City Council – Mar 2, 2026

City of Beverly

Regular City Council Meeting

Public Meeting Minutes

Monday March 2, 2026, 7:00 PM

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

Julie Flowers, City Council President, called the meeting to order at 7:01 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: City Solicitor Beth Oldmixon and members of the public.

Councilor Mullady led the pledge of allegiance.

Comments by Citizens:

Aayesha Siddiqui, 14 Windsor Road, addressed the Council, first by reading the Land Acknowledgement, encouraging the City Council to amend the rules and orders to incorporate reading it at the start of all meetings. She further addressed the Council to address concerns regarding the use of Flock cameras in Beverly, specifically relating to privacy and data security.

President Flowers noted that Councilors do not typically engage in dialogue during public comment but, in the spirit of Ms. Siddiqui's comments, provided an update that Ward 1 Councilor Rotondo and Ward 2 Councilor Spang, in their capacities as Chairs of the Legal Affairs and Public Services Committees, are working to organize a community meeting with the Police Department.

Communications from His Honor the Mayor:

Order #086-A grant for $1,300 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts MED-Project Drug Stewardship Program to be utilized for costs to manage Medication Collection receptacle at the Police Station. Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property.

Order #087-Request for approval of a 3-year Mechanic Garage Space Lease with 51 Park Street LLC. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #088-An FY2026 Inter Departmental Transfer request of $241,250 from the Reserve for union negotiations to fund retroactive costs back to July 1, 2024. (set public hearing) Referred to the Committee on Finance and Property to set a public hearing.

Communications, from other City Officers and Boards:

Order #089-City Clerk-An approval request to appoint Assistant City Clerk Sarah M. Kirker to Clerk of Committees. A motion to approve on the floor was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Order #090-City Clerk-A renewal application for a Pawnbrokers License for Nyan Group, Inc. d/b/a Cashpoint, 77 Bridge Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #091-City Clerk-A renewal application for a Second hand Dealers License for Nyan Group, Inc. d/b/a Cashpoint, 77 Bridge Street. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Order #092-City Clerk- 2026 Renewals for Flammable Registrations. Referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs.

Communications, Applications and Petitions:

Order #093-Notice of Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment Report. A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

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.

A motion to recess for subcommittee work was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). The meeting recessed from 7:10 PM until 7:30 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order for the posted public hearing.

Public Hearings:

7:30 PM-Order #065-National Grid Petition #31124344 to install underground facilities on Broadway.(Cont. from 2-17). President Flowers opened the hearing at 7:30 PM noting the National Grid has requested the public hear be postponed to gather more information for the Council.

Tiffany Collins, 35 Broadway, addressed the Council as an abutter to 32 Broadway. Ms. Collins noted that she only became aware of it through Councilor Spang on the day of the initial public hearing. She expressed frustration with the ongoing impacts associated with the project, including concerns related to street parking and the overall size of the project.

Ms. Collins noted that Broadway has experienced nearly continuous construction since approximately 2018, including the major roadway reconstruction project connecting Cabot Street to Rantoul Street, utility replacement work, and more recent National Grid transmission line improvements. While acknowledging the need to provide utility service to the property, she questioned whether alternatives to additional roadway excavation had been explored and expressed concern that future installation of other utility infrastructure, such as water, gas, sewer, telecommunications, and cable services, could result in further disruption to the road.

At 7:32 PM a motion to recess the public hearing until April 6, 2026 at 7:30 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. (Cont. from 2-2). President Flowers opened the hearing at 7:50 PM. Heidi Mahoney, Manager Government Affairs, spoke as representation for GONETSPEED.

Councilor Spang noted that the poles associated with the petition were included in Application No. 3 of the 47 applications submitted to the carriers and requested clarification regarding the status listed as "Engineering Review." Ms. Mahoney explained that the status is assigned by the pole owners and that status indicates that they are reviewing the results of their survey to determine what make-ready work, if any, is required before GONETSPEED can attach to the poles.

Houseman referenced the attachment listing the various streets and requested clarification on the status information, noting application dates ranging from April 2025 to February 2026. Ms. Mahoney explained that "Payment Received" indicates that, if there was a cost associated with the application, that the provider received the payment and that the application is moving to the next phase; "Work Order Being Written" means the pole owner is preparing work orders based on survey results to determine what modifications, relocations, or replacements may be necessary to accommodate GONETSPEED's attachments; "Sent to Phone Company" indicates that the power company has completed its review and forwarded their survey and the application to the telephone utility; "Preliminary Design" means make-ready requirements have been received and network design work is underway. Ms. Mahoney stated that she was uncertain of the meaning of the status "Assigned to MSA."

