26:32A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Danvers Police Department’s operational status and public safety issues. The Chief of Police provided an update, highlighting various scams affecting the town, staffing shortages, and ongoing community policing efforts. The department is currently facing challenges due to staff vacancies and retirements, with two officer positions unfilled and several officers on long-term sick leave, necessitating overtime shifts.

0:28Notably, the Chief outlined a recent robbery incident at CVS, where a suspect used a firearm to demand prescription narcotics. This incident prompted a multi-agency investigation. Additionally, the Chief detailed ongoing efforts to combat rising shoplifting incidents at local retailers, with specific reference to the “Kia challenge,” where vulnerabilities in Kia vehicles have been exploited by teenagers.

40:59The board expressed concerns about the department’s capacity to manage increasing demands due to population growth, particularly in the town center. A member raised the issue of a projected increase of 400 residents, posing potential challenges for police resources. The Chief acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need for additional staffing and the creation of a dedicated traffic enforcement unit to address ongoing issues.

In response to community safety concerns, the board discussed the potential acquisition of a comfort dog for the police department. However, logistical challenges related to staffing and costs were highlighted, with the current reliance on local agencies like the Sheriff’s Department and State Police for canine support deemed sufficient.

1:43:55A significant topic at the meeting was the town’s CASPER Plan, introduced by Tanya Jenkins, the Safety and Sustainability Coordinator for the Electric Division. This plan aims to transition Danvers to 100% carbon-free energy use, focusing on local renewable energy generation, infrastructure resilience, and energy supply in alignment with Massachusetts’s decarbonization roadmap. Eli, a key figure in the plan’s implementation, detailed efforts to maximize local solar production, including the “schools go solar” project and a landfill solar project in the design phase.

These efforts place Danvers ahead of many neighboring communities in the move toward carbon-free energy, aided by group purchasing power through Energy New England.

2:06:20Concerns regarding the economic implications of solar and renewable energy sources were discussed, with questions about reliability and the return on investment. The board addressed issues related to battery technology and the environmental impact of renewable energy projects, emphasizing the importance of maintenance plans and safety measures.

2:21:33The meeting also touched on various administrative issues, including zoning and conservation notifications. The town manager referenced a memorandum highlighting the town’s practice of exceeding state requirements by notifying a broader range of residents about projects. However, inconsistencies in notification practices were noted, prompting discussions on how to improve communication with residents.

In the realm of public engagement, there were suggestions to collaborate with the Human Rights Committee on a native land acknowledgment document, involving local Native American representatives to enhance its significance. The board also addressed personal notes, acknowledging community contributions and the recent loss of a respected member, Stan J. Wildy.