City Council – Feb 2, 2026

[Stamp: CITY OF BEVERLY RECEIVED AND RECORDED CITY CLERKS OFFICE 2026 MAR 12 A 8:15]

City of Beverly

Regular City Council Meeting

Public Meeting Minutes

Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:00 PM

Council Chambers, 191 Cabot Street

Julie Flowers, City Council President, called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. City Clerk, Lisa Kent, took attendance by roll call.

Members Present: Julie Flowers, Matthew St. Hilaire, Steven Crowley, Kathleen Feldman, Scott Houseman, John Mullady, Todd Rotondo, Keith Sonia, Danielle Spang.

Members Absent: None.

Also Present: Budget Management Analyst Gerry Perry, City Solicitor Beth Oldmixon, Assistant City Solicitor Jesse Doyle, Animal Control Officer Matthew Lipinski, Chief John LeLacheur, School Committee President and District B School Committee Member Lorinda Visnic, Finance Director Bryant Ayles, and members of the public.

Recorded by: Sarah Kirker

Councilor Spang led the pledge of allegiance.

Presentations, Awards, and Memorials:

Human Rights Committee Presentation

Human Rights Committee Chair Purvi Harley began her presentation by reading the Land Acknowledgment, a practice observed at the start of all Committee meetings. Ms. Harley summarized the Committee's activities, including supporting City annual event like the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and the Pride flag-raising ceremony, participation in rallies, parades and events around the North Shore, the establishment of an intake tool for support requests, and advising City leadership on issues impacting the community.

Ms. Harley acknowledged limitations, including a limited ability to meaningfully connect with the community and reliance on members' individual networks. She cited quorum constraints (11 authorized seats, 7 filled, 6 required for quorum) resulting in canceled meetings and renewed a prior request to modify quorum requirements. She noted that Committee has met more than the required four times annually despite quorum, scheduling, and technology challenges.

Ms. Harley presented specific requests from the Committee, including clearer Council leadership and representation, consistent participation from the Mayor's Office, increased and diversified membership, consideration of additional City-appointed seats, and quorum modification to better reflect current membership. Appreciation was expressed for the two current City-appointed members, Police Chief LeLacheur and Principal Gabrielle Montevecchi.

President Flowers acknowledged that it is the beginning of a conversation and announced that she would be the appointed City Councilor on the Committee.

Mullady questioned if and how the Council could address the Committee quorum. City Solicitor Oldmixon confirmed that it was considered during ordinance review and could be reconsidered, noting that while some committees cannot have changes, this is one where a change is possible.

Comments by Citizens:

Neil Levine, 36 Thorndike Street, addressed the Council to speak on the recent events involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He noted Governor Maura Healey's executive order limiting ICE actions and encouraged the Council and Mayor to consider similar measures. He also asked for attention to address the vacancies on the Human Rights Committee, highlighting its role in the community's peace infrastructure.

Aayesha Siddiqui, 14 Windsor Road, addressed the Council to continue her request that the Council pass a law banning any future agreements or collaborations with ICE, providing state legislature examples such as Governor Healey's bill filed last week, the Protect Ace and the Safe Communities Act in support and shared feedback she received from community members and a social justice book club. She urged the Council to take local action now and take a stand.

Carol Rein, 27 Pratt Avenue, addressed the Council to first commend and thank the Beverly Police Department for their ongoing de-escalation training, which she observed last week. She acknowledged that, in light of recent ICE events, she\u2014like everyone else\u2014holds biases without conscious awareness. She called on members to join her in speaking up loudly and in every way they can to keep ICE out of Beverly.

She closed by reading a short poem by Bridget Moix, the lead on the Friends Committee on National Legislation, titled "And I Spoke Up".

Stephen Moffett, 32 Eastern Avenue, addressed the Council to comment on this year's budget, acknowledging and thanking the Council for their proactive work. He encouraged the Council to take a more holistic view and to zoom out and to think bigger when addressing budget shortfalls, emphasizing that new growth is the key.

Public Hearings:

7:30 PM-Order #047-National Grid-Petition #31234447 to install underground facilities on Bow St/Wallis St/Cabot St/and Abbott St.

President Flowers stated that the request had been withdrawn by the petitioner. A National Grid representative was present to confirm the withdrawal.

7:40 PM-Order #048-National Grid-Petition #31247668 to install underground facilities on Cabot Street.

