Essex public meetings in 2022
43 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Board
The Board approved a deck extension at 22 Lufkin Point Lane and signed subdivision drawings for 35 Conomo Point Road. Other items, including a site plan for 73 Eastern Avenue and a building at 12 Robbins Island Road, were not voted upon.
- Approved deck extension at 22 Lufkin Point Lane (unanimous)
- Approved subdivision of 35 Conomo Point Road into two lots
- Approved December 7, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
Board of Appeals
The Board unanimously accepted the minutes from the October 20, 2022 meeting. The Board then entered executive session to discuss pending litigation regarding Gordon L. Thompson, Jr. vs Town of Essex Zoning Board of Appeals, et al.
- Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Entered executive session to discuss Gordon L. Thompson, Jr. vs Town of Essex Zoning Board of Appeals, et al. (unanimous roll call)
Safety Committee
The committee reviewed departmental updates regarding staff training and equipment. The Town Administrator reported a $5,000 MIIA grant to retrofit Senior Center elevators for regulatory compliance.
- Approved minutes from September 29, 2022 (unanimous)
Board of Health
The Board of Health will hold a public hearing regarding a tobacco violation at Chebacco Market. The board will also consider a kitchen variance request from the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, approve bills totaling $9,524.63, and discuss collaboration with One Stop Harm Reduction. Additionally, the board will review Title 5 inspection reports, septic system plans, well water reports, and numerous permit renewals for food establishments, tobacco sales, and other regulated activities.
- Public hearing for Chebacco Market tobacco violation (MGL Ch. 270, sec. 6)
- Bills Payable #704 ($83.50) and #705 ($9,441.13)
- Title 5 inspection report for 9 Hill Road
- Septic system plan reviews for 85 Wood Drive and 12 Robbins Island Road
- Kitchen variance request from Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum
The Board of Health issued a $1,000 fine and a three-day permit suspension to Chebacco Liquor Mart for selling tobacco to a minor. The Board also approved numerous annual permits, two septic system plans, and hired a new Administrative Clerk.
- Fined Chebacco Liquor Mart $1,000 and suspended tobacco permit Dec 26-28, 2022 (All in Favor)
- Hired Jeffery Thomas for the Administrative Clerk position (All in Favor)
- Approved septic system design plan for 85 Wood Drive (All in Favor)
- Approved septic tank replacement plan for 12 Robbins Island Road (All in Favor)
- Approved annual permit renewals for various food, tobacco, and septage businesses (All in Favor)
- Granted 3-compartment sink variance to Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum (2-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved retroactive bills payable #704 ($83.50) and #705 ($9,441.13) (All in Favor)
- Approved 6-month re-inspection for 9 Hill Road septic system (All in Favor)
Board of Selectmen
The Board adopted the updated Town Strategic Plan and approved several infrastructure contracts, including stone pier renovations and transfer station repairs. They also set annual tax exemptions and approved numerous business license renewals.
- Adopted 2023-2038 Strategic Plan after striking Section D(b) from Goal 6 (Unanimous)
- Approved $50,375 contract with GZA Geoenvironmental for stone pier renovation (Unanimous)
- Approved Patriot Fence Crafters and Shumsky Overhead Door for transfer station work (Unanimous)
- Set Residential Factor at 1.0 and declined Open Space, Residential, and Small Commercial exemptions (Unanimous)
- Approved $233,714.31 weekly warrant (Unanimous)
- Approved scope of services for Civic Space Collaborative for downtown planning and off-season event grants (Unanimous)
- Scheduled Annual Town Meeting for May 1, 2023 (Unanimous)
- Approved multiple alcoholic beverage, antique, and common victualler license renewals (Unanimous)
Economic Development Committee
The committee chose traditional style poles with glass sided fixtures for the causeway lighting project. Members also formed working groups for a $25K placemaking grant and a $51K off-season event grant. The committee discussed the development of a 'Guide to Doing Business' pamphlet and webpage.
