HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES April 6, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Richard Vaillancourt called the meeting to order at 7:01PM. In accordance
with Governor Baker’s Executive Order issued on March 12, 2020, suspending certain provisions of the
Open Meeting Law due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, this meeting took place via
conference call. All Board members and staff participated in this meeting remotely.
ATTENDANCE: The following identified themselves as present on the call: Chairman Richard
Vaillancourt, Clerk Rosemary Smedile, Licensing Chairman, Regina Kean, Chris Nobile, Phil DeCologero,
Town Manager, Melissa Murphy Rodrigues, Deputy Town Manager, Denise Casey, Director of
Administrative Services, Laurie Burzlaff.
Chairman Vaillancourt read the following statement:
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting
Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the
number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Board of Selectmen is
being conducted via remote participation. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be
permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings
as provided for in the Order. A reminder that persons who would like to listen to this meeting while in
progress may do so by tuning in to Comcast channel 8 or Verizon channel 26 or online at
www.northandovercam.org. If you have public comments, please email selectmen@northandoverma.gov
GOVERNMENTAL REPORTS
Citizen petition- Adoption of 3 year moratorium of crumb rubber in fill on artificial turf-Keith Connor
Keith Connor explained the Citizen Petition he filed to institute a 3 year moratorium on the use of crumb
rubber in fill for artificial turf on town land. He indicated it is not a moratorium on all synthetic turf, so the
Town can still use synthetic turf, it is just a moratorium on synthetic turf with crumb rubber. He indicated
he is not an expert on the matter but is concerned about the health effects. Federal agencies are still
trying to determine if crumb rubber poses a risk as there is not enough evidence to make a conclusive
determination. Mr. Connor stated crumb rubber contains toxins, crumb rubber gets very hot in the
summer and we shouldn’t be taking the risks.
Rosemary Smedile ask if Mr. Connor had any recommendations on what to use instead of the crumb
rubber and if he looked into the costs. He did not.
Regina Kean asked if he had a specific set of actions that he is asking to take during this moratorium. Mr.
Connor indicated studies will continue and he hopes the Town will talk to experts in the field and find out
what other communities have done.
Chris Nobile asked if Mr. Connor discussed the article with the committee that decided to use crumb
rubber on the fields. Mr. Connor indicated he did not.
Update on Town Meeting from Town Moderator, Mark DiSalvo
Pursuant to MGL Chapter 39, and the Town Bylaw §30-11, the Board of Selectmen can vote to postpone
Town Meeting. Mark DiSalvo provided the latest information regarding holding Town Meeting on May
th
19th. He indicated it is highly unlikely the Town can conduct a safe meeting on May 19. Mr. DiSalvo
stated that the venue is going to be a large consideration given the social distancing guidelines. We
cannot have a virtual meeting. He suggested they collaboratively come up with a plan for conducting
Town Meeting.
Ms. Smedile suggested decisions should be made after consulting with Board of Health and other
emergency agencies.
Town Manager Rodrigues, stated that she has spoken with the Finance Committee and the department
heads and all feel it is in the best interest to postpone until June.
Sasha Weinreich, Chair of the Finance Committee, stated that they believe it is prudent to postpone Town
Meeting to allow all stakeholders to do further analysis of the current situation on the budget so they can
provide a better recommendation to taxpayers. By not postponing there is a lot of pressure to meet
required deadlines.
Regina Kean asked if the Town was doing analysis to see if the revenues are impacted by COVID-19.
Ms. Rodrigues indicated that she and the Finance Director are currently doing that and will present any
recommendations to the Finance Committee.
Chris Nobile stated it is unknown at this time if people are able to pay their taxes and it could be a serious
impact on the Town if they cannot pay.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 6, 2020 2
Discussion and possible vote to postpone Town Meeting in accordance with MGL Chapter 39 (taken out
of order)
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 39, Section 9 move the 2020 Annual Town
Meeting from May 19, 2020 to June 16, 2020 at 6:00PM at North Andover High School. Roll call
vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Update on COVID-19
Town Manager Rodrigues provided the following information regarding COVID-19. There are currently 47
cases with 5 more pending. 19 residents have recovered. Open spaces are open but playgrounds are
not. Meals are still being provided and the CDC is advising everyone to wear masks in public. The Town
is using the Columbia Gas discretionary fund to set up a small business grant program where the Town
will pay the business’ rent or mortgage up to $3,000. The Town Manager and Finance Director are talking
about extending the due date for tax bills.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile to approve the Open Session
Minutes of March 23, 2020. Roll call vote- DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes;
Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
CONSENT ITEMS
Accept donation of gift cards totaling $2,500 from North Andover Farmers Market to Veterans Services
Phil DeCologero made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Noble that the Board of Selectmen accept
the donation of $2,500 worth of gift cards from the North Andover Farmers Market to Veterans
Services. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes.
