On March 11, Code Enforcement Officer Tim Johnson asked the select board to adopt what he referred to as a junkyard ordinance, saying it would give the town more “bite and teeth” in court when dealing with violators. More recently, Planning Board Chair Sid Pew submitted the property maintenance ordinance, which is based on state law. A public hearing on the proposal, which drew about 70 attendees, left the document unchanged.

The three-and-a-half-page ordinance begins by stating its purpose: “to set minimum standards for maintenance of grounds and buildings in order to protect public health, public safety and to prevent nuisance concerns.”

The ordinance targets abandoned and deteriorating structures. It outlines examples of unsafe or unsatisfactory conditions, including junkyards, automobile graveyards, tires, household debris, scrap metals, wood, discarded lumber or plastic, refuse, household trash, and human waste.

Johnson brought the matter to the board in March following a specific complaint about a property on East Andover Road with several junk cars in the yard. The vehicles are located within 250 feet of the Ellis River. “Forever chemicals are leaking into the ground,” said Johnson at the meeting. Pew added that he has also received complaints from residents about neighboring junkyards.

Because the property owner in question has been uncooperative, Johnson said he wants the town to authorize the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department to accompany him for an inspection. “This is something I’m not willing to do on my own … I’m not willing to put my life on the line for something like this,” said Johnson.

Select Board Chair Brian Mills expressed confidence that the existing state ordinance is sufficient for enforcement. However, board member Justin Thacker felt a local ordinance would strengthen any legal case and acknowledged environmental concerns.

The ordinance allows for daily fines or a lien on the property as potential consequences for non-compliance. However, it does not yet specify a deadline for violators. The select board will determine the timeline or defer to state guidelines.

At the March meeting, Pew noted that the property owner—not the town—would be responsible for legal fees.

Andover’s town meeting will take place June 14 at 8 a.m. at Andover Town Hall.