Correction: An earlier version of this story misattributed comments by Kevin Coffey to Alex Vispoli.
The Andover Select Board voted to reappoint Town Manager Andrew Flanagan to a third five-year term when it met Wednesday.
“I believe Andrew’s earned my vote of confidence,” board member Alex Vispoli said. “I’ve had the unique opportunity on the board of being part of the group that hired Andrew and did the search back, it was nine years ago now, and watched over the last nine years the amount of challenges that have been thrown at the town.”
Those challenges and accomplishments included responding to the Merrimack Valley gas explosions in 2018, leading an effort to replace the Town’s water mains, and spearheading the Old Town Yard development. Among the items board members said Flanagan should address in his next term:
- Improving communications: Select board member Kevin Coffey offered paving of the Haggetts Pond trail and making Lincoln Street one way as examples where the Town could have been more proactive in communicating with residents.
- Addressing the Town’s mounting debt: During the public comment section of the hearing, resident Kristin Wise noted her property taxes had increased 21 percent over the past five years.
- Increasing diversity in Town leadership.
“In a community of Andover size, complete satisfaction of all residents is rare,” select board member Melissa Danisch said. “Meeting the diverse needs of our residents means that there will be disagreements on some decisions, yet Andrew’s commitment to fair and transparent decision-making strengthens our community by balancing residents needs and providing thoughtful solutions.”
The board unanimously voted for the reappointment and will now negotiate a new contract with Flanagan for his next term.