Selectmen approve appointments, meeting calendar and several authorizations including Section 5310 grant and fuel contract

The Andover Board of Selectmen used its Nov. 10 meeting to finalize multiple administrative actions. The board announced the appointment of Jim Bolano as interim town administrator and the appointment of Eric Johansen as director of public works. Members appointed Bill Penn as the town’s representative to the Hop River Trail Alliance by a 4–0 recorded vote.

On grants and contracts, the board authorized the first selectman to sign the Section 5310 grant acceptance certification for a new senior van; Eric Johansen said eligible vehicle options range from about $75,000 to $120,000 and the typical local match is roughly 20 percent. "If we select the biggest and the best van... some of that could be a 20% match," Johansen said; the selectmen voted to authorize signature and to seek ratification at town meeting if the charter threshold requires it.

The board also authorized the town administrator to execute the annual fuel and diesel contract when staff determine timing is appropriate; Johansen said diesel has been trading around $2.59–$2.65 per gallon and recommended locking in a contract when prices are favorable. The board approved the proposed 2026 meeting dates (second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., with the Oct. 2026 meeting moved to Oct. 5) and approved minutes from the Oct. 6, 2025 meeting.

Votes recorded during the meeting that passed unanimously included the Hop River Trail Alliance appointment, the Section 5310 authorization, the fuel/diesel contract authorization and minute approval. The board also moved forward with forming an ad-hoc search committee to recruit a permanent town administrator, nominating two selectmen to serve on the committee and asking the Board of Finance to appoint a member to participate.