Weekly digest · Andover, NH

The week in ⁠Andover

Jul 6–12, 2026Week 28 · 2026

All weeks

2 public meetings analyzed this week. 2 late-arriving reports below.

Meetings analyzed

Public comments

Heated session

Unanswered

What's important ⁠this week

The Andover Select Board confronted deep divisions after residents Janet Moore and Donna Crisp Duclos demanded accountability for a board member's conduct at the July 2 meeting. Town Administrator Don Sieburg called the fallout incredibly stressful and received paid leave, yet the Board voted 3-1 with one abstention to table any formal reprimand. ⁠No immediate restrictions were placed on town property access while the group awaits Town Counsel guidance.

The Andover Conservation Commission discussed unlisted plans for greater town ownership of the Fenvale property, including new trails and a kayak launch, during its July 8 session. At the same time the Commission skipped its posted items on the Wetland Ordinance, the NRI/Conservation Plan, and Chaffee Beach sand replenishment. ⁠Residents had no chance to prepare comments on either the surprise topic or the omitted priorities.

The Select Board’s next moves will depend on the pending Town Counsel opinion, leaving staff safety concerns unresolved for now. Residents should also watch future Conservation Commission agendas to ensure posted items receive proper attention rather than being displaced by off-agenda land discussions.

Meetings this week, in ⁠order of impact

Ranked by public engagement, decisional consequence, and whether speakers' concerns were addressed on the record.

All Andover meetings →

Select Board2026-07-02

Select Board · Jul 2

Contentious session raised unresolved workplace safety concerns and public stress complaints after a non-public meeting.

Topics Public Comments· June 25, 2026 Non-Public Session Follow-up· Channel Road Tree Removal· Highway Supervisor Report

Talking points

During public comment, residents didn't just voice complaints—they expressed feeling unsafe. Some called for a board member to be barred from town property following alleged inappropriate behavior. The Board heard these concerns but took no immediate action.
The Board is clearly divided. A motion to table formal discussions regarding reprimands passed 3-1 with 1 abstention (Swenson, Cowdrey, Stewart in favor; Fenton against; Delaney abstained). The decision to wait for legal counsel leaves the core issue unresolved.
The human cost is high. Town Administrator Sieburg stated the situation has been "incredibly stressful" to his work and home life. While the Board approved interim paid leave for him, the lack of a clear path forward for accountability remains a major...

Read the full report →

Spirited

4public speakers

3 not addressed

Conservation Commission2026-07-08

Conservation Commission · Jul 8

Commission advanced wetland enforcement, budget changes, and property decisions including Fenvale and Bradley Lake.

Topics Wetland Violation Reports· ACC Budget and Treasurer Transition· Beaver Deceiver Maintenance· Fenvale Property and Potential Town Forest· Bradley Lake Property/Sirard Update

Talking points

First, the Commission held a high-significance discussion regarding the Fenvale property—specifically potential town ownership and increased recreational use. This topic was NOT on the public agenda, denying residents prior notice.
Second, while the Commission spent time on off-agenda items like a donation to NH Lakes, several major scheduled items were ignored, including the Andover Wetland Ordinance and Sand Replenishment at Chaffee Beach.
When high-impact land use discussions happen off-agenda, the public loses its ability to participate effectively. We need to ensure the agenda reflects the actual work being done.

Read the full report →

Routine

Recently ⁠updated

Older meetings reprocessed this week — their reports were updated. They’re not part of the summary above, but here so you know.

2 reports updated

Conservation Commission

All weekly digests for Andover

Digest composed by grok-4.3 on 2026-07-12.