HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES April 9, 2018
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Phil DeCologero called the meeting to order at 6:30PM in the Town Hall
Meeting Room. The open session meeting was recorded.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Chairman Phil DeCologero, Clerk Regina Kean, Licensing
Chairman, Richard Vaillancourt, Rosemary Smedile, Chris Nobile, Town Manager Andrew Maylor and
Executive Assistant, Laurie Burzlaff. Seven members of the public were in attendance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Executive session-M.G.L. Chapter 30A, §21(a) reason #3- To discuss strategy relating to Varsity Wireless
Investors, LLC v. Town of North Andover, North Andover Planning Board Civil Action No. 18- CV- 10345,
Lindauer v. Varsity Wireless Investors, LLC, et al. Land Ct. No. 18 MISC 000066, and to discuss strategy
with respect to collective bargaining with Police Lieutenants
Chris Nobile made a MOTION seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectmen enter
into executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, §21(a), reason #3- To discuss strategy
relating to Varsity Wireless Investors, LLC v. Town of North Andover, North Andover Planning
Board Civil Action No. 18- CV- 10345, Lindauer v. Varsity Wireless Investors, LLC, et al. Land Ct.
No. 18 MISC 000066 and to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with police
lieutenants.
Chair DeCologero declared
that the Board will reconvene in open session at the end of executive session.
Roll call vote: Vaillancourt-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; DeCologero-yes. Motion
approved 5-0.
The Board returned to open session at 7:00PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean, to approve the Open Session
Minutes of March 26, 2018. Motion approved 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MassDOT-Massachusetts Avenue project
Included in your packet was a letter from the project manager for the MassDOT Mass Ave/Chickering
Road Improvements Project. MassDOT representatives Kristen Hayden and Larry Cash gave a power
point presentation showing how they addressed certain concerns of the Board. A raised crosswalk is not
recommended due to emergency vehicle clearance and winter maintenance. A pedestrian crossing light
similar to the one at Merrimack College cannot be installed because it would cause confusion to have at
the intersection where cars are turning out of Adams Avenue onto Mass Ave. These types of crossings
are only recommended at mid-road not near intersections. They will install flashing yellow pedestrian
crossing signs. They have maximized the school zone so that cannot be extended.
Citizen Petition- Traffic Calming Measures
Karen Lauro of 595 Massachusetts Avenue gave a summary of the citizen petition she filed for traffic
calming measures on Mass. Avenue (Article 22).
FY19 Community Preservation Committee recommendations
Community Preservation Committee chairman, John Simons, reviewed the projects CPC is
recommending for approval at Town Meeting. Mr. Simons explained that they did not approve the
for churches. A housing authority request for improvements was not approved and the committee instead
is recommending funding a needs assessment so they can prioritize what is needed at the housing
authority properties. The biggest project, the Recreation Complex, will be funded over three years and Mr.
Simons indicated that there are enough funds available and they will not borrow to fund the project.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9, 2018 2
FY19 Planning Board articles
Eitan Goldberg explained the Town Meeting warrant articles sponsored by the Planning Board.
Other communications and announcements
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Town Manager, Andrew Maylor, indicated that during the week of April 30, the town will doing curbside
pick-up of twigs and branches from the storm.
Regina Kean indicated that they are working through issues with the traffic flow at Atkinson during
construction and thanked the Town Manager for working to resolve the issue.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Request of the Festival Committee to use the Town Common on Sunday, May 20th from 6:00AM to
6:00PM, to close Mass. Ave. and Academy Road from Osgood Street to Academy Road from 7:00AM to
6:00PM and to waive all fees for the Annual Sheep Shearing Festival
Jeff Coco of the Festival Committee requested approval to use the Town Common on Sunday, May 20,
2018 from 6:00AM to 6:00PM for the Sheep Shearing Festival and for the Board to waive all permit fees.
They are also requesting that Massachusetts Avenue from Osgood Street to Academy Road by closed to
traffic from 7:00AM to 6:00PM. All relevant Town Departments reviewed and had no issues.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen
approve the request of the Festival Committee to use the Town Common for the Annual Sheep
Shearing Festival on May 20, 2018 from 6:00AM to 6:00PM, to close Massachusetts Avenue from
Osgood Street to Academy Road to traffic from 7:00AM to 6:00PM and to waive all permit fees.
Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt recused himself and left the room.
Vote to accept layout of Great Lake Lane
Included in the packets was the street layout plans and recommendations from Town Counsel and
relevant departments for Great Lake Lane. The street must also be accepted as a public way at Town
Meeting (Article 26). Town Counsel recommends acceptance.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectmen
recommend acceptance of Great Lake Lane, as a public way, and declare that public necessity
and convenience require the aforesaid way to be laid out and do hereby order and direct that said
Lake Lane located
acceptance by Town Meeting, to accept deeds to the street and all related restrictions and
for The Glade, located in North Andover, Mass., Applicant & Record Owner: TKZ, LLC, 78 Great
Pond Road, North Andover, Mass., prepared by CSI Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors,
Christiansen & Sergi, Inc., 160 Summer Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts 01830, Dated: 9/15/14 and
Motion approved 4-0.
Richard Vaillancourt returned to his seat.
Appointment of Nathan Weinreich to Zoning Board of Appeals as full member
The appointment subcommittee recommended Nathan Weinreich be appointed to the Zoning Board of
Appeals as a full member to complete the term vacated by Doug Ludgin.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile that the Board of Selectmen appoint Neil
Weinreich as a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2018.
Motion approved 5-0.
Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town and the Police Lieutenants for the
period July 1, 2018- June 30, 2021
The Police Lieutenants and the Town Manager have approved a Memorandum of Agreement and the
lieutenants have ratified the contract.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that the Board of Selectmen
approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town and the Police Lieutenants for
the period July 1, 2018-June 30, 2021. Motion approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9, 2018 3
Request to surplus vehicle-Police Department
Police Chief, Charles Gray, submitted a request to surplus vehicle #321.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that the Board of Selectman
approve the request of Police Chief Charles Gray to surplus vehicle #321 per his memorandum to
the Town Manger dated April 4, 2018. Motion approved 5-0.
2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Included in the packet was a draft of the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as of April 6, 2018.
Vote to open the warrant
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen open the
2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Motion approved 5-0.
Acceptance of the warrant
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of
Selectmen accept the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Vote to close the warrant
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectmen close
the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Motion approved 5-0.
Town Meeting Warrant recommendations
The Board voted their recommendations on the Town Meeting Warrant Articles. The options for
recommendation are: Favorable Action, Unfavorable Action, Take No Action and to be Made at Town
Meeting.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant articles 1-7. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 8. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 9. Motion approved 5-0.
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 10. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that the Board of
Selectman recommend favorable action on warrant article 11. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 12. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 13. Motion approved 5-0.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 14. Motion approved 5-0.
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman recommend
favorable action on warrant article 15. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant articles 16-18. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 19. Motion approved 5-0.
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 20. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant article 21. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend unfavorable action on warrant article 22. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
recommend favorable action on warrant articles 23-28. Motion approved 5-0.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectman
make a recommendation at Town Meeting on warrant article 29. Motion approved 5-0.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS:
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile to open a meeting of the North
Andover Licensing Commission. Motion approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9, 2018 4
Paul Gallant of Merrimack College requests three one day wine and malt liquor licenses for the following
events:
1. Honors Society Induction at Cascia Hall on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 5:30PM-
9:30PM
2. Hockey Banquet at the Lawler Rink on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 6:00PM-10:00PM
3. Honors Senior Reception at the Rogers Center on Monday, April 23, 2018 from 5:00PM-
9:00PM
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
approve the three one day wine and malt liquor licenses for Merrimack College as presented.
Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile to close a meeting of the North
Andover Licensing Commission. Motion approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile to adjourn the meeting at 9:35p.m.
Motion approved 5-0.
Laurie A. Burzlaff
Executive Assistant
_______________________________
Regina Kean, Clerk of the Board
Documents used at meeting:
Minutes of March 26, 2018
MassDOT presentation
2018 Town Meeting warrant
Festival Committee request
Great Lake Lane memorandum
Appointment memorandum
Memorandum of Understanding-Police Lieutenants
Surplus memorandum
Licensing request
Job posting/vacancy log
TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
120 MAIN STREET
NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01845
Phil DeCologero, Chairman
TEL. (978) 688-9510
Regina Kean, Clerk
FAX (978) 688-9556
Chris Nobile
Rosemary Connelly Smedile
Richard Vaillancourt
BOARD OF SELECTMEN & LICENSING COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2018
6:30 EXECUTIVE SESSION
7:00 PM OPEN SESSION
TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM
120 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. M.G.L. Chapter 30A, §21(a), reason #3-to discuss the strategy relating to Varsity Wireless Investors,
LLC v. Town of North Andover, North Andover Planning Board, Civil Action No. 18- CV- 10345,
and Lindauer v. Varsity Wireless Investors, LLC, et al. Land Ct. No. 18 MISC 000066
B. M.G.L. Chapter 30A §21(a), reason #3- To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with
Police Lieutenants
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 26, 2018 Open Session Minutes, as written
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. MassDOT-Massachusetts Avenue project
B. Citizen Petition- Article 10- Traffic Calming Measures
C. FY19 Community Preservation Committee recommendations
D. FY19 Planning Board articles
VI. CONSENT ITEMS
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A. Request of the Festival Committee to use the Town Common on Sunday, May 20 from 6:00AM to
6:00PM, to close Mass. Ave. and Academy Road from Osgood Street to Academy Road from 7:00AM
to 6:00PM and to waive all fees for the Annual Sheep Shearing Festival
B. Vote to accept layout of Great Lake Lane
C. Appointment of Neil Weinreich to Zoning Board of Appeals as full member
D. Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town and the Police Lieutenants for the
period July 1, 2018- June 30, 2021
E. Request to surplus vehicle-Police Department
F. 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
1. Vote to open the warrant
2. Acceptance of the warrant
3. Vote to close the warrant
G. Town Meeting Warrant recommendations
VII. LICENSING COMMISSIONERS
A. Paul Gallant of Merrimack College requests three one day wine and malt liquor licenses for the
following events:
1. Honors Society Induction at Cascia Hall on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 5:30PM-9:30PM
2. Hockey Banquet at the Lawler Rink on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 6:00PM-10:00PM
3. Honors Senior Reception at the Rogers Center on Monday, April 23, 2018 from 5:00PM-9:00PM
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
IX. NEW BUSINESS
X. PUBLIC COMMENT
XI. T
A. Job posting/vacancy
B.
XII. NEXT MEETING DATE
Monday, April 30, 2018
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES March 26, 2018
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Phil DeCologero called the meeting to order at 6:30PM in the Town Hall
Meeting Room. The meeting was recorded.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Chairman Phil DeCologero, Clerk Regina Kean, Licensing
Chairman, Richard Vaillancourt, Rosemary Smedile, Chris Nobile, Town Manager Andrew Maylor,
Assistant Town Manager Ray Santilli and Executive Assistant, Laurie Burzlaff. No members of the public
were in attendance.
Executive session-M.G.L. Chapter 30A, §21(a) reason #3- To discuss strategy with respect to collective
bargaining with Police and Firefighter Unions
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of
Selectmen enter into executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, §21(a), reason #3- to
discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with police and firefighter unions.
Chairman DeCologero declared
that the Board will reconvene in Open Session at the end of Executive Session.
Roll call vote: Richard Vaillancourt-Yes; Regina Kean-Yes, Chris Nobile-Yes, Rosemary Smedile-
Yes; Phil DeCologero-Yes.
The Board returned to Open Session at 7:00PM. Town Manager, Andrew Maylor, left the meeting to
attend the Finance Committee meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to approve the Open Session
Minutes of March 12, 2018. Motion approved 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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Chairman DeCologero announced that beginning on April 19, the town will begin collecting tree limbs.
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The Cyr Center will open for residents beginning on April 7.
Mr. DeCologero congratulated Chief Charles Gray on receiving the Officer Tom Duggan Sr. Public Safety
Award from The Valley Patriot.
Assistant Town Manager, Ray Santilli, reminded residents that the Town Election is tomorrow.
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Regina Kean announced on March 29 at 6:30PM Dr. Price will be attending the Atkinson PTO meeting
to talk about traffic with the new construction. All are welcome to attend.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Robert Autieri requests permission to use streets in North Andover for the Samaritans of the Merrimack
-12:00PM
Included in the packets was a request from the Samaritans of Merrimack Valley to use Willow Street and
Helms, Director of the Samaritans and Bob Autieri were be present to answer any questions. All relevant
departments have reviewed and have no issues. Ms. Helms indicated the event raised $14,000 last year.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of
Selectmen approve the request of The Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley to hold the Walk for
Hope charity event on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9:30AM to 11:30AM, as presented. Motion
approved 5-0.
Request of School Committee to support submission of Statement of Interest for North Andover Middle
School to the Massachusetts School Building Authority
The School Committee is starting the process again of applying to the MSBA for funding for renovations
to the Middle School. As part of that process, the Board must vote to support the submission of a
Statement of Interest. School Committee Chairman, David Torrisi and Assistant Superintendent James
Mealey were present to answer any questions.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt that the Board of Selectmen
authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority a
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 26, 2018 2
Statement of Interest that will be submitted to the MSBA by no later than Friday, April 6, 2018 for
consideration in 2018 for the North Andover Middle School located at 495 Main Street, North
Andover which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for
which the Town of North Andover may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building
Authority in the future for Priority #2 -
determined in the judgment of the Authority; specifically to decrease class size from a current
average of 24.6 students, and for Priority #7 - ings
in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local
specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, the Massachusetts
School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application,
the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School
Building Authority, or commits the Town to filing an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority. In addition, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
North Andover confirms the following criteria apply to the request; the school facility has been
and will remain in use as a public K-12 school, serving public school students for the useful life of
any additions/new construction; the school facility has sufficient spaces to deliver its required
educational programs; except for the lack of space to allow for the decrease of existing class
sizes, the school facility is structurally, functionally and educationally sound and has no other
deficiencies, and all other building systems are operational, safe and adequate for the delivery of
the required educational programs; the need for additional space is not the result of neglect or the
lack of routine or capital maintenance by the district; the district acknowledges and agrees to
abide by all federal and state law and rules, regulations, policies and guidelines of the MSBA, and
the distri-qualified OPMs and designers; the district has the ability
manner; and the district has no entitlement to funds, and the awarding of a grant(s), if any, is at
the sole discretion of the MSBA. Motion approved 5-0.
Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town and the NEPBA Local 2 (police
officers/sergeants) for the period July 1, 2018- June 30, 2021
As the Board discussed in Executive Session, the NEPBA Union has approved the Memorandum of
Agreement with the Town and ratified the contract.
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean, that the Board of Selectmen
approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town and the New England Police
Benevolent Association, Local 2 for the period July 1, 2018-June 30, 2021. Motion approved 5-0.
2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Included in the packets was a draft of the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as of March 26, 2018.
Vote to open the warrant
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen
open the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Motion approved 5-0.
Acceptance of the warrant
Richard Vaillancourt made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile that the Board of Selectmen
accept the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Vote to close the warrant
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectmen close
the 2018 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Motion approved 5-0.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS:
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to open a meeting of the North
Andover Licensing Commission. Motion approved 5-0.
Paul Gallant of Merrimack College requests ten (10) one day wine and malt liquor licenses for
dates:
Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 12:00PM-5:00PM
Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 6:00PM-11:00PM
Friday, April 6, 2018 from 2:00PM-7:00PM
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 3:00PM-11:00PM
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 6:00PM-11:00PM
Board of Selectmen Minutes March 26, 2018 3
Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 12:00PM-10:00PM
Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 12;00PM-7:00PM
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 3:00PM-8:00PM
Friday, May 4, 2018 from 3:00PM-8:00PM
Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 3:00PM-8:00PM
Phil DeCologero made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen approve
the ten one day wine and malt liquor licenses for Merrimack College as presented. Motion
approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile to close a meeting of the North
Andover Licensing Commission. Motion approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
TOWN MANAGER
Monthly reports
Included in the packets were the departmental monthly reports.
Assistant Town Manager, Ray Santilli, explained that construction will begin at the kindergarten site on
Thursday and traffic patterns will change.
ADJOURNMENT:
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile to adjourn the meeting at 7:48p.m.
Motion approved 5-0.
Laurie A. Burzlaff
Executive Assistant
_______________________________
Regina Kean, Clerk of the Board
Documents used at meeting:
Minutes of March 12, 2018
Request of Samaritans of Merrimack Valley
Statement of Interest
2018 Town Meeting Warrant
Merrimack College licensing request
Monthly reports
Article 10: Citizen Petition- Traffic Calming Measures. Traffic calming measures as defined
by more than 30 years of Traffic Safety research and both Federal and MA highway engineering
manuals decrease traffic crash number and severity for crashes that result in injury and death.
Removing traffic calming measures poses the risk of increased traffic crash number and severity
for crashes that result in injury and death. The MassDot Highway Reconstruction – Minor
Widening Project 606159 at Massachusetts and Chickering removes three existing traffic calming
measures. Project 606159 impacts the school crossing for North Andover Early Childhood Center,
Atkinson Elementary School, North Andover Middle School, First Calvary Baptist Church Little
Learners Daycare, and the future Kindergarten and athletic fields on the North West side of the
intersection. Project 606159 impacts the intersection that also serves the North Andover Youth
Services, Drummond Playground on the South Eastern side of the intersection.
This article requests comparable traffic calming measures be added to the Massachusetts Ave-
Adams Street school crossing zone for everyone removed in the MassDot Highway Reconstruction
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– Minor Widening Project 606159, as promised at the December 19, 2017 Special Meeting.
These should include:
Extend the current Massachusetts/Adams school zone to the Massachusetts Ave-Chickering
intersection.
Selectmen approve a raised and marked school and pedestrian crosswalk install by MassDot under
Project 606159.
Install a stop sign or stoplight on Massachusetts at Adams, near the school crosswalk.
Petition of Dr. Karen Lauro, et al
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Vote required: Majority vote
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Article 11: Adoption of Zoning Bylaws - Recodification. To see if the Town will vote to accept
and approve the renumbering and revision of the Zoning Bylaw of the Town from its original
numbering, as amended through the May 16, 2017, Annual Town Meeting as set forth in the Final
Draft of the Code of the Town of North Andover, dated March 2018, said codification of the
Zoning Bylaw being a codification and revision of the present Zoning Bylaw, including
amendments thereto. All Zoning Bylaws, as amended, heretofore in force, shall be repealed, except
that such repeal shall not affect any suit or proceeding pending as the result of an existing law. The
Zoning Bylaw shall be codified as Chapter 195 of the “Code of the Town of North Andover,
Massachusetts.”
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote required: Two-thirds (2/3) vote
EXPLANATION: Two years ago Town Meeting funded the recodification of the Town’s
Zoning Bylaw. The goals of this recodification effort were to: (1) create a document that is
easy for users to navigate; (2) simplify and update the language of the Bylaw whenever
possible without losing the meaning or intent of the Bylaw and; (3) provide a structure that
is both predictable and flexible enough to accommodate amendments over time. That
recodification process was completed in March of 2018. A copy of the recodified Bylaw has
been available to the public since that time. In addition, recodification of the Bylaw ensures
the Bylaw is consistent with internal and external laws and regulations, e.g. conformance
with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, The Zoning Act. An affirmative vote on this
Article will adopt the recodified Bylaw.
Article 12: Acceptance of Public Way- Great Lake Lane. To see if the Town will vote to accept
Great Lake Lane as a public way as laid out by the Board of Selectmen, and as shown as "Great
Lake Lane" on a plan entitled "Street Layout Plan of Great Lake Lane, located in North Andover,
Mass.", prepared by Christiansen and Sergi, Inc., and to accept deeds to all related parcels and
easements, shown on Plans recorded as Plan No. 17212 at the North Essex Registry of Deeds and
on the above referenced Street Layout Plan.
or to take any action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote required: Majority vote
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Article 13: Amend Zoning Map – Map 009.0-0046-0000.0 (127 Marblehead Street). To see if
the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map for the Town of North Andover to zone the parcel
of land known as Map 009.0 Parcel 0046 on the 2018 Assessor’s Maps to be included within the
Residential 4 (R4) Zoning District, as more particularly shown as the highlighted area depicted on
the map entitled “127 Marblehead Street”, dated March 7, 2018, which map is on file with the
Town Clerk.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two Thirds (2/3) Vote
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Article 14: Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 8.9 – Wireless Service Facilities.To see if the
Town will vote to amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw, by amending the following
Sections as follows,
Amend Zoning Bylaw, Section 8.9.5 (Application Procedures), Subsection (d)(i), by inserting
after sub-paragraph (4), a new sub-paragraph (5) (by identifying text which is added as
underlined). So that Section 8.9.5(d)(i) (General Filing Requirements) shall now read as follows:
d) Application Filing Requirements. The following shall be included with an
application for a Special Permit for all wireless service facilities:
i)General Filing Requirements
(1)Name, address and telephone number of applicant and any co-applicants as
well as any agents for the applicant or co-applicants. A 24-hour emergency
telephone contact number shall be included for use during construction as well
as operation of the wireless communication facility.
