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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-14 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2025 Call To Order: Chair Janice Phillips called the open meeting to order at 7:OOPM in the Select Board Room located at 120 Main Street North Andover. Select Board in Attendance: Chair Janice Phillips, Rosemary Smedile, Laura Bates, Clerk Brian Roache and David Kres were present Non-Board Members in Attendance: Town Manager Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues and Assistant Town Manager Laurie Burzlaff were present. PUBLIC COMMENT None. LICENSING MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING -Application from Karen M. Jeffrey-Bramwell of Fairways on High LLC for an all alcoholic beverages restaurant liquor license and an entertainment license at 15 High Street Karen Jeffrey-Bramwell was present. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they are an indoor golf simulator company offering food and adult beverages. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they have about a 6,000 square foot facility. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they have been working on this since April and are here looking for a liquor license. Mr. Kres asked if this was a new business. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated yes. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell discussed her background and what her goal is for opening this business. Mr. Kres asked if the certificate of occupancy was still pending. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated yes. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they had a delay with the fire alarm, but that was issued and approved today. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they were looking for the approval of a liquor license prior to the fire alarm work as there are many things that come after that they need to do before opening. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they would not be ordering or serving any until they had the liquor license in hand. Mr. Kres asked if an application approval would be contingent on a certificate of occupancy. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes, and they did receive an opinion from Town Counsel. MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to open the public hearing for the application from Karen M. Jeffrey-Bramwell of Fairways on High LLC for an all alcoholic beverages restaurant liquor license and an entertainment license at 15 High Street. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Mr. Roache asked what the hours were. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated Sunday through Saturday from 7:OOam to 11:OOpm. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated the last booking for golf would be at I0:OOpm. Mr. Roache asked if there were seven simulators. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated yes. Mr. Roache asked if it had 52 seats and 87 occupancy. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated yes; 54 seats in total. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated the occupancy was generated by the architectural company. Mr. Roache asked in regard to the bar, people could come in for a drink even if they are not renting. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated yes. Mr. Roache asked where in the building is it. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they are between Stachey's and Good Day Cafe. Ms. Smedile asked if they had the equipment for checking licenses. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated yes, they are in the process of purchasing one. Ms. Phillips asked if there was a minimum age requirement. Ms. Jeffrey-Bramwell stated they have to be accompanied by an adult if they are 18 or younger, but they have in their disclaimer that they can use their discretion. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2025 Terry Holland of 133 Greene Street expressed his excitement for the business and stated that it will add a lot to the downtown and draw more people to the town. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to close the public hearing for the application from Karen M. Jeffrey-Bramwell of Fairways on High LLC for an all alcoholic beverages restaurant liquor license and an entertainment license at 15 High Street. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote on application from Karen M. Jeffrey-Bramwell of Fairways on High LLC for an all alcoholic beverages restaurant liquor license and an entertainment license at 15 High Street MOTION: Ms.Bates motioned to approve the application from Karen M. Jeffrey-Bramwell of Fairways on High LLC for an all alcoholic beverages restaurant liquor license and an entertainment license at 15 High Street, provided that the license shall be held by the Select Board until such time as the applicant has legal access and occupancy for the licensed premises from the Building and Fire Departments. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING -Application from the Wine Connextion, Inc., located at 117 Main Street for a Change of Manager Officers/Directors/LLC Manages. Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder Pledge of Inventory and Pledge of Collateral MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to open the public hearing for the application from the Wine Connextion, Inc., located at 117 Main Street for a Change of Manager Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder, Pledge of Inventory and Pledge of Collateral. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Dave Khambhati and Krupal Soni were present. Mr. Khambhati stated they will be purchasing the stock from the current ownership. Mr. Khambhati stated the operation will remain the same, the only change will be the hours of operations and possible future permitting. Mr. Kres asked what the change of hours would be. Mr. Khambhati stated 9:OOAM to 10:OOPM. Mr. Kres asked what it was currently. Mr. Khambhati stated it is 9:OOAM to 8:OOPM. Mr. Kres asked if it was seven days a week. Mr. Khambhati stated no, due to state law they will have to close at 8:OOPM on Sundays. Mr. Roache asked if they were license holders elsewhere. Mr. Khambhati stated yes. Mr. Roache asked for how many years. Mr. Khambhati stated 3 years. Mr. Roache asked if they were similar type locations. Mr. Khambhati stated yes. Mr. Roache asked if they plan on changing the name. Mr. Khambhati stated no. Ms. Smedile asked if they carry the machine to check IDs. Mr. Khambhati stated this past April a law was passed that protects them against out-of-state IDs, but they are unable to proceed with a transaction without scanning an ID. Mr. Khambhati stated they require a secondary ID for under 25 years of age with out-of-state IDs. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to close the public hearing for the application from the Wine Connextion, Inc., located at 117 Main Street for a Change of Manager Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder, Pledge of Inventory and Pledge of Collateral. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2025 Vote on application from the Wine Connextion, Inc., located at 117 Main Street for a Chanae of Manager Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder, Pledge of Inventory and Pledge of Collateral MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the application from the Wine Connextion, Inc., located at 117 Main Street for a Change of Manager Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder, Pledge of Inventory and Pledge of Collateral. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to close the meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. NEW BUSINESS Review sponsorship policy Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have received some requests from different committees regarding sponsors for events. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have seen banners on sponsoring coming up at some of the different fields and parks. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated if they are doing these sponsorships, they want to ensure they are following the law. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the overview of the policy. Mr. Roache asked if they will be voting on this at a future meeting. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Ms. Bates asked if there are sponsorship levels. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated no, they are leaving it as any sponsorship must go before the Select Board. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they would have this kick off either January 1 or at the end of the next spring season. Mr. Roache asked if this would impact any school property. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated no, they have their own sponsorship policy. Mr. Roache asked if this allows them to sell naming rights. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the naming rights policy. Ms. Bates asked if there are any concerns about what would actually be put up. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she did try to address that in the policy regarding how it will not be a public forum. Mr. Roache asked if this public forum language has been tested elsewhere. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated there are two policies in existence right now. Ms. Bates asked about size and shape. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated right now, these all fall under temporary signs. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they can make a determination regarding size and shape restrictions. Vote to reaffirm Select Board Policies Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated there are no changes to any of the policies. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to reaffirm the Select Board policies as presented. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Review of bus shelter locations Andrew Shapiro and Noah Berger were present. Mr. Berger discussed the background of the flag stop system. Mr. Berger stated they have a plan to add stops, and parallel to that, they were able to receive funding to install bus shelters. Mr. Berger stated they received an initial round of funding a few years ago that allowed them to install bus shelters. Mr. Berger stated the second round of funding was opened up to all 16 communities. Mr. Berger stated North Andover came in for two however, their legislative delegation was able to secure an additional earmark for two more bus shelters. Mr. Berger stated North Andover will be receiving four bus shelters. Mr. Berger stated North Andover is 120% above their pre-pandemic levels. Mr. Berger stated they would like to discuss today where they can locate those four shelters. Mr. Berger discussed the design of the bus shelters. Mr. Roache asked if the wind and elements could get through. Mr. Berger stated NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2025 yes. Mr. Berger discussed the five bus routes that go through North Andover. Mr. Shapiro discussed the potential locations for the bus shelters. Mr. Berger stated they should be able to execute soon and hopes to have them up within a year. Mr. Shapiro stated they have the earmarked funding from the state and have put in an order for two bus shelters. Mr. Shapiro stated the first potential location is Sutton at High/Chadwick. Mr. Shapiro stated the second potential location is at the North Andover Middle School. Mr. Shapiro stated the third potential location is Peters Street along Route 3. Mr. Shapiro stated the fourth potential location is the Stevens Memorial Library. Ms. Bates asked if they will wait until the MassDOT project on Peters Street is completed. Mr. Shapiro stated he will need to take a closer look at