- Approved minutes from 10/13/22 meeting
- Selected traditional style poles with glass sided fixtures for causeway lighting
- Eliminated gooseneck style lighting for causeway project
- Formed Event working group (Donna, Georgeanne, Jodi)
- Formed Placemaking working group (Shelly, Donna, Jodi, Ryan)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet jointly with the Planning Board to nominate and vote on successors for two resigned members, Skip Crocker and Kim Drake. They will also hear a presentation on using an Urban Agenda Grant for an off-season event and consider authorizing a contract with Civic Space Collaborative. Other business includes approving warrants, ratifying a $5,500 State Cultural Council Grant, and considering Fire Department equipment orders. The meeting will also handle multiple annual license renewals for restaurants, package stores, and other businesses.
- Joint meeting with Planning Board to appoint successors to resigned members Skip Crocker and Kim Drake
- Discussion of off-season event funded by Urban Agenda Grant; possible vote to contract with Civic Space Collaborative
- Town Administrator's report on Transfer Station improvements, 30 Apple Street property purchase, and sale of vacant lots in Gregory Island
- Ratification of $5,500 State Cultural Council Grant contract
- Consideration of Fire Department vehicle radios and air packs orders
The Board of Selectmen and Planning Board appointed Peter Levasseur and Jud Lane to vacant Planning Board seats. The Board also approved several business license renewals and authorized purchases for Fire Department radios and air packs.
- Appointed Peter Levasseur and Jud Lane to the Planning Board (Unanimous)
- Approved weekly warrant for $100,977.57 (Unanimous)
- Approved Fire Department vehicle radios ($29,410) and air packs ($218,199.45) (Unanimous)
- Ratified Chairman's signature on $5,500 State Cultural Council Grant contract (Unanimous)
- Approved 2023 license renewals for various alcoholic beverage, antique, and entertainment vendors (Unanimous)
- Approved minutes for November 14, 2022 meeting (Unanimous)
- Exempted specific contracts for Jim McNeilly and Ernie Nieberle from Section 20 of Chapter 268A (Unanimous)
Board of Public Works
The Board approved the minutes for September 26, October 3, and November 1. Members discussed upcoming budget requests, including a potential backhoe purchase, and staffing options for the transfer station.
- Approved minutes for September 26, October 3, and November 1 (unanimous)
Board of Health
The Board of Health will consider a septic installation extension for 26 John Wise Lane, review multiple food establishment and tobacco permits, and discuss a kitchen variance for the Essex Historical Society. The board will also evaluate and decide whether to retain or release the administrative clerk.
- Septic extension request for Rob Hines and Bob Griffin at 26 John Wise Lane
- Bills Payable #701 ($1,163.34), #702, and #703 totaling $4,044.38
- Kitchen variance request from Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum
- Private well variance request for 23 Choate Street
- Evaluation of administrative clerk's probationary period with possible retention/release decision
The Board of Health approved a septic plan for 0 Horsestable and Emerson Lane and granted a compliance extension for 26 John Wise Lane. The Board also issued a wide range of permits for food establishments, septage haulers, and stable animals. Additionally, the Administrative Clerk resigned during the meeting.
- Approved one-year septic compliance extension for 26 John Wise Lane to Oct 23, 2023 (All in Favor)
- Approved septic plan for 0 Horsestable and Emerson Lane (All in Favor)
- Approved bills payable #701 ($1,163.34), #702 ($1,000.91), and #703 ($1,880.13) (All in Favor)
- Rejected Title 5 inspection report for 2 Gregory Island Lane due to missing well location and fee (All in Favor)
- Approved multiple permits for food establishments, disposal installers, septage haulers, and stable animals (All in Favor)
- Approved MERSD Chartwells Share Table Program (All in Favor)
- Approved October 18, 2022 minutes (All in Favor)
- Tabled September 8, 2022 minutes and septic plan for 85 Wood Drive
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet on November 14, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Teachers' Lounge of Essex Elementary School. Agenda items include a postponed joint meeting with the Planning Board to appoint a successor to resigned member Skip Crocker, a presentation from the Finance Committee on Fall Town Meeting motions, and consideration of several license renewals and appointments. The meeting will also include a report from the Town Administrator and a vote on a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Gloucester Health Department.