(2)Co-applicants may include the landowner of the subject property, licensed
carriers and tenants for the wireless service facility
(3)Every application for a wireless service facility Special Permit shall include at
least one licensed carrier and the owner of the land as an applicant or a co-
applicant.
(4)Original signatures are required for the applicant and all co-applicants
applying for the Special Permit. If an agent represents the applicant or co-
applicant, an original signature authorizing the agent to represent the applicant
and/or co-applicant is required. Photo reproductions of signatures will not be
accepted. All other filing requirements in the Zoning Bylaw and the Rules and
Regulations as applicable must be complied with.
(5)Parties in interest for the purposes of Section 8. 9 Wireless Service Facilities
shall include in addition to those entities listed in General Law c. 40A, sec. 11
abutters to the abutters within five hundred (500) feet of the property line of
the petitioner as they appear on the most recent applicable tax list. The
assessor’s maintaining any applicable tax list shall certify to the special permit
granting authority the names and addresses of the abutters and such
certification shall be conclusive for all purposes.
And further that the non-substantive changes to the numbering of this bylaw by the Town Clerk
be permitted in order that it be in compliance with the numbering format of the General Bylaws
and/or Zoning Bylaws of the Town of North Andover.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
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EXPLANATION: To provide notice to parties in interest, for specific use, beyond the
General Law c. 40A, sec 11 notification requirement.
Article 15: Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw Section 7.4 – Building Heights.
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaw by amending the eligibility
criteria for a waiver of the maximum height for residential multifamily dwellings and town houses
in the Business 2 (B-2) zoning district.
7.4 Building Heights
Maximum heights of buildings and structures shall be as set forth in Table 2. The foregoing
limitations of height in feet in the designated zoning districts shall not apply to:
1.Farm buildings on farms of not less than ten (10) acres.
2.Nor shall they apply to chimneys, ventilators, skylights, tanks, bulkheads, penthouses,
processing towers, and other accessory structural features usually erected at a height
greater than the main roofs of any buildings.
3.Nor to domes, bell towers, or spires of churches or other buildings, provided all features
are in no way used for living purposes.
4.And further provided that no such structural feature of any non-manufacturing building
shall exceed a height of sixty five (65) feet from the ground.
5.Nor of a manufacturing building a height of eighty five (85) feet from the ground, or
pharmaceutical manufacturing silo having a height of one hundred-fifteen (115) feet from
the ground.
6.A parcel or parcels collectively comprising at least five (5) three (3) acres of land located
within a Business 2 (B-2) Zoning District are eligible for a waiver of the maximum
height, for residential multifamily dwellings and town houses described under Table 2;
provided that such height waiver shall not permit a structure to exceed more than four
stories and 55 feet in height, and further provided that such waiver is granted by the
Planning Board, as Special Permit Granting Authority, after the Planning Board has made
a determination based upon consideration of the special permit criteria described under
Section 10.31 of the Zoning Bylaw.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
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EXPLANATION: This article proposes to reduce the land area required for a waiver of the
maximum height of structures for residential multifamily dwellings and town houses in the
Business 2 Zoning District. The minimum required land area to be established through this
amendment is three (3) acres.
Article 16: Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Map – Amend Business Zoning
District (B-2). To see if the town will vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Map to re-zone the
following Parcels of land to be included within the Business 2 (B-2) Zoning District identified on
the 2018 Assessor’s Maps as: Map 74 Parcel 23, Map 74 Parcel 54, and 74 Parcel 24, as more
particularly shown on the map dated March 27, 2018 and prepared by The Morin-Cameron
Group, Inc., which map is on file with the Town Clerk, and are more particularly described as
follows:
Map 74 Parcels 23 and 54
Northerly 400’ +/- by Sutton Street
Easterly 437.01’ +/- by land now or formerly of China Blossom Realty Trust
Southerly 400’ +/- by land now or formerly of City of Lawrence Airport
Commission Westerly 437.01’ +/- by land now or formerly of City of
Lawrence Airport Commission
Map 74 Parcel 24
Northerly 125’ by Sutton Street
Easterly 200’ by land now or formerly of K of C Association, Incorporated
Southerly 117.08’ by land now or formerly of Quinn
Westerly 219.08’ by land now or formerly of Couyioufas
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: This article proposes to add the described parcels to the Business 2 Zoning
District. These parcels are: 505 Sutton Street (Map 74 Parcel 23) and 0 Sutton Street (Map
74 Parcel 54) from General Business (GB) to Business 2 (B2) and 477 Sutton Street (Map 74
Parcel 24) from Residential 4 (R4) to Business 2 (B2).
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Article 17: Amend Zoning Bylaw – Section 2, DEFINITIONS, Section 7, DIMENSIONAL
REQUIREMENTS, and adding Section 8.14 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS:To see if the
Town will vote to amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw, by amending Section 2,
Definitions, Section 7, Dimensional Requirements, and adding Section 8.14 Solar Energy
SYSTEMS to read as follows:
Amend Zoning Bylaw, Section 2 DEFINITIONS by inserting the following DEFINITIONS:
2.78 Solar:
1)Photovoltaic System (also referred to as Photovoltaic Installation): An active solar energy
system that converts solar energy directly into electricity.
2)Rated Nameplate Capacity: The maximum rated output of electric power production of
the photovoltaic system in watts of Direct Current (DC).
3)Solar Access: The access of a Solar Energy System to direct sunlight.
4)Solar Collector: A device, structure or part of a device or structure for which the primary
purpose is to transform solar radiant energy into thermal, mechanical, chemical, or
electrical energy.
5)Solar Energy: Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form of
heat or light by a solar collector.
6)Solar Energy System: A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which
is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and
distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation, or water
heating. The definitional scale of a Solar Energy System shall be determined by the
cumulative surface area of all proposed systems.
a.Solar Energy System, Active: A Solar Energy System whose primary purpose is
to harvest energy by transforming solar energy into another form of energy or
transferring heat from a collector to another medium using mechanical, electrical,
or chemical means.
b.Solar Energy System, Grid-Intertie: A photovoltaic system that is connected to an
electric circuit served by an electric utility.
c.Solar Energy System, Ground-Mounted: An Active Solar Energy System that is
structurally mounted to the ground and is not roof-mounted; may be of any size
(small-, medium-, or large-scale).
d.Solar Energy System, Large-Scale: An Active Solar Energy System that occupies
more than 10,000 square feet of surface area.
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e.Solar Energy System, Medium-Scale: An Active Solar Energy System that
occupies more than 1,000 but less than 10,000 square feet of surface area.
f.Solar Energy System, Off-Grid: A photovoltaic Solar Energy System in which the
circuits energized by the Solar Energy System are not electrically connected in any
way to electric circuits that are served by an electric utility.
g.Solar Energy System, Passive: A Solar Energy System that captures solar light or
heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy
via a heat exchanger.
h. Solar Energy System, Pole-Mounted: An Active Solar Energy System that is
structurally mounted to the ground by a pole.
i.Solar Energy System, Roof-Mounted: An Active Solar Energy System that is
structurally mounted to the roof of a building or structure; may be of any size
(small-, medium-, or large-scale).
j.Solar Energy System, Small-Scale: An Active Solar Energy System that occupies
1,000 square feet of surface area or less (equivalent to a rated nameplate capacity
of about 10kW DC or less).
k.Solar Energy System, Surface Area: The amount of area covered by the surface of
the Solar Energy Collector(s).
7)Solar Thermal System: An Active Solar Energy System that uses collectors to convert the
sun’s rays into useful forms of energy for water heating, space heating, or space cooling.
Amend Zoning Bylaw, Section 7, DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS, Subsection 7.4,
BUILDING HEIGHT, by amending sub-paragraph 2 and by adding sub-paragraph 7 and
8 (by identifying text which is added as underlined). So that Section 7.4(2), 7.4(7), and
7.4(8) shall now read as follows:
2. Nor shall they apply to chimneys, ventilators, skylights, tanks, bulkheads, penthouses,
processing towers, Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems, and other accessory structural
features usually erected at a height greater than the main roofs of any buildings.
However, no Roof-Mounted Solar Energy System shall exceed XX in height.
7. Ground-Mounted, Solar Energy Systems: The maximum height of Small-, Medium-, and
Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems shall not exceed XX.
8. Pole-Mounted Solar Energy Systems: The maximum height of a Pole-Mounted Solar
Energy System shall not exceed XX feet and the maximum surface area for each
individual Pole-Mounted Solar Energy System shall not exceed XX square feet.
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Amend Zoning Bylaw by adding a new Section 8.14 to read as follows:
Section 8.14 Solar Energy Systems
8.14.1 Purpose
1)Promote, regulate and restrict the creation, construction, and operation of Solar Energy
Systems installations, by providing standards for the placement, design, construction,
operation, monitoring, modification and removal of such installations that address public
safety, minimize impacts on environmental, scenic, natural and historic resources; provide
adequate financial assurance for the eventual decommissioning of such;
2)Set forth provisions that shall take precedence over all other sections when considering
applications related to the expansion, construction, operation, and/or repair of Solar Energy
Systems.
8.14.2 Applicability
1)This section shall apply to all Solar Energy Systems proposed to be constructed after the
effective date of this section. This section shall also apply to physical modifications to
existing Solar Energy Systems that materially alter the type, configuration, or size of such
systems or other equipment.
2)Use Regulations are identified in Section 8.14.5
3)The Planning Board shall act as the Site Plan Review Authority and the Special Permit
Granting Authority (SPGA) for Solar Energy Systems that require a Special Permit.
8.14.3 Procedure
1)The site plan approved by the Planning Board becomes the official development plan for a
site within the Town of North Andover. Town permits are issued or withheld based upon
compliance with the approved site plan. The approved site plan is legally binding and can
only be changed or adjusted in compliance with the provisions contained in Subsection
8.14.9 Revisions to Approved Site Plan.
2)Any proposed development that requires a Special Permit and/or Site Plan Review as
identified in Section 8.14.5 Use Regulations, shall be subject to regulations of this section
and submit an application to the Planning Board.
3)An applicant shall file three copies of the application form, fee, and an electronic copy, and
any additional information as may be required (See Subsection 8.14.7), with the Planning
Department. Once the application is deemed complete, the Planning Department will
forward the application to the Town Clerk. An application will not be deemed complete
until all required information and fees are submitted. The time periods set forth in this
Zoning Bylaw and M.G.L. Ch. 40A will not start until the application has been deemed
complete and submitted to the Town Clerk.
4)The Planning Board shall have the authority to require that the applicant pay for necessary
professional services required to adequately review and analyze the contents of any site
plan impact study requested by the Board.
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8.14.4 Compliance with Laws, Bylaws & Regulations
The construction and operation of all Solar Energy Systems shall be consistent with all
applicable local, state and federal requirements, including but not limited to all applicable
safety, construction, electrical, and communications requirements. All buildings and
fixtures forming part of a Solar Energy System shall be constructed in accordance with the
State Building Code.
8.14.5 Use Regulations
Residential-1 All Other Business / Industrial
(R1)ResidentialCommercial Districts
DistrictsDistricts
PRINCIPLE USE
Small-Scale Ground-N N N N
Mounted Solar Energy
System
Medium-Scale Ground-SPR SPR Y Y
Mounted
Solar Energy System
Large-Scale Ground-SP N SPR SPR
Mounted Solar Energy
System
Small-, Med-, Large-Scale N N N N
Pole-Mounted Solar
Energy System
Y = Allowed N = Prohibited
SP = Special Permit SPR = Site Plan Review
Residential-1 All Other Business / Industrial
(R1)ResidentialCommercial Districts
DistrictsDistricts
ACCESSORY USE
Roof-Mounted Solar Y Y Y Y
Energy System
Small-Scale Ground-Y Y Y Y
Mounted Solar Energy
System
Small-Scale, Pole-SPR SPR SPR SPR
Mounted Solar Energy
System
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Medium-Scale Ground-SP SP SPR SPR
Mounted
Solar Energy System
Med-Scale Pole-Mounted N N SP SP
and Large-Scale Ground-
Mounted or Pole-Mounted
Solar Energy System
Y = Allowed N = Prohibited
SP = Special Permit SPR = Site Plan Review
8.14.6 Dimensional Regulations
1)Building/Structure Height Regulations:
a)Solar Energy Systems, Roof-Mounted: Maximum height of buildings and
structures shall be as set forth in Table 2. However, no Roof-Mounted Solar Energy
System shall exceed XX in height.
b)Solar Energy Systems, Ground-Mounted: The maximum height of Small-,
Medium-, and Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall not
exceed XX feet (XX).
c)Solar Energy Systems, Pole-Mounted: The maximum height of a Pole-Mounted
Solar Energy System shall not shall not exceed XX feet and the maximum surface
area for each individual Pole-Mounted Solar Energy System shall not exceed XX
square feet.
2)Setbacks
a)Solar Energy Systems, Small- and Medium-Scale Ground-Mounted: accessory to a
principal use shall be at the least 1/2 of the setback that would otherwise apply or a
minimum of 15 feet, whichever is greater from the side or rear lot line. All ground-
mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be installed either in the side yard or rear yard,
not in the front yard, and be located no nearer to the street than the building line of
the principle structure.
b)Solar Energy Systems, Large-Scale Ground-Mounted: shall have a side and rear
yard setback of at least 75 feet; except however, that where the lot abuts a
Residential District, the side and rear yard setback shall be 100 feet. All Large-
Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be installed either in the side
yard or rear yard and be located no nearer the street than the building line of the
principle structure.
c)Solar Energy System, Pole-Mounted: shall have a side and rear yard setback of at
least double the setback that would otherwise apply or a minimum of XX feet,
whichever is greater. All Pole-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be installed
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either in the side yard or rear yard, not in the front yard, and be located no nearer
to the street than the building line of the principle structure.
d)Solar Energy System, Appurtenant Structures: shall be subject to Zoning Bylaw
requirements concerning the bulk and height of structures, lot area, parking and
building coverage requirements for the underling zoning district. All such
appurtenant structures, including but not limited to, equipment shelters, storage
facilities, transformers, and substations, shall be architecturally compatible with
each other. Structures shall be screened from view by vegetation and/or joined or
clustered to avoid adverse visual impacts.
3)Lot Coverage
Solar Energy Systems shall not be included in calculations for lot coverage.
8.14.7 Site Plan Review/Special Permit Ground-Mounted and Pole-Mounted Solar Energy
Systems
1)Applicability
Any proposed development that requires a Special Permit or Site Plan Review as
identified in Section 8.14.5 Use Regulations shall undergo Site Plan Review prior
to construction, installation or modification as provided in this section.
2)Site Plan Review Document Requirements
a)An application for a Special Permit or Site Plan Review for a Solar Energy Systems
shall comply with the standards set forth in this section and shall be reviewed by
the SPGA or Site Plan Review Authority.
b)A site plan showing:
i.Property lines and physical features, including roads, for the project site;
ii.Location and approximate height of tree cover and any potential shading
from nearby structures or vegetation;
iii.Proposed changes to the landscape of the site, grading, vegetation clearing
and planting, exterior lighting, screening vegetation or structures;
iv.Blueprints or drawings of the Solar Energy System showing the proposed
layout of the System, any potential shading from collector and all property
lines and existing on-site buildings and structures, and the tallest finished
height of the solar collector;
v.Documentation of the major System components to be used, including the
panels, mounting System, and inverter;
vi.Name, address, and contact information for proposed System installer;
vii.Name, address, phone number and signature of the project proponent, as
well as all co-proponents or property owners, if any;
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viii.The name, contact information and signature of any agents representing the
project proponent; and
ix.Zoning district designation for the parcel(s) of land comprising the project
site.
x.Locations of active farmland and prime farmland soils, wetlands,
permanently protected open space, Priority Habitat Areas and BioMap2
Critical Natural Landscape Core Habitat mapped by the Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Program (NHESP) and “Important Wildlife Habitat”
mapped by the DEP;
xi.Locations of floodplains or inundation areas for moderate or high hazard
dams;
xii.Locations of local or National Historic Districts;
xiii.Drawings prepared at a scale of one inch equals forty feet (1’=40’) or larger,
or at a scale as approved by the Town Planner. Revised plans shall contain
a notation listing and describing all revisions, additions, and deletions made
to the originally submitted plans and the date of each.
xiv.All stormwater management plans and drainage calculations must be
submitted with the stamp and signature of a Professional Engineer (PE)
licensed to conduct such work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
xv.Outline of all existing buildings, including purpose (e.g. residence, garage,
etc.) on site parcel and all adjacent parcels within 500 feet of the site parcel,
including distances from the Solar Energy System to each building shown;
xvi.Shall include the Information Required by Section 8.3 Site Plan Review,
Subsection 5(e).
xvii.Waiver: When in the opinion of the SPGA or Site Plan Review Authority
the alteration, reconstruction of an existing structure or new use or change
in use will not have a significant impact both within the site and in relation
to adjacent properties and streets; on pedestrian and vehicular traffic; public
services and infrastructure; environmental, unique and historic resources;
abutting property and community needs, the Planning Board may determine
that submission of one or more of the site plan document requirements may
be waived.
xviii.In addition, if Large-Scale Solar Energy System:
(1)Blueprints or drawings of the Solar Energy System signed by a
Professional Engineer licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts showing the proposed layout of the system, any potential
shading from collector and all property lines and existing on-site
buildings and structures, and the tallest finished height of the solar
collector;
(2)One or three line electrical diagram detailing the solar photovoltaic
installation, associated components, and electrical interconnection
methods, with all Massachusetts Electric Code (527 CMR 12.00)
compliant disconnects and overcurrent devices;
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(3)Documentation of actual or prospective access and control of the project
site;
(4)An operation and maintenance plan;
(5)Landscape Plan and Buffering:
(a)Landscaping shall be provided and maintained in accordance
with the site plan approved by the SPGA and/or PGA.
(b)If a property owner (or designated representative) of a lot from
which the proposed installation can be seen without obstruction
requests a visual rendering of the proposed installation from a
vantage point of their choosing on said lot, the applicant shall
submit one as part of the Site Plan Review The visual rendering
must accurately reflect the horizontal and vertical scale of the
installation, accessories, and landscape screening.
(c)Landscaping shall be provided and maintained on the site to
screen the Solar Energy System, the accessory systems, and
appurtenant structures as set forth below. Landscape screening
shall be provided adjacent to:
(i) Abutting properties where a front, side, or rear lot line of the
Solar Energy System site adjoins (or is separated by a public
way from) a residential district or an existing residential use,
as follows:
1.Landscape screening shall consist of planting, the
plantings to be of such height and depth as is needed and
as determined by the SPGA/PGA during Site Plan
Review to adequately screen from view the Solar Energy
System, accessories, appurtenant structures, and light
sources.
2.Such strip shall contain a continuous screen of planting
of vertical habit in the center of the strip not less than
three (3) feet in width and six (6) feet in height to
maintain a dense screen throughout the year.
3.In lieu of continuous planting, a solid brick, stone, or
wood fence of a design approved by the SPGA/PGA, or
a planted earthen berm of a design approved by the
SPGA/PGA may be established and maintained with the
plantings in an amount of no less than 20% of the amount
required above.
4.Removal of healthy trees over five (5) inches in diameter
at breast height (dbh) shall be minimized in the buffer
strip to maximum extent practicable. Any such trees as
are removed shall be replaced. New or replacement trees
must be at least two (2) inches dbh.
5.All landscaped areas including, but not limited to, walls
and fences shall be properly maintained. Plantings that
die shall be replaced within on growing season by the
property owner. Plantings shall be maintained in
35
accordance with the site plan for the duration of the
presence of a Solar Energy System on the site.
(d) When abutting public ways, in addition to landscaping in front
and side yards mentioned above, landscape screening shall
consist of planting, the plantings to be of such height and depth
as is needed and determined by the SPGA/PGA during Site Plan
Review to screen adequately from view any unshielded light
source, generated or reflected, either inside or outside.
(6) Proof of liability insurance; and
(7) A public outreach plan, including a project development timeline, which
indicates how the project proponent will meet the required Site Plan
Review notification procedures and otherwise inform abutters and the
community.
3)Site Plan Review Design Standards
a) Standards for Solar Energy Systems
i.)Utility Notification – No grid-intertie photovoltaic system shall be installed
until evidence has been given to the Site Plan Review Authority that the
owner has submitted notification to the utility company of the customer’s
intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid
systems are exempt from this requirement.
ii.)Utility Connections – Reasonable efforts, as determined by the Site Plan
Review Authority, shall be made to place all utility connections from the
solar photovoltaic installation underground, depending on appropriate soil
conditions, shape, and topography of the site and any requirements of the
utility provider. Electrical transformers for utility interconnections may be
above ground if required by the utility provider.
iii.)Safety – The Solar Energy System owner or operator shall provide a copy
of the Site Plan Review application to the local fire chief. All means of
shutting down the solar installation shall be clearly marked.
iv.)Visual Impact and Glare – The Solar Energy System, including all
accessories and appurtenant structures shall be designed to minimize visual
impacts, including preserving natural vegetation to the maximum extent
possible, blending in equipment with the surroundings and adding
vegetative buffers to provide an effective visual barrier from adjacent roads
and screen abutting residential properties, regardless of development status.
Siting shall be such that the view of the Solar Energy System from locations
off-site shall be minimal.