President Flowers opened the hearing at 7:40 PM. National Grid representative was present and soke to work being performed on Dodge Street. Spang noted the petition submitted referenced underground facilities on Cabot Street. National Grid representative acknowledged the error and confirmed the petition pertains only to Dodge Street with no work planned for Cabot Street.

Joseph Scherer, 32 Dodge Street, addressed the Council noting the new construction planned at 300 Dodge Street and a lien on the property for agricultural purposes, which is set to expire around June or July 2027. He requested additional details about the proposed construction before the request is approved to feel comfortable.

A motion to recess the public hearing until February 17, 2026 at 8:10 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

7:50 PM-Order #049-GONETSPEED-A petition to install and maintain underground facilities-Ashton Street.

President Flowers opened the hearing at 7:50 PM. Heidi Mahoney, Manager Government Affairs spoke as representation for GONETSPEED, a competitive fiber internet service provider. She noted that the majority of the company's installation is planned to be aerial, and they are working with utility pole owners to get that licensing, but there are short runs that they are asking to put conduit in the ground. The three petitions before the Council pertain to specific locations requesting underground construction to complete short network connections, thereby avoiding pole replacements or extended pole work, minimizing double poles, reducing visual impact, and enabling the network to be completed more efficiently and permanently.

Rotondo questioned how Ashton Street was selected, potential impacts on tree planting, additional underground locations, and coordination with the City's Engineering team regarding restoration concerns. Ms. Mahoney responded that the make-ready from the pole owner indicated that the pole would take a significant amount of time to address. She explained work would occur pole-to-pole within softscape areas, with immediate restoration, Dig Safe compliance, directional boring to minimize disruption, and ongoing communication with the City. She estimated ten to fifteen additional locations.

Spang questioned about used of contractors for directional boring and noted City licensing requirements. She also asked whether any locations in Beverly currently have GONETSPEED service and whether there are plans to extend the fiber network throughout the entire city, including environmental justice communities, to ensure equitable access. Ms. Mahoney confirmed the work would be completed by contractors. She stated that no locations in Beverly are currently served, though surrounding communities\u2014including East Hampton, Springfield, Ludlow, and Amherst\u2014do have service. She described a phased build approach, projecting approximately 85% citywide coverage in Phase One, with more challenging underground and private roads areas later.

Houseman asked Ms. Mahoney to elaborate on the logistical need for underground installation and questioned whether underground installation was primarily for company convenience in time and cost. Ms. Mahoney explained that pole owners, including National Grid and Verizon, survey each pole and often require replacement with a taller pole; in these instances, underground installation was quicker method to complete the network. She added that while it does make the process easier for the company, it also allows the network to be delivered faster and avoids the double-pole transfer process. Ms. Mahoney clarified that the ten to fifteen locations referenced reflect the responses received to date and could increase.

Spang further noted that Ward 2 already has underground electric service and asked whether those locations were included in the estimated ten to fifteen additional sites. Ms. Mahoney responded that they were not, as they would be more extensive underground builds.

Houseman added that Commission on Public Services Collins was under the impression that installation of underground conduits could impede the City's ability to plant trees in those areas.

Ms. Mahoney confirmed that tree planting directly above the conduit could be limited, as installations would run between pole lines with overhead wires present. She clarified that the conduit would be installed approximately 24 inches underground and noted that planting a tree directly above it could interfere with existing power and communication lines overhead. Houseman referenced the existing above-ground poles and lines as a potential alternative to the underground permits, acknowledging that while more expensive for the company, it could avoid certain permitting concerns. He confirmed the conduit would be installed laterally underground within the public right-of-way and asked whether adjacent asphalt or sidewalks would be disturbed. Ms. Mahoney reiterated that the purpose of the underground conduits is to avoid double-poling and pole replacement, and stated that the current petitions would not require surface disturbance, though future petitions could differ, with any impacted areas restored to the same or better condition. Houseman also inquired about installation timelines, and Ms. Mahoney responded that the work typically takes a couple of days once authorized.

Spang recalled that more extensive underground work would not occur in the first phase and asked how many phases were anticipated in Beverly. Ms. Mahoney stated that most work would occur in phase one and estimated no more than three phases overall. The tentative plan, dependent on pole-owner licensing approvals, is to begin in Q3 2026 with an expected total build time of approximately one year once proper licensing is received.

President Flowers confirmed no members of the public were in attendance to speak on the order. A motion to recess the public hearing until March 2, 2026 at 7:50 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

A motion for a two-minute recess was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). The meeting recessed from 8:08 PM to 8:11 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order.

