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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-06 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 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 and to approve minutes of March 23, 2026 MOTION:Mr. Roache made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bates to enter into Executive Session 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 7:07PM in the Select Board Meeting Room located at 120 Main Street North Andover. Select Board in Attendance: Chair Janice Phillips, Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk Brian Roache, Laura Bates, 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 PUBLIC COMMENT Joseph Lynch of 18 Cotuit Street expressed his frustration regarding the police and fire situation, and the effect it has had on the Town. Glen Johnson of 59 Salem Street expressed his concern with the police and fire situation and the amount it is costing the Town. Gerald Brecher of 488 Pleasant Street expressed his concern regarding the low turnout for the election and that the Town's budget has grown at a significantly faster rate than the population NEW BUSINESS Fire Station 3 Presentation Chief John Weir and Deputy Chief Graham Rowe were present. Chief Weir stated the Fire Department is seeking a $7.5 million bond authorization for the construction of a new Fire Station. Chief Weir described how the project would be funded. Chief Weir discussed the project background. Chief Weir stated it was determined a 3rd station would better serve the growing community. Chief Weir discussed the increase in call volume, a large area of Town that falls outside of the recommended response time, and an increased demand for calls along route 114. Ms. Smedile asked if that corresponded with the growth of the town. Chief Weir stated there has been an increase in area of route 114 which has incrementally added to the volume of their calls. Chief Weir discussed the limitations to the current Fire Department infrastructure. Chief Weir discussed the project location, and how the location will benefit the town. Chief Weir displayed a precinct map that shows the department's current response time. Chief Weir described the average response time for each precinct. Chief Weir displayed a map showing proposed response times with a new Fire Station at Berry Street. Mr. Roache asked if the study took into account a unit already being deployed in another location. Chief Weir stated yes. Chief Weir displayed the elevation of the proposed station and the elements that would be inside of the building. Chief Weir discussed the benefits of a new Fire Station. Chief Weir stated this would be a modest increase in the budget from the planned renovation of Station 2. Chief Weir discussed the upgrades to Station 2. Chief Weir displayed the floor plan for Station 2 and discussed the upgrades. Chief Weir discussed how this will provide the Fire Department with the tools needed to meet the NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 growing needs of the community. Ms. Phillips asked if they feel confident and comfortable with the budget. Chief Weir stated yes. Ms. Phillips asked if phases 1 and 2 for Station 2 address the sleeping quarters. Chief Weir stated yes. Ms. Bates thanked them for their time and effort with this and looking towards the future. Mr. Roache stated the maps that displayed the response times helped to make sure Berry Street would be the right location. Mr. Roache asked when Fire Station 3 would be in service. Chief Weir stated January of 2028. Mr. Roache asked if both the CPC article to relocate the parking lot and Fire Station 3 have to pass for Fire Station 3 to move forward. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Petition of Eversource to replace a regulator station on Mill Road, Johnson Street and Oakes Drive Michael Conkey, Eversource Manager for Station Projects, and Nikolaos Takos, the project engineer were present. Mr. Takos stated this project is to replace their existing station on Mill Road. Mr. Takos stated the current station is in a location that is not easy to maintain. Mr. Takos stated per new DPU regulations, they have to convert all the existing stations to 3-volt designs. Mr. Takos stated the DPU suggested the Farnum Street and Summer Street intersection, but there are major issues with it. Mr. Takos stated after scouting the area, they decided Oakes Drive was a good location to install the new regulator station. Mr. Takos stated there will be two main extensions for this project, one on Johnson Street and another extension of both the IP system and the high-pressure system. Mr. Takos stated they decided on a woodlands area to ensure it is out of everyone's sight and way. Mr. Takos discussed the size and components of the new regulator system. Mr. Conkey stated the two main components for this project is to get the system up to DPU regulations. Mr. Conkey displayed images of the existing site location and the proposed site location. Mr. Conkey stated this location was the minimum main extensions that would allow them to minimize cost to the rate payers. Mr. Roache asked if they meant that they put it close enough to the existing location so that they are limiting how much they are opening up and linear feed that they are running. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Mr. Conkey discussed the overview of the intermediate pressure system. Mr. Roache asked if the extensions will be both high pressure and intermediate pressure. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Mr. Roache asked if the residents they can see on the map be converted to high pressure. Mr. Conkey stated no, the high pressure would remain service on the IP lines. Mr. Conkey explained where the high pressure would be. Ms. Phillips asked if the neighbors had been notified of this. Mr. Conkey stated they send out official notification once they receive a permit from the town. Ms. Bates asked how much disruption will there be to the roads. Mr. Conkey stated they will be trenching a new main up Johnson Street, but these streets should not have detours. Ms. Smedile asked if this is going to involve any taking of private property. Mr. Takos stated he does not believe so. Mr. Kres asked how long that type of work would take. Mr. Conkey stated around 10 weeks. Ms. Bates asked if this one is flat like the existing one. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Ms. Bates asked if there was a reason this was not a public hearing. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it is not required for a public hearing, and that it is different from a poll petition. Ms. Phillips stated she would like to delay this to give the neighbors the opportunity to speak before voting on it. Ms. Bates asked if they would send the notifications or would Eversource. Mr. Conkey stated they would. TABLED. Vote to sign Mutual Aid Agreement with the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated NEMLEC is the mutual aid assistance group that they belong to with many of the surrounding neighbors for public safety. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated this is fairly consistent with the agreements they have had in the past except for new identification agreement language. Ms. Murphy- Rodrigues explained the new language. Mr. Kres asked what would happen if there was a small percentage of communities that were not on board. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they would no longer be a part of NEMLEC. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement with the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote on Town Meeting Warrant article recommendations Article 1. Reports of Receipts and Expenditures MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 1. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 2. Authorization of Contracts in Excess of Three Years MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 2. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 3 &4. Authorization to Accept Grants of Easements &Authorization to Grant Easements MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 3 &4. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 5. Approve Payment of Prior Years Unpaid Bills Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated at this current time, they do not have any unpaid prior year bills. The Board will hold off to report at Town Meeting. Article 6. Set Salaries and Compensation of Elected Officials MOTION:Mr. Kres motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 6. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 7. Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the only change is that they remove $200,000 from the old senior center and put it into body cameras. Ms. Bates asked if that is just for the physical acquisition of the cameras. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes as well as the software. Mr. Kres asked if that is only$200,000. Ms. Murphy- Rodrigues stated it is about$2,000 per officer. Ms. Bates asked if the software was something they pay for annually. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes, and it will eventually become part of the IT budget. Ms. Phillips asked if they had to pay for storage. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 7. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 8. Bonds for the Kittredge School MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 8. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 Article 9. Bonds Fire Station 3 MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 9. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 10. Capital Improvements—Fueling Station Article 11. Capital Improvements— Water Treatment Plant Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she is going to hold off on Article 10& 11. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated Jim Stanford is preparing a presentation for the Board. Article 12. Report of the Community Preservation Committee Ms. Bates asked if they still have a placeholder for 0 Great Pond Road. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Mr. Roache asked when they would know. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they may just put an amount in and then try to continue to negotiate. MOTION:Mr. Kres motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Articles 12. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 13. Revolving Fund Spending Limits MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Articles 13. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 14. General Fund for Fiscal Year 2027 MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 14. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 15 & 16. Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds for Fiscal Year 2027 MOTION:Mr. Kres motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 15 & 16. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 17. Transfer of$75,000 to OPEB Trust Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they do not have a financial policy on this, which is something they should look at. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated there is an OPED trust report that was completed prior to her starting here. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the policy states that they would put$75,000 a year and then$11,000 per new employee, however they did not have any new employees this year. MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 17. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 Article 18. Snow and Ice—FY26 General Fund Budget Adjustment Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues asked the Board to hold off on Article 18. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they are about$2.1 million in a snow and ice deficit. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they will be working to see how much of that they will be able to absorb from the budget, and they have not yet used any of the Finance Committee reserve. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she is confident they will not need to use free cash. Article 19. Transfer to Stabilization Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they will be transferring$22,146 MOTION:Ms. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 19. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 20. Transfer to Capital Stabilization Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they are using$1.3 million of capital stabilization this year to fund the modulars at the Kittredge School. Mr. Roache asked if they were using the whole amount in the fund right now. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated no, they are using$1.3 million. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have $5.7 million in the fund right now. MOTION:Mr. Kres motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 20. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 21. Amend District Agreement with Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School to Permit Hangar Lease Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated this would allow them to lease an airport hangar at the airport. Ms. Phillips asked if it was a new hangar. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 21. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 22. Accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 200A, §9(a). Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated this is a local option that allows the community to take abandoned funds. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated rather than the fund going over to the state they go to the general fund. Mr. Kres asked what the time frame was. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it has to remain dormant for three years before being considered abandoned. Mr. Roache asked how it is determined that it belongs to North Andover. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it is checks that they have in their concession. Ms. Murphy- Rodrigues stated this would allow them to have it be only one year from date of issuance. Mr. Roache asked if they had an accounting of said bonds. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 22. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 23. Withdrawn NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 Article 24 & 25. Two Accessory Dwelling Unit Housekeeping Items. MOTION:Mr. Kres motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 24 & 25. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Article 26 & 27. Citizen Petition to Ban SGARs and FGARS in North Andover, MA & Citizen Petition-Bylaw Petition for Regulation of Rodenticides on Town Land in North Andover Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they will be coming to present at the Board's April 27th meeting. The Board will hold off to report at Town Meeting Request from Stevens Memorial Library to use the Town Common for Outdoor Story Times Mr. Kres recused himself MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to approve the request of Stevens Memorial Library to use the Town Common for Outdoor story times. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained. Mr. Kres returned. Request of Veterans Services to use Mass Ave and Salem Street for the Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026 from 10:OOAM to 12:OOPM MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the request of Veterans Services to see Mass Ave and Salem Street for the Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026 from 10:00AM to 12:OOPM. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. Vote to increase the number of participants for the Senior work off program Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated currently they limit the program to 60 people at$1,500 annually each. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they would like to increase it to 70. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they would pay for it through the overlay. Mr. Roache asked if it would be $15,000 paid for through the overlay. Ms. Murphy- Rodrigues stated yes, $1,500 a person for 10 more people. Ms. Bates asked how many hours they work. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they make minimum wage, and it is$14.75 an hour. Ms. Bates asked if they are matched with where they might be most helpful. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Ms. Smedile asked if it makes it eligible for nurses. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Ms. Phillips asked if people can participate more than once. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Mr. Roache asked if there was a reason, they were only going to 70. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they figure that is what they can manage right now. MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to increase the number of participants for the Senior work off program from 60 to 70. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0. LICENSING MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 Application from Saltbox Cidershop, LLC for a Farmers Market Season Alcohol Permit Ms. Phillips recused herself. Nate Chase was present. Mr. Chase stated they produce and sell hard cider, and they are seeking a permit to provide samples and sell alcohol at the upcoming Farmer's Market this summer. Mr. Kres asked if this was something new this year. Mr. Chase stated they attended last year. Mr. Roache asked if this would be at every Farmer's Market. Mr. Chase stated no,just a quarter of them. Ms. Smedile asked if they had regular cider for children. Mr. Chase stated no, it all has alcohol. Mr. Chase stated he is TIPs certified. Mr. Roache asked if all the dates that were provided in the application was a blanket request or will it be all of them. Mr. Chase stated they apply for the entire season whether or not they intend on attending the date. Ms. Bates asked if they had a good experience last year. Mr. Chase stated yes. Ms. Bates asked how many Farmer's Markets do they typically attend in a week or weekend. Mr. Chase stated it varies. Mr. Roache asked if they had a storefront too. Mr. Chase stated no. Ms. Smedile asked if they made it themselves. Mr. Chase stated yes. MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the application from Saltbox Cidershop, LLC for a Farmers Market Season Alcohol Permit. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained. Ms. Phillips returned. Application from North Andover Rest Inc., d/b/a Rolf's to add alternate manager to their all alcohol pouring license at 39 Main Street Leslie Carlson and Rolf Carlson were present. Ms. Carlson stated they are looking to add Rolf as an alternate manager. Mr. Kres asked if Ms. Carlson was the owner and current manager. Ms. Carlson stated yes. Mr. Kres asked Ms. Carlson to tell them why Rolf could be a good candidate. Ms. Carlson explained why Rolf would be a good candidate. Mr. Carlson explained why he would be a good candidate. Mr. Kres expressed concern with Mr. Carlson's history of allowing underage drinking at Rolf's, and asked if he would like to speak to that. Mr. Carlson stated he made a mistake and has learned from it. Mr. Kres explained the responsibilities an alternate manager would have. Mr. Kres asked how he would meet that responsibility. Mr. Carlson explained how he would meet the responsibilities. Mr. Kres asked what type of training he has had to prepare him to be an alternate manager. Mr. Carlson stated he is TIPs certified, has worked the busiest nights and is CPR certified. Ms. Smedile asked if they had the machine where they could run the ID. Mr. Carlson stated yes. Ms. Carlson explained the quality of the scanner they use. Ms. Smedile asked if that included cameras. Ms. Carlson stated yes, they received the diagram and have the new camera system, but they are waiting to have someone install the new camera system. Mr. Kres asked how many new cameras. Ms. Carlson stated she believes there are six. Mr. Kres asked where the storage for the cameras would be held, and how long would they be available. Ms. Carlson stated it is on a laptop with storage being 60 days on the cloud. Mr. Roache expressed his concerns. Ms. Carlson explained how things have changed since the last incident. Ms. Carlson expressed her disappointment in not being able to have her 18-year-old son be a manager. Mr. Carlson stated this was mandatory for them to have an alternate manager on the license, and they do not have another option. Mr. Roache stated he would prefer more time for Mr. Carlson to learn under someone else even if someone else is the interim manager. Ms. Carlson asked if she would have more information on managers and alternate managers, and how much that is actually policed. Ms. Phillips stated it is state law to have a manager and an alternate manager on record. Mr. Roache asked if it included having a manager on site. Ms. Phillips stated yes. Ms. Carlson stated the ABCC says nothing about the alternate manager being over 21, but the Town says they need to be. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to approve Rolf Christopher Carlson as alternate manager to the all alcohol pouring license for North Andover Rest Inc., d/b/a Rolf's at 39 Main Street. Ms. Smedile seconded. Ms. Smedile seconded the motion with conditions. Mr. Kres stated Ms. Smedile needed to make an amended motion. MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve Rolf Christopher Carlson as alternate manager to the all alcohol pouring license for North Andover Rest Inc., d/b/a Rolf's at 39 Main Street with the condition that the alternate manager put more time and effort into learning to be proficient at the job and a trial period. Mr. Kres asked if they have ever done a trial manager or alternate manager. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated at this point, it would be until the license came back in January. MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve Rolf Christopher Carlson as alternate manager to the all alcohol pouring license for North Andover Rest Inc., d/b/a Rolf's at 39 Main Street with the condition that the alternate manager put more time and effort into learning to be proficient at the job and a trial period. Mr. Roache seconded. Ms. Smedile stated with a few guidelines, this could work out. Ms. Carlson voiced her reassurance that this past incident would never happen again. Further discussion was made by the Board on their concerns. MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve Rolf Christopher Carlson as alternate manager to the all alcohol pouring license for North Andover Rest Inc., d/b/a Rolf's at 39 Main Street with the condition that the alternate manager put more time and effort into learning to be proficient at the job and a trial period. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion failed 2-3. MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to close the meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. OLD BUSINESS School budget update Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they are projected to spend $69,136,677 of their$69.2 million budget. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they have continued to meet with the Town monthly. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they are getting to the end of the MOU. Mr. Roache asked if they are open to voluntarily extending it. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she is not sure but will certainly have the conversation with them. CONSENT ITEMS A. Accept a donation to the library in the amount of$50.00 from the North Andover Women's Club B. Accept donations in the amount of$650.00 to the Festival Committee for Sheep Shearing C. Accept donation in the amount of$1,000 from Doug Howe, Jr. to Veterans Services MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to accept all consent items. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion 5-0. APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2026 AND MARCH 30, 2026 MOTION:Mr. Kres motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of March 23, 2026 and March 30, 2026 as presented. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 6, 2026 SELECT BOARD UPDATES Ms. Bates thanked the election workers and Town Clerk's Office for running a smooth election. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues thanked the Town Clerk's Office and the election workers. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues thanked the candidates. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned hazardous waste day on April 18th. Ms. Murphy- Rodrigues mentioned Town Meeting on May 12th at 6:30PM at the high school. ADJOURNMENT MOTION:Mr. Roache made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Kres to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 8:40PM. Motion approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Civitarese Executive Assistant Brian Roache, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting Presentation Petition M OA Draft Warrant Memorandums Applications Donations Minutes of 3/23/26 & 3/30/26 Town Manager Report