The proposal to establish a historic park at One Federal Street was a notable highlight of the meeting. Bill Kosawan, a resident and member of the Danvers Historical Society, presented the idea of transforming an unbuildable parcel of land into a park that would commemorate General Thomas Gage’s historical connection to Danvers during the American Revolutionary War. The land, owned by Mnt Bank, would be donated to the town, and Kosawan suggested potential names for the park, such as “General Gage Park” and “Liberty Park.” The board referred the proposal to the town manager for further evaluation, recognizing the historical significance and potential community value of the initiative.

Parallel to the discussion about the historic park, the board deliberated on proposed changes to the town meeting and town manager acts. The town meeting act revisions included reducing the number of town meeting members per precinct from 18 to 15, aimed at increasing competition and engagement. Additionally, the proposal suggested introducing a recall election provision, allowing for the removal of townwide elected officials under certain conditions. This change was suggested to ensure accountability among officials, although it was emphasized that a recall could not be initiated based solely on disagreement with an official’s decisions.

In considering adjustments to the town manager act, the board explored the idea of eliminating the residency requirement for the town manager position. This proposal aimed to widen the pool of potential candidates, recognizing modern communication methods that allow effective engagement even without residing in town. There was discussion about the town manager’s authority to appoint the town accountant, aligning with contemporary governance practices and ensuring accountability while maintaining the select board’s oversight role.

The meeting also addressed community concerns regarding the condition of local roads. A resident criticized the poor quality of road patches following trench work, particularly by the gas company, and urged the board to enforce better accountability from contractors. This issue was underscored by the approaching winter, which could exacerbate road conditions.

Zoning and planning issues were also brought to the board’s attention by another resident, who advocated for a comprehensive master plan to address the town’s density and traffic concerns. The resident cited a 2017 survey reflecting community apprehensions and urged the board to consider these factors in conjunction with planning and zoning adjustments.

Financial matters were also on the agenda, with the board approving the sale of $4,850,000 in general obligation bonds to Janie Montgomery Scott LLC. The funds are earmarked for the Northland substation project and water main replacement, with a competitive interest rate of 3.057%. The board discussed the implications of the bond sale and clarified its relation to interest rates.

In terms of community events, the board issued a proclamation recognizing Public Power Week, celebrating the contributions of Danvers Electric. The electric division, operational since 1870, was applauded for providing reliable and efficient service to the community. The week-long celebration includes community engagement activities.

The meeting included several public hearings on licensing matters. Applications from Guzman Corporation, J&J Asian Cuisine, and Saltwater Grill LLC were reviewed and approved, allowing these businesses to obtain or transfer necessary licenses for operation. The board engaged with applicants to ensure compliance with local regulations and expressed enthusiasm about the potential contributions these establishments could bring to the community.

Additionally, the town manager provided updates on a recently resolved trash strike, with services resuming and plans in place for bulky item and leaf pickups. The town manager also reported on opioid settlement funds and the health department’s plans for their use. The potential implementation of electronic voting for town meetings was discussed, considering both privacy benefits and logistical challenges.