City Council – Feb 17, 2026

City of Beverly

Regular City Council Meeting

Public Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street

Clerk's stamp: CITY OF BEVERLY, RECEIVED AND RECORDED, CITY CLERKS OFFICE, 2026 [unreadable] A 8:31

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, Scott Houseman, Todd Rotondo, Keith Sonia, and Danielle Spang.

Members Absent: Kathleen Feldman and John Mullady.

Also Present: Mayor Cahil, Finance Director Bryant Ayles, Budget Analyst Gerry Perry, City Solicitor Beth Oldmixon, Assistant City Solicitor Jesse Doyle, Assistant City Solicitor Katherine Mikk, Chief Petter O'Connor, Chief John LeLacheur, Animal Control Officer Matthew Lipinski, Director of Parks and Recreation Bruce Doig, School Committee Ward 6 Member John Taylor, School Committee President and District B School Committee Member Lorinda Visnick, former City Councilors Joyce McMahon and Stacy Ames, and members of the public.

Councilor Crowley led the pledge of allegiance.

Comments by Citizens:

Joyce McMahon, 15 1/2 Rowell Avenue, former City Councilor, addressed the Council on the proposed wildlife language and encouraged further refinement and clarification on the language.

Diana Niethamer, 12 Pratt Avenue, addressed the Council to speak on the Flock surveillance camera within the city and her concern with the company's selling of data to federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

John Taylor, 41 Cole Street, addressed the Council on proposed resolution and use of Camp Paradise.

Acceptance of Minutes of Previous Meeting:

Public Service Committee/Committee of the Whole -Meeting February 9, 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 #067-Donation-A $2000 donation from the Beverly/Peabody Elks Lodge to be used by the Veterans Council. Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #068-Reappointment for Jan Pierce, 1 Neptune Court, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. Referred to Committee on Public Services.

Order #069-Reappointment for John Cuny, 9 Holding Street, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. Referred to Committee on Public Services.

Order #070-Reappointment for Nicholas Parianos, 19 Puritan Road, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. Referred to Committee on Public Services.

Order #071-Reappointment for Kevin M. Gannon, 15 Everett Street, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. Referred to Committee on Public Services.

Order #072-Reappointment for Commissioner Michael P. Collins to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission. Referred to Committee on Public Services.

Order #073-Proposed order approving the taking by eminent domain property located at 171 Brimbal Avenue. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Communications, from other City Officers and Boards:

Order #074-Councilor Houseman-Motion to reconsider the vote taken at our February 2, 2026, meeting on Order #058. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #075-City Clerk-Renewal of a Secondhand Junk Dealers License for Beverly Coin, Jewelry, Recorders and Estate Appraisals, 38 Rantoul Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #076-City Clerk-A request for 2026 Flammable Storage Registration Renewals. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #077-City Clerk-A request for a Class II Dealers License for Grand Touring Sales LLP d/b/a GTS Cabot, 43 Cabot Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #078-President Flowers-A reappointment for David D Dines, 5 Pilgrim Heights, to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission. Referred to Committee on Public Services.

Order #079-President Flowers-A reappointment and waive of residency for Richard Benevento, 56 Peaslee Circle, Middleton, MA to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission. Referred to Committee on Public Services.

Order #080-Assistant Solicitor Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-Animals. (intent to withdraw portions of proposed ordinance amendment regarding prohibitions on nuisance cats) Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #081-Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Ricoh for the School Districts copy machine. Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #082-Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Pitney Bowes for postage for the Middle School. Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #083-Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Pitney Bowes for postage for the High School. Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Communications, Applications and Petitions:

Order #084-National Grid-Petition 31247668-to install underground electric conduits-Dodge Street. (set public hearing) Referred to the Committee on Public Services to set a public hearing.

Order #085-Department of Public Utilities-Notice of Filing, Public Hearing and Request for comments. A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0).

Unfinished Business from a previous meeting:

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. No action was taken.