Reasonable efforts shall be made to design Solar Energy Systems to prevent
36
reflected solar radiation or glare from becoming a public nuisance or hazard
to adjacent buildings, roadways, or properties. Such efforts may include,
but not be limited to, deliberate placement and arrangement, anti-reflective
materials, solar glare modeling, and screening in addition to required
landscaping.
v.)Land Clearing, Soil Erosion and Habitat Impacts – Clearing of natural
vegetation shall be limited to what is necessary for construction, operation
and maintenance of Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems or as otherwise
prescribed by applicable laws, regulations, and bylaws.
b) In addition, if a Large-Scale Solar Energy System:
i)Site Control – The project proponent shall submit documentation of actual
or prospective access and control of the project site sufficient to allow for
construction and operation of the proposed Solar Energy System;
ii)Operation & Maintenance Plan – The project proponent shall submit a plan
for the operation and maintenance of the Large-Scale Ground-Mounted
Solar Energy System, which shall include measures for maintaining safe
access to the installation, stormwater controls, as well as general procedures
for operational maintenance of the installation;
iii)Lighting – Lighting of Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
shall be consistent with local, state and federal law. Lighting of other parts
of the installation, such as appurtenant structures, shall be limited to that
required for safety and operational purposes, and shall be reasonably
shielded from abutting properties. Where feasible, lighting of the Solar
Energy System shall be directed downward and shall incorporate full cut-
off fixtures to reduce light pollution;
iv)Signage – Signs on Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
shall comply with the Zoning Bylaw. A sign consistent with the Zoning
Bylaw shall be required to identify the owner and provide a 24-hour
emergency contact phone number. Solar Energy Systems shall not be used
for displaying any advertising except for reasonable identification of the
manufacturer or operator of the Solar Energy System;
v)Roads – Access roads shall be constructed to minimize grading, removal of
stones walls or trees, and minimize impacts of environmental or historic
resources. All access roads must be approved by the North Andover Fire
Department.
vi)Noise – Noise generated by Large-Scale, Ground-Mounted Solar Energy
Systems and associated equipment and machinery shall conform at a
minimum to applicable state and local noise regulations, including the
DEP’s Division of Air Quality noise regulations, 310 CMR 7.10.
vii)Emergency Services – The Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy
System owner or operator shall provide a copy of the project summary,
electrical schematic, and site plan to the local fire chief. Upon request the
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owner or operator shall cooperate with local emergency services in
developing an emergency response plan. All means of shutting down the
Solar Energy System shall be clearly marked. The owner or operator shall
identify a responsible person for public inquires throughout the life of the
installation;
viii)Hazardous Materials: Hazardous materials stored, used, or generated on
site shall not exceed the amount for a Very Small Quantity Generator of
Hazardous Waste as defined by the DEP pursuant to Mass DEP regulations
310 CMR 30.000 and shall meet all requirements of the DEP including
storage of hazardous materials in a building with an impervious floor that
is not adjacent to any floor drains to prevent discharge to the outdoor
environment. If hazardous materials are utilized within the solar equipment
then impervious containment areas capable of controlling any release to the
environment and to prevent potential contamination of groundwater are
required.
ix)Unauthorized Access: The Solar Energy System shall be designed to allow
access within the area of proposed limit of work to authorized personnel
only. Electrical equipment shall be locked where applicable
4)Waivers
The SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority may waive, by an affirmative vote of the
majority of the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority, any of the submittal and design
requirements if it determines that strict compliance with those submittal and design
requirements, because of the size or unusual nature of the proposed building(s) or
structures(s) may not be in the public interest.
5) Site Plan Review Criteria: In the review and evaluation of the Site Plan and in making a
final determination, the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority shall consider the following
criteria:
a)Provide adequate access to each structure for fire and emergency service
equipment;
b)Minimize visual intrusion by controlling the visibility or parking, storage, or other
outdoor service areas viewed from public ways or premises residentially used or
zoned;
c)Minimize the volume of cut and fill, the number or removed trees that are six (6)
inches or more in caliper, the area of wetland vegetation displaced, soil erosion,
and threat of air and water pollution;
d)Provide adequate stormwater management and other utilities consistent with the
functional requirements of the North Andover Stormwater Regulations,
38
Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts stormwater management
Handbook (as revised);
e)Minimize obstruction of scenic views from publicly accessible locations;
f) Maximize pedestrian and vehicular safety both on the site including ingress and
egress;
g)Minimize glare from headlights and lighting intrusion;
h)Minimize unreasonable departure from the character, materials, and scale of
buildings in the vicinity, as viewed from public ways and places; and
i) Ensure compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Bylaw, including parking,
signs, landscaping, environmental standards and other pertinent sections.
6) Final Action
a)No Solar Energy System shall be erected, constructed, installed or modified as
provided in this section without first obtaining a Site Plan Review or Special Permit
from the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority and a building permit from the
Building Inspector;
b)The SPGA shall not approve any such application for a Special Permit unless it
finds that in its judgement all the conditions stated in Section 10.31 of the zoning
bylaw are met
8.14.8 Monitoring, Maintenance, & Reporting for Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar
Energy Systems
1)Solar Energy System Installation Conditions – The Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar
Energy System Applicant(s) shall maintain the system in good condition. Maintenance
shall include, but not be limited to, painting, structural repairs, and integrity of security
measures. Site access shall be maintained to a level acceptable to the local Fire Chief and
Emergency Medical Services. The owner or operator shall be responsible for the cost of
maintaining the Solar Energy System and any access road (s), unless accepted as a public
way.
2)Annual Reporting: The Applicant(s) of the installation shall submit an Annual Report
demonstrating and certifying compliance with the Operations and Maintenance Plan
required herein and the requirements of this Section and their approved site plan including
control of vegetation, noise standards, and adequacy of road access. The annual Report
shall also provide information on the maintenance completed during the course of the year
and the amount of electricity generated by the System. The report shall be submitted to
the Planning Director, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director, Building
39
Commissioner, Board of Health and Conservation Commission (if a Wetlands Permit was
issued) no later than 45 days after the end of the calendar year.
8.14.9 Modifications to Approved Site Plans
1)All material modifications to a Solar Energy System made after issuance of the Site Plan
Review of Special Permit shall require approval by the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority
as provided in this section; and
2)Modifications to an approved Site Plan shall be allowed upon submission of a written
description to the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority of the proposed modifications. The
request for modification shall be subject to the submittal, review and hearing procedures
as required for new filings unless the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority finds that the
proposed modifications satisfy the review criteria and the Site Plan as modified would be
consistent with the originally approved plan and therefore a new public hearing may not
be required.
8.14.10 Abandonment or Decommissioning
1)Removal Requirements
a)Any Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System which has reached the end of
its useful life or has been abandoned consistent with Section 8.14.10(2) of this Bylaw
shall be removed. The Applicant(s) shall physically remove the installation no more
than 150 days after the date of discontinued operations. The owner or operator shall
notify the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority by certified mail of the proposed date of
discontinued operations and plans for removal. Decommissioning shall consist of:
i.)Physical removal of all Solar Energy Systems, structures, equipment, security
barriers and transmission lines from the site.
ii.)Disposal of all solid and hazardous waste in accordance with local, state, and
federal waste disposal regulations.
iii.)Stabilization or re-vegetation of the site as necessary to minimize erosion. The
SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority may allow the Applicant(s) to leave
landscaping or designated below-grade foundations in order to minimize
erosion and disruption to vegetation.
2)Abandonment
Absent notice of a proposed date of decommissioning or written notice of
extenuating circumstances, the Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System
shall be considered abandoned when it fails to operate for more than one year
without the written consent of the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority If the
Applicant(s) of the Solar Energy System fails to remove the System in accordance
40
with the requirements of this section within 150 days of abandonment or the
proposed date of decommissioning, the town may , after the receipt of an
appropriate court order, to enter and remove an abandoned, hazardous, or
decommissioned Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System. As a
condition of Site Plan approval, the Applicant and landowner shall agree to allow
entry to remove an abandoned or decommissioned System.
3) Financial Security
Applicant(s) of a Large-Scale, Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System shall provide
a form of surety, either through bond, or otherwise, to cover the cost of removal in
the event the Town must remove the installation and remediate the landscape, in
the amount and form determined to be reasonable by the SPGA/Site Plan Review
Authority, but in no event shall exceed 125% of the cost of removal and compliance
with the additional requirements set forth herein, and by the project proponent and
the Town Such surety will not be required for municipal and state-owned systems.
The project proponent shall submit a full inclusive estimate of the costs associated
with removal, prepared by a qualified engineer. The amount shall include a
mechanism for calculating increased removal costs due to inflation. The
Applicant(s) shall replenish the surety as necessary to maintain an adequate
amount, as determined by the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority in accordance
with the requirements of this bylaw.
4) Indemnification
The Applicant(s) of the Large-Scale, Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Town of North Andover and/or its citizens from
any and all liabilities losses and/or damages, including reasonable attorney fees,
resulting from the failure of the Applicant(s) to comply with the terms of this bylaw
and/or negligence in the operations and maintenance of any structures built in
accordance with it. Any surety provided for in the bylaw shall be available for the
aforementioned indemnification.
8.14.11 Expiration
A permit issued pursuant to this section shall expire if (i) the Solar Energy System
is not installed and operational within two years from the date the permit is issued;
or, (ii) the Solar Energy System is abandoned or deemed abandoned pursuant to
8.14.10(2).
8.14.13 Severability
The provisions of this bylaw are severable, and invalidity of any section,
subdivision, subsection, paragraph, or other part of this bylaw shall not affect the
validity or effectiveness of the remainder of this bylaw. For any provision of the
41
bylaw that conflicts with another state or local ordinance, the most restrictive
provision shall apply.
And further that the non-substantive changes to the numbering of this bylaw by the Town Clerk
be permitted in order that it be in compliance with the numbering format of the General Bylaws
and/or Zoning Bylaws of the Town of North Andover.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: To be made at Town Meeting
Vote Required: Two Thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: This bylaw is designed to respond to the growing use and technological
advances of Solar Energy Systems, in support of the Town’s clean energy goals. The bylaw
addresses the use of Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems and Ground-Mounted Solar
Energy Systems. The proposed zoning amendments include the addition of solar related
Definitions, amendment to the Dimensional Requirements associated with Building Height
and a new bylaw section titled Solar Energy Systems within a single new article. Please note,
the proposed bylaw is not in its final form. The Planning Board will continue to update this
bylaw through the Public Hearing process up to Town Meeting.
Article 18: Set Salaries and Compensation of Elected Officials. To see if the Town will vote
to fix the salary and compensation of the elected officers of the Town, as provided by
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, §108 as follows,
Board of Selectmen/Licensing Commissioners, per person, per annum $5,000
Chairman of Board of Selectmen, per annum, in addition $500
School Committee, per person, per annum $5,000
Chairman, School Committee, per annum, in addition $500
Moderator, For Annual Town Meeting $500
For each Special Town Meeting $250
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
42
Article 26: Report of the Community Preservation Committee – Appropriation from
Community Preservation Fund. To receive the report of the Community Preservation
Committee and to see if the Town will vote to raise, transfer and/or appropriate from the
Community Preservation Fund, in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 44B, a sum of money to be spent under the direction of the Community Preservation
Committee,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
List of Approved Projects – Community Preservation Fund
Description Amount Category
North Andover Housing Authority $ 80,600 Affordable Housing
Emergency Generators
North Andover Housing Authority $ 75,000 Affordable Housing
Capital Needs Assessment
North Andover Housing Authority $ 79,000 Affordable Housing
Bingham Way parking lot paving
Affordable Housing Trust $ 100,000 Affordable Housing
Playground Renovation Program $ 200,000 Open Space/Recreation
Atkinson School and Carl Thomas
Weir Hill Parking Lot $ 32,250 Open Space/Recreation
Recreation Complex $6,000,000 Open Space/Recreation
Historical Preservation Reserve $ 199,500 Historical Preservation
Administrative Costs $ 50,000 Administrative/Operating
Expenses
Total for Requested Projects $6,816,350
Community Preservation Committee
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
55
DRAFT as of April 9, 2018
T OWN OF N ORTH A NDOVER
M ASSACHUSETTS
2018
A NNUAL T OWN M EETING W ARRANT
AND
F INANCE C OMMITTEE R EPORT
1
NORTH ANDOVER CITIZENS
The Town of North Andover will take any measure necessary to ensure
that any individual with a disability is not excluded, denied services,
segregated, or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because
of the absence of auxiliary aids and/or services.
The Town now has the ability to print this warrant in Braille. If you
or someone you know needs a copy in Braille, or any of the auxiliary
aids or service
order to participate at Town Meeting, please contact the Town
978-688-9502. Thank you!
If you require handicapped parking access or need special parking
arrangements.
Voters will be checked in by last name. Each voter will be given a Town
Meeting Voting card and will need this card to be able to vote. Individuals
will need to be registered to vote by Wednesday, April 25, 2018. All
voters who have registered to vote as of that date will be eligible to vote
at the May 15, 2018, Annual Town Meeting. You may call the Town
-688-9502 to verify voter status or request a voter
registration form.
Non-voters must sign in, display a non-voter pin and sit in the designated
section.
The Town will make any arrangements available to assist with warrants
and participation in our Town Meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact
Office at 978-688-9502 or e-mail
(jbradshaw@northandoverma.gov).
2
2018
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
2018 Message from the Town Moderator 5
Simplified Rules of Parliamentary Procedure 8
Annual Finance Committee Report to Voters 17
GENERAL ARTICLES
Article 1 Reports of Special Committees 27
Article 2 Reports of Receipts and Expenditures
28
Article 3 Authorization of the Town Manager or Superintendent of Schools
Regarding Contracts in Excess of Three Years 28
Article 4 Authorization to Accept Grants of Easements 28
Article 5 Authorization to Grant Easements 29
Article 6 Amend General Bylaws Chapter 44 Public Meetings, Section 1, Televising of
Board Meetings 29
Article 7 Adoption of General Bylaws - Recodification 30
Article 8 Authorization to Accept the Donation of Land on Sutton Street 31
Article 9 Transfer of Land for Recreation Complex 31
FINANCIAL ARTICLES
Article 10 Appropriation Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2019 32
Article 11 Appropriation Recreation Complex 34
Article 12 Report of the Community Preservation Committee-Appropriation from
Community Preservation Fund 36
Article 13 Set Salaries and Compensation of Elected Officials 37
Article 14 Revolving Fund Spending Limits 37
Article 15 Appropriation- General Fund for Fiscal Year 2019 38
Article 16 Appropriation Water Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2019 44
Article 17 Appropriation Sewer Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2019 45
Article 18 Appropriation Stevens Estate Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2019 46
Article 19 Transfer to Stabilization 47
Article 20 Transfer of Funds from Health Insurance Trust Fund to Other Post-
Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund 47
Article 21 Transfer of funds from Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)
Stabilization Fund to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability
Trust Fund 48
CITIZEN PETITIONS
Article 22 Traffic Calming Measures 48
3
ZONING ARTICLES
Article 23 Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw Section 7.4 Building
Heights 49
Article 24 Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Map Amend Business 2
Zoning District (B-2) 50
Article 25 Adoption of the Zoning Bylaws-Recodification 51
Article 26 Acceptance of Public Way-Great Lake Lane 52
Article 27 Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Map Parcel 009.0-046-0000.0
(127 Marblehead Street) 52
Article 28 Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw Section 8.9 Wireless
Service Facilities 53
Article 29 Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw Establish a Solar
Energy bylaw 55
4
2018 MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MODERATOR
Dear Neighbors:
15, 2018 commencing at 7:00PM in the North Andover High School auditorium.
Please know it has been a singular privilege to preside at Town Meeting these past six years. I will
thst
endeavor to continue to make this 17 Century tradition relevant to our 21 Century needs and
population. I remain steadfast in a concerted effort to modernize the functions, rules, reach, and
conduct of Town Meeting while being deliberate to preserve the traditions and procedures of the
past that work. All in a desire to continue to deliver what I have promised the conduct of a fair,
open and efficient Town Meeting.
This past January our community experienced an extraordinary turnout at Special Town Meeting
with nearly 2800 voters, guests, and volunteers participating. We enjoyed respectful conversation
and deliberation on what could have been a contentious and even ugly evening given the
considered opinion and high stakes presented. Instead, it was a dignified example of a community
gathering to make a critical decision and doing so with serious intent and without rancor. Thank
you all for making my job easier. I must also extend deep appreciation to the town staff, public
safety officials, and over 60 volunteers who marshaled their skills and effort to assist me to make
the planning and operation of that meeting a success.
One of the initiatives used in our Special Town Meeting was the first time introduction of
electronic check-in technology. This demonstrably efficient voter check-in process will now be
permanently instituted at all future Town Meetings.
In the past I have allowed speakers, other than presenters of articles with preassigned time
limitations, up to five (5) minutes to ask questions or otherwise comment on an article. Given the
publication of the independent research effort of past Town Meetings by the Town Meeting
Statistician in 2017, we tested limiting speaking times to three (3) minutes. The data is clear that
citizens use, on average, less than 75 seconds to speak. Given these metrics and our experience at
the most recent Special Town Meeting I am comfortable initiating that limit as a new rule. I will
remain flexible, given my discretion, to allow additional time if such is appropriate to more
properly inform the meeting so it can make the best judgment possible for our community.
Through my involvement in the Massachusetts Association of Moderators I have learned that many
initiatives have been adopted elsew
appropriate. For instance, some towns limit speaking to as few as two minutes, and have
cumulative time limits for individuals throughout the meeting. Those communities suggest that it
aids in deliberation and offers more cogent remarks. I am unwilling to adopt cumulative speaking
limitations as I have seen no misuse throughout my tenure as Moderator.
5
All usual services and innovations of past Annual Town Meetings will remain, including Child
Care provided by the North Andover Community Programs department, and the
remote question participation service for those who cannot attend. The meeting will continue to be
live broadcast and live streamed. I will keep conducting the meeting in a manner that offers an
appropriately informal discussion among participants for the purpose of easing voter
understanding of the issues to be decided during our annual community dialogue.
I am pleased to report that your open-minded embrace of the changes made these past years has
had consequence elsewhere. Communities across the state continue to note our initiatives such as
use of real time on-screen editing of articles, live web streaming and broadcast of proceedings,
personal financial disclosure requirements and the appointment of Citizen Advocates to guide
attendees in crafting motions or amendments that they wish to present.
Our most far-reaching initiative to allow questions to be submitted from citizens via email and
text who cannot attend the meeting has prompted discussion across the Commonwealth. In this,
our fifth year of allowing more open access to the meeting, there will be other towns adopting
this extension of public involvement. It remains my strongly held belief that Town Meeting
serves two constituencies those who attend and participate in the meeting, and those who are
governed by what is decided at Town Meeting. While all power is in the room, all knowledge
may not be in attendance. It is important to note that full authority of the meeting remains with
those who take the time and effort to be present, listen, deliberate and act as our legislative body
at the meeting.
I have been selected co-chair of the Massachusetts Moderators Association 2040 Committee to
contemplate how Town Meeting will look in that year. A full virtual Town Meeting experience
sparked conversations in our Commonwealth to assure that Town Meeting does not become an
anachronism a dinosaur of governance anchored to history and not relevant to the lives and
society in which we live. We in North Andover should be rightfully proud of being pioneers.
Please know, I am contemplating other iterative steps to test the future.
The North Andover Town Charter gives the Moderator the unilateral power to establish rules of
parliamentary procedure in simplified form for Town Meeting. Significant new rules of procedure,
including the first-ever requirement of disclosure of personal financial interest, have now been
established and part of our practice for the past six years deserve note for those who have not
participated before. If you are a first time participant or just need a refresher please do read the
rules below in order to make our deliberative experience together the most productive possible for
the entire community.
Active participation in our annual community assembly is a hallmark of Open Town Meeting. The
general tenure of respectful deliberation and debate
the three simple behaviors below:
1. Petitioners and follow-up speakers who address the meeting should provide only new
information in an effort to persuade undecided voters. Continued repetition of
6
previously heard information as a show of support takes time and does little to
positively influence the outcome of a vote.
2. Please refrain from inappropriate applause or negative responses during discussions.
3.
The most persuasive statements at Town Meeting are often those succinctly stated,
disclosing new facts or arguments in an effort to advance a position while retaining the
Lastly, please review the Simplified Rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Addendums on Electronic
and Visual Presentations, a Glossary of Town Meeting Terms and Participants as well as the Town
By-laws that relate to Town Meeting. These rules and other information, presented below, will be
helpful to all who attend, vote, speak, and/or present at Town Meeting.
Town Meeting remains a unique tradition one we are evolving in practice and form with each
session conducted, and initiative introduced and collectively established. Open Town Meeting
remains the most direct and inclusive form of participatory democracy ever employed, by any form
of government, anywhere on the globe. It offers opportunity for a vital community conversation
in which free expression of ideas and opinions are celebrated - and its decisions have both
immediate and generational influence. Your vote counts. Please choose to participate.
