Dog Licensing

Q: Is it necessary for the Town to supply a new dog tag every year for each dog? Can we just change tags when we get a new rabies vaccination (every 3 years)?

A: The Acting Town Clerk checked the state law and, at this time, dog tags must be issued on an annual basis. This may change in the future.

Temperature of Town Buildings

Q: I know that the schools have turned back their heat to 66 degrees. Have other municipal buildings done the same?

A: The Board of Selectmen voted on March 22nd, 2010, to turn back the heat to 66 degrees in all municipal facilities where feasible (concern about the Senior Center).

Payment in Lieu of Taxes

Q: What is the agreement between Phillips Academy and the Town of Andover regarding Phillips Academy's annual payment in lieu of taxes that it makes in return for services provided by the Town?

A: Phillips Academy, as a non-profit entity, does not have to pay property taxes. However, it does receive services from the Town, so in recognition of that it makes an annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) contribution. The current Phillips Academy donation agreement, which expires June 30, 2013, is for 5 years. In FY 2009, they paid $150,000 and will contribute $153,900 in FY 2010. The agreement has an escalation clause tied to the increase in the average single family tax bill, which increased 2.6% in FY2010. When the current agreement expires, it can be renegotiated.

Timetable of Budget Meetings

FY2011 BOARD OF SELECTMEN, SCHOOL COMMITTEE & FINANCE COMMITTEE BUDGET MEETING SCHEDULE (As of 2/5/10)

All meetings except School Committee Meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Offices, unless otherwise noted. School Committee Meetings are held in the School Committee Room, 36R Bartlet Street, second floor above the Senior Center.


February

Mon. 8th Joint Meeting – Town Manager to Present Recommended FY2011 Budget

Wed. 10th Joint Meeting – Library; Police (and capital projects)

Wed. 17th Joint Meeting – Public Works; Fire-Rescue (and capital projects)

Mon. 22nd Board of Selectmen’s Meeting – Warrant Article Review

Tue. 23rd School Committee Meeting/Budget Workshop

Wed. 24th Joint Meeting – Plant & Facilities (and capital projects)

March

Mon.1st Board of Selectmen’s Meeting – Sign Town Meeting Warrant

Tue. 2nd School Committee Budget Workshop @ 6:00 pm

Wed. 3rd Joint Meeting – Fixed Costs; General Government

Mon. 8th School Committee Budget Workshop

Wed. 10th Tri-Board Meeting – Schools – School Committee Room

Mon. 15th Board of Selectmen’s Meeting – Street Acceptances & Warrant Articles

Tue. 16th School Committee Meeting/Budget Hearing and FY2011 Budget Vote

Wed. 17th Joint Meeting – Youth, Elder, and Comm. Services; CD&P

Mon. 22nd Board of Selectmen’s Meeting – Warrant Articles & CIP

Tues. 23rd Town Election

Wed. 24th Tri-Board Meeting – Budget Issues Follow-up

Thurs. 25th Budget Forum – League of Women Voters – Memorial Hall Library

Mon. 29th Board of Selectmen’s Meeting – Budget, CIP & Article Votes

Wed. 31st Finance Committee Meeting – Budget, CIP & Article Votes

April

Fri. 2nd Finance Committee Report to the Printer

Collective Bargaining

Q: Does the School Committee and Board of Selectmen meet on a regular basis to coordinate collective bargaining goals and approaches? It seems to me that the two boards should work together, and maybe even have a formal understanding that lays out their mutually agreed to ground rules, schedule, objectives, etc., which would keep them in sync and help ensure an acceptable and sustainable end result.

A: Yes, the School Committee and Board of Selectmen recently met in Executive Session on Tuesday, January 26th specifically to discuss town-wide collective bargaining strategy. They will meet again for the same purpose on Monday, February 8th. In addition, the Town Manager is a member of the School Committee's collective bargaining team throughout negotiations.

Town-Funded Vehicles

Q: Can the town do away with town-funded vehicles for town employees and let the employees claim a 55 cent per mile deduction on their taxes like any other employee?

A: The town is doing away with vehicles being brought home whenever there is attrition. We are working with the employees to develop a policy for the future and will include the suggestion of the IRS rate of mileage reimbursement where appropriate. Also, we have consulted other towns where they gave a one-time payment to do away with this. It does require collective bargaining.

Auction of Surplus Town Land

On Monday, January 4th, the Board of Selectmen voted to authorize the Town Manager to sell the following pieces of land that were originally acquired by the Town by foreclosure of tax titles:

138 Andover Street
71 Elm Street
0 Woburn Street
98 Andover Street
20 Iron Gate Drive
2 Pepperidge Circle
1 Shaw Drive

The total appraised value of all 7 lots is $250,000. Any income generated from the sale of the lots would go to the town. In addition, the properties sold would go back on the tax rolls.

Notice of the auction date will be made in the Andover Townsman.