CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
2026 SEP 17 A 8:09
Board: Harbor Management Authority
Date: July 15, 2026
Location: Beverly Public Library - Barnet Gallery and via Google Meet
Members Present: Chair Paul Earl, Vice Chair Scott Freeman, Todd Callaghan, Joe Crowell, David Lane, Todd Rotondo, David Suminsby, Scott White
Members Absent: Danielle Spang
Others Present: Peter Dickman (Harbormaster), Sean Ciancarelli (Marina Manager)
Recorder: Brett Bauer
Earl calls the meeting to order at 6:45 pm.
Approval of Minutes
Crowell motions to approve June 17, 2026 minutes. Seconded by Callaghan. The motion is approved, 7-0.
Lane arrives at 6:46
Financials
Earl reports that money is still owed on the commercial side by Hartnett, but once the sale of their business is closed, then the past due fees and this season's fees will be paid. Ciancarelli reports that the fifth person on the waiting list for the recreational side took Larry Herman's slip. $6800 is still owed on the recreational side and $3000 is owed on the commercial side. They have 14 dinghies that have paid for marina space so far. No other financials were received from Ayles.
Harbormaster Update
Dickman has had reports of boats running aground. They encountered had one boat fill with water after heavy rains and capsized on a mooring. They continue to receive complaints about lobster pots in the mooring field. The main patrol boat had some major repair issues that cost $7k so far and another $4k of work is still needed. There are also issues with their coast guard rib boat. The new boat is ahead of schedule and may arrive in September. Dickman presented on the derelict trap cleanup to the Metrowest Dive Club. The Kernwood bridge has some issues and Dickman's office is alternating detail work with the Salem Harbormaster. They are still tracking down revenues from permit fees but the new software should help with this. White asks what Dickman is communicating to people asking about the new boating safety rules. Dickman is receiving questions about this, but he has just relayed that they are required. He notes that there are no fines or enforcement for noncompliance.
Facilities
Earl notes that they have historically not required licenses for operating the hoist pier, but with the installation of the new hoist, new rules may be triggered. He recommends they form a group to work on crafting policies and procedures for using the new hoist. Suminsby, Lane, Dickman and Ciancarelli will work on this. The license needed is a 3a license. Ciancarelli notes that some of the commercial fishermen would like to meet about these new requirements but preferably in the early afternoon. Ciancarelli believes the hoist pier should be completed by August. He still needs to reconcile the project costs.
Ciancarelli reports that a new recreational customers has moved in. There is one kayak customer that still needs to pay. She has said she would only communicate through the city councilors and has insisted that she needs a rack spot that is accessible to her as a paraplegic. Ciancarelli will wait for how the councilors would like to respond. A dinghy customer is asking for the bathroom code. HMA has not done this in the past, but it would involve creating new codes. Earl adds that we could suggest there are public restrooms on the first level of the Mission Boathouse building.
Earl and Ciancarelli have arranged for the balusters to be removed from the storage container so that the work can be completed when DPW is available. This way, the HMA can stop making payments for use of the storage container. It is also noted that the QR codes for Dockwa may need to be updated as there have been reports that they aren't working.
Regarding the abandoned sailboat, Earl learned that since their costs did not exceed $10k they could just sell it without going through a public auction.
American Public Works Association (APWA) Conference
Ciancarelli reports that he has been involved in the New England Chapter and a member since 2014. This year's national conference is in Houston for four days. The big topics are technology and AI for project management, and environmental/sustainability issues. The conference is also an opportunity for networking and career development. $1499.54 is the total cost for Ciancarelli to go. The last time he attended it was paid for by the city and a scholarship for young members. Rotondo motions to fund $1700 to cover the cost for Ciancarelli to attend the APWA Conference along with incidentals. Seconded by White. The motion is approved, 8-0.
Harbor Fest
Crowell is getting the layout finalized and will work the City's GIS Coordinator to produce a better print out. Freeman coordinated with the YMCA on the location for their tent. They will have three people to help. Rotondo is working with the breweries. He asks Dickman if the field games supplies can be stored in the harbor building just to keep them all in one place. Dickman agrees. Earl reports that Spang has started promotions on Facebook and Instagram. Rotondo has arranged for a sign over Cabot Street through the Chamber of Commerce. Earl adds that they have 8 new vendors this year for a total of 46. Historic Beverly is a new supporting sponsor. Rotondo has arranged to have a message up on the electronic message board for two weeks leading up to the event,
Dockwa
Earl reports that they are still ahead of last year despite the good weather they had last year in June/early July.
Beverly 400
HMA previously approved $9,995 in FY2026 to fund the battle reenactment of the Hannah Nautilus battle. Freeman motions to approve funding of $9995 for the water portion of the re-enactment costs. Seconded by Callaghan. The motion is approved, 7-0, with Rotondo abstaining. Rotondo will let Earl know about the final costs.
Glover Wharf Upgrades - Memorial Benches
Earl talked with Scanlon and his brother-in-law - they are interested in sponsoring memorial benches.
New HMA Members
Earl suggests Tim Brady, a commercial customer, as a new potential member.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Harbor Management Authority this evening, Rotondo makes a motion to adjourn. Callaghan seconds. Motion to adjourn is approved (8-0).
The HMA Meeting is adjourned at 7:55 pm.