Month: September 2019

Welcome to North Andover’s new Town Manager, Melissa Rodrigues!

Sarah Brush
North Andover Town employees welcomed Melissa during a Coffee Hour Meet and Greet this morning.  Please join us in welcoming her by attending the Open House to Meet the New Town Manager on October 7th!
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North Andover Cultural Council Seeks Funding Proposals DUE OCTOBER 15TH, 2019

Sarah Brush
North Andover Cultural Council Seeks Funding Proposals 
DUE OCTOBER 15TH, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 14, 2019
Contact: North Andover Cultural Council, Anna Choi
Phone: 978.618.1836
E-mail: northandoverculturalcouncil@gmail.com — PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS.
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/north-andover-cultural-council/home

NORTH ANDOVER CULTURAL COUNCIL SEEKS FUNDING PROPOSALS DUE OCTOBER 15, 2019
Proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs are due Tuesday, October 15, 2019. The Massachusetts Cultural Council has set up an online application submission process available at www.mass-culture.org. For questions and instructions on this new online process, please see http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/applications/lccapp.asp.  North Andover Cultural Council will evaluate candidates for grants that meet the deadline via this online submittal.

The public is also welcome to attend our Grant Decision North Andover LCC meeting on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Conference room
at the Stevens Memorial Library.For specific guidelines and complete information about online application submittal, and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program, please visit https://www.mass-culture.org/North-Andover.  For additional information not found on the website, please contact Anna Choi at
northandoverculturalcouncil@gmail.com.

North Andover Mosquito Control Update 9/13/19

Sarah Brush
North Andover Mosquito Control Update 9/13/19
As you may know a number of communities in the area have been affected by Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the recent weeks. North Andover is still currently under a “Moderate” risk category and some of our surrounding communities remain under “High” or “Critical” risk categories by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. North Andover has still not had a positive mosquito test, but continues to monitor mosquito activity and test for EEE while working in unison with Mosquito Control. Please be aware that personal protection is essential and the number one way to prevent mosquito borne diseases, such as EEE. Please read the following tips: 
To minimize your chance of being bitten by a mosquito:
  • Follow the 5 D’s
    • DUSK – Peak mosquito activity starts around dusk.
    • DAWN – Mosquitoes remain active through dawn.
    • DEET – Wear insect repellent with effective ingredients such as DEET. Other effective ingredients include permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. All of these should be used according to instructions on the product label, and should be reapplied at the end of protection time.
    • DRESS – Wear clothing to cover exposed skin and block mosquito access to your skin.
    • DRAIN – Drain standing water from artificial containers on your property. Check birdbaths, old tires, rain gutters and drains, and other possible containers.
  • Install or repair window and door screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. 
EEE Transmission:
  • EEE is a rare but serious disease that is caused by a virus transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito.
  • Fewer than 100 cases of EEE have been found in Massachusetts since it was first detected in 1938, and only 10 cases of neuroinvasive EEE have been reported in Massachusetts between 2009-2018.
  • This summer, 4 cases of EEE have been reported in the state. We learned that one death may be associated from EEE.
  • The type of mosquito that carries this virus is most often found near swampy areas.
Symptoms of EEE:
  • Some people do not experience any symptoms. For those who do, symptoms of EEE typically occur 4-10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.
  • Some may have systemic symptoms without neurological involvement. These are similar to the flu and include fever, chills, body aches, and low energy.
  • The most serious symptoms occur if swelling and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) occurs, at which point more severe neurological symptoms may be present (such as fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, seizures, and changes in consciousness).
  • If you experience any of these symptoms, you must get evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. There is no treatment for EEE, and complications can be serious.
  • As always, anyone who is feeling ill should contact their primary care provider or seek medical help.
Additional Resources:

Planning Board Agenda 09/17/19

Town of North Andover, MA

A message of thanks on the anniversary of the #MVGasRecovery

Sarah Brush
Today, as we reflect on the events of one year ago, we want to take a moment to share our appreciation for all those that had a hand in assisting with the #MVGasRecovery effort.  Thank you to the North Andover FireFighters, Police Officers, and Communications Officers, and to all the additional First Responders that came from near and far to help.  Thank you to those that donated their time, and to those that donated supplies.  Thank you to Andrew Maylor, Andrew Flanagan, and Dan Rivera for your unwavering leadership; to Governor Baker, his staff, and our elected officials for your continued help and support.  Thank you to the DPW, NA Emergency Management, the Board of Selectmen, and Town employees.  And to the residents and businesses that came together to support each other, and continue to support each other and our town as we all continue to move forward, we THANK YOU.

Columbia Gas Work on Abandoned Gas Service Lines Announcement

Town of North Andover, MA
The town of North Andover was made aware on 09/12/2019 of a Department of Public Utilities finding that Columbia Gas may be out of compliance with part of the restoration plan laid out by the state and the three communities affected by last year's gas disaster. The Department of Public Utilities found that as many as 118 properties in town may still have abandoned individual service lines that may require additional inspection to ensure compliance.

Despite no immediate threat to public safety, the town has approached this situation with an abundance of caution and is prepared to respond to any and all utility emergencies. 

I mobilized our emergency management team this morning and have met with Columbia Gas’ compliance team. As always, we are prepared and available to respond to increased call volume as a result of today’s announcement. We will be monitoring the progress Columbia Gas makes with their compliance checks over the next several weeks and we encourage residents who have concerns to reach out directly to Columbia Gas.

We are grateful for the state's continued vigilance in holding Columbia Gas accountable and ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities to the communities of Andover, North Andover and Lawrence.

While we understand that there is no danger to the public, as always I would like to reiterate that residents should always call 911 first if they smell gas, and that they should call Columbia Gas directly with any questions regarding their home gas service.

Residents with abandoned service lines should expect a direct phone call from Columbia Gas to schedule an appointment and ensure compliance with the gas company’s obligations.

Residents may reach out to Columbia Gas at (866) 388-3239 with any questions related to this situation.

A list of residences that may require inspection to ensure compliance by Columbia Gas is available here:

 Columbia Gas Abandoned Gas Service Lines Inspec…

Read Columbia Gas' press release regarding the abandoned service lines here:

 Columbia Gas 2019-09-12.pdf

Denise Y. Casey, MPA, SHRM-SCP
Acting Town Manager / Deputy Town Manager
Town of North Andover
120 Main Street
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 688-9516
dcasey@northandoverma.gov

You’re Invited to an Open House to Meet the New Town Manager, Melissa Rodrigues!

Sarah Brush

Mark you’re calendar – You’re Invited to an Open House to Meet the New Town Manager, Melissa Rodrigues!

 

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