HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES June 24, 2002
CALL TO ORDER: Rosemary Smedile called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at the Steven's Memorial
Library.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis; Donald B.
Stewart;Wendy Wakeman; Susan Haltmaier; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town
Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to move
into Executive Session to discuss land acquisition Maritimes Pipeline and negotiations with non-union
employees; vote approved 4-0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
Vote: Wendy Wakeman yes; Donald Stewart yes; Susan Haltmaier yes; Rosemary Smedile yes.
James Xenakis left before the vote and returned 10 minutes later.
Chairman Smedile stated the Board would be returning to Open Session after the Executive Session.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Council on Aging Director. With the Board's approval, Town Manager Mark Rees is recommending the
appointment of Irene M. O'Brien as Kathleen Gorman's replacement as Director Council on Aging.
Selectmen Smedile and Wakeman served on the appointment subcommittee. Starting salary is $49,000/year
(Grade 11). The anticipated start date of July 29, 2002.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to approve the appointment of Irene M.
O'Brien as Council on Aging Director; vote approved 5-0.
Board of Health. There are currently two vacancies on the Board of Health created by the resignations of
Gayton Osgood and John Rizza. Subject to the Board's approval,the Town Manager is appointing Cheryl
Barczak(for a three-year term to expire on June 30, 2005) and Jonathan Markey(for a two year term to
expire on June 30, 2004).
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to approve the appointments of Cheryl
Barczak (3 year term) and Jonathan Markey(2 year term)to the Board of Health; vote approved 5-0.
Board of Assessors. Subject to Board of Selectmen approval,the Town Manager is reappointing David
Minicucci, Ernest Jones and George Barker to the Board of Assessors for a one-year term.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to reappoint David Minicucci, Ernest
Jones and George Barker to the Board of Assessors for a one-year term; vote approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
FY03 Water and Sewer Rates
After an hour-long discussion over how to charge residents and businesses for water and sewer use, several
members of the Board stated a need for an overhaul of the billing system they instituted a year ago because
of complaints of skyrocketing bills from large consumers.
James Xenakis stated he is deeply concerned with the block rate as it created mass confusion and said the
3-tier billing system was unfair and did not have a single redeeming quality it did not prove to promote
conservation. Selectman Xenakis also stated 60%of the users saw a decrease in their bills at the expense
of large families and businesses.
Susan Haltmaier stated she has the opposite opinions of James Xenakis. Selectman Haltmaier stated the 3-
tier billing system retains elements of conservation and benefits the elderly and people on fixed incomes.
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 24,2002 Page 2
The Town Manager recommended the 3-Tier Ascending rate with 20%Retained Earnings.
Wendy Wakeman stated she has not seen any numbers that show that the 3-tier system encourages
conservation and feels it is punitive and will not vote for a measure that sends someone to the penalty box
for using more water.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to approve a 3-Tier Ascending Rate
billing structure leaving 20%in Retained Earnings; vote not approved 1-4. (opposed were: Rosemary
Smedile,Wendy Wakeman, Donald Stewart, and James Xenakis).
Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to approve a 3-Tier Ascending Rate
billing structure leaving 15%in Retained Earnings; vote not approved 2-3. (opposed were: James Xenakis,
Wendy Wakeman and Donald Stewart).
Rosemary Smedile asked the consultant Chris Woodcock what his recommendation on the rates. Wendy
Wakeman stated that was not fair. Mr.Woodcock already presented his recommendation and Ms.
Wakeman rejects his recommendation bluntly because last year the recommendation failed the Town of
North Andover.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve a 2-Tier Ascending Rate
billing structure leaving 10%in Retained Earnings, vote approved 3-2. (Rosemary Smedile and Susan
Haltmaier opposed).
Rosemary Smedile stated for the record the plan the Board voted on is outrageous and she did not support
it, Ms. Smedile use of such a large amount of retained earnings which may not be available in future years,
would cause rates to "roller coaster"greatly in the future.
The Board took a five-minute recess.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to approve $4.23 for irrigation use; vote
did not carry 2-3. (Opposed were: Rosemary Smedile, Susan Haltmaier and James Xenakis).
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to approve $3.80 for irrigation use; vote
did not carry 2-3. (Opposed were: Rosemary Smedile,Wendy Wakeman and Susan Haltmaier).
Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to approve $4.25 for irrigation use;
vote approved 4-1. (James Xenakis opposed).
Water Rates
2-Tier Ascending Rate Current Proposed
0-20 ccf/qu $2.47 $2.38
over 20 ccf/qu $3.59 $3.80
Plus all sprinkler $4.25
Sewer Rates
2-Tier Ascending Rate Current Current Proposed
0-20 ccf/qu $2.82 $3.26
over 20 ccf/qu $6.50 $4.60
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to continue the rate modification charged
to multi unit residential condominiums and grant the same modification to commercial multi unit owners
on separate deeded parcels; vote approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 24,2002 Page 3
FY03 Building Fees.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to accept the new proposed Building
Permit Fees, Plumbing Permit Fees, Electrical Fees, LP &Gas Permit Fees and the Zoning Board of
Appeals Fees; vote approved 5-0.
Closing Documents for '/2 Mile Hill Property.
The Board was requested to sign two additional documents relating to the Town's acquisition of the '/2 Mile
Hill property for which the Town is scheduled to close on June 25, 2002. One document is the deed for the
property that the Board needs to vote to accept and the other is a Conversation Restriction to the Trustees of
Reservations.
