Select Board Finalizes Annual Review of Town Manager, Approving an “Exceeds Expectations” Rating; Begins Process of Setting Strategic Goals and Objectives for the Year Ahead; Considers Sewer Rate Plan for Next Five Years

ANDOVER, MA - The Andover Select Board met on Monday, July 22 in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Offices. The meeting saw the Board take on two significant annual processes: the adoption of strategic goals and objectives and issuing a performance review of Town Manager Andrew Flanagan.

Considering the adoption of strategic goals and objectives in a first reading, the Board reviewed a preliminary list compiled by the Town Manager based on input from the Board, which contained 21 priorities in the areas of administration and finance; capital improvements; communications and resident engagement; economic development and housing; river and open space access; and energy and sustainability. The list of priorities will be further refined based on the Board’s input and considered for adoption at its next meeting on Tuesday, August 6.

The meeting also marked the conclusion of the Board’s annual performance review of Town Manager Andrew Flanagan, as members voted to approve an “exceeds expectations” rating based on evaluations completed prior to the meeting. Select Board Chair Laura Gregory made a presentation outlining the review process and sharing aggregated scores and comments. According to the presentation, Flanagan earned high marks in all eight categories of evaluation.

The Select Board also considered a proposed sewer rate plan for FY2025 through FY2029.

Sewer Rates
The Select Board conducted an initial review of a recommended sewer rate plan for FY2025 through FY2029 presented by Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Patrick Lawlor.

The plan proposes a sewer rate increase of 6 percent annually over the next five years. The proposal will provide financial resources necessary to sustain wastewater service levels in Andover while also allowing the Town to continue offering reasonable sewer rates relative to other nearby communities and peer communities throughout eastern Massachusetts. 

The Town’s wastewater operations are supported by the Sewer Enterprise Fund, which is funded by sewer fees paid by users. The Enterprise fund pays for the Town’s four full time employees who are responsible for maintaining the Town’s 150 miles of sewage lines, and for debt service on Town sewer projects. Water Treatment costs paid to the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District represent the largest cost paid out from the Enterprise Fund. 

In addition to maintaining service levels of Andover’s wastewater operations, the proposed rate structure for FY2025 through FY2029 will help the Town meet ongoing capital improvement plans for sewer flow lines, prepare for major upgrades to the Shawsheen Pumping Station, and support the evolving needs of the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District. The plan will also ensure that the Town has adequate reserve funds to meet unforeseen circumstances related to sewer operations. 

If approved, the new rate structure would take effect on September 1. The plan would increase the average sewer bill to $567.81 for the first year, which would remain among the lowest average rates of nearby and peer communities.

The Select Board will continue its review of the proposed sewer rate plan at its next meeting on Tuesday, August 6. 

Town Manager and Select Board Goals
The Select Board began the process of adopting strategic goals and objectives for the year ahead by reviewing a list of priorities presented by Town Manager Andrew Flanagan. 

The adoption of strategic goals and objectives is an annual process undertaken by the Select Board and is intended to establish a roadmap for the work of the Board and the Town Manager in key areas throughout the year. The preliminary set of goals presented by Flanagan was produced through an extensive internal process that considered the status of goals set for the previous year, and additional priorities of the Select Board that have emerged in recent months. Certain goals were carried forward from last year, or adapted to reflect changed implementation status, while others were added for the first time.

The list outlined by Flanagan contains 21 goals and accompanying deliverables across the areas of administration and finance; capital improvements; communications and resident engagement; economic development and housing; river and open space access; and energy and sustainability. 

Notable new goals included in the preliminary list presented by Flanagan include: 

• Work with the Select Board to further define the relationship between the budget and the annual tax increase;
• Hold Financial Summit with the Select Board, Finance Committee and School Committee in Fall of 2024;
• Develop communication plan and prepare for changes to solid waste and recycling disposal.
• Complete the Facility Master Plan Study; and
• Develop plan for reuse of Shawsheen School. 

The full list of proposed strategic goals and objectives can be viewed online. The Board is expected to consider adoption of the final document at its next meeting on August 6.

Town Manager Review
The Select Board finalized its annual performance review of Town Manager Andrew Flangan for FY2024. According to a presentation made by Select Board Chair Laura Gregory, which detailed composite scores based on evaluations submitted by all five members, Flanagan earned high marks across eight categories of evaluation.

Prior to the meeting, members of the Board independently completed evaluations rating the Town Manager’s performance from 1-5 in the areas of personal characteristics, professionalism, communications and public relations, Board support and relations, community leadership, organizational leadership and personnel management, financial management, and planning and organization. Flanagan earned a score of 4.1 or higher in all categories, and a total composite ranking of 4.24 out of 5. 

“Our Town demands quality services, delivered efficiently and effectively,” said Gregory during the presentation. “Andrew and his team have been able to deliver on those expectations.”

Strengths of Flanagan’s performance highlighted by members of the Board in their review include financial management, capital improvement project planning, creative problem solving, team building, innovation, and command of detail in Town operations.

The presentation also highlighted areas for potential improvement, including increased reporting to the Select Board through quarterly reports, updated board policies, and providing information on professional development. 

Other Notes

• The Select Board voted to approve an application by National Grid for the installation of underground facilities at Webster Street, North Street, River Road, and Old River Road. The application is associated with a project being undertaken by National Grid to expand the footprint of the existing West Andover substation and ultimately to provide increased power at 3000 Minuteman Road to support anticipated development at the site. Approximately 7,200 feet of linear conduit will be installed in the public right of way under the application.
• The Select Board voted to approve a deed and grant of utility for Monarch Lane. The Board’s approval represents the final step in the acceptance of the street as a public way. Town Meeting voted to authorize acceptance of Monarch Lane during Annual Town Meeting in April. 
• Town Manager Andrew Flanagan announced that the Town of Andover has been awarded a grant of $71,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and MassDevelopment to support improvements to Old Town Hall. 

The full meeting can be viewed online through AndoverTV. The Select Board is scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, August 6.