[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6458058,"mediaKeyId","5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36","parentId",5824080,"title","Citizens' committee proposes recall rules, fewer town meeting seats and other changes to Danvers governance","audioSeconds",4013,"startMs",3166000,"endMs",7179000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36&start=3166&end=7179","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36/thumbnail_3166000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6458058/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Citizens-committee-proposes-recall-rules-fewer-town-meeting-seats-and-other-changes-to-Danvers-governance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458058-2b2b3386c96a973561be82ae8e25b23a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773783055&Signature=AC7tYni2Nw3pjJVPRA0XNJNym38XfCbUUwMDmQBN7gJO8t2tudcPuf3pzkLF0l94U3jlhs3nmQezYznJE2DDLCTS4DGyHj3MGVN4Yw7jauzZfbTh~wkGEVeT9cdUTi3D3eVzwjdXrThxqPVb84-d2Z6fCQ3jAUQP6vB3r6sEFj1pTgz-0wgYUNpGnVjxvcLshvhZVD-k2A4dUN82VgZ4AV5eMrVODRZCno1tODWpyzGz-zzuY051jLHdqOffuYM7RtcuLkHNT29q1QLMK9jKc~iT5wOb5SWrrt7QxA2KTqKWjQP~TZxOPmOp3RQM0WZ~MTlOdKR~VSKyP~yIb3IZXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Danvers","date","2025-09-24T12:19:06.08Z","article","A citizens committee appointed by the town moderator presented a written report and recommended redlined changes to the Danvers Town Meeting Act and the Town Manager Act at the Select Board meeting on Sept. 23.

The Town Meeting–Town Manager Acts Review Committee, chaired by Sally Calhoun, recommended multiple changes intended to encourage citizen participation and modernize town governance. \"We became most concerned about finding ways to encourage more active participation by the citizens of the town of Danvers,\" Calhoun told the board, describing the committee's effort to \"revitalize and reemphasize\" the representative role of town meeting members.

The report, delivered to the board in May and discussed at the meeting, recommends: reducing the number of town meeting members per precinct from 18 to 15; requiring all town meeting candidates, including incumbents, to pull nomination papers and gather 10 signatures; formalizing an informational session for town meeting members by the moderator; and requiring a review of the acts at least every 20 years unless town meeting votes otherwise.

On the Town Manager Act, the committee recommended adding a recall-election mechanism that would apply to townwide elected officials with more than six months remaining in their terms. Under the proposed new section, an initial affidavit from \"350 or more registered voters\" would trigger a printed petition form from the town clerk; petitioners then would need to gather signatures equal to 20% of registered voters within 20 business days for the petition to proceed to certification and, if the officer does not resign within five days, to a recall election. The committee added language specifying that a vote taken by an elected official on a matter before their body would not by itself constitute valid grounds for recall.

On the same act, the committee proposed that the town accountant be appointed by the town manager rather than by the Select Board and suggested removing the residency requirement for the town manager.

Mike Trainor, who had filed the original citizens petition proposing the recall provision, participated in the committee's work and spoke at the meeting. \"While it is expected that the recall process set forth herein would only be used to address serious malfeasance or misconduct, the voters themselves shall individually determine whether the grounds listed for recall are sufficient,\" Trainor said, summarizing the committee's chosen language.

Town counsel and board members asked questions during deliberations. Kate Connolly, town counsel, told the board the town would not expose itself to liability simply by widening the candidate pool for town manager or by adopting no residency requirement, and that practical hiring criteria would still govern final selections.

Board members expressed mixed reactions in the meeting. Some members said they supported the recall language but wanted safeguards to ensure it would not be used over policy disagreements; others raised concerns about reducing representation by cutting the number of town meeting members per precinct.

The committee also suggested process changes intended to increase precinct-level engagement, including a townwide precinct forum at Danvers High School in early February to allow town meeting members, precinct residents and committees to meet in the same place.

The Select Board received the report and was told it would begin deliberations on Oct. 7. The town manager said the Select Board may hold public hearings and that members may submit additional proposals in writing for review by the town manager's office and the clerk by Sept. 29 to allow town counsel time to review.