8:10 PM-Order #050-GONETSPEED-A petition to install and maintain underground facilities-Friend Street.

President Flowers opened the hearing at 8:11 PM. Heidi Mahoney, Manager Government Affairs, residing in Maine, spoke as representation for GONETSPEED. Ms. Mohoney confirmed that all three petitions are similar in nature.

Houseman observed that GONETSPEED would be in competition with other companies on the poles, such as Verizon and Comcast, and asked about legal rights to access competitor-owned poles and co-location requirements. He also asked whether the company had already begun the application process for prospective poles or if the City was the first step. Ms. Mahoney explained that they have the right to co-locate on existing poles, subject to annual fees and an application process to pole owners. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that GONETSPEED has applied to all poles in Beverly but has not yet received responses from pole owners to determine what is required to make each pole ready for attachment.

Spang confirmed that there were existing utility poles in the location of the petition and questioned the process of the boring. Ms. Mahoney explained that the process would include boring around the existing pole to avoid the replacement, they would first attach to the pole they have a license to, would drop down to the underground conduit and reattach to another pole in the line.

Rotondo stated that the Council supports additional Fios in the city but noted the ongoing working relationship with Verizon, acknowledging some skepticism as the company is not well aware of some processes and the Council is invested in ensuring the public right-of-way is protected.

Crowley questioned whether, for the three locations before the Council, the company has received licensing between the poles. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that while applications have been submitted, the licenses have not yet been issued. She explained that they have received the make-readies, which they will need to pay for the work to be completed on the poles, and the license will be issued once the make-ready work is done.

Spang requested clarification on the scope of Phase One and subsequent phases to ensure all locations are included and none are left behind.

President Flowers confirmed no members of the public were in attendance to speak on the order. A motion to recess the public hearing until March 2, 2026 at 8:10 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

A motion to recess for subcommittee work was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). The meeting recessed from 8:20 PM until 8:30 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order.

8:30 PM-Order #051-GONETSPEED-A petition to install and maintain underground facilities-East Street.

President Flowers opened the hearing at 8:30 PM. Heidi Mahoney, Manager Government Affairs, residing in Maine, spoke as representation for GONETSPEED. Ms. Mohoney confirmed that all three petitions are similar in nature.

Houseman confirmed the process, noting that GONETSPEED has applied and begun the process with pole owners but has not yet received licenses, making the City the first stop. He acknowledged considerable disruption constituents in the area have endured due to National Grid and City work and submitted emails from residents who object to the order. Houseman questioned why the City and residents should manage additional disruption when the company has not yet received responses from pole owners, a process that could take up to a year. He noted that while competition and choice are beneficial for consumers, constituents are opposed and upset about the impact at the specific location.

Spang confirmed the conduit would be installed on both East Street and Lothrop Street, noting that Lothrop Street was recently paved. Ms. Mahoney stated she was not personally aware of that but was confident their engineers knew and confirmed they would not be working into the street.

Ms. Mahoney further clarified that, although they haven't received licenses from the pole owners, they have received invoices to complete the make-ready work required to obtain the licenses, which cannot be refused if GONETSPEED agrees to the make-ready.

Ann Streetman, 186 Lothrop Street, a direct abutter at the corner of East and Lothrop, addressed the Council to express concern about disturbing the freshly paved Lothrop Street and ongoing roadwork in the area. She noted that many street trees had been removed by previous work and may not be replaceable where the conduit is installed. She also raised concerns about potential impact and disturbance to her front yard, including public right-of-way, yard, driveway, and walkways, particularly as there is no sidewalk.

David Mahood, 191 Lothrop Street, addressed the Council, noting he had previously spoken to the Council regarding work in the area. He highlighted the extensive disruption from National Grid and City projects and requested that the company minimize environmental impact, reduce emissions and idling, and act as responsible environmental stewards. While acknowledging the benefits of competition, he expressed, on behalf of himself and neighbors, that they are not pleased with more proposed work in the area.

City Solicitor Oldmixon questioned why the three areas were chosen, whether make-ready work has been completed, and if any poles at either end have licenses or the opportunity to obtain them. She also requested clearer information on the project phases and potential disturbances.

A motion to recess the public hearing until March 2, 2026 at 8:30 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

8:45 PM-Order #027-A request approval to transfer $68,750 from the Harbor Management Authority Fund along with a transfer of $68,750 from the Waterways Improvement Fund. The combined transfer funds of $137,500 will represent the required 20% match for the $550,000 Seaport Economic Grant.

