HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-01 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: James Xenakis called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at Town Hall Meeting Room.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: James Xenakis, Chairman; Thomas Licciardello; Rosemary
Connelly Smedile; Daniel P. Lanen; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli,
Assistant Town Manager.
Note: Daniel Lanen recused
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move into Executive Session
to discuss Collective Bargaining. Vote approved 4-0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. Mark
Caggiano yes; Rosemary Smedile, yes, and Thomas Licciardello yes; James Xenakis yes. Vote
approved 4-0.
Note: Daniel Lanen returned
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve August 20, 2007,
Open Minutes as written. Vote approved 5-0.
Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve August 20, 2007,
Executive Session Minutes as written. Vote approved 4-0-1. Daniel Lanen abstained.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Library Director Introduction
Due to the announcement and retirement of Sue Ellen Holmes the Stevens Memorial Library Trustees
selected a new Library Director. Maria Messinger member of the Trustee introduced Ms. Mary Rose
Quinn to the Board.
Report from Poet Laureate
Michael Souza did a Powerpoint presentation for the Board giving an overview of poetry projects that he
will be introducing throughout the Town. He will also be working with the schools, businesses, the US
Poet Laureate and the Governor of Massachusetts.
Public Comment
Dianna Deossie 835 Chestnut Street asked the Board's support for the neighbors concerns about safety
issues regarding a proposed 40B Orchard Village on Rte. 114.
Selectman Xenakis said the Selectmen sent a letter to the State with the Town's concerns on safety
issues on this development. The Town Manager would provide a copy of the letter to Mrs. Deossie.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Permission to fill vacancies
Lyne Savage Town Accountant/Budget Director requested permission to advertise and recruit to fill the
vacancy of Payroll Coordinator.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the request to fill the
vacancy of Payroll Coordinator. Vote approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting October 1, 2007 2
Acceptance of donation
The Fire Department received a donation of$2,000 from Harold Dushame to be used for the purchase of
the new Thermal Imager.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to accept the donation of$2,000 for
the new Thermal Imager and to send a thank you letter to Mr. Dushame. Vote approved 5-0.
Utility Easements in Old Center
The Board was asked to approve two easements for Mass Electric for the underground utility project in
the Old Commons.
Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the two easements
for Mass Electric for the underground utility project in the Old Commons. Vote approved 5-0.
Holiday Parade
The North Andover Festival Committee and the North Andover Police Association requests permission to
hold the annual Holiday parade on November 24, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. They also ask for a
restriction on how candy is distributed and to require safety standards for children riding on floats or
vehicles.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to approve the permits for the
annual Holiday parade on November 24, 2007. Vote approved 5-0.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS:
Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move into Licensing. Vote
approved 5-0.
Merrimack College requests the following one-day licenses
Weekend Homecoming Event, October 13, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. —3:00 p.m. beer and wine license
Suffolk University Networking Event, October 17, 2007, from 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. beer and wine license
Federal Credit Union Celebration, November 15, 2007, from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. beer and wine license
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to approve requests from Merrimack
College on October 13, 17 and November 15, 2007. Vote approved 5-0.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to move out of Licensing. Vote
approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Old Center Improvement Projects Update
The Town Manager gave the Board an update on the financial status of the Old Center project. A
spreadsheet gave a line item description, the project changes in cost and the Funding Sources. The
balance would be split 50/50 between the town and state and the town has access to $100,000 in
reimbursement from special state legislative appropriation.
Comprehensive Waste Water Management Plan
DPW Director Bill Hmurciak, Eileen Cahill, P.E. and Stan Elkerton from SEA Consultants briefed the
board on progress being made in the development of a 20-year Comprehensive Waste Water
Management Plan.
The CWMP will help prioritize areas of wastewater disposal needs in Town and also ultimately
recommend future Capital Improvement Projects for the Town's sewer system. Upon completion of the
planning study, the Town will have a comprehensive report, which will accomplish the following:
Identify Areas of Need; Identify Alternative Solutions; Screen Alternatives; Identify Impacts; Create an
Organized Plan; and Implementation of the Program.
Board of Selectmen Meeting October 1, 2007 3
CWMP will hold the project's first Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room at the Town Hall, 120 Main Street.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town Manager's Performance Review
Chairman James Xenakis said that each year the Board evaluates the Town Manager on his
performance. Even though the Town faced a difficult year financially, Town Manager Mark Rees's
greatest strength is his ability to manage municipal finances. He was able to accomplish so much more
with so little compared to other communities. The Board also made suggestions for improvement.
The Board gave Mr. Rees a 3% raise and an additional one time 3% performance bonus.
Town Manager Mark Rees thanked the Board and said that Town Government is a shared responsibility
and commended his staff.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
Community Development Director Curt Bellavance has informed me the State has approved the
expansion of the Lawrence Economic Target Area (ETA) and the Economic Opportunity Area (EOA)
designation for the East Mill site. Both Mayor Michael Sullivan of Lawrence and Mayor Bill Manzi of
Methuen supported the Town's application for these designations.
The Town Manager will be attending the International City Management Conference in Pittsburgh, PA
from October 6, through October 10, 2007.
ADJOURNMENT:
Thomas Licciardello made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to adjourn the meeting at 7:25
PM. Vote approved 5-0.
Adele J. Johnson
Administrative Secretary
Thomas Licciardello, Clerk of the Board