Employment Opportunity: Human Resources Director (UPDATED)
Do you have a passion for the Human Resources profession? Are you looking to join a management team of dedicated individuals committed to best practices and collaboration? If so, this is the job for you!! The Town of North Andover is seeking a qualified, innovative and entrepreneurial individual for the position of Human Resources Director. This position will be vacant on June 30, 2021 due to the retirement of the current HR Director. As an HR Director in a town with a Town Manager form of government, this position is responsible for managing the operations of the Human Resources Department for the Town; recruiting and retaining employees, benefit administration, contract management, administration of all labor relations matters, employee training, and inclusion/diversity/equity practices. A member of the Community Services Division leadership team, this position reports to the Deputy Town Manager. Finalist subject to a full background check including CORI. Salary negotiable based on education and experience. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: Jobs@northandoverma.gov.
Preference given to applications received by March 19, 2021. EEO.
EEO/AA
See Updated Plans Proposed for Downtown! – Monday March 1st, 2021, Downtown Improvement Master Plan Public Meeting #3
See Updated Plans Proposed for Downtown! – Monday, March 1st , 2021, Downtown Improvement Master Plan Public Meeting #3
In late 2019, the Town began efforts to develop a Downtown Improvement Master Plan, later holding public input meetings in January 2020 and another in December 2020 after the process was on hold due to public participation challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Town is continuing this process with a third public meeting, to be held virtually on Monday, March 1at, 2021. This will be the last meeting before the Downtown Improvement Master Plan is finalized. This meeting will:
1. Present findings from the first and second meetings;
2. Present updated designs that reflect public input; and
3. Hear public input on the updated designs.
The Downtown Improvement Master Plan is being developed in response to proposed strategies and goals identified in the 2018 North Andover Master Plan. These strategies and goals address downtown infrastructure, aesthetics, connectivity, wayfinding, and parking. Public input on these topics is crucial and will help guide the future of downtown.
Please join us on Zoom for this third public meeting to learn about the plan. The meeting will take place on Monday, March 1st at 6:30pm. To join this meeting, you will need to register beforehand at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/DowntownImprovement
Those attending are encouraged to review materials from the second meeting and watch the recorded meeting at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/DowntownPlans
Thank you and we look forward to your participation.
VIRTUAL EVENT: Tune in to @NorthAndoverCAM on March 29 at 10 a.m. for the North Andover Vietnam War Memorial Rededication! @na_box_vets
REMINDER TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF FACE MASKS
Disposable face masks are essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disposing of them properly is just as important. During many recent site visits around North Andover, the Conservation Department has noticed an increasing amount of face masks being littered.
It is important to properly dispose of masks in your garbage so that they do not end up out in nature and pose a threat to wildlife. After heavy rainfall, masks can end up in storm drains which drain into rivers or streams that eventually lead to the ocean. Masks that are carried this far then pose a threat to fragile marine ecosystems.
Some experts are now saying to cut the strings off your mask before throwing it in the garbage. This reduces the chances of an animal becoming entangled in the mask.
Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change Management Challenge: Forest Pest Risk is Heating Up
Press Release: VA Bedford opens COVID vaccinations to all enrolled Veterans
BEDFORD, Mass. – VA Bedford Healthcare System will open COVID vaccinations to all Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, regardless of age, starting Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021.
VA will administer the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at its COVID Vaccination Clinic in the auditorium of Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford.
Enrolled Veterans may call the COVID-19 vaccination line at 781-687-4000 weekdays to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available daily, including weekends, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Designated Caregivers enrolled in VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Support may receive the COVID vaccine with their Veteran.
Veterans will automatically be scheduled for their second dose in three weeks while in the clinic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specify that because of the differences in formulations of the various COVID vaccines available, this two-dose series must be administered at the same location. By receiving the first dose at VA Bedford, Veterans agree to return to the same location for their second dose for their own safety and to ensure maximal vaccine efficacy.
Veterans wanting to use the shuttle service between the local VA clinics and ENRM Veterans Hospital should reserve their shuttle seats before making their appointment. Visit our updated Shuttle Schedule page at https://www.bedford.va.gov/visitors/BedShuttle.asp for details.
Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA's Eligibility page to check their eligibility and potentially start the enrollment process: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/.
Follow the COVID-19 vaccination page at https://www.bedford.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp for updates.
Excise Tax bills are due by March 25, 2021.
You can pay your bill online at northandoverma.gov or drop your payment in the black drop box in front of Town Hall. If you have not received a bill please contact the Treasurer/Collector’s office at 978-688-9550 to avoid a $30 demand fee.
Town of North Andover COVID-19 Update, February 23, 2021
Town of North Andover Updates on COVID-19 response
CONNECT WITH US: Text COVIDNA to 67283
February 23, 2021 UPDATE
Total case count: 2466
Active: 36
Recovered and out of isolation: 2344
COVID-19 Related Deaths: 86
Active Merrimack cases (included in case count): 2
Dear Neighbors,
The state is in phase 2 of the vaccine roll out. Currently, residents 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine and those with two comorbidities. For more information on the vaccine please visit: https://www.northandoverma.gov/health/pages/covid-19-vaccine-information
The State has informed municipalities that they will not receive vaccines to run local clinics at this time. The Town is actively working with residents to help with booking of appointments and transportation needs.