Spang noted that the proposed route crossed three sewer laterals and one water lateral and asked for clarification on the planned drilling to ensure those wouldn't be hit. Ms. Mahoney stated that the company would seek to minimize trenching due to its disruptive nature and would likely utilize directional drilling, working in coordination with the Department of Public Services and Dig Safe.

Rotondo asked whether GONETSPEED proceed with pole attachment, extension, or replacement if the Council did not approve the petition. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that GONETSPEED would proceed with the pole attachments either way.

City Solicitor Beth Oldmixon requested clarification regarding discrepancies between the application map and accompanying spreadsheet, noting that Ashton Street appeared within Application Beverly 003 on the map while the spreadsheet associated Beverly 003 with Amherst Road. Ms. Mahoney explained that the spreadsheet identifies only one representative street for each application and that each application may encompass multiple streets and hundreds of poles. Solicitor Oldmixon questioned whether Ashton Street and Amherst Road were in fact included within the same geographic area. Rotondo concurred, noting that the two streets are located in distinctly different parts of the city—one in the Bridge Street area and the other near Beverly Golf & Tennis Club—and asked whether the entire area between them was 003. Ms. Mahoney stated that she would need to review the application and provide clarification.

Solicitor Oldmixon further noted that areas 21, 17, and 47 appeared to cover portions of the East Lothrop Street and East Street area but reflected different statuses. Ms. Mahoney stated that she would need additional information regarding the meaning of "Assigned to MSA" but believed the differing statuses were the result of poles being removed from an earlier application and later resubmitted separately due to anticipated delays in make-ready work.

Houseman noted that the Council was currently considering three petitions for conduit drilling and asked whether these represented only a small portion of anticipated requests or the majority of the work needed citywide. Ms. Mahoney stated that the three petitions before the Council represented locations identified as high-cost or high-time pole replacement projects and estimated that approximately 10 to 15 in total. She noted that other pole replacement work would proceed through the standard attachment process and would not require Council action.

In response to a question regarding the overall buildout schedule, Ms. Mahoney explained that Massachusetts does not impose deadlines on pole owners for processing applications or completing make-ready work. Once approvals are obtained and work is ready to proceed, GONETSPEED typically requires only a few weeks to install fiber for a given work order.

No members of the public were in attendance to speak on the order.

At 8:20 a motion to recess the public hearing until April 21, 2026 at 7:40 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

8:10 PM-Order #050-GONETSPEED-A petition to install and maintain underground facilities-Friend Street. (Cont. from 2-2). President Flowers opened the hearing at 8:10 PM. Heidi Mahoney, Manager Government Affairs, spoke as representation for GONETSPEED.

Spang requested clarification regarding the application status shown on the map, noting that Friend Street appeared to be part of Pole Owner Application No. 2, which was marked as "Payment Received." She asked whether that status indicated that GONETSPEED had paid the required make-ready costs and was now awaiting the pole owners to complete the necessary work. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that this was correct.

Spang further noted that the proposed route crossed four sewer laterals and asked for confirmation that the work would be completed in the same manner as previously described and in coordination with the Engineering Department. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that it would.

Spang also noted the inclusion of handholes in the proposal and requested a description of their appearance. Ms. Mahoney explained that the handholes are typically small, approximately 12 by 12, and would be color-matched to blend with the surrounding landscape. She noted that they would be installed at the two ends of the route rather than at all three poles.

No members of the public were in attendance to speak on the order.

At 8:15 PM a motion to recess the public hearing until April 21, 2026 at 8:00 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

A motion for a fifteen-minute recess was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). The meeting recessed from 8:15 PM until 8:30 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order for the scheduled public hearing.

8:30 PM-Order #051-GONETSPEED-A petition to install and maintain underground facilities-East Street. (Cont. from 2-2). President Flowers opened the hearing at 8:30 PM. Heidi Mahoney, Manager Government Affairs, spoke as representation for GONETSPEED.

Kent Harrop, 187 East Lothrop Street, addressed the Council expressing concerns regarding ongoing construction activity on the street. He noted that over approximately the past two years the area has experienced repeated disruptions due to National Grid work and City waterline projects, and described impacts including construction noise, dust, and reduced parking, which he stated have affected his ability to fully enjoy his property.