President Flowers opened the hearing at 8:47 PM. Finance Director, Bryant Ayles, clarified that the order is a request to transfer funds to cover the match component of a Seaport Grant which involves the ongoing project of the construction of the commercial fishing and hoist pier by Glover Wharf.

Spang and Houseman urged the Council to approve the order, noting that the has been a high priority of the commercial fishing fleet and Harbor Management Authority. Gerry Perry, Budget Analyst, recommended adoption of this proposal.

President Flowers confirmed no members of the public were in attendance to speak on the order. A motion to recess the public hearing until March 2, 2026 at 7:40 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Acceptance of Minutes of Previous Meeting:

Regular City Council Meeting - January 20, 2026

A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Communications from His Honor the Mayor:

Order #053-A transfer request from the Reserve for Unforeseen account of $160,000 to be placed into the Dispatch Department to support costs related to operations. (Set public hearing) Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #054-A transfer request from the Recreation Enterprise fund balance of $150,000 to support costs related to park projects and improvements throughout the City. (Set public hearing) Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #055-Donation-A $2,000 donation from the Friends of the Beverly Public Library to benefit the Beverly Public Library. Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #056-Home Rule Petition regarding Police Chief mandatory Retirement Age. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Communications, from other City Officers and Boards:

Order #057-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 80 and 84 Cabot Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #057-A-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-80 Cabot Street available for disposition. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #057-B-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 80 Cabot Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #057-C-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-84 Cabot Street available for disposition. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #057-D-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 84 Cabot Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #058-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-Animals. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #059-Councilor St. Hilaire-A request that the Parking and Traffic Commission review removal of a crosswalk at the intersection of Hale Street and Juniper Street in Beverly Farms. St. Hilaire noted that during the paving of Hale Street last year, a main crosswalk was removed, causing both inconvenience and safety concerns.

A motion to refer to Parking and Traffic Commission was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Order #060-Councilor St. Hilaire-A request that the Parking and Traffic Commission review the traffic signage posted on Common Lane.

St. Hilaire noted that Common Lane had been repaved and residents have provided feedback regarding speeding and safety for walkers and bikers. Although adding a sidewalk has been discussed, funding has not been available.

A motion to refer to Parking and Traffic Commission was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

President Flowers paused at 7:40 PM to beginning the 7:40 PM public hearing on Order #048 and continued at 7:46 PM.

Order #061-Councilors St. Hilaire and Mullady-A request to hold a public meeting on the City's utilization and plan for Camp Paradise located at 44 Cole Street. President Flowers noted that St. Hilaire and Mullady requested including the Mayor and other department heads in the discussion. She proposed placing the item under unfinished business to invite them and convening a special City Council meeting for the conversation.

Order #062-President Flowers-Reappointment and salary increase of City Council Budget Analyst Gerard D. Perry. Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #063-City Clerk-Renewal application for a Class II Motor Vehicle License for Elite Collision Center d/b/a All Wheels, 97 Park Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #064-City Clerk-Renewal application for a Class III Motor Vehicle License for Elite Collision Center d/b/a All Wheels, 97 Park Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Communications, Applications and Petitions:

Order #065-National Grid-Petition #31124344-to install underground facilities on Broadway. (set public hearing) Referred to the Committee on Public Services.

Order #066-Notice of Filing and Public Hearings. A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Reports of Committees:

Finance and Property:

Order #027- A request approval to transfer $68,750 from the Harbor Management Authority Fund along with a transfer of $68,750 from the Waterways Improvement Fund. The combined transfer funds of $137,500 will represent the required 20% match for the $550,000 Seaport Economic Grant. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #053-A transfer request from the Reserve for Unforeseen account of $160,000 to be placed into the Dispatch Department to support costs related to operations. A motion to set a public hearing for February 17, 2026, at 7:40 PM as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Order #054-A transfer request from the Recreation Enterprise fund balance of $150,000 to support costs related to park projects and improvements throughout the City. (Set public hearing) A motion to set a public hearing for February 17, 2026, at 7:55 PM as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Order #055-Donation-A $2,000 donation from the Friends of the Beverly Public Library to benefit the Beverly Public Library. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #062-President Flowers-Reappointment and salary increase of City Council Budget Analyst Gerard D. Perry. Houseman noted Mr. Perry's qualification for the position and encouraged the reappointment. Feldman echoed Houseman's comments and stated that it can be difficult to understand Mr. Perry's role for the Council, explaining that while he provides recommendations based on numbers and perspectives on various options, he also reminds the Council that it is their responsibility to set policy and make the final decision.