Residents 65 and over may also call the state at 211 for assistance registering for any state run clinic. You may call 211 seven days a week. If no appointments are available when you call, you will be placed on a call back list and will be called back when appointments are available. Appointments are added on a continuous basis as vaccine becomes available.
Wondering what to expect during an appointment at the mass vaccination site at the Double Tree Inn? This informational (FAQs) and orientation video was produced in partnership with some North Shore Health Departments, a Middleton Board of Health Member and Essex Tech High School Film Department: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfapEjT4bNE.
Do you or a family member need transportation to a vaccine site? The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) offers transportation to vaccine sites within the MVRTA service area for persons in Phase 2 Groups 1 and 2. If there is a need to go out of the MVRTA area (the Danvers site, for example) – those requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Click here to learn more and to arrange a ride: http://www.mvrta.com/special-services/covid-19-vaccination-transportation-service/
The State has a FAQ page regarding the vaccine, which is available here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions
Learn more about the vaccine timeline here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine
COVID-19 testing at the Stop the Spread sites is free, easy and painless. Please consider getting tested over the next two weeks to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to your family and friends. A list of the sites can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread
All of Governor Baker’s emergency orders can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Round 2 Re-Opened
http://sites.google.com/northandoverma.gov/smallbizrelief
The Town of North Andover reopened its second round of COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants, which provides needed financial support to small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The source of funding for this grant program is the Town's Columbia Gas Municipal Discretionary Fund; no taxpayer funds are being used.
In addition to restaurants and personal services businesses, auto/repair service and retail businesses are now eligible to apply for the grant. Emphasis will still be placed on funding restaurants and personal services businesses.
If your business applied for a grant and you have not yet heard back from the Town, you do not need to reapply. Your application will be reconsidered. Note that grant funding is limited and the Town may not be able to fund all eligible businesses that apply.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until noon on Friday, February 26, 2021. This deadline may be extended at the discretion of the Town if the grant funds have not been exhausted. Awards are expected to be announced by early March.
Click here to learn more and to submit an application.
Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for Small Businesses:
A new round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is available. It provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering:
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First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants
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Second Draw PPP Loans for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan
SBA is currently accepting Paycheck Protection Program PPP loan applications from participating lenders. Lender Match can help connect you with a lender. You can also view all lenders near you on a map.
SBA also offers additional Coronavirus relief
A directory of free technical assistance opportunities for small businesses is available here: mvopenforbusiness.org
As more and more businesses, restaurants and activities remain open at a reduced capacity, we continue to encourage the community to stay diligent in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Many of the things that you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as the flu, include:
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Wear a face covering or mask whenever in public.
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Physical or social distancing whenever in public and as much as possible.
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Avoid large gatherings especially as it gets colder and more events are being held inside.
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Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
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Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
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Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Please join us in stressing this to your family, friends and neighbors.
If you get a COVID-19 test for any reason, especially if you are not feeling well then please isolate until you receive your test results. It is also important to isolate yourself from your family members if possible. The majority of the transmission we are seeing is from household contacts. Please be aware and protect your family. These steps are of the utmost importance and reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Due to the volume of positive cases across the State of Massachusetts, the Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) was developed to aid Local Boards of Health in the tracing of close contacts in each community. By answering the call from the CTC, you can do your part in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Your caller ID will show the call is coming from
MA COVID Team with area codes (833) or (857).
The COVID-19 hotline is still available at 978-208-6070. Messages left on this line are sent directly to Town staff and will be answered during regular business hours.
The best source of guidance and recommendations is the DPH website:
Questions about the town’s response or about the illness, in general, can be sent to covid19@northandoverma.gov.
We will continue to monitor this situation and will distribute necessary information and guidance.
Best,
Melissa Rodrigues, Esq.
Town Manager
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Information
All eligible Essex County residents:
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South Lawrence East School – 165 Crawford Street, Lawrence: https://lawrencegeneralcovidvaccine.as.me/schedule.php
- Eligible Essex County residents can call 833-469-0764 to schedule vaccination at South Lawrence East Elementary School. This number is for appointment requests, rescheduling, or cancellations. Calls accepted Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.
- Greater Lawrence Family Health Center now has vaccination sites in Lawrence and Methuen. The Lawrence location is available to GLFHC patients ONLY. The Methuen site is open to all residents of Essex County. If you would like to be put on a waitlist for the vaccine you can also do so at this site:https://glfhc.org/covid-19-vaccine-signup-form/
- Walgreens, 68 South Main Street, Haverhill:https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
- Danvers Double Tree Mass Vaccination Site, 50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers: https://curative.com/sites/24181
- Fenway Park Mass Vaccination Site, 4 Jersey St, Boston: https://www.cic-health.com/our-locations?location=fenway
- Natick Mall, 1235 Worcester St, Natick: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/natickmall
- Gillette Stadium Mass Vaccination Site, 1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough: https://www.cic-health.com/our-locations?location=gillette
- Circuit City, 456 State Rd, North Dartmouth: https://curative.com/sites/25336#9/41.6419/-71.0043
- Eastfield Mall, 1655 Boston Road, Springfield:
