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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN DECEMBER 14, 2020 Call To Order: Chairman Chris Nobile 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: Laura Bates, Phil DeCologero, Rosemary Smedile, Richard Vaillancourt and Chairman Chris Nobile. Town Manager, Melissa Murphy Rodrigues, Deputy Town Manager, Denise Casey and Director of Administrative Services, Laurie Burzlaff were all present. Chairman Nobile 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 limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Board of Selectmen will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the Town’s website, at www.northandoverma.gov. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so on their televisions by tuning to Comcast Channel 8 or Verizon Channel 26 or online at www.northandovercam.org. 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 in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the Town of North Andover website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT Ms. Rodrigues read the public comments: 1) Michael Fina 124 Old Village Lane regarding the events at Stevens-Coolidge Place property noise levels 2) Kelly Cormier 169 Andover Street regarding the events at Stevens-Coolidge Place property noise levels 3) Jennifer Goldman 28 Jerad Place regarding the 5 year operating plan for school JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF SELECTMEN, SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE School Committee opened their meeting at 7:09PM. Roll call for School Committee attendance: Torrisi-yes; Lynch-yes; McDevitt-yes; Mabley-yes; Pickard-yes. Finance Committee opened their meeting at 7:10PM. Roll call for Finance Committee attendance: Allen- yes; Silk- yes; MacMillan- yes; O’Connell- yes; Luz- yes; Kean- yes; Foley- yes; Weinreich- yes. Thomas Ringler was not present. Mr. Nobile explained how the Tri-Board meeting would be conducted. Ms. Pickard asked for the others in attendance that have not identified themselves. Denise Casey, Lyne Savage, Laurie Burzlaff, Andrew Shapiro and Jean Enright were also all present. Town Manager Presentation of Five Year Financial Forecast Ms. Rodrigues gave the presentation of the Five Year Financial Forecast. Ms. Allen asked about the three items that will be impacting 2022: Stevens Estate, Amazon and Royal Crest. Ms. Rodrigues explained that Royal Crest and Amazon will not come on until FY23 or FY24, the building permits will come on in FY21. Ms. Rodrigues explained that Royal Crest is a 5- 10 year build so will not see anything until around FY25 or FY26. Ms. Weinreich asked if the Amazon building permit is included in the new growth. Ms. Rodrigues explained that it is a one-time revenue that falls into free cash. Mr. McDevitt asked what North Andover’s plan is and where North Andover will be over the next few years with 3% level services where many other towns spend more per student. Ms. Rodrigues explained it will be done collaboratively and through planning. Mr. McDevitt stated that North Andover is the bottom of 25 towns in what is invested in student and youth. Mr. Vaillancourt asked Ms. Rodrigues to explain how this five year plans stacks up to previous five year plans. Ms. Rodrigues explained that this is standard for North Andover as it is based on estimates. Mr. Torrisi asked Ms. Rodrigues why the Amazon building permits are not reflected in the forecast. Ms. Rodrigues stated she did not feel comfortable putting the permits into the forecast until the building permits are actually pulled. Ms. Weinreich stated this has always been forecasted in this manner. Mr. Vaillancourt stated this is a good will estimate forecasted conservatively. Ms. Pickard stated that a conservative forecast could possibly not reach the needs of the students. Ms. Weinreich stated can use one time funds to fund capital improvements. Mr. Nobile stated the need for the School Committee to state the destination, the path and why the investment should be what it is. Mr. Nobile asked Dr. Mealey if the five year plan is sufficient to drive their request for the next 5 years. Dr. Mealey stated if Facility Master Plan and projects will be approved then he can start to address the classroom size and positions. Ms. Pickard stated at 7:40PM that an additional member has joined. Suzanne Egan joined the meeting. Town Manager recommended Capital Improvement Plan for FY22-FY26 Ms. Rodrigues gave a presentation on the recommended Capital Improvement Plan for FY22-FY26. Ms. Allen asked if the architect fees for the Middle School project were in the plan. Ms. Rodrigues stated only the design has been put in the assessment. Facilities Master Plan II- current status and future process Ms. Rodrigues and Dr. Mealey presented the Facilities Master