Essex public meetings in 2025

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will discuss and vote on the proposed budget that the Budget Committee recommended. If the board approves it, the budget will be entered into the ClearGov budgeting application and must be submitted by the January 10, 2026 deadline.

• Vote on the ECOA proposed budget recommended by the Budget Committee

The board examined the FY27 budget line‑item breakdown and a wage comparison spreadsheet, noting no comments or corrections. Staff wage increase needs and job description updates were identified for future action. Pending items include updating job descriptions and preparing a budget submission packet for the Finance Committee.

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will consider the FY2027 budget approval and review the Septic System Plan for 86 Apple Street. It will also discuss a range of permits, including catering, disposal works, food service, and waste hauler permits. Additional items include bills payable and an Emergency Dispensing Site Plan command staff call-down.

• FY2027 Board of Health Budget Approval
• Septic System Plan Review – 86 Apple Street, Carbone, Map 141, Lot 18
• Bills Payable: #772 – $111.96; #773 – $880.00 (retroactive)
• Permits: catering (Burnham’s Catering, Inc.), disposal works (multiple contractors), food service establishments (Essex Elementary School, Essex Seafood, etc.)
• Emergency Dispensing Site Plan Command Staff Call-Down

The Board of Health approved the proposed FY2027 budget. It also approved all permits listed in the agenda, including catering, food service, and waste hauler permits. Bills Payable #772 for $111.96 and retroactively #773 for $880.00 were approved. The board approved a letter confirming the septic system plan for 86 Apple Street.

• Approved FY2027 Board of Health budget (All in Favor)
• Approved all listed permits (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #772 ($111.96) and retroactively #773 ($880.00) (All in Favor)
• Approved septic system plan letter for 86 Apple Street (All in Favor)
• Approved minutes from 11-20-25 (All in Favor)
• Approved motion to start the meeting (All in Favor)
• Adjourned the meeting (All in Favor)

Safety Committee

The Safety Committee will review and approve the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It will consider whether a member will agree to take meeting minutes. The committee will discuss the status of the MIIA Loss Control Grant for new railings at the town pier. Additional items include reviewing goals for FY26, building inspection forms, and OSHA compliance coordination.

• Review and approve minutes of September 18, 2025
• Consider whether a member will agree to take meeting minutes
• Discuss status of MIIA Loss Control Grant – new railings at Town pier
• Review Safety Committee Goals and Objectives for FY26 (MIIA Rewards)
• Review of Building Inspection Forms

Planning Board

The Essex Planning Board will conduct a site plan review for 86 Apple Street and consider related building siting requests for 86 and 24 Apple Street. The board will also introduce application materials for 31 Apple Street and continue review of the Housing Production Plan, whose comment period ends December 19. Additional agenda items include an update on the Essex Park Road OSRD definitive plan, a review of completed bylaw updates, and a resident inquiry on mixed‑use regulations.

• 86 Apple Street – Site Plan Review
• 86 Apple Street – Request for Board approval of siting of a new building (pending site plan review)
• 24 Apple Street – Request for Board approval of siting of a new building
• 31 Apple Street – Introduction to application materials for Site Plan Review
• Housing Production Plan – Continued review (comment period ends Dec 19)

The board unanimously approved the siting and site‑plan review for 86 Apple Street. A motion to approve the siting of a new building at 24 Apple Street was passed by majority vote, conditional on the applicant submitting revised setback plans. Minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously, and the board adjourned unanimously.

• Approved siting of new building at 86 Apple Street (unanimous)
• Approved Site Plan Review for 86 Apple Street (unanimous)
• Approved siting of new building at 24 Apple Street on condition of revised plans (majority: LO, AB, BW, SB, PL, MG; SE abstained)
• Approved minutes for December 3, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will review and approve the minutes from the Oct. 21, 2025 meeting. It will hear a summary of the EERPHC Work Plan submitted to DPH on Dec. 1 and consider updates to that plan. The board will discuss a collective approach for using the town's share of Opioid Settlement funds as a four‑town unit. Additional items include staff travel expense procedures and the recruitment of a new SSC with two advisory members selected to interview candidates.

• Approve minutes of the October 21, 2025 Board meeting
• Review Kerra Washington’s summary of the EERPHC Work Plan submitted to DPH on Dec. 1
• Plan for collective use of Opioid Settlement funds as a 4‑town unit
• Develop procedure for paying SS staff travel expenses outside Hamilton’s protocol
• Update on recruiting the new SSC and nominating two advisory board members to interview final candidates

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority will meet to review and approve the FY26 budget and the FY26 management fee for Gloucester Housing. The board will also consider several contracts and financial write-offs.

• Review and approval of FY26 Budget
• Review and approval of FY26 Management Fee for Gloucester Housing
• Review and approval of FY25 Account Write-offs
• Review and approval of new contract with fee accountant
• Review and approval of RCAT Scope of Services for entry concrete and railing replacement

Housing Authority

The Board approved the FY 2026 budget and a new contract for accounting services. Members authorized spending for concrete and railing replacements at five buildings and approved a management fee increase. The board also accepted a state-aided property insurance renewal.

