HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES October 7, 2015
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Tracy Watson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Town
Manager's Office at Town Hall.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Chairman Tracy Watson, Clerk Phil DeCologero, Licensing
Commissioner, Richard Vaillancourt, Rosemary Smedile, Donald Stewart, Town Manager Andrew Maylor,
and Executive Assistant, Laurie Burzlaff.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board discussed the following items as part of the Strategic Planning Session for FY2017, no votes
were taken.
Selectmen's Holiday Breakfast: The Board discussed the need to pick at date for the annual Selectmen's
breakfast. There was also some discussion about the long term viability of the event.
Economic Development: The Board discussed the need for the town to actively begin marketing North
Andover to try to attract new businesses. The Town Manager explained that Eric Kfoury, Director of
Community and Economic Development, will be aggressively pursuing larger businesses and will begin to
reach out to businesses already in town to develop better relationships with the goal of keeping these
larger businesses in North Andover. Chairman Tracy Watson suggested the Town consider hiring a
professional marketing company.
Route 125: The Town Manager indicated the need for a curb cut policy along Route 125. The Town
would need to develop the policy and then the state would be responsible for funding and completing any
roadway enhancements or beautification. Currently there is no consistency along Route 125 and the
current curb cut arrangement causes traffic problems. The Town would need to request the state to
include in their budget funding for roadway improvements to Route 125. The Town Manager explained
that there is a grant available through the State Department of Economic Development(Massworks)
however it is tied to job creation. The Town Manager also stated that there may be a need for the Town to
provide some capital investment to help jump start economic development.
Rosemary Smedile requested the Town Manager reach out to Congressman Seth Moulton's office to try
to get the sign for North Andover on Route 495 that they have been requesting for several years.
Boards &Committees: Phil DeCologero suggested the Board begin the practice of meeting with Boards
and Committees once a year as outlined in the Town Charter. The Board discussed the need for other
town boards and committees to rotate chairmanship each year like the Board of Selectmen and School
Committee. The Board asked the Town Manager to send a letter to the chair of each board/committee
requesting they come to a Board of Selectmen meeting to give an update of what is happening with their
board/committee.
(Laurie Burzlaff left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.)
Opiate issue: The Board discussed ways in which they can address the drug addiction/opiate issues in
town. There was discussion of whether the Town should hire additional staff, collaborate with other
communities to share personnel, and/or whether current staff can redirect some of their focus on the
issue.
Technology: The Board expressed the need to continue to make improvements to the website and to
make sure the information provided is accurate and up to date. Richard Vaillancourt emphasized the
continued use of social media to keep the public informed and engaged.
Finance: Donald Stewart stated the Town needs to continue in the direction they are going, adhering to
the Financial Reserve Policies that were adopted by the Board in 2014.
Capital: The Board discussed the importance of continuing with the next phase of the Facilities Master
Plan and the Roadway Improvement Plan.
Board of Selectmen Minutes October 7, 2015 2
ADJOURNMENT:
Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt, to adjourn the meeting at
9:30 p.m. Vote approved 5-0.
Laurie A. Burzlaff
Executive Assistant
Phil DeCologero, Clerk of the Board