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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JUNE 15, 2009 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Rosemary Connelly Smedile called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Town Hall Meeting Room. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Chairman; Tracy M. Watson, Clerk; William F. Gordon; Daniel P. Lanen; Mark H. Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Daniel Lanen, to move into Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining. Vote approved 4-0. Note: Richard A. Nardella, arrived at 7:15 p.m. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT: Report from Chair of Board of Health Dr. Thomas Trowbridge chairman of the Board of Health addressed the Board about the TBI contract and a video surveillance system to monitor trash trucks exiting Holt Road and Route 125. A study was done by Merrimack College students with a report of using an RFRD system, which is a device that is similar to a fast lane tracking system that would send a signal to a computer to monitor trash trucks instead of watching a video. The cost of the system is about $4,000. Dr. Trowbridge suggested setting up a committee to come up with a better solution and funding. Rosemary Smedile and William Gordon volunteered to be part of the committee. Dr. Trowbridge gave an update of the Swine HINI Flu and an update of West Nile virus Recognition of Eagle Scout, Timothy Smedile The Board presented a Certificate of Recognition to Timothy Smedile who recently completed his Eagle Scout project which involved working with the Fire Department providing GIS coordinates for the Town's fire hydrants. GASB 45 Report The Government Accountant Standards Board (GASB) has mandated that municipalities determine and include in financial statements the outstanding liability the town incurs in providing health insurance to town retirees. In order to make that determination, the town contracted with the actuarially firm of Nyhart to do the necessary analysis. Randy Gomez, FSA and Principal of Nyhart presented a summary of the Town of North Andover's current retiree health program provisions and cost, key actuarial assumptions, GASB 45 accounting treatment and the prefunding with an OPEB trust. Note: Rosemary Connelly Smedile and Daniel Lanen Recused. Tracy Watson took over as Acting Chair. Appointment of Reserve Police Officers The Town Manager appointed the following eight reserve police officers. A Reserve Police Officer performs all duties and assignments as a regular police officer including full arrest powers. Reserve officers receive training and certification from the state and attend all yearly training requirements that full time officers attend. The Town Manager requested the Board's approval. Board of Selectmen Minutes June 15, 2009 2 1. Gregory J. Brown, 43 West Bradford Street, North Andover 2. Steven J. Corr, 13 Harwich Street, North Andover 3. Robert R. Holland, 54 Tucker Farm Road, North Andover 4. Christopher J. McDonald, 42 Wesley Street, North Andover 5. Julie A. Nigro, 15 Long Pasture Road, North Andover 6. Michael J. Reardon, 7 Walker Road, North Andover 7. Christopher J. Smedile, 35 Charter Street, Boston 8. Michael P. Wilson, 151 Waverly Road, North Andover Richard Nardella made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to approve the Town Manager's appointments of the eight Reserve Police Officers. Vote approved 3-0. Note: Rosemary Smedile and Daniel Lanen returned to the meeting. Public Comments from the Board William Gordon commented on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, that the Board met with Senators Baddour and Tarr and Representatives Torrisi and L'Italian to discuss the State Budget cuts. The Senate is recommending making additional cuts to the state budget to municipalities. This would result in a cut of $395,000 for the Town of North Andover for FY10. Deeper cuts are expected in FY11 William Gordon attended an MMA orientation for new Board of Selectmen. Gordon suggested posting Public Hearing Notices and Legal Ads on the Town's website as well as in the newspaper as required by law. CONSENT ITEMS: Right of First Refusal, Affordable Housing Units Community Development Director Curt Bellavance is recommending that the Board not exercise its right of first refusal for three affordable housing units at 4 Marengo Street, Waverly Oaks, 4 Harvest Drive, Unit 103 at Oakridge Village, and 180 Chickering Road, Unit 109C at Kittredge Crossing. Daniel Lanen made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, not to exercise its right of first refusal for three affordable housing units at 4 Marengo Street, Waverly Oaks, 4 Harvest Drive, Unit 103 at Oakridge Village, and 180 Chickering Road, Unit 109C at Kittredge Crossing and instead authorize CHAPA to find qualified buyers. Vote approved 5-0. Meeting Schedule, July— December 2009 The Board decided on a new meeting schedule for the next six months as follows: July 13, August 3, September 8, 21, October 5, 19, November 9, 23, and December 7, 21, 2009. Richard Nardella made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to approve the following dates for the Board's meeting schedule: July 13, August 3, September 8, 21, October 5, 19, November 9, 23, and December 7, 21, 2009. Vote approved 5-0. Utility Easement Agreement TABLED waiting for further information Note: Daniel Lanen recused Acceptance of Grant: Traffic Enforcement The Police Department has been notified by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security that it is the recipient of a $4,000 grant to provide funds for the department to participate in drunk driving and safety belt violation enforcement programs. The Board is requested to approve and accept the grant. Richard Nardella made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, to approve and accept the grant for the Police Department of$4,000 from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Vote approved 4-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes June 15, 2009 3 Note: Daniel Lanen returned Acceptance of Donations: Summer Entertainment Programs The Board is requested to accept donations in the amount of$2,925 from 17 individuals and organizations in support of the Town's 2009 Summer Band Concerts and Children Shows. Richard Nardella made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, to accept the donations of$2,925 for the Town's 2009 Summer Band Concerts and Children Shows. Vote approved 5-0. Approval of Grant Application— Land Grant for Windrush Farms Through the efforts of the Trust for Public Lands, the Town of North Andover was awarded a $300,000 grant by the OSI New England Wildlife Fund towards acquiring 186 acres of the Windrush Farm. In order to apply for a $500,000 LAND grant from the state, the Board is requested to designate a municipal official to manage the project. Daniel Lanen made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to accept the grant of$300,000 by the OSI New England Wildlife Fund towards acquisition of 186 acres of the Windrush Farm. Vote approved 5-0. Daniel Lanen made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, that the Board authorize and endorse the LAND Grant application assistance for acquisition for conservation purposes, the Windrush Farm property located on Lacy Street in North Andover; that the Chief Executive Officer be authorized to sign such application on behalf of the Board; and that Community Development Director Curt Bellavance be designated as the Town's representative and agent for all activities associated with the said application. Vote approved 5-0. Permission to use town property to host fundraiser for Helping Hands for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALFS) Michelle Mason of the North Andover Youth & Recreation Services requested permission to use town property to host a fundraiser for Helping Hands for Alex's Lemonade Stand and raise awareness for children's cancer. Ms. Mason would like to setup the lemonade stand on Thursday, June 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the walkway that runs next to the fire station on Main Street. She is also requesting to have a flyer and banner at the stand on that day. Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Daniel Lanen, to approve the request for Helping Hands Alex's Lemonade Stand on Thursday, June 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Vote approved 5-0. Request for Waiver of Fees— Ridgewood Cemetery Association The Trustees of Ridgewood Cemetery requested for a waiver of municipal permits and connections fees that normally apply to a construction project. The reconstruction of the historic gatehouse, which will become the cemetery's business office, requires a building permit of$1000. This building would also use a new connection to the sewer system which is another fee of approximately$1000. Daniel Lanen made a MOTION, seconded by Tracy Watson, to waive the municipal building permit fee of $1,000. The Board did not waive the sewer connection fee; that fee would be paid when due. Vote approved 5-0. LICENSING: Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Nardella, to move into Licensing. Vote approved 5-0. Beer and Wine Permit, 4th of July Weekend Philip Spitalere on behalf of the VFW applied for a Wine & Beer Tent License at the North Andover Common Osgood Street for the 4th of July celebration. Days and hours of operation are as follows: July 3, 4:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.; July 4, 9:00 a.m. —8:00 p.m.; July 5, 12:00 noon —6:00 p.m. See Attached License for all other information and conditions required. Board of Selectmen Minutes June 15, 2009 4 Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Daniel Lanen, to approve the request for a Wine & Beer Tent by Philip Spitalere on behalf of the VFW. The Board also requested that the applicant secure an Insurance Liability of$5 million in which the Town of North Andover is added under an umbrella policy. Vote approved 5-0. Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to move out of Licensing. Vote approved 5-0. Note: Assistant Town Manager Ray Santilli offered to be a participant in the dunk tank for anyone who wishes to donate $50 towards the Jimmy Fund for cancer research OLD BUSINESS: Update on Downtown Improvements Director of Public Works Bruce Thibodeau gave the Board an update of the downtown improvement project. The first phase of the project Third Street to Water Street would be completed in the next two weeks. The next phase would begin shortly after. One change is to postpone paving until next year because the gas company has undertaken more extensive improvements than anticipated and have just completed this work. The pavement, street markings and imprint crosswalks will be done in early spring of 2010. NEW BUSINESS: Allocation of HOME funds The Housing Partnership Committee is recommending that the Board of Selectmen allocate $56,675 in Federal HOME funds to two programs, the Lawrence YMCA and Abused Women and their children (HAWC)to provide rental assistance to those individuals displaced by domestic abuse. Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to approve and allocate the HOME funds of$56,675 to the Lawrence YMCA and Abused Women and their children (HAWC)to provide rental assistance to those individuals displaced by domestic abuse. Vote approved 5-0. Proposed Water and Sewer Rates, FY10 The Board is requested to review the recommendations regarding water and sewer rates for FY10. The recommended rates would cover the expense budgets for these two funds approved at Town Meeting plus a 5% reserve. The results show that the water rate will increase by 9% and the sewer rate will increase by 21%. The Board would be requested to approve the rates at the board's June 29th meeting. Town Common Use/Display Policy The Town Manager presented a draft copy for rules and regulations regulating the use of the Town Common by the public. The Board was asked to review the document for comments and this would also be sent to the Old Center Historic Committee for comments. Community Preservation Act Funding Agreement for Ridgewood Cemetery The Board is requested to approve the agreement between the Town of North Andover and the Ridgewood Cemetery Association, governing the terms of the Town's provision of$107,304 in CPA funds to improve the cemetery. The agreement provides that the Cemetery will allow public access to its grounds, allow the Town to continue to use the grounds for Memorial Day services and provide access to their genealogical records. Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to approve the agreement between the Town of North Andover and the Ridgewood Cemetery Association, governing the terms of the Town's provision of$107,304 in CPA funds to improve the cemetery. Vote approved 5-0. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Federal Fire Fighters Program Grant The Town Manager Mark Rees authorized the Fire Chief to apply for Federal Assistance to a Fire Fighters Program grant to construct a replacement fire station at Town property adjacent to the High Board of Selectmen Minutes June 15, 2009 5 School. While the competition for the grant is expected to very competitive, should the Town be successful, it would allow for the central fire station to move, thus freeing up that current space for offices. The Essex Regional Retirement Board The Town Manager said that North Andover is the largest group member that participates with 47 other communities in the Essex Regional Retirement Board. Recently two issues have come forward by the Media that concerns the Town of North Andover, one being the overall management of the retirement system and the other being the overall under performance of the funds. All retirement systems nationwide have reported losses in their asset value because of the economy. Unfortunately Essex Regional was the lowest of all with a loss of 33% of assets. The State system reported a loss of 29%. The current Executive Director Tim Bassett has come under fire in recent weeks for his ability to collect a state retirement pension of$41,000 while employed at the Essex Regional Retirement Board. The retirement board also made a decision without the Town of North Andover's consent to a higher assessment of dispatchers from group 1 to group 2 to be able to retire at an earlier age such as firefighters and police officers. They are also advocating this for Department of Public Works employees as well. Mr. Bassett also is a part-time lobbyist. On the brighter side the Customer Service that the Board gives to the Town of North Andover's retirees is outstanding. We have never had a complaint. Last week the Town Manager attended a meeting to discuss this situation and several ideas were brought forward. One of the ideas was to move the Town's investments to the Prim Fund, overtime it has performed better. A refiguration of how the Board is setup. Mark Rees has volunteered to sit on a committee to look into all of these details and report back to the member communities with recommendations. There is seriousness to this because in fiscal year 2012, the Town of North Andover could expect a 44% increase which would be 1.4 million. Daniel Lanen asked if the Town would prepare a chart on what new employees are paying into their own retirement. Chief William Martineau a member representative of the Essex Regional Retirement Board said that the ERRB has made great strides in working off the unfunded liability. The unfunded liability started in 1937 and wasn't addressed until 1988 and scheduled a 40 year payoff the unfunded liability. The ERRB reduced the costs to cities and towns. The Board has a financial advisor to steer the board through this process and have been diligently checking on managers' performance. This past year is the worst financial crisis since the great depression for everyone and Chief Martineau promised to back the Town Manager and help in any way to get the ERRB back on track. ADJOURNMENT: Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. Vote approved 5-0. Adele J. Johnson Administrative Secretary Tracy M. Watson, Clerk of the Board