• Approved FY 2026 budget with reserves projected at 48.07%
• Approved $70,000 RCAT scope of services for concrete and railing replacement at 5 buildings
• Approved management fee increase to $37,528 paid to Gloucester Housing Authority
• Approved new contract with Milne, Shaw & Robillard, P.C. increasing monthly fee to $605
• Authorized $3,920 in write-offs for uncollected legal fees from an eviction

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will vote on the date and warrant for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting. They will discuss design preferences for renovating Memorial Park tennis courts and hear introductions of three police chief candidates. The agenda also includes numerous licensing renewals and an executive session on collective bargaining with AFSCME.

• Vote to hold the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Essex Elementary School
• Discuss preferences for the final design to renovate Memorial Park tennis courts
• Police Chief Tom Shamshak to introduce three candidates: Corey Salvo, Kevin Colannino, Shane Ehlers
• Approve the weekly warrant (amount not specified)
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining concerning the contract with AFSCME

The Board approved a weekly warrant for $998,995.88 and appointed three police officer candidates pending screening. They also set the Annual Town Meeting for May 4, 2026, approved a leasehold addition for 134 Conomo Point Road, and accepted Kurt Wilhelm as the town historian. Additional approvals included a radio system for the new fire tanker and numerous license renewals.

• Approved weekly warrant $998,995.88 (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of police candidates Corey Salvo, Kevin Colannino, Shane Ehlers (unanimous, contingent on screening)
• Approved Annual Town Meeting for May 4, 2026 at Essex Elementary School (unanimous)
• Approved leasehold addition for Claire Marie Healy at 134 Conomo Point Road (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Kurt Wilhelm as Town Historian (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Pamela Liaperdos to Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Approved order for radio system for new Fire Department Tanker Truck (unanimous)
• Approved multiple alcoholic beverage, amusement, wine & malt, antiques, Class II, and common victualler license renewals (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board will review updates on several ongoing projects, including the tennis court, superintendent position, Centennial Grove RAP, Essex Park Road, and the well project. It will then consider the FY27 budget process and discuss possible state funding for a bridge. These items are presented for discussion and decision as appropriate.

• Tennis court project update
• Superintendent job update
• Centennial Grove RAP update
• FY27 budget process
• Bridge funding from the state

The board received updates on the tennis court scope, the Essex Park Road OSRD plans, RAP at Centennial Grove, the well project, and a proposed water/sewer rate study. No actions were approved, denied, or voted on during this meeting.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to attend and participate in the School District Tentative Budget Hearing.

• School District Tentative Budget Hearing

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet on December 10, 2025 at Town Hall, 30 Martin Street. The agenda includes discussion of a revision to the Town Ramp Project, review of CPA signage, consideration of the Affordable Housing Trust, and a topic concerning the DPW Water Department Seat. No other business is listed. The meeting will adjourn with the next regular meeting set for March 11, 2026.

• Town Ramp Project – revision under discussion
• CPA signage – review
• Affordable Housing Trust – discussion
• DPW Water Department Seat – consideration

The Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 10 and September 25 meetings. It also unanimously approved an amended proposal to use aluminum for the bridge and gangway of the public boat ramp at Town Landing. Public comments were recorded and further discussion on project selection and community awareness will continue. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

• Approved Sept 10 & Sept 25 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved amended material proposal for public boat ramp (aluminum) (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Manchester Essex District High School, 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester. Their agenda item is to attend and participate in the School District Tentative Budget Hearing. The board will listen to the district's proposed budget but no specific decisions are listed.

• Attend School District Tentative Budget Hearing

Board of Library Trustees

The Essex Board of Library Trustees will meet to approve September minutes, review a Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of the Library, and discuss FY27 budget preparation.

• Approve September 2025 minutes
• Review MOU with Friends of the Library organization
• Review and approve policies
• FY 27 Budget prep check in
• Ramp update

The trustees changed the agenda wording to “next meeting” and approved it unanimously. They reviewed and unanimously approved three library policies: Volunteer, Library Closing, and Social Media. The board also unanimously approved a draft letter to purchase the “Old Baldy” bust for $1 and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved change of agenda text to “next meeting” (unanimous)
• Approved Volunteer Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Library Closing Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Social Media Policy (unanimous)
• Approved draft letter to purchase “Old Baldy” bust for $1 (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)
• Assigned Jen Mayer to review and sign MOU with Friends of the Library
• Assigned Carla to post updated policies on the library website

Finance Committee

The Essex Finance Committee will approve the meeting minutes and hear public comment. It will consider line-item transfers and discuss the FY 27 budget process, including a software update. The committee will also receive liaison department reports and note the upcoming MERSD budget hearing on December 10.

• Approve meeting minutes
• Public comment
• Line-item transfers
• FY 27 budget – process and software update
• Liaison department reports

The Finance Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 28 and November 17 meetings. No line‑item transfers were approved. Members agreed to require a simple fuel log at the pump when the new RFID‑based fuel depot becomes operational. The committee also decided to draft a formal set of questions for the school district’s health‑insurance broker, with Ben preparing the draft using data compiled by Josh.

• Approved minutes from 10/28/2025 & 11/17/2025 (unanimous)
• No line‑item transfers approved
• Agreed to implement a simple fuel log at the pump for the new fuel depot
• Decided to draft formal questions for MERSD; Ben to prepare draft using Josh's data

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will continue a public hearing regarding a proposed commercial building and site work. The body will also review potential violations and discuss a tree removal policy.

