HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JUNE 16, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Mark J. T. Caggiano called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM at Town Hall
Meeting Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Mark J.T. Caggiano, Chairman; Rosemary Connelly Smedile,
Clerk; Richard A. Nardella, Licensing Chairman; Daniel P. Lanen; Tracy M.Watson; Mark Rees, Town
Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move into Executive Session to discuss
Real Estate Matters and Collective Bargaining. Vote approved 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, to approve the Open Session Minutes as
written of May 13, and May 19,2008. Vote approved 5-0. Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by
Tracy Watson, to approve the Open Session Minutes of June 2, 2008. Vote approved 4-1, Daniel Lanen
abstained.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
New Business Recognition
The Board of Selectmen presented Anthony Frangiosa, President/CEO of Installer Net, Inc. a Certificate of
Recognition for locating his business in North Andover.
Certificate of Commendation
The Board of Selectmen presented Communications Officer Cynthia Matos a Certificate of Commendation for
assisting a resident during a 911 call for a medical emergency on May 2, 2008.
Summer Entertainment Programs
The Recreation Council announced their Summer Entertainment Programs of Sunday Band Concerts and
Children's Shows in the months of July and August. The Band Concerts will be held in the rear of the North
Andover Middle School on Sundays at 6:00 p.m. The Children's Shows will be held at the Blaisdell Center at
the Middle School on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Town Wide Yard Sale
The North Andover Solid Waste Advisory Committee will hold its 3rd Annual Town Wide Yard Sales on June
21-22, 2008.
The Poet Laureate Committee Appointment
The Poet Laureate Committee recommended appointing Ms. Gayle Heney as the Town's second Poet
Laureate.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, to approve the appointment of Ms. Gayle
Heney as the Town's Poet Laureate by the Poet Laureate Committee. Vote approved 5-0.
Town Manager Appointments
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Daniel Lanen, to approve the Town Manager's
appointments for the following boards. Vote approved 5-0.
Assessors, Board of Minicucci David J. 340 Johnson Street June 30,2009
Assessors, Board of Jones Ernest 371 Pleasant St. June 30,2009
Assessors, Board of Barker George 1267 Osgood Street June 30,2009,
Board of Health Fixler Larry F. 25 Hollow Tree Lane June 30,2011
Planning Board Rowen Richard S. 102 Bear Hill Road June 30,2011
Planning Board Seibert Timothy 65 Elm Street June 30,2011
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 16, 2008 2
Selectmen's Appointments
The Board's subcommittee consisting of Rosemary Smedile and Tracy Watson recommend the following
appointments and reappointments to the following boards and commissions.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Nardella, to approve the Selectmen's
subcommittee recommendations for the following boards. Vote approved 5-0.
Cable TV Committee Killen Matthew 3 years June 30,2011
Cable TV Committee Parker Robert S. 3 years June 30,2011
Cable TV Committee Dague George I. 3 years June 30,2011
Community Preservation Committee Schwarz Felipe 3 years June 30,2011
Conservation Commission Napoli Louis 3 years June 30,2011
Conservation Commission Manzi,Jr. Albert P. 3 years June 30,2011
Constable Pollone Ronald 3 years June 30,2011
Council on Aging Graham John W. 3 years June 30,2011
Council on Aging Aziz Peter 3 years June 30,2011
Council on Aging Long Patricia A. 3 years June 30,2011
Cultural Council Lightburn Diane 3 years June 30,2011
Disability Issues, Commission on Lyons,Jr. James F. 3 years June 30,2011
Disability Issues, Commission on Cushing Maureen 3 years June 30,2011
Emergency Management Agency Coco Jeffrey 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Coco John J. 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Hamel Neil 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Albrecht Robert 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Langlois Carl 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Lincoln Connor 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Renner Melynda 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Martineau William 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Shaughnessy Richard T. 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Savastano John 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Stanley Richard M. 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Dolan William V. 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Scanlon Robert 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Dushame Frank 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Boettcher Richard C. 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Management Agency Hastings William 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Mgmt.-Communicator Hastings William 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Mgmt.-Communicator Tessler Steven 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Mgmt.-Communicator McDonald Timothy 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Mgmt.-Auxiliary/Sp Police Boettcher Richard 1 year June 30,2009
Emergency Mgmt.-Auxiliary/Sp Police MacLean Raymond 1 year June 30,2009
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 16, 2008 3
Emergency Mgmt.-Auxiliary/Sp Police Morava r 1 year 009
Emergency Mgmt.-Auxiliary/Sp Police Laurende u Gary r Ju
Festival Committee Nadeau Elis e 1 yea Ju e 3 009
Festival Committee Healey oan 1 year une 30, 9
