During the recent Town Meeting/Manager Acts Review Committee meeting in Danvers, discussions centered on the residency requirements for the town manager and other municipal positions. A key point of debate was whether the town manager should be required to live within a certain distance from Danvers, with many committee members expressing the importance of proximity for effective emergency response.

One committee member emphasized that while commuting distances can vary, a town manager living too far away—such as in Worcester—could hinder their ability to respond quickly in emergencies. The consensus leaned towards a recommendation that the town manager should ideally reside within 15 miles of Danvers to ensure timely access during critical situations.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of residency requirements for other town positions. Currently, there are no residency mandates for most appointed roles, with the exception of town meeting members. This raised questions about the potential need for similar requirements in other public safety roles, such as police and firefighters, who also require quick access to the town.

The committee acknowledged the evolving nature of work, especially with the rise of remote communication tools like Zoom, which can lessen the necessity for physical presence. However, the sentiment remained that for key leadership roles, especially in public safety, local residency could enhance accountability and community engagement.

As the committee continues to evaluate these residency policies, the discussions highlight the balance between attracting qualified candidates and ensuring effective governance and emergency response for the Danvers community. The next steps will involve further deliberation on these residency requirements and their implications for future town leadership.