Ending: The Select Board and the committee agreed to continue work through October and November with a tentative public hearing on proposed warrant language scheduled for Dec. 16. The report and redlines will be subject to further board deliberation and possible warrant articles at a future town meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Select Board Meeting - 9/23/25","oneSentenceSummary","A citizens committee appointed by the town moderator presented redlined draft changes to Danvers' Town Meeting and Town Manager Acts on Sept. 23, proposing a recall procedure for townwide elected officials, a cut in the number of town meeting members per precinct and other process changes intended to boost participation.","taxTitle","Town of Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",56467,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6458055,"Select Board approves bond sale, several license transfers and proclamations; readouts and next steps",218,1529000,1747000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36&start=1529&end=1747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36/thumbnail_1529000.jpg","/articles/6458055/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Select-Board-approves-bond-sale-several-license-transfers-and-proclamations-readouts-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458055-07c2012cd2e529511c5d399402ea784d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773783055&Signature=BWfz8mdoC-mILIYztSnRnsuEQZIiOC9pDOzOf7bMUx0mySQLPoRrzniOcZwKBrC9E4cx85qqpuqZeNCxDQBWAjOBFJMfCyNRKQxpsPxLpDT~t2sYLEbxwIzOsH5w6jBPpl5~2HzqfzIs83ywBqMEx3f9~8fbGV2U6Tn7QYwhzSyFx~byPRaZ3PmdlMskiGKsrG1~BbdIe1Tw6mHNM0GcrDoTMOCoW0UbdN2Xj0APgnLHEkAmCgXtmlEiB4yGSJdLNzZ7FyRQ9dR9rcLi4gMTAiqN0nfuLRZFWncj1c0hVZrnwjeg95VIiBaos11EbHpRC6oGDzfLyWTs9DuxiTbosw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Danvers Select Board held votes on a package of financing and licensing items on Sept. 23.

Bonds: The board approved the sale of $4,850,000 in general obligation bonds to Janie Montgomery Scott, LLC, at a premium, to fund the Northland substation project and a water main replacement program previously authorized by town meeting. Rodney (town finance staff) said the transaction produced a true interest cost of approximately 3.057% and a variety of coupon rates across maturities; the board voted to accept the sale and execute the bond documents.

Proclamation: The board adopted a proclamation recognizing October as Public Power Week in Danvers and congratulating Danvers Electric on its service and the utility’s open house. \"Danvers Electric provides our homes, businesses, schools, social service agencies, and municipal operations with reliable, efficient, and safe electricity,\" the proclamation said as read in the meeting. The board voted to adopt the proclamation as presented.

Licenses and transfers: The board acted on several routine license matters after public hearings:
- Approved transfer of a common victualler (convenience/food) license for Guzman Corporation (doing business as Honeydew Donuts) at 156 Andover Street.
- Granted a seven‑day entertainment license for J and J Asian Cuisine (karaoke at 156 Andover Street).
- Approved a transfer of an all‑alcohol license for Saltwater Grill (50 Maple Street), subject to final updated manager/alternate paperwork to be filed prior to opening; the board asked for an additional alternate manager to be listed on the form.
- Accepted a corporate change of officers for a liquor license (corporate paperwork; no local changes noted).
- Approved a transfer of a wine and malt license for AAM Kelly's Danvers LLC (Kelly's Roast Beef) after the applicant corrected earlier ABCC deficiencies.

Votes were moved, seconded and recorded by voice; no roll-call tallies were recorded on the audio transcript for these items and each motion carried.

Ending: The board completed the consent calendar and closed the listed public hearings with routine approvals; staff will complete follow-up paperwork for the Saltwater Grill manager list and for other license filings as required.

