Andover Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Boards and Committees

The Town of Andover is seeking volunteers to serve on Town boards and committees. Appointed members help provide policy direction for the Town on a variety of areas and subject matters. Andover has over 40 boards and committees that rely on the service of resident volunteers. 

Many vacancies for boards and committees occur on June 30^th of each year, but the Town is always looking for volunteers to submit their interests through Andover’s Talent Bank Form. The Talent Bank Form allows individuals to submit which boards and committees that they may be interested in serving. If there is not a vacancy, forms are kept on file for when a vacancy may occur. Upon completing a Talent Bank Form, submitters receive a notice from the Town Manager’s Office that includes information about the next steps and other ways to stay engaged with town government. 

“Andover relies on the passionate and dedicated service of our volunteers who serve on boards and committees,” said Annie Gilbert, Chair of the Andover Select Board. “We are always so grateful for the expertise and perspective our residents bring to our governance process.”

“Serving on a board or committee is a great way to participate in the local government process,” said Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan. “The contributions of our appointed volunteers are essential to the success of our organization.”

The Talent Bank Form, found at www.andoverma.gov/volunteer outlines all of the Boards and Committees in town. It also allows users to provide their availability and background so that they can be matched with the right committee. 

While applications are accepted throughout the year for all Boards and Committees, the following Boards and Committees currently have vacancies:

• Audit Committee - the Audit Committee recommends the appointment of an independent auditor to conduct the annual audit of the Town’s financial statements.  The committee reviews the audit plan with the independent auditors and upon completion of the audit, meets with the independent auditors to discuss the results of the audit and annual financial reports.   
• Andover Green Advisory Board – the Andover Green Advisory Board provides support and advice to practical environmental solutions, promotes the increased use of renewable energy and resources, reduction of solid waste, conservation of energy and natural resources, prevention of pollution and improvement of personal and community health.
• Ballardvale Historic District Commission – the purpose of the Ballardvale Historic District Commission is to ensure that changes and additions within the Historic District are harmonious to the District and to prevent changes that might detract from the aesthetic and historic values of the District.
• Commission on Disability – the Commission on Disability addresses Andover’s disability needs for the town, its residents, visitors, and families with disabilities. The Commission on Disability is currently expanding its membership and looking for four additional members. 
• Cultural Council - The Andover Cultural Council aims to promote cultural activities in Andover through the distribution of funds received from the state. The Council awards small grants to individuals and organizations that sponsor cultural activities
• Economic Development Council – the purpose of the Economic Development Council is to develop and implement a proactive economic development strategy that addresses issues relating to economic development, business retention and job creation. The focus of the Council is to ensure that businesses thrive in Andover as well as attract businesses interested in locating here.
• Finance Committee – Appointed by the Town Moderator, The Finance Committee reviews the proposed budgets of all Town departments as well as financial warrant articles and provides recommendations to Town Meeting.
• Housing Partnership Committee – the purpose of the Andover Housing Partnership Committee is to address wide ranging housing issues in Andover by recommending to Town Boards the steps needed to keep Andover affordable and accessible to our current and future generations.
• Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees – the Housing Trust Fund provides a source of funding for the preservation and creation of affordable housing in the Town of Andover for the benefit of households below the area wide median income.  
• Investment Committee – this is a new committee with a charge of  advising the Retirement Board, town administration, and other town boards on the feasibility of pension obligation bonds, investment decisions, stress testing, and asset allocation related to and following the town’s potential issuance of pension obligation bonds.
• Patriotic Holiday Committee – the Patriotic Holiday Committee assists the Town Veterans Services Director in planning and carrying out all patriotic and civic holidays and observances. The Committee has primary responsibility for all such occasions except for the July 4th celebration.
• Poet Laureate Committee – the Poet Laureate Committee selects Andover’s Poet Laureate who represents the Town of Andover by presenting original works of poetry; conducting poetry readings; developing a connection with Andover students; and participating in public events as well as Town, school, and library programs
• Revenue and Expenditure Task Force – the Revenue and Expenditure Task Force reviews the long-range financial plan and advises the Town Manager on strategies to reduce the structural deficit. The task force reviews revenues and expenditures and develops tools and models to better understand the town’s finances. 
• TRIAD Council - The TRIAD Council's mission is to develop and implement policies and programs to reduce criminal victimization, promote crime prevention and safety awareness, and serve the needs of the senior community.
• Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery - the Spring Grove Cemetery Trustees advise the Town on all matters pertaining to Spring Grove Cemetery.
• Zoning Board of Appeals – appointed by the Select Board, the ZBA issues special permits, grants variances and comprehensive permits, and hears appeals from decisions of the Building Commissioner or other administrative officer.

Visit www.andoverma.gov/volunteer to access the Talent Bank Form. 

Contact Patrick Lawlor at (978) 623-8217 or by email at Patrick.Lawlor@andoverma.us if you have any questions.