Houseman noted that Mr. Harrop's comments reflected broader constituent concerns regarding the duration and impact of construction activity and requested that Ms. Mahoney respond. Ms. Mahoney stated that GONETSPEED's goal is to minimize disruption to residents and to prioritize aerial installation, and that the company is willing to coordinate closely with Councilors, the Department of Public Services, City staff, and neighborhood residents.

Houseman asked Ms. Mahoney to explain directional drilling. Ms. Mahoney explained that directional drilling involves using a machine that installs conduit and fiber together in one piece approximately 24 inches underground to the next pole, minimizing the need for open trenching, with restoration typically completed within a few days. She further described a related method used for driveway crossings involving a small pit (approximately 24 inches) and a missile that would take the conduit and fiber beneath driveways. In response to a question regarding the size and noise level of the equipment, Ms. Mahoney stated she would need to follow up with additional information.

Spang noted that Application 047 included three of seven poles associated with this work order and questioned why those poles had been re-applied for when they were also included in Application 021. Ms. Mahoney explained that the poles were initially included in Application 021 but were later separated into Application 047 after being identified as requiring pole replacement and were moved into a separate application to avoid delaying the remaining poles.

Spang questioned whether there was a way to know they were pulled, noting that the poles still appeared within Application 021. Ms. Mahoney stated she would need to consult with the Licensing team for clarification. Councilor Spang also asked about the status categories ranging from 2 to 9. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that 2 represents an earlier stage and 9 the latest stage, and explained that when a project reaches 9, payment received, subsequent steps include make ready work is done followed by license received.

Solicitor Oldmixon noted that the grant of location includes Poles 2644 through 2646 within Application 021 and asked what information was used to determine that these poles required bypass. Ms. Mahoney stated that this determination was based on required pole replacements. Solicitor Oldmixon further asked whether this supporting information had been provided to the Council. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that the make-ready details were not included, and that only the original application materials had been submitted.

Houseman asked whether soil testing had been conducted. Ms. Mahoney stated that soil testing would require permits and that the Department of Public Services indicated such permits would likely be included as part of the Council petitions for approval.

Houseman also inquired about the origin point of the network. Ms. Mahoney explained that it begins at an OOLT or Point of Presence (POP) site, where network nodes are connected. She stated that the Beverly location is an outdoor site off East Lothrop Street and that GONETSPEED would coordinate with the private property owner and obtain necessary permits for installation, including a backup generator. She noted that while a site has been identified, permitting has not yet been completed. She did not have additional details on the exact location or owner of the property at the time. She further stated that POP sites are typically located on private property such as churches or businesses rather than residential properties, and that Beverly is anticipated to have one such site, though some municipalities may require more.

Spang noted that the proposed route included six gas, three sewer and one storm drain lateral crossings. Ms. Mahoney confirmed that the same construction approach would be used as previously described, including working with Dig Safe to avoid impacts to existing utilities.

David Mahood, 191 Lothrop Street, addressed the Council seeking clarification regarding the process of leasing space on utility poles from owners such as National Grid or Verizon and whether this process is often contentious. Ms. Mahoney explained that pole owners are required to allow attachment to the poles but can determine specific attachment requirements through the make-ready review process. She noted that GONETSPEED maintains good working relationships with pole owners and operates in nine states-soon to be eleven states.

At 8:55 PM a motion to recess the public hearing until April 21, 2026 at 8:10 PM was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Reports of Committees:

Finance and Property:

Order #086-A grant for $1,300 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts MED-Project Drug Stewardship Program to be utilized for costs to manage Medication Collection receptacle at the Police Station. 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 (9-0).

Order #088-An FY2026 Inter Departmental Transfer request of $241,250 from the Reserve for union negotiations to fund retroactive costs back to July 1, 2024. A motion to set a public hearing for March 16, 2026, at 7:45 PM as recommended by the subcommittee was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0).

Legal Affairs:

Order #043-A proposal to create a temporary Special Committee to explore options for addressing the looming 2027 forecasted budget deficit. President Flowers put the question of acceptance of the proposal and adoption of the order as recommended by the subcommittee. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).

Order #087-Request for approval of a 3-year Mechanic Garage Space Lease with 51 Park Street LLC. 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 (9-0).

