Awards & Recognition

November 25, 2013 - Town Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has once again awarded its prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town of Andover for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting; its attainment represents a significant accomplishment for the Town and its financial management team. This is the 10th year the Town has received this award.

September 13, 2012 - Andover HR Director Receives State Personnel Association Award

The Massachusetts Municipal Personnel Association (MMPA) has bestowed the 2012 "Emil S. Skop Award" to Candace Hall, Director of Human Resources for the Town of Andover and Andover Public Schools in recognition of her many years of professional service and outstanding contributions to the field of municipal human resources management in Massachusetts. The award was presented to Ms. Hall by her peers at the MMPA's Annual Meeting held on September 13, 2012 at Bridgewater State College.

Ms. Hall has been the Town of Andover's HR Director for 22 years, and is responsible for overseeing the personnel functions for over 1200 municipal and school employees. She has developed and led various programs on leadership development, succession planning, and performance assessment. Candace has served as president of the Massachusetts School Personnel Association, as a board member of the Massachusetts Municipal Personnel Association, and on the Commonwealth's Board of Education Personnel Advisory Council. She is a graduate of Suffolk University, with a MPA in Human Resources.

July 21, 2010 - Water Fluoridation Quality Award

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has presented the Town of Andover's Water Treatment Plant with the CDC "Water Fluoridation Quality Award" for successfully maintaining optimal fluoride levels and meeting the fluoridation monitoring requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Andover has received this annual award for a number of successive years in a row.

May 25, 2010 - Andover Receives "Green Community" Designation

The Town of Andover was designated a "Green Community" by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on May 25, 2010. Andover was one of 35 cities and towns to receive this prestigious recognition. The signature program of the landmark Green Communities Act of 2008, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Grant Program uses funding from auctions of carbon emissions permits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reward communities that win Green Communities designation by meeting five clean energy benchmarks.

March 17, 2010 - Town Receives Government Transparency Award

The Town of Andover has received the 2010 e-Government Award with Distinction from Common Cause Massachusetts. This award is given annually to recognize those Massachusetts municipalities that provide certain essential government information and documents on their websites.

March 18, 2009 - Town Receives Open Government Award

The Town of Andover has received the 2009 Common Cause Massachusetts e-Government Award for providing key public records and documents on its website. Andover was one of a limited group of 49 municipalities in the Commonwealth to receive the prestigious "With Distinction" level of CCM's open government award for providing an enhanced level of access to various board meeting agendas, minutes and documents. The Town of Andover has been in the forefront of providing a wide range of services and information on its website in its ongoing commitment to more open and accessible government.

March 12, 2009 - Town Receives Energy Efficiency Award

The Town's Department of Plant and Facilities has received the 2009 Municipal Leader for Energy Efficiency Award from the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP). Andover was the only municipality from New England to win the award this year for its various on-going initiatives to make school and town facilities more energy efficient. These efforts include the installation of energy efficient lights, boilers, windows, and roofs in eighteen Town facilities, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs.

October 5, 2008 - Preservation Commission Chair Receives ENHC Award

Karen Van Welden-Herman, Chairperson of the Andover Preservation Commission, has received the 2008 "Pioneer in Partnership Award" from the Essex National Heritage Commission for her leadership and vision regarding historical preservation initiatives in Andover.

The ENHC "Pioneer in Partnership" Award is designed to recognize individuals and/or organizations that have shown leadership in building partnerships that preserve and enhance the heritage of the region. Recipients exemplify the spirit of partnership and goodwill, fostering initiatives that provide assistance to the historic, cultural, and natural resources of their communities.

June 13, 2008 - MHL Receives Service Award

The Memorial Hall Library was recognized by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce on June 13, 2008 during the Chamber's Annual Small Business Day event. The MHL received the MVCC's 2008 Award in the Discovery/Education category for its services to the Merrimack Valley community.

October 25, 2007 - Town Receives Sustainable Practices Award

The Town of Andover has received the state's "Leading by Example Award" for its efforts and accomplishments in the areas of energy conservation and recycling. The Leading by Example Award program is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the purpose of recognizing outstanding efforts in implementing sustainable practices.