- Postponed joint meeting with Planning Board to appoint a successor to Skip Crocker, who resigned effective December 8, 2022
- Finance Committee to review Fall Town Meeting motions
- License renewals: antiques (6), Class II auto dealers (5), common victualler (1), innholder (1), and marijuana retailer/cultivator (1)
- Vote to exempt certain contracts from conflict-of-interest law for vendors including McNeilly EMS ($85) and Pereen Plumbing ($226.50 and $613.12)
- Appointment of Patrick Rose as Probationary Firefighter, contingent on drug and medical testing
The Board of Selectmen authorized several grant applications and contracts, including funding for the Apple Street project and zoning bylaw revisions. They also approved a weekly warrant, various business license renewals, and two appointments to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust.
- Authorized grant application for Apple Street Roadbed Elevation and Culvert Replacement Project (Unanimous)
- Ratified grant contract for zoning bylaw revisions with MAPC (Unanimous)
- Authorized amended contract for Alewife Brook groundwater monitoring (Unanimous)
- Approved weekly warrant for $115,527.46 (Unanimous)
- Approved road closure of 88 Eastern Avenue from Dec 25, 2022 to March 3, 2023 (Unanimous)
- Appointed Michael Flynn and Cliff Ageloff to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (Unanimous)
- Appointed Patrick Rose as Probationary Firefighter (Unanimous)
- Approved 13 antique, auto, food, and marijuana license renewals (Unanimous)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen is holding a virtual public forum to present and discuss the proposed Apple Street Roadbed Elevation and Culvert Replacement Project. Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki and consulting engineers from TEC will present details, followed by public comment and questions.
- Public forum on Apple Street Roadbed Elevation and Culvert Replacement Project
- Presentation by Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki
- Presentation by TEC consulting engineering firm
- Interactive public comment and question period
Board of Public Works
The board approved the September 12 meeting minutes and agreed to implement online payments for February transfer station stickers. Members discussed upcoming town meeting articles regarding transfer station pricing, budget increases, and equipment funding.
- Approved September 12 meeting minutes
- Agreed to implement online payments for February sticker sales
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on an alleged alcohol license violation at Great Marsh Brewery, then consider a private buyer's proposal to grant the town access rights at 30 Apple Street in exchange for waiving the town's right of first refusal. The board will also discuss a potential lawsuit from residents over the Apple Street Roadbed Elevation and Culvert Replacement Project, and vote on articles for the November 14 Fall Town Meeting.
- Public hearing on alcohol license violation at Great Marsh Brewery, 99 Main Street
- Proposal from private buyer of 30 Apple Street to trade access rights for waiver of town's right of first refusal
- Discussion of lawsuit threat from residents over Apple Street Roadbed Elevation and Culvert Replacement Project
- Votes to open, add articles to, close, approve, and sign the warrant for Fall Town Meeting on November 14
- Consideration of updating personnel rules under the Massachusetts CROWN Act to include 'traits historically associated with race'
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to support a citizen petition to place an article on the Fall Town Meeting warrant for the outright purchase of 30 Apple Street. They also voted to recommend transfer station sticker fees of $250 (non-senior) and $125 (senior) for a five-month period, and authorized the chairman to sign a $25,000 Massachusetts Downtown Initiative grant. No action was taken on a speed limit reduction on Southern Avenue or on an alleged alcohol license violation at Great Marsh Brewery.
- Supported citizen petition to purchase 30 Apple Street (unanimous)
- Recommended $250/$125 transfer station sticker fees for Fall Town Meeting (unanimous)
- Authorized chairman to sign $25,000 downtown grant (unanimous)
- Took no action on Southern Avenue speed limit reduction
- Took no action on Great Marsh Brewery alcohol license violation (unanimous)
- Approved weekly warrant of $224,114.93 (unanimous)
- Approved exemption for contracts with Nieberle and Pereen Plumbing (2-0-1)
- Approved letter responding to residents' demands on Apple Street project (unanimous)
Board of Health
The Board of Health will discuss updating its fee schedule and consider several permits, including a retroactive food establishment permit for Great Marsh Brewing Company and multiple temporary food event permits for the upcoming Clam Fest. The board will also review Title 5 inspection reports for three properties and approve bills payable totaling $6,076.72.
