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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-31 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JANUARY 31, 2005 CALL TO ORDER: Rosemary Connelly Smedile called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Town Hall Meeting Room. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; Wendy Wakeman; James Xenakis; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move into Executive Session to discuss Real Estate Matter and Pending Litigation. Vote approved 4-0. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. James Xenakis yes; Mark Caggiano yes; Wendy Wakeman yes, and Rosemary Smedile yes. Vote approved 4-0. CONSENT ITEMS: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to approve the request by Melissa Hanson for the March of Dimes Walk America on Sunday, April 24, 2005. Vote approved 4-0. OLD BUSINESS: FY06 Sewer Enterprise Fund Capital Budget. The Town Manager recommended two projects in FY06. Phase 4D Sewer Extension costing $720,000 and Wastewater Management Plan costing $300,000 Phase 4D Sewer Extension is to construct sewers to service three remaining areas in the Lake Cochichewick Watershed. The Phase 4D Sewer will service short sections of Bradford Street, Sutton Hill Road and Woodberry Lane. The Wastewater Management Plan project will develop and evaluate wastewater alternatives to meet the towns long term needs. The plan will provide environmentally sound and cost effective decisions on the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the towns wastewater facilities. Wendy Wakeman and Smedile were not comfortable with spending $300,000 for this study at this time. Selectmen asked the Town Manager to provide further documentation before making their decision. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano; to send word to the Finance Committee that the Board gives favorable recommendation for the approval of$720,000 for the Phase 4D Sewer Extension, but reserves the right to make changes as the need should arise. Vote approved 4-0. Selectman Xenakis asked the Town Manager to contact the town's financial auditor for specific percentage guidelines of Debt Service of Enterprise Funds. The Town Manager said that the Town's Auditor would be present at a future meeting in February to answer questions. FY06 Water Enterprise Fund Capital Budget The Town Manager recommended three projects in FY06. Water Supply Security System costing $215,000; Lake Outlet Structure costing $600,000; and Bear Hill Reservoir Upgrade costing $525,000. The Water Supply Security System would complete a phased improvement program to upgrade the security and reliability of the water system. The improvements are recommended in the Vulnerability Assessment completed for the towns water supply and distribution system in accordance with federal guidelines. Board of Selectmen Minutes January 31, 2005 2 The Lake Cochichewick Outlet Structure is to construct recommended improvements to the outlet structure at the dam at Lake Cochichewick. The Improvements include installation of a new sluice gate, repairs to the building, repairs to the dam and outlet conduit, installation of a security system, and improvements to the top of the dam. The improvements will result in a heightened level of reliability and functionality of the Lake Cochichewick dam and outlet structure. Eliminating or minimizing leakage around the sluice gate will make more water available for drinking water purposes. The Bear Hill Reservoir Upgrade is to construct a new pumping system, above ground building, isolation valves and automated monitoring and chlorination system. The Bear Hill Reservoir needs improvements to the security system based on a vulnerability assessment and improvements to the internal circulation to improve water quality. Wendy Wakeman said when repairs are made on the Lake Cochichewick sluice gate special attention must be made to aesthetics to keep the attractiveness and historical significance preserving the granite structure. Bill Hmurciak assured Selectman Wakeman that special attention would be taken to keep the granite structure preserved. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to send word to the Finance Committee that the Board of Selectmen give favorable recommendation for borrowing plan and CIP for Water Enterprise Fund and reserve the right to make changes should the need arise. Vote approved 4-0. Preparation for February 7, 2005 Special Town Meeting. The Town Manager gave the Board an outline of how the Special Town Meeting would proceed and requested the Board make a formal recommendation on the Police Station Project. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, that the Board of Selectmen makes favorable recommendation on Article#3 the Police Station Project. Vote approved 4-0. Tax Increment Financing Agreement. The Board TABLED this item until the return of Selectman Stewart. NEW BUSINESS: NESWC Closeout Projections. The Town Manager said that he had some good news from North East Solid Waste Committee (NESWC). This fall, the town's tipping fees are scheduled to drop from $140 per ton to about $65 per ton. In 2006, North Andover will also have three months when no tipping fees at all will be required. In addition to the rate cut, the town will be reimbursed an estimated $887,000 from several funds that were setup to cover any problems with the costs of trash disposal, services and the operation of the plant. Mark Rees said that this is a one-time payment and should not be used for general operating expenses because it won't be there next year and would be part of the town's budget surplus this year. Ice Rink Facility Review Committee. The Town Manager said that as a result of the RFP for the ice rink facility he received one proposal. The Town Manager recommended establishing an Ice Rink Committee to advise the Board on the acceptability of proposals. Mark Rees recommend Bill Hmurciak Director of Public Works, Jack Stephenson Athletic Director at North Andover High School, and someone with a financial background such as the Finance Director. Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to establish an Ice Rink Facility Committee as recommended by the Town Manager and to appoint Bill Hmurciak, Jack Stephenson and Linda Casey. Vote approved 4-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes January 31, 2005 3 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: The Town is hosting a Chamber of Commerce Breakfast on Friday, February 4, 2005 at the Stevens Estate. ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM. Vote approved 5-0. Adele J. Johnson Administrative Secretary Wendy D. Wakeman, Clerk of the Board