Motion approved 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Vote on Stevens Pond fees for 2020
Given the circumstances, Rick Gorman, Director of Youth & Recreation Services, is recommending no
change to the fees for Stevens Pond for 2020.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
set the Stevens Pond fees for 2020 the same as 2019. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes;
Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Vote to approve disbursement of funds from Affordable Housing Trust for a rental assistance program
Laurie Burzlaff, chair of the Affordable Housing Trust, indicated that at their meeting on Thursday, the
Affordable Housing Trust voted to allocate $100,000 to be used for an Emergency Rental Assistance
Program to address the financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Households that qualify will be eligible
to receive up to $1,000 per month for their rent for up to 3 months.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectmen
authorize the disbursement of $100,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust to be used for an
Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen authorize
the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Board of Selectmen any documents necessary for the
Rental Assistance Program. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes;
Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Vote to accept the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Chris Nobile asked if the Board could wait to vote. Town Manager Rodrigues stated that the Board could
wait on voting on the warrant and the recommendations. Chairman Vaillancourt stated that there would
not be any additional articles added since the Warrant has been closed.
Phil DeCologero made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that that the Board of
Selectmen accept the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-
yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 6, 2020 3
Vote on recommendations for Town Meeting Warrant articles
Prior to the warrant going to print, the Board of Selectmen will need to vote their recommendations on the
Town Meeting Warrant Articles. The options for recommendation are Favorable Action, Unfavorable
Action, Take No Action or To be Made at Town Meeting. Chairman Vaillancourt recommended the Board
hold off on any articles that require the Planning Board or the Finance Committee recommendation.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 1. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Town Manager Rodrigues indicated that if Article 5 passes it would mean a decrease in revenues to the
Town of only $2,084.
Chris Nobile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 5. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 6. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 7. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 8. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 9. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 10. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Chris Nobile that the Board of Selectmen recommend
favorable action on Article 11. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes; Smedile-no;
Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 4-1.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 12. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 26. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 27. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Phil DeCologero that the Board of Selectmen
recommend favorable action on Article 28. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-yes;
Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 5-0.
Phil DeCologero indicated there is not enough evidence to support the moratorium and the Town is
already using artificial turf with crumb rubber. Mr. Vaillancourt stated that if they support the moratorium
how can they allow kids to play on artificial turf with crumb rubber in other towns? Regina Kean indicated
that there is no request for a specific action and a moratorium should be for a certain activity to be
completed. Mr. Nobile stated that there can be concerns but looking at history of use in town, there
doesn’t seem to be any evidence of the adverse effects. Rosemary Smedile reserved her right to decide
in case further information is brought forward. In response to a question from Mr. DeCologero, Town
Manager Rodrigues indicated that this article would only result in a non-binding resolution. For a
moratorium to happen, it needs to be an article that amends the zoning bylaw. It needs to be tied to a
study and for a definite period of time.
Phil DeCologero made a MOTION, seconded by Regina Kean that the Board of Selectmen
recommend unfavorable action on Article 29. Roll call vote: DeCologero-yes; Kean-yes; Nobile-
yes; Smedile-abstained; Vaillancourt-yes. Motion approved 4-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes April 6, 2020 4
OLD BUSINESS
None
TOWN MANAGERS REPORT
None
SELECTMEN’S UPDATES/COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Regina Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile to adjourn the meeting at 8:55PM.
Roll call vote: Nobile-yes; DeCologero-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Kean-yes; Smedile-yes. Motion
approved 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie A. Burzlaff
Executive Assistant
_______________________________
Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Clerk of the Board
Documents used at meeting:
Minutes of March 23, 2020
Town Meeting warrant
Donation letter
Stevens Pond information
Affordable Housing Trust memo