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Danvers Select Board advances multiple warrant articles, including PFAS design work and kiosk ban
Summary
At its April 9 meeting the Danvers Select Board continued review of the May 18 Annual Town Meeting warrant and voted 5-0 to recommend favorable action on a series of articles including pavement and building improvements, PFAS treatment design using settlement funds, and a proposed bylaw to ban virtual currency kiosks.
The Danvers Select Board met April 9, 2026, in the Daniel J. Toomey Hearing Room to continue review of the warrant for the May 18, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. Chair Maureen A. Bernard opened the meeting and the board heard presentations and voted to move multiple articles with favorable recommendations.
The Town Manager summarized updates from an earlier mural presentation and briefed the board on items discussed at the prior meeting, including unpaid bills, a state public works grant, school transportation vehicle funding, drainage liability, and FY27 budget amendments. Staff from multiple departments were introduced, including the Administration and Finance Director, the new Public Works Director, the DPW Business Manager, the Recreation Director, the Deputy Fire Chief, the Superintendent and the School Committee Chair.
On motions by Select Board Member Gardner S. Trask III, seconded by Select Board Member Michael Bean, the board voted 5-0 to move a range of warrant articles with favorable recommendations. Key funding proposals advanced included:
- Article 15: $317,000 for pavement management and sidewalk improvements to supplement Chapter 90 work; projects cited include school parking lot restoration, ADA ramp upgrades, crack sealing and a goal of five to six miles of roadway work per year.
- Article 17: $652,000 for building improvements across school facilities, Endicott Park and the Peabody Institute Library; staff noted ongoing structural work at the library pavilion and planning for the Engine 2 fire station. During public comment, a resident raised concerns about maintenance at the Senior Center (fencing and furnishings).
- Article 21: $400,000 to replace the 35-year-old Endicott Street emergency generator that serves the town’s second-largest pump station; members said the existing generator cannot be repurposed elsewhere due to sizing and funding constraints.
The board also advanced wastewater, stormwater, drainage and water infrastructure articles (Articles 22–27), each on unanimous 5-0 votes. On water issues, staff said routine plant maintenance and equipment work is underway, and studies into ozone treatment continue.
The board reviewed Article 28, proposing use of $621,503 in class‑action settlement funds from 3M and DuPont to advance PFAS treatment design work for Wells 1 and 2; members discussed prior grant-funded design work and efforts to secure additional federal support. Staff said PFAS is fully eliminated by existing treatment at the plant but that groundwater sources will require further design and treatment planning.
Police Chief Lovell presented Article 32, a proposed bylaw to prohibit virtual currency kiosks following multiple fraud investigations; he said two kiosks remain in town and that the bylaw would require kiosk removal within 30 days of Attorney General approval. The board moved the bylaw forward with a favorable recommendation.
Votes at a glance (motion by Select Board Member Gardner S. Trask III; seconded by Select Board Member Michael Bean unless noted): - STM Article 2 — FY26 budget transfers: moved 5-0. - Article 8 — Technology Plan (camera replacement): moved 5-0. - Article 9 — Door access security (schools): moved 5-0. - Article 15 — Pavement Management / Sidewalk Improvements ($317,000): moved 5-0. - Article 16 — Roadway Acceptance Program: moved 5-0. - Article 17 — Building Improvements ($652,000): moved 5-0. - Article 18 — Grounds Improvements ($166,000): moved 5-0. - Article 21 — Endicott Street Generator Replacement ($400,000): moved 5-0. - Articles 22–27 (wastewater, pump stations, stormwater, drainage, water treatment): moved 5-0. - Article 28 — PFAS Treatment (use of 3M/DuPont settlement funds, $621,503): moved 5-0. - Article 29 — Emergency Management Plan Update: moved 5-0. - Article 32 — Prohibiting Virtual Currency Kiosks (bylaw): moved 5-0. - Article 33 — Sale of Junk & Secondhand Articles (bylaw update): moved 5-0.
Finance Committee review of the warrant begins next week. The board adjourned at 7:09 P.M.
