HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-27 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
Executive Session: Chair Phillips stated the Board will enter Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts
General Laws chapter 30A, Sec. 21(a)(6) -to discuss consider purchase, exchange, lease or value of real
estate
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 7:08PM 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
Audrey Elliot of 61 Fox Hill Road expressed her concern regarding the police situation.
Trey of 35 Shannon Lane and Pierce of 26 Andover Street described the monument their 8th grade Civics
class was working on and asked for the Select Board's support to move this project forward.
Lee Toomey of 44 Oakes Drive expressed her gratitude for the notification of the gas petition but asked that
a different location be considered.
LICENSING
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Kres
seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Application from Blisspoint LLC, d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery for a Farmers Market Seasonal Alcohol
Permit
Ms. Phillips recused herself.
Jeff Venuti, owner of Blisspoint Meadery, was present. Mr. Venuti stated this is their second season with the
Farmer's Market. Mr. Venuti stated they sell mead and explained what it was made from. Mr. Venuti stated
they will provide small samples but will be selling bottles for off-premise consumption. Mr. Kres asked if they
do any other Farmer's Markets. Mr. Venuti stated they are in 35 different locations. Mr. Kres asked if they
have had any issues. Mr. Venuti stated this is their fifth year in business and have had no issues. Mr. Kres
asked how do you manage the non 21+individuals. Mr. Venuti stated all of the staff are serve safe certified.
Ms. Smedile asked if they use the machine to check IDs. Mr. Venuti stated no. Ms. Bates asked if they were
just providing samples. Mr. Venuti stated yes, the samples are in a 1 oz cup and filled halfway. Ms. Bates
asked if it was alcohol made from honey. Mr. Venuti stated yes. Mr. Roache asked if they would be there
every weekend. Mr. Venuti stated the application is for the whole season, but their schedule will be every
other weekend.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the application from Blisspoint LLC, d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery for
a Farmers Market Season Alcohol Permit. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained.
Ms. Phillips returned.
Application from Make it a Double Mobile Bar LLC for a special one-day wine and malt liquor license
at the North Andover Historical Society on Sunday May 30, 2026 from 6:30PM to 9:30PM
Mr. Kres recused himself.
Natalie Gerard and Laura Tremblay were present. Lindsey Mayo from the Historical Society was present.
Ms. Mayo stated they are hosting their 3rd annual Spring Soiree at the Historical Society. Ms. Mayo stated
they are coordinating with Make it a Double Mobile Bar to provide alcohol refreshments to those who attend
their event. Ms. Mayo described the event. Ms. Bates asked if everyone is TIPs certified. Ms. Gerard stated
yes. Ms. Bates asked if it was a full bar. Ms. Tremblay stated there is one specialty cocktail with beer and
wine. Ms. Tremblay stated all insurance and liability documents are in order. Mr. Roache asked if their
business was to travel from event to event. Ms. Tremblay stated yes. Mr. Roache asked how many servers
there will be. Ms. Gerard stated just the two of them. Mr. Roache asked how many people they expected at
the event. Ms. Mayo stated about 125 people.
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the application from Make it a Double Mobile Bar LLC for a
special one-day wine and malt liquor license at the North Andover Historical Society on Sunday May 30,
2026 from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained.
Application from Marble Ridge Farm, LLC for a special one-day wine and malt liquor license at the
Town Common for Sheep Shearing on May 17, 2026 from 11:OOAM to 4:OOPM
Brig Leland was present. Mr. Leland stated they will be working alongside Oak and Iron. Mr. Leland stated
they do roughly 40 events with Oak and Iron throughout the year. Mr. Leland stated they will have a 4ft high
perimeter of 1,000 square feet. Mr. Leland stated there will be one ID check, but staff will also be checking
IDs if needed. Mr. Leland stated there will be a 3-drink maximum between both beer and wine. Ms. Bates
asked if they will be keeping track of drinks with stamps. Mr. Leland stated yes. Ms. Bates if there will be
bracelets. Mr. Leland stated at the ID check, they will receive a bracelet, and they will be stamping for every
drink.
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the application from Marble Ridge Farm, LLC for a special one-
day wine and malt liquor license at the Town Common for Sheep Shearing on May 17, 2026 from 11:OOAM
to 4:OOPM. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained.
