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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES April 9, 2002 CALL TO ORDER: Rosemary Smedile called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM at The Blaisdell Performance Center of the North Andover Middle School. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, James Xenakis; Donald B. Stewart;Wendy Wakeman; Susan Haltmaier; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE: School Committee Members Present: Daniel J. Murphy, Chairman; Al Perry; Donald O. Sternfeld; Darlene Torosian; Corey Huapaya and Andrew Laccetti, SAC Members;William E. Allen, Ed.D., Secretary; Present also: Ronald H. Binkney, Ed.D.; Assistant Superintendent; Paul P. Szymanski, Director of Management Support Services; Robert S. Parker, Director of Technology; Deb McKee and Jacklyn McVeigh, SPED Administrators; Principal Bette Ann Coyle, Joan Shea-Desmond, Ed.D., Amanda Miles, Ed.D., John McAleer, Kathleen Callagy, Nancy Jukins, Susan Nicholson; Jack Stephenson, Director of Athletics, P.E. and Health; Mary Lou Costello. FY 2003 Budget: Daniel Murphy, Chairman of the School Committee, explained that the School Committee adopted a level-services budget last year and participated in a Financial Task Force Committee to assist the Town to go forward on both the municipal and school issues. After examining how the schools were doing, the Committee believed we could do better and instructed the Superintendent to prepare a budget that would allow our school professionals to bring our students' level of performance to the top 10% across the board—MCAS, SATs, and other standardized tests—while decreasing the drop-out rate and increasing the number of students going to four-year colleges. The Committee was surprised at what they felt was a moderate increase to take the system from where it is now to where the Committee has indicated it wants it to be. Superintendent Allen reviewed the salient points of the budget he prepared, explaining the forces which drove the budget, including: Strategic Plan—Mission, Goals, Priorities; Individual School Improvement Plans; State Expectations; Enrollment. He reviewed the areas of budget increase by level, beginning with Personnel. He noted that the central office space issue has been a problem since 1996 and that the central office must be moved and cannot be housed in the new high school. Dr. Allen talked about transportation, professional development initiatives, and special education, noting that North Andover's total special education budget is less than the out-of-district budget in Andover. He concluded by reviewing the budget for textbooks, materials and supplies. The Finance Committee has recommended a budget that would result in no teacher layoffs, class sizes remaining constant, no programs being eliminated, and funds for materials, supplies and textbooks being restored to some degree. It would provide us with the opportunity to continue to improve student performance. Questions from the Board of Selectmen: (1) How many employees work in the Central Office? Thirty-eight(includes district-wide Technology staff, Special Education staff, Maintenance staff). (2) Why not renovate the Police Station for School Department Offices? Mr. Szymanski indicated that the architect did a walk-through and determined that the space was not functional for our needs—the configuration was inappropriate; space inadequate (need 15-20,000 sq. ft.; excluding the portables, the station has about 6,000 sq. ft.). Dr. Allen's predecessor, George Blaisdell, had attempted to obtain the Textile Museum(24,000 sq. ft.) (3) Why is there a need for technology equipment for grades K-3? The Department of Education has established expectations in curriculum areas, including technology. Among those expectations is that systems invest in technology for grades K thru 12. (4) High School Questions: o Normal number of classes taught per day? Five o Number of classes taught by department chairs? Three o How many classes/day do Asst. Principals teach? None* *There state standards for Assistant Principals: Students is 1:300; there are about 1,040 students at NAHS. (Ratio – 1:520) Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9,2002 Page 2 (5) Describe responsibilities of Assistant Principals. Assistant Principals, in addition to managing student discipline issues, conduct Classroom Observations and evaluation of high school staff, chair Student Advisory Team meetings, attend all Individual Education Plan meetings, meet with parents daily, assist with MCAS testing, observe student behavior in classrooms, work on budget, do lunch duty, and provide support for every classroom teacher. They attend all the extra-curricular activities; when possible, they attend sporting events. Dr. Allen added that they are also an essential part of our effort in working with the North Andover Police and Fire Departments in safety and security. (6) What would be the cost savings in eliminating Advanced Placement program? Principal Nicholson indicated that the numbers enrolled in A.P. courses diminish in the upper grades. For example, there are 11 students in AP French. Those students could select an elective or take a language course at Merrimack College or Northern Essex Community College. This would permit teachers to pick up another class of up to thirty students. The same scenario would be true in AP Spanish, AP Calculus. (7) Mandatory vs. non-mandatory classes? Principal Nicholson indicated that while that is an interesting question, there is a Time on Learning requirement established by the Department of Education. Each