Motions and Orders:

Order #045-Assistant Solicitor Dole-Proposed Amendments to Chapter 117-6-Dog Kennel Licensing. President Flowers noted this vote was for final passage of the order. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0).

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

A motion to recess for subcommittee work was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0). The meeting recessed from 7:24 PM until 7:41 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order for the posted public hearing.

Public Hearings:

7:40 PM-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. President Flowers opened the hearing at 7:41 PM. Finance Director, Bryant Ayles, provided details related to the request noting $120,000 is for staffing overtime due to training and turnover, $14,500 for equipment reconfiguration and the remaining, if not needed in the previous areas, would address equipment replacement and maintenance contracts.

Rotondo questioned what the remaining balance of the account would be following the transfer. Mr. Ayles confirmed that approximately $65,000 would remain. Rotondo further questioned how the administration planned to address any additional overtime shortages that may arise, particularly within Public Safety, including the Police and Fire Departments.

Mr. Ayles acknowledged that there are several known items vying for the reserve balance later in the fiscal year, including end-of-year overtime calculations for other public safety departments, outstanding collective bargaining matters within DPS for which a separate reserve has been set aside, as well as an ongoing Dispatch contract negotiation that includes retroactive costs for the current fiscal year. Mr. Ayles stated that the administration will be conducting a thorough review of spending to date in order to identify unspent funds that may be reallocated, subject to Council approval.

Rotondo acknowledged that Dispatch has been in a growth period over the past three years, with the current year representing the first fully operational year, but questioned whether a similar situation should be expected next year. Mr. Ayles responded that this was the first year the department had been fully staffed, which created uncertainties within the staffing budget structure. He further noted that early turnover within the department required additional new hires, resulting in increased training overtime and overtime needed to fill vacant shifts. Mr. Ayles added that the nature of the staffing structure will continue to require recurring overtime, but he expects overtime projections to be better aligned in the FY2027 budget.

St. Hilaire questioned the impact this would have on the FY2027 budget. Mr. Ayles confirmed that projected overtime trends had already been incorporated into the FY2027 budget; however, he anticipated that of the $160,000 transfer request, approximately $50,000 to $60,000 would need to be added to next year's staffing budget in some form.

Mr. Perry noted that the Public Safety Dispatch budget totaled slightly more than $1,000,000, with approximately $116,000 appropriated for overtime. He stated that Dispatch, Police, and Fire were three departments he identified during his second-quarter budget-to-actual review as areas of concern regarding whether appropriations would be sufficient to complete the fiscal year, which unfortunately proved to be the case. Mr. Perry further stated that the administration had assured him that, if the transfer were approved, they did not anticipate returning for additional funding for civilian dispatch.

Houseman questioned how snowstorm-related expenses would be addressed, noting that winter operations were not yet complete. Mr. Perry stated that $800,000 had been appropriated and acknowledged that the account was anticipated to be in deficit, which he noted is somewhat normal. However, he stated that the administration anticipated identifying funds within the DPS budget for a future transfer following the conclusion of the snow season. He also acknowledged that while there is an option to defer costs into the next fiscal year, he anticipated that Mr. Ayles and the Mayor would instead come before the Council with a transfer request from available DPS line items.

Houseman questioned the system of structural overtime being built in year after year. Mr. Perry agreed that overtime was inherently built into Public Safety budgets, noting that Public Safety is a 24/7 operation that always requires people on duty. He explained that when personnel are out sick or on vacation, those shifts must be backfilled, so there is built-in overtime.

Houseman further noted that deficit spending is prohibited under state law and questioned whether the Council had any other option but to approve the transfer. Mr. Perry responded that if the transfer were not approved, the deficit would need to be absorbed within the existing departmental budget, potentially resulting in additional cuts or layoffs.

Houseman also questioned the Dispatch Department's reporting structure, specifically the department head reporting to two chiefs, and asked Mr. Perry whether he believed that structure may have contributed to the turnover issues previously discussed.