Mr. Kres returned.
Application from Joshua Yaines of Psychic Readings for a fortune teller license at 163 Turnpike
Street
Joshua Yaines was present. Mr. Yaines discussed his business and what they do. Ms. Smedile asked how
many years they have been doing this. Mr. Yaines stated his mother has been doing this for a very long time.
Ms. Phillips asked at this location. Mr. Yaines stated no. Mr. Roache asked if they are walk-ins or scheduled
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
appointments. Mr. Yaines stated they take walk-ins and appointments. Mr. Kres asked if the gift is hereditary.
Mr. Yaines stated it is, but it skipped him.
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the application from Joshua Yaines of Psychic Readings for a
fortune teller license at 163 Turnpike Street. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Application from AvaMoon Vintage Antiques for the renewal of their Second-Hand Dealer License at
67 Main Street
Mr. Kres discussed the application. Mr. Kres stated there was favorable recommendation from the Police,
Fire, and Health Departments, and the Building Inspector. Mr. Kres stated there was an issue in the building
fire alarm report. Mr. Kres stated they have an appointment with their alarm company and are installing
additional fire extinguishers. Mr. Kres stated the fire prevention officer advised that the application could
move forward for approval by the Board.
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to approve the application from AvaMoon Vintage Antiques for the renewal
of their Second-Hand Dealer License at 67 Main Street. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Application from St. Michael's School for a special one-day wine and malt liquor license at 80 Maple
Ave on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 5:OOPM to 9:OOPM
Alfred LaSpina was present. Mr. LaSpina stated it is the school's 75th anniversary celebration called the
jubilee. Mr. LaSpina stated they will have mass at 4pm and the event will start at the school at 5:30pm. Mr.
LaSpina stated this will be part of a fundraising event with raffles and auctions. Mr. LaSpina stated they have
TIP certified servers and the Town is named on the liability insurance. Mr. Kres asked if they have had
events like this in the past. Mr. LaSpina stated no.
MOTION:Ms. Phillips motioned to approve the application from St. Michael's School for a special one-day
wine and mail liquor license at 80 Maple Ave on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 5:OOPM to 9:OOPM. Mr.
Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Application from We Got Bunz Hun LLC for a new common victualler license at 119 Main Street Suite
E1
Kathy Prince was present. Ms. Prince stated they are opening this next to Wine Connextion where the gluten
free bakery used to be. Ms. Phillips asked what kind of food they will have. Ms. Prince stated cinnamon
buns, coffee, freshly made bread, cookies, brownies, and bars. Mr. Kres asked about their hours. Ms. Prince
stated in the summer, they will be Monday-Friday from 10am to 5pm while they get up and running. Ms.
Prince stated they will expand their hours in the fall. Mr. Roache asked if this was their first business. Ms.
Prince stated yes. Mr. Kres asked who came up with the name. Ms. Prince stated she did. Mr. Roache asked
if Ms. Prince was the baker. Ms. Prince stated yes.
MOTION:Ms. Phillips motioned to approve the application from We Got Bunz Hun LLC for a new common
victualler license at 119 Main Street Suite E1. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to close the meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms.
Phillips seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
OLD BUSINESS
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. Conkey stated after the last meeting, they handed out notices to the residents in the area. Mr.