Mark S. DiSalvo
Town Moderator
179 Coventry Lane
mdisalvo@sema4usa.com
978 683-4396
7
NORTH ANDOVER TOWN MEETING
SIMPLIFIED RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
The purpose of Town Meeting is to establish and update the By-laws, operational policies, budgets
as our form of government since 1646. It represents the purest form of democracy in that every
vote truly counts. Each registered voter is guaranteed an equal voice in the decisions made by the
Meeting. In order to protect the sanctity of that vote, the North Andover Town Charter empowers
the Town Moderator to establish the rules of Procedure under which Town Meeting is to be
conducted. These rules are historically based on the traditions established by generations of North
Andover citizens and by other New England communities, acting as legislators of their local
governments.
Specific parliamentary rulings and conduct are governed by the Moderator, using Massachusetts
General Laws, the North Andover Charter, North Andover By-Laws, and local tradition as
guidelines. The passing of each Town Meeting adds to the rich history and changes to that
practice and tradition that helps guide future Moderators and meetings.
not applied and have no bearing on conduct of our meeting. Past Moderators
have utilized the book published by
elected to utilize that resource when appropriate.
Town Meetings across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are similar, but not identical, in the
and help define the role and latitude of the Moderator. At North Andover Town Meetings we will
endeavor to present all necessary information in an efficient and timely manner so that the most
clarity can be afforded to voters, enabling them to make informed decisions. Voters, in turn, have
a unique responsibility. Not only must they express, by vote, the decisions made based upon their
own judgment and perspective, but also be cognizant of the effect their vote and/or decision has
on all citizens of North Andover.
There are ten simple rules of procedure for North Andover Town Meeting:
1. The first action required after the announcement of any Article
Warrant is that a Main Motion be proposed. The citizen sponsor of an article, Town
Board sponsor, or Town Board with an affirmative recommendation, are likely movers
of a main motion. The initial motion for the Town budget will be made by the Finance
Committee. Any Town Board or voter may amend the motion for consideration and
deliberation of the meeting. All motions must be seconded by a voter other than the
person offering the main motion and only then can discussion and debate begin.
8
2. Any voter wishing to address the meeting must first gain the attention of the Moderator
when no other speaker has the floor. Public microphones are to be utilized, where a
speaker seeking to be recognized, being courteous to others and those next in line, will
call out to be heard by addressing the Moderator. Speakers must introduce themselves
using their full name and street address each time speaking at a session of Town Meeting.
3. Once recognized by the Moderator, a speaker is given a turn to speak for up to three
(3) minutes and must address the meeting on only the article currently under discussion.
Voters not doing so or speaking in a disrespectful fashion may be suspended from
speaking on the matter at the discretion of the Moderator. Additional time can be
granted by assent of the meeting, by prior arrangement with the Moderator, and at the
discretion of the Moderator. Questions are welcome, as well as statements endorsing a
position. A voter with a question will take precedence over anyone stating an opinion
of support or non-support for an article.
4. Any person who has a financial interest in any article under discussion shall make a
disclosure of that interest before speaking. Any person who is a spouse, parent,
grandparent, child, brother, sister, or in-law of a person who has a financial interest in
an article shall also disclose such relationship before speaking. The employment,
whether paid or unpaid, of any person acting as an attorney, engineer, architect, land
surveyor, broker, consultant, agent or in any other capacity by a person interested in
the article under discussion, shall be disclosed before that person speaks. Violation of
such disclosure, or refusal to disclose the required information, if asked, shall result in
revocation of the spea
Disclosure is not generally required of voters who are utilizing and/or are beneficiaries
of Town services such as, for example, public safety, public works and public utilities,
or parents of children in public schools. However, if the speaker has a personal financial
interest beyond what is reasonably available to all eligible citizens, disclosure is
required.
5. Town employees and/or appointed or elected officials are required to identify their
position and whether or not they are speaking in an official capacity. Such identification
shall satisfy the disclosure requirement unless there is a specific matter under
discussion that does not involve their official capacity as an employee, appointed or
elected official. A blanket initial identification, upon the first opportunity to speak, is
acceptable for each session of the meeting unless the individual is not speaking in an
official capacity. In such case, the speaker shall be compelled to make a disclosure.
6. All remarks should be addressed to and through the Moderator, for the benefit of all
attendees. Direct questioning of others is not permitted. Questions may be directed,
through the Moderator, to any petitioner, speaker or official and, if determined germane
by the Moderator, the person asked will have the immediate opportunity to answer
should they choose.
7. An amendment changing or limiting the main motion can be offered during the course
of debate. The Moderator may rule an amendment out of order if it is beyond the scope
9
of the warrant article. The Moderator will redirect the discussion to consider the
proposed amendment once it is properly before the meeting. Specific wording of any
proposed amendment must be made available in writing to the Moderator and Town
Clerk before it can be considered. The party proposing such motion shall concisely
state, to the meeting, the consequence of the amendment on the existing main motion
and/or article being considered. Should further reference or context be necessary to
provide the meeting with full understanding of the amendment then this shall be
8. Respectful deliberation and debate are fundamental to Town Meeting. The Moderator
may seek to establish a time limit on a specific article as a guide to the meeting in order
to budget time and discussion. The Moderator will discourage repetitious statements.
In due course it will become apparent that sufficient information has been presented
and voters are ready to make their decision and the Moderator shall so rule. Motions to
move the question to a vote are in order and are not generally subject to debate. A
discretion, such motion may not be allowed and/or may be subject to debate,
particularly if the motion to close debate would restrict informed consideration of the
entire meeting and/or comes before an appropriate discussion has taken place on the
main motion.
9. Votes are taken by two methods voic
and declared to be complete by the Moderator when results are announced.
The Moderator is empowered to make declaration of two-thirds (2/3), four-fifths (4/5), or
other majority. If the determination of a voice vote is doubted, a request by at least seven
(7) voters, either rising or standing in place, will mandate the Moderator to request a
counted vote. Issues requiring a two-thirds (2/3), four-fifths (4/5), or other majority will
be clearly identified to the meeting at the time the article is presented and again at the
time of the vote. Articles that require greater than majority votes may be taken by voice
and/or a limited counted vote for the efficient conduct of the meeting.
10. There may be no distribution of handouts, signage or other collateral within the
confines of the meeting place at any time, whether while gathering together or during
conduct of the Town Meeting. Handouts or other illustrative materials may be
distributed outside the meeting hall before the check-in stations or placed on the table
reserved for such materials by the Town Clerk. It is strongly encouraged that all
materials clearly state the author and/or person(s) responsible for the content of the
material.
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Addendum A
Advisory on Electronic and Other Visual Presentations
Any speaker at Town Meeting wishing to utilize an electronic or other visual presentation must
abide by this advisory as well as adhere to all rules regulating conduct of any speaker.
The use of electronic/visual presentations are limited to provide necessary information
that is not easily conveyed in verbal form, such as maps, graphs, charts and photos. The
propriety of use is to improve the clarity of information given to the meeting. The
Moderator will encourage consolidation of presentation material to benefit the
attending voters, and to ensure balance during the debate.
Electronic/visual presentations by Town agencies, with similar recommendations on
an article, are encouraged to consolidate electronic/visual presentations into a single
presentation. That presentation, scheduled with the Moderator at least one week prior
to a Town Meeting, may, upon agreement by the Moderator, utilize up to 15 minutes,
with the intent that it will reduce the time needed for multiple presentations and follow-
on comment and response. The deadline for submission of a presentation may be
Electronic/visual presentations by any citizen must also be coordinated with the
Moderator at least one week prior to Town Meeting.
All voters in attendance must be able to see and hear any presentation made, regardless
of where they are seated in the venue. If this standard cannot be met then the
presentation shall not be allowed as no voter, by happenstance of proximity to any
presentation, shall have an advantage of more easily viewing any presentation over any
other voter. Equipment availability is the responsibility of the petitioner/ presenter.
Technical assistance and arrangements for display equipment must be coordinated with
the Town Clerk and Moderator, at least one week before the meeting. Computers,
projectors and screens may be available. Use of an overhead projector is not allowed.
Equipment malfunction or any other reason for lack of ability to use any planned
electronic or other visual display will not invalidate consideration of the article or keep
the body from considering the motion. It becomes the responsibility of the
petitioner/presenter to present arguments in another form within the rules of the Town
Meeting.
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Addendum B
Glossary of Town Meeting Terms and Participants
Town Meeting
Town Meeting is the duly-called meeting in which all registered voters are eligible to participate.
legislature, where fiscal issues, zoning changes, by-law amendments, and
other matters affecting the Town are decided. An Annual Town Meeting is held in the spring to
decide issues for the following fiscal year, which begins in July. A Special Town Meeting may be
called at any time to deal with issues that cannot wait for the next Annual Meeting. A Special
Town Meeting is called by vote of the Selectmen or if two hundred (200) voters sign a petition
requesting one.
Warrant
The Warrant is the official public notice of business to be considered at Town Meeting. It will be
publicly posted throughout the Town, set a time and place for the meeting, and contain one or more
articles. Once the warrant is opened by the Selectmen, articles may be submitted until the stated
deadline.
Article
An Article is the self-described characterization of an issue to be decided at the meeting and must
be clearly defined by the petitioner or sponsor. The content of the article must be clearly and
completely explained so that voters will fully understand the context and meaning of the article.
The scope of each article sets the bounds of actions that may be taken. Amendments or motions
outside the scope of issues and/or actions presented in the article at the time of posting of the
Warrant may not be considered at the meeting. Articles are submitted by Town Boards or agencies,
citizen petitions of ten (10) registered voters at Annual Town Meeting, or one hundred (100)
registered voters at Special Town Meeting.
Main Motion
A main motion is required for the meeting to act on a given article and must be within its scope.
ion must be made and seconded for
discussion to proceed; a favorable recommendation from the Finance Committee will be taken as
a main motion, to be then seconded by an individual at the meeting. Affirmative rather than
negative main motions are preferred to avoid voter confusion.
Amendments
Amendments may be offered to a main motion, debated and then accepted or rejected. All
amendments must be submitted to the Moderator in writing. Individual amendments will be
considered in the normal course of business, in turn. Amendments to amendments will be actively
clarity to the issue under consideration. Upon all secondary motions having been voted, voters will
return to discussion and vote on the main motion, whether amended or not.
12
Reconsideration
Reconsideration of an action under any single or multiple article(s) may be proposed only once
upon the conclusion of any article and prior to the commencement of the next. Whether offered
for reasons of clarity or tactic to preclude reconsideration of votes already taken, the introduction
of a motion to reconsider should not be done lightly as once reconsideration is denied, the decision
on an article cannot be reversed or altered. However, Town By-law provides the Moderator
discretion, for reasons which he shall state to the meeting, to allow a second motion for
reconsideration of any action taken by any Town Meeting during that meeting or any previously
adjourned session.
Adjournment
A motion of adjournment requires the meeting to convene at a certain future time, date and place.
Dissolution
Dissolution is the final act of a meeting. All issues will have concluded, and future discussion will
require another separate meeting and duly posted warrant.
Responsible Parties:
Voters
Voters are the ultimate decision makers. Voted decisions are binding on the entire Town, including
its elected officials, with the exception of resolutions or advisory articles.
Moderator
The Moderator is the person elected and responsible for the conduct of the meeting. Establishment
of rules, procedural rulings, conduct of debate, and voting are vested solely in the Moderator.
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk is appointed by the Town Manager and is responsible for distributing notices of
any Town Meeting, keeping all public records associated with the meetings, and producing the
debate and voting, and are used in formal enactment of local By-law.
Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen is an elected body responsible for calling the meeting and setting the
ehalf
between Town Meetings and oversee its management through the appointed Town Manager.
School Committee
The School Committee is an elected body responsible for setting policy and directing management
of the schools, through its appointed Superintendent of Schools.
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Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is appointed by the Moderator and is responsible for specific
recommendations to the Town Meeting on financial and certain other articles. This body of citizens
has the obligation to investigate finance related articles proposed to the meeting and make
independent recommendations in the best financial interest of the Town.
Planning Board
The Planning Board is appointed by the Town Manager and is responsible for administering the
-law. This Board is required to hold hearings and make recommendations on
articles which affect zoning or environmental issues.
Town Counsel
rulings and advise the meeting when that advice is needed.
Executives, Staff and Committees
Many other participants have strong interest in assuring the success of Town Meeting. They
propose issues, explain interests and supply information to the voters. Included in this group are
the Town Manager, Superintendent of Schools, Town Department Heads, and various other Town
Committees.
Operating Staff
Significant effort is made to properly organize and operate Town Meeting. Town staff and
volunteers provide the necessary support to conduct each Town Meeting and include Registrars of
Voters, Voter Check-in Clerks, Counters, Public Safety Officers and Facilities Personnel of the
building in which the meeting is held.
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Addendum C
Town Bylaw Affecting Town Meeting Chapter 59
§ 59-1 Adjournment.
When a Town Meeting shall be adjourned to a time certain that is more than fourteen (14) days
from the time of adjournment, the Town Clerk shall cause notice of the time and place of such
adjourned meeting to be duly posted in three (3) or more public places in each precinct in the town
two (2) days at least before the time of holding said adjourned meeting, which notice shall also
briefly state the business to come before such meeting.
§ 59-2 Quorum.
There is no quorum requirement for Annual or Special Town Meetings.
§ 59-3 Reconsideration Vote.
Unless the Moderator shall otherwise rule, for reasons which he shall state to the meeting, no
second motion for the reconsideration of any action taken by any Town Meeting shall be
entertained during that meeting or any adjourned session thereof.
§ 59-4 Secret Ballots.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, at any Annual or Special Town Meeting, and upon the
affirmative vote of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the voters present at said Annual or
Special Town Meeting, any Article in the warrant for said Annual or Special Town Meeting shall
be voted upon by Australian (secret) ballot.
§ 59-5 Information Required for Consideration of Articles.
A. The sponsor of any Article requiring the raising and/or appropriation of town funds shall
provide to the Town Manager and to the Finance Committee the following information:
1. Total estimated dollar cost of the Article including:
a. Start-up costs.
b. Reoccurring annual costs, including any increase in personnel and/or equipment
purchases.
c. Source of estimate.
2. Estimate of any possible revenues the project might generate.
3. Proposed source and/or mechanism for funding.
4. Reason(s) for the request, including but not limited to need.
5. Population group most likely to benefit or be affected by the project.
6. Possible alternatives to the requested proposal.
7. Schedule or time frame for completion of the project.
8. Any motions that would be introduced to support the Article as submitted.
B. This information shall be provided within two (2) days after the final fixed date for receiving
Articles into the warrant for the Annual or any Special Town Meetings.
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§ 59-6 Annual Town Meeting
The Board of Selectmen shall vote to set the date of the Annual Town Meeting in accordance with
Chapter 39 §9 of Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 39 also permits the Board of Selectmen to
postpone by vote an Annual Town Meeting. Any such postponement shall be held on any weekday
evening Monday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m. until all articles in the warrant have been acted
upon.
§ 59-7 Votes to be Declared by the Moderator
The Moderator may take all votes requiring a two-thirds majority in the same manner in which he
or she conducts the taking of a vote when a majority vote is required.
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ANNUAL FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT TO VOTERS
North Andover Home Rule Charter, consists of a diverse group of citizens appointed by the
Town Moderator to learn about, explain, and make recommendations on all aspects of
I. E XECUTIVE S UMMARY
position continues to remain stable due to prudent budgeting practices, which include using
consistent and conservative revenue projections, as well as strategically allocating projected
revenue to expenditures that work to achieve stated Town goals.
Projected FY19 Town revenue and planned budget expenditures are expected to increase
projections and planned expenditures, we believe the budget to be financially sound.
Significant reductions in excluded debt (related to the North Andover Middle School and
Osgood Hill) allow for School and Municipal government spending to increase 3.4%.
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is well funded, with financing costs at or below 5%
of revenue through 2023. The CIP maintains the balance between sustaining our current
financial position and making necessary improvements to our town and school
infrastructure.
The Town continues to fund adequate reserves for capital improvements, general
operations (stabilization) and special education. Town reserve funds are available to lessen
the impacts of any future negative macroeconomic fluctuations.
The Community Preservation Committee is recommending spending $6.6M in Community
Preservation Act (CPA) funds on projects in support of affordable housing and open space.
Amongst the projects is $6M in support of the Community Fields and Recreation Complex
behind the North Andover Middle School, which includes Hayes Stadium. The total cost
of this project is estimated to be $8.8M spent over the next 3 years, with funds coming
from the CPA, the Town, and other fundraised sources.
Water and Sewer rates remain unchanged for the coming year with nominal growth in
operating expenses. The Stevens Estate operations are healthy, with significant increases
seen in event inquiries, tours, and reservations during FY2018.
insurance, known as Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). The OPEB long term
liability stands at $108,920,003 as of June 30, 2017, with retiree health care cost growing
7-10% a year. The Town has formed an OPEB Committee to provide recommendations to
town leadership on how to further address this liability.
The School Department budget for FY19 reflects a 3.65% increase, with a majority of the
budget increase being the cost of maintaining level services. On a long-term view, the
strategic goals of reduced class size within the normal constraints of future Town budgets.
continue to be, conservatively managed. The Town's Collective Bargaining Contracts, with
17
12 different unions, allow an annual effective salary increase of 2.84% over the three-year
term of the contract.
proposed FY19 budget. Our commentary below highlights some of the more important areas of
the budget and the Finance Committee's views.
II. B UDGET R EVIEW
The FY19 proposed General Fund budget totals $97,646,214, an increase of 1.8% over the FY18
budget. The budget includes an increase in property tax revenues that is within the 2.5% statutory
tax levy limit. The recommended budget balances investments with efficiencies, which allows
North Andover to deliver quality services over the long term.
The proposed Operating budget (the General Fund less non-departmental expenses) is 3.4% greater
than FY18 expenditures. The Town Manager recommended a 3.65% increase for the School
Department budget and a 3.1% average increase in remaining Municipal budgets. General trends
and some of the more notable changes include:
The significant reduction in debt of $1.2M (related to North Andover Middle School and
Osgood Hill) largely offsets the operating budget increase to allow the Town to achieve an
overall balanced budget.
-
time claims.
The Retirement Assessment for pensions of current and retired non-school employees
increased 8.9%, which is similar to the increase the year before.
of pension expense determined by the State. The payment is made to the Essex Regional
Retirement System.
Group Health Insurance costs increased by 2.3% FY19 over FY18 compared to 6.2% the
year before. This continues to reflect the significant benefit of the Town moving to the
The School Department proposed budget increases 3.65% over the prior year: 2.81%
primarily to maintain level services and the balance used to pay 7 new full time Anne
Bradstreet Early Childhood Center (ECC) employees.
The Public Safety Budget (Police, Fire, and Emergency Management) increased by 1.6%,
reflecting their ability to effectively manage their operating costs.
The Department of Public Works budget increased by 1.5%.
The General Government portion of the operating budget is increasing 7.5% due to costs
of switching to a new computer-aided mass assessment system, an additional election in
2019, and personnel expenses.
The Support Services budget increased by 8.6%, mostly due to the hire of a full time
Community Services Social Worker, as directed by the Board of Selectmen.
For the seventh consecutive year, through successful management of the Water and Sewer
Enterprise operations, there are no recommended water or sewer rate increases.
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III. S CHOOL D EPARTMENT
The North Andover School Department FY19 budget represents 49.9% of the total expenses of
the town operating budget. The School Department budget was increased by 3.65% from FY18 to
FY19, with 2.81% being the cost of level services. The additional .84% budget increase is mainly
attributed to costs associated with the new Anne Bradstreet Early Childhood Center (ECC), such
as additional staffing and the improvement of services at the Kindergarten level. This 3.65%
the School Department.
Over the last several years the School Committee and Superintendent have formulated a strategy
focuses on critical steps to manage these needs, such as the following:
Reduce the number of classrooms that exceed School Committee class size
recommendations to 15%, therefore achieving their goal for FY19. This goal is attained by
the opening of the ECC.
Improve English-learning tutor retention with a compensation increase from $28.79 to
$32/hour. This total cost of $14,700 will be funded through the student exchange program.
Implement more consistent and rigorous curriculum initiatives with the use of the
Curriculum fund. The Curriculum fund is comprised of Medicaid reimbursements that are
used for curriculum and professional development. Given the recent success of this fund,
the School Department is requesting the spending cap be increased from $250,000 to
$400,000. The Finance Committee supports this request.
Looking forward, we recognize that the School Committee must continue to focus on new
initiatives in each budget cycle to achieve their long-term strategic goals. We anticipate discussing
needs such as the following:
Address elementary school class sizes by hiring approximately 6 teachers to fill the vacant
classrooms that were created by the opening of the ECC. At this level of staffing, 100% of
size goals.
The physical constraints and staffing requirements of the North Andover Middle School
(NAMS). To achieve NAMS classroom size goals, approximately 14 classroom teachers
along with Special Education teachers and other support staff are required. NAMS
classroom sizes are 4.9 students larger than the MA State average, at an average of 24.5
students per classroom.
Create a comprehensive English language-learning program staffed by 3 certified EL
teachers. Superintendent Price proposes that the long-term solution to the English Learners
program is to add one certified EL teacher to the budget each year until 3 certified EL
teachers are on staff. This program would replace the current tutor program, which requires
constant vetting and scheduling of contracted tutors.
