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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-11-18 Board of Selectmen MinutesNovember 4, 1985 continued Lower Main Street Issues Executive Secretary Keith Bergman requested authorization to hire an independent engineer to review the as-built drawings and project scope, noting that DPW will only listen to proof positive that something is wrong with the project. A site inspection scheduled for Wednesday morning should bring all the officials out for final acceptance of the project, and the Town's case could be presented at that time. Upon a motion by Bahrawy, seconded by Salisbury,it was voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Shaboo to continue with a project audit, and to replace the No Parking signs on lower Main St. Mill Rd.: Peter Breen Peter Breen appeared before the Board with a petition for the Selectmen to reverse its decision to make Mill Rd. a one way, citing an improperly conducted action. Much discussion ensued on whether there was a safety issue, forcing the decision to make Mill Rd. a one way. Upon a motion by Crouch, seconded by Salisbury, it was voted 2-2(Smith, Bahrawy opposed) to reconsider making Mill Rd. a one way -. motion defeated. Cable TV Committee John Robinson, Chairman of the Cable TV Committee, reported that Channell 25 is being denied access to school property during the school day, and suggested using space, in the fire station, offered by Chief Dolan. It was the concensus of the Board that a meeting should be held with the School Committee and the Cable TV Committee. Upon a motion by Salisbury, seconde by Bahrawy, it was voted unanimously to invite the School Committee and the Cable TV Committee to a meeting on November 13th at 7:30 to discuss future plans for Channel 25. Board of Assessors: Tax Rate Chairman, Edw. Phelan, appeared before the Board to discuss whether or not the tax bills will go out before the years' end. Mr. Phelan blamed the lack of information from certain departmen~ and a data processing error for the problem. Mr. Phelan noted that $86,000 is needed to balance the budget. The Board voted to meet with the Assessors again on the 18th for a further update. ABC Bus Tank Removal Chief Dolan reported tha~ the tanks have not been removed by ABC Bus and that a fine of $50/day is being levied. Upon a motion by Salisbury, seconded by Crouch, it was voted unanimously to request a transfer from the Reserve Fund in the amount of $3,999 for the removal of the tanks by the Town. 4th of July Celebration Upon the suggestion of Selectman Salisbury, the Board voted to invite the 4th of July Committee to a meeting on a date in January to be set to discuss future direction of the 4th of July celebrations. Wilson's Corner: Intersection of Rte. 114/125 Selectman Bahrawy opened for discussion, the traffic problems at the above intersection, and suggested incorporating a green left-hand turn arrow from Rte. 125 onto Rte. 114. The Board voted to refer the matter to appropriate departments for comment and bring it back for discussion on November 18. EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Board voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Catherine J. Hicks, Secretary ******************;******~~,~-- C!e~ November 18, 1985 ~ The Board held their regular meetin~ on this date four members present: John W. Graham, Charles A. Salisbury, Kenneth C. Crouch, Ramsey A. Bahra~u, and Exee. Secretary Keith A. Bergman. Chairman Christine Smith out of town on vacation. The minutes and warrant were appproved as submitted. Petition of Mass. Electric/New England Telephone: Boston St. The Board unanimously voted to approved the petiton of Mass. Electric and New England Tel to move on pole on Boston St., subject ot the special permit of the Highway Dept, Board of Assessors Ted Pheland and Joe Herman of the Board of Assessors met with the Board to discuss the status of the tax bills. Mr. Phelan blamed MMe for mixup with the paperwork, owing to not getting an accurate tax bill out on time. Mr. Phelan stated that his office would accept telephone · calls for an estimated amount. The Board felt, however, that an estaimted bill must be in hand by the end of December in order for people tow"rite the~ off on their taxes for the year. Mr. Phelan estimated that it would take approx. 