- Bills Payable #699, $5,511.62 and #700, $565.10
- Title 5 inspection reports for 8 Town Farm Road, 35 Rocky Hill Road, and 28 Lake Shore Drive
- Retroactive food establishment permit for Great Marsh Brewing Company
- Temporary food event permits for Clam Fest on October 22, 2022
- Discussion of updating the fee schedule
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will discuss the Apple Street project and a potential short-term extension of the solid waste contract with Covanta. The board will also consider a wage increase for the Building Inspector Clerk and a lease transfer for 130 Conomo Point Road.
- Discussion on right of first refusal to purchase B.J. Frye property at 30 Apple Street
- Possible short term extension of solid waste contract with Covanta
- Vote to approve 2023 retiree healthcare renewal rates
- Proposed wage increase for Building Inspector Clerk from $22.07 to $24.57 per hour
- Request to transfer seasonal lease for 130 Conomo Point Road to 130 Conomo Point LLC
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will discuss the Apple Street project and a potential short-term extension of the Covanta solid waste contract. The board will also consider a wage increase for the Building Inspector Clerk and a lease transfer for 130 Conomo Point Road.
- Discussion of possible short term extension of solid waste contract with Covanta
- Vote to approve retiree healthcare renewal rates for calendar year 2023
- Proposed wage increase for Building Inspector Clerk from $22.07 to $24.57 per hour
- Request to transfer seasonal lease for 130 Conomo Point Road to 130 Conomo Point LLC
- Discussion of Apple Street project and related correspondence from Sarah Cushing
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will review a Town Administrator's report covering various municipal updates and the draft Fall Town Meeting Warrant. The meeting includes discussions on affordable housing trust processes, seasonal lease signatures for Conomo Point, and several licensing requests.
- Ratification of a $50,000 legislative earmark for decorative street lighting in downtown Essex
- Acceptance of a $300.00 donation to the Police Department Gift Account
- Review of seasonal 1-year leases for various lots at Conomo Point and Robbins Island
- One-day wine, malt, and entertainment licenses for Ales Over ALS and Riversbend at Essex Marina
- Approval of vendor payments including $199.00 to McNeilly EMS and $362.50 to Pereen Plumbing
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to appoint a successor to the Planning Board and continue a public hearing regarding Dynamic Auto Brokers. The Town Administrator will provide updates on the Route 133 Essex River Bridge replacement and solid waste contract negotiations.
- Public hearing continuation for Dynamic Auto Brokers at 147 Eastern Avenue
- Vote to appoint a successor to Westley Burnham on the Planning Board
- Vote to accept a $1,000.00 donation to the Police Department Gift Account
- Review of MBTA Community Multi-Family Housing Rules
- Request to place a memorial bench for Janet Davis at Conomo Point
Board of Health
The Board of Health will meet to review bills payable and various food establishment permits. The agenda includes appointments regarding Great Marsh Brewing Co. and the Regional Health Nurse.
- Bills Payable #698 for $34,861.66
- Title 5 Inspection Reports for 90 & 92 Southern Ave
- Retroactive approval for Great Marsh Brew Company Food Establishment Permit #36
- Mobile and temporary food permits for Rusty Can, Nana’s Fried Dough, Happy as a Clam 5K, JMO Creations LLC, Googan’s Galley, and A&B Burgers
- Disposal Works Installer permits for Peter Macaro
Board of Health
The Board of Health will review minutes from July 14 and July 28, 2022. The agenda includes septic plan reviews, Title 5 inspection reports, and the approval of bills payable.
