HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-29 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES January 29, 2001
CALL TO ORDER: James Xenakis called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at the Volunteer's
Room of North Andover Middle School.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: James M. Xenakis, Chairman; Keith Mitchell;
John R. Leeman, Jr.;William Duffy; Donald B. Stewart; Mark Rees, Town Manager.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Board of Selectmen Meeting. The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Monday,
February 5, 2001, at Stevens Memorial Library at 7:00 PM.
OLD BUSINESS:
Recommendation for January 29, 2001, Special Town Meeting, The Board of Selectmen deferred
putting together a recommendation for Town Meeting concerning the Community Preservation Act in
the anticipation the Finance Committee would be meeting and wanted to see what there
recommendation is. There recommendation is "No Action".
Article 1. Adoption of Massachusetts Community Preservation Act- Chapter 44B of General
Laws— Sections 3 to 7.
Town Manager Mark Rees put three options forward for the Board of Selectmen to choose from.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to adopt a 3%property surcharge for
Article 1 of the Community Preservation Act, vote approved 4-0- 1 (Donald Stewart voted present).
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to include two exemptions on the
Community Preservation Act: (1). property owned and occupied as a domicile by a person who
would qualify for low income housing or low or moderate income housing in the Town of North
Andover and (2). $100,000 of the value of each taxable parcel of residential real property, vote
approved; 4-0-1 (Donald Stewart voted present).
John Leeman stated in discussion of the CPA that he is trying to consider the voices in Town and
send a message that he is trying to think of all residents and tread lightly, move forward with these
recommendations. If it works fine and if not, we go to the next Town Meeting and move some of the
exemptions. John Leeman also stated this is a way to exempt some people that would not have that
opportunity in an override. This is a way for the Town to be pro-active, use this as a long term
planning tool.
Keith Mitchell stated there are two ways to fund open space acquisitions:
1. Budgets
2. Overrides.
If we didn't present this to the voters,the option of the CPA,the same people would turn around and
ask why they didn't have the option to look at this. If they don't want to support it fine. There is an
opportunity to get some State funding. This provides a third option for acquiring parcels.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to recommend favorable action on
Article 2:Amend Town Code-Add Community Preservation Committee Bylaw; vote
approved 5— 0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes January 29,2001 Page 2
Town Counsel to draft language for Ballot.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell, if the Community Preservation Act
passes at tonight's Special Town Meeting Town Counsel needs to draft language for Ballot for March
6, 2001 Ballot; vote approved 5 — 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Lawrence Airport Commission.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to send a letter to Mayor Patricia
Dowling requesting a member from North Andover be appointed as past practice to the Lawrence
Airport Commission; vote approved 5 — 0.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
Chamber of Commerce Legislate Breakfast at Stevens Estate. This Friday February 2, 2001 is the
Chamber Breakfast at the Stevens Estate in North Andover.
Chris Woodcock. Town Manager met with Chris Woodcock, recently hired utility rate consultant
who is working on the models developing water and sewer rates.
Meeting with Rep. Torrisi. Mark Rees met with Representative David Torrisi to discuss various
matters concerning legislative action.
Committee to review resume's for Assistant Town Manager Position. A committee has been
formed to view the resume's for Assistant Town Meeting and will be meeting this Wednesday,
January 31, 2001.
ADJOURNMENT: Keith Mitchell made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to adjourn the
meeting at 6:40 PM; vote approved 5 — 0.
Kathleen O'Neill
Administrative Secretary Keith Mitchell, Clerk of the Board