Order #090-City Clerk-A renewal application for a Pawnbrokers License for Nyan Group, Inc. d/b/a Cashpoint, 77 Bridge 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 (9-0).

Order #091-City Clerk-A renewal application for a Second hand Dealers License for Nyan Group, Inc. d/b/a Cashpoint, 77 Bridge 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 (9-0).

Order #092-City Clerk- 2026 Renewals for Flammable Registrations. 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 (9-0).

Public Services:

Order #068-Reappointment for Jan Pierce, 1 Neptune Court, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. 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 (9-0).

Order #069-Reappointment for John Curry, 9 Holding Street, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. 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 (9-0).

Order #070-Reappointment for Nicholas Parianos, 19 Puritan Road, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. 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 (9-0).

Order #071-Reappointment for Kevin M. Gannon, 15 Everett Street, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. 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 (9-0).

Order #072-Reappointment for Commissioner Michael P. Collins to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission 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 (9-0).

A motion for a twelve-minute recess was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). The meeting recessed from 7:38 PM until 7:50 PM when President Flowers called the meeting back to order for the scheduled public hearing.

Spang announced that she and Houseman would be hosting a National Grid Citizens Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, March 5, at 5:00 PM. The meeting will be held virtually.

Rotondo upcoming registration deadline of 4:00 p.m. on March 3 for Trivia in the Round, scheduled to take place on March 7 at the North Shore Music Theatre. He noted that the event is part of Beverly's 400th celebrations.

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and motion carried (9-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.

Recorded by: Sarah Kirker

Page 7

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

Finance and Property / Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 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 7:12 PM. Members present: Feldman, Flowers, Houseman Members absent: None Also present: None

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #086 | 03/02/2026 | A grant for $1,300 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts MED-Project Drug Stewardship Program to be utilized for costs to manage Medication Collection receptacle at the Police Station. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #088 | 03/02/2026 | An FY2026 Inter Departmental Transfer request of $241,250 from the Reserve for union negotiations to fund retroactive costs back to July 1, 2024. | Recommend the Council to set a public hearing for March 16, 2026, at 7:45 PM (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 7:14 PM.

Finance and Property Committee Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026, page 1 of 1

Page 8

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

Legal Affairs / Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 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 7:12 PM. Members present: Rotondo, St. Hilaire, Crowley Members absent: None Also present: None

| 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 | | #074 | 02/17/2026 | Councilor Houseman-Motion to reconsider the vote taken at our February 2, 2026, meeting on Order #058. | Hold | | #087 | 03/02/2026 | Request for approval of a 3-year Mechanic Garage Space Lease with 51 Park Street LLC. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #090 | 03/02/2026 | City Clerk-A renewal application for a Pawnbrokers License for Nyan Group, Inc. d/b/a Cashpoint, 77 Bridge Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #091 | 03/02/2026 | City Clerk-A renewal application for a Second hand Dealers License for Nyan Group, Inc. d/b/a Cashpoint, 77 Bridge Street. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). | | #092 | 03/02/2026 | City Clerk-2026 Renewals for Flammable Registrations. | Recommend the Council to approve (3-0). |

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 7:14 PM.

Legal Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026, page 1 of 1

Page 9

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

Public Services /Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting

Monday, March 2, 2026, 7:00 PM

Beverly City Hall, 3rd Floor, 191 Cabot Street

| Order Number | Date to Committee | Description | Action Taken | |---|---|---|---| | #040 | 1/20/2026 | Public Services Committee Priorities | Set a P/S Committee Meeting 3-16-26 at 6PM | | #068 | 2/17/2026 | Reappointment for Jan Pierce, 1 Neptune Court, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. | A 3-0 | | #069 | 2/17/2026 | Reappointment for John Curry, 9 Holding Street, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. | A 3-0 | | #070 | 2/17/2026 | Reappointment for Nicholas Parianos, 19 Puritan Road, to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. | A 3-0 | | #071 | 2/17/2026 | Reappointment for Kevin M. Gannon, 15 Everett Street to serve on the Veterans' Advisory Committee. | A 3-0 | | #072 | 2/17/2026 | Reappointment for Commissioner Michael P. Collins to serve on the Parking and Traffic Commission | A 3-0 |

Chair Spang called the meeting to order at 7:12 PM. All Committee members were present.

A discussion to set a Public Services Committee Meeting on March 16th at 6PM in Conference Room A for Order #040. All agreed they are available.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:15 PM.