- Bills Payable #697: $1,232.38
- Title 5 Inspection Report: 48 Story Street
- Septic Plan Review: 31 Apple Street
- Septic Plan Review: 42 Wood Drive
- Permit review: 5 Cogswell Road and 234 John Wise Avenue
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will review the Town Administrator's report covering site restoration, waste pricing, and fall town meeting topics. The agenda also includes discussions on department operations, memorial placements, and filling vacancies on local boards.
- 24 Martin Street Site Restoration update and final change order request
- Analysis of draft pricing for solid waste/recycling disposal services
- Alewife Brook Stream Study final report
- Ratification of insurance renewal applications and coverage schedules
- Consideration of candidates for Board of Public Works and Essex Housing Authority vacancies
Board of Health
The Board of Health will review minutes, bills payable, and various inspection reports. The agenda includes permit applications for a mobile food truck and retail food establishment.
- Septic Plan Review: 31 Apple Street
- Well Water Report: 117 Rear Eastern Avenue
- Food Establishment Permit Application: Sacred Cod Food Truck
- Tobacco Retailer’s License and Food Establishment Permit: Schooner’s Market, 121 Eastern Ave
- Town meeting request to amend public health nursing revolving fund
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will review reports on town infrastructure and waste disposal costs. They are deciding on several event permits, election worker appointments, and potential vehicle restrictions at Conomo Point Road and Front Beach.
- Proposed prohibition of boat trailer parking on Conomo Point Road and all vehicular access to Front Beach from June 1 to October 1
- Review of ABCC report regarding an alleged license violation by Schooners Market
- Vote on the 2022 State Primary Election warrant
- Request for Neurofibromatosis Northeast to use roads for a bike ride on September 10, 2022
- Award of Design/Permitting Grant for Apple Street Roadbed Elevation/Culvert Replacement Project
Board of Health
The Board of Health will review Title 5 inspection reports and several septic plan reviews. The agenda also includes approving bills payable and specific service permits.
- Bills Payable #694 ($1887.00) and #695 ($31.00)
- Title 5 Inspection Report: 57 Eastern Avenue
- Septic Plan Reviews: 210 Southern Avenue, 66 John Wise Avenue, and 31 Apple Street
- Septage Hauler Permit #11: Dustin’s Septic Tank Service
- Stable/Keeping of Animals Permit #13: 73 Martin Street
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will conduct public hearings regarding personnel rules and Dynamic Auto Brokers. The meeting includes discussions on the Apple Street project, water plant energy grants, and several municipal appointments.
- Public Hearing: potential changes to personnel rules and regulations
- Public Hearing: Dynamic Auto Brokers at 147 Eastern Avenue
- Transfer of $4,000.00 from Fire Department Radio Pagers to Fire Fighters Salaries
- Acceptance of a $5,000.00 donation to the Police Department for overdose aftercare
- Application for the 2022 Gap III Energy Grant for water plant and sewer pump stations
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing regarding the transfer of an All Alcohol Beverages Restaurant License at 99 Main Street. The board will also consider an appointment to the Board of Public Works.
- Public hearing on license transfer from Great Marsh Restaurant LLC to Great Marsh Brewing Company at 99 Main Street
- Appointment of either Nick Ellis or John Filias to a 3-year term on the Board of Public Works
- Senior Commercial Shellfish Permit for Christine Leveille
- Vote to approve the weekly warrant
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will conduct public hearings regarding several shellfish digging allegations. The meeting also includes discussions on commercial truck traffic, municipal contracts, and various town appointments.
- Public hearing: Merqes Kuca regarding shellfish digging limits
- Public hearing: Labe Kuca regarding shellfish licensing
- Public hearing: Denis Kuca regarding shellfish licensing
- MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant contract for $160,743.00
- Contract with Patriot Properties, Inc. for $18,500.00
Board of Health
The Board of Health will review septic plans, issue food and installer permits, and discuss a strategic plan. The meeting includes a discussion regarding the condemnation of 23 Story Street, Bldg 5, Apt 4.