Conkey stated they discussed with the DPW potential locations for this regulator station. Mr. Conkey
discussed the challenges with the other potential site locations. Mr. Conkey stated 30 Oakes Drive was
determined in coordination with the DPW to be the safest location. Mr. Takos stated they have to get this
regulator station replaced per the DPU standards. Mr. Takos stated this system is a low flow system where
they experience issues in the winter with low pressure drops and outages in the general area. Ms. Bates
asked if they can address the safety concerns. Mr. Takos discussed the design of the station. M. Bates
stated if the regulator system goes, the residents on Oakes Drive will have no access to exit as it is a dead-
end street. Mr. Conkey stated they will address that with where the critical valves will be installed with the
main extensions. Mr. Conkey stated if there is an issue with the system, they would be able to access it from
Johnson Street and shut down the system without going onto Oakes Drive. Mr. Conkey stated there are
additional layers of protection they install per the DPU standards. Ms. Bates asked how they were accessing
it from Johnson Street. Mr. Takos explained how they would access it and the protections that have been
added. Mr. Takos explained that they have a three-level over pressure protection. Ms. Bates asked how they
monitor that. Mr. Takos explained how they monitor pressure. Mr. Takos stated they have crews checking
the stations to ensure everything is working. Ms. Phillips asked how often that was. Mr. Conkey stated they
do monthly checks and annual maintenance as well. Ms. Phillips asked if there are any other levels of safety
checks they can add. Mr. Takos explained the protections they have added. Ms. Phillips asked if this was
different from other areas in town. Mr. Conkey stated the existing system has over-pressure protection but it
will not have the three levels, it will not be in separate vaults, and it will not have as many valves to be able
to shut it off. Mr. Conkey stated regarding additional safety concerns, they can address this with their techs
and schedule weekly checks for the first year of the vault's life. Mr. Conkey stated they will have constant
sight of the pressures in their control room. Mr. Kres asked what was the life expectancy of the control
valves. Mr. Conkey stated a 50-to-70-year shelf life. Mr. Takos stated this is a low flow area so it is not
getting as much gas. Mr. Takos stated it is primarily done for the winter and the surge months. Mr. Roache
asked if the purple line was intermediate. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Mr. Roache asked if it can go along the
intermediate or would that be less impactful. Mr. Conkey stated they would have to extend the red further up
Johnson Street. Mr. Takos stated that they would need to get that approved by their system planning. Mr.
Takos stated they were advised not to go north of Oakes Drive and to stay in the area due to poor pressure
in the winter. Mr. Roache asked what the issues were with the alternative sites. Mr. Takos discussed the
issues with the alternative sites. Mr. Takos mentioned that there would be two telemetry cabinets above
ground. Ms. Phillips asked what those were. Mr. Takos stated they are about 5ft tall. Ms. Bates asked why
they can't rebuild on the old site. Mr. Conkey stated they are wetlands. Mr. Roache asked if they needed to
stay close to this intersection. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Ms. Bates asked if the valves are more on Johnson
Street. Mr. Takos stated those were the values for the mains going into the station, and there are two critical
valves that are outside of the station. Mr. Conkey stated there are four separate valves to shut down that
station. Ms. Bates asked if they could shut it off from Johnson Street. Mr. Takos stated yes. Ms. Bates
expressed her concerns of this being on a dead-end street. Mr. Roache asked why it had to go so far up
Oakes Drive and not closer to Johnson Street. Mr. Conkey stated it was private property and put it at the tail
end of house number 856. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues asked if they could provide a map to show how far down it
goes. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Mr. Conkey displayed a map. Mr. Takos stated it is located in the green space
between 826 Johnson Street and the 30 Oakes Drive home. Mr. Roache asked if there was anything further
up Mill Road in the other direction. Mr. Conkey stated no. Ms. Phillips asked how frequently they put these
on dead end streets. Mr. Takos stated it depends on the town and how much space they have. Mr. Conkey
stated they try to keep them off the main throughways as much as possible due to safety concerns. Ms.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
Phillips asked if there was one other location that was potentially doable, but they would need to add in a
more high-pressure line. Mr. Roache asked if they explored the privately undeveloped parcel to the south on
Johnson Street. Mr. Conkey stated potential sites 1 and 2 were Town protected wetlands. Mr. Conkey
discussed the issues with potential site 3. Mr. Roache stated he would feel more comfortable knowing that,
that option was fully exhausted as not an option. Ms. Bates asked about Farnum Street. Mr. Conkey stated
this area was a safety concern. Mr. Roache asked how often they will service the vaults. Mr. Conkey stated
annual maintenance is done once a year, and their techs conduct checks monthly. Ms. Phillips asked how
long does that take. Mr. Conkey stated a half an hour to an hour. Mr. Roache asked if they normally get
police details when they are working. Mr. Conkey stated not as much for the monthly checks, but they will for
construction. Mr. Roache asked if they could get more clarity on the parcel on Johnson Street and then come
back to a future meeting.
Vote on petition of Eversource to replace a regulator station on Mill Road, Johnson Street and Oakes
Drive
TABLED.