The Finance Committee acknowledges the significant challenges of achieving the School
ablished goals within an operating budget that must consider both school and
comparable district average. North Andover spends $2,773 less per pupil per year than the
comparable district average of $15,411 (DESE). This Committee commends the considerable work
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that has been done thus far by the School Committee and Superintendent, and looks forward to
reviewing a multi-year financial plan that supports their outlined strategic goals.
IV. R ETIREE H EALTH I NSURANCE: O THER P OST-E MPLOYMENT B ENEFITS
premiums is referred to as Other Post-Employment Benefits, or OPEB. The Town currently pays
health insurance costs for all employees and retirees through the operating budget each year on a
pay-as-you-go basis. Pay-as-you-go adequately covers the current year costs but does not pay
down any of the long-term obligation. In contrast to pension obligations, North Andover has not
yet set aside significant resources to prefund our OPEB liabilities. If not properly addressed, the
Town may have difficulty paying retiree health benefits in the future while still adequately funding
other investments, including education, transportation and infrastructure.
and document the issue, and to recommend potential solutions. As of June 30, 2017, North
liability was $108M. To begin to cure the unfunded portion of this liability, town
management prudently established an OPEB Stabilization Fund in 2015, and an OPEB Trust Fund
hen possible.
The trust fund balance is currently $1.7M, which is 1.6% of the OPEB liability.
The greater financial community is keenly aware of the OPEB issues that impact not just North
Andover, but municipalities nationally. Given that North Andover has established both
stabilization and trust funds to address OPEB, and has now formed a committee to provide further
recommendations to our elected policy makers, North Andover is ahead of some other
communities that have not taken any steps to address this issue.
The Finance Committee anticipates reviewing the findings of the OPEB Committee and their
subsequent recommendations over future months.
V. R ESERVE FUNDS
Reserve funds are established to allow consistency in Town operations so that paying unforeseen
expenses does not result in cutbacks to other Town services or employees. Reserves also allow the
Town to set aside funds for capital projects. The use of reserve funds is governed by formal policies
adopted by the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee in concert with the Town Manager.
Each fund has a defined floor and ceiling. These policies ensure adequate funds on hand, but
prevent the accumulation of excessive balances. Once targeted funding levels are reached, some
of the funds are either spent for their intended purposes or no further additions are made.
Reserve policies and funded reserves demonstrate sound fiscal stewardship to the financial
community, which in part has enabled the Town to achieve its current AAA bond rating. Favorable
bond ratings allow the Town to borrow money at lower interest rates, making the cost of borrowing
less. The Town has made funding these reserves a cornerstone of annual budget planning, and has
largely done well in funding such reserve accounts. Last year, in this letter, the Finance Committee
expressed its concern with the challenge of funding Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)
obligations. The Town formulated the OPEB Committee discussed earlier in response to this
concern.
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The following table outlines the current Reserve Funds and recommended additions for FY19. All
additions are supported by the Finance Committee:
NORTH ANDOVER RESERVE FUNDS
FY19 Proposed New Target
Current Change Balance Funding
Est. (Warrant (if Level
Fund Name Fund Purpose Balance Article) approved (Ceiling)
(19)
Stabilization Supports operating 4,573,685 77,656 4,651,341 4,651,341
budget when
revenues
unexpectedly drop
or in the case of
unforeseen
expenses
Capital Funding of projects 540,456 -0- 540,456 952,501
Stabilization approved under CIP.
Minimize need for
debt, provide
flexibility.
SPED To respond to 409,196 -0- 409,198 $750,000
Stabilization unforeseen special
education costs
(21)
OPEB To offset cost of 529,240 (529,240)*
Stabilization Other Post-
2,554,445 5,366,085
Employment
Benefits for retired
employees
(15, 20)
OPEB Trust Same as above 1,737,436 325,000**
##
## Town access to OPEB Trust funds is restricted, because they are managed by the State Pension
Retirement Insurance Trust (PRIT). The FY18 Fiscal Year to Date Return on Investment for PRIT through
February 2018 is 7.5% vs. the estimated Return on Investment (ROI) for the OPEB Stabilization Fund of
.85 % for the same period.
* Shift in funds within the OPEB Stabilization funds of $529,240 from OPEB Stabilization to OPEB
Trust. All OPEB reserves are now in the restricted Trust (PRIT) as a continued commitment to maximizing
ROI on funds earmarked for Post Retirement Employment Benefits.
** $250,000 transfer from Health Insurance Trust Fund established with savings from the transfer of
employee health insurance from self insurance to the GIC State plan (Article 20) and $75,000 transfer from
the Operating Budget (Article 15).
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VI. S TAFFING AND C OMPENSATION
General Fund Municipal Government/Support Services
-school) Operating budget includes personnel costs of
$15.7M, or 66% of the General Fund Municipal Operating budget. Similar to FY18, the staffing
for FY19 includes a 2.0 full time equivalent (FTE) increase over the previous fiscal year.
This 2.0 full time equivalent (FTE) increase includes the following break-down:
Community Services Social Worker: 1 FTE
Treasurer/Collections Department: .5 FTE
3 additional hours to create a Part-Time Administrative Assistant in the Library: .1 FTE
Increase share of School IT Director to Shared Services: .2 FTE
Coverage for
Given the significance of personnel costs for the Town, they are and should continue to be actively
reviewed and managed.
General Fund School Department
The approved School Department budget for FY19 recommends an increase of 7.0 full time
equivalent positions, all of which are associated with the new Anne Bradstreet Early Childhood
Center.
This 7.0 full time equivalent (FTE) increase includes the following break-down:
Teachers: 2.5 FTE
School Nurse: .5 FTE
Counselor: 1 FTE
Administrative/Custodial Staff: 1.9 FTE
Principal: .8 FTE
Support Specialists: .3 FTE
Collective Bargaining Contracts
Most Town employees are covered by one of 12 collective bargaining contracts, one or more of
which expire every year and are renegotiated, making union negotiation an ongoing responsibility
for administration.
Collective bargaining contracts are usually negotiated for three years and include pay and benefits.
They become public records when approved by the Board of Selectmen or School Committee and
The typical three-cost of living adjustments
(COLA)
Committee determine how much must be allocated to cover these pay increases.
ge of some
of the more difficult to estimate time-off benefits such as sick, personal, bereavement, family leave
and other time-off provisions. When an employee takes time off or is away from work to attend
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mandated training, the employee that covers for the absent co-worker is entitled to overtime pay.
Examination of the second and third year COLA increases in recent union contracts show that
most are at 2%, while there are slightly larger increases in year one.
The Town Manager, Superintendent, Police and Fire Chiefs are not union employees. Each
negotiates their own employment contract with the Town. Other managers and administrators not
specifically included in union contracts are employees-at-will serving at the pleasure of the Board
of Selectmen or School Committee.
VII. C APITAL I MPROVEMENT P LAN (CIP)
The improvement and maintenance of Town infrastructure and services requires annual funding
as described in the Capital Improvement Plan, also known as CIP. It is worth noting that capital
projects which cost less than $50,000 are included in the operating budget and are not tracked in
-year plan for capital improvements.
The total FY19 CIP budget, excluding our Water, Sewer and Stevens Estate operation is $9M, of
which $6.7M or 74% is for the construction cost of the Senior Center ($5.5M), additional
construction cost for the new Anne Bradstreet Early Childhood Center ($0.5M), as well as
improvements to pedestrian and vehicle access adjacent to the new Anne Bradstreet Early
Childhood Center ($0.7M). $1.6M or 18% is allocated to the Department of Public Works as part
make necessary upgrades in various departments like police, school, facilities and information
technology.
The FY19 CIP budget for our Water, Sewer and Stevens Estate operation is $1.1M, which will be
100% funded by retained earnings. The majority of these funds will be used to make upgrades to
our water system.
Looking forward, the total CIP budget for the next five years (FY19 to FY23), excluding our
Water, Sewer and Stevens Estate operation, is $29.7M. Of this amount, only $24.1M or 81% will
be bonded, resulting in debt service on or below our target of 5% of revenue through 2023. Given
that this is one of the criteria to maintain our coveted AAA bond rating, it is critical to remain
below this threshold.
Other key items in the CIP budget over the next five years include the following:
$16.0M or 55% of the total CIP budget is allocated to the implementation of the Facilities
Master Plan Phase I and II, which is currently on time and within budget as approved by
previous Town Meetings from 2012 to 2017.
$7.5M or 26% of the total budget is allocated to the Department of Public Works, of which
$6.5M will be spent to maintain our roads, parks, water and sewer mains, and other
infrastructure. $1.0M was allocated to replace dump trucks and a backhoe.
The remaining budget of $5.6M or 19% is allocated among other departments. $2.8M is
allocated to Police and Fire Departments to allow them to continue to maintain a high level
of service. $1.7M is allocated to the School Department mainly for improving its
Information Technology infrastructure as well as driveways.
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The total CIP budget for Water, Sewer and Stevens Estate operations for the next five years
is $7.0M, of which only $0.9M will be bonded. The balance of 87% will be funded by
retained earnings. The majority of the budget of $4.6M, or 65%, is allocated to our water
treatment plant, which is now 20 years old and requires major improvements and upgrades
in the 2019 to 2023 time frame.
The Finance Committee performed an in-depth review of the Capital Improvement Plan for all
departments, including the Water, Sewer and Stevens Estate operation. Each project is tracked by
a project sheet which contains a description, justification, funding requirements by year and
schedule for completion. Each project is rated and scored based upon agreed ranking. The criterion
refl
stewardship. The project with the highest scores receives priority funding. We recommend the
approval of the proposed Capital Improvement Plan budget for FY19 as presented.
VIII. C OMMUNITY P RESERVATION F UND - F IELDS AND R ECREATION
C OMPLEX
In 2016, a committee was formed by the Board of Selectmen to study and make recommendations
to improve the community recreation space behind the North Andover Middle School, which
includes Hayes Stadium. They brought forth a proposal to substantially change the property from
an underutilized field and stadium to a state of the art fields and recreation complex.
The cost estimate is $8.75M of which the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has
committed $6M, $4M in 2019 and the balance spread out over the two years; $1.25M of the money
will come from private sources including those who will benefit the most from the complex; and
the balance of $1.5M coming from Town funds.
CPC monies are restricted to certain uses such as open space and recreation. The Finance
Committee supports the use of Town Funds, in synergy with Community Preservation Funds, to
complete a transformational project that will benefit generations to come.
IX. E NTERPRISE F UNDS
Enterprise funds by State law are required under Chapter 44 Section 53F1/2 to be self-sustaining,
requiring that the revenues from the operations are sufficient to fund all direct and indirect
expenditures of the fund. The funds operate much in the same way as a for-profit business,
although profit or retained earnings are not the prime motivator.
Under Town reserve policy, our Enterprise Funds (Water, Sewer, and the Stevens Estate) must
maintain retained earnings equivalent to a minimum of three months of appropriated expenses.
This policy provides rate stability in the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds. The policy further
provides that retained earnings in excess of four months will be appropriated to offset user fees
directly or indirectly through capital project pay-as-you-go funding of enterprise fund projects.
The FY19 Enterprise Fund Budgets reflects an overall decrease of 1.3% or $140K when compared
to the FY18 budget.
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Water Fund
FY19 will be the seventh consecutive year of no increases in the water rate for the town. Operating
expenses are expected to grow a nominal 1.2% over FY18, however the total FY19 Water Fund
budget is decreasing 4.3% or $246K over FY18. Much of this decrease is due to a smaller transfer
to capital of $875K compared with $1.2M in FY18. The department is expected to continue to
maintain a low expense to debt ratio, even while conducting significant upgrades to the water
treatment plant and distribution infrastructure.
Sewer Fund
As with the Water Enterprise Fund, we are looking forward to another year of unchanged sewer
rates. While the operating portion of the FY19 budget is expected to grow a nominal $1.4K, the
total budget is expected to grow $81K or 1.7% over the prior year, largely due to increase in the
Sewerage Assessment (GLSD).
Five communities share the costs of the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District (GLSD) for sewer
into the plant. As a result of recent EPA and state environmental regulations, all towns connected
to the GLSD plant are taking measures to reduce storm water runoff and improve sewer
infrastructure, resulting in reductions of waste water and flows into the plant.
Stevens Estate
Of all the Enterprise Funds, this asset is run and managed much like a for-profit business, with
strategic goals to help it sustain and grow for many years. For the FY19 fiscal year, the Stevens
Estate has projected operating revenue of $547K, a 4.8% increase from FY18.
Additionally, an estate capital improvement plan is currently underway, funded by retained
earnings to pay for much needed capital improvements and deferred maintenance. In FY19, the
planned to grow $25K or 4.8% over prior years.
X. F INANCE C OMMITTEE R EVIEW P ROCESS AND C ONCLUSION
The Finance Committee is a representative group of nine taxpayers appointed by the Town
Moderator who conduct a thorough review of municipal finance on behalf of all North Andover
citizens. y role is to advise and make recommendations to Town Meeting
on the budget and other areas of Town finance. We review and help explain the budgetary process
and fiscal tools used by Town officials to manage municipal and school services. Our focus is to
evaluate the operating budgets, capital budgets, and debt service to ensure that the Town is cost-
effective in the delivery of those services. In addition, we evaluate multi-year projections of
revenues, expenditures, and capital improvements.
We had meetings with the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jennifer Price and the School
Simons; and the Town Manager Andrew Maylor, Assistant Town Manager Raymond Santilli,
Finance Director Lynne Savage, and several Department Heads. We are impressed with the
professionalism of the town management team and the passion and dedication of all. We
25
appreciate all who have given generously of their time to respond to information requests and
present budget materials.
projections and planned operating and capital budget to be sound, and recommend approval by the
Citizens of North Andover at Town Meeting.
Regards,
The North Andover Finance Committee Members
Ed MacMillan Chuck Trafton Divya Bhatnagar
Elizabeth Gerron Jennifer Goldman Karin Blake
Sasha Weinreich Tim Tschirhart Thomas Ringler
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Annual Town Meeting Warrant
May 15, 2018
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS ESSEX, SS.
To either of the Constables of the Town of North Andover:
GREETINGS:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and in compliance with Chapter 39
of the General Laws, as amended, and our North Andover Town Bylaws and requirements of the
Town Charter, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of North
Andover who are qualified to vote in Town affairs to meet at the North Andover High School, 430
Osgood Street, Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at 7:00 PM then and there to act upon the following
articles:
Article 1: Reports of Special Committees. To see if the Town will vote to hear the reports of
any appointed special committees,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Vote Required: Majority Vote
CONSENT ARTICLES: Articles 2, 3, 4 and 5 may be considered by a single vote if there is
no objection (requires unanimous consent).
27
Article 2: Reports of Receipts and Expenditures. To see if the Town will vote to accept the
reports of receipts and expenditures as presented by the Selectmen in the 2017 Annual Town
Report,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Vote Required: Majority Vote
Article 3: Authorization of the Town Manager or Superintendent of Schools Regarding
Contracts in Excess of Three Years. To see if the Town will vote in accordance with the
provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, §12(b), to authorize the Town Manager
or the Superintendent of Schools to solicit and award contracts, except personnel contracts, for
terms exceeding three years, including any renewal, extension or option, provided in each instance
the longer term is determined to be in the best interest of the Town by vote of at least four (4)
members of the Board of Selectmen or the School Committee, as appropriate,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
Article 4: Authorization to Accept Grants of Easements. To see if the Town will vote to
authorize the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee to accept grants of easements for
access, water, drainage, sewer, roadway and utility purposes or any public purpose on terms and
conditions the Board and Committee deem in the best interest of the Town,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
28
Article 5: Authorization to Grant Easements. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the
Board of Selectmen and the School Committee to grant easements for access, water, drainage,
sewer, roadway and utility purposes or any public purpose on terms and conditions the Board and
Committee deem in the best interest of the Town,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
Article 6: Amend General Bylaws Chapter 44 Public Meetings, Section 1 Televising of Board
Meetings. To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 44-1 of the General Bylaws as follows:
§ 44-1 Televising of Board Meetings
All meetings of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Health, Conservation
Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Board of Selectmen, School Committee and
Finance Committee shall be broadcast live over the local cable television network unless
emergency or operational or technical conditions suspend the requirements hereof, as determined
second floor meeting room, the school administration building meeting room, or other locations
shall be posted in accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, Massachusetts
General Law, Chapter 30A, Sections 18-25 and shall contain the date, time and place of such
meeting and a listing of topics that the chair reasonable anticipates will be discussed at the meeting,
including application names. If there is a scheduling conflict with the use of the a meeting room,
shall have use of the room. Nothing contained in this bylaw shall be so construed as to conflict
with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. c.30A, Sections 18-25. A violation of
this bylaw or a failure to comply with this bylaw shall not be grounds for challenging or
invalidating any actions taken at any meeting of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals,
Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Board of
Selectmen, School Committee or Finance Committee.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Vote Required: Majority Vote
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EXPLANATION: At its meeting on February 8, 2018, the Community Preservation
Committee unanimously voted to have their meetings televised in order to keep the
community more informed about the Community Preservation Act, the applications the
Committee receives, and the process for recommendations.
Article 7: Adoption of General Bylaws - Recodification. To see if the Town will vote to accept
and approve the renumbering and revision of the various bylaws of the Town as set forth in the
Final Draft of the Code of the Town of North Andover, dated March 2018 and said Code being a
recodification and revision of the present bylaws of the Town. All bylaws of a general and
permanent nature, as amended, heretofore in force and not included in the Code shall be repealed,
except that such repeal shall not affect any suit or proceeding pending as the result of an existing
law, and such repeal shall not apply to or affect any bylaw, order or article heretofore adopted
accepting or adopting the provisions of any statute of the Commonwealth. These bylaws shall be
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Vote required: Majority vote
EXPLANATION:
General Bylaw. The goals of this recodification effort were to: (1) create a document that is
easy for users to navigate; (2) simplify and update the language of the Bylaw whenever
possible without losing the meaning or intent of the Bylaw and; (3) provide a structure that
is both predictable and flexible enough to accommodate amendments over time. That
recodification process was completed in March of 2018. A copy of the recodified Bylaw has
been available to the public since that time. An affirmative vote on the Article will adopt the
recodified Bylaw.
30
Article 8: Authorization to Accept the Donation of Land on Sutton Street. To see if the Town
will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept a donation or gift of a parcel of land located
on Sutton Street consisting of approximately___(square feet)_______ more or less as shown on
the plan entitled ____________, dated___________ prepared by_____________ for the purpose
of construction of a Senior Center and necessary parking spaces or any other public purpose on
terms and condition the Board deems to be in the best interest of the Town,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Vote required: Majority vote
EXPLANATION: The owner of a series of parcels of land on Sutton Street has agreed to
donate a portion of that land for the construction of a new Senior Center. Although there is
no cost to the Town, Massachusetts General Law requires Town Meeting approval for the
acquisition of land. The Senior Center project is part of the previously approved Facility
Master Plan and the funding for this project can be found as part of the Capital
Improvement Plan in Article 10.
Article 9: Transfer of Land for Recreation Complex. To see if the Town will vote to transfer
Parcel
Complex Parcel Configurati27, 2018 and prepared by Christiansen and Sergi,
from the School Committee for school purposes to the Board of Selectmen for general municipal
purposes.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
School Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
31
EXPLANATION: Recreational lot is made up of several lots which are
currently held under the care, control and custody of the School Committee and/or the Board
of Selectmen. In order to eliminate this ambiguity and make clear that the future and
perpetual use of this property will be recreational purposes, this article transfers the care,
custody, control and management of the lot to the Board of Selectmen. Pursuant to
Massachusetts General Laws c. 40, §15A, a two-thirds (2/3) vote is required to make the
transfer. This Parcel will be the future home of the Recreation Complex proposed for
funding in Articles 11 and 12.
Article 10: Appropriation Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2019. To see if the
Town will vote to fund the Capital Improvement Program
and with the language
included,
32
FY19 CIP
Recommendations
Board of SelectmenAuthorized to
Other Funding
Finance CommitteeSourcesBorrow under
Retained
(Grants, Chapter Earnings/ Free
Town Manager 90, CPA & Spec Raise & Cash/CIP Excess bond
Line #Project DescriptionRecommendationsRev)AppropriatedStabilizationProceedsChapter 44
Facilities Master Plan Implementation 2019
1$ 5,964,500 $ - $ -$ (1,000,000)$ - $ 4,964,500
Pedestrian/Vehicle Access Improvements
2$ 750,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 750,000
3 Playground Improvements (townwide)$ 50,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 50,000
Municipal IT (FY19-FY23)
4$ 50,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 50,000
New Motorola Officer Assigned Portable Radios
5$ 247,307 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 247,307
6 Roadway Improvements (FY19-FY23)$ 1,230,000 $ (820,000) $ -$ -$ - $ 410,000
7
Sidewalks (FY19-FY23)
$ 75,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 75,000
8 6 Wheel Dump Truck
$ 185,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 185,000
9
Backhoe$ 110,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 110,000
10
Building Maintenance (FY19-FY23)
$ 225,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 225,000
11 School IT (FY19-FY23)
$ 100,000 $ - $ -$ -$ - $ 100,000
General Fund Total$ 8,986,807 $ (820,000) $ -$ (1,000,000)$ - $ 7,166,807
Chemical Storage Tank & Feed System Improv.