At 8:00 PM President Flowers paused to open and recess the scheduled 7:55 PM public hearing for Order #054 to 8:10 PM, noting the scheduled 8:10 PM public hearing for Order #084 had been withdrawn by the petitioners. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0).

Mr. Perry responded to Councilor Houseman's question, noting that from a public administration perspective, it can be difficult for a department head to effectively serve two supervisors. He deferred questions regarding employee turnover to the Chiefs.

Councilor Rotondo questioned whether the structural deficit was actively being addressed.

Mayor Cahill addressed the departmental structure, explaining that the reporting structure was intentionally designed for the department head to report to both Chiefs due to the consolidation of the City's two public safety answering points: Police and Fire/EMS. He stated that involvement from both Chiefs was necessary to ensure the system effectively serves all public safety operations. Mayor Cahill further noted the strong working relationship between the Chiefs, as well as between the Chiefs and Ms. Brown, the Dispatch Supervisor, who reports to both departments. He acknowledged that the administration is reviewing the balance between full-time and part-time intermittent staffing positions as part of preparation for the upcoming FY2027 budget.

At 8:05 PM A motion to recess the public hearing until 8:25 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0). The hearing was reopened by President Flowers at 8:29 PM.

Chief LeLacheur addressed the staffing issues previously discussed, noting that turnover within Dispatch had occurred for a variety of reasons, including dispatchers leaving to become full-time firefighters, full-time police officers, accepting positions with other fire dispatch agencies, transitioning into private industry, and one employee not successfully completing probation.

Chief O'Connor acknowledged that the dual-reporting structure is unique, but necessary to ensure both Chiefs remain actively involved in overseeing dispatch operations that serve Police, Fire, and EMS. He further noted that the department has recently been successful in attracting personnel viewed as long-term employees and expressed hope for increased staffing stability moving forward.

Houseman questioned the number of dispatchers currently employed and the department's high turnover rate. Chief O'Connor confirmed that the department currently employs ten full-time dispatchers, in addition to one full-time Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor, Stephanie Brown, and stated that all positions are currently filled. Chief LeLacheur added that within the industry, dispatch positions are often viewed as entry-level opportunities for individuals seeking to transition into Police or Fire careers, noting that turnover is a common cost associated with the profession.

Rotondo questioned whether Ms. Brown, in her supervisory role, also fills dispatch shifts when vacancies occur. Chief O'Connor stated that Ms. Brown has stepped in to cover overtime shifts when necessary; however, he noted that she also maintains a high level of responsibility in her role reporting to both Chiefs and serving as Dispatch Supervisor.

Sonia questioned the training requirements for dispatchers, including what portions are standardized by the state, the City of Beverly, or other entities, and asked about the overall time commitment involved. Chief LeLacheur responded that state requirements include completion of a forty-hour training course in Maynard, along with sixteen hours of continuing education annually, solely for operation of the 9-1-1 system. He further explained that dispatchers also undergo desk training and receive instruction on the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, records management systems, and fire alarm operations. He noted that these requirements encompass federal standards, state standards, Beverly Police requirements, and Beverly Fire Department requirements.

No members of the public were in attendance to speak on the order. President Flowers closed the public hearing at 8:43 PM and referred the order to the Committee on Finance and Property.

A motion to recess for subcommittee work was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0). The meeting recessed from 8:43 PM until 8:53 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order for Reports of Committees.

7:55 PM-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. President Flowers opened the hearing at 8:00 PM and a motion to recess the hearing to 8:10 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0). The hearing recessed from 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM when President Flowers reopened it.

Finance Director Bryant Ayles provided details regarding the request, noting that the Recreation Enterprise Fund operates as a standalone cost center that receives revenue throughout the year from sources other than tax revenue, including parking fees collected at Lynch Park and program fees generated through Parks and Recreation Department programs. He explained that the use of these funds is intended to support recreation-related activities and improvements.