- Condemnation discussion for 23 Story Street, Bldg 5, Apt 4
- 2022-2027 Strategic Plan draft discussion
- Bills Payable #692 ($1,326.34) and #693 ($212.94)
- Septic plan review for 31 Gregory Island Road
- Food permits for Cape Ann Sea Salt Company, Ribs Within RBB LLC, and Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing regarding the transfer of an alcohol license and management change for the Great Marsh Restaurant. The board will also vote on several police department contracts and budget transfers. Additionally, the meeting includes a large volume of town board and commission appointments.
- Public hearing for alcohol license transfer from Great Marsh Restaurant LLC to Great Marsh Brewing Company at 99 Main Street
- Contract for $43,848.87 for police speed equipment via Shared Streets and Spaces Grant
- Budget transfer of $12,000.00 from Police In-service Training Expenses to Salaries
- Vote to approve Release of Installment Sale Agreement for 5 Cogswell Road
- Discussion on extending health insurance program eligibility to elected officials
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold public hearings for two one-day entertainment license requests. The board will also consider authorizing the Chairman to sign two grant applications.
- Entertainment license request for Riversbend at Essex Marina at 35 Dodge Street for September 3, 2022
- Entertainment license request for Essex County Greenbelt Association, Inc. at 82 Eastern Avenue for June 10, 2022
- Authorization to sign Downtown Placemaking Plan Grant application
- Authorization to sign Off-Season Event Series Grant application
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will conduct public hearings regarding a premises alteration for Woodman’s Lobster Pool and a wine and malt package store license. The meeting includes updates on the Route 133 Bridge and Conomo Point Seawall projects, as well as discussions on various town insurance and personnel matters.
- Public hearing: Alteration of Premises request by Woodman’s Lobster Pool
- Public hearing: Wine and Malt Package Store License for Googans Galley, LLC at 1 Martin Street
- Sign paperwork to receive $30,000 ARPA spending bill earmark for coastal resilience projects
- Ratify line item transfer from Blanket Insurance to Town Property for Town Hall HVAC repairs
- Deed transfer of 5 Cogswell Road at Conomo Point from the Town to Zach Zachary Appeltofft
Board of Health
The Board of Health will review several Title 5 inspection reports and septic plan reviews. The agenda includes permit approvals for food events and camp activities, a variance request for Googans Galley, and a vote on tobacco regulations.
- Septic plan review: 42 Apple Street
- Septic plan review: 17 Water Street
- Septic plan review: Lot 6B Low Land Farm Road
- Temporary Food Event Permits for ECGA’s Art in the Barn
- Camp Permit #4 for YMCA Camp Dory at Centennial Grove Park
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will review several updates from the Town Administrator regarding infrastructure projects and school budget collaboration. The meeting includes discussions on Great Marsh Brewery occupancy limits and potential changes to alcohol license application processes.
- $5,000 contract with Massachusetts Cultural Council for Essex Cultural Council
- $570 line item transfer from Blanket Insurance to Plumbing – Misc Expenses
- Review of Great Marsh Brewery occupancy limitations
- Proposed alcohol regulation changes regarding Chief of Police CORI checks
- One-Day Wine & Malt License for Craft Food Halls at 103 Main Street
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold public hearings regarding alcohol service violations and a license transfer for 99 Main Street. The board will also discuss whether to opt out of state emergency mosquito spraying and review a new employment contract for the Chief of Police.
- Public hearing on alcohol service violations and license transfer for 99 Main Street
- Discussion on opting out of Commonwealth emergency mosquito spraying
- Vote on successor employment contract for the Chief of Police
- Vote on 3% merit pay for the Town Administrator for fiscal year 2023
- Exemption votes for contracts including McNeilly EMS ($1,500.00 and $28.00) and Nieberle’s ($1,044.27)
Board of Health
The Board of Health will review various permits for food service, stable animals, and disposal works. The agenda includes retroactive approval of several bills payable and a discussion regarding an alternative mosquito management plan.
