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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-01 Select Board Minutes NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 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 approve executive session minutes of April 27, 2026 MOTION: Mr. Roache made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bates to enter into Executive Session at 6:30PM. Motion approved 4-0 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 Meeting Room located at 120 Main Street North Andover. Select Board in Attendance: Chair Janice Phillips, Clerk Brian Roache, Laura Bates, and David Kres were present Not Present: Rosemary Connelly Smedile 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 current police situation. LICENSING MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Application from Kate Poulin of Predictions. Past. Present. Future for a fortune teller license at 1200 Salem Street Mr. Kres stated it is recommended by the police department, fire department, health department, and building inspector with no conditions. Mr. Roache asked if this was a renewal. Mr. Kres stated yes. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the application from Kate Poulin of Predictions. Past. Present. Future for a fortune teller license at 1200 Salem Street. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Application from Jager Enterprises Co., d/b/a Tavern on High to add Paul Gargano as alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 18 High Street Mr. Kres stated the application was reviewed by the police department, fire department, health department, and building inspector. Mr. Kres stated the police department confirmed that a background check was completed. Mr. Kres stated they all had a favorable recommendation with no conditions. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the application from Jager Enterprises Co., d/b/a Tavern on High to add Paul Gargano as alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 18 High Street. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-0. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 2026 Application from Jager Enterprises Co., d/b/a Tavern on High to add Amanda Neilan as alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 18 High Street Mr. Kres stated the application was reviewed by the police department, fire department, health department, and building inspector. Mr. Kres stated the police department confirmed that a background check was completed. Mr. Kres stated they all had a favorable recommendation with no conditions. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the application from Jager Enterprises Co., d/b/a Tavern on High to add Amanda Neilan as alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 18 High Street. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Application from Tavern Opco LLC, d/b/a Tavern in the Square to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 435 Andover Street Timothy Eyring was present. Mr. Eyring stated he is the proposed alternate manager. Mr. Eyring discussed his background. Mr. Roache asked if they had an opening date. Mr. Eyring stated no. Mr. Kres stated it is recommended by the police department, fire department, health department, and building inspector with no conditions. Mr. Kres stated the police department confirmed that a background check was completed. MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to approve the application from Tavern Opco LLC, d/b/a Tavern in the Square to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 435 Andover Street. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Application from Burtons Grill LLC to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 145 Turnpike Street Janel McCarthy, general manager at Burton's, was present. Ms. McCarthy discussed her background. Mr. Roache asked who the other manager was. Ms. McCarthy stated Maggie is the one that is on the list. Mr. Kres stated it is recommended by the police department, fire department, health department, and building inspector with no conditions and a background check was completed. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the application from Burtons Grill LLC to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 145 Turnpike Street. Ms. Phillips seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Application from The Candy Dish LLC, d/b/a DiMinico's to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 1820 Turnpike Street Mr. Kres stated the proposed alternate manager is Shauna Semenza. Mr. Kres stated it is recommended by the police department, fire department, health department, and building inspector with no conditions and a background check was completed. MOTION: Ms. Phillips motioned to approve the application from The Candy Dish LLC, d/b/a DiMinico's to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 1820 Turnpike Street. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-0. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 2026 Application from North Andover Restaurant Inc, d/b/a Rolf's to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 39 Main Street Leslie Carlson was present. Mr. Kres asked Joseph Torname to provide his background. Mr. Torname provided his background. Mr. Kres stated it is recommended by the police department, fire department, health department, and building inspector with no conditions and a background check was completed. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the application from North Andover Restaurant Inc, d/b/a Rolf's to add alternate manager to their on premise all-alcohol pouring license at 39 Main Street. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Application from Fairways on High, LLC for a change in operating hours and to add alternate manager to their all alcohol pouring, common victualler and entertainment licenses Karen Bramwell, co-owner, and Mike Mammola, co-owner, were present. Mr. Kres asked if Mr. Mammola was the proposed alternate manager. Ms. Bramwell stated yes. Ms. Bramwell discussed their proposed change of hours. Ms. Bramwell stated they feel the additional hour Thursday through Saturday will help them sustain revenue during this slower time. Mr. Kres asked what they do to make sure those who stay late consuming alcohol stay safe and do not cause any problems. Ms. Bramwell stated they serve food and their bartenders are vigilant. Ms. Bramwell stated they are all TIP certified. Mr. Roache asked if this would take effect immediately. Ms. Bramwell stated they would like to. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the application from Fairways on High, LLC for a change in operating hours and to add alternate manager to their all alcohol pouring, common victualler and entertainment licenses. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to close the meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-0. 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 discussed their attempt to find another location to put this regulator station. Mr. Conkey discussed the background of the regulator station due to the DPU order. Mr. Conkey discussed the existing location. Mr. Conkey discussed the possible station locations based on their engineering group. Mr. Roache asked if the potential locations have to be heavy within that radius. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Mr. Conkey stated if they were to move it any further north, it would require extensive main extension of the red all the way up to where they could potentially install it. Mr. Conkey stated they looked into potentially retiring the system completely, but that would require several miles of reliability work through town. Mr. Conkey discussed the three initial sites. Mr. Conkey stated these locations have been determined as non-viable solutions from a safety and operational standpoint. Mr. Conkey discussed the issues with the three sites. Mr. Takos stated Oakes Drive seems to be the best location for a proposed site. Mr. Roache asked if there would be any tree clearing as a result of this. Mr. Conkey stated no. Ms. Bates asked if they had to bring some gas lines up Oakes Drive. Mr. Conkey stated they will have to bring approximately 120 ft of man to the actual vault. Ms. Bates asked if that was for both of the pressure systems. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Ms. Bates asked if it was tied into the system. Mr. Conkey stated yes. Mr. Conkey discussed how they are addressing the local concerns. Ms. Bates asked how often they have issues with these vaults. Mr. Takos stated there is almost no real safety concern with the three levels of overpressure protection. Ms. Bates asked what the NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 2026 patching plan was and if they direct drill. Mr. Conkey stated it would be trenched excavation. Mr. Roache asked how long construction is expected to take. Mr. Takos stated three months. Vote on petition of Eversource to replace a regulator station on Mill Road, Johnson Street and Oakes Drive MOTION: Mr. Kres motion to approve the petition of Eversource to replace a regulator station on Mill Road, Johnson Street and Oakes Drive as presented. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Joint petitions from National Grid and Verizon New England for Route 114 Project: MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to open the public hearings 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 and across Peters Street, Waverly Road, and Hillside Road. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 4-0. 1. PUBLIC HEARING (continued from July 14, 2025)-Joint petition of National Grid and Verizon New England to locate poles, wires and fixtures along and across Peters Street TABLED. 2. PUBLIC HEARING (continue from July 14, 2025.)-Joint petition of National Grid and Verizon New England to locate poles, wires and fixtures along and across Waverly Road TABLED. 3. PUBLIC HEARING (continued from July 14, 2025-Joint petition of National Grid and Verizon New England to locate poles, wires and fixtures along and across Hillside Road Robert Bowman was present for the public hearing. Mr. Bowman stated they are moving the pole to the edge of his mother's property. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues asked what number was the property. Mr. Bowman stated 224 Hillside Road. Mr. Roache stated he thought the pole was going on the other side of 114. Mr. Roache asked if Mr. Bowman was in favor. Mr. Bowman stated yes. TABLED. 4. Vote on joint of National Grid and Verizon New England to locate poles, wires and fixtures along and across Peters Street TABLED. 5. Vote on joint petition of National Grid and Verizon New England to locate poles, wires and fixtures along and across Waverly Road TABLED. 6. Vote on joint of National Grid and Verizon New England to locate poles, wires and fixtures along and across Hillside Road NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 2026 TABLED. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to continue the public hearings 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 and across Peters Street, Waverly Road, and Hillside Road. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 4-0. MOTION: Mr. Roache 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 and across Peters Street, Waverly Road, and Hillside Road. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 4-0. NEW BUSINESS Confirm appointment of Denevan O'Connell to the Planning Board Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues provided a brief background. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to confirm the appointment of Denevan O'Connell to the Planning Board through June 30, 2029. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Confirm appointment of Bral Spight to the Planning Board Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated Bral will be taking the associate position on the Planning Board. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues provided a brief background. Mr. Roache asked if this will create a vacancy on the Board of Health. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. MOTION: Mr. Kres motioned to confirm the appointment of Bral Spight to the Planning Board through June 30, 2029. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Discussion regarding changes to the Commonwealth's cannabis laws Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated the Governor recently enacted Chapter 65 of the Act of 2026, which modernized the Commonwealth Cannabis Law and under that allowed limited delivery of marijuana and marijuana products to consumers within their municipal borders. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated if they would like to prohibit that, they have to ask for a waiver. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated in accordance with section 25 of that act, they can certify that they do not currently authorize any retail marijuana establishments within their jurisdiction. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they would have to apply for the waiver every two years. Ms. Bates asked if they could deliver alcohol. Ms. Phillips stated yes. Mr. Shapiro stated it would not prohibit vehicles from moving through North Andover. Ms. Phillips asked if there is any sort of tax, they can benefit from by allowing delivery in North Andover. Mr. Kres asked what kind of outreach is done to gauge how residents feel about this type of issue. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they based this on the fact the Town Meeting voted not to allow it. Vote enter into and be bound by the Project Funding Agreement with MSBA for Kittredge School and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Town Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated this is the next step, and it finalizes what their contribution rate and reimbursement will be. NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 2026 MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to enter into and be bound by the Project Funding Agreement with MSBA for Kittredge School and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Town. Mr. Roache seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Request of Nadine Levin for a 15-minute parking spot in front of 48 Water Street Nadine Levin was present. Ms. Levin stated parking is not the best in front of her shop. Ms. Levin discussed the issues she expresses with parking near her shop. Ms. Phillips stated it looks like the police department would prefer an hour-long space. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated for enforcement purposes. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they also had a discussion about whether or not to look at that area holistically. Mr. Roache asked if it was two-hour parking all the way down then becomes resident spots. Ms. Levin stated yes. Ms. Phillips asked if they can do something temporary until they can work this out. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. Ms. Bates also suggested looking at adding an additional sign at the intersection. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she has had conversations with the business owners and has received a positive response. Mr. Roache asked if this has been looked at as part of the downtown gateway. Mr. Shapiro stated it has been studied, and he believes their engineering team probably recommends that they do integrate a stop sign there. Mr. Shapiro stated there has not been a final decision made. Mr. Shapiro stated they have not made a firm conclusion on how to handle parking on Water Street. Mr. Shapiro discussed the challenges with the parking on Water Street. Mr. Roache asked on the west side of the street, are there any other storefront businesses. Mr. Shapiro stated on the other side of the street. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to authorize the creation of a 15-minute parking space in front of 48 Water Street pending further review of the overall parking throughout the downtown area. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 4-0. Request of the Firefighters union for a fundraiser at the rotary on June 23, 2026 Ms. Phillips stated the donations would go toward the family of Jeff Deschenes to allow them to travel to Colorado to attend an event to honor Jeff. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated it is different from the bucket because that is for a non-profit where this is private. Ms. Phillips asked if there was an issue with that. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated no. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the request of the Firefighter Union to collect donations at the rotary on June 23, 2026 with all donations being given to the family of Jeff Deschenes. Ms. Bates seconded. Mr. Kres asked if there has ever been opposition or complaints by residents regarding employees in uniform soliciting donations like this. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they typically do not do this in uniform and usually wear their union shirts. Mr. Kres asked if that was the expectation here. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated yes. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the request of the Firefighter Union to collect donations at the rotary on June 23, 2026 with all donations being given to the family of Jeff Deschenes. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. CONSENT ITEMS A. Accept donations in the amount of$1,800 to the Festival Committee for Sheep Shearing B. Accept donation of labor valued at$1,050 from Pella Window to the Youth Center C. Accept donations in the amount of$3,816.40 to the Senior Center NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 2026 D. Accept donation in the amount of$1,000 from VFW Post 2104 to Veterans Services E. Accept donation in the amount of$700 to the Youth Center for summer shows on the Common F. Accept donation in the amount of$4,000 from the Friends of the Stevens Memorial Library to the Library for Summer at the Stevens 2026 G. Accept donation from the North Andover Booster Club to the Youth Center for the cost of replacement of lights at Drummond Field Ms. Bates asked if it was the big lights or the light bulbs. Ms. Burzlaff stated it is replacing all the light and if necessary the ballasts. MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to accept all consent items. Mr. Kres seconded. Motion approved 4-0. APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES OF MAY 129 2026 MOTION: Mr. Roache motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of May 12, 2026 as presented. Ms. Bates seconded. Motion approved 4-0. SELECT BOARD UPDATES Mr. Roache mentioned Memorial Day. Ms. Phillips thanked the Festival Committee for Sheep Shearing. Ms. Phillips mentioned the Farmer's Market. Mr. Roache congratulated the boys track team on the division 2 state championship. Mr. Kres mentioned the events at the Historical Society. Ms. Phillips mentioned Pride and Popsicles. Ms. Bates congratulated the graduates. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the NAPD facebook page. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues mentioned the new Health Director, Francis Dagle. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. Roache made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Kres to adjourn the Select Board meeting at 7:56PM. Motion approved 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Civitarese Executive Assistant NORTH ANDOVER SELECT BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11 2026 Brian Roache, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting Petitions Memorandums Applications Donations Minutes of 5/12/26 Town Manager Report