Director of Parks and Recreation Bruce Doig addressed the Council, noting that a similar transfer had been completed in 2018, when $175,000 was appropriated for repairs to playground equipment throughout the City. He stated that the department's annual maintenance budget is approximately $50,000, which has generally allowed for the replacement of one playground per year. Mr. Doig further noted that the budget remains tight, several pieces of equipment are reaching the end of their useful life, and rising project costs continue to impact planned improvements. He indicated that the requested funds are expected to support projects over the next several years.

Houseman questioned Mr. Perry regarding the broader challenges associated with the City's overall budget.

Gerry Perry, Budget Analyst, recommended approval of the proposal, noting that capital project funds do not close out at the end of the fiscal year and instead carry forward from year to year.

Spang questioned the advantage of transferring the funds rather than leaving them within the Enterprise Fund. Mr. Perry explained that Enterprise Funds close out on June 30 and would become inaccessible until they are recertified, whereas transferring the funds into a capital project account would allow continued access without interruption.

No members of the public were in attendance to speak on the order. President Flowers closed the public hearing at 8:20 PM and referred the order to the Committee on Finance and Property.

A motion to recess for subcommittee work was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0). The meeting recessed from 8:20 PM until 8:29 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order to reopen the public hearing for Order #53.

8:05 PM-Order #065-National Grid-Petition #31124344-to install underground facilities on Broadway. President Flowers opened the hearing at 8:05 PM. National Grid representative was present and soke to work being performed on Broadway from approximately 28 to 30 to 32 Broadway.

Spang questioned how long the work was expected to take. Representative from National Grid responded that the work was anticipated to take approximately one and a half to two days at most. They explained that the digging itself was expected to take approximately one day, followed by installation of PVC conduit, placement of concrete over, and running of the new cable. National Grid further noted that steel plates would be placed over the work area as needed.

Spang further questioned whether National Grid was aware that Broadway had recently been repaved, noting a $5,000 fee to open it up. National Grid confirmed they were aware and stated that it would be fully restored as is.

Rotondo questioned whether "full restoration" meant curb-to-curb paving or restoration limited to the three-foot trench area. National Grid responded that the work would involve only a three-foot trench restoration. Rotondo expressed concern regarding cutting into a newly paved roadway, stating that restoring only the trench area after the street had recently been repaved curb-to-curb was unacceptable.

National Grid representatives stated that their company does not directly perform the excavation, paving, or sidewalk work and that they would need to consult with their civil contractor regarding restoration details. Councilor Rotondo reiterated his concerns regarding the location knowing it is only a three-foot trench.

Sonia echoed Rotondo's concerns, stating that restoration limited to the trench area rather than curb-to-curb paving would be unacceptable

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 7:30 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0).

8:10 PM-Order #048-National Grid-Petition #31247668-to install underground facilities on Cabot Street. (Continued from 2-2-26) President Flowers stated that the request had been withdrawn by the petitioner.

Reports of Committees:

Finance and Property:

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. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

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. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

Order #067-Donation-A $2000 donation from the Beverly/Peabody Elks Lodge to be used by the Veterans Council. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

Order #081-Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Ricoh for the School Districts copy machine. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

Order #082-Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Pitney Bowes for postage for the Middle School. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

Order #083-Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Pitney Bowes for postage for the High School. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

Legal Affairs:

Order #073-Proposed order approving the taking by eminent domain property located at 171 Brimbal Avenue. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

Order #075-City Clerk-Renewal of a Secondhand Junk Dealers License for Beverly Coin, Jewelry, Recorders and Estate Appraisals, 38 Rantoul Street. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0).

Order #076-City Clerk-A request for 2026 Flammable Storage Registration Renewals.

President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7–0).

Order #077-City Clerk-A request for a Class II Dealers License for Grand Touring Sales LLP d/b/a GTS Cabot, 43 Cabot Street.

President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7–0).

Order #080-Assistant Solicitor Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-Animals. (intent to withdraw portions of proposed ordinance amendment regarding prohibitions on nuisance cats)

A motion to receive and place on file as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0).

