HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES MARCH 22, 2004
CALL TO ORDER: Wendy D. Wakeman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at the Steven's Memorial
Library.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis;
Donald B. Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move into Executive Session to discuss a
complaint against public official, collective bargaining, and complying with any provision of grants and
requirements and discuss potential litigation strategy.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session.
Donald Stewart yes; James Xenakis yes; Rosemary Smedile yes; Mark Caggiano yes; and Wendy Wakeman yes.
Vote approved 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Chairman Wendy Wakeman informed the Board of the Rules or Order for the Joint Session with the School
Committee on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 from 6:00—7:00 PM to choose a new member of the School
Committee. Candidates would be asked to attend the meeting with an opportunity for questions and answers.
Candidates would be chosen by a ballot system.
Mark Caggiano made an announcement that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee would be holding Earth Day
Clean Up on Saturday, April 24, 2004 from 8:30 AM—3:30 PM. There is a signup sheet for volunteers in the
library. For further information contact Tina Klein at 978-686-7056.
Reminder that Tuesday, March 30, 2004 is Town Election Day in North Andover.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the request by Edward Mitchell to
hold the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31, 2004. Vote approved 5-0.
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the request by the Merrimack
Valley Presbyterian Church to hold an Easter egg hunt on Town Common on April 10, 2004. Vote approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Papalia Sewer Easement Issue.
Thomas Urbelis Town Counsel reviewed documents including the original Grant of Easement recorded at the
Registry of Deeds on February 26, 1988 at Book 5128, Page 23, as well as a letter from the Town Manager
Robert Halpin to Mr. Papalia dated February 4, 1997 regarding the terms of the easement. Counsel's opinion
was that the Papalias were properly assessed with sewer betterment in the amount of$3,858.00.
Mr. and Mrs. Papalia did not agree with Counsel's findings showing that the only binding contract that they
signed was the Grant of Easement that did not include any sewer betterment in the amount of$3,858.00.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, that the betterment charge was waived back
when the Grant of Easement was signed and recorded on February 26, 1988 when originally accepted by the
Town. Vote approved 5-0.
Revisions to Capital Improvement Plan and Budget Update.
General Fund Revenue.
The Town Manager explained that the Department of Revenue recommended that the Circuit Breaker Aid would
be treated as a reimbursement special revenue account.
Management Information Systems.
Joyce Hanlon Director of Finance gave a detailed report from an outside consultant that was hired to assess the
Town's Management Information Systems. Numerous recommendations for improvements should be considered
for implementation over the next 12 months with a total cost estimate range of$140,000 - $200,000.
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 22, 2004 2
General Fund Capital Budget.
The Town Manager said in light of the technology needs of the town, as well as, a request from the Town
Accountant for a reconsideration of the timing to fund new financial accounting software, it is recommended that
the General Fund CIP for FY05 be modified as follows:
1. Change "Replacement of Master Server"to "municipal Technology Improvements" and change the amount
from $28,000 to $152,700.
2. Move "Financial Management System" at $200,000 to from FY06 to FY05.
3. Change "Communication Center Upgrade" at $251,031 from FY05 to $81,000 in FY05 and $170,031 in FY06.
Water Enterprise Fund Capital Projects.
Dennis Bedrosian Water Treatment Plant Superintendent has asked for realignment to the Water Enterprise CIP
that will not impact the total capital expenditure.
Ambulance Enterprise Fund.
In response to Selectman Xenakis' request for information regarding the creation of an Ambulance Enterprise
Fund, Joyce Hanlon drafted the establishment of an enterprise fund for the ambulance fund.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hardship Policy for Ambulance Collections.
Staff developed a policy and procedure for the granting of abatements for those individuals who may not be able
to pay their charge as requested by the Board at a previous meeting.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the abatement policy and
procedures. Vote approved 4-1. Donald Stewart opposed.
Merrimack Valley Transportation Management Association.
Julie Parrino Town Planner introduced Andrea Leary, Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Transportation
Management Association. This is a non-profit organization that provides employer based commute reduction
programs designed to reduce congestion, improve air quality, save employee money and enhance access to local
businesses. The Planning Board requested the Board of Selectmen to endorse a letter to Town businesses
asking that they consider joining the MVTMA.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve the letter from the Town Planner
to businesses in North Andover asking that they consider voluntarily joining the MVTMA. Vote approved 5-0.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
The Town has finished negotiation with Allen M. Lieb Architects, P.C. Ltd. for architectural services relating to the
new police station, and the contract is currently being written.
The Community Development Division will soon be going out to bid for improvements to the old town common
including fixing drainage problems, relocating the flagpole and installing walkways. This work is anticipated to
commence after July 4, 2004 and may cause some disruption to groups who may want to use the commons.
Mass Highways has scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. at the Middle
School Auditorium to hear public comments regarding the Old Center traffic.
Also on that day, the Board of Selectmen will have a joint meeting with the School Committee at the Stevens
Memorial Library at 6:00 P.M. to fill the vacancy on the Board.
Note: James Xenakis left the meeting at 8:50 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT:
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 P.M. Vote
approved 4-0.
Adele J. Johnson
Administrative Secretary
Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk of the Board