12$ 370,000 $ - $ -$ (370,000)$ - $ -
Water Main Replacement
13$ 400,000 $ - $ -$ (400,000)$ - $ -
14 Water Distribution Truck$ 105,000 $ - $ -$ (105,000)$ - $ -
Water Enterprise Fund Total$ 875,000 $ - $ -$ (875,000)$ - $ -
15 Improvements to various Pump Stations$ 100,000 $ - $ -$ (100,000)$ - $ -
Sewer Enterprise Fund Total$ 100,000 $ - $ -$ (100,000)$ - $ -
16 Main House Improvements$ 45,000 $ - $ -$ (45,000)$ - $ -
17 Main House Boiler & Plumbing Improvements$ 75,000 $ - $ -$ (75,000)$ - $ -
Stevens Estate Fund Total$ 120,000 $ - $ -$ (120,000)$ - $ -
Total All Funds$ 10,081,807 $ (820,000) $ -$ (2,095,000)$ - $ 7,166,807
that to meet this appropriation:
(1) The Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow, $7,166,807 for the appropriations, or portions
there of under items 1thru 11 under chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Law or any other enabling authority and
that any premium received by the Town upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied
to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in
accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay
such costs by a like amount;
(2) The appropriation for item 1 , above shall be funded in part with Free Cash in the amout of $1,000,000;
(3) The appropriation for items 12, 13 & 14 above shall be funded with Water Enterprise fund retained earnings in
the amount of $875,000;
(4) The appropriation for item 15 above shall be funded with Sewer Enterprise fund retained earnings
in the amount of $100,000;
(5) The appropriation for items 16 and 17 above shall be funded with Stevens Estate Enterprise fund retained earnings
in the amount of $120,000;
33
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) consists of projects that are major,
non-routine expenditures for new construction, major equipment purchase, or improvement
to existing buildings, facilities, land or infrastructure with an estimated useful life of five
years or more, and a cost of $25,000 or more. Items in this plan are funded by debt; the Town
will issue bonds of 10, 15 or 20 years (depending upon the project) and pay principal and
interest payments over that term. The bonds may be general obligation (funded by the
general tax levy) or special obligation (funded by water or sewer rates).
Article 11: Appropriation Recreation Complex. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate
$1,500,000 as follows: from Free Cash $833,505; from General Fund Bond Premiums $363,454
and from; the Sale of Property Fund $303,041, to make improvements to the recreation space and
parking lots alongside Chickering Road between the North Andover Middle School and the Early
Child Center and currently the location Hayes Stadium and other fields,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote required: Majority Vote
34
EXPLANATION: The Recreation Complex project is the most comprehensive open
space/recreational improvement project ever undertaken in the history of the Town. The
space is the current home of Hayes Stadium, various ball fields, and the associated parking.
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funded a study in 2016 to evaluate various
options to improve and expand the use of the space. Subsequently the Board of Selectmen
formed a committee to develop design options and hold public meetings to obtain public
input. In 2017 the CPC funded the $600,000 cost of the full design, cost estimate, and
construction supervision of the project. A plan depicting the project is shown below. The full
project cost is $8,750,000 and the plan includes a walking track, ball fields, various
playgrounds and courts, and an amphitheater. The project will be funded with $6 million in
Community Preservation funds (see Article 12), $1.5 million in town funds (this Article) and
$1.25 million in private funds to be raised by various groups. This Article uses funds from
existing accounts that can only be used for large scale capital purposes to fund a portion of
the project.
35
Article 12: Report of the Community Preservation Committee Appropriation from
Community Preservation Fund. To receive the report of the Community Preservation
Committee and to see if the Town will vote to raise, transfer and/or appropriate from the
Community Preservation Fund, in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 44B, a sum of money to be spent under the direction of the Community Preservation
Committee,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
List of Approved Projects Community Preservation Fund
Description Amount Category
North Andover Housing Authority $ 80,600 Affordable Housing
Emergency Generators
North Andover Housing Authority $ 75,000 Affordable Housing
Capital Needs Assessment
North Andover Housing Authority $ 79,000 Affordable Housing
Bingham Way parking lot paving
Affordable Housing Trust $ 100,000 Affordable Housing
Playground Renovation Program $ 200,000 Open Space/Recreation
Atkinson School and Carl Thomas
Weir Hill Parking Lot $ 32,250 Open Space/Recreation
Recreation Complex $6,000,000 Open Space/Recreation
Historical Preservation Reserve $ 199,500 Historical Preservation
Administrative Costs $ 50,000 Administrative/Operating
Expenses
Total for Requested Projects $6,816,350
Community Preservation Committee
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
36
EXPLANATION: The Community Preservation Act (CPA) addresses community issues
such as acquisition and preservation of open space, creation and support of affordable
housing, acquisition and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes, and creation and
support of recreational opportunities. The CPA, adopted at a Special Town Meeting in
January 2001, and by the voters at the Town Election in March 2001, levies a 3% surcharge
on property taxes with two exemptions: $100,000 of the value of every residential property
is exempted, and a complete exemption on property owned and occupied by people who
qualify for low-income housing or low- or moderate-income senior housing.
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) annually recommends how funds should be
spent or set aside for future spending among the allowable categories of a) open space; b)
historic preservation; c) affordable housing; and d) land for recreational use, with a
minimum of 10% required in each of the first three categories. In addition, a maximum of
5% may be spent on administrative expenses by the CPC. Town Meeting may either approve
or reduce the recommended expenditures, but cannot add to them. North Andover received
matching funds equal to $308,053 or 19.1% in FY18 from the Commonwealth.
Article 13: Set Salaries and Compensation of Elected Officials. To see if the Town will vote
to fix the salary and compensation of the elected officers of the Town, as provided by
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, §108 as follows,
Board of Selectmen/Licensing Commissioners, per person, per annum $5,000
Chairman of Board of Selectmen, per annum, in addition $500
School Committee, per person, per annum $5,000
Chairman, School Committee, per annum, in addition $500
Moderator, For Annual Town Meeting $500
For each Special Town Meeting $250
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
Article 14: Revolving Fund Spending Limits. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the
following expenditure limits for revolving funds for certain Town departments under
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, §53E½ for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, or
take any other action related thereto:
37
FY 2019
Revolving AccountExpenditure Limit
Wheelabrator Planning$ 35,000
Wheelabrator Public Safety$ 30,000
Health Dept. - Food Inspections$ 35,000
Health Dept. - Septic Inspections$ 25,000
Field Maintenance$ 5,000
Health Dept. Revolving$ 30,000
Youth and Recreation Services Revolving$ 350,000
Elder Services - COA Revol$ 25,000
Fire Department$ 20,000
School Curriculum$ 400,000
Storm water Bylaw$ 50,000
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
Article 15: Appropriation General Fund for Fiscal Year 2019. To see if the Town will vote
to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of
money for the purpose of funding the General Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018 and
ending June 30, 2019,
38
FY19 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
Fiscal YearFiscal Year Fiscal Year
201820192019
RECAPDepartment Board of
RequestSelectmen &
Finance
Committee &
Town Manager
Recommend
Revenues & Other Financing Sources
Operating Revenues
Property Taxes72,805,77174,380,52674,380,526
Local Receipts9,986,93610,341,21610,341,216
State Aid10,805,03810,805,03810,805,038
Operating Transfers1,652,3261,691,7771,691,777
Total Operating Revenues95,250,07197,218,55897,218,558
Other Fin. Sources
Free Cash659,8310911,161
Overlay Surplus000
Others one time revenues000
Total Other Fin Sources659,8310911,161
Total Opr. Rev. & Fin Sources95,909,90297,218,55898,129,719
Operating Expenses
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Town Moderator850850850
Selectmen/ Town Manager354,922377,277387,277
Human Resourse174,865179,241179,241
Town Accountant240,353257,771257,771
Finance Committee800800800
Treasurer/Collector 338,077398,004398,004
Assessing342,953389,949389,949
Legal163,300164,315164,315
Town Clerk294,431382,326347,926
Community Development225,721202,780192,780
Planning 170,659177,089177,089
Conservation127,225123,819123,819
Board of Appeals19,93919,38519,385
Salary Reserve000
2,454,0942,673,6092,639,209
39
Fiscal YearFiscal Year Fiscal Year
201820192019
RECAPDepartment Board of
RequestSelectmen &
Finance
Committee &
Town Manager
Recommend
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police Department5,137,4635,166,9395,155,939
Fire Department5,308,1605,357,4185,354,018
Public Safety Salary Reserve134,417233,957233,957
Inspectional Services295,348304,202301,502
Emergency Management34,18249,02740,476
10,909,57011,111,54411,085,892
EDUCATION
N A Public School47,035,18748,751,97148,751,971
Full Day Kindergarten 000
Special Education000
47,035,18748,751,97148,751,971
PUBLIC WORKS
Administration463,135484,598484,598
Street & Sidewalks968,8931,006,3101,001,310
Solid Waste/Recycling1,321,4561,341,5281,341,528
Fleet Maintenance413,200375,726375,726
Structures & Grounds602,228622,165606,365
Salary Reserve000
Snow & Ice Removal934,500936,200966,200
4,703,4114,766,5274,775,727
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Health Department234,325241,380241,380
Elder Services273,013282,336297,336
Youth Service331,050348,411348,411
Veterans Service413,487414,469414,469
Salary Reserve000
1,251,8751,286,5961,301,596
CULTURE & RECREATION
Stevens Library1,042,1571,083,8561,084,521
Salary Reserve000
1,042,1571,083,8561,084,521
SUPPORT SERVICES
Admin Support61,863167,372167,372
Outside Auditing55,00055,00055,000
Information Technology1,277,1631,321,1841,316,658
Structures and Grounds319,613324,550324,550
Salary Reserve000
1,713,6381,868,1061,863,580
40
Fiscal YearFiscal Year Fiscal Year
201820192019
RECAPDepartment Board of
RequestSelectmen &
Finance
Committee &
Town Manager
Recommend
DEBT SERVICE
Excluded - Principal - Long Term1,795,000585,000585,000
Excluded - Interest - Long Term116,60674,55974,559
Excluded - Interest - Short Term000
Included - Principal - Long Term3,590,9993,680,6793,680,679
Included - Interest - Long Term1,010,2761,018,1691,018,169
Included - Interest - Short Term000
6,512,8825,358,4075,358,407
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Retirement Assessment4,763,7875,189,2805,189,280
Workers Comp508,987479,200473,893
Unemployment Compensation75,00090,00090,000
Group Insurance11,241,43311,500,00011,500,000
Payroll Taxes735,000771,750771,750
Police & Fire Accident & Sickness Inc.100,30098,90098,900
17,424,50718,129,13018,123,823
LIABILITY INSURANCE
420,000420,000420,000
MISC. NON DEPARTMENTAL COST
Regional Schools - Greater Lawrence Tech447,859470,252470,252
Regional Schools - Essex Agricultural School223,392223,392223,392
OPEB Trust50,00075,00075,000
721,251768,644768,644
Total Non - Departmental Cost25,078,63924,676,18124,670,874
Annual Town Meeting Vote 94,188,57196,218,38896,173,369
41
Fiscal YearFiscal Year Fiscal Year
201820192019
RECAPDepartment Board of
RequestSelectmen &
Finance
Committee &
Town Manager
Recommend
CAPITAL & RESERVES
Finance Committee Reserve000
Transfer to Stabilization Fund159,831077,656
Transfer to Capital Stabilization Fund350,00000
Transfer to OPEB Trust 150,00000
Transfer to Capital Project (Recereation Complex)00833,505
Transfer to Special Education Stabilization000
Deficits ( Snow and Ice)000
Deficits (overlay)000
Overlay566,310550,000550,000
1,226,141550,0001,461,161
STATE ASSESSMENTS
Spec Ed13,14413,14413,144
Mosquito Control94,62994,62994,629
Air Pollution Districts9,6969,6969,696
Regional Transit218,300218,300218,300
RMV Non Renewal Surc20,24020,24020,240
School Choice46,30446,30446,304
Charter School Assessment92,87692,87692,876
Essex County Agricultural Assessment000
495,189495,189495,189
General Fund Budget95,909,90297,263,57798,129,719
AND TO FURTHER TRANSFER TO THE GENERAL FUND
FROM SPECIAL REVENUE - GLSD $ 150,394
FROM FREE CASH$ -
$ 150,394
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
42
EXPLANATION: This Article is the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriation of funds for the Town
a statement
on how we choose to allocate the limited collective resources that exist. The operating budget
enables the day-to-day operation functioning of the Town by paying for recurring
expenditures for programs and services, employee salaries, rents, utilities, supplies,
insurance and debt service. The Library, Schools, Police Department, Fire Department,
Elder Services and dozens of other town departments rely on this funding to provide services
to you on a daily basis. The level of funding, and the choice of how we allocate that funding
at Town Meeting determines the level of services that visitors, residents and businesses
receive in the coming year.
The operating budget consists of local aid received from the Commonwealth, our local taxes
(property, excise and business) and other fees collected by the Town. All Town activities, not
specifically directed to other accounts such as Water or Sewer Enterprise Funds, are funded
through this budget. A
this appropriation.
Rather than being asked to vote on each line item, Town Meeting is asked to vote on the
various sub-totals listed below reflecting the overall budget for each category. By approving
the sub-totals, rather than individual line items, the Town Manager will have spending
flexibility within those programs so long as the Town Manager does not exceed the sub-total
amount for the category. A majority of the Town Meeting has the right to vote on individual
line items (or in fact, further subdivide them) if so inclined (although this would limit the
General Government $ 2,639,209
Public Safety $ 11,085,892
Education $ 48,751,971
Snow and Ice Removal $ 966,200
All Other Public Works $ 3,809,527
Health & Human Services $ 1,301,596
Culture & Recreation $ 1,084,521
Support Services $ 1,863,580
Debt Service $ 5,358,407
Employee Benefits $ 18,123,823
Liability Insurance $ 420,000
Regional Schools $ 693,644
Other (OPEB Trust) $ 75,000
43
Article 16: Appropriation Water Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2019. To see if the
Town will vote to appropriate the amount of $5,485,124 in aggregate, for the purpose listed under
column "FY19 Recommendation: Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee" for
the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019; without regards to individual
line items, and to operate the Water Enterprise Fund, that $5,485,124 be raised from Water receipts
and from these receipts $994,215 be transferred to the General Fund for indirect cost and $875,000
to Capital Projects,
WATER ENTERPRISE
FY19
Recommendation
FY19Town Manager
FY18DepartmentBoard of Selectmen
BudgetRequestFinance Committee
Personnel 963,7051,011,7021,011,702
Expense 1,585,8761,605,4571,605,457
Debt Service 999,561998,750998,750
Sub-Total Direct Expenditures3,549,1423,615,9093,615,909
Transfer to Capital Projects 1,212,500875,000875,000
Admin/Indirect 969,966994,215994,215
Total Water Enterprise5,731,6075,485,1245,485,124
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
EXPLANATION: The purpose of this article is to fund the Water Enterprise Fund. The
fund is supported by water usage charges. The water rate is set by the Board of Selectmen
and is established based on the total expenses of the department, including debt service,
direct and indirect expenses and the consumption of water by the users. Indirect costs are
associated with the Division of Public Works supervision, General Government costs and
fringe benefits that are related to the operation of the Water Department and are expensed
through the General Fund, or operating budget. In addition a transfer from retained
earnings in the amount of $875,000 is recommended to cover pay-as-you-go Capital Projects.
An affirmative or yes vote will ensure the operation of the water department according to
projected needs.
44
Article 17: Appropriation Sewer Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2019. To see if the Town
will vote to appropriate the amount of $4,741,484 in aggregate, for the purpose listed under the
9 Recommendation: Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee
the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019; without regards to individual
line items, and to operate the Sewer Enterprise Fund, that $4,741,484 be raised from sewer receipts
and from these receipts $467,866 be transferred to the General Fund for indirect expenses and
$100,000 to Capital Projects,
SEWER ENTERPRISE
FY19
Recommendation
FY19Town Manager
FY18DepartmentBoard of Selectmen
BudgetRequestFinance Committee
Personnel 390,315384,128384,128
Expense 309,420322,862310,895
GLSD Assessment 2,100,0002,398,5222,398,522
Debt Service 1,304,0421,070,0741,080,073
Sub-Total Direct Expenditures4,103,7774,175,5864,173,618
Transfer to Capital Project 100,000100,000100,000
Admin/Indirect 456,454467,866467,866
Total Sewer Enterprise4,660,2314,743,4514,741,484
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
EXPLANATION: The purpose of this article is to fund the Sewer Enterprise Fund. The
Fund is supported by sewer usage charges. The sewer rate is set by the Board of Selectmen
and is established based on the total expenses of the department, including debt service,
direct and indirect expenses and the use of sewer services by residents and businesses.
Indirect costs are associated with the Division of Public Works supervision, General
Government costs and fringe benefits that are related to the operation of the Sewer
Department and are expensed through the General Fund, or operating budget. In addition,
a transfer in the amount of $100,000 from retained earnings is recommended to cover pay-
as-you-go Capital Projects. An affirmative or yes vote will ensure the operation of the
department according to projected needs.
45
Article 18: Appropriation Stevens Estate Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2019. To see
if the Town will vote to appropriate the amount of $546,772 in aggregate, for the purpose listed
under the column "FY19 Recommendation: Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, Finance
Committee" for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019; without regards
to individual line items, and to operate the Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill Enterprise Fund that
$546,722 be raised from Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill Fund and from these receipts $79,303 be
transferred to the General Fund for indirect expenses and $120,000 be transferred from Retained
Earnings to Capital Projects,
STEVENS ESTATE
AT OSGOOD HILL ENTERPRISE FY19
Recommendation
FY19Town Manager
FY18DepartmentBoard of Selectmen
BudgetRequestFinance Committee
Personnel 151,442172,378172,378
Expense 182,950185,590175,090
Debt Service 000
Sub-Total Direct Expenditures334,392357,968347,468
Transfer to Capital Project 110,000120,000120,000
Admin/Indirect 77,36979,30379,303
Total Stevens Estate Enterprise521,761557,272546,772
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
EXPLANATION: The purpose of this article is to appropriate funds to operate the Stevens
Estate at Osgood Hill. Fees charged to individuals and groups using the facility and grounds
for private events support the Estate. In addition a transfer in the amount of $120,000 from
retained earnings is recommended to cover pay-as-you-go Capital Projects. An affirmative
or yes vote will ensure the operation of the department according to projected needs.
46
Article 19: Transfer to Stabilization. To see if the Town will vote to transfer $77,656 from
available funds or free cash into the Stabilization Fund,
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
EXPLANATION: This
Stabilization Fund. The amount requested allows the Town to comply with the provisions of
the Financial Reserve Policies to maintain a total fund balance of 5% of General Fund
Revenues. This is a fund designed to accumulate amounts for future spending purposes,
although it may be appropriated for any lawful purpose (MGL c40, §5B). Communities may
establish one or more stabilization funds for different purposes and may appropriate into
interest shall be added to and become a part of the funds. A majority vote of Town Meeting
is required to appropriate money to the stabilization fund.
Article 20: Transfer of funds from the Health Insurance Trust Fund to Other Post-
Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund. To see if the Town will vote to transfer
a sum of $250,000.00 from the Health Insurance Trust Fund into the Other Post-Employment
Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund,
or take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Majority Vote
EXPLANATION: The Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liabilities Trust Fund was
established by vote of the Annual Town Meeting of 2010 to reserve funds to offset the liability
resulting from providing health insurance benefits to employees after they retire.
47
Article 21: Transfer of funds from Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Stabilization
Fund to Other Post- Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund. To see if the Town
will vote to transfer a sum not to exceed $535,000 from the Other Post-Employment Benefits
(OPEB) Stabilization Fund into the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust
Fund,
or take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Finance Committee Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: The Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liabilities Trust Fund was
established by vote of Annual Town Meeting of 2010 to reserve funds to offset the liability
resulting from providing health insurance benefits to employees after they retire. Initially
the Finance Committee and the Town Manager were unable to reach consensus on the best
way to fund this Trust Fund so the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Stabilization
Fund was created in 2013 to reserve funds to address the OPEB liability until a plan could
be developed on how to fund the Trust Fund. The Financial Reserve Policies adopted by the
Finance Committee, Town Manager, and Board of Selectmen in 2015, and revised and
adopted in 2016, set out that plan. Therefore, the recommendation of the Town Manager is
to transfer the balance of the funds from the OPEB Stabilization Fund to the OPEB Trust
Fund. A two-thirds vote of Town Meeting is required to transfer money from a stabilization
fund. An affirmative vote will close out this Fund.
Article 22: Citizen Petition- Traffic Calming Measures. Traffic calming measures as defined
by more than 30 years of Traffic Safety research and both Federal and MA highway engineering
manuals decrease traffic crash number and severity for crashes that result in injury and death.
Removing traffic calming measures poses the risk of increased traffic crash number and severity
for crashes that result in injury and death. The MassDot Highway Reconstruction Minor
Widening Project 606159 at Massachusetts and Chickering removes three existing traffic calming
measures. Project 606159 impacts the school crossing for North Andover Early Childhood Center,
Atkinson Elementary School, North Andover Middle School, First Calvary Baptist Church Little
Learners Daycare, and the future Kindergarten and athletic fields on the North West side of the
intersection. Project 606159 impacts the intersection that also serves the North Andover Youth
Services, Drummond Playground on the South Eastern side of the intersection.
