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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-06 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2025 Call To Order: Chair Janice Phillips called the open meeting to order at 7:05PM 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, Assistant Town Manager Laurie Burzlaff and Assistant Town Manager Andrew Shapiro were present. PUBLIC COMMENT None. LICENSING MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Request from PB Andover, LLC d/b/a Playa Bowls for a common victualler license at 137 Turnpike Street Hung Lam, a managing partner of Playa Bowls, was present. Mr. Lam stated they are looking to confirm the common victualler license regarding seating. Mr. Kres asked what type of restaurant it was. Mr. Lam stated it is acai bowls, smoothies,juices, and oatmeal. Mr. Kres asked if they were on the left side of the Eaglewoods Plaza. Mr. Lam stated yes, they are in the old Subway. Mr. Lam stated their hours are 8:OOam to I0:OOpm. Mr. Kres asked if they would be open six days a week. Mr. Lam stated seven days a week. Mr. Roache asked how many locations they had. Mr. Lam stated in the Boston area, they have thirteen, and about 300 throughout the country. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the application from PB Andover, LLC d/b/a Playa Bowls for a common victualler license at 137 Turnpike Street. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Ms. Smedile motioned to close the meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. NEW BUSINESS Presentation of Historic Preservation Master Plan Zach Melcher, staff planner and Peter Benton, principal with Heritage Strategies, were present. Mr. Benton stated they were pertained by the town to prepare a historic preservation plan following up on an item in the comprehensive master plan from 2018. Mr. Benton stated they engaged with many stakeholders related to historic preservation throughout the project. Mr. Benton stated they completed the plan in the spring time, and it was reviewed over the summer by the Planning Board. Mr. Benton stated they have completed the changes that were requested, and it is now in its final version. Mr. Benton discussed the table of contents and provided an overview of each chapter. Mr. Benton stated the point is to try and frame historic preservation within the goals of the town and the change they are anticipating. Mr. Benton stated they have suggested that partners come together to create communitywide interpretive presentation. Mr. Benton discussed what they suggest for an interpretive presentation. Mr. Brenton discussed the goals of the Historic Preservation Plan. Mr. Benton discussed the role of the Historical Commission. Mr. Benton stated they want NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2025 to support the work of the Old Center Historic District Commission and provide them with the guidance regarding flexibility and preserving historic character while accommodating change. Mr. Benton discussed the plans outlined for preservation approaches. Mr. Benton discussed the potential projects to be considered by the Historical Commission. Ms. Bates asked if the design guidelines were creating a more user friendly document based on the bylaws. Mr. Benton stated yes. Mr. Roache asked if it was common to have that many different commissions involved. Mr. Benton stated each of them plays a different role. Mr. Roache asked how do you see in other communities that blend with the community's goal of revitalization. Mr. Benton stated they are trying to take a flexible approach but demonstrate the value of good decision making. Mr. Benton stated their goal would be to incorporate preservation goals and methodologies into the planning process not bylaws and restrictions. Update on ARPA Andrew Shapiro was present. Mr. Shapiro provided a refresher on ARPA and what it is. Mr. Shapiro discussed North Andover's ARPA allocation. Mr. Shapiro stated at the town level, they created an internal review board to look at potential projects and proposed ideas by different department heads and then made recommendations to the Board. Mr. Shapiro stated as of the beginning of last month, all of the original funding has been dedicated to a project. Mr. Shapiro discussed the breakdown of the funding by category. Mr. Shapiro provided updates on the projects funded by ARPA. Ms. Bates asked about the scale rating of 1 to 10. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the percentages they are talking about involve insurance, and there is a certain percentage that they have to reach in order to get a certain percentage of insurance off. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the ISO rating is usually a 0 to 10 rating. Ms. Bates asked what is the 43% to 51%. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated that is with the insurance. Ms. Bates asked is that coverage. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Mr. Roache asked where does 51% rank. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they can have the Chief come in to speak to this. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated there are a few different things that go along with the ISO rating such as hydrant coverage, access to water, and response time coverage. Mr. Roache asked if the town is in possession of all of the funds. Mr. Shapiro stated yes. Update on zoning bylaw change and Attorney General's ruling Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues explained the process of when a bylaw passes after a Town Meeting. Mr. Shapiro stated the ADU bylaw has been accepted by the Attorney General's Office, but there were provisions of it that were struck. Mr. Shapiro discussed the provisions in the town bylaw that were struck. Mr. Shapiro stated any zoning district that allows for a single family home must also by right allow ADUs. Mr. Roache asked is that only if single family homes are allowed by right or if they themselves require a special permit. Mr. Shapiro stated allowed by right, but in this case they are all allowed by right. Ms. Bates asked if they could go back and reword the parking portion of the bylaw that was struck. Mr. Shapiro stated they had a conversation with the planning department, and they are looking into that. Mr. Roache asked if they have had many ADUs since February. Mr. Shapiro stated they have not had an application come through yet. Request from library to use the Town Common for the bookmobile story time on October 19, 20251) November 2, 2025, and November 16, 2025 from 9:OOAM-12:OOPM Ms. Bates asked if they had the events that the Board had already approved. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes, and they have been to the farmer's market and a few other places. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they do have an employee who has been promoted to the bookmobile and outreach librarian, and she has been creating schedules for it. Ms. Bates asked if the events were well attended. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she was unsure. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2025 MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the request from the library to use the Town Common for the bookmobile story time on October 19, 2025, November 2, 2025 and November 16, 2025 from 9:OOAM-12:OOPM. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Confirm Town Manager's appointment of Kathy Shelp as Director of Human Services Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she has made the decision to not fill the Deputy Town Manager position. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have created a director of human services position which will be a shared position with the Council on Aging director's position. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated Kathy Shelp has agreed to accept this position. Ms. Phillips asked if Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues could tell them which division. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it is Veterans Services, the Library, the Senior Center, and the Youth Center. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated Human Resources used to be in this division, but they will be broken out and directly report to the Town Manager's Office. MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Kathy Shelp as Director of Human Services. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Request from Veterans Services to use the Town Common from June 14, 2026 through 4, 2026 for the Field of Honor administered by the Exchange Club of the Andovers Joseph Leblanc, Rick Blaine, and Bob Wescott were present. Mr. Leblanc stated they are sponsoring the Field of Honor. Mr. Leblanc stated there will be some subtle changes in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our country. Mr. Blaine stated they are requesting to change the dates to have the flags up from Flag Day to the 4th of July instead of Memorial Day to Flag Day. Mr. Blaine stated the other request is to figure out a way that the town can help promote this project. Ms. Smedile asked if they are allowed to put it in the newsletter. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated if we do it for one non-profit we should do it for all so it becomes an equal time issue. Mr. Blaine stated this year the field will include some banners celebrating the 250th anniversary. Ms. Phillips asked if there was enough room on the common as it is used for other events for the 4th of July. Mr. Blaine stated they do not think where they are located on the common will conflict with other events. Mr. Blaine stated they would be happy to coordinate with the Festival Committee. Mr. Roache asked if there was an opportunity to cross promote through the Festival Committee. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they will chat about it. Mr. Wescott stated their intention is to raise money, and last year they gave the money to two veterans groups and two homeless shelters. Mr. Wescott stated they are giving a donation to the Post Aid of the American Legion. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the request from Veterans Services to use the Town Common from June 14, 2026 through July 4, 2026 for the Field of Honor administered by the Exchange Club of the Andovers. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote on FY27 Budget Calendar, including date of Town Meeting MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the FY27 Budget Calendar and set the date of Town Meeting for May 12, 2026. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote on FY27 wals Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they put in some new deliverables and assigned leads based on the different people that brought them forward. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they carried forward some from last year. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2025 Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they use these goals to create a budget and use it as a policy document moving forward. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the FY27 goals as presented. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Town Manager evaluation Mr. Roache expressed how terrific it has been working with the Town Manager again. Mr. Roache stated it is a partnership, and the Town Manager provides guidance, is always ready and able to provide information, and if not, she is able to quickly get it and the follow-ups are great. Ms. Smedile stated Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues was a true leader. Ms. Smedile praised the Town Manager's work. Mr. Kres stated the Town Manager has a very difficult job and does it exceptionally well. Ms. Bates stated the Town Manager has done an incredible job building her team, bringing up the team, and helping to create a place where everyone wants to work. Ms. Phillips stated the Town Manager is always willing to give credit to her team and empower them to do their jobs well. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she is very lucky to have a good board and staff. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated while there have been trials, it has brought the team closer together. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the Town Manager Evaluation for her performance from September 16. 2024 through September 16, 2025. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote to waive right of first refusal for 180 Chickering Road, Unit 204C MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to waive the right of first refusal for 180 Chickering Road, Unit 204C. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. CONSENT ITEMS A. Accept donation from Brooks School in the amount of$35,000 for Fire Department pear and equipment B. Accept donation from Joseph N. Hermann Youth Center, Inc. in the amount of$27,917.50 for Youth Center scholarships C. Accept donations to the Holiday Decorating Committee for holiday wreaths in the amount of 6 620.00 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to accept all consent items. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025, AND SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of September 8, 2025, September 18, 2025 and September 22, 2025 as presented. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. SELECT BOARD UPDATES Mr. Roache mentioned Lake Cochichewick Cleanup this past Saturday. Ms. Bates mentioned the School Building Committee continuing to meet and did a value engineering exercise with the design team. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2025 Mr. Kres mentioned the witch related historical events from the Historical Society. Ms. Phillips thanked the team for helping with the Farmer's Market. Ms. Smedile congratulated Eva Hamori for winning the 2025 North Andover Historical Society Lifetime Preservation Award. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned employee appreciation lunch on October 14th. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues congratulated John Lavin on his retirement. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have sent a letter to Mass DOT asking them to remove the new pedestrian island on Route 125. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned that it is flu season and get your flu shot. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the school financial report from the school department. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the new organizational chart and discussed the changes. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the trick or treating hours. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. Roache made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Smedile to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 8:35PM. Motion approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Civitarese Executive Assistant Brian Roache, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meetina Presentations Memorandums Budget Calendar Donations Application Minutes from 9/8/25, 9/18/255 9/22/25 Town Manager Report Town Manager Evaluation