Plan II. Ms. Pickard asked if there will be anything brought from Master Plan to May 2021 Town Meeting. Ms. Rodrigues stated no, at this time would not be the year to bring large capital projects on and very important for the plan to come together as a collaboration between Town and School. Ms. Pickard asked Ms. Rodrigues when Facilities Master Plan II comes forward will the School have to continue to seek approvals for multiple projects each year. Ms. Rodrigues stated approvals are requested and presented at Town Meeting as needed. Ms. Weinreich asked Dr. Mealey about the timeline from now until May 2022. Dr. Mealey stated the subcommittee will identify options and get more input through summer 2021 and in the fall to start to analyze and have public meetings to be ready for May 2022. Ms. Pickard added there are additional needs at the high school that will be determined in the NEASC report. Ms. Bates asked Dr. Mealey to further explain the importance of the Facilities Master Plan II being school heavy. Dr. Mealey stated the following: - Currently the per pupil spending is low - The schools have been patching together services through grants - The school community is becoming more diverse - It will help meet the needs of the English language learners and the social emotional learning of our students - By providing the above services the schools will be able to better prepare our students to learn - With smaller classrooms, the teachers are able to move through material faster and support students better, which they are seeing through the hybrid model. Ms. Pickard stated that there has been many recent historical projects in the municipal. Dr. Mealey stated Phase I was more related to Town projects while Phase II is more focused on School projects. Ms. Mabley asked if more than one design could happen. Ms. Rodrigues explained that it could be possible if it is cost efficient. ADJOURNMENT- SCHOOL COMMITTEE MOTION: Mr. McDevitt made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Mabley to adjourn the School Committee meeting at 8:41 PM. Roll call vote: Torrisi-yes, Lynch-yes; McDevitt-yes; Mabley-yes; Pickard-yes. Motion approved 5-0. ADJOURNMENT- FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION: Ms. Kean made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Foley to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting at 8:46 PM. Roll call vote: Allen-yes, Silk-yes; MacMillan-yes; O’Connoll-yes; Luz-yes; Foley-yes; Kean-yes; Weinreich-yes. Motion approved 8-0. LICENSING: MOTION: Mr. DeCologero motioned to open a meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. Burton’s Grill: Frank Parzych, new manager of Burton’s Grill LLC, was on the call but unable to join the discussion. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to approve the request of Burton’s Grill LLC for a change of manager. Mr. DeCologero seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. Pita Thyme: Mr. Vaillancourt asked why there was no representation from the restaurant at the meeting. Ms. Rodrigues suggested to continue the public hearing to the next meeting. MOTION: Mr. Nobile motioned to open the public hearing to receive comments regarding the application from ENK, Inc. d/b/a Pita Thyme for an all alcohol on premise license at 550 Turnpike Street. Mr. Vaillancourt seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. Ms. Rodrigues stated there was no public comment. Ms. Burzlaff called the applicant via phone to attend the meeting. Hyde Park Burgers d/b/a Five Guys: Natasha Lopez from Five Guys was present on the call. MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve the request of Hyde Park Burgers, LLC d/b/a Five Guys, for a Common Victualler and an Entertainment License at 115 Turnpike Street. Ms. Bates seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. License Renewals Ms. Smedile read a statement about license renewals as they are delayed due to COVID-19. Ms. Rodrigues suggested to renew licenses as is and all changes to licenses to be discussed at the January meeting. MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve and renew the licenses for all of the establishments listed in the Assistant Town Clerk’s memorandum dated December 14, 2020, except the entertainment licenses for Smolak Farms and Stevens Coolidge Place, subject to payment by the license holders of all outstanding taxes due the Town no later than June 30, 2021, Certificates of Good Standing received no later than January 30, 2021, and fire and building inspections completed no later than January 15, 2021. Furthermore, with regard to North Andover Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Rolf’s, in addition to the above, all proper workers compensation and liquor liability insurance certificates must be received by December 31, 2020 and with