","At its Sept. 23 meeting the Select Board approved the sale of $4.85 million general obligation bonds to finance a substation and water main work and approved a series of license transfers, changes of officers and a proclamation recognizing Public Power Week.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6458040,"Town manager reports trash strike resolved, opioid settlement sign-ons and municipal research into electronic voting",100,4324000,4424000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36&start=4324&end=4424","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36/thumbnail_4324000.jpg","/articles/6458040/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Town-manager-reports-trash-strike-resolved-opioid-settlement-sign-ons-and-municipal-research-into-electronic-voting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458040-3dafb660f0dee76ec5b84f39f63d4bdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773783055&Signature=dKhEt8Xv9Ojze4gVfG7~eGaNp3t7EV5M8R5-YPy~ww9DGeonduWeMj2qykw0dBpBkeDqEeO81BgBGckpTZEpYkFVRmkrisVUf0lmGDXRO5vfZS2Woxwaiiqa~RU~L5eYXd0DuzYdevRgf7vgEKI0QNN0r7-H-to3wzOJweHeR~z-JsBd4ToMVofa0Yvb8gKuoSvF5nrrC~~j3JuPq04LGY777rtFM9YqaKUxWk62A1-AWw6GNgbFG6Sz9Wuz1pLEgxf2n1BS0ep9lTgdGc0bciOfCaxOzn9LPj8UULtPx3sWO~S1IvDey2FRknWLjxStM1HdZCR6J6MtYmDgiGCmsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 23 Select Board meeting the town manager reported that trash collection services paused by a regional contractor’s labor dispute had resumed and that the town was restoring normal yard‑waste and bulky-item pickup schedules in coming weeks.

\"They have come to a resolution. They have resumed all typical services as of Monday,\" the town manager said, addressing residents' concerns about delayed bulky-item and leaf pickups. The manager directed residents holding bulky‑item stickers to schedule pickups beginning the week of Sept. 29 and said sales and scheduling for new bulky‑item stickers would open the week of Oct. 6. Staff expect the regular leaf pickup schedule in October to proceed on time.

The town manager also said Danvers signed onto opioid settlement agreements for multiple manufacturers in addition to the previously announced Johnson & Johnson settlement; the health department and board of health will develop a proposed plan for use of settlement funds and report back to the Select Board.

Separately, the manager reported research into electronic voting systems for town meeting (commonly called \"clickers\") and presented a summary of other Massachusetts municipalities’ experiences. Staff noted cost estimates vary — rental or purchase options were cited in other towns; Andover rented systems at roughly $40,000 per year in recent examples but staff showed lower quotes exist and recommended the board could appoint a committee or moderator‑led review group to explore options and recommend a path. The town manager said many operational reasons for electronic voting (efficiency, private voting) are already addressed in Danvers' town meeting rules and that a local committee could weigh privacy, cost and operational tradeoffs.

Ending: Town staff will continue implementing restored solid‑waste services, develop a plan for opioid settlement funds with the health department and, if the board directs, assemble a working group to explore electronic voting options and cost models.","The town manager told the Select Board that trash collection workers have resumed typical services, that Danvers joined opioid settlement agreements with multiple manufacturers and that staff researched electronic voting (\"clickers\") for town meeting and will present options for the board.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6458045,"Residents petition Select Board to study MBTA zoning impact and pursue a master plan",186,995000,1181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36&start=995&end=1181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36/thumbnail_995000.jpg","/articles/6458045/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Residents-petition-Select-Board-to-study-MBTA-zoning-impact-and-pursue-a-master-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458045-eee305e9569ff57975a299fba4ff652c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773783056&Signature=ByCkwKgfDKEttK5Kq4HYr9p18aZ0eI4xkEdmmvXnJbSEIxA9AS1NIo1-K3-SQI-PChwbWKRwuUz6v9-LOUwmzYSs8HaNnT1Ld1Z2fd7fzmp9qvLUVU8DwCjDy1KOLJsJOSu6sfUOl0OkUGJ~udPdDFknzP7-C6rS0zJtotsR3azuStMmb7TE3gegIXW3slqxhM4Ro0DiNaJ3BEB7YsLJ6~yROwHSomrE0o-sWRAicBKazYf8qMnlxhY2mEG0ji4O~AUrLaX3qMH0nm~OlBE7jlEcBO1NVROGHMCg25htV9BApxWdDJqVIvvCnVon1McLaVXXUuoQsNrgjC8ZN4I8Rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 23 Select Board meeting, resident Mark Zuberick submitted a citizen petition asking the Select Board, working with the Planning Board and town manager, to examine local consequences of the MBTA Communities Law and to consider a master plan for Danvers.