student at NAHS must have 990 hours of learning. Each student will be taking six classes and one directed study. One hundred students take seven classes. The NEASC accreditation process requires that we meet seven standards, four of which concern instruction, curriculum, school resources, and community resources for learning. Mrs. Nicholson is concerned about meeting accreditation requirements with proposed cuts. Resource Room vs. 1:1 (Teacher Aide: Student) Ms. Debra McKee explained that we try to keep our students in North Andover, rather than in out-of-district placements, which are very expensive, and associated transportation costs are costly as well. North Andover has a very low number of students in special education and tries to mainstream students as much as possible. The level of cost effectiveness is very substantial. (See attached written response.) Elementary Projections (2002-2007 330, 366, 385, 420, 470, 547). Staffing -Support Staff and Administration Principals all schools in Town 8, 2 Assistant Principals, House Coordinators. Custodians all schools in Town 28; Secretaries 13 total for all schools including Athletic and Guidance office. Contrast Positions: 22 Positions added since last year. Dr. Allen outlined those additions by position and rationale. (2.3 L.P.N.'s are grant positions; 2.4 lunch staff) Administrative Positions: The system is currently at the highest number of students to administrators since 1992. Plans for Central Office--$300,000 in budget to facilitate the move? Could that be put off until a future year without fiscal impact? (Mark Rees, Town Manager) Mr. Murphy indicated that the Committee would certainly consider that option. Mr. Szymanski stressed that there has been a lack of available space in the community. It is necessary to go to a public bid during the summer months. The timeline for the new high school creates a pressure to move; and, the administration has been asked if they would be ready to accept an early completion of the high school. As Director of Management Support Services, Mr. Szymanski observed that he has to do an audit on the middle school project, the Thomson School, and manage the construction of the new NAHS from a most inadequate space (formerly a bathroom). 15,000-20,000 Square Feet? (Ms. Wakeman) Based on the number of spaces required under one roof, that is the aggregate space needed. Ms. Haltmaier observed that the School Committee is trying to plan ahead and she commends them for that;the vacancy rates are higher and rents lower right now. Who pays for classes at Northern Essex Community College or Merrimack College? Merrimack College will allow youngsters to enroll there for the cost of the book. The state has a dual enrollment program, which supports enrollment of high school youngsters at state colleges , universities and community colleges. At present those funds are frozen; and unless we can work out an arrangement with the administration, there will be a tuition fee. We have been very successful getting those fees. Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9,2002 Page 3 Why can't Superintendent's Office be housed in new North Andover High School? Dr. Allen explained that there was a fairly strong sentiment not to include the Superintendent's Office in the new high school because it is non- reimbursable. Additionally,the acreage is insufficient; a waiver had to be obtained to build on this site Mr. Murphy referred to an earlier remark by Selectman Xenakis regarding the staffing schedule. From 1989-91, staffing diminished significantly while enrollment remained consistent. In subsequent years, there was significant increase in enrollment and additions that were appropriate to that growth. Chairman Murphy assured the Selectmen that the School Committee would go back and re-examines other ways to resolve the budget crisis without laying off all of the teachers previously designated. Further, he hopes that the Board of Selectmen will agree to place an override on the ballot in a timely manner that will be of the magnitude suggested by the Finance Committee. At the same time he urged the board of Selectmen to join the School Committee in examining all the options to meet the community's needs in the event of a failed override. At this point, the only viable way to increase revenue is the assessment of fees. He requested that the Selectmen open the Warrant and ask the voters to authorize the assessment of fees in the event of a failed override. While Chairman Murphy understands that no one likes fees, the School Committee will assess fees on our students to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools. If we lose some athletes because they cannot afford it, our society will lose a lot more. Students should not pay for the town's problems. Recess: At 7:40 p.m. the Board took a recess,the School Committee moved to the Middle School Library while the Board of Selectmen continued in the Blaisdell Center. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to move Executive Session to the end of the meeting; vote approved 5-0. LICENSING COMMISSIONERS: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to move into Licensing; vote approved 5-0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to approve the following (3) Liquor Licenses provided that the bartenders are TIP certified and to honor the request for waiver of fees for the Chamber Mixer at the Stevens Estate; vote approved 5-0. 1. Merrimack College/Maryellen M. Colliton, 315 Turnpike Street,North Andover, Mendel Hall on April 12, 2002 from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. for Civil Engineering Alumni Reception, One-Day Malt&Wine License. 2. Merrimack College/Elaine Grant, 315 Turnpike Street,North Andover, for a Senior Barbecue on April 26, 2002 at Sakowich Center by Cascia Hall, One-Day Malt&Wine License from 7:00 p.m.-midnight. 3. Evy Gillette, Manager Stevens Estate @ Osgood Street, for a One-Day Al Alcohol License on April 16, 2002, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. for the Chamber of Commerce Mixer. Fee waiver was requested for the Mixer. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to move out of licensing; vote approved 5-0. CONSENT ITEMS: Road Race Permit: Merrimack Valley Striders; 4t''of July Road Races. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to grant a road race permit to the Merrimack Valley Striders to hold the 4t''of July Road Race; vote approved 5-0. North Andover Unitarian Universalist Church Animal Blessing Service June 16, 2002. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman, for the North Andover Unitarian Universalist Church to use the Town Commons for an Animal Blessing service on June 16, 2002; vote approved 5-0. Preparation for May 13, 2002 Annual Town Meeting. Consideration of Reopening the Warrant. The request to reopen the warrant was withdrawn. Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9,2002 Page 4 FY03 Operatin _g BudBud Town Manager Mark Rees presented the Board of Selectmen with various options for the FY03 Operating Budget with and without an override. Also presented were figures showing what various overrides of either$3.2 million or $4.2 million would provide for the town. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to accept the Town Manager's recommended budget with no override, and take $100,000 from the Stabilization Fund for the Fire Department Budget for the second ambulance and EMT's. Susan Haltmaier amended the MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to accept the Town Manager's recommended budget with no override, and take $500,000 from the Stabilization Fund, giving $400,000 to the School Department, $100,000 to the General Government Fund for the Fire Department Budget and accepts the other revenues identified by the Finance Committee which would provide a net increase of$164,000;vote approved 3-2. (James Xenakis and Rosemary Smedile opposed). Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to ask the Town Manager to report at a future meeting his recommendation as to where in the General Government Fund the net increase of$164,000 would best be spent, especially for the Police Department; vote approved 5-0. James Xenakis stated these are endorsements from the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting will have the final say. Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to call a special election on Tuesday May 21, 2002; vote approved 5-0. FY03 Capital Budd James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend favorable action on$490,000 for replacement of the Kittredge School Heating System; vote approved 5-0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to recommend favorable action on$2,267,133 for Architectural fees for design and plans for new elementary school; vote approved 5-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to recommend unfavorable action on$1,000,000 to relocate Central Office; vote approved 5-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to recommend favorable action on$235,000 for repaving project at the schools; vote approved 5-0. Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend favorable action on$139,820 for Technology B. Special Ed/Tech; vote approved 5-0. Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend favorable action on$225,520 for Technology at elementary schools in town; vote approved 5-0. Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend favorable action on$188,520 for Technology at the High School and Middle School; vote approved 5-0. Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend favorable action on$2,000,000 for Town Hall Renovation Phase I; vote approved 5-0. Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend favorable action on$171,600 for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Department; vote approved 5-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to recommend favorable action on$144,073 for Public Safety Technology Fire Department; vote approved 5-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9,2002 Page 5 Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to recommend favorable action on$7,330, 583 for a new Police Station; vote approved 5-0. Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to recommend favorable action on$144,073 for Public Safety Technology at the Police Station; vote approved 5-0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to recommend favorable action on$$30,000 for a /4 ton pickup, $80,000 for a Gang Mower, $98,200 for a Dump Truck w/sander, $102,000 for a Recycle Truck, $105,000 for a Sweeper, $199,896 for Roadway Improvements, and$80, 400 for sidewalk construction; vote approved 5-0. REVIEW OF WARRANT ARTICLES. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend favorable action on Articles A, Z, AA, BB, L, F, D, E, K, and CC listed below; vote approved 5-0. Article A. Reports of Receipts, Expenses and Spec. Comm. Article Z. Authorization to Contract in Excess of Three Years. Article AA. Authorization to Accept Easements. Article BB. Authorization to Grant Easements. Article L. Reauthorization of Revolving Fund, Board of Health Article F. Capital Improvement Appropriation, FY03. Article D. General Fund Appropriation, FY03. Article E. Comp. Of Elected Officials. Article K. Appropriations Beede Waste Oil Settlement. Article CC. Acceptance of Land: English Circle James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to withdraw Article O. Home Rule Permanent Deed Restrictions-Lane @ Water Treatment and Article DD. Amend Personnel By-law; vote approved 5-0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to make recommendations at Town Meeting on Articles B, C,H, I, J, M,N,T,W,X and Y listed below; vote approved 5-0. Article B. Prior Years Unpaid Bills Article C. FY02 Budget Transfers Article H. Water Enterprise Fund Appropriation FY03 Article I. Sewer Enterprise Fund Appropriation FY03 Article J. Steven's Estate Enterprise Fund Appropriation FY03 Article M. Land Acquisition-Boxford and Foster Street Article N. Amend Water Ent. Fund, FY02,Acq. Of land next to water treatment plant Article T. Report of Beaver Issues Committee Article W. Acceptance of Fee in Roadway-Foxwood Dr. and Weyland Circle Article X. Acceptance of Fee in Land, Foxwood Subdivision Article Y. Use of Foxwood Bond Funds James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to recommend unfavorable action on Article II Petition to Direct School Comm not to demolish High School; vote approved 4-1. (Donald Stewart opposed). James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to recommend unfavorable action on Article HH New Elementary School at Foster Farm; vote approved 5-0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to recommend favorable action on Article G. Arch Fees for a new Elementary School; vote approved 5-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to recommend favorable action on Article Q. Appropriations Community Preservation Fund; Article R. Acquisition of Land-Half Mile Hill, CPA; and Article S. Home Rule-Permanent Deed Restrictions-Half Mile Hill; vote approved 5-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9,2002 Page 6 James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to make a recommendation at Town Meeting on Article EE. Revocation of Civil Service, vote approved 5-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to make a recommendation at Town Meeting on Article KK. Petition to General Court-Change Town boundaries; vote approved 5-0. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to make a recommendation at Town Meeting on Articles U, V, FF and GG; vote approved 5-0. Article U. Amend Zoning By-Law Section 8.7 Growth Management. Article V. Amend Zoning By-Law Section 9 Non-Conforming Uses. Article FF. Amend Zoning Map-Portion of Osgood Street. Article GG Amend Zoning Map-Willow Street off Route 114. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to take no action at this time pending the layout hearings on Articles LL, MM and NN; vote approved 5-0. Article LL. Road Acceptance: Keyes Way Article MM. Road Acceptance: Acushnet Street Article NN. Road Acceptance: Saile Way Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to make no recommendation on Article JJ. Discontinuance of Public Way-Wood Lane; vote approved 5-0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to change the numbering of articles 9 & 10 in printing the warrant, 10 will become 9; and 9 will become 10; vote approved 5-0. Water Ban Exemption Guidelines. Since the declaration of the water ban on use of outside water the Division of Public Works has been working on the process for dealing with possible exemptions to the water ban. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier,to adopt the following "Water Ban Exemption Guidelines; vote approved 5-0. The following guidelines will be used to assist in reviewing requests for waivers to the outside watering ban: a. Use of Town water for agricultural irrigation at the minimum rate necessary for the production of food and fiber, the maintenance of livestock and poultry, or the production of nursery stock. b. Use of Town water by commercial nurseries at the minimum rate necessary to maintain stock, only to the extent Those sources of water, other than Town water, adequate to supply needs are not available or feasible to use. c. Use of Town water at the minimum rate necessary to implement revegetation following earthmoving, where such revegetation is required pursuant to an approved erosion and sedimentation control plan adopted pursuant to state and local laws or regulations,to the extent that sources of water, other than Town water, adequate to supply needs are not available or feasible to use. Revegatation use shall comply with all applicable best conservation management practices for such revegetation as prescribed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. d. Use of Town water at the minimum rate necessary for pre-washing in preparation of asphalt paving, driveway recoating and sealing, house washing, or for any other commercial business which may require the use of water to meet certain minimum standards, specifications or guarantees. e. Use of Town water by commercial car washers equipped with facilities that recycle at least 50%of water used or reduce the normal use of town water by 50%. f. Use of Town water at the minimum rate necessary for the watering of golf course tees and greens only to the extent that sources of water other than Town water adequate to supply needs are not available or feasible to use. ADJOURNMENT: Susan Haltmaier made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman,to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 PM;vote approved 5 — 0. Kathleen O'Neill Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board