September 27, 2007 - Wetmore Named "Building Inspector of the Year"

The Massachusetts Building Commissioners and Inspectors Association (MBCIA) has awarded Andover Local Building Inspector, Ronald L. Wetmore, its Francis A. Moran Inspector of the Year Award on in honor and with deep appreciation of his commitment to Public Safety and the MBCIA.

June 24, 2007 - Senior Produced Cable TV Show Wins National Award

The Senior Center's Cable TV Group - Andover Chroniclers, produce a monthly Cable TV show on Local Channel 8 called "There Is Something About Andover." Over the past five years they have produced two separate hour long shows: "Answering the Call" in 2002 where they interviewed local World War II Veterans and "Our Immigrant Heritage" in 2006 in which they interviewed local immigrants who are seniors, about their life experiences.

"Our Immigrant Heritage" was entered into the 2007 Hometown Video Contest. The contest is sponsored by the Alliance for Community Media, which is a national festival that recognizes creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats and move viewers to experience television in a different way.

"Our Immigrant Heritage" won the HVC's 2007 Cultural and International Perspectives - Non-professional category. Congratulations to the Andover Chroniclers!

April 7, 2007 - Town Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting (3rd Year)

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has once again awarded its prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town of Andover for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting; its attainment represents a significant accomplishment for the Town and its financial management team. This is the third year the Town has received this award.

March 15, 2007 - Town Receives "Open Government" Recognition for Website

The Town of Andover has received an award from Common Cause Massachusetts for making key government records easily accessible to the public via its website. Andover was one of 72 communities in Massachusetts honored at the State House on March 15, 2007 for providing six types of primary government information on its website: Board of Selectmen Agendas; Board of Selectmen Minutes; Town Meeting Warrants; Town Meeting Results; Town Budgets; and General Town Bylaws. The availability and growing use of the Internet has enabled citizens and their governments to interact with increasing frequency and effectiveness. The Town of Andover has been in the forefront of providing a wide range of services and information on its website in its commitment to open and accessible government.

December 15, 2006 - Finance Committee Chair Elected to State Association Board

Joanne F. Marden, longtime chair of the Andover Finance Committee, has been elected to the governing board of the Massachusetts Association of Town Finance Committees for 2007.

The Massachusetts Association of Town Finance Committees (ATFC) was founded in 1934, and is an affiliate group of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The ATFC maintains and publishes "The Finance Committee Handbook"; organizes at two annual state-wide educational and professional meetings for finance committee members; and provides through its affiliation with the MMA, an avenue for member towns and their committee members to influence state government policy that affect local cities and towns. The ATFC Board is the elected body chartered with implementing the mission of the ATFC for the membership.

ATFC Mission Statement

Town Meeting is a centuries-old practice but yet a modern forum for local government legislation in New England. A local Finance Committee, by tradition and statute, is a select group of citizens that advise each Town Meeting on the probity, practicality and value of any of the matters before the Meeting. The Association of Town Finance Committees is a statewide Massachusetts organization dedicated to enhancing the role of finance committees in local government through professional standards, education programs and inter-Town networking.

November 9, 2006 - Assessor's Office Receives Public Information Award

The Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers, at its annual meeting on November 9, 2006, awarded its Public Information Award to the Town of Andover Assessors' Office in recognition of their public information outreach efforts and commitment to inform the Andover taxpayers.

Visit the Assessor's Office Page for more information.

October 19, 2006 - Town's "AAA" Bond Rating Reaffirmed

The Town of Andover received competitive bids from eleven bond underwriters for a 20-year $9 245-000-bond on October 19, 2006. First Southwest Company was the winning bidder with an interest rate of 3.914075%. Proceeds from the issuance will be used to finance various municipal and school projects.

Prior to the sale Moody's Investors Service, a municipal bond credit rating agency, affirmed its highest rating of AAA to the Town's bonds. Moody's also assigned a "Negative Outlook" on the AAA credit rating due the substantial draw-down of reserves over the last few years. Failure to achieve structural balance and restore reserves to former levels could result in rating downgrade. The agency also cited the Town's favorable location and manageable debt position supported by state school construction aid as positive credit factors.

