HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES March 12, 2001
CALL TO ORDER: James Xenakis called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: James M. Xenakis, Chairman; Keith Mitchell;
John R. Leeman, Jr.;William Duffy; Donald B. Stewart; Mark Rees, Town Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to move
into Executive Session to discuss real property and legal matters in regards to Mesiti Development
Corporation; vote approved 5-0.
The Board was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
Chairman Xenakis stated the Board would be returning to Open Session after the Executive Session.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Keith Mitchell made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to
approve the minutes for Executive Session and Open Session for November 13, 2000;vote approved
4— 0— 1 (John Leeman abstained not present at that meeting).
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the minutes for Executive
Session and Open Session minutes for November 27, 2000; vote approved 4 - 0 - 1 (Keith Mitchell
abstained not present at that meeting).
Keith Mitchell made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve the Open Session minutes
for December 4, 2000; December 11, 2000; and December 14, 2000; Executive Session and Open
Session minutes from December 18, 2000 and January 8, 2001; vote approved 5 — 0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Board of Selectmen Meeting. The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Monday,
March 26, 2001, at Stevens Memorial Library at 7:00 PM.
Closing of the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, The warrant will be closing on March 19, 2001, at
9:00 PM.
March 21, 2001, Swearing in Ceremony of newly elected officials. Wednesday evening, March 21,
2001, 6:30 PM, swearing in of our newly elected officials at the Senior Center located behind Town
Hall.
Maritimes Pipeline. Maritimes Pipeline is still working on an alternate route for the Pipeline.
Attorney Ken Kimmell also sent a couple of resumes for an expert on Pipeline Safety for the Board of
Selectmen's approval.
Sam Ameen's Comments on the Snow Storm. Sam Ameen asked Town Manager Mark Rees if the
Town had the right equipment for the size of the storm, if the Town called out the plows soon enough
to keep up with the storm, and what are the problems that the Town ran into in clearing the roads as
Mr. Ameen feels the Town did a relatively poor job in relation to other towns.
Mark Rees stated that he wants a critique of what went right and what went wrong, was personnel
properly managed, what type of equipment was available to the DPW, and did we have the
appropriate amount of salt and sanders. The Town Manager hopes to turn this into a positive
experience so that the Town will be better prepared in the future in fighting major storms. The DPW
Department worked very hard and diligently trying to clear the roads and make them safe for the
students to get back to school. When all information is gathered there will be a written report to the
Board of Selectmen.
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 2
William Duffy stated that there was a$400,000 budget for snow and ice removal while Andover has a
$1.3 million dollar budget. When it comes to budget crunch time people have to be willing to
recognize it takes money to run a good public works operation.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Rules and Regulations for Entertainment Licenses.
Town Counsel Thomas Urbelis recommended that the Board of Selectmen consider adopting "Rules
and Regulations for Entertainment Licenses". Prior to adopting rules and regulations the Board must
conduct a public hearing to receive input from interested parties.
Mr. Thompson asked for clarification on 46 Entertainment Licenses are not transferable. Class II
Licenses are not transferable; you need a whole new license. A business certificate is non
transferable. Number 14 All areas where dancers perform shall be separated by a walk way of at
least six(6)feet in width between any stage or platform and areas where drinks are served and
consumed. Mr. Thompson asked if six feet was an arbitrary number or was it currently being used in
other towns.
John Leeman stated we could change the number of feet. Mark Rees stated in any of these situations
you have to be reasonable and the Court will determine what is reasonable.
Resident Ted Keating presented the Board of Selectmen with a booklet of extensive research called
CANCEL from a study currently being done in Amesbury to fight adult entertainment in their town.
Mr. Keating stated the Town is trying to preserve Open Space. Mr. Keating asked what type of
character the Town would be preserving allowing a strip club with adult entertainment.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to adopt the rules and regulations for
entertainment licenses pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 183A; vote approved 5 — 0.
Chairman James Xenakis closed the Public Hearing.
LICENSING: Keith Mitchell made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to move into licensing;
vote approved 5 — 0.