Mullady noted his opposition to Mr. Perry's reappointment, referencing his disagreement with Mr. Perry's advocacy for placing funds into fiscal reserves and concerns regarding staffing cuts.

President Flowers noted that, from a financial perspective, the position is unique in that the salary is set by Charter and that while the Council has purview to reappoint and increase the hourly rate, the overall top line is already established, acknowledging recent conversations regarding financial challenges.

Houseman reiterated that Mr. Perry has consistently been clear that the Council are the policymakers and that his role is to provide the data and recommendations.

President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (8-1 with Mullady in opposition).

Public Services:

Order #065-National Grid-Petition #31124344-to install underground facilities on Broadway. A motion to set a public hearing for February 17, 2026, at 8:05 PM as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Order #029-A reappointment for Chad Crandell, 59 Lothrop Street, to serve on the Beverly Golf and Tennis Commission. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #030-A reappointment for Kevin Ascolillo, 4 Sherwood Lane, to serve on the Beverly Golf and Tennis Commission. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #031-A reappointment for Arthur Athanas, 77 Hale Street, to serve on the Beverly Golf and Tennis Commission. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Legal Affairs:

Order #028-A reappointment for Cory Farinella, 30 Bow Street, to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #063-City Clerk-Renewal application for a Class II Motor Vehicle License for Elite Collision Center d/b/a All Wheels, 97 Park Street. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #064-City Clerk-Renewal application for a Class III Motor Vehicle License for Elite Collision Center d/b/a All Wheels, 97 Park Street. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #056-Home Rule Petition regarding Police Chief mandatory Retirement Age. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #057-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 80 and 84 Cabot Street. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #057-A-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-80 Cabot Street available for disposition. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #057-B-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 80 Cabot Street. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #057-C-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-84 Cabot Street available for disposition. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #057-D-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 84 Cabot Street. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #045-Assistant City Solicitor Jesse Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-6 Dog Kennel Licensing. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0). President Flowers noted this is the first of two votes on this order. The second vote will take place at the next meeting.

Order #058-Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-Animals. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0). President Flowers noted this is the first of two votes on this order. The second vote will take place at the next meeting.

Spang noted the Public Services Committee will hold a standalone meeting Monday, February 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM, most likely at the library, to discuss Order #040. President Flowers announced that the next regular meeting of the Council would be held on Tuesday, February 17th at 7:00 PM, noting the upcoming Monday holiday.

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). The meeting adjourned at 9:21 PM.

Kathleen M. Feldman, Chair Julie R. Flowers Scott D. Houseman

Finance and Property / Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:00 PM Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street

Feldman called the meeting to order at 8:22 PM. Members present: Feldman, Flowers, Houseman Members absent: None Also present: Budget Management Analyst Gerry Perry, Finance Director Bryant Ayles. Recorded by: Sarah Kirker

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #027 | 01/20/2026 | A request approval to transfer $68,750 from the Harbor Management Authority Fund along with a transfer of $68,750 from the Waterways Improvement Fund. The combined transfer funds of $137,500 will represent the required 20% match for the $550,000 Seaport Economic Grant. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #053 | 02/02/2026 | A transfer request from the Reserve for Unforeseen account of $160,000 to be placed into the Dispatch Department to support costs related to operations. | Recommend the Council to set a public hearing for February 17, 2026, at 7:40 PM (3-0). | | #054 | 02/02/2026 | A transfer request from the Recreation Enterprise fund balance of $150,000 to support costs related to park projects and improvements throughout the City. | Recommend the Council to set a public hearing for February 17, 2026, at 7:55 PM (3-0). | | #055 | 02/02/2026 | Donation-A $2,000 donation from the Friends of the Beverly Public Library to benefit the Beverly Public Library | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #062 | 02/02/2026 | President Flowers-Reappointment and salary increase of City Council Budget Analyst Gerard D. Perry. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). |

A motion to adjourn the Committee on Finance and Property was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM.

Feldman called the Committee on Finance and Property to order at 8:55 PM for a second meeting to take up Order #027 which was referred to the Committee following the public hearing.

A motion to adjourn the Finance and Property Committee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.