Wendy Wakeman added a line on the Conservation Restriction for both the Mary Charles and the Carter
Hill properties to the Trustees of Reservations on page 2 44 Cutting removing or otherwise destroying
trees, grasses or other vegetation; except as provided in the land use management plan.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to accept the Conservation Restrictions
as amended to the Trustees of Reservations; vote approved 5-0.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to accept the deed for the property;
vote approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting Schedule.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to approve the Board of Selectmen
"Meeting Schedule"for the 2nd half of 2002 as listed below; vote approved 5-0.
July 15, August 12, September 9, September 23, October 7, October 21,November 4,November 18,
December 2, and December 16. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chair.
NEW BUSINESS:
Report from Field's Use Committee.
Director of Youth Services Rick Gorman stated with the Town losing seven(7)playing fields at the High
School until construction is completed in 2004,there are not enough fields to go around. Mr. Gorman
would like to work with the Town Manager in issuing permits to the existing youth and adult programs in
North Andover but not to allow new permits until there is some relief. Mr. Gorman would also like to
research the possibility of charging for the use of the fields for organizations that do not fall under the
Youth Organizations in Town. There are a number of communities currently charging for use of the fields.
The money collected for these fees could help in the maintenance of the fields. At Drummond Park Mr.
Gorman would like to have the old lights removed and new lights installed for approximately$50,000.
Currently there is $33,000 committed towards the lights.
Wendy Wakeman stated this issue did not require a vote and would like the Town Manager to work with
Rick Gorman and come back with a full report to the Board. Rosemary Smedile thanked Rick Gorman for
the tremendous amount of work and commended Mr. Gorman on the lighting issue, a lot or work and a lot
of negotiating.
Firefighter Appointment Process.
Due to the retirement of Firefighter Albert Ouellette, May 31, 2002,there is a vacancy on the Fire
Department for a firefighter position. The funding for this position has been approved as part of the FY03
budget. As the appointing authority for the fire department, Chief William Dolan is preparing a firefighter
requisition to the Department of Personnel Administration(DPA) and his intention is to request a
Paragraph 10 list for a certification list of females. The purpose of requesting this certification is to
encourage diversity in the employee workforce. Currently the department has fifty-five uniformed
members. Of those members, fifty-three are white males, one is black/American Indian male and one is a
white female. If the request for a Par 10 list for females is approved the Town will receive two lists for the
one opening. One list will be the regular list and the other,the female list. Candidates who appear on both
list must have attained a passing grade on the same firefighter entrance examination. Fire Chief Dolan,
Deputy Morgan and Human Resource Director Ray Santilli will interview all candidates who appear and
sign the list. The department needs to increase its efforts with regard to race diversity as well as gender.
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 24,2002 Page 4
Currently there are an obvious disproportionate number of males to females regardless of race. All
members must live within fifteen miles of Town but cannot live out of state. Given the increasing housing
prices in North Andover, it is doubtful that firefighters will reside in this community. You must be a
resident one-year prior to taking the test.
Ray Santilli explained you must pick the highest ranked person who is qualified for the position. You
cannot go to a lower ranked person because they are better. Factors in a persons' background like poor
work history, convictions for a felony could be factors,which affect the hiring decision-making.
There was some confusion on the "Strong Chief s Law"and Town Manager Mark Rees said he would get
clarification from Town Counsel. Wendy Wakeman stated she is not a fan of civil service and affirmative
action but would like to give the Chief the chance to interview the more people the better, look at the total
package and not just test scores.
Board Reorganization.
Board of Selectmen, Chairman.
Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to reappoint Rosemary Smedile as
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen; vote approved 4-0-1. (Rosemary Smedile abstained).
Discussion: James Xenakis stated Rosemary Smedile has done a fabulous job as Chairman and has gone to
numerous meetings than anyone he knows, and has put so much time and effort on numerous
subcommittees. All members of the Board agreed and thanked Ms. Smedile for her efforts.
Licensing Commission, Chairman.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to reappoint Donald Stewart as
Chairman of the Licensing Commission; vote approved 4-0-1. (Donald Stewart abstained).
Board of Selectmen, Clerk of the Board.
Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to reappoint James Xenakis as Clerk of
the Board of Selectmen.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT.
"Build Out Grant" received from Dept of Housing.
The Town was recently approved for a$30,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Department of Housing
and Community Development. This grant is to assist in long term planning, particularly in the areas of
economic development and affordable housing.
Chapter 40B Proposal $10,000 Grant.
The Town,through Community Development and Services Division, was also awarded a$10,000 grant
from Mass Housing Partnership for technical assistance in reviewing Chapter 40B proposals.
Setting goals for the Town Manager for FY03. In tonight's agenda is a form that requests the Board to
list 3 or 4 goals for the Town Manager and his staff to work towards during FY03. Forms should be
returned to the office by July l O'h for further review.
Director hired for Steven's Estate.
With the help of the screening committee of Al Cullen, Martha Larson, Heidi Griffin, Town Manager Mark
Rees would like to appoint Julia Stinson as Director of Steven's Estate.
Crime Rate down between 2000 and 2001.
While crime rates have risen in most cities and towns in Massachusetts,North Andover had a reduction in
crime rates. Rosemary Smedile wanted to congratulate the Police Chief and the North Andover Police
Department.
Campion Hall.
The Court has postponed the case until September 2002.
ADJOURNMENT: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to adjourn the
meeting at 10:17 PM; vote approved 5-0.
Kathleen O'Neill
Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board