Festival Committee Coco Sharon 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Connolly James 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Coco Jeff 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Pazzanesse Pristene 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Lacola Pam 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Fazio James 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Poirier Pamela 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Dawson Cathy 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Chabot Leo 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Koenig Gen 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Nolin Dorothy 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Pelletier Philip 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Salisbury Martha 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Pristash Leanna 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Murphy William 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Hamel Neil 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Soucy Fred 1 year June 30,2009
Festival Committee Terranova Frank 1 year June 30,2009
Historical Commission Tremblay Linda 3 years June 30,2011
Historical Commission Williams Jan 3 years June 30,2011
Old Center Historic District Comm. Gramly Richard M. 3 years June 30,2011
Old Center Historic District Comm. Aznoian Harry 3 years June 30,2011
Old Center Historic District Comm. Stevens Robert 3 years June 30,2011
Poet Laureate Heney Gayle 2 years June 30,2010
Recreation Council Foley Kai 3 years June 30,2011
Registrars of Voters, Board of Salisbury Martha 3 years June 30,2011
Solid Waste Advisory Committee Kline Karen 3 years June 30,2011
Solid Waste Advisory Committee Klein Tina 3 years June 30,2011
Solid Waste Advisory Committee Bagley Norm 3 years June 30,2011
Stevens Estate-Board of Trustees Larson Martha 3 years June 30,2011
Stevens Estate-Board of Trustees Hansen E.William 3 years June 30,2011
Stevens Estate-Board of Trustees Frahlich Eric P. 3 years June 30,2011
Youth Services Board of Directors Breen Peter 3 years June 30,2011
Youth Services Board of Directors Cieslewski Tom 3 years June 30,2011
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 16, 2008 4
Bond Rating Upgrade
The Town Manager Mark Rees announced that Standard and Poor has raised North Andover's bond rating
score from A+ to AA. The highest rating is AAA. The Town Manager read a statement from the company
saying the upgrade reflects the town's "extremely strong economic characteristics, good management
practices and low debt burden". The rating a town receives is based on the assessment by the rating agency
of the probability that the municipal government will be able to pay back money that it borrows. The higher the
bond rating a municipality has, the lower the interest rate it has to pay when borrowing funds.
Selectmen Smedile and Caggiano congratulated the Town Manager and his staff for their prudent financial
practices that resulted in the upgraded bond rating.
Comprehensive Waste Water Management Public Hearing
On Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center there will be a Public Hearing for the
Comprehensive Waste Water Management Plan. The Town is encouraging residents to attend. This sewer
system plan could have financial impacts on all residents and businesses. The town is advertising through
newspaper ads, local cable station, the website and by a message sent out on reverse 911.
Announcement of Weekly Recycling Starting June 16
Starting June 16, 2008, residents recycling will be picked up by Northside Carting every week and single
stream recycling (all recyclables mixed together is available.
High School Graduation
Selectman Smedile commented on the North Andover High School Graduation and how proud parents should
be of the students who are going on to many prestigious colleges and universities.
Lions Club Circus
Selectman Smedile announced that the North Andover Lions Club is holding their Annual Circus on
July 2, 2008, at the Middle School grounds. Two shows are scheduled at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks Display
North Andover will have a Fireworks Display at dusk on Sunday, July 6, 2008 at the Middle School grounds.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Acceptance of Donations
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson to accept the donations from Wheelabrator
Technologies, Inc. $2000; I.U.O.E. Local 4 for$200; and the North Andover Police Relief Association for$200
in support of the Town's summer band concerts and children's shows. Vote approved 5-0.
Permission to remove dead trees
Kathleen Szyska, President of the North Andover Historical Commission requested permission to hire Valley
Tree Service to take down two dead trees in the Old Burying Ground. An anonymous donor will pay for the
service.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Daniel Lanen, to approve the request to remove two dead
trees from the Old Burying Ground. Vote approved 5-0.
Note: Daniel Lanen recused
LICENSING:
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Nardella, to move into Licensing. Vote approved
4-0.
Appointment of Police Officers as agents of the Licensing Commission
The Chair of the Licensing Commission Richard Nardella and members of the North Andover Police
Department learned at a recent ABCC training seminar that it would be in the town's best interest to appoint
sworn officers of the Police Department as agents of the Licensing Commission.
Selectman Smedile suggested that the Chairman write a specific list outlining details of what the Police are
allowed to do as agents of the Licensing Commission.
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 16, 2008 5
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to appoint North Andover Police Officers
as agents of the Licensing Commission. Vote approved 4-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move out of licensing. Vote approved
4-0.
Note: Daniel Lanen returned
OLD BUSINESS:
David Eisenthal, Vice President/Senior Fiscal Advisor of Unibank Fiscal Advisory Services, Inc. assisted the
Town to refinance debt issued to pay for various capital projects. The Town has been able to reduce debt
service costs, primarily for prop 2'h debt exclusions, by a net present value amount of$892,376. The Board
was requested to approve the issuance of the debt and to sign the appropriate documents.
The 2008 Series A Bonds have a par amount totaling $6,411,316; they are permanently financing the Town's
fiscal 2007 capital program and the water and sewer portions of the fiscal 2008 program. The Town received
three bids for the Series A Bonds. The low bid was received from UBS Securities LLC at true interest cost of
4.04%.
