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Andover board clears grant paperwork and authorizes selectman to sign as vendors seek locked pricing
Summary
Selectmen discussed two grants totaling about $750,000 for Veterans Field, approved vendor management services, and passed resolutions authorizing the First Selectman to sign grant documents after the previous signatory left.
The Andover Board of Selectmen on Dec. 8 reviewed two grants intended to pay for Veterans Field improvements and related recreation projects, and approved procedural steps to keep the work on schedule.
Town Administrator Jim Balano told the board there are two grant streams: a STEAP award (about $500,000) and a separate $250,000 legislative appropriation tailored to playground equipment and accessory items. He said state and municipal paperwork are at an early stage and urged the board to expect follow-up purchase orders so vendors can lock in current prices.
"There's two grants here. There's a STEAP grant for $500,000... The second grant... is $250,000 legislative appropriation," Balano said, adding the town will need to send a budget narrative and resolution to the state to receive a formal financial assistance agreement.
The board passed two routine resolutions authorizing First Selectman Jeffrey Magcguire to execute documents for the Andover Municipal Parking Hub grant and for the Recreation Facility Enhancement grants (legislative and STEAP) to replace the departed authorized signatory. Votes were unanimous.
Separately, the board approved a professional-services agreement with LNC Park Consultants LLC for turf and soil management at Veterans Field; the contract term/costs were presented in the packet and board members emphasized weekly inspection reports and coordination with regional partners. The vote to approve the LNC agreement carried unanimously.
Board members discussed budgeting details, town-match expectations and the need for careful grant reporting; Jim Balano said the treasurer's office would manage reimbursements and that some reimbursements can be requested once the financial assistance agreement is in place.
Board members said they will review purchase orders and budget reconciliations when additional vendor pricing or design changes arise and will present any required town-match amounts or town-meeting actions for voter approval if needed.
Outcome: Board approved contract and passed resolutions to authorize the First Selectman as grant signatory; staff will return with budget narratives, financial-assistance agreements and any additional purchase orders for board review.
