivates you to become a Housing Authority Commissioner and what do you hope to contribute to
affordable housing in this community. Mr. Manzi stated he was motivated by the unique opportunity to
volunteer in an area he has never worked in before. Mr. Kres did not ask a question. Mr. Capodilupo did not
ask a question. Mr. Manzi thanked the Select Board and North Andover Housing Authority for their time and
consideration.
Vote on appointment to Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
Select Board and North Andover Housing Authority discuss the importance of the open position and the role
the Commission plays within the community.
MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to appoint Adam Bagni to serve on the Housing Authority Board of
Commissioners until Town Election on March 25, 2025. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 6-3.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Mr. Kres made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Phillips to adjourn the joint Select Board and North
Andover Housing Authority meeting at 7:07PM. Motion approved 9-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicole Civitarese
Executive Assistant
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk of the Board
Documents used at meetina:
Appointment letters of interest