• Public hearing for Kobby Properties, LLC to build a 26’x60’ commercial building at 147 Eastern Avenue
• MAPC presentation on Open Space Plan
• Possible violations at 99 John Wise Avenue and 0 Western Avenue
• Notice of Violation for gravel fill at 30 Pond Street
• Discussion on Tree Removal Policy

The Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes and set two future meeting dates for January 6 and January 27, 2026. It tabled the approval of the 2026 meeting schedule pending more attendance. The revised plan for a commercial building at 147 Eastern Ave was approved with three additional trees, and an Order of Conditions was issued. The restoration plan for 30 Pond Street was accepted and the related Enforcement Order was amended, both unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of 2026 meeting schedule
• Scheduled meetings for Jan 6, 2026 and Jan 27, 2026
• Approved revised plan for 147 Eastern Ave commercial building with three extra trees (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 147 Eastern Ave project (unanimous)
• Accepted restoration plan for 30 Pond Street (unanimous)
• Amended Enforcement Order for 30 Pond Street (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend the Finance Committee meeting. They may also take part in the discussion. No specific decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Attend and possibly participate in the Finance Committee meeting

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend a community meeting regarding the Essex Elementary School Building Project.

• Community meeting regarding the Essex Elementary School Building Project

Board of Assessors

The Essex Board of Assessors will discuss the payroll for assessors and clerks. It will also review monthly reports on motor vehicle and boat excise abatements, departmental bills payable, and certification matters. Additional topics include property inspection and field work reviews, a review of prior assessors meetings, and scheduling the next meeting.

• Assessors/Clerks payroll
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements monthly report
• Boat Excise Abatements monthly report
• Departmental Bills Payable
• Property Inspection Review

The Board of Assessors reviewed payroll, motor vehicle and boat excise abatements, departmental bills, certifications, property inspections, field work, and prior meeting reviews. They signed a letter authorizing the administrative clerk to access the ClearGov platform. The Board also scheduled the next Assessors meeting for January 8, 2025 at 8:30 am. No other substantive decisions or vote tallies were recorded.

• Authorized administrative clerk access to ClearGov platform (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled next Assessors meeting for Jan 8, 2025 at 8:30 am (no vote recorded)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review meeting minutes and discuss a strategic plan focusing on health, social connection, and financial security for 2026-2030. The committee will also review an updated action log.

• Review and approval of November 5th meeting minutes
• Review of COA Action Log with updated target dates through 12/31/25
• Discussion of 'Strategic Planning Focus' for 2026-2030
• Review of recommendations for health and well-being
• Review of recommendations for financial security

The Strategic Planning Committee approved the November 5 meeting minutes and updated two action items, moving their target dates to March 2026 pending the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The committee also discussed financial security for seniors, agreeing that scam prevention should be presented by police or other authorities, repeated, and include role-playing based on real cases. They determined that financial security should be one of the overarching goals.

• Approved minutes of 11/05/25 meeting with no amendments
• Updated action item on ideal Senior Center to include deficiencies, target date moved to March 24, 2026
• Updated action item on alternate spaces, target date moved to March 31, 2026
• Determined financial security as an overarching goal

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss potential bylaw updates for the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting and review the Housing Production Plan. The board is also considering siting requests for buildings at 4 King’s Court and 86 Apple Street.

• Siting approval for building relocation at 4 King’s Court
• Site Plan Review and siting approval for a new building at 86 Apple Street
• First read of draft revised instructions and updated form for Site Plan Review
• Review of completed bylaw updates for May 2026 Annual Town Meeting
• Status update on Essex Park Road OSRD Definitive Plan submission

The Planning Board approved the siting of a building relocation at 4 King’s Court with a unanimous vote. The review of the 86 Apple Street site plan was postponed until after required health and safety approvals are received. Minutes from the November 5 and November 19 meetings were approved by majority votes with recorded abstentions. The Board agreed to receive updates on the Memorial Park tennis court project and to seek MAPC assistance for future bylaw updates.

• Approved siting of building relocation at 4 King’s Court (unanimous)
• Postponed site plan review for 86 Apple Street pending approvals
• Approved minutes for November 5, 2025 (aye: Lisa O’Donnell, Shelly Bradbury, Matt Greco, Simone Early; abstain: Ariel Brain, Beth Walsh, Peter Levasseur)
• Approved minutes for November 19, 2025 (aye: Lisa O’Donnell, Ariel Brain, Beth Walsh, Shelly Bradbury, Peter Levasseur; abstain: Simone Early, Matt Greco)
• Agreed to receive updates on Memorial Park tennis courts but not act as stakeholder
• Decided to seek MAPC assistance for future bylaw update efforts
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Cultural Council

The Essex Cultural Council will hold a virtual meeting on Dec 3, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time. No agenda items are listed in the provided document.

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review and approve the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes. It will discuss the updated financial summary, including salary increase considerations, and form a budget work group with a meeting scheduled by the end of December. Members will vote on Pam Liaperdos’ request to become a member of the ECOA Board, and consider continuing the Strategic Planning Committee as a standing committee. The meeting also includes a director’s report, liaison updates, and two minutes for public comment.