Public Services:

Order #078-President Flowers-A reappointment for David D Dines, 5 Pilgrim Heights, to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission.

President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the as recommended by the subcommittee. A motion was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7–0).

Order #079-President Flowers-A reappointment and waive of residency for Richard Benevento, 56 Peaslee Circle, Middleton, MA to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission.

A motion to waive the residency requirement as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0). A motion to accept the proposal and adopt the order as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0).

Order #084-National Grid-Petition 31247668-to install underground electric conduits-Dodge Street. (set public hearing)

A motion to set a public hearing for March 16, 2026, at 7:30 PM as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0).

President Flowers reminded the Council and the public that the 8:05 public hearing for Order #065 from National Grid to install underground facilities on Broadway was being continued to the next regular meeting on March 2nd at 7:30 PM, along with three additional public hearings for petitions from GONETSPEED that had been continue from a prior meeting.

She also noted the Committee on Legal Affair would be meeting Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM, prior to the regularly scheduled meeting for further working discussion on the portion of Order #058.

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (7-0). The meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM.

Recorded by: Sarah Kirker

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Kathleen M. Feldman, Chair

Julie R. Flowers

Scott D. Houseman

[Clerk's stamp: CITY OF BEVERLY, RECEIVED AND RECORDED, CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, 2026 JUN -9 A 8:31]

Finance and Property / Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 PM

Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting

Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street

Houseman called the meeting to order at 7:26 PM.

Members present: Flowers, Houseman

Members absent: Feldman

Also present: Finance Director Bryant Ayles, Budget Management Analyst Gerry Perry,, Chief Petter O'Connor, Chief John LeLacheur

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #067 | 02/17/2026 | Donation-A $2000 donation from the Beverly/Peabody Elks Lodge to be used by the Veterans Council. | Recommend the Council to approve (2-0). | | #081 | 02/17/2026 | Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Ricoh for the School Districts copy machine. | Recommend the Council to approve (2-0). | | #082 | 02/17/2026 | Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Pitney Bowes for postage for the Middle School. | Recommend the Council to approve (2-0). | | #083 | 02/17/2026 | Emma Puglisi, Director of Finance Beverly Public Schools-Permission to enter into a lease with Pitney Bowes for postage for the High School. | Recommend the Council to approve (2-0). | | #053 | 02/17/2026 | 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 approve (2-0). | | #054 | 02/17/2026 | 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 approve (2-0). |

A motion to adjourn the Committee on Finance and Property was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (2-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:29 PM.

Houseman called the Committee on Finance and Property to order at 8:44 PM for a second meeting to take up Order #053 and Order #054 which was referred to the Committee following the public hearing.

Order #053-Flowers restated, for clarification, that the intent was to evaluate different options based on what had been learned and to ensure that this situation would not be expected to recur within the dispatch operation. Mr. Ayles confirmed that this was a good summation of the additional work required before the end of the fiscal year to deliver a balanced budget that meets the department's operational needs.

Flowers emphasized the importance of supporting the department's incurred costs and stated that she was comfortable with the request, given the plans in place to address the underlying challenges moving forward.

Houseman asked Mr. Perry for his comments following the public hearing and discussion. Mr. Perry stated that he was hopeful this would be the only transfer request necessary and encouraged the administration to take the management steps needed to prevent the need for additional transfer requests in the future.

Order #54- Flowers and Houseman both noted that the requested transfer was consistent with, and fell within, the intended purpose of the Enterprise Fund.

A motion to adjourn the Committee on Finance and Property was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (2-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.

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Todd C. Rotondo, Chair

Matthew J. St. Hilaire

Steven M. Crowley

[Clerk's stamp: CITY OF BEVERLY, RECEIVED AND RECORDED, CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, 2026 JUN -9 A 8:31]

Legal Affairs / Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, February 17, 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 7:26 PM.