The 2008 Series B Bonds have a par amount totaling $15,045,000; these bonds are refunding three series of
outstanding bonds issued by the Town during calendar year 1998. They are to finance acquisition of the
Stevens Estate; finance the North Andover Middle School; to finance the Thomson Elementary School and a
number of capital projects. The Town received seven bids for the Series B Bonds. The low bid was received
from First Southwest Company at a true interest cost of 3.22%.
In addition to the bond issues, the Town is issuing $2,144,430 bond anticipation notes to provide temporary
financing for the general fund portion of the Town's fiscal 2008 capital program. The Town received two bids
for these notes; the low bid was Eastern Bank at a rate of 1.97%.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Nardella, to approve the issuance of the debt and
signed the appropriate documents. Vote approved 5-0.
Note: Recess for 10 minutes
Purchase and Sale Agreement for Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union Building
In accordance with the vote of Town Meeting, the Board should approve and sign the P&S for the MVFCU
building. The MVFCU Agreement has a purchase price of$1,750,000 and provides for delivery of the deed to
the Town on July 9, 2008.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Nardella, to approve and sign the Purchase and
Sales Agreement for the Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union Building. Vote approved 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Capital Planning Process
At a previous meeting, the Board agreed to have a discussion regarding the Town's capital budgeting process
as well as two related subjects; financial forecasting and disposal or town assets. Given that the unanticipated
availability of the Credit Union building had the effect of negating the five-year capital improvement plan that
was previously in place, the Town Manager recommends that the Board of Selectmen and the School
Committee jointly establish a Capital Planning Committee to bring forward a revised five-year capital plan to
address other pending building projects such as school administration offices, fire stations and DPW facilities
as well as to make recommendations concerning the disposition of the existing police station and the
Bradstreet School.
FY09 Water and Sewer Rates (Preliminary Review)
Director of Public Works Bruce Thibodeau presented a recommendation for the FY09 Water and Sewer Rates.
The average water and sewer customer would see a 6.85% or$15.90/quarter increase over the previous year.
In order to mitigate the rates for both water and sewer the model uses the retained earnings of$334,558 in
sewer and $291,492 in water leaving a balance of approximately 5% reserves in both the sewer and water
Board of Selectmen Minutes June 16, 2008 6
enterprise funds. The results show that the water rate will be decreased by 10% and the sewer rate will
increase by 23%. The Board was requested to vote on these rates at their next meeting on July 14, 2008.
Form of Government Committee Charge
The Town Manager drafted a charge for the Town Government Review Committee as follows: "The
Committee's charge is to review North Andover's Charter and Form or Government, evaluate whether any
changes would be beneficial to the Town and submit their recommendations and report to the Board of
Selectmen." Further recommend that the committee consists of nine members to be appointed by the Board
of Selectmen and that they be charged with completing their task within one year of their first meeting.
Richard Nardella made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, to AMEND the intention of the Committee,
reduce it to seven members and report to the Board of Selectmen thirty-days prior to Town Meeting. Vote
approved 5-0.
Housing Authority Appointment Process
With the passing of long-time member Helen M. Soucy, there is a mid-term vacancy on the North Andover
Housing Authority. When these vacancies occur, state law mandates that the Board of Selectmen and the
Housing Authority sit in joint session to fill the opening. The Town Clerk provided the process as well as
correspondence on potential individuals to fill the vacancy.
The Board of Selectmen scheduled to have a joint session at their next meeting on July 14, 2008, to vote to fill
the vacancy on the North Andover Housing Authority.
Possible Projects for State Funding
At a recent meeting with our state legislators it was mentioned that an opportunity existed for the town to
request additional funding through a supplementary FY08 state budget amendment and the Transportation
Bond Bill. Director of Community Development Curt Bellavance and DPW Director Bruce Thibodeau made a
list of possible projects for funding.
Selectmen would consider the projects presented and suggested that the number one problem with the
downtown is the lack of parking for potential business growth. The Town should focus on Main Street and get
the Business Association to take an active part in suggestions and ideas on more parking. If the Bradstreet
School was sold or renovated, some of that space could be utilized for extra public parking.
Meeting Schedule for Second Half of 2008
Daniel Lanen made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the recommended July—
December 2008 meeting schedule for the Board of Selectmen as follows: July 14, August 11, September 8
and 22, October 6 and 20, November 3 and 17, December 1 and 15, 2008. Vote approved 5-0.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
The Town recently received two preliminary proposals for the possible privatization of the Stevens Estate. To
review these two proposals, it is recommended that the Selectmen appoint a subcommittee of two members to
work with a similar subcommittee from the Trustees to do this review and report back to both boards.
A meeting was held on June 9, 2008, with the School Superintendent and his staff to begin the process of
consolidating the payroll function. The first task to be accomplished was to develop uniform payroll forms to
be used by both the School and Municipal Departments. This task is scheduled to be completed by June 30,
2008.
ADJOURNMENT:
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Daniel Lanen, to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM.
Vote approved 5-0.
Adele J. Johnson
Administrative Secretary
Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk of the Board