The assignment of the negative outlook is based on Andover's reduced financial flexibility, with reserve levels below the state and national medians for AAA rated municipalities, resulting from escalating expenditure pressures, coupled with free cash appropriations which are only partially replenished.

The "AAA" credit rating is the highest rating achievable, signifying the issuer has the smallest degree of investment risk, which usually results in the lowest interest rates on borrowed funds. Less than 3% of cities and towns nationwide have been assigned an "AAA" rating. AAA rated communities are also highly attractive to large, well-known companies looking to relocate and/or expand, because it is a strong indicator of a well managed local government, with high property values, and well maintained infrastructure.

October 6, 2006 - Veterans Services Director Receives Red Cross Award

Andover Veteran Services Director, John Doherty, has received the prestigious American Red Cross Clara Barton Honor Award for outstanding leadership in volunteer activities. Merrimack Valley Chapter Executive Director Yvonne Zinicola presented the award to Mr. Doherty at the annual Red Cross meeting on October 4th, 2006.

Doherty has served as a member of the Merrimack Valley Chapter Board of Directors and as chairman of the chapter's Military Family Service Committee. The award is named for the founder of the American Red Cross and a legendary figure in providing relief to the afflicted, Clara Barton of Oxford, Massachusetts, and is given to recognize exemplary leadership in Red Cross volunteer activities.

September 14, 2006 - Melia Named Assessing "Clerk of the Year"

The Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers has awarded the 2006 Lucille Bayes Clerk of the Year Award to Jane Melia of the Andover Assessors' Office. This award is presented to the Clerk, nominated by their Board of Assessors, as the person who goes beyond the scope of their duties, has initiative, is always pleasant with the public and helpful in answering questions and concerns. Jane is a Senior Clerk who has worked in the Andover Assessors' Office for almost twenty years. During this time she has become the backbone of the office in assisting the general public. She was recognized for her outstanding performance in public relations and general office duties at the annual Clerks Meeting on September 6, 2006.

July 27, 2006 - Town Receives Outstanding Community Service Award

The Town of Andover is a 2006 recipient of the United Way of Merrimack Valley's "Outstanding Community Service Award." The award is given to an organization that participates in the United Way and community in many exceptional ways, including the Workplace Campaign for voluntary employee donations through automatic payroll deductions, as well as regular participation in the UWMV's Baby Bundles, Day of Caring, Elder Baskets, and Giving Tree programs. The award was presented to the Town during the UWMV's annual meeting, where 300 area health and human services professionals and business and civic leaders, all joined together to celebrate the theme of the Power of Partnership and the success of this year's fund raising efforts. The Town of Andover is proud to be a long - standing supporter of the United Way of Merrimack Valley.

July 13, 2006 - Memorial Hall Library Receives Grant to Serve "Tweens & Teens"

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has awarded the Andover Memorial Hall Library a $20,000 grant to develop programs that serve "Tweens and Teens."

About the "Tweens and Teens" Grant Program

Across Massachusetts eager and hopeful teens enter the library each afternoon, looking for a place to be with their friends, to relax and work on homework. They may also be seeking a place to expand their world, volunteer in the community, and pursue new projects. The need for programs and services for middle school and senior high school age students is apparent. The average school day ends between two and three in the afternoon and almost every teenager in America must find somewhere to go and something to do after school. At-risk, underserved youth need programs that intervene before these adolescents get into trouble. The purpose of this program is to help public libraries develop innovative programs and strategies to serve their "tweens and teens."

May 11, 2006 - Andover Receives DEP Lead Reduction Award

The Town of Andover, Plant and Facilities Department has received the Systems Taking Action to Reduce Lead (STARL) award from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for its efforts to reduce lead in the drinking water in school and municipal buildings.