Members present: Rotondo, St. Hilaire, Crowley

Members absent: None

Also present: Assistant City Solicitor Jesse Doyle, Animal Control Officer Matthew Lipinski, and Councilor Spang.

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #043 | 01/20/2026 | A proposal to create a temporary Special Committee to explore options for addressing the looming 2027 forecasted budget deficit. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #058 | 02/02/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Jesse Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-Animals. | Hold. | | #073 | 02/17/2026 | Proposed order approving the taking by eminent domain property located at 171 Brimbal Avenue. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #074 | 02/17/2026 | Councilor Houseman-Motion to reconsider the vote taken at our February 2, 2026, meeting on Order #058. | Hold. | | #075 | 02/17/2026 | City Clerk-Renewal of a Secondhand Junk Dealers License for Beverly Coin, Jewelry, Recorders and Estate Appraisals, 38 Rantoul Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #076 | 02/17/2026 | City Clerk-A request for 2026 Flammable Storage Registration Renewals. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #077 | 02/17/2026 | City Clerk-A request for a Class II Dealers License for Grand Touring Sales LLP d/b/a GTS Cabot, 43 Cabot Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #080 | 02/17/2026 | Assistant Solicitor Dole-Proposed amendments to Chapter 117-Animals. (intent to withdraw portions of proposed ordinance amendment regarding prohibitions on nuisance cats) | Recommend the Council receive and place on file. |

Order #073-Assistant City Solicitor Dole noted that the proposed order is intended to improve traffic flow in the area. He stated that work is expected to begin in the summer and continue for approximately 12–18 months, and that a full road closure is not anticipated. He also acknowledged that the City has reached settlements with property owners in the area affected by the proposed work.

Order #080-Assistant City Solicitor Dole noted the intent to withdraw portions of Order #058 relating to Chapter 117-111, Disposal of impounded cats. Animal Control Officer Lipinski noted the intent on the proposed language is intended for feeding of wildlife, not songbirds or backyard birds. With the intent that wild animals should be left wild in regard to human impact and feeding and is intended nuisance, rodents and public health hazards that come from feeding wild animals.

Order #058-St. Hilaire made a motion to amend the to remove Chapter 117-11. A second was put on the motion. Rotondo called for a vote on the amendment, a vote was taken, and motion carried (3-0).

Houseman joined the meeting at 7:35 PM. Houseman commented on the amendment noting that the language is worth discussing in detail.

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 7:39 PM to 8:45 PM when Rotondo called the meeting back to order.

Rotondo called Committee of the Whole to order at 8:47 PM with Sonia and Spang in attendance.

Order #058-Rotondo noted that the Order as amended would be held for the next subcommittee meeting which will be held Monday, March 2,2026 at 6:30 PM.

A motion to recess the Committee of the Whole was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (5-0). Committee of the Whole recessed at 8:49 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 8:49 PM.

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Danielle M. Spang, Chair

John J. Mullady

Keith A. Sonia

[Clerk's stamp: CITY OF BEVERLY, RECEIVED AND RECORDED, CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, 2026 JUN -9 A 8:31]

Public Services / Committee of the Whole Meeting

Monday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 PM

191 Cabot Street, 3rd Floor

Beverly, MA 01915

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #040 | 1/20/2026 | Public Services Committee Priorities | Hold | | #078 | 2/17/2026 | A reappointment for David D Dines, 5 Pilgrim Heights, to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission. | A 2-0 | | #079 | 2/17/2026 | A waive of Residency for Richard Benevento, 56 Peaslee Circle, Middleton, MA to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission. | A 2-0 | | #079 | 2/17/2026 | A reappointment for Richard Benevento, 56 Peaslee Circle, Middleton, MA to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission. | A 2-0 | | #084 | 2/17/2026 | National Grid-Petition 31247668-to install underground electric conduits-Dodge Street. | Set P/H for 3/16 @7:30 PM |

Present-Spang and Sonia

Absent-Mullady

Chair Spang called the meeting to order at 7:26 PM.

Adjourned at 7:29PM.