NEW BUSINESS
Citizens Petitions -Carol Disney
Carol Disney and Denise Dion were present. Ms. Disney stated their group is dedicated to reducing second
generation anti-coagulant rodenticides. Ms. Disney explained what the rodent poison was. Ms. Disney asked
for the Board's support on two warrant articles regulating rodenticides that will be presented at Town
Meeting. Ms. Disney discussed the information submitted to the warrant and sent to the Board. Ms. Dion
presented a bait box, and Ms. Disney explained what it was and how it works. Ms. Disney discussed various
studies that have been done. Ms. Disney stated they are not a pro-rodent group, but there are cost-effective,
viable alternatives to rodent poison. Ms. Disney discussed the towns that have reduced SGAR use and have
home rule petitions. Ms. Disney discussed what happens when an owl or other predator eats poison prey.
Ms. Disney stated they are killing a nature-based solution for rodent control. Ms. Disney discussed other
solutions to dealing with rodents without using poisons. Ms. Disney stated the group located 683 bait boxes
in Town. Ms. Disney stated they found other problems such as open or broken dumpsters, trash behind
stores, and numerous damaged bait boxes with exposed poison. Ms. Disney discussed what each article is
proposing. Ms. Smedile asked if they have any records of how many children were affected by putting their
hands in the bait box. Ms. Disney stated they have not seen any stories about putting hands on the box, but
they have made it a little safer. Ms. Disney stated there have been many cases of poisoning of children. Mr.
Roache stated education is their best bet to have real impact. Mr. Roache asked how would a bylaw be
enforced on private property. Ms. Disney stated sometimes the Board of Health can enforce it. Mr. Roache
stated he is less worried about businesses and more about homeowners. Ms. Disney stated they did not
devise the policy because they did not feel they were the right people to do that. Ms. Disney explained what
would happen if the Town votes yes on the warrant articles. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues further discussed the
process after Town Meeting if these articles were to pass. Mr. Roache asked if this did not enact a bylaw.
Ms. Disney stated no. Ms. Disney stated it puts pressure on the state to act. Mr. Roache stated he is
reluctant to put a bylaw on that they cannot enforce. Ms. Phillips stated it does provide for educational
opportunities. Ms. Disney stated they can change a policy into a law. Mr. Roache stated he does support
stopping the use of this, but maybe something should be put out with the tax bill as an educational piece.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING - Request of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid to construct a
line of underground electric conduits, including necessary supporting and protective fixtures, under
and across Boxford and Candlestick Drive
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to open the public hearing for the petition from Massachusetts Electric
Company d/b/a National Grid to construct a line of underground electric conduits, including necessary
supporting and protective fixtures, under and across Boxford and Candlestick Drive. Mr. Kres seconded.
Motion approved 5-0.
James from National Grid was present. James stated they are replacing a direct buried cable with cable and
conduits through directional drilling. James stated this is being done to improve reliability and reduce
outages. Ms. Phillips asked if they have done this a lot lately across town. James stated yes.
Bob Labrecque of 7 Candlestick Road stated he had questions for National Grid relative to the impact of his
property. Mr. Labrecque asked if they were going to disturb the lawn area off the curb, are they going to dig
up his front lawn, and what are they going to do about the removal and replacement of all the mailboxes if
the conduit bank runs directly through all of the mailboxes. Mr. Labrecque stated he and some of his
neighbors have irrigation systems. Mr. Labrecque stated he and the neighbors support the project, they
would just like to know what the impact is, what the schedule is, and what will National Grid do with the folks
that have irrigation systems. James described the trenching that will be done along the corner right off of Mr.
Labrecque property. Ms. Phillips asked if they could go into the hallway to have the questions answered.
Ms. Bates asked what is the change as they have already approved this. James stated they updated some
things. Ms. Bates asked what they updated. James stated they are going with directional drilling from the pull
box all the way down Candlestick Road so they will be avoiding all of the irrigation systems and anything
else existing underground. Ms. Bates if they were trenching before and now they are directional drilling.
James stated there is only a very small portion that is trenching and 95% of it is directional drilling. Mr.
Labrecque stated that was his major concern. Ms. Phillips asked if National Grid will return the area to its
original condition. James stated yes. Mr. Roache stated based on what he read, none of this is being done
on private property. James stated this is all on Town property.
Ms. Phillips asked what is the schedule and how long will the project take. James stated they want to install it
as soon as possible, but he is not entirely sure how long it will take. James stated the directional drilling will
have no impact on the above land. Mr. Labrecque asked that National Grid give them adequate notice and
possibly have a meeting with the neighbors to talk through the issues and concerns. James stated notices
will be sent out before construction begins.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to close the public hearing for the petition from Massachusetts Electric
Company d/b/a National Grid to construct a line of underground electric conduits, including necessary
supporting and protective fixtures, under and across Boxford and Candlestick Drive. Ms. Smedile seconded.
Motion approved 5-0.
Vote on request of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid to construct a line of
underground electric conduits, including necessary supporting and protective fixtures, under and
across Boxford and Candlestick Drive.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to approve the petition from Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National
Grid to construct a line of underground electric conduits, including necessary supporting and protective
fixtures, under and across Boxford and Candlestick Drive. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING - Request of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon
New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and
protecting fixtures along Hillside Road
Alec Noel-Birdsong from National Grid was present. Mr. Noel-Birdsong stated they are installing reclosers for
reliability needs in North Andover, and they are seeking permission to install a midspan pole between pole
4186 and 4185 on Hillside Road. Ms. Phillips asked if they have come to the Board with this particular
petition before. Mr. Noel-Birdsong stated he was not sure. Ms. Bates asked if they are putting the pole
directly in front of someone's house. Mr. Noel-Birdsong stated it does not, and it is in the public right of way.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to open the public hearing for the petition from Massachusetts Electric
Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the
necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures along Hillside Road. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved
5-0.
Mark and Maureen Alterio of 162 Hillside Road asked if the existing line going from the street at a house will
be moved or will it stay on the same pole. Mr. Noel-Birdsong stated it will stay on the same pole. Mr. Alterio
asked how long the project will take and how much notice they will have when they will start construction. Mr.
Noel-Birdsong stated he could set it up so that the crews could give them a call prior to construction, but
there should be no impact to their home or service. Mr. Alterio stated their major concern was about moving
the lines. Mr. Noel-Birdsong stated they can work with them on the exact location of the pole. Ms. Alterio
asked what the reason for the pole was. Mr. Noel-Birdsong stated they cannot put the equipment on any
other pole adjacent to that and it needs to go close to a load break.
Ms. Phillips stated they have been doing this around Town, and it has decreased the amount of power
outages.
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to close the public hearing for the petition from Massachusetts Electric
Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the
necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures along Hillside Road. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved
5-0.
Vote on request of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England,
Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures
along Hillside Road
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to approve the petition from Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National
Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining
and protecting fixtures along Hillside Road. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING - Request of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon
New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and
protecting fixtures along Salem Street
Alec Noel-Birdsong from National Grid was present. Mr. Noel-Birdsong stated they are installing reclosers for
reliability needs in North Andover, and they are seeking permission to install a midspan pole.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to open the public hearing for the petition from Massachusetts Electric
Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the
necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures along Salem Street. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved
5-0.
No public comment.
MOTION:Ms. Smedile motioned to close the public hearing for the petition from Massachusetts Electric
Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the
necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures along Salem Street. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved
5-0.
Vote on request of Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England,
Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures
along Salem Street
Mr. Roache asked if this was right next to Ridgewood Cemetery near the Marble Ridge intersection. Mr.
Noel-Birdsong stated he is not sure. Ms. Bates asked if it was 284 Salem Street. Mr. Roache stated it was
284.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to approve the petition from Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National
Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining
and protecting fixtures along Salem Street. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Town Meeting Warrant Article Recommendations
Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated there are four to do. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated Article 26 is the home rule
and Article 27 is the bylaw. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the Board of Health voted favorable action on
Article 26 and the Conservation Commission voted unfavorable action. Ms. Bates asked if Ms. Murphy-
Rodrigues had context on why the Conservation Commission were unfavorable on the home rule and
favorable on the bylaw. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she did not.
MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 26. Mr. Kres seconded.
Motion approved 4-1.
Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed Article 27. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated both Conservation and the Board
of Health voted favorable action.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 27. Ms. Bates seconded.
Motion approved 5-0.
