HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES APRIL 23, 2012
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Tracy Watson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Town Hall Meeting
Room.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Tracy Watson, Chairman; William F. Gordon, Clerk;
Rosemary Smedile, Licensing Chairman; Donald Stewart, Richard Vaillancourt, Ray Santilli, Assistant
Town Manager; and Andrew Maylor, Town Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to move into Executive Session to
discuss: Matters involving the possible acquisition of land. Roll Call vote: William Gordon yes, Donald
Stewart yes, Rosemary Smedile yes, Richard Valliancourt yes, and Tracy Watson yes. Vote approved
5-0.
Chairman Tracy Watson declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining
position of the Selectmen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the Open Session
Minutes of April 2, 2012, as written. Vote approved 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
FY11 Audit Report
The Town's outside auditor Richard Sullivan from the firm of Powers and Sullivan gave the Board an
overview and analysis of the town's financial activities of FY11. The overall financial picture is good with
no serious internal problems; the auditors said they have an unqualified opinion meaning an accurate
report.
The Management Letter was short with a few comments and recommendations for compliance with
GASB45 Other Post Employment Benefits(OPEB) and GABS54, Fund Balance Reporting and
Government Fund Type Definitions and building up reserves for these accounts.
Mr. Sullivan commented that it was a pleasure working with the Town's financial team and thanked the
Town Accountant and Treasurer for their assistance.
Facilities Master Plan Committee Report
Ken Buckland of the Cecil Group and members of the Facilities Master Plan Committee were present and
gave the Board an update on the status of their work.
The recommended plan takes several years and is in seven phases. Phase 1, is relocating the school
central offices to the old police station; Phase 2, construction of a new gymnasium at the Kittredge
School; Phase 3, construction of a new fire station; Phase 4, renovation of former fire station into
community development offices; Phase 5, expansion of Senior Center; Phase 6, renovation of
classrooms; Phase 7, improvements to public works garage.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to approve the Facilities Master Plan
as written with the option of making changes. Vote approved 5-0.
Library Book Sale Announcement
The Stevens Memorial Library will be having a book sale on May 4, 5, &6. Donations may be left at the
library and volunteers are needed to help with various projects.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 23, 2012 2
CONSENT ITEMS:
Request to Conduct Memorial Parade and Ceremony
Chief Ed Mitchell, Chairman of the Patriotic Observance & Marching Committee respectfully requests
permission to conduct an appropriate Parade and Ceremonial Service in recognition of Memorial Day,
May 28, 2011.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to approve the request of the North
Andover Patriotic Observance & Marching Committee to hold the annual Memorial Day Parade
commencing at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 28, 2012 on the prescribed route. Vote approved 5-0.
Request from Museum of Printing to close a section of Massachusetts Avenue on June 17, 2012 from
10:00-4:00 p.m.
President Frank Romano requests the closure of Massachusetts Avenue in front of the Museum during
the hours of the annual Arts Fair from 10:00 a.m. —4:00 p.m.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt, to approve the request from the
Museum of Printing to close a section of Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of 800 Massachusetts
Avenue on June 17, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Vote approved 5-0.
Stevens Pond Renovations and 2012 Fees
Rick Gorman Director of Youth Services and Recreation Services gave the Board an overview of the
Stevens Pond completed renovations and those in the works. Mr. Gorman gave two recommendations
for 2012 use fees for the summer season. The only difference in fees was to raise the season car pass
from $75 to $90 and increase of$15 for the season. Selectmen discussed various fees before voting.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to approve the following fees for
Stevens Pond for 2012: Season Car Pass- $75; Swimming Lessons- $50; Daily Adult Passes- $12;
Season Pass Non-Profit- $150; Season Pass for Profit- $250; Additional Sticker- $20. Vote approved 5-
0.
Rick Gorman announced the schedule for the Summer Concerts on the Town Common and the Children
shows during the months of July and August. These events are being sponsored by donations from
companies and residents. Also there will be a dancing event held in September at the Stevens Estate.
Appoint Lyne Savage as Town Accountant for a term of 5 years commencing on July 1, 2012
Per the provisions of the Town Charter the appointment of the Town Accountant is the responsibility of
the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Savage current five year term ends on June 30, 2012. The Town Manager
strongly recommended reappointing Ms. Savage for another five year term.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to appoint Lyne Savage as Town
Accountant for the Town of North Andover for a period of five (5) years commencing on July 1, 2012.
Vote approved 5-0.
