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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES MAY 23, 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; James Xenakis; Donald B. Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Thomas Licciardello; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to take out of order IV Communication & Announcements; A& B Business Recognition. Vote approved 5-0. New Business Recognition The Board of Selectmen welcomed Cheryl Treacy, owner of Miss Fit Fitness Center, for opening a new business in town and presented a Certificate of Appreciation. The Board of Selectmen welcomed Edward Viel, owner of Village Kitchen &Appliance, for recently relocating their business in town and presented a Certificate of Appreciation EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to move into Executive Session to discuss. Vote approved 5-0. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. Donald Stewart yes; James Xenakis yes; Mark Caggiano yes; Thomas Licciardello, yes, and Rosemary Smedile yes. Vote approved 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to approve the Executive Session Minutes and Open Session Minutes of April 11, 2005. Vote approved 5-0. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT: North Andover Thrift Shop Ruth Race, Peter Race and Ann Erickson representatives of the North Andover Thrift Shop gave an overview report on the history, present and future of the Thrift Shop. Ideas and proposals were presented to expand the building to include a visitors' center that could offer information on the town's historic and notable places. The building would be registered as a historic certified building (circa 1801). Members asked the Selectmen to help them find different ways to fund their proposal, grants for historic preservation, private fund raising and the town's own CPA fund are all possibilities. The Board of Selectmen showed support for their efforts in this direction. Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to authorize the Town Manager to work with the representatives of the North Andover Thrift Shop. Vote approved 5-0. CONSENT ITEMS: Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to approve the request from Joy Duncan from the Mother's Connection to use the Old Center Common on Sunday, June 12, 2005, from 10:00 AM — 1:00 PM to host their annual family fun day. Vote approved 5-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes May 23, 2005 2 LICENSING COMMISSIONERS: Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to move into Licensing. Vote approved 5-0. Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to open the Public Hearing. Vote approved 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS -LICENSING: Stergios Papadopulos of Emporio Gourmet Coffee, 133 Main Street, requested a Common Victualler license. Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve the request for a Common Victualler contingent upon approval and permits from other town departments. Vote approved 5-0. Mr. Zong Song Zou of Jade Abacus, 733 Turnpike Street, requested a transfer of manager/owner, liquor license, entertainment license and name change to Iron Chef. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the request contingent upon approval and permits from other town departments and a CORI check. Vote approved 5-0. Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to close the Public Hearing. Vote approved 5-0. Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, requests a one-day beer&wine license on June 7, 2005, from 5:00 PM —7:00 PM for a Merrimack Chamber Social in the Blue Line Club at the Volpe Center. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to approve the request by Merrimack College. Vote approved 5-0. Cynthia Rostiac, Stevens Estate, 723 Osgood Street, requested the following one-day licenses: 1. O'Rourke/Armstrong Wedding, Sat. 5/28/05, 4:00 PM— 10:00 PM, Full Liquor Bar 2. Thumin/Fryatt Wedding, Sun. 5/29/05, 5:00 PM— 11:00 PM, Full Liquor Bar 3. Pallone Graduation Party, Fri. 6/3/05, 6:00 PM — 11:00 PM, Beer&Wine Bar 4. Ventullo Wedding, Sat. 6/4/05, 5:00 PM— 10:00 PM, Full Liquor Bar 5. NE Assoc. of Realtors Conference, Thur. 6/9/05, 5:00 PM —8:00 PM, Full Liquor Bar 6. NA Booster Club Fundraiser, Sat. 6/11/05, 7:00 PM — 11:00 PM, Full Liquor Bar James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve the requests by Cynthia Rostiac of the Stevens Estate. Vote approved 5-0. Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move out of Licensing. Vote approved 5-0. OLD BUSINESS: Zoning Task Force Review Mark Caggiano gave a report of the accomplishments of the Zoning Task Force Committee and requested the board to revisit the charge of the Zoning Task Force Committee. Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to make several changes to the Zoning Task Force Committee charge. Vote approved 5-0. WHEREAS, the Town of North Andover has determined there is a strong need for additional revenues; Board of Selectmen Minutes May 23, 2005 3 WHEREAS, the Town of North Andover must shape and direct appropriate economic growth so that new economic opportunities exist; WHEREAS, the Town of North Andover's existing industrial and commercial zones should be re- examined for feasibility for the promotion of economic development; WHEREAS, the Town of North Andover has a need to realize their full economic development potential without damaging the character of the Town; WHEREAS, the Town of North Andover has a need to form a Zoning Task Force to review the Town's zoning map and make recommendations on possible changes that will enhance commercial and industrial economic development projects; SO HEREBY A ZONING TASK FORCE IS ESTABLISHED within the Town of North Andover. Said Task Force shall: a. Consist of nine members appointed by the Board of Selectmen of which at least one member shall also be a member from the following Town committees: Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Conservation Commission. The Town's Director of Community Development and Services, the Town Planner, and Representative David Torrisi or his designee, shall serve as ex officio members of the Task Force. Be a non-permanent Task Force that will cease to exist after the completion of its duties and responsibilities. b. Make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on