January 17, 2006 - Town Receives EPA Award for Reducing Radon in Schools

The Town received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "2006 Radon in Schools Excellence Award" for its effective incorporation of a radon-ready mitigation system that was installed during the construction of the new High Plain Elementary and Wood Hill Middle Schools. Andover was recognized for protecting its students, teachers, and staff from the risks of elevated radon levels.

October 13, 2005 - Andover Fire Department Receives National Life Safety Award

The Andover Fire-Rescue Department has received the Life Safety Achievement Award from the Residential Fire Safety Institute. The LSAA recognizes local fire prevention activities that help reduce lives lost in residential fires. The award is presented to fire departments that have had no deaths in the prior year due to structure fires. Andover was one of only 792 fire departments nationwide to earn the award.

June 15, 2005 - Town Recognized for Economic Development Strategy

The Town of Andover's successful long-term economic development strategy was profiled in the June 10, 2005 edition of the Boston Business Journal - "A small town's winning formula for life sciences." The article cited Andover's long history of visionary planning and proactive zoning, positioning it ahead of the curve as a regional center for high tech and life science industries, such as bio-pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Andover is home to over 500 commercial and industrial businesses, which employ thousands of people and provide roughly 25% of the Town's tax base.

Read a News Article about this recognition.

November 4, 2004 - Town Website Receives National Recognition

The Town of Andover's new website has received recognition for its design, organization, contents, and features from SLGN Notes, a Minneapolis based group that reports nationally on innovative state and local government websites.

November 3, 2004 - Town Receives Leadership Award for Affordable Housing

The Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) has presented its first Municipal Leadership Award to the Town of Andover for showing initiative and leadership in increasing and preserving the supply of affordable housing. Representatives from the Board of Selectmen, Zoning Board of Appeals, Housing Partnership, Housing Authority, and Planning office attended the award dinner held at Westin Copley Place in Boston on October 20th to accept the award on behalf of Andover. The Town was recognized for its vision and leadership in its efforts to maintain an economically diverse population by increasing and preserving the community's supply of affordable housing.

October 28, 2004 - Fire Department Awarded Homeland Security Grant

The Andover Fire Department has been awarded a $101,205 federal grant by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant will help the department meet its expanding mission beyond traditional firefighting through the purchase of various types of personal protection and specialty equipment.

July 5, 2004 - Town Saves Money by Managing Insurance Risk

The Town lowered it property and casualty insurance costs by 7.7% by implementing a number of key risk management strategies, reducing its $431,000 premium for FY05 by $33,000. Over the past year the Town of Andover has participated in a rewards program offered by its insurance provider, the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), that provides premium credits for completing certain activities intended to minimize future municipal insurance claims. Purchasing Agent and Insurance Coordinator, Elaine Shola, facilitated the Town's participation in the program. In order to earn credits, Town officials and employees participated in various training activities, implemented important loss prevention measures, and instituted key management policies, practices, and procedures aimed at reducing injuries, accidents, property damage, and lawsuits. "It was time consuming, and the credit is a nice reward, but more importantly, the risk management strategies will help the Town minimize future claims and control insurance costs" said Shola.

June 3, 2004 - Andover Receives High Ratings in Citizens Survey

The results of the 2004 Andover NCS are back. Andover received very high ratings in the various quality of life and safety questions - e.g., as a place to live; as place to raise children; sense of community; safety from crime; safety in neighborhood and parks. Ratings for police, fire/EMS, library, and school services were also way above average. Property values, public schools, geographic location, and small town atmosphere were the reasons most often cited as prime influences on people's decisions to move to and/or remain in Andover. Protecting the safety of persons and property; maintaining the high quality of education for all; and maintaining town infrastructure, were rated respectively as the three most important values of the Town of Andover.

January 30, 2004 - Town Recognized for Innovation in Budget Balancing

The Town was presented with the Massachusetts Municipal Association's Kenneth E Pickard Certificate of Achievement in Innovation Award for its "Brainstorming for a Balanced Budget" approach it developed and used during the FY2004 budget process. The award recognizes municipalities that have developed unique and creative projects and programs to increase the effectiveness of local government. Kenneth E Pickard was the first executive director of the Massachusetts League of Cities and Towns from 1969 to 1973.