HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-04-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes~ 7, 1987
The Board held a special meeting on this date with members of the School Committee and School'
Building Committee. Ail members present: Chairman John W. Graham, Charles A. Salisbury,
Kenneth C. Crouch, Christine M. Smith, Ramsey A. Bahrawy.
Chairman of the School Building Committee, Bill Brushintroduced the concept of a new elementary
school as the first step in an overall plan for the school system, which may include,additions
to existing schools.but will not be known until the completion of a feasibility study which is
proposed through a upcoming town meeting article. School Committee .member'Diane Betel reported
on the existing facilities' inadequacies. Mr. Brush added that the new school will free.'up an
expected 11 classrooms in the existing elementary schools. Kevin Sullivan, member of the School
Building Committee reported on estimated construction costs for the new school at approximat~ly
$89/sq. ft.=$6,018,000, to which Mark DtSalvo, School Committee member reported that Some.of
this cost may be reimbursable. 'SBC'member'Lyn Pisani reported on recurring operating cost
projections. Mr. DiSalvo' also reported on the Superintendent's goal of class size maximum
of 25 students, and 22 in the primary grades. There was general discussion on enrollment
figures. Selectman Salisbury stressed that nothing is gained by operating 8 schools instead of
7, and that some strong decisions must be made with regard to future closing of an existing
school. Bill Brush answered that closing the Thompson School is a possibility but only the
feasibility study will pbint'ithe path~ He added', that the~School Committee has previously
voted not,'to"close any existing school, to which Mr. DiSalvo pointed oUt~that even with the
new school, the space will be needed. Chairman Graham athtedl~hatetheresmustoheia~contin~ency
~Ian ifenni~verridendoe~n'tc~es~,dAddnSelec=man Salisbury added that he will not stand to see
other town departments which have had increase work loads, suffer from a failure of an override
Executive Session
The Board voted unanimously to go into executive session forths purposes of discussion land
A~il 13, ~987
The Board held a regular meeting on this date with four members present: John W.<Graham, Chm.,
Chaales Salisbury, Christine Smith and Kenneth Crouch. Selectman Bahrawy out due to illness.
Police Chief Interviews
The Board conducted brief interviews with the two candidates for Police-Chieff Richard Stanley
and Michael Davis..The Board,voted to vote And the balloting proceeded as follows:
, ii 4-0.~ ' to appoint Richard Stanley as Permanent Police Chief, effective 4-14-87.
OldCenter Historic District StudZ Committee Presentation
Members of the Old Center Historic District Study Committee met with the Board to review
't~' articles on' the 1987 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.. Mary Pat Mandonca reported that the
proposed really provides certainT§uidelines for improvements to the homes in"the District and
only encompasses the portion ofrthe.struc~ure visible from the street, adding the both the
Historical Society and Historical Commission have approved the bylaw. Selectmen Crouch ques-
tioned the appeals process in the bylaw and stated that he wo6ld~ltke to have seen~another
appeal step without it going to the court system. Ms. Mendonca stated that the Merrimack
Valley Planning Commission would serve as another step in the appeal "process.
Approval.of Ap3ointment of Director of Public Works
Town Manager Paul Sharon reported on his recent appointment of Paul S. Niman as Director of the
Division of Public Works5 and requested the Board's approval of same in accordance with Section
11-6-1 of the Town Charter. Mr. Sharon reported that Mr.'Niman is prepared to begin work on
April 27~:, Upon a motion by Salisbury, seconded by Crouch, voted 4-0 to confirm the appointment
of Paul S. Niman as Director of DPW.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS
A_p. plication for Common Victualer-DairyQueen
A public hearing was conducted on this date on the application~of Dairy Queen to operate in the
Messin~'s Plaza at 109 Main Street. Upon a motion by Crouch, seconded>by Salisbury, voted 4-0
to notify the Fire Chief and Planning Board that the Selectmen do not approve of a drive-up
window, and that the hours of operation by established as Sunday through Thursday from
6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A lication for Class II License-Mewrimack Truckin~
~ public hearing was conducted on this date on the application of John Thomson for.a~'Class II
License at. Merrimack Trucking on Holt Rd. The Board voted to table action until members could
view the site.
~cussions
Town Manager Paul Sharon reviewed some preliminary set'of5 year revenue and expense proJ
At this time, a deficit of $1.6 is expected in FY 89, with a possible need of an override in
1990. Selectman Salisbury stated that strong controls must be enforced before the citizens are
asked to vote for consecutive o%errides. Discussion took place on the need for an agreement
which supports a united front should an override not pass. 'Members of the School Building
Committee urged the Selectmen to take a stand on the proposed new elementary school. Upon a
motion by Salisbury, seconded by Crouch, voted 4-0 to encourage the Town Manager to work with
the Superintendent of Schools as to how future revenues can be shared without the .prospedt of
general override so that th~ Selectmen can lend support to a