regard to Hokkaido Restaurant, updated tips certification must be received by December 31, 2020. Mr. DeCologero seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to renew the Entertainment Licenses for Smolak Farms for only instrumental music, vocal music and dancing by patrons and Steven-Coolidge Place for only live music and dancing by patrons. Mr. Nobile seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. Ms. Smedile asked if a representative from Pita Thyme had called in. Ms. Bates stated that this will not stop Pita Thyme from opening but will stop any sales of alcohol. MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to continue public hearing until next licensing board meeting for Pita Thyme. Mr. Nobile seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. NEW BUSINESS Appointment of Bridget Rawding and Latika Karnani to the Poet Laureate Committee. MOTION: Ms. Bates motioned to appoint Bridget Rawding to the Poet Laureate Committee with a term ending June 20, 2022 and Latika Karnani to the Poet Laureate Committee with a term ending June 30, 2023. Ms. Smedile seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. APPROVAL OF OPEN SESSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 30, 2020, DECEMBER 2, 2020 AND DECEMBER 7, 2020 MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned the Board of Selectmen approve the Open Session minutes of November 2, 2020, December 2, 2020 and December 7, 2020 as written. Mr. DeCologero seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. CONSENT ITEM Waiver of right of refusal on affordable unit- 200 Chickering Road Unit 103B MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned the Board of Selectmen to waive the right of first refusal on the affordable unit at 200 Chickering Road, Unit 103B. Ms. Bates seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. Mr. Khorey, owner of Pita Thyme, joined the meeting at 9:24PM to speak on behalf of Pita Thyme. MOTION: Mr. Nobile motioned to close the public hearing to receive comments regarding the application from ENK, Inc. d/b/a Pita Thyme for an all alcohol on premise license at 550 Turnpike Street. Mr.DeCologero seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to approve the request of ENK, Inc. d/b/a Pita Thyme for an all alcohol on premises license at 550 Turnpike Street. Mr. Nobile seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt- yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. MOTION: Mr. Vaillancourt motioned to close the meeting of the North Andover Licensing Commission. Mr. DeCologero seconded. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. OLD BUSINESS None TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT COVID-19 Mr. LaGrasse reported that COVID-19 numbers have been going up and have tripled. 13 cases are from Merrimack College. Last month there were 75 active cases and now there are 231 active cases. Mr. LaGrasse reported seeing 20-30 cases oer day. Mr. LaGrasse stated there will be a rolling out of the vaccine in three phases. First phases next month to a month and a half, ndrd 2 phase will be February –April and 3 phase will be April-June. Mr. DeCologero asked Mr. LaGrasse how he is getting the word out about education people on COVID-19. Mr. LaGrasse stated social media, news email and text. Ms. Rodrigues stated she will be going on North Andover CAM with information about COVID-19. Ms. Smedile asked about testing and when to do so. Mr. LaGrasse stated the open COVID-19 sites that are free. Ms. Rodrigues stated that North Andover is a red stth zone and that December 21 – January 4 the Town Hall employees will be all remote. UPDATE ON ROYAL CREST Ms. Rodrigues presented Royal Crest long term plan project. Ms. Rodrigues read a statement that the Town does not believe it will be ready to bring this project to Town Meeting in May 2021 but rather to call a Special Town Meeting in the fall of 2021. Mr. Shapiro, Ms. Egan and Ms. Enright were present and spoke about the decision to wait until after Town Meeting in May to present. Ms. Enright mentioned two reviews that need to be received prior to Fiscal Impact Study and Traffic Analysis to inform Zoning. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. DeCologero made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Smedile to adjourn the meeting at 10:02 PM. Roll call vote: Bates-yes, DeCologero-yes; Smedile-yes; Vaillancourt-yes; Nobile-yes. Motion approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Jillian A. Brothers Executive Assistant _______________________________ Richard Vaillancourt, Clerk of the Board Documents used at meeting: Public Comment Five Year Financial Forecast presentation Capital Improvement Plan presentation Facilities Master Plan II presentation License Applications Volunteer Applications Minutes Memorandum