This article requests comparable traffic calming measures be added to the Massachusetts Ave-
Adams Street school crossing zone for everyone removed in the MassDot Highway Reconstruction
th
Minor Widening Project 606159, as promised at the December 19, 2017 Special Meeting.
These should include:
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Extend the current Massachusetts/Adams school zone to the Massachusetts Ave-Chickering
intersection.
Selectmen approve a raised and marked school and pedestrian crosswalk install by MassDot under
Project 606159.
Install a stop sign or stoplight on Massachusetts at Adams, near the school crosswalk.
Petition of Dr. Karen Lauro, et al
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Vote required: Majority vote
Article 23: Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw Section 7.4 Building Heights.
criteria for a waiver of the maximum height for residential multifamily dwellings and town houses
in the Business 2 (B-2) zoning district.
7.4 Building Heights
Maximum heights of buildings and structures shall be as set forth in Table 2. The foregoing
limitations of height in feet in the designated zoning districts shall not apply to:
1. Farm buildings on farms of not less than ten (10) acres.
2. Nor shall they apply to chimneys, ventilators, skylights, tanks, bulkheads, penthouses,
processing towers, and other accessory structural features usually erected at a height
greater than the main roofs of any buildings.
3. Nor to domes, bell towers, or spires of churches or other buildings, provided all features
are in no way used for living purposes.
4. And further provided that no such structural feature of any non-manufacturing building
shall exceed a height of sixty five (65) feet from the ground.
5. Nor of a manufacturing building a height of eighty five (85) feet from the ground, or
pharmaceutical manufacturing silo having a height of one hundred-fifteen (115) feet from
the ground.
6. A parcel or parcels collectively comprising at least five (5) three (3) acres of land located
within a Business 2 (B-2) Zoning District are eligible for a waiver of the maximum
height, for residential multifamily dwellings and town houses described under Table 2;
provided that such height waiver shall not permit a structure to exceed more than four
stories and 55 feet in height, and further provided that such waiver is granted by the
Planning Board, as Special Permit Granting Authority, after the Planning Board has made
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a determination based upon consideration of the special permit criteria described under
Section 10.31 of the Zoning Bylaw.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: This article proposes to reduce the land area required for a waiver of the
maximum height of structures for residential multifamily dwellings and town houses in the
Business 2 Zoning District. The minimum required land area to be established through this
amendment is three (3) acres.
Article 24: Amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Map Amend Business 2 Zoning
District (B-2). -zone the
following Parcels of land to be included within the Business 2 (B-2) Zoning District identified on
particularly shown on the map dated March 27, 2018 and prepared by The Morin-Cameron
Group, Inc., which map is on file with the Town Clerk, and are more particularly described as
follows:
Map 74 Parcels 23 and 54
- by Sutton Street
- by land now or formerly of China Blossom Realty Trust
- by land now or formerly of City of Lawrence Airport
Commission Westerly - by land now or formerly of City of
Lawrence Airport Commission
Map 74 Parcel 24
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
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Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: This article proposes to add the described parcels to the Business 2 Zoning
District. These parcels are: 505 Sutton Street (Map 74 Parcel 23) and 0 Sutton Street (Map
74 Parcel 54) from General Business (GB) to Business 2 (B2) and 477 Sutton Street (Map 74
Parcel 24) from Residential 4 (R4) to Business 2 (B2).
Article 25: Adoption of Zoning Bylaws - Recodification. To see if the Town will vote to
accept and approve the renumbering and revision of the Zoning Bylaw of the Town from its
original numbering, as amended through the May 16, 2017, Annual Town Meeting as set forth in
the Final Draft of the Code of the Town of North Andover, dated March 2018, said codification
of the Zoning Bylaw being a codification and revision of the present Zoning Bylaw, including
amendments thereto. All Zoning Bylaws, as amended, heretofore in force, shall be repealed,
except that such repeal shall not affect any suit or proceeding pending as the result of an existing
law. The Zoning Bylaw shall be codified as
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Town Manager
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote required: Two-thirds (2/3) vote
EXPLANATION
Zoning Bylaw. The goals of this recodification effort were to: (1) create a document that is
easy for users to navigate; (2) simplify and update the language of the Bylaw whenever
possible without losing the meaning or intent of the Bylaw and; (3) provide a structure that
is both predictable and flexible enough to accommodate amendments over time. That
recodification process was completed in March of 2018. A copy of the recodified Bylaw has
been available to the public since that time. In addition, recodification of the Bylaw ensures
the Bylaw is consistent with internal and external laws and regulations, e.g. conformance
with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, The Zoning Act. An affirmative vote on this
Article will adopt the recodified Bylaw.
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Article 26: Acceptance of Public Way- Great Lake Lane. To see if the Town will vote to accept
Great Lake Lane as a public way as laid out by the Board of Selectmen, and as shown as "Great
Lake Lane" on a plan entitled "Street Layout Plan of Great Lake Lane, located in North Andover,
Mass.", prepared by Christiansen and Sergi, Inc., and to accept deeds to all related parcels and
easements, shown on Plans recorded as Plan No. 17212 at the North Essex Registry of Deeds and
on the above referenced Street Layout Plan.
or to take any action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote required: Majority vote
Article 27: Amend Zoning Map Map 009.0-0046-0000.0 (127 Marblehead Street). To see if
the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map for the Town of North Andover to zone the parcel
Residential 4 (R4) Zoning District, as more particularly shown as the highlighted area depicted on
Town Clerk.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two Thirds (2/3) Vote
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Article 28: Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 8.9 Wireless Service Facilities. To see if the
Town will vote to amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw, by amending the following
Sections as follows,
Amend Zoning Bylaw, Section 8.9.5 (Application Procedures), Subsection (d)(i), by inserting
after sub-paragraph (4), a new sub-paragraph (5) (by identifying text which is added as
underlined). So that Section 8.9.5(d)(i) (General Filing Requirements) shall now read as follows:
d) Application Filing Requirements. The following shall be included with an
application for a Special Permit for all wireless service facilities:
i) General Filing Requirements
(1) Name, address and telephone number of applicant and any co-applicants as
well as any agents for the applicant or co-applicants. A 24-hour emergency
telephone contact number shall be included for use during construction as well
as operation of the wireless communication facility.
(2) Co-applicants may include the landowner of the subject property, licensed
carriers and tenants for the wireless service facility
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(3) Every application for a wireless service facility Special Permit shall include at
least one licensed carrier and the owner of the land as an applicant or a co-
applicant.
(4) Original signatures are required for the applicant and all co-applicants
applying for the Special Permit. If an agent represents the applicant or co-
applicant, an original signature authorizing the agent to represent the applicant
and/or co-applicant is required. Photo reproductions of signatures will not be
accepted. All other filing requirements in the Zoning Bylaw and the Rules and
Regulations as applicable must be complied with.
(5) Parties in interest for the purposes of Section 8. 9 Wireless Service Facilities
shall include in addition to those entities listed in General Law c. 40A, sec. 11
abutters to the abutters within five hundred (500) feet of the property line of
the petitioner as they appear on the most recent applicable tax list. The
granting authority the names and addresses of the abutters and such
certification shall be conclusive for all purposes.
And further that the non-substantive changes to the numbering of this bylaw by the Town Clerk
be permitted in order that it be in compliance with the numbering format of the General Bylaws
and/or Zoning Bylaws of the Town of North Andover.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: Favorable Action
Vote Required: Two-thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: To provide notice to parties in interest, for specific use, beyond the
General Law c. 40A, sec 11 notification requirement.
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Article 29: Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 2, DEFINITIONS, Section 7, DIMENSIONAL
REQUIREMENTS, and adding Section 8.14 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS: To see if the
Town will vote to amend the Town of North Andover Zoning Bylaw, by amending Section 2,
Definitions, Section 7, Dimensional Requirements, and adding Section 8.14 Solar Energy
SYSTEMS to read as follows:
Amend Zoning Bylaw, Section 2 DEFINITIONS by inserting the following DEFINITIONS:
2.78 Solar:
1) Photovoltaic System (also referred to as Photovoltaic Installation): An active solar energy
system that converts solar energy directly into electricity.
2) Rated Nameplate Capacity: The maximum rated output of electric power production of
the photovoltaic system in watts of Direct Current (DC).
3) Solar Access: The access of a Solar Energy System to direct sunlight.
4) Solar Collector: A device, structure or part of a device or structure for which the primary
purpose is to transform solar radiant energy into thermal, mechanical, chemical, or
electrical energy.
5) Solar Energy: Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form of
heat or light by a solar collector.
6) Solar Energy System: A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which
is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and
distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation, or water
heating. The definitional scale of a Solar Energy System shall be determined by the
cumulative surface area of all proposed systems.
a. Solar Energy System, Active: A Solar Energy System whose primary purpose is
to harvest energy by transforming solar energy into another form of energy or
transferring heat from a collector to another medium using mechanical, electrical,
or chemical means.
b. Solar Energy System, Grid-Intertie: A photovoltaic system that is connected to an
electric circuit served by an electric utility.
c. Solar Energy System, Ground-Mounted: An Active Solar Energy System that is
structurally mounted to the ground and is not roof-mounted; may be of any size
(small-, medium-, or large-scale).
d. Solar Energy System, Large-Scale: An Active Solar Energy System that occupies
more than 10,000 square feet of surface area.
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e. Solar Energy System, Medium-Scale: An Active Solar Energy System that
occupies more than 1,000 but less than 10,000 square feet of surface area.
f. Solar Energy System, Off-Grid: A photovoltaic Solar Energy System in which the
circuits energized by the Solar Energy System are not electrically connected in any
way to electric circuits that are served by an electric utility.
g. Solar Energy System, Passive: A Solar Energy System that captures solar light or
heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy
via a heat exchanger.
h. Solar Energy System, Pole-Mounted: An Active Solar Energy System that is
structurally mounted to the ground by a pole.
i. Solar Energy System, Roof-Mounted: An Active Solar Energy System that is
structurally mounted to the roof of a building or structure; may be of any size
(small-, medium-, or large-scale).
j. Solar Energy System, Small-Scale: An Active Solar Energy System that occupies
1,000 square feet of surface area or less (equivalent to a rated nameplate capacity
of about 10kW DC or less).
k. Solar Energy System, Surface Area: The amount of area covered by the surface of
the Solar Energy Collector(s).
7) Solar Thermal System: An Active Solar Energy System that uses collectors to convert the
Amend Zoning Bylaw, Section 7, DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS, Subsection 7.4,
BUILDING HEIGHT, by amending sub-paragraph 2 and by adding sub-paragraph 7 and
8 (by identifying text which is added as underlined). So that Section 7.4(2), 7.4(7), and
7.4(8) shall now read as follows:
2. Nor shall they apply to chimneys, ventilators, skylights, tanks, bulkheads, penthouses,
processing towers, Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems, and other accessory structural
features usually erected at a height greater than the main roofs of any buildings.
However, no Roof-Mounted Solar Energy System shall exceed XX in height.
7. Ground-Mounted, Solar Energy Systems: The maximum height of Small-, Medium-, and
Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems shall not exceed XX.
8. Pole-Mounted Solar Energy Systems: The maximum height of a Pole-Mounted Solar
Energy System shall not exceed XX feet and the maximum surface area for each
individual Pole-Mounted Solar Energy System shall not exceed XX square feet.
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Amend Zoning Bylaw by adding a new Section 8.14 to read as follows:
Section 8.14 Solar Energy Systems
8.14.1 Purpose
1) Promote, regulate and restrict the creation, construction, and operation of Solar Energy
Systems installations, by providing standards for the placement, design, construction,
operation, monitoring, modification and removal of such installations that address public
safety, minimize impacts on environmental, scenic, natural and historic resources; provide
adequate financial assurance for the eventual decommissioning of such;
2) Set forth provisions that shall take precedence over all other sections when considering
applications related to the expansion, construction, operation, and/or repair of Solar Energy
Systems.
8.14.2 Applicability
1) This section shall apply to all Solar Energy Systems proposed to be constructed after the
effective date of this section. This section shall also apply to physical modifications to
existing Solar Energy Systems that materially alter the type, configuration, or size of such
systems or other equipment.
2) Use Regulations are identified in Section 8.14.5
3) The Planning Board shall act as the Site Plan Review Authority and the Special Permit
Granting Authority (SPGA) for Solar Energy Systems that require a Special Permit.
8.14.3 Procedure
1) The site plan approved by the Planning Board becomes the official development plan for a
site within the Town of North Andover. Town permits are issued or withheld based upon
compliance with the approved site plan. The approved site plan is legally binding and can
only be changed or adjusted in compliance with the provisions contained in Subsection
8.14.9 Revisions to Approved Site Plan.
2) Any proposed development that requires a Special Permit and/or Site Plan Review as
identified in Section 8.14.5 Use Regulations, shall be subject to regulations of this section
and submit an application to the Planning Board.
3) An applicant shall file three copies of the application form, fee, and an electronic copy, and
any additional information as may be required (See Subsection 8.14.7), with the Planning
Department. Once the application is deemed complete, the Planning Department will
forward the application to the Town Clerk. An application will not be deemed complete
until all required information and fees are submitted. The time periods set forth in this
Zoning Bylaw and M.G.L. Ch. 40A will not start until the application has been deemed
complete and submitted to the Town Clerk.
4) The Planning Board shall have the authority to require that the applicant pay for necessary
professional services required to adequately review and analyze the contents of any site
plan impact study requested by the Board.
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8.14.4 Compliance with Laws, Bylaws & Regulations
The construction and operation of all Solar Energy Systems shall be consistent with all
applicable local, state and federal requirements, including but not limited to all applicable
safety, construction, electrical, and communications requirements. All buildings and
fixtures forming part of a Solar Energy System shall be constructed in accordance with the
State Building Code.
8.14.5 Use Regulations
Residential-1 All Other Business / Industrial
(R1) Residential Commercial Districts
Districts Districts
PRINCIPLE USE
Small-Scale Ground-N N N N
Mounted Solar Energy
System
Medium-Scale Ground-SPR SPR Y Y
Mounted
Solar Energy System
Large-Scale Ground-SP N SPR SPR
Mounted Solar Energy
System
Small-, Med-, Large-Scale N N N N
Pole-Mounted Solar
Energy System
Y = Allowed N = Prohibited
SP = Special Permit SPR = Site Plan Review
Residential-1 All Other Business / Industrial
(R1) Residential Commercial Districts
Districts Districts
ACCESSORY USE
Roof-Mounted Solar Y Y Y Y
Energy System
Small-Scale Ground-Y Y Y Y
Mounted Solar Energy
System
Small-Scale, Pole-SPR SPR SPR SPR
Mounted Solar Energy
System
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Medium-Scale Ground-SP SP SPR SPR
Mounted
Solar Energy System
Med-Scale Pole-Mounted N N SP SP
and Large-Scale Ground-
Mounted or Pole-Mounted
Solar Energy System
Y = Allowed N = Prohibited
SP = Special Permit SPR = Site Plan Review
8.14.6 Dimensional Regulations
1) Building/Structure Height Regulations:
a) Solar Energy Systems, Roof-Mounted: Maximum height of buildings and
structures shall be as set forth in Table 2. However, no Roof-Mounted Solar Energy
System shall exceed XX in height.
b) Solar Energy Systems, Ground-Mounted: The maximum height of Small-,
Medium-, and Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall not
exceed XX feet (XX).
c) Solar Energy Systems, Pole-Mounted: The maximum height of a Pole-Mounted
Solar Energy System shall not shall not exceed XX feet and the maximum surface
area for each individual Pole-Mounted Solar Energy System shall not exceed XX
square feet.
2) Setbacks
a) Solar Energy Systems, Small- and Medium-Scale Ground-Mounted: accessory to a
principal use shall be at the least 1/2 of the setback that would otherwise apply or a
minimum of 15 feet, whichever is greater from the side or rear lot line. All ground-
mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be installed either in the side yard or rear yard,
not in the front yard, and be located no nearer to the street than the building line of
the principle structure.
b) Solar Energy Systems, Large-Scale Ground-Mounted: shall have a side and rear
yard setback of at least 75 feet; except however, that where the lot abuts a
Residential District, the side and rear yard setback shall be 100 feet. All Large-
Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be installed either in the side
yard or rear yard and be located no nearer the street than the building line of the
principle structure.
c) Solar Energy System, Pole-Mounted: shall have a side and rear yard setback of at
least double the setback that would otherwise apply or a minimum of XX feet,
whichever is greater. All Pole-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be installed
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either in the side yard or rear yard, not in the front yard, and be located no nearer
to the street than the building line of the principle structure.
d) Solar Energy System, Appurtenant Structures: shall be subject to Zoning Bylaw
requirements concerning the bulk and height of structures, lot area, parking and
building coverage requirements for the underling zoning district. All such
appurtenant structures, including but not limited to, equipment shelters, storage
facilities, transformers, and substations, shall be architecturally compatible with
each other. Structures shall be screened from view by vegetation and/or joined or
clustered to avoid adverse visual impacts.
3) Lot Coverage
Solar Energy Systems shall not be included in calculations for lot coverage.
8.14.7 Site Plan Review/Special Permit Ground-Mounted and Pole-Mounted Solar Energy
Systems
1) Applicability
Any proposed development that requires a Special Permit or Site Plan Review as
identified in Section 8.14.5 Use Regulations shall undergo Site Plan Review prior
to construction, installation or modification as provided in this section.
2) Site Plan Review Document Requirements
a) An application for a Special Permit or Site Plan Review for a Solar Energy Systems
shall comply with the standards set forth in this section and shall be reviewed by
the SPGA or Site Plan Review Authority.
b) A site plan showing:
i. Property lines and physical features, including roads, for the project site;
ii. Location and approximate height of tree cover and any potential shading
from nearby structures or vegetation;
iii. Proposed changes to the landscape of the site, grading, vegetation clearing
and planting, exterior lighting, screening vegetation or structures;
iv. Blueprints or drawings of the Solar Energy System showing the proposed
layout of the System, any potential shading from collector and all property
lines and existing on-site buildings and structures, and the tallest finished
height of the solar collector;
v. Documentation of the major System components to be used, including the
panels, mounting System, and inverter;
vi. Name, address, and contact information for proposed System installer;
vii. Name, address, phone number and signature of the project proponent, as
well as all co-proponents or property owners, if any;
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viii. The name, contact information and signature of any agents representing the
project proponent; and
ix. Zoning district designation for the parcel(s) of land comprising the project
site.
x. Locations of active farmland and prime farmland soils, wetlands,
permanently protected open space, Priority Habitat Areas and BioMap2
Critical Natural Landscape Core Habitat mapped by the Natural Heritage &
mapped by the DEP;
xi. Locations of floodplains or inundation areas for moderate or high hazard
dams;
xii. Locations of local or National Historic Districts;
xiii.
or at a scale as approved by the Town Planner. Revised plans shall contain
a notation listing and describing all revisions, additions, and deletions made
to the originally submitted plans and the date of each.
xiv. All stormwater management plans and drainage calculations must be
submitted with the stamp and signature of a Professional Engineer (PE)
licensed to conduct such work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
xv. Outline of all existing buildings, including purpose (e.g. residence, garage,
etc.) on site parcel and all adjacent parcels within 500 feet of the site parcel,
including distances from the Solar Energy System to each building shown;
xvi. Shall include the Information Required by Section 8.3 Site Plan Review,
Subsection 5(e).
xvii. Waiver: When in the opinion of the SPGA or Site Plan Review Authority
the alteration, reconstruction of an existing structure or new use or change
in use will not have a significant impact both within the site and in relation
to adjacent properties and streets; on pedestrian and vehicular traffic; public
services and infrastructure; environmental, unique and historic resources;
abutting property and community needs, the Planning Board may determine
that submission of one or more of the site plan document requirements may
be waived.
xviii. In addition, if Large-Scale Solar Energy System:
(1) Blueprints or drawings of the Solar Energy System signed by a
Professional Engineer licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts showing the proposed layout of the system, any potential
shading from collector and all property lines and existing on-site
buildings and structures, and the tallest finished height of the solar
collector;
(2) One or three line electrical diagram detailing the solar photovoltaic
installation, associated components, and electrical interconnection
methods, with all Massachusetts Electric Code (527 CMR 12.00)
compliant disconnects and overcurrent devices;
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(3) Documentation of actual or prospective access and control of the project
site;
(4) An operation and maintenance plan;
(5) Landscape Plan and Buffering:
(a) Landscaping shall be provided and maintained in accordance
with the site plan approved by the SPGA and/or PGA.
(b) If a property owner (or designated representative) of a lot from
which the proposed installation can be seen without obstruction
requests a visual rendering of the proposed installation from a
vantage point of their choosing on said lot, the applicant shall
submit one as part of the Site Plan Review The visual rendering
must accurately reflect the horizontal and vertical scale of the
installation, accessories, and landscape screening.
(c) Landscaping shall be provided and maintained on the site to
screen the Solar Energy System, the accessory systems, and
appurtenant structures as set forth below. Landscape screening
shall be provided adjacent to:
(i) Abutting properties where a front, side, or rear lot line of the
Solar Energy System site adjoins (or is separated by a public
way from) a residential district or an existing residential use,
as follows:
1. Landscape screening shall consist of planting, the
plantings to be of such height and depth as is needed and
as determined by the SPGA/PGA during Site Plan
Review to adequately screen from view the Solar Energy
System, accessories, appurtenant structures, and light
sources.