Todd C. Rotondo, Chair Matthew J. St. Hilaire Steven M. Crowley

Legal Affairs / Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:00 PM Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street

Rotondo called the meeting to order at 8:21 PM. Members present: Rotondo, St. Hilaire, Crowley Members absent: None Also present: City Solicitor Beth Oldmixon, Assistant City Solicitor Jesse Doyle, Animal Control Officer Matthew Lipinski, and Chief John LeLacheur. Recorded by: Sarah Kirker.

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #028 | 01/20/2026 | A reappointment for Cory Farinella, 30 Bow Street, to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #043 | 01/20/2026 | A proposal to create a temporary Special Committee to explore options for addressing the looming 2027 forecasted budget deficit. | Hold | | #045 | 01/20/2026 | Assistant City Solicitor Jesse Dole - Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-6 Dog Kennel Licensing. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #056 | 02/02/2026 | Home Rule Petition regarding Police Chief mandatory Retirement Age. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #057 | 02/02/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 80 and 84 Cabot Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #057-A | 02/02/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-80 Cabot Street available for disposition. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #057-B | 02/02/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 80 Cabot Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #057-C | 02/02/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-84 Cabot Street available for disposition. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #057-D | 02/02/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Grant of Permanent Easements at 84 Cabot Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #058 | 02/02/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-Animals. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #063 | 02/02/2026 | City Clerk-Renewal application for a Class II Motor Vehicle License for Elite Collision Center d/b/a All Wheels, 97 Park Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #064 | 02/02/2026 | City Clerk-Renewal application for a Class III Motor Vehicle License for Elite Collision Center d/b/a All Wheels, 97 Park Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). |

Order #045-Assistant City Solicitor Dole noted the order is in response to requirements put in place on municipalities by the state in response to Chapter 213 Acts of 2024, Act to Increase Kennel Safety aka Ollies Law. Defining type of kennels under the law, states annual inspection and explicit revocation language.

Order #056-Assistant City Solicitor Dole noted that the order would permit Chief LeLacheur to continue serving beyond the mandatory retirement age, emphasizing the time-consuming nature of the home rule petition process, which requires approval by both chambers of the State House and action by the Governor. Mr. Dole also conveyed the Mayor's support for the order.

Order #058- Assistant City Solicitor Dole noted that the order proposed amendments to a few articles, including the creation of a prohibition on feeding wild animals and wildlife, with a carve-out allowing the feeding of songbirds and backyard birds on private property, as well as revisions to the enforcement section. A second amendment added a prohibition addressing nuisance cats.

Rotondo called the Committee of the Whole to order at 8:29 PM, with Flowers, Feldman, Houseman, Mullady, Sonia, and Spang in attendance.

Mr. Dole noted that the proposed language is effectively what Manchester-by-the-Sea has as a bylaw, Mr. Dole also noted that bylaws get vetted by the Attorney General's Municipal Law Unit.

A motion to recess the Committee of the Whole was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). Committee of the Whole recessed at 8:30 PM. A motion to recess the committee meeting was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (3-0). The meeting was recessed from 8:30 PM to 8:53 PM when Rotondo called the meeting back to order.

Rotondo called Committee of the Whole to order at 8:53 PM with Mullady, Sonia, and Spang in attendance.

A motion to recess the Committee of the Whole was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). Committee of the Whole recessed at 8:56 PM. A motion to adjourn the Committee on Legal Affairs was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.

Public Services / Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:00 PM Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street

Danielle M. Spang, Chair John J. Mullady Keith Sonia

Spang called the meeting to order at 8:21 PM. Members present: Spang, Mullady, Sonia Members absent: None Recorded by: Sarah Kirker.

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #029 | 01/20/2026 | A Reappointment for Chad Crandell, 59 Lothrop Street, to serve on the Beverly Golf and Tennis Commission. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #030 | 01/20/2026 | A Reappointment for Kevin Ascolillo, 4 Sherwood Lane, to serve on the Beverly Golf and Tennis Commission. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #031 | 01/20/2026 | A Reappointment for Arthur Athanas, 77 Hale Street, to serve on the Beverly Golf and Tennis Commission. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #040 | 01/20/2026 | Councilor Spang - Public Services Committee Priorities. | Hold | | #065 | 02/02/2026 | National Grid-Petition #31124344-to install underground facilities on Broadway. | Recommend the Council to set a public hearing for February 17, 2026, at 8:05 PM (3-0). |

A motion to adjourn the Public Services Committee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.