- Retroactive approval of Bills Payable #687 ($752.60), #688 ($1,967.39), and #689 ($300.00)
- Title 5 Inspection Reports for properties on County Road and Hardys Lane
- Septic Plan Review for 37 Choate Street
- Well Permit Review for 26 John Wise Lane
- Discussion and vote on alternative mosquito management plan
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will review various town reports including updates on the Essex River Bridge and Conomo Point Seawall projects. The meeting includes discussions on shellfish regulations, solid waste disposal, and potential alcohol service violations at Great Marsh Brewery.
- Public hearing continuation for Woodman’s Lobster Pool alteration of premises
- Approval of weekly warrant and specific payments to Nieberle’s ($238.00 and $1,668.66)
- Appointment of Gary Landry as Probationary Firefighter
- Review of shellfish regulations regarding non-resident recreational permits
- Discussion on extended outdoor dining with alcohol service
Board of Selectmen
The Board will review the broader financial status of the Town of Essex. Discussion includes six-year trends in school enrollment, staffing, and special education costs to inform long-term budget expectations.
- Review of 6-year enrollment and FTE trends
- Comparison of In-District vs. Out-of-District SPED costs
- Analysis of town reserves and E&D balances
- Review of year-to-date financial results as of 12/31/21
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will consider several items including the schedule for the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2022. The meeting includes discussions on FY2023 Enterprise Fund Budget proposals and various administrative appointments.
- Public hearing for Woodman’s Lobster Pool alteration of premises
- Vote to hold the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2022, at Essex Elementary School
- Ratification of $1,570.00 transfer from Blanket Insurance to Plumbing Inspector Misc. Expenses
- Ratification of $1,200.00 transfer from Selectmen’s Temp Clerical to Board of Appeals Clerk
- Approval of FY2023 Enterprise Fund Budget proposals
Board of Health
The Board of Health will review various permits, septic plans, and well applications. The agenda also includes retroactive approval of bills and a COVID update.
- Retroactive Approval: Bills Payable #687 ($752.60) and #688 ($1,967.39)
- 2nd deep well application for Jesse Blanchette & Bob Griffin at 26 John Wise Lane
- Title 5 Inspection Report for 18R County Road
- Septic Plan Review for 37 Choate Street
- Well Permit Review for 26 John Wise Lane (Hines)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will attend a virtual public forum hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council regarding a review of the Town of Essex Zoning Bylaws. The agenda also includes items that could not have been anticipated prior to the posting deadline.
- Attendance at Metropolitan Area Planning Council virtual public forum on zoning bylaws review
Board of Health
The Board of Health is meeting to review septic and well permits and approve bills payable. The body will also discuss a COVID update, a DPH Grant, and a Mosquito Management Plan.
- Bills Payable #686 ($586.79) and #687 ($912.60)
- Septic Plan Review for 37 Choate Street
- Septage Hauler Permit for J. Michael Roy at 46 Main Street
- Keeping of Stable Animals Permit for Carina Marshall at 19 County Road
- Retail Food and Frozen Dessert permits for DownRiver Ice Cream at 241 John Wise Avenue
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will review the draft FY2023 Essex Operating Budget and Capital Budget update. The meeting includes discussions on parking regulations and collective bargaining with the Essex Police Benevolent Association. The Board will also consider various license renewals and permit requests.
- Review of draft FY2023 Essex Operating Budget and Capital Budget update
- Vote to authorize the removal of two trees by National Grid from 17 Pickering Street
- Vote to approve MIIA FY2023 rate proposal for Health and Dental insurance
- Consideration of a request to modify a deed restriction at 6 Robbins Island Road
- Review of draft parking sticker regulations
Board of Health
The Board of Health will meet to discuss and potentially vote on lifting the face covering mandate for public places. The board will also review permit requests and a variance request for a Senior Center program.
- Discussion and possible vote on lifting the face covering mandate in public places
- Variance request for Dawn Burnham, “Cooking for 1 or 2”, Senior Center Program
- Bills Payable #686 for $1,547.32
- Food Establishment Permit #29 for Essex Council on Aging at 17 Pickering St.
- Disposal Works Installer’s Permit #19 for Ryan Spears