Class II License Application: North Andover Auto Computer.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to grant a temporary license to North
Andover Auto Computer for 18 cars through May 31, 2001, and let the applicant come back before
the end of May with the results of his Title V and the Board will extend the License; vote approved
5 - 0.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to move out of licensing; vote
approved 5 — 0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Growth Management By-Law. After a discussion with the Planning Board and William Scott
Director of Community Development,the realization is 8.7 and 4.2 should not be in the By-law at the
same time, 8.7 still has a phasing component,the discussion was to leave 8.7 and work out the
numbers and the true impacts over one year and extend 8.7 for one year and retire the Growth By-law
4.2. The Planning Board will be amending and adding articles to the warrant.
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 3
May 14, 2001, Annual Town Meeting.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to formally open the warrant for Annual
Town Meeting May 14, 2001; vote approved 5 — 0.
Also, as a reminder the warrant for Annual Town Meeting May 14, 2001,will be closing Monday
March 19, 2001, at 9:00 PM.
Warrant Articles for Annual Town Meeting.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to place the following articles on the
Warrant for Annual Town Meeting; vote approved 5 —0.
Articles for Warrant:
A. FY02 G.F. Operating Budget
B. Compensation of Elected Officials
C. FY02 G.F. Capital Budget
D. FY02 Water Enterprise Fund Budget
E. FY02 Sewer Enterprise Fund Budget
F. FY02 Stevens Estate Enterprise Fund
G. Reauthorization of Revolving Accounts
H. Prior Years Unpaid Bills
I. FY01 Budget Transfers
J. Street Acceptances
K. Water Use Restriction By-law
L. Automatic Lawn Irrigation By-law
N. Underground Utilities By-law amendments
O. Phase II Storm Water Regulations
P. Legal Exp: Acceptance of Private Ways
Q. Thrift Shop Rezoning
R. Amend Thrift Shop Funding Article
S. Amend 7.1.2 of Zoning By-law(Technical Correction)
T. Mesiti Settlement
V. Adult Entertainment Rezoning
W. Delete Phased Development By-law 4.2
X. Zoning: Slope By-law
Z. Amend Growth By-law 8.7
Sweetheart Cup Company Tax Increment Financing.
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to approve and sign the Sweetheart Cup
Tax Increment Financing that was approved by Town Counsel; vote approved 5 — 0.
Old Center Road Way Project. Keith Mitchell presented the following report:
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
OLD CENTER TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
The Old Center Traffic Committee values the historic and rural
character of the Town of North Andover Old Center and we are
committed to creating viable alternatives to resolve overwhelming
traffic impacts in a manner that provides the greatest amount of
public safety and convenience while protecting and enhancing the
character of the Old Center, and reducing environmental impacts.
—OCTC Mission Statement
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 4
I. Background
Traffic flowing through the Old North Andover Center has increased significantly over the past eight
(8)years. In 1992,the Merrimack Valley Regional Planning Commission traffic count in the Old
Center was 8,189 trips, and this number increased by 40%in 1998 to 13,378. Problems have become
evident as volumes increased. Substantial delays, increasing speeds, and a pattern of reduced
pedestrian safety have created an environment counterproductive to the Old Center character and
productivity of retail establishments. In 1996,as part of the Master Plan process,the Town conducted
a community-wide survey seeking input on a broad range of issues. Survey results indicate that the
Town values its historical and rural character, and sees a definitive need for traffic improvements.
One primary recommendation for the Traffic Section of the Master Plan instituted an intersection
redevelopment project. The Old Center project is the first in a series of rural/historic intersection
projects.
The Old Center project is a two-phase program for roadway improvements known as the Historic
Center Roadways Program (HCRP). The first phase represents the design of, and improvements to,
the roadways on the periphery of the Old Common. The second phase involves the development of a
design, and construction, for the Old Center intersection, including the intersection of Massachusetts
Avenue, Great Pond Road, Andover Street, Academy Road, and Johnson Street. The principle behind
HCRP is the development of traffic design ownership through the involvement of citizen groups. The
public design approach stems from the Master Plan,which identifies the need for citizen involvement
to enhance roadway safety while maintaining a historic and rural character. The start of the
intersection portion of HCRP began in December 1998 with the formation by the Board of Selectman
of the Old Center Traffic Committee (OTC).
II. Old Center Traffic Committee
A. Composition. The OCTC is comprised of residents with varying backgrounds and interests as
follows:
Betty Beland, Stevens Foundation& Center Realty Trust
Nancy Breen, Top of the Scales restaurant
William Duffy, Board of Selectman
Harold Dushame,North Andover Improvements Society
John Enright, General Store
Martha Larson,North Andover Historical Society
Keith Mitchell, Board of Selectman
Benjamin C. Osgood, Resident
Sergeant Fred Soucy,North Andover Police Department
Kathleen Szyska,North Andover Historical Commission
B. Goals. The objective of the OCTC was to obtain all goals with minimum disruption to
the character, esthetics, and sensitivities of the Old Center. Per the direction of the Board of
Selectman,the OCTC was tasked with the following goals:
1. To reduce the speed of through traffic from both the Salem/Johnson Street
direction and the Massachusetts Avenue direction at all hours of the day;
2. To better control the major intersections within the Old Center in order to mitigate
the significant backups that occur during the morning rush hour at Great Pond Road,
and the evening rush hour on Andover Street;
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 5
3. To improve pedestrian safety and accessibility throughout all areas of the Old
Center and Common; and
4. To reduce and enforce the speed of all vehicles on all streets within a one-half
mile radius of the Old Center and Common.
C. Old Center Traffic Study
In January 1999,the OCTC began its study of traffic in the Old Center. Thanks to a generous grant
by the Trustees of the Nathaniel and Elizabeth P. Stevens Foundation,the OCTC received$3,000 to
assist it in obtaining traffic engineering services, as needed. Fortunately, based on a recommendation
by Betty Beland,the OCTC obtained the volunteer services of Merrimack College engineering
students to conduct fieldwork in the Old Center,to identify the type and extent of the traffic problem,
and to develop solutions. The students (David Lachance, Rachel LaLiberte, Steven Pouliot, and Peter
J. Volpe, Jr), under the supervision of Professor Monica Snow, conducted traffic counts and analysis
of volume in and about the Old Center. Using this data,the students developed a comprehensive
understanding of the traffic circulation system in the vicinity of the Old Center/Town Common area.
The students then employed a systems management approach to evaluate traffic management(level of
service) and safety improvement options. This approach demonstrated how refinements and
adjustments to one part of the traffic circulation system must be evaluated in terms of their impact on
the whole system. In other words, any solution to the Old Center traffic problem must not create a
traffic problem in another part of Town. After analyzing various options, including traffic signals and
4-way stop signs,the students proposed a solution that would improve significantly the level of traffic
circulation and safety, while preserving the historic and aesthetic value of the Old Center. The
proposed long-term design concept is to create a"roundabout"by altering the existing island
configuration within the Old Center, "dead-end"Academy Road, and institute various traffic-calming
devices.
Today,the major intersections in the Old Center operate at a Level of Service (LOS) of"F"due to
delay at the minor street(Andover Street, Academy Road, and Great Pond Road) approaches. In
contrast to the delays on the minor streets,there is a primary concern over excessive speed on the
major(Massachusetts Avenue, Johnson/Salem Street) approaches. With the geometric design
changes inherent with a roundabout,the Old Center intersection capacity improves from a LOS "F"to
LOS `B", a significant improvement. The roundabout and splitter island configuration will operate as
a traffic calming device, forcing a reduction in speed on the major streets, as well as eliminate
confusion as to vehicular right of way. Also, inherent in this design are methods to increase safety for
pedestrians. The intent of the roundabout is to create an environment that requires vehicle speed
reduction,thus providing safer alternatives for pedestrians. Finally,the roundabout and other
improvements will ensure better access to businesses in the Old Center.
After reviewing draft plans for the proposed roundabout,the OCTC conducted a public hearing in
September 1999. Approximately 50 residents attended the meeting to provide comment and input.
Following the public hearing,the OCTC was approached by William Hmurciak, of the North
Andover Public Works Department. Mr. Hmurciak presented the possibility of expanding the
ongoing Osgood and Andover Street improvement project(funded and constructed through the
Massachusetts Highway Department)to include the Old Center project. At this point,the Town's
engineering consultants, Guertin&Associates (G&A), were asked to review the proposed
roundabout, and to provide input. After conducting their own analysis, G&A concurred that a
roundabout would provide a desired solution to the Old Center traffic problem. G&A also met with
representatives from the North Parish Church to address their concerns over the project.
D. Recommendations
G&A met with the OCTC and presented detailed engineering drawings describing the roundabout and
other improvements to the Old Center and Common area. At its final meeting, members of the OCTC
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 6
voted, unanimously,to recommend that the Board of Selectman accept and implement the proposed
Old Center and Common area improvements as designed by G&A, including:
1. The construction of a roundabout in the Old Center;
2. The "dead-ending" of Academy Road at the Old Center;
3. The reconfiguration of Johnson Street in front of the General Store and Top of the Scales
restaurant;
4. The reconfiguration of the intersection at Osgood Street and Andover Street; and
5. The implementation of traffic lights at the intersection of Osgood Street and Massachusetts
Avenue.
III. What's Next?
Since the OCTC's final recommendations were made, G&A conducted a public hearing over the
proposed improvements. Most of the proposed improvements were received favorably. One concern
of neighborhood residents lies with the proposed traffic light at the intersection of Osgood Street and
Massachusetts Avenue. The OCTC notes that this intersection continues to have the highest number
of crashes in North Andover, including a fatality in 2000. Both the Merrimack College engineering
students and G&A have concluded that a signalized intersection is required. Mr. Hmurciak has met
with the concerned residents to discuss the Town's position in this matter. Due to the hazardous
conditions at this intersection, however,the OCTC stands by its recommendation that traffic lights be
installed.
As part of the State review process, a public hearing will be held(likely in the Fall 2001),to review
the proposed project and receive comment.
Respectfully Submitted,
Keith A. Mitchell
Chairman, OCTC
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to accept the report and let the project
move forward; vote approved 5 — 0.
Keith Mitchell stated he believed there is money left over from the Grant the Town received from the
Stevens Foundation. Keith asked that a letter be sent to the Stevens Foundation with the money that is
left over,thanking them for their generosity, and a copy of the final recommendation. Keith Mitchell
also wanted to thank everyone who worked so diligently on the committee.
NEW BUSINESS:
New Warrant for Postponed Town Election. Town Clerk Joyce Bradshaw updated the Board and
thanked the Chairman for coordinating the efforts and having the election postponed. The Court order
has been issued and sent to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Postcards have been mailed to all
households with the new election date of March 20, 2001.
Town Manager's Recommended Capital Budd Town Manager Mark Rees presented his
recommended Capital Budget and Plan for FY02-07 to the Board of Selectmen. There is a project
request rating sheet. For each project there are six factors that are used in determining how many
points the project would receive. The more points the higher priority. Grant funds would get higher
points while something costing more money in the long run would money would receive fewer
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 7
points. This is a starting point and needs the input of the Finance Committee and the Board of
Selectmen and a public hearing to reflect the capital needs of the Town.
Rescission of resignation of Richard Reming. Mr. Reming requested that his resignation as a Trustee
of Stevens Estate be rescinded.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to accept the rescission of the
resignation Mr. Richard Reming; vote approved 5 — 0.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mark Rees updated the Board that Mark was successful with
negotiation the rate downwards from$200 and hour to $150 an hour for Mr. John Shortsleeve who is
assisting the Town with the underground utilities.
Complaints have been received concerning quality of air in the Town Hall and Police station. The
Board of Health has contacted the Department of Environmental Affairs, who has sent out an expert
on air quality in buildings to do some survey work.
Lt. Governor Swift will be at the Lawrence Airport tomorrow March 13, 2001, at 4:00 PM to present
a 1 million dollar economic development grant to the City of Lawrence to provide for infrastructure
needs for the joint industrial park by the City of Lawrence and the Town of North Andover.
Attorney Ken Kimmell called to report that Representative David Torrisi filed a bill on behalf of the
Town that would require local control over facilities such as GLSD. The hearing on that law is
scheduled for March 20, 2001, 11 AM at the State House.
SPECIAL ORDERS: This should be Keith Mitchell's last meeting as a selectman weather
provided.
Selectman Duffy and Selectman Mitchell had their hugs at the last meeting and said their goodbyes.
Donald Stewart stated that Keith Mitchell, in the three years he has been on the Board, people don't
know what an asset Keith Mitchell has been to the Town. Keith is on every board, has been the
chairman for two years, and has been a very easy person to get along with. If Don had to rate him for
a mark, it would be 95%; if he was a democrat it would be 100%.
William Duffy stated you had to give more credence to being a democrat than that.
Donald Stewart also stated that when Keith Mitchell's children grow up in 6-9 years, Don's intentions
are that he will still be on the Board waiting for Keith to return.
John Leeman stated that three years of Keith Mitchell sitting on his left side, listening to his
comments with some of the things the Board has had to deal with have been pretty interesting.
Obviously, he will be missed. John tried to talk to Keith's wife and have her talk him out of this. John
Leeman stated we've disagreed and agreed; it's been a pleasure working with him and when his kids
are older he will be back. John Leeman presented Keith Mitchell with a framed cartoon of The
Selectmen go shopping (CPA-State Matching Funds cartoon) with his nameplate.
William Duffy added that for the three years Keith has sat on John Leeman's left only meant Keith
Mitchell was John Leeman's right hand man.
Chairman James Xenakis echoed the sentiments of his fellow Board members. Jim Xenakis stated it
has been a pleasure working with Keith Mitchell, Jim had the opportunity working with Keith two
years. James Xenakis also stated that Keith Mitchell ran a very efficient Board but also was a mentor,
someone he could look up to and go to for advise. Although, Chairman Xenakis and Keith Mitchell
did not agree 100%on major issues facing the Town,they always put their differences aside after a
disagreement and were productive working together after the fact. James Xenakis affirmed that Keith
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 8
Mitchell brought a great brand of humor to the Board, even though most of the jokes were at James
Xenakis's expense. Keith said he wasn't done yet; we still had a few more minutes. James Xenakis
stated that if he had$1.00 for every crack Keith Mitchell made about his age we could probably fund
the capital budget. Chairman Xenakis stated it has been a pleasure and an honor to work with Keith
Mitchell. Keith has been a tireless advocate for the people in Town. James Xenakis presented Keith
Mitchell with a plaque that read, "In appreciation Keith A. Mitchell,the citizens of North Andover
express their sincere appreciation for three years of dedicated service to the Town of North Andover
as a member of the Board of Selectmen March 1998-March 2001; Chairman July 1998-June 2000;
and Clerk of the Board from July 2000-March 2001. Presented by the North Andover Board of
Selectmen."
Keith Mitchell bids farewell. Keith Mitchell stated like Sherry Lewis and her puppet Lambchop,this
is kind of like the meeting that will never end. This has been a challenging three-year term with three
different Town Managers and three different Finance Directors. Keith Mitchell ran for office as
someone who tried to work with the Board and try to build consensus. There are many plans in place,
the Master Plan and CIP. Keith also stated his two pet projects were the Old Center Traffic Issue and
the Underground Utilities. He is happy to see after three years that we have something to show for the
efforts.
Keith Mitchell stated the Board should be very proud of the accomplishments over the last three
years. We have seen increase in economic development with the opening of the Stop & Shop,the
Airport project, Sweetheart Cup, Commerce Center and other businesses coming to Town. This is a
very slow process and you have to be patient.
Despite the perception that the Board of Selectmen is being somewhat not friendly to education, he
feels the Board has been very education friendly if you look at the record. The high school project is
up and running,the Board fully funded the school committee's requested budget last year,and
members of the Board actively worked on the override to get it passed. Keith Mitchell stated we've
worked best when we work together. Abe Lincoln a good Republican said"House divided cannot
stand". Keith hopes we take that lesson moving forward as it takes more than one side to work
together to move forward.
Public safety; people can feel a bit safer as we have the second ambulance up and running, and the
staffing at the Police Department has been increased with the hiring of seven new police officers.
Keith Mitchell's philosophy on the Board of Selectmen was listen to both sides, give people time to
make their pitch,then he will make a decision and sometimes the answer is no. At lease people have
had a chance to be heard. The standard for all the Board members is to try to do what is best for North
Andover.
A few individual thank you's Keith made were to his wife Nancy, his son John and daughter Hannah,
who should be in bed now, Bill and Jeannine McEvoy, Kevin and Kate Foley, and Jim and Emily
Gammie some of the people who supported him in his campaign and while in office. Keith asked
Mark Rees to please thank the staff for him Carol Ritchie, Karen Robertson, Chief Dolan, Chief
Stanley, Bill Scott, Bob Nicetta, Bill Hmurciak, Jim Rand, Sue Ellen Holmes, Kathy Gorman, Rick
Gorman, Evy Gillette and Charlie Salisbury,the people Keith has had the pleasure of working with
over the years. One special thanks, Joyce Bradshaw, a top notch town clerk, a wonderful person, a
jewel in town hall. He thanked Joyce Bradshaw and told her he appreciated her friendship.
Now for the fun, Keith Mitchell gave gifts to the following:
Kathy O'Neill-Keith Mitchell gave a bouquet of flowers to Kathy O'Neill for her great work on the
minutes of board meetings. Keith said reading some of the minutes were like reading War and Peace
about 30 pages long.
Joe Averka-Keith Mitchell gave Joe Averka a gift certificate to The Loft Restaurant for all the time
Joe volunteered taping Board of Selectmen meetings.
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 12,2001 Page 9
Sam Ameen- Sam Ameen has been a watchdog over some of the fiscal processes but particularly the
water and sewer budget. To save Mr. Ameen some money on his water bill Keith Mitchell presented
Sam Ameen with a bottle of water.
Bernice Fink-A member of the Finance Committee, Keith Mitchell gave $5.00 to the Town Manager
to reduce Bea Fink's taxes by$5.00.
Mark Rees, Town Manager-Mark Rees just bought his home in North Andover. Somewhat of a
tradition as in the movie "A Wonderful Life",things you do when someone buys a home. First you
give bread, may your home never see hunger. Salt, so your life will have flavor while you're here in
town. Wine, you're going to need that after many meetings or when Boston College gets eliminated
in the first round. Keith Mitchell presented Mark Rees with a loaf of bread, box of salt and bottle of
wine and welcomed Mr. Rees, while reminding him it has been seven months that he has been on the
job.
Mr. Duffy-A nice pen for William Duffy, please get rid of the Bic pen he has been using. Keith said
his good-byes last meeting to Mr. Duffy.
Donald Stewart-First time Keith met Donald Stewart, Don painted his house,then two years later he
painted it again. Don's passion is licensing and disability commissions. He makes sure handicap
parking signs are installed and does a great job. Keith presented Don Stewart with a gift certificate to
Blockbuster Video because after all ... "its only a movie".
John Leeman-John is probably the most generous person you'll ever meet in North Andover and
Keith Mitchell stated he values John and Betsy Leeman's friendship. One day John asked why the
excise tax went up. David Torrisi was still a selectman at the time, and told John it's because he was
driving a porche, John had no further questions. John collects newspaper clippings and Keith Mitchell
added one more to John's collection, "The Appeal of a Strip Club". Good luck in your research,this
was a newspaper clipping with John Leeman's picture.
James Xenakis-Mr. Chairman. A binky, no it's been done before. A happy meal; no it cost too much.
Pee-Wee's playhouse but it doesn't come in a tree house. Maybe a date, but escort services are very
expensive, and we are on a fixed income in North Andover. First Keith will give Jim some advice.
Top three things not to say to the press.
1. "No Comment"-because they want to know why you're saying "no comment".
2. Never say"from the standpoint of the chairman I have no deep insights that would be
relevant to you"...thank you Aristotle.
3. "Yes, we were discussing Town Manager search in Executive Session...AKA a secret
meeting this evening". First of all I don't think he will name any of his kids Rachel.
Keith Mitchell presented James Xenakis with a framed copy of the General Laws of Massachusetts,
Chapter 39, Municipal Government, The Open Meeting Law, in case Jim lost his copy.
Keith Mitchell said he has worked with some wonderful people for the last three years and is
probably not going too far,maybe going to sit next to Bea Fink on the Finance Committee. Thank
you all and Good Night!
ADJOURNMENT: Keith Mitchell made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to adjourn the
meeting at 10:02 PM; vote approved 5 — 0.
Kathleen O'Neill
Administrative Secretary Keith Mitchell, Clerk of the Board