2 weeks to get something in the mail to the homeowners. November 18,1985 continued School De t.: Re uest for S ecial town Meeting ~he Board met with Mr. Shelley of the School Dept. to request a special town meeting to accept MGL C.188, s. 13, to be eligible for professional development grants. Rep. Joseph Hermann announced that amending legislation is being filed to retroactive town meeting action. The Board voted to discuss the matter again at the December 16 meeting. IDFA: Executive Center Limited Partnershi~ The Board voted 3-1'* approved the IDFA's request for approval under MGL C.40D, for Executive Center Limited Partnership to borrow a principal amount not to exceed $2,200,000 for the financing of the acquisitino of approx. 15.7 acres in the N.A. Business Park and construction of a 50,000 sq. ft. building. Executive Center noted that 30,000 sq. ft. will be leased to Exeter Software for use in its computer software and assembly business, with the balance to leased to other tenants. George Schruender, Chairman of IDFA, noted that this is the last business scheduled to move to the North Andover Business Park. (** Salisbury opposed) ~ Lower Main St. Urban Systems Pro~ Executive Secretary, Keith Bergman reported on a site inspection with~the~ FHA,~C.harles'~ Budd C r, and MDPWconcerning the ,Urban Systems..project.. TimWhi~'.of FHA.sta~:dd"that it was his.~tg~tion~o".dete.r.mi~e whether .the <dr.ainage sYS.t~m 'a's"i, stall~d' meets "good~.engineering-. standards". If. so, he.would likely, approve the project and release bo. th. the contact6r, and. D~is- trict 5,'"'bu~ if .not~ he may-Still release the contractpr, but would hold Di~trict 5' responsible. The .Board will request the independent engi~eer~ to. help ~Mr.' W~ite frame the issue with drainage.' · - ' ' ~ Andover ByPass: Curb Cut Reueq~ Executive Secretary, Keith Bergman reported that discussio~ with Sherman Eidelman of the DPW indioate that they would favor an emergency curb cut only at Bayfleld Drive. Bud Cyr, raised the issue of maintenance of the access and questioned who would construct it, and what type of barrier would be used. The Board voted to refer the matter to the Planning Bd. and Fire Chief~ag~infor specific proposals as to question ~f maintenance and construction. Rte. 114 Issues: Wilson's Corner & Mill Rd. The Board discussed traffic problems at Wilson's corner(intersection of Rte. 114 and 125), and Selectman Bahrawy's suggestion to incorporate a left-hand turn signal from the 125 approach. It was noted that the MVPC traffic study has recommended such signalization, and the DPW is reviewing this matter at present. The Board also discussed whether or not to hold a public hearing on the action to make Mill Rd. a one way, pursuant to the recommendatio= of Selectman Bahrawy. Executive Secretary, Keith Bergman, explained that the actied'~to make. Mill Rd. a one way was legally proper. Christmas Parade: Traffic Control The Board acknowleded the request of the Downtown Merchants Assoc., for traffic control during the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 30, and noted receipt of Chief Sullfvan's report that he will provide this service, as usual. ~nter ParkingBa~ The Board voted to set the all night winter parking ban for December 1 through March 30, from midnight to 6 a.m. on all streets, with the exception of Stonington St., Beverly St., and Saunders St. (west side only). Local Arts Council : The Board noted receipt of' two'applications5for4a-~vacancy'on the.Loca~:Art§;,Cdnci~nd~oted to schedule .interv£ews for the~,December 2md meeting. In addition, the Board 9oted to accept with regret, the resignation of Suzanne Hamlett from the Local Arts Council. Hiring of Independent Insurance Consultant ~xecuttve Secretary, Keith Bergman noted that bids have been received for an independent insurance study, and the low bidder has no municipal experience, the next lowest bidder is not an independent consultant. Upon a motion by Crouch, seconded by Salisbury, it was voted unanimously to award the contract to Betterley Risk Consultants. Blue Cross/Blue Sheild Master Health Plus The Board voted to schedule a decision on whether to change from BC/BS Mast= Medical to Master Health Plus for the December 2, 1985 meeting. Town Hall Offices: Holidays Executive Secretary, Keith Bergman reported on illegal closing of offices on the day before and after the holiday. It was noted that the only days bargained for is the holiday, and any employee who does not work on the day before or after the holiday, will not be paid for unauthorized time off. The Board so voted to notify all independently elected department heads of this. LICENISNG COMMISSIONERS: Merrimack Coll~est for a On--or License The Board unanimously approved the request of the North Andover Football/Hockey Parents Association for a one day liquor license on November 30. 1985 from 7-midnight, with one police officer required in attendance.