the following: i. As to how the Town can maintain and expand the diversity of commercial and industrial businesses in North Andover. ii. Inventory property and determine the potential for economic development. The inventory will include an analysis of existing parcels regardless of current zoning, in order to determine possible infrastructure, site, and zoning needs. iii. Review and recommend changes to the Town's zoning by-law and map for the purpose of simplifying, consolidating, and improving the Town's zoning regulations with the primary objective of promoting and expanding commercial and industrial development. iv. Economic Development Strategies, including but not limited to, a strategy that identifies desirable types of industrial firms that are environmentally safe and in an expansion mode. The strategy will include incentives for positive industrial development through taxation, subsidized infrastructure improvements, and other economic development assistance. v. Discuss ways to streamline permitting procedures to create a more proactive economic environment including the feasibility of implementing Chapter 43D, the Expedited Local Permitting. vi. Summarize the above listed economic findings and make specific recommendations, which address the Town's need for economic growth in concert with the goals and policies of the Town of North Andover Master Plan. vii. In concert with the Housing Partnership Committee, provide a recommendation on the adoption of Chapter 40R, the Smart Growth Zoning Act. c. Report back to the Board of Selectmen with its findings within 270 days of the appointment of the Task Force by the Board of Selectmen. Board of Selectmen Minutes May 23, 2005 4 NEW BUSINESS: Amendment to Easement, 59 Bannon Drive Mr. & Mrs. Blackshaw of 59 Bannon Drive requested a change in the town drainage easement on their property to allow them to build a swimming pool. DPW and Town Counsel have no objection to grant this request. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to approve and sign the Amend to Easement for 59 Bannon Drive. Vote approved 5-0. Resolution regarding Board of Health/TBI site suitability hearing Dr. Thomas Trowbridge Chairman of the Board of Health announced that the date and location of the TBI hearing was changed to Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at the Middle School auditorium due to a conflict. Dr. Trowbridge said that all communications should be done formally by Massachusetts's regulations and there was a formal process for anyone wishing to testify at the hearing or submitting written comments to the board of health. All correspondence should be done through the Board of Health secretary. Thomas Licciardello introduced a Resolution to restate and to emphasize key phrases from the host community agreement including between TBI and the Town of North Andover, "This agreement is in no way a directive to the North Andover Board of Health to issue a permit for the facility." "The Board of Selectmen shall remain neutral in this matter and will not advise the Board of Health in favor or against the facility and shall refrain, as a body, from making public comments in regards to this issue. Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve the Resolution to support the Board of Health to act fairly, impartially, and make a decision based on facts presented in the best interest of the community as a whole. Vote approved 4-0. Donald Stewart opposed. U.S. Mail Collection Boxes The Town Manager has received several complaints from senior citizens regarding the removal of mail collection boxes in the past month. The U.S. Postal Service has been retiring mailboxes throughout the region as a cost cutting measure. The Town Manager wrote a letter to the Postmaster concerning the matter and is waiting for a response and the Eagle Tribune has written articles about mailbox removals. Selectmen agreed to ask Congressman Tierney's office for some help in reinstalling at least three of the mailboxes that have been removed from the town. FY06-10 Traffic Improvement Plan The Town has submitted to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission a new list of transportation project proposals for consideration for inclusion in the regional Traffic Improvement Plan. Being placed on this list is the first step in receiving federal/state transportation funds. This is just informational at this time and would be reviewed at a later meeting to review. FY-06 Water and Sewer Rates With the approval of the Water and Sewer budgets at the Annual Town Meeting on May 9, 2005, the board is requested to establish appropriate rates to fund these budgets. Preliminary rate information was distributed for review. The Town Manager suggested conducting a public hearing on these rates to receive public input before voting on the rates. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to schedule a Public Hearing next month for Water and Sewer Rates. Vote approved 5-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes May 23, 2005 5 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Fire Chief Dolan has announced that Fire Fighters Brett Rodden and James Loisou have recently graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's 11-week Recruit Firefighting Program. On May 12, 2005, the Town Manager attended a seminar sponsored by the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council on emergency incident preparedness. On Sunday May 15th, Chairman Smedile, Veterans Services Director Ed Mitchell, and Deputy Fire Chief Bill Martineau attended an Eagle Scout Ceremony where Colin Calabrese, Michael Graham, Alex Lehmann, and Matthew Murray received their Eagle awards. On Saturday, May 14, 2005, the Town Manager participated in the volunteer effort to install the new playground at Grogan Field that is being partially paid for through CIP funds. On Thursday, May 19, 2005, the Town Manager participated in a training session with approximately 12 other town employees on how to use the town's GIS and Pictometry software. Rees encouraged Selectmen to become knowledgeable on this valuable new land use tool. The Recreation Department announced the Summer Band Concert schedule for 2005 held at the Town Common. ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. Vote approved 5-0. Adele J. Johnson Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board