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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-08 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 Executive Session: Chair Phillips stated the Board will enter Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 30A, Sec. 21(a)(3)-to discuss strategy with respect to litigation. MOTION: Laura Bates made a motion, seconded by Brian Roache to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 30A, Sec. 21(a)(3) -to discuss strategy with respect to litigation at 6:30PM. Motion approved 5-0 by roll call vote. The Select Board moved to the Select Board Meeting Room to enter into regular session. 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 Brian Coppola of 36 Main Street discussed the lack of crosswalks on Main Street and expressed concern of vehicles not stopping to let pedestrians cross the street. Leslie Fraizer of 24 Cobblestone Circle on behalf of the Friends of Memorial Park expressed how pleased she was with the new design for the monument and commended Jeff Clark and the VFW for listening to their concerns. NEW BUSINESS FY25 Year End Budget Report Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the FY25 year end budget report. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the revenues were $133 million, which was about a 4% increase from FY24. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the revenue sources have stayed in line with about 74% coming from property taxes, about 12%from state aid, money received from chapter 70, and the unrestricted general aid. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated local receipts came in at around 12%. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they were in line spending on all of the special revenue accounts as well as for expenditures. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they spent$13 million of the capital budget on school buildings, $1.3 million on sewer enterprise, and $879,000 on roadways. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated municipal buildings were about$600,000. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the $6 million spent on other projects. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the enterprise funds were still in line with what they usually would expect. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the retained earnings decreased in water. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated their revenues were up this year by$737,000, and the sewer fund routine earning also increased. Ms. Bates asked when they anticipate they will see the report on the water and sewer rates. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated about six months. Mr. Roache asked if grant funding was accounted for in this report. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated no. Mr. Roache asked if they keep track of how much they receive in grants every year. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Ms. Bates asked if the difference between the revenues and expenses goes into free cash. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 Opioid Presentation Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues, Cheryl Barczak the director of Health Services NAPS, Allynn Grantham the assistant principal of NAHS, and Jess Fefferman the Town Is consultant were present. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have started receiving funds from the pharmaceutical companies due to the settlements and lawsuits in 2023. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they can use special revenue funds for these accounts. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated in the spring, an internal team was created to review funding requests. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated to date, eight requests have been made and six have been funded. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the projects funded. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed projected funding through 2039. Ms. Fefferman discussed her background. Ms. Fefferman stated North Andover will receive on average $100,000 annually through FY39. Ms. Fefferman stated the state has asked municipalities to determine what specific needs their towns have in order to determine how to best allocate the funding. Ms. Fefferman discussed what municipalities can and cannot do with the funding. Ms. Fefferman discussed her project approach. Ms. Fefferman stated she will be looking at existing data and has already started interviewing people. Ms. Fefferman stated surveys will begin in October. Ms. Fefferman stated the last piece is the focus groups. Ms. Fefferman discussed the high-level timeline. Ms. Fefferman discussed what they have done so far. Mr. Kres asked how they create their focus groups. Ms. Fefferman stated they have different themes for their focus groups. Ms. Grantham stated they came up with a preventive approach to help navigate some of the challenges they see within the high school. Ms. Grantham discussed the BREATHE Program, and why it was created. Ms. Grantham stated the program uses restorative practices and evidence-cased curriculum. Ms. Grantham discussed who was eligible for the program. Ms. Grantham discussed the goals of the program and stated students must earn their way out. Ms. Grantham stated they worked closely to train the three staff members, who are currently managing the program, as well as train staff on how to access the program. Ms. Grantham discussed the preliminary data from the second semester last year. Ms. Grantham stated in the second semester, there were 236 students that accessed and used the resources of the program and only 32 students went through the program more than once. Ms. Grantham discussed what situations would not be appropriate for participation in the program. Ms. Phillips asked if this is where the parking monitor comes in. Ms. Grantham stated the parking monitor was paid by the increased funding for the parking spaces, but they also work with the BREATHE team. Mr. Roache asked how many students were in the high school last year. Ms. Grantham stated a little over 1350. Mr. Roache asked if this was a surprising percentage who ended up having to go through the program. Ms. Grantham stated no. Ms. Grantham stated the program helps make the bathrooms feel more safe for students, but also helps students get the help they need. Ms. Phillips asked if there was any counterpart for this in the middle schools to curb it. Ms. Barczak stated it is more about the educational piece in health and wellness classes. Ms. Grantham stated they received state funding for vape detectors. Ms. Phillips asked if they have already started this for this school year. Ms. Grantham stated yes. Ms. Grantham stated she can share with the Board their ongoing data collections. Approval of Global War on Terror monument design Jeff Clark was present. Mr. Clark stated they have worked with the committees and have found a design everyone likes. Mr. Clark stated it matches the other monuments in the area. Mr. Clark stated it is 4 feet by 4 feet. Mr. Clark stated it is going to have four sides with the introduction stone, the conflict stone, on the back it will have the battlefield cross, and the last side will be the global war on terror. Mr. Clark stated behind the monument there will be a granite bench. Mr. Clark stated they would like to have this installed for the 25th anniversary of 9111. Mr. Clark stated they have been working with some monument designers. Mr. Roache NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 asked if the location will be the Main Street side of the park. Mr. Clark stated yes. Mr. Clark stated they have already transplanted some of the shrubs. Mr. Roache asked if the bench would be on the inside of the park. Mr. Clark stated yes. MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the design of the Global War on Terror memorial for Patriots Park. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Request of the Library to use the Town Common on September 23, 2025, October 7, 2025 and October 28, 2025 from 10:OOAM to 1:30PM for bookmobile and story time Ms. Bates asked if they plan on doing events after school. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she will ask, they are really just starting to set their entire schedule up. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the Library's request to use the Town Common on September 23, 2025, October 7, 2025 and October 28, 2025 from 10:00AM to 1:30PM for bookmobile and story time. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote to appoint Janice Phillips as representative on the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Board MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to appoint Janice Phillips as representative on the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Board. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained. Vote to sell 867 Turnpike Avenue, Unit 113/115 and seek post judgement redemption Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the Town has taken 867 Turnpike Avenue units 1131115 due to unpaid taxes. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the taxes have not been paid since 2020. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they are statutorily required to vote to sell or keep this property, but their goal is always post judgment redemption. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it is two business condos. Ms. Bates asked how long of non-payment before the Town can take it. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it is an interesting situation, they have a 93%payment rate so they do not have a lot of non-payments of taxes. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they use a law firm to do all of the takings. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated during COVID, they did not do any takings so they are now seeing a lot of that catch up. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to sell 867 Turnpike Avenue, Unit 1131115 and seek post judgement redemption. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Approve disbursement of$150,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to fund a Critical Home Repair program Ms. Burzlaff stated they entered into an agreement with Habitat for Humanity to administer the program. Ms. Burzlaff stated they received their first application. Ms. Burzlaff stated per the bylaw for the trust, they have to come to the Board in order to have money dispersed from the trust fund. Ms. Bates asked how people apply and for what kind of projects. Ms. Burzlaff stated it went out in the news and is on the Affordable Housing Trust page. Ms. Burzlaff stated it is for critical home repairs. Ms. Burzlaff stated it is income driven, and applicants have to be income qualified for it. Ms. Bates asked if there was a cap. Ms. Burzlaff stated $30,000. Mr. Kres asked who makes the determination on what a critical home repair actually is. Ms. Burzlaff stated there are guidelines, but mostly it is Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Bates asked if there was a way to fund NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 it with more money through CPC. Ms. Burzlaff stated the CPC did approve increasing the funds if needed. Ms. Burzlaff stated the hardest part is getting the word out and trust. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve disbursement of$150,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to fund a Critical Home Repair program. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote to approve 4 ex officio members to the Festival Committee Ms. Phillips stated they have had an influx of people who want to serve. Ms. Bates stated they have three more people to appoint to the Festival Committee. Ms. Phillips stated they had decreased the numbers as it was difficult to get a quorum, but this is a way to incorporate more people and still make it a functional committee. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve 4 ex-officio members to the Festival Committee. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Appointments to Boards and Committees 1. Nathan Sanders -Affordable Housing Trust 2. Dan Leary- Old Center Historic District Commission 3. Laurene Belsito- Old Center Historic District Commission (associate to full) 4. Timra Carlson - Festival Committee 5. Wendy Venti -Council on Aging (associate) Mr. Kres discussed the backgrounds of the volunteers being appointed. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to appoint Nathan Sanders to the Affordable Housing Trust through June 30, 2027. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to appoint Dan Leary to the Old Center Historic District Commission through June 30, 2027. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to appoint Laurene Belsito as a full member to the Old Center Historic District Commission through June 30, 2026. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to appoint Timra Carlson to the Festival Committee through June 30, 2026. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to appoint Wendy Venti to the Council on Aging as an associate member through June 30, 2028. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. OLD BUSINESS Vote to adopt sponsorship policy Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she spoke with the chair about who should receive the funds from the banners. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated for the Board to table this to allow her to figure out how to funnel the funds back to the teams. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the goal is not to gain money from the sponsorships, but to ensure that sponsorships are being done correctly. Mr. Roache stated the policy appears flexible and asked if the Board would only get involved if sponsorships are longer than three years. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Ms. Bates asked if they still accept the donation. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 stated yes. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they would solicit sponsors. Ms. Bates asked if current sponsors would be notified. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated once they select a date to kick off, they will have to accept all of those. TABLED. CONSENT ITEMS A. Accept Green Communities grant from the DOER in the amount of$225,000 for 120R Main Street B. Accept donation to the Library from Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lafond in the amount of$500.00 C. Accept donation in the amount of$110.00 to the Festival Committee for Fireworks D. Accept donation to the Library from the Friends of the Stevens Memorial Library in the amount of $5,500 E. Accept donation to the Library from the Board of Trustees of the Stevens Memorial Library in the amount of$1,500 MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve all consent items. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 14, 2025 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of August 14, 2025 as presented. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. SELECT BOARD UPDATES Mr. Roache mentioned the service for Bobby Albrecht at Grogan's Field. Mr. Roache mentioned the 9/11 ceremony on Thursday. Ms. Phillips mentioned that she hoped everyone had a good first four days back to school. Ms. Phillips mentioned that there are three more weeks of the Farmer's Market. Mr. Roache mentioned the Fall Festival on Sunday. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned that they reaffirmed their AAA bond rating. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the new updated Recplex website. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the annual employee appreciation lunch on October 14. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the DPW, and the great work they have done on the summer paving projects. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Ms. Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Kres to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 8:05PM. Motion approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Civitarese Executive Assistant NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 Brian Roache, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting Memorandum Appointments Presentations Letters Policies Donations Town Manager Report Minutes from 8/14/25