Zuberick, speaking as a representative of Danvers Concerned Citizens, asked the Select Board and planning officials to: limit permissible density by right, evaluate consequences of implementing the MBTA law, consider relief for density and parking that currently may be allowed by special permit and variance, and consider developing a master plan to guide the town's growth and zoning decisions. He cited the Danvers Community Survey Report (2017) and said the petitioners recognize they cannot rescind state law but sought local adaptation measures.

The chair said the town manager would take the petition under advisement and meet with the board to discuss goals. Select Board members said they had already discussed a master plan in recent goal-setting conversations and that the town manager would research options; one member noted cost estimates referenced in the discussion could range widely depending on scope.

Ending: The Select Board accepted the petition for consideration; staff will take it under advisement and discuss with the town manager as part of upcoming goal-setting and planning conversations.","A resident submitted a citizen petition asking the Select Board, the Planning Board and the town manager to evaluate the MBTA zoning law's impact on local density, congestion and parking, and to consider developing a town master plan.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6458050,"Resident asks Danvers to accept M&T Bank’s 1 Federal Street parcel as historic park",251,625000,876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36&start=625&end=876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824080-5038e5c5cacdc96fba27bd6d2a2e2d36/thumbnail_625000.jpg","/articles/6458050/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Resident-asks-Danvers-to-accept-MT-Banks-1-Federal-Street-parcel-as-historic-park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6458050-0b6f260c5d5452fc94ed9f64d96c9556/orig.mp4?Expires=1773783056&Signature=bTHeqo3SftWnRl3JIF8mtE43NDsxP6l1uu0I0BCzg4HoWWOeDls2f85NZUHZPKHxl225BZ~vw4DIVsDbmLU1FLPIFxlN7UyRM7-G39RT0DVk8jxxBMgsoQ0eQlgZnHG1EkZOcDiv3u1HuE1SeCAIYW7C4KBYY2c-2Q5agwiVfqjAepkL~zr8cbBjZgXmKHb3vi~3X~DT8af-Ttml4RLpHNkYlug-Kxv67AtY9kEzBgJIqj6ff8nrFPNDPHTVGzzDK2INoF5VMzN9Ornv1qtHglUKBa4gvbsLJqGRvKFpXlufrdIxhe-5TBPlRZK2IupWmNrgPlYl~B61aw8U4mqY0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 23 Select Board meeting, resident and Danvers Historical Society member Bill Casanow (self-identified) asked the board to pursue acceptance of a small parcel at 1 Federal Street, which he said M&T Bank offered to donate so long as the land is used as a public park commemorating a Revolutionary War encampment.

Casanow said he first contacted M&T Bank in January 2025 and was offered the parcel; on May 9 he was contacted by Jason Chvodrock, vice president, M&T Bank corporate real estate, with the offer that the parcel be conveyed to the town \"so long as it solely was used as a public park.\" Casanow told the board the parcel is a 0.19‑acre undeveloped remnant abutting bank property and identified the owner as Conant Ventures Incorporated (parcel ID 062017 A). He said the parcel was classified as unbuildable, valued at $15,900 and assessed $74.74 in real estate taxes over the past four quarters.

“I originally walked forward the M&T Bank offer to the town of Danvers back in May. However, I was only notified on July 14 that the offer needs to be voted on by the select board and then possibly by town meeting in order to be accepted,” Casanow said. He described local proposals for naming and said town archivist supported the idea.

The Select Board declined to act on the request immediately and referred the matter to the town manager to research the process and legal steps required to accept the gift and to report back. The chair said the manager would look into the mechanics of acceptance.

Ending: Town staff will review the parcel’s ownership, deed restrictions, the donor’s conditions and the municipal acceptance process; the board took no formal vote to accept the property during the meeting.","A Danvers Historical Society member asked the Select Board to pursue acceptance of a 0.19‑acre parcel at 1 Federal Street that M&T Bank offered to donate for use as a historic park commemorating a Revolutionary War encampment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Citizens' committee proposes recall rules, fewer town meeting seats and other changes to Danvers governance

Select Board approves bond sale, several license transfers and proclamations; readouts and next steps

Town manager reports trash strike resolved, opioid settlement sign-ons and municipal research into electronic voting

Residents petition Select Board to study MBTA zoning impact and pursue a master plan

Resident asks Danvers to accept M&T Bank’s 1 Federal Street parcel as historic park