Vote to borrow notes and bonds for School Repair Green Project
The Town Manager explained that the authorization allows the town to borrow the funds necessary for the
approved Green projects at the various school buildings.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that we hereby determine, in
accordance with G.L. c. 70B, that the amount of the cost of the North Andover Middle School Roof Repair
Project authorized by a vote of the Town passed on June 7, 2011 (Article 27, Line 4) as amended by vote
of the Town passed November 15, 2011 (Article 1) not being paid by the school facilities grant is
$863,192.05 and we hereby approve of the issuance of notes and bonds in such amount under said G.L.
c 70B. Vote approved 5-0.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that we hereby determine, in
accordance with G.L. c 70B that the amount of the cost of the Atkinson Elementary School Window
Replacement Project authorized by a vote of the Town passed on June 7, 1011 (Article 27, Line 12) not
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 23, 2012 3
being paid by the school facilities grant is $677,921 and we hereby approve the issuance of notes and
bonds in such amount under said G.L. c. 70B. Vote approved 5-0.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that we hereby determine, in
accordance with G.L. c. 70B, that the amount of the cost of the Anne L. Sargent Elementary School Roof
Repair Project authorized by a vote of the Town passed on June 7, 2011 (Article 27, Line 11) not being
paid by the school facilities grant is $216,260 and we hereby approve of the issuance of notes and bonds
in such amount under said G.L. c. 70B. Vote approved 5-0.
Bond Counsel Vote for assets being borrowed with useful lives in excess of 5 years
This authorization allows the borrowing for previously approved capital projects with a useful life in excess
of 5 years.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that the maximum useful life of the
departmental equipment listed below to financed with the proceeds of the borrowing authorized by the
vote of the Town passed June 7, 2011 (Article 27) is hereby determined pursuant to G.L. c.44 §7(9) to be
as follows: Line 10, amount $210,000 for Dump truck with Plow, Sander, Basin Cleaner with useful life of
10 years; Line 13, amount $78,000 for Sewer Truck with a useful life of 10 years. Vote approved 5-0.
Acceptance of Donation to Library
The Stevens Memorial Library received a donation from the local Sister in Crime (Internet Chapter) a
national mystery writers' organization for$3,475.26, and from Kathy Phillips, chapter member for$1,600.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt, to accept the donations from the
local Sister in Crime (Internet Chapter) a national mystery writers' organization for$3,475.26, and from
Kathy Phillips, chapter member for$1,600 to the Stevens Memorial Library and to direct the Town
Manager to send a letter to each donor thanking them for their generosity. Vote approved 5-0.
Vote to reopen the Annual Town Meeting Warrant
This vote will allow the Annual Town Meeting Warrant that was closed last meeting to be reopened for the
purpose of adding additional article.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt, to reopen the 2012 Annual Town
Meeting Warrant. Vote approved 5-0.
The Town Manager recommended adding the following articles to the warrant: AO. Adopt Provisions of
MGL Chapter 60, Section 3D-Elderly Disabled Tax Fund, AP. Rescind MGL Chapter 31, Section 47—
DPW labor civil service; AQ.Amend CPA BAN Authorization; AR. Amend Zoning Bylaw— Section 16.5
Drive Through in CDD2.
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to accept the attached Annual Town
Meeting Warrant Articles as of April 23, 2012 and close the Warrant. Vote approved 5-0.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS:
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to open a meeting of the North Andover
Licensing Commission. Vote approved 5-0.
Request for One-Day Wine & Malt License from Sue Zeytoonian, Manager at Camelot
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, acting as Licensing Commissioners,
hereby grants a One Day Wine and Malt License per M.G. L. c. 138, section 14 to Sue Zeytoonian, for
use at the King Pins Car Show to be held at Camelot, 505 Sutton Street, North Andover, on May 6, 2012
from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Vote approved 5-0.
Request for One Day Wine & Malt License from C. Alexa Abowitz, Merrimack College
Tracy Watson made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, acting as Licensing Commissioners,
hereby grants a One Day Wine and Malt License per M.G.L. c. 138, section 14 to Kathy St. Hilaire, for
use at the Women Empowering Women event to be held at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street,
North Andover, on April 26, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Vote approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 23, 2012 4
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by William Gordon, to close the meeting of the Licensing
Commission. Vote approved 5-0.
Public Comment
Stan Limpert of 43 Stonecleave Road commended the Department of Public Works for an outstanding job
removing a fallen tree on his street. The crew took care of everything before 6:30 a.m. so that school
buses could access the road.
Stan Limpert asked the Board of Selectmen to consider allowing members of the School Committee to
participate in meetings remotely.
Selectmen were not in favor of this at this time, but would discuss it at a future meeting.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT:
Appointments
Fire Chief Melnikas recently appointed two fire fighters, Christopher Long and Andres Mencia, to fill
vacancies within his department.
Arbor Day Tree Planting
There will be a tree planting at the Youth Center in memory of a fallen soldier from North Andover Evan
O'Neil scheduled for April 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. A member of the Board of Selectmen will read a
Proclamation at the celebration.
FY13 Budget Update
The Town Manager gave an update on the Town's fiscal 2013 budget assumptions regarding local aid.
Town Manager does not support amending the town manager's recommended budget that was approved
last month by adding possible increases in local aid provided for in the House budget and has
recommended to develop a long-term approach to providing sustainable service delivery that does not
assume, or rely on, one time revenues or property tax overrides. He recommends building up our
reserves while reducing our debt service as a percentage of budgeted revenues, reducing our energy
costs, developing strategic partnerships and addressing the high cost of employee benefits.
ADJOURNMENT:
William Gordon made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Vote approved 5-0.
Adele J. Johnson
Administrative Secretary
William Gordon, Clerk of the Board