that project. Ms. Bates stated it would be the pole, close to where they would like the bus shelter placed, is being moved. Ms. Phillips asked if it was possible to move a bus shelter to another location if they decide they do not like where they placed it. Mr. Berger stated they can be moved, but it is not ideal. Mr. Shapiro stated they will have to work something out to facilitate the laying of the concrete pads for the shelters. Mr. Roache asked if data was driving this decision. Mr. Berger stated specific stop level data is limited due to the flag stop system and no set bus stops. Mr. Roache asked if it would make sense to survey riders. Mr. Berger stated they have a contract with a consulting firm that is looking at all stops and have identified three different levels of stops. Mr. Shapiro stated they will see more than just bus shelters in the future based on these different levels. Mr. Roache asked if the colors were negotiable. Mr. Berger stated those are the preferred colors as the goal is to have people recognize it as a MEVA shelter. Mr. Shapiro stated they ordered a ten foot shelter. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the locations of the bus shelters as presented. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Cochichewick Brook Floodplain Management Study Maria George and Ryan Paul from Apex Companies were present. Ms. George discussed the background of Cochicewick Brook. Ms. George discussed the flood that occurred in August of 2023 and why Apex was asked to study the system. Ms. George stated there are a number of built infrastructure in this stream. Ms. George stated they went to all of the structures throughout the system and took measurements as well as confirmed what was built. Ms. George stated they installed data loggers in strategic areas throughout the brook in order to measure water levels. Ms. George discussed how they use this information to improve their model. Ms. George stated they looked at a few different size storms and discussed which storms they looked at. Ms. George stated they developed two models. Ms. George discussed the rainfall runoff model. Ms. George stated they looked at where flooding was occurring and during what size storm. Ms. George discussed the results. Ms. George stated these results are an overview of what the current system has in terms of flooding. Ms. George stated the dams can be used to the Town's advantage by opening or closing them at strategic times. Ms. George stated they looked at operating three dams and discussed how they would do that. Ms. George discussed present day 50-year flooding extents if they were to operate three dams. Ms. George stated opening these dams prior to a storm will give the Town storage capacity in the ponds to receive storm flows. Ms. George stated due to elevation opening Sutton Pond Dam only benefits the immediate areas. Mr. Paul discussed other recommendations that the Town can do today. Mr. Paul stated they can look at ways to add more flood plains to their system. Mr. Paul discussed watershed improvements overall. Mr. Paul discussed funding for these potential future projects. Mr. Paul discussed the public outreach they have done. Ms. Smedile asked if there had been consideration regarding the state not allowing water being drained from the hatch into the Merrimack River. Mr. Stanford stated they are permitted to open the hatch. Mr. Stanford discussed what the DPW has control over and what they have done in the past regarding dam operations. Mr. Roache asked clarifying questions regarding opening and closing certain dams and how that would affect flooding. Ms. George discussed the flow of water and the storage capacity when storms occurred. Mr. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2025 Roache asked if they opened all of the dams and let them flow naturally, would it be worse. Mr. Paul stated yes. Mr. Paul stated the next step is to try these models in the field. Mr. Stanford stated outside of the pond, the Town does not own access to any of the other dams, they are private property. Mr. Stanford stated they will have to speak with stakeholders. Mr. Roache asked if towns set up license agreements with property owners to do this sort of thing in advance. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated most of these groups are bigger who are actively at the table with them regarding this. Mr. Shapiro discussed the current situation with the dams. Mr. Roache asked if they do not know when a storm is coming, is it more advisable to pre-plan and close some of the dams. Mr. Paul stated it would be nice if they could do that however, they have environmental push back. Mr. Roache asked regarding watershed improvements, if there were programs, grants, or incentives they were aware of to help encourage private property owners to reduce some of this. Mr. Paul stated when dealing with this, a lot of communities in urban landscapes try to do agreements with private property owners. Mr. Paul stated he has not seen much funding on the private side except for the regulations themselves. Mr. Roache asked if there is a recommended amount of acreage or if every bit helps. Mr. Paul stated every bit helps. Ms. Bates asked if they reviewed whether the dams needed improvements. Mr. Paul stated no, they did not do a structural analysis. Mr. Roache asked if dredging was an option to create capacity. Mr. Paul stated possibly. Vote to waive right of first refusal for 43 Cochichewick Drive, Unit 14 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to waive the right of first refusal for the property located at 43 Cochickewick Drive, Unit 14. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Request from Police Chief to surplus 3 vehicles MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to approve the request from the Police Chief to surplus 3 vehicles to be sold at auction. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Request from the Festival Committee to use the Town Common and stage on September 7, 2025 from 1:OOPM to 8:OOPM for a Shakespeare in the Park event; from December 14-21, 2025 for the menorah lighting, and December 21, 2025 for a Community Celebration MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the request from the Festival Committee to use the Town Common and stage on September 7, 2025 from 1:OOPM to 8:OOPM for a Shakespeare in the Park event;from December 14-21, 2025 for the menorah lighting, and December 21, 2025 for a Community Celebration. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained. Confirm Town Manager's appointment of Kate Kelly from associate to full member of the Planning. Board Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed Ms. Kelly's background. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated Ms. Kelly has been a great addition to the committee. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Kate Kelly from associate to full member of the Planning Board. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. OLD BUSINESS Stop sign assessment for Greene Street Ms. Bates and Ms. Smedile recused themselves. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2025 Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have completed the initial inventory and assessment of Greene Street between Main Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the study does call for them to redo the traffic count after school goes back. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they did review some traffic counts from 2021. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the study did call for stop signs and provided some recommendations. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated once school goes back, they will perform the 48-hour automatic traffic recorder. Mr. Roache asked what rights they have regarding the pruning of 171 Greene Street. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated if it is overgrown into the public right of way, the Town could trim it, but they will coordinate with the resident. Mr. Roache asked in regard to the recommendation of the additional plaque signs, do they need to vote on whether those get installed. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated no. Mr. Roache asked if they have any liability in the event they do not act on a recommendation like this. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated once they have documentation like this, and an accident did occur, they could have increased issues. Mr. Roache asked if the plan would be to paint lines and crosswalks. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they would paint the stop lines, but they will have to evaluate for crosswalks. Mr. Roache asked if the traffic study included bikes and pedestrians. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it was all rolling. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to authorize installation of a stop sign where West Bradstreet Road, Bradstreet Road, West Woodbridge Road, and Woodbridge Road intersect Greene Street as recommended. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 3-2 recused. Ms. Bates and Ms. Smedile returned. CONSENT ITEMS A. Accept donation to the Fire Department in the amount of$100.00 from Diane Scully B. Accept donation to the Fire Department in the amount of$250.00 from Keith and Nancy Mitchell C. Accept grant in the amount of$60,000 from Massachusetts Broadband Institute for the purchase of Chromebooks for NAPS MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve all consent items. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES OF JULY 14, 2025 MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of July 14, 2025 as presented. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. SELECT BOARD UPDATES Mr. Roache mentioned the ceremony dedication for the naming the but on Grogan's Field after Bobby Albrecht. Mr. Kres mentioned the work being done at the High School. Ms. Bates mentioned the work being done on Main Street. Mr. Roache welcomed all of the students back to school. Ms. Phillips mentioned the Farmer's Market. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned they have locked in the electricity rate from October 2025 to October 2028. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the rate will be 0.138 and National Grid's summer rate is 0.154. Ms. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 14, 2025 Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the work being done on Main Street and the overnight work being done on the 18th, 19th, and 20th. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned that Chickering Road overpass to the High School will be closed on the 15th and 16th for repairs. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned that the Middle School is finished and under budget by$185,000. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned Ms. Burzlaff obtained a grant for the heat pump at the Old Senior Center. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned that Ms. Casey received a $30,000 in MIIA flex grant awards for training and equipment. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues thanked the Police Department for a great National Night Out. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned some employee recognitions. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the update on the opioid settlement fund. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. Roache made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Kres to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 8:45PM. Motion approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Civitarese Executive Assistant Brian Roache, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting Memorandums Applications Presentations Letters Policies Study Donations Town Manager Report Minutes from 7/14/25