2. Such strip shall contain a continuous screen of planting
of vertical habit in the center of the strip not less than
three (3) feet in width and six (6) feet in height to
maintain a dense screen throughout the year.
3. In lieu of continuous planting, a solid brick, stone, or
wood fence of a design approved by the SPGA/PGA, or
a planted earthen berm of a design approved by the
SPGA/PGA may be established and maintained with the
plantings in an amount of no less than 20% of the amount
required above.
4. Removal of healthy trees over five (5) inches in diameter
at breast height (dbh) shall be minimized in the buffer
strip to maximum extent practicable. Any such trees as
are removed shall be replaced. New or replacement trees
must be at least two (2) inches dbh.
5. All landscaped areas including, but not limited to, walls
and fences shall be properly maintained. Plantings that
die shall be replaced within on growing season by the
property owner. Plantings shall be maintained in
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accordance with the site plan for the duration of the
presence of a Solar Energy System on the site.
(d) When abutting public ways, in addition to landscaping in front
and side yards mentioned above, landscape screening shall
consist of planting, the plantings to be of such height and depth
as is needed and determined by the SPGA/PGA during Site Plan
Review to screen adequately from view any unshielded light
source, generated or reflected, either inside or outside.
(6) Proof of liability insurance; and
(7) A public outreach plan, including a project development timeline, which
indicates how the project proponent will meet the required Site Plan
Review notification procedures and otherwise inform abutters and the
community.
3) Site Plan Review Design Standards
a) Standards for Solar Energy Systems
i.) Utility Notification No grid-intertie photovoltaic system shall be installed
until evidence has been given to the Site Plan Review Authority that the
intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid
systems are exempt from this requirement.
ii.) Utility Connections Reasonable efforts, as determined by the Site Plan
Review Authority, shall be made to place all utility connections from the
solar photovoltaic installation underground, depending on appropriate soil
conditions, shape, and topography of the site and any requirements of the
utility provider. Electrical transformers for utility interconnections may be
above ground if required by the utility provider.
iii.) Safety The Solar Energy System owner or operator shall provide a copy
of the Site Plan Review application to the local fire chief. All means of
shutting down the solar installation shall be clearly marked.
iv.) Visual Impact and Glare The Solar Energy System, including all
accessories and appurtenant structures shall be designed to minimize visual
impacts, including preserving natural vegetation to the maximum extent
possible, blending in equipment with the surroundings and adding
vegetative buffers to provide an effective visual barrier from adjacent roads
and screen abutting residential properties, regardless of development status.
Siting shall be such that the view of the Solar Energy System from locations
off-site shall be minimal.
Reasonable efforts shall be made to design Solar Energy Systems to prevent
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reflected solar radiation or glare from becoming a public nuisance or hazard
to adjacent buildings, roadways, or properties. Such efforts may include,
but not be limited to, deliberate placement and arrangement, anti-reflective
materials, solar glare modeling, and screening in addition to required
landscaping.
v.) Land Clearing, Soil Erosion and Habitat Impacts Clearing of natural
vegetation shall be limited to what is necessary for construction, operation
and maintenance of Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems or as otherwise
prescribed by applicable laws, regulations, and bylaws.
b) In addition, if a Large-Scale Solar Energy System:
i) Site Control The project proponent shall submit documentation of actual
or prospective access and control of the project site sufficient to allow for
construction and operation of the proposed Solar Energy System;
ii) Operation & Maintenance Plan The project proponent shall submit a plan
for the operation and maintenance of the Large-Scale Ground-Mounted
Solar Energy System, which shall include measures for maintaining safe
access to the installation, stormwater controls, as well as general procedures
for operational maintenance of the installation;
iii) Lighting Lighting of Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
shall be consistent with local, state and federal law. Lighting of other parts
of the installation, such as appurtenant structures, shall be limited to that
required for safety and operational purposes, and shall be reasonably
shielded from abutting properties. Where feasible, lighting of the Solar
Energy System shall be directed downward and shall incorporate full cut-
off fixtures to reduce light pollution;
iv) Signage Signs on Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
shall comply with the Zoning Bylaw. A sign consistent with the Zoning
Bylaw shall be required to identify the owner and provide a 24-hour
emergency contact phone number. Solar Energy Systems shall not be used
for displaying any advertising except for reasonable identification of the
manufacturer or operator of the Solar Energy System;
v) Roads Access roads shall be constructed to minimize grading, removal of
stones walls or trees, and minimize impacts of environmental or historic
resources. All access roads must be approved by the North Andover Fire
Department.
vi) Noise Noise generated by Large-Scale, Ground-Mounted Solar Energy
Systems and associated equipment and machinery shall conform at a
minimum to applicable state and local noise regulations, including the
ality noise regulations, 310 CMR 7.10.
vii) Emergency Services The Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy
System owner or operator shall provide a copy of the project summary,
electrical schematic, and site plan to the local fire chief. Upon request the
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owner or operator shall cooperate with local emergency services in
developing an emergency response plan. All means of shutting down the
Solar Energy System shall be clearly marked. The owner or operator shall
identify a responsible person for public inquires throughout the life of the
installation;
viii) Hazardous Materials: Hazardous materials stored, used, or generated on
site shall not exceed the amount for a Very Small Quantity Generator of
Hazardous Waste as defined by the DEP pursuant to Mass DEP regulations
310 CMR 30.000 and shall meet all requirements of the DEP including
storage of hazardous materials in a building with an impervious floor that
is not adjacent to any floor drains to prevent discharge to the outdoor
environment. If hazardous materials are utilized within the solar equipment
then impervious containment areas capable of controlling any release to the
environment and to prevent potential contamination of groundwater are
required.
ix) Unauthorized Access: The Solar Energy System shall be designed to allow
access within the area of proposed limit of work to authorized personnel
only. Electrical equipment shall be locked where applicable
4) Waivers
The SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority may waive, by an affirmative vote of the
majority of the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority, any of the submittal and design
requirements if it determines that strict compliance with those submittal and design
requirements, because of the size or unusual nature of the proposed building(s) or
structures(s) may not be in the public interest.
5) Site Plan Review Criteria: In the review and evaluation of the Site Plan and in making a
final determination, the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority shall consider the following
criteria:
a) Provide adequate access to each structure for fire and emergency service
equipment;
b) Minimize visual intrusion by controlling the visibility or parking, storage, or other
outdoor service areas viewed from public ways or premises residentially used or
zoned;
c) Minimize the volume of cut and fill, the number or removed trees that are six (6)
inches or more in caliper, the area of wetland vegetation displaced, soil erosion,
and threat of air and water pollution;
d) Provide adequate stormwater management and other utilities consistent with the
functional requirements of the North Andover Stormwater Regulations,
65
Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts stormwater management
Handbook (as revised);
e) Minimize obstruction of scenic views from publicly accessible locations;
f) Maximize pedestrian and vehicular safety both on the site including ingress and
egress;
g) Minimize glare from headlights and lighting intrusion;
h) Minimize unreasonable departure from the character, materials, and scale of
buildings in the vicinity, as viewed from public ways and places; and
i) Ensure compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Bylaw, including parking,
signs, landscaping, environmental standards and other pertinent sections.
6) Final Action
a) No Solar Energy System shall be erected, constructed, installed or modified as
provided in this section without first obtaining a Site Plan Review or Special Permit
from the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority and a building permit from the
Building Inspector;
b) The SPGA shall not approve any such application for a Special Permit unless it
finds that in its judgement all the conditions stated in Section 10.31 of the zoning
bylaw are met
8.14.8 Monitoring, Maintenance, & Reporting for Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar
Energy Systems
1) Solar Energy System Installation Conditions The Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar
Energy System Applicant(s) shall maintain the system in good condition. Maintenance
shall include, but not be limited to, painting, structural repairs, and integrity of security
measures. Site access shall be maintained to a level acceptable to the local Fire Chief and
Emergency Medical Services. The owner or operator shall be responsible for the cost of
maintaining the Solar Energy System and any access road (s), unless accepted as a public
way.
2) Annual Reporting: The Applicant(s) of the installation shall submit an Annual Report
demonstrating and certifying compliance with the Operations and Maintenance Plan
required herein and the requirements of this Section and their approved site plan including
control of vegetation, noise standards, and adequacy of road access. The annual Report
shall also provide information on the maintenance completed during the course of the year
and the amount of electricity generated by the System. The report shall be submitted to
the Planning Director, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director, Building
66
Commissioner, Board of Health and Conservation Commission (if a Wetlands Permit was
issued) no later than 45 days after the end of the calendar year.
8.14.9 Modifications to Approved Site Plans
1) All material modifications to a Solar Energy System made after issuance of the Site Plan
Review of Special Permit shall require approval by the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority
as provided in this section; and
2) Modifications to an approved Site Plan shall be allowed upon submission of a written
description to the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority of the proposed modifications. The
request for modification shall be subject to the submittal, review and hearing procedures
as required for new filings unless the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority finds that the
proposed modifications satisfy the review criteria and the Site Plan as modified would be
consistent with the originally approved plan and therefore a new public hearing may not
be required.
8.14.10 Abandonment or Decommissioning
1) Removal Requirements
a) Any Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System which has reached the end of
its useful life or has been abandoned consistent with Section 8.14.10(2) of this Bylaw
shall be removed. The Applicant(s) shall physically remove the installation no more
than 150 days after the date of discontinued operations. The owner or operator shall
notify the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority by certified mail of the proposed date of
discontinued operations and plans for removal. Decommissioning shall consist of:
i.) Physical removal of all Solar Energy Systems, structures, equipment, security
barriers and transmission lines from the site.
ii.) Disposal of all solid and hazardous waste in accordance with local, state, and
federal waste disposal regulations.
iii.) Stabilization or re-vegetation of the site as necessary to minimize erosion. The
SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority may allow the Applicant(s) to leave
landscaping or designated below-grade foundations in order to minimize
erosion and disruption to vegetation.
2) Abandonment
Absent notice of a proposed date of decommissioning or written notice of
extenuating circumstances, the Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System
shall be considered abandoned when it fails to operate for more than one year
without the written consent of the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority If the
Applicant(s) of the Solar Energy System fails to remove the System in accordance
67
with the requirements of this section within 150 days of abandonment or the
proposed date of decommissioning, the town may , after the receipt of an
appropriate court order, to enter and remove an abandoned, hazardous, or
decommissioned Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System. As a
condition of Site Plan approval, the Applicant and landowner shall agree to allow
entry to remove an abandoned or decommissioned System.
3) Financial Security
Applicant(s) of a Large-Scale, Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System shall provide
a form of surety, either through bond, or otherwise, to cover the cost of removal in
the event the Town must remove the installation and remediate the landscape, in
the amount and form determined to be reasonable by the SPGA/Site Plan Review
Authority, but in no event shall exceed 125% of the cost of removal and compliance
with the additional requirements set forth herein, and by the project proponent and
the Town Such surety will not be required for municipal and state-owned systems.
The project proponent shall submit a full inclusive estimate of the costs associated
with removal, prepared by a qualified engineer. The amount shall include a
mechanism for calculating increased removal costs due to inflation. The
Applicant(s) shall replenish the surety as necessary to maintain an adequate
amount, as determined by the SPGA/Site Plan Review Authority in accordance
with the requirements of this bylaw.
4) Indemnification
The Applicant(s) of the Large-Scale, Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Town of North Andover and/or its citizens from
any and all liabilities losses and/or damages, including reasonable attorney fees,
resulting from the failure of the Applicant(s) to comply with the terms of this bylaw
and/or negligence in the operations and maintenance of any structures built in
accordance with it. Any surety provided for in the bylaw shall be available for the
aforementioned indemnification.
8.14.11 Expiration
A permit issued pursuant to this section shall expire if (i) the Solar Energy System
is not installed and operational within two years from the date the permit is issued;
or, (ii) the Solar Energy System is abandoned or deemed abandoned pursuant to
8.14.10(2).
8.14.13 Severability
The provisions of this bylaw are severable, and invalidity of any section,
subdivision, subsection, paragraph, or other part of this bylaw shall not affect the
validity or effectiveness of the remainder of this bylaw. For any provision of the
68
bylaw that conflicts with another state or local ordinance, the most restrictive
provision shall apply.
And further that the non-substantive changes to the numbering of this bylaw by the Town Clerk
be permitted in order that it be in compliance with the numbering format of the General Bylaws
and/or Zoning Bylaws of the Town of North Andover.
or to take any other action relative thereto.
Planning Board
Board of Selectmen Recommendation:
Planning Board Recommendation: To be made at Town Meeting
Vote Required: Two Thirds (2/3) Vote
EXPLANATION: This bylaw is designed to respond to the growing use and technological
addresses the use of Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems and Ground-Mounted Solar
Energy Systems. The proposed zoning amendments include the addition of solar related
Definitions, amendment to the Dimensional Requirements associated with Building Height
and a new bylaw section titled Solar Energy Systems within a single new article. Please note,
the proposed bylaw is not in its final form. The Planning Board will continue to update this
bylaw through the Public Hearing process up to Town Meeting.
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INSERT SIGNATURE PAGE
70
PLEASE BRING THIS BOOKLET WITH YOU TO
TOWN MEETING!!
TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2018
7:00PM
NORTH ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL
website at www.northandoverma.gov, on the North Andover Cable Channel,
and in our local newspapers.
If you need any special accommodations for the meeting please call the Town
-688-9502.
Please participate in this very important meeting!
71
April 05, 2018
Mr. Andrew Maylor
Town Manager
Town of North Andover
120 Main Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Re:MassDOT
Chickering Road / Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
December 19, 2017 Public Information Meeting Board of Selectman Concerns
CLD | Fuss & O’Neill Reference No. 11-0251
Dear Mr. Maylor:
MassDOT and the Town of North Andover held a Public Information meeting on December 19, 2017 to
present the proposed intersection improvements at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Chickering
Road. During the meeting we received a significant amount of feedback from the public regarding their
concerns and suggestions for the proposed improvements. After the meeting the North Andover Board of
Selectman provided MassDOT with a list of concerns they felt should be addressed as the project was
progressed to the 100% Submission level. MassDOT has evaluated the Board members concerns and will
plan on appearing before the Board of Selectman at their April 09, 2018 meeting to provide an update to the
Board regarding the following issues:
1.Provide a raised crosswalk at the Atkinson School crossing.
After the meeting the Town raised a concern with having enough vehicle clearance for their emergency vehicles and due to
this it was determined that a raised crosswalk would not be feasible at this location.
2.Move the Atkinson School crosswalk to the Beacon Hill intersection with Massachusetts Avenue.
It was determined this is not a feasible alternative, as it would require the reconstruction of approximately 700 feet of
sidewalk on Massachusetts Avenue (the existing sidewalk appears to be between 3 and 4 feet wide, which does not
meet ADA standards) and the construction of approximately 550 feet of sidewalk on Beacon Hill.
3.If the crosswalk remains at Phillips Brooks Road, construct/improve the sidewalks so they don’t end
parallel with Massachusetts Avenue, but rather, turn in toward the property.
The ADA ramp on the east side of the driveway has been updated to turn into the school property so a future
sidewalk project on the school property may easily connect to it. The ADA ramp on the western side of the entrance
has been maintained as originally designed, as a future sidewalk is not anticipated on this side of the school driveway.
4.Install a flashing light that can be activated to a red by pedestrians on Massachusetts Avenue at the
Atkinson School crosswalk.
The installation of a signal that can be activated to red by pedestrians is not feasible at this location due to the
crosswalks close proximity to Adams Avenue and Phillips Brook Road. Per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices
(MUTCD), pedestrian actuated hybrid signals can only be installed at mid-block crossings. The signal needs to be
located at least 100 feet from any intersecting street. The plans propose to install a 20 MPH school zone signs with
flashers and radar activated speed feedback signs along with the standard proposed school crosswalk signs at the
crosswalk. The Town DPW has also provided us with their preference for the surface treatment of the crosswalk, which
will be included in the plans.
5.Install a stop sign or a signalized right turn from Chickering Road (Route 125), northbound onto
Massachusetts Avenue, eastbound in front of the Sewade house.
A stop sign has been added to the right turn from Chickering Road (Route 125) onto Massachusetts Avenue.
CONNECTICUT | MAINE | MASSACHUSETTS| NEW HAMPSHIRE| NEW YORK| RHODE ISLAND| VERMONT
540 Commercial Street•Manchester, NH 03101•ph: 603.668.8223•fx: 603.668.8802•www.cldengineers.com
Chickering Road / Mass Ave Intersection Improvements
CLD | Fuss & O’Neill Reference No. \[11-0251\]
04/05/2018
Page 2 of 2
In addition to the concerns that were noted by the Board of Selectman, MassDOT has also evaluated the
following:
6.Can the radius on Chickering Road, northbound (NB), be reduced and designed for a smaller turning
radius?
Turning movements for an SU-40 truck were evaluated for the right turn from Chickering Road, NB to
Massachusetts Avenue, eastbound (EB). After reviewingthe turning movements, it was determined the island should
remain as is currently designed due to conflicts with existing utilities and pedestrian safety.
7.Can a wheel chair ramp be installed along the Autran Avenue frontage of 591 Massachusetts
Avenue? Does the project prevent the property from being handicap accessible?
CLD|Fuss & O’Neill provided the Town with a concept that was developed to determine if a wheel chair ramp on
the front of the existing home is feasible. It was determined a ramp is constructible if the driveway is shifted
approximately 5 feet.
8.There was a significant concern with the speed of traffic on Massachusetts Avenue. A radar feedback
sign has been added to the proposed speed limit sign on Massachusetts Avenue after the intersection
in the eastbound direction to help address this concern. We understand the Town is also exploring
options on how to potentially reduce the speed limit for this portion of Massachusetts Avenue.
9.Pedestrian safety, especially for children that pass through the intersection to walk to school and
other school related activities was a concern that was brought up a number of times at the public
meeting. We are proposing to install a “No Right Turn” black out sign for Massachusetts Avenue
eastbound that will be activated during the pedestrian phase of the signal. Although this by no means
addresses all of the concerns that were brought up at the public meeting relating to pedestrian safety,
it is an enhancement that will help improve the safety of the intersection.
10.The Town of North Andover has recently been plagued by multiple extreme storm events that have
resulted in the loss of power to the area. During the power outages, which last for multiple days, the
traffic signal does not operate. The project will be installing a battery backup system in the proposed
controller cabinet so the traffic signal will continue to operate during future power outages after the
project is constructed.
We hope that we have addressed your concerns and we look forward to discussing them further with you at
the April 09, 2018 meeting. If you have any questions, comments or need additional information, do not
hesitate to contact us.
Very truly yours,
Kristen A. Hayden, PE
Project Manager
KAH:ncf
cc:Lawrence Cash, MassDOT Project Manager
Jim Stanford, North Andover DPW Director
John Borgesi, North Andover Town Engineer
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Introduction
-MassDOT Project Manager
Design Team
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Project Location and
Limits of Work
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue
Intersection Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Project Schedule
75% Design
25% Design
100% Design Construction
Submittal
Submittal
SubmittalBegins
June 2017
April 2016
April 20, 2018Spring 2019
Right-of-Way
Design Public
Public
Completion
Hearing
Information
Summer/Fall 2018
October 2016
Meeting
December 2017
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Project Concerns
Atkinson School Crosswalk
Right turn from ChickeringRoad, NB onto
Massachusetts Avenue EB
Pedestrian Safety, especially children/students
Speed of traffic on Massachusetts Avenue
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Atkinson School Crosswalk
Can a raised crosswalk be provided at this location?
o Concerns with emergency vehicle clearance and winter maintenance.
Can the crosswalk be moved to the Beacon Hill intersection?
o Reconstruction of 700 feet of sidewalk on Massachusetts Avenue
between Phillips Brook Road and Beacon Hill
o Construction of 500 feet of sidewalk on Beacon Hill
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Atkinson School Crosswalk
Can a flashing light that is activated
to red by pedestrians be installed?
Should be located at mid-block
crossings, not at intersections.
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Atkinson School Crosswalk
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
(RRFB)
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Atkinson School Crosswalk
Can the sidewalk be
improved at the
Phillips Brook Road
entrance so it turns
into the property
rather than ending
parallel with
Massachusetts
Avenue?
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Atkinson School Crosswalk
Ramp re-designed to
wrap around into
School entrance
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
ChickeringRoad Right Turn Evaluation
Remove Island
Utility Impacts
Concerns with length of crossing
for pedestrians
Reduce Size of Island
Utility Impacts
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Pedestrian Safety
ChickeringRoad Right Turn onto
Massachusetts Avenue modified from
YIELD sign to a STOP sign
NO TURN ON RED black out sign
during pedestrian phase
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Speeding on Massachusetts Avenue
Installation of a
radar feedback
sign after the
intersection
heading
eastbound on
Massachusetts
Avenue
ChickeringRoad & Massachusetts Avenue Intersection
Improvements
North Andover, MA | 606159
Storm Resilience
Battery backup will
be installed to keep
the traffic signal
operational during
power outages