Jim Stanford was present. Mr. Stanford discussed Article 10 the fueling station. Mr. Stanford stated it is a
request for$2 million and is a CIP for bonding. Mr. Stanford stated the bond cost is$490,000 per year for the
next five years. Mr. Stanford stated it includes replacement of the gasoline, diesel, and waste oils which are
underground storage tanks. Mr. Stanford stated it includes the pumps, canopy, control systems, and fire
suppression system. Mr. Stanford discussed why it is needed. Mr. Stanford stated they are located at the
DPW garage, and all municipal vehicles are fueled there. Mr. Stanford stated these underground storage
tanks are located 80ft from Cochichewick Brook so if there was a problem, they are looking at a potential
environmental hazard. Mr. Roache asked if it would be safer for the Brook if these were above ground
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
instead of underground where theft could monitor leaks. Mr. Stanford stated he does not know if it would be
safer, it would be their preference, but they do not have the space. Mr. Roache asked if they have had any
environmental issues with these tanks. Mr. Stanford stated no. Mr. Stanford stated when they do remove
them, they will do a testing of the soil. Mr. Roache asked if excavation was included in the cost. Mr. Stanford
stated no, if they had to do any type of remediation that would not be included. Ms. Bates asked if most of
the tanks were underground. Mr. Stanford stated a lot of them are underground due to space. Mr. Stanford
stated the equipment is over 30 years old, and they have had some breakdowns.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 10. Mr. Kres seconded.
Motion approved 5-0.
Mr. Stanford discussed Article 11 for Water Treatment Plant upgrades. Mr. Stanford stated the request is for
a$2.6 million bond. Mr. Stanford stated the funding source is the water enterprise fund. Mr. Stanford stated
the bond cost is$152,000 per year for the next 30 years. Mr. Stanford stated it includes replacement of one
finished water pump, the electric controls, and a new emergency generator at the plant.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 11. Ms. Smedile
seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues asked the Board to re-vote on the CPC Article due to the addition of Barker Farms.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to recommend FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 12 as amended. Ms.
Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues asked the Board to take no action on Article 5 unpaid bills because they do not have
any. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues asked the Board to take no action on Article 18 snow and ice because they will
use budget surplus and perhaps capacity.
Vote to surplus Fire Department vehicle -2015 Ford Explorer Interceptor
Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they will auction this vehicle, and the funds will go into a revolving account to
purchase new vehicles. Mr. Roache asked how many miles on a vehicle like this. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues
stated it was used for admin so it had a lot of miles. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated these do well at auction.
MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to approve the request from the Fire Department to surplus the 2015 Ford
Explorer Interceptor and sell it at auction. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
3rd Quarter General Budget Fund Summary
Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues provided a budget update from the Town's end to let the Board know where things
are currently. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they do anticipate having excess revenues at the end of this
year. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues explained the deficits they have. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the
unaudited financial reports. Mr. Roache asked if there was a section missing on the three items that
comprise the revenues. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the only section they are not seeing is
interdepartmental and that is the transfers they make from the enterprise funds over to themselves.
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
Confirm Town Manager appointment of Scott Vandewalle as Building Commissioner
Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed Scott Vandewalle's background.
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to approve the Town Managers appointment of Scott Vandewalle as
Building Commissioner. Ms. Smedile seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
Vote to approve request from the Festival Committee to hold Pride and Popsicles on the Town
Common on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 4:OOPM to 8:OOPM
MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to approve the request from the Festival Committee to hold Pride and
Popsicles on the Town Common on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 4:OOPM to 8:OOPM. Mr. Roache
seconded. Motion approved 4-1 abstained.
CONSENT ITEMS
A. Accept donations in the amount of$2,590 to the Festival Committee for Sheep Shearing
MOTION:Mr. Roache motioned to accept the donation in the amount of$2,590 to the Festival Committee for
Sheep Shearing. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion 5-0.
APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2026
MOTION:Ms. Bates motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of April 6, 2026 as presented. Mr.
Roache seconded. Motion approved 5-0.
SELECT BOARD UPDATES
Ms. Smedile mentioned Town Meeting.
Ms. Phillips recited the Proclamation for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
Ms. Smedile wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
No updates.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:Ms. Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Roache to adjourn the Select Board meeting at
8:55PM. Motion approved 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026
Nicole Civitarese
Executive Assistant
Brian Roache, Clerk of the Board
Documents used at meeting
Petitions
Presentation
Warrant
Memorandums
Applications
Donations
Minutes of 4/6/26
Town Manager Report