• Review and approval of 11/04/25 meeting minutes
• Finance and budgets: updated financial summary and salary increase discussion
• Vote on Pam Liaperdos’ request to become an ECOA Board member
• Establishment of a budget work group and scheduling a board meeting by end of December
• Strategic Planning Committee continuation discussion

The board unanimously approved the November 4, 2025 minutes. Volunteers Kay Joseph, Sue Parady, Curt Siebert and Tess Leary were appointed to a new Budget Committee, with a meeting set for Dec 11. Pam Liaperdos was unanimously approved as a new ECOA board member. The board also decided the Strategic Planning Committee will remain a standing committee and scheduled a special meeting on Dec 30 to review the FY27 budget.

• Approved November 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Kay Joseph, Sue Parady, Curt Siebert, Tess Leary to Budget Committee; meeting set for Dec 11
• Approved Pam Liaperdos as ECOA board member (unanimous)
• Decided Strategic Planning Committee will continue as a standing committee
• Scheduled Special Board Meeting for Dec 30 at 10:00 am to review FY27 budget
• Set next regular meeting for Jan 6, 2026 at 3:00 pm

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works met on December 1, 2025 to address several ongoing projects and administrative items. Items included a discussion of the water filtration plant, signing a cemetery deed for Sanford, and updates on the tennis court project, superintendent position, Centennial Grove RAP, Essex Park Road, and the well project. New business comprised a discussion regarding the DPW Clerk.

• Water filtration plant discussion
• Sign cemetery deed for Sanford
• Tennis court project update
• Superintendent job update
• Centennial Grove RAP update

The board approved moving Mandy into the acting superintendent role until a permanent replacement is found, with a salary equal to the current superintendent’s. Nick Ellis will speak to the union about any related issues. No other substantive decisions were made at this meeting.

• Approved Mandy as acting superintendent (salary equal to current superintendent’s)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will vote to approve a weekly warrant totaling $204,029.03. They will also vote on accepting a $500 fuel and service credit from Gaybrook Garage, and consider letters of support for regional emergency‑planning and vulnerability‑preparedness grant applications. Additional items include ratifying a one‑day wine & malt license for an event at The Estuary on Martin Street.

• Approve the weekly warrant in the amount of $204,029.03
• Board vote to accept a $500 fuel and service credit from Gaybrook Garage
• Consider a letter of support for CAREPC’s application to MAPC’s Technical Assistance Program
• Consider a letter of support for MAPC’s regional MVP 2.0 grant application
• Ratify a one‑day wine & malt license for Gianna Mathias, CinCin & Company at The Estuary, 74 Martin Street

The Board approved a $500 credit from Gaybrook Garage for an unused Jet Ski and authorized the purchase of a new fire department tanker truck from Bulldog Fire Apparatus. They ratified the start of contract work to sample and test a contaminated soil stockpile, adopted the revised Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and approved several grant authorizations and a $204,029.03 weekly warrant. Appointments to the Open Space Committee were also confirmed.

• Approved $500 credit from Gaybrook Garage for inoperative Jet Ski (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of new fire department tanker truck from Bulldog Fire Apparatus (unanimous)
• Ratified initiation of contract tasks for sampling/testing contaminated trench spoil stockpile (unanimous)
• Authorized Chairman to sign LEAP grant documents when available (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Planner to prepare and file MHP technical assistance grant application (unanimous)
• Adopted revised Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant in the amount of $204,029.03 (unanimous)
• Approved Open Space Committee appointments: Stacie Capotosto and Janet Carlson (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will interview Paul Visconti and other applicants for the superintendent of public works position. It will also consider any candidates added after the posting deadline and all candidates interviewed to date.

• Interview of Paul Visconti for superintendent of public works
• Consider any candidates added after the posted meeting deadline
• Consider all applicants interviewed to date

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will be present at the interview sessions for the Superintendent of Public Works. They may also take part in the interview process as organized by the Board of Public Works.

• Attend and possibly join interviews for Superintendent of Public Works (conducted by Board of Public Works)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will conduct a public hearing regarding a variance request for animal keeping. The board will also review septic system plans, process various business and health permits, and discuss a nuisance update for 77 Southern Ave.

• Public hearing for Jocelyn Fifield at 28 Apple Street regarding animal keeping variance
• Bills payable totaling $89,789.57
• Septic system plan reviews for 100 Belcher Street and 158 John Wise Avenue
• Review of food service, catering, and retail food permits for multiple local businesses
• Nuisance update for 77 Southern Ave

The Board approved a variance allowing Jocelyn Fifield to keep two baby‑doll sheep with a reduced setback and grazing on a septic leach field. It also approved the septic system plans for 100 Belcher Street and 158 John Wise Avenue, Bills Payable #771 for $89,789.57, and a Leave Use Notification form. The Board voted to approve all listed permits and to send letters to John Duncan and the owner of 199R John Wise Avenue regarding professional conduct and a nuisance issue; all votes were recorded as All in Favor.

• Approved variance for two baby‑doll sheep (setback & leach field) – All in Favor
• Approved septic system plan for 100 Belcher Street – All in Favor
• Approved septic system plan for 158 John Wise Avenue – All in Favor
• Approved Bills Payable #771 for $89,789.57 – All in Favor
• Approved all listed permits (catering, disposal, food service, retail, animal, haul, waste, tobacco, etc.) – All in Favor
• Approved Leave Use Notification form for Erin Kirchner – All in Favor
• Approved letter to John Duncan reminding professional conduct – All in Favor
• Approved letter to owner of 199R John Wise Avenue ordering property secured and trampoline removed – All in Favor

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend a community meeting about the Essex Elementary School Building Project. The meeting is set for November 20, 2025 at the school cafeteria and will also be accessible via Zoom.

• Attend community meeting regarding the Essex Elementary School Building Project

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review the site plan for 166 Eastern Avenue and consider a request to approve the siting of a new building at that address. It will also examine a DEP Waterways Regulation Program notice for 82 Eastern Avenue and continue reviewing the draft Housing Production Plan. An update on the Essex Park Road OSRD project schedule, scope, and peer‑review contract will be presented, along with discussion of actions for the upcoming Special (Fall) Town Meeting. The Board will vote on the minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting.

• 166 Eastern Avenue – Site plan review
• 166 Eastern Avenue – Request for Board approval of new building siting
• 82 Eastern Avenue – Review of DEP Waterways Regulation Program Chapter 91 notice
• Housing Production Plan – Continued draft review
• Essex Park Road OSRD – Update on schedule, scope, and peer‑review contract

The Board approved the Site Plan Review for 166 Eastern Avenue and then approved the siting of the new building shown on the November 9, 2025 site plan, both votes unanimous. The Board also voted to take no action on submitting public comment for the DEP Chapter 91 Waterways License for 82 Eastern Avenue and tabled the November 5 minutes until the December 3 meeting.

• Approved Site Plan Review for 166 Eastern Ave (unanimous)
• Approved siting of new building at 166 Eastern Ave per November 9 site plan (unanimous)
• Took no action on submitting public comment for DEP Chapter 91 Waterways License at 82 Eastern Ave (unanimous)
• Tabled consideration of November 5, 2025 minutes to December 3, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will review prior meeting minutes and update the EERPHC work plan. It will discuss the Shared Service Coordinator job description and give updates from the regional inspector, social worker, and epidemiologist. A key item is the vote on a revised procedure for regional inspector travel expenses. The meeting also includes a continuity plan update and any unanticipated new business.

• Review and Revise the EERPHC Work Plan
• Status of Shared Service Coordinator (SSC) Job Description
• Review and Vote on Revised Procedure for Regional Inspector Travel Expenses
• Regional Inspector, Social Worker, and Epidemiologist Updates
• Status Update on Interim Regional SSC Continuity Plan

Conservation Commission

The Essex Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting to consider several development requests, including a request to move a home at 4 Kings Court and multiple Notices of Intent for new construction, septic upgrades, and a commercial building at 147 Eastern Avenue. Each item will be heard publicly, and the commission may approve, deny, or request modifications. The meeting will also address possible violations, a tree‑removal policy discussion, and routine administrative reports.

• Request for Determination to move home and patio ~55’ from road at 4 Kings Court
• Notice of Intent for single‑family home, permeable driveway, septic system at Apple Street‑Emerson Lane
• Notice of Intent to abandon cesspool and upgrade to advanced system at 2 Lufkin Point Lane
• Notice of Intent to repair and elevate garage at 7 Prospect Street
• Notice of Intent to construct 26’x60’ commercial building at 147 Eastern Avenue

The Conservation Commission approved the October 28, 2025 minutes. It issued a negative determination for Scott Harmon's request to move his home and patio 55 feet from the road. The commission also approved orders of conditions for four separate projects and postponed review of a commercial building plan to the next meeting.

• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Issued negative determination for Scott Harmon's relocation request (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for John Bruce single‑family home project (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for William and Laurie Fitts cesspool upgrade (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Dan Chonde & Gillian Mackay‑Smith garage repair (unanimous)
• Continued public meeting on Kobby Properties commercial building to Dec 9 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Essex Finance Committee will meet to discuss line item transfers, funding sources for the upcoming Fall Town Meeting, and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting will also include a public comment period.

• Review of FY27 budget
• Fall Town Meeting funding sources
• Line item transfers
• Public comment session
• Unanticipated agenda items

The committee expressed full support for the Monetary Summary as presented. Members agreed that the Fire Department’s tanker truck, estimated at about $650,000, should be funded from Free Cash rather than the Sale of Real Estate fund. No line‑item transfers were made, and no other actions were voted on.

• Supported the Monetary Summary as presented (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to fund the Fire Department tanker truck (~$650,000) using Free Cash (no vote recorded)
• No line item transfers were made

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will present options for residential, commercial, industrial, open space, and personal property tax rates, as well as small‑business and residential exemptions under Chapter 40, Section 56 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The Select Board will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Teachers’ Lounge of Essex Elementary School, 12 Story Street. At the conclusion of the hearing the Select Board will decide whether to adopt a tax‑classification system for Fiscal Year 2026, replacing the current single tax rate.

• Public hearing on tax classification at 5:30 p.m., Essex Elementary School, 12 Story Street
• Board of Assessors presentation on tax rate options under Chapter 40, Section 56
• Discussion of a small‑business exemption
• Discussion of a residential exemption
• Select Board decision on applying tax classification for FY 2026

The Board of Assessors, together with the Board of Selectmen, voted unanimously to set the Residential Factor at 1.0. They also voted unanimously to reject an Open Space Discount, a Residential Exemption, and a Small Commercial Exemption. In addition, they granted the Town Administrator authority to sign on the DOR Gateway for the Board of Selectmen and closed the hearing.

• Set Residential Factor at 1.0 (unanimous)
• Reject Open Space Discount (unanimous)
• Reject Residential Exemption (unanimous)
• Reject Small Commercial Exemption (unanimous)
• Grant Town Administrator authority to sign on DOR Gateway for Board of Selectmen (unanimous)
• Close the hearing (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will meet to address new and previous business. The agenda includes signing a final lien list and providing an update on a job offer to Mr. Desrosiers.

• Signing of final lien list
• Update on job offer to Mr. Desrosiers

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a joint public hearing with the Board of Assessors regarding residential and commercial tax exemptions. The body will also consider a future vote and referendum schedule for the Essex Elementary School renovation or replacement project.

• Vote to ratify the 11/13/2025 warrant in the amount of $497,055.56
• Public hearing on Residential Factor, Open Space Discount, and Residential/Small Commercial Exemptions
• Consideration of a lease transfer at 15 Middle Road, Conomo Point
• Request from Farnham’s to close for cleaning and repairs from December 31, 2025, to March 6, 2026
• Request to repair or replace the gate at town property located at 30 Apple Street

The Selectmen unanimously approved a range of 2026 license renewals, amended the town’s alcohol regulations to eliminate the requirement for licensees to take in‑person TIPS training every five years, and authorized the Chairman to sign contracts for a $60,000 bridge study and a $30,000 Chebacco Lake study. They also set the Residential Factor at 1.0, declined several tax exemptions, and moved to Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining.

• Approved 2026 license renewals for antiques, liquor, Class II, and common victualler licenses – unanimous
• Amended alcohol regulations to remove in‑person TIPS training requirement – unanimous
• Authorized Chairman to approve $60,000 bridge study contract and $30,000 Chebacco Lake study contract – unanimous
• Set Residential Factor at 1.0 – unanimous
• Denied Open Space, Residential, and Small Commercial tax exemptions – unanimous
• Approved weekly warrant for $1,132,534.71 – unanimous
• Approved 11/13/2025 warrant for $497,055.56 – unanimous
• Moved to Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining – unanimous

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will discuss finalizing the Essex Housing Production Plan with staff from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The meeting will also address any items that were not reasonably anticipated in the Open Meeting Law posting deadline. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Discussion of the finalization of the Essex Housing Production Plan with Metropolitan Area Planning Council personnel
• Consideration of items not reasonably anticipated by the Open Meeting Law posting deadline

The board approved the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting. They voted to move the Housing Production Plan to a public comment vote, allowing further tweaks. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 27, 2025 minutes (motion by Trustee Bradbury, second by Trustee Michael Flynn)
• Moved Housing Production Plan to public comment vote (motion by Shelly Bradbury, second by Michael Flynn, passed)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion by Shelly Bradbury, second by Michael Flynn)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend interviews for the Superintendent of Public Works that are being conducted by the Board of Public Works. The Selectmen may also take part in the interview process. No other agenda items are listed.

• Attend and possibly participate in interviews for Superintendent of Public Works (conducted by Board of Public Works)

Board of Public Works

The Essex Board of Public Works will interview four candidates for the Superintendent of Public Works position. The meeting also includes updates on the tennis court program and snow bid approval.

• Interviews for Superintendent of Public Works (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
• Snow bid approval
• Mike Stroman Tennis Court Progress Update
• Centennial Grove Road RAP Update
• Essex Park Development Updates

The Board of Public Works approved the meeting minutes unanimously. The board discussed snow contractor bids, fuel depot construction, the Well project, RAP removal, tennis court plans, a new service truck, sewer pump replacement, and grinder pump funding, but no formal votes or approvals were recorded for these items.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Essex Board of Assessors will meet to review and discuss a range of assessment matters. Items include staff payroll, motor vehicle and boat excise abatements and their monthly reports, as well as departmental bills payable and certification matters. The board will also review classification hearings, property inspections, field work, prior meetings and set the date for the next meeting.

• Assessors/Clerks Payroll
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Boat Excise Abatements
• Departmental Bills Payable
• Classification Hearing Review

The Essex Board of Assessors met on November 6, 2025 and reviewed, signed, and discussed payroll, motor vehicle and boat excise abatements, departmental bills, and various internal reports. No votes, approvals, denials, or other formal actions were recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Council on Aging

The Strategic Planning Committee is meeting to discuss increasing staff and hours for programming, outreach, and social services. The body is exploring service-sharing with Manchester and expanding SHINE services through staff and volunteer certification.

• Discussion of additional staff and hours for programming and social services
• Exploration of shared services and programs with Manchester
• Expansion of SHINE services via staff and volunteer certification

The committee approved the October 21 meeting minutes, adding 24 Martin Street as a potential senior‑center parcel. It directed staff to explore alternate spaces for events, review job descriptions for weekly hours, and research additional SHINE counselor training options. The next meeting is set for November 20 at 11:00 a.m.

• Approved October 21 meeting minutes with addition of 24 Martin Street parcel
• Directed staff to explore use of alternate spaces (Town Hall, Public Safety building) for senior‑center events
• Directed staff to review and update job descriptions to specify weekly hours
• Directed staff to research other SHINE training opportunities (online, NCOA, AgeSpan, etc.)
• Scheduled next Council on Aging meeting for November 20 at 11:00 a.m.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a final review and vote on articles for the Special Fall Town Meeting. The board will also review siting requests for new buildings and discuss the Essex Elementary School Building Project.

• Vote on Planning Board articles for the Special (Fall) Town Meeting
• Siting approval request for a new building at 48 Rocky Hill Road
• Site Plan Review and siting request introduction for 166 Eastern Avenue
• DEP Waterways Regulation Program Chapter 91 Notice of License Application for 82 Eastern Avenue
• Discussion on permitting changes for clean energy facilities

The Planning Board approved the siting of a new building at 48 Rocky Hill Road by unanimous vote. All nine Special (Fall) Town Meeting articles (1‑9) were approved unanimously. The Board also approved the October 15, 2025 minutes by majority vote and voted to delete recordings from August 6, August 20, and September 3, 2025. A site‑plan review for 166 Eastern Avenue is scheduled for the November 19 meeting.

• Approved siting of new building at 48 Rocky Hill Rd (unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting Article 1 (unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting Article 2 (unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting Article 3 (unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting Article 4 (unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting Article 5 (unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting Article 6 (unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting Article 7 (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will approve the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting and review an updated financial summary. It will receive updates on the Building Access & Usage Policy and on the strategic plan document titled “Who Owns the COA Strategic Plan.” A primary agenda item is a board discussion of senior food‑insecurity, considering a monthly community lunch, CATA bus service to Acord or Open Door, and changes to the mobile market during icy conditions. The meeting will also include liaison reports and a two‑minute period for public comment.

• Approval of 10/07/25 meeting minutes
• Review of updated financial summary
• Policy Committee update: Building Access & Usage Policy
• Board discussion of food insecurity options (monthly lunch, CATA bus, mobile market adjustments)
• Two‑minute public comment period

The Council on Aging approved the amended 2025-1007 meeting minutes unanimously. The board also unanimously approved the new Essex Senior Center Building Use Policy. The existing Behavior Policy was accepted as adequate with only minor language changes. The board agreed with the described roles and responsibilities in the strategic plan document, adding a suggestion to capitalize the Director title.

• Approved 2025-1007 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved new Senior Center Building Use Policy (unanimous)
• Accepted existing Behavior Policy with minor language changes
• Approved strategic plan role descriptions (capitalize Director title)

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority Board will first approve the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting. It will then consider financial items—including October 2025 disbursements, September 2025 financial statements, and a $3,000 administrative fee for Project 090069 to cover extra staffing hours—along with adoption of an EOHLC required affirmative‑action goal. An executive‑session will be held to discuss litigation strategy in the case against David Smith and Wendi Wendell.

• Approval of minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting
• Acceptance of October 2025 disbursements
• Review of September 2025 financial statements
• Consideration of adoption of EOHLC required affirmative‑action goal
• Review and approval of $3,000 administrative fee for Project 090069 for extra staffing hours

Housing Authority

The Board adopted a 1 in 5 minority placement rate for vacancies through FY 2026 to meet EOHLC goals. The body also approved a $3,000 administrative fee for project oversight and discussed ongoing facility maintenance.

• Adoption of 1 in 5 minority placement rate for vacancies through FY 2026
• Approval of $3,000 Administrative Fee for oversight of project #92069
• Completion of hot water tank replacement project (MOD #92071)
• Decision to stop supporting Manchester Housing Authority's snow plowing
• Executive session regarding litigation: Essex Housing Authority v. David Smith and Wendi Wendell

Board of Assessors

The Select Board will hold a public hearing to determine tax classification options for Fiscal Year 2026, including residential, commercial, and industrial rates. The hearing will include a presentation on Chapter 40, Section 56 options and a real estate market update.

• Public hearing on tax classification for FY 2026
• Presentation on Chapter 40, Section 56 options
• Real estate market update
• Discussion on assessment changes
• Determination of residential, commercial, and industrial rates

The Board of Assessors held a tax classification hearing on November 3, 2025, but the items listed for vote were not decided. The meeting was scheduled to be discussed again on November 17, 2025 at 5:30 pm at Essex Elementary School. No vote outcomes or approvals were recorded.

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will hold a Tax Classification Hearing with the Board of Assessors to select the Residential Factor, Open Space Discount, Residential Exemption, and Small Commercial Exemption. They will also vote to grant the Town Administrator authority to sign on behalf of the Board on the DOR Gateway. Additional items include ratifying a cooperative purchasing agreement for a future fire tanker, accepting a resignation, and approving a community event request.

• Tax Classification Hearing: vote on Residential Factor, Open Space Discount, Residential Exemption, Small Commercial Exemption, and authority for Town Administrator to sign DOR Gateway
• Ratify Chairman’s signature of Cooperative Purchasing Membership Agreement with HGACBuy for future fire tanker purchase (pending funding)
• Approve weekly warrant (amount unspecified)
• Accept resignation of Deputy Harbormaster Andrew Spinney
• Approve Essex Lions Club request to hold 40th Annual Turkey Trot on Nov 23, 2025

Board of Assessors

The Essex Board of Assessors will conduct a tax classification hearing. The hearing will address the classification of property for tax purposes. The agenda notes that other items may be discussed, but only the hearing is listed.

• Tax classification hearing

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend the Manchester Essex Regional School District Finance Subcommittee meeting. No other agenda items are listed for this meeting.

• Attend Manchester Essex Regional School District Finance Subcommittee meeting

Finance Committee

The Essex Finance Committee will approve the meeting minutes and hear public comment. It will review line item transfers, the Fall Town Meeting warrant and its funding sources, and liaison department reports. The primary decision is the FY27 town budget. Any items not posted in advance may also be considered.

• Approve meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Review line item transfers
• Fall Town Meeting warrant review and funding sources
• Consider FY27 budget

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting. Two line‑item transfers were discussed and approved. A motion to provide a method of remote access was made by Ruth Pereen, seconded by Bill Gause, and approved unanimously.

• Approved October 7, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved two line‑item transfers (vote not recorded)
• Approved remote‑access method motion (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Essex Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on October 28, 2025. A public hearing will consider the Town's Notice of Intent to rehabilitate the tennis courts, including grading and reconstruction of driveway and drainage at 30 Martin Street. The commission will also review a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the Essex County Greenbelt Association for a site at 82 Eastern Avenue. Additional agenda items include possible violations at two addresses and a discussion of the Tree Removal Policy.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent to rehabilitate tennis courts, driveway and drainage at 30 Martin Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for area at 82 Eastern Avenue (Essex County Greenbelt Association)
• Possible violation at 99 John Wise Avenue
• Possible violation at 0 Western Avenue
• Notice of Violation for 30 Pond Street Gravel Fill

The Commission approved the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. It voted unanimously to continue the public hearing on the tennis‑court rehabilitation project at 30 Martin Street. It also voted unanimously to issue a negative determination that the area at 82 Eastern Avenue is not subject to wetland regulations. The Commissioners agreed to have the new Conservation Agent review the enforcement issue at 99 John Wise Avenue and tasked the Co‑Chair with reviewing proposals for work at 0 Western Avenue.

• Approved September 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Continued tennis‑court project hearing to a later date (unanimous)
• Issued negative determination for 82 Eastern Avenue (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend the Finance Committee meeting and may participate in its discussions. No other agenda items are listed.

• Attend Finance Committee meeting
• Possible participation in Finance Committee discussions

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will be present at a Conservation Commission hearing. The hearing will consider the Selectmen’s Notice of Intent to renovate the tennis courts in Memorial Park. No vote or decision by the Selectmen is listed; they are participating in the commission’s process.

• Conservation Commission hearing on the Selectmen’s Notice of Intent to renovate Memorial Park tennis courts

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will consider two payable bills totaling $10,719.72. It will review septic system plans for three properties on Turtleback Road, Apple Street, and Lufkin Point Lane. Several permit applications—including temporary food events, a food service establishment, and a recreational camp—will be discussed. Additional health‑related items such as the OSRD off Essex Park Road and coalition updates will also be addressed.

• Bills Payable #769 – $9,890.44 (retroactive)
• Bills Payable #770 – $829.28
• Septic System Plan Review – 3 Turtleback Road (Lot 12), 86 Apple Street (Lot 18), 2 Lufkin Point Lane (Lots 9 & 25)
• Temporary Food Event permits TFE-25-18 through TFE-25-26 for various vendors
• Discussion of OSRD off Essex Park Road

The meeting shared information about a no‑cost mental health first aid training series for teachers, coaches, counselors, parents and other youth workers. Dates, times, locations and a contact phone number and email were listed. No motions, votes, approvals, or other decisions were recorded.

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will review and approve prior meeting minutes if available. It will revise its work plan and finalize the Shared Service Coordinator job description and other organizational details. The meeting also includes unanticipated new business and scheduling of upcoming meetings.

• Revise work plan
• Finalize Shared Service Coordinator job description
• Finalize organizational details

The advisory board voted unanimously to approve the Shared Service Coordinator job description with two bullet points and added comments. No other motions were voted on; remaining agenda items were discussed but not decided. The meeting adjourned at 9:41 AM.

• Approved Shared Service Coordinator job description (unanimous vote)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Strategic Planning Committee will first review and approve the October 15, 2025 meeting minutes. It will then review the “Setting Goals and Objectives” document and spend most of the session brainstorming goal and objective ideas for the 2026‑2030 strategic plan, drawing on input from a UMass study, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the 2020‑2025 plan. If time allows, the committee will review the Strategic Planning Action Items and hear any additional comments.

• Review and approval of October 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of document “Setting Goals and Objectives” (Attachment 1)
• Brainstorming goal and objective ideas for the Strategic Plan 2026‑2030, including collaboration with Chebacco Terrace seniