The Andover Select Board needs your help!

The Noise Ordinance was resoundingly deemed unacceptable in the format in which it was presented last March. It was agreed, at that time, to set aside the subject and revisit it later in the year.

We all agreed that some form of “noise” control or guideline was necessary; however, the March ordinance was seen as too restrictive and lacked a common sense, balanced approach to the issue.

With that in mind, the Town Administrator and the Select Board are looking for five volunteers to form a focus group to meet two or three times to discuss and present recommendations for a noise ordinance that is realistic and enforceable. This is especially true and necessary for our Police Department should they be called, providing direction and allowing them the flexibility to react according to the situation.

It is very obvious that this is an issue of emotion and has many, many points of view. Our intent is to craft an open, effective, and logical protocol, created by a representative group of citizens. Further, we also ask that any resident submit their thoughts via e-mail or note through the office of the Town Administrator, which will be forwarded to the Focus Group unedited.

It is vitally important that this initiative be seen as an effort to properly address an issue that is not going away. A flexible plan with common sense actions is the goal and not an attempt to impose extreme measures that hinder normal activities for work or pleasure.

Contact the Town Administrator if you want to be a focus group member, and if you have thoughts please e-mail or drop us a note through the Town Administrators’ office. Again, all input will be forwarded to the focus group unedited for their review.

The Town Administrator and Select Board are actively seeking locations to publicly post information on this issue as well as other initiatives in a timely manner. Open and timely communications on proposed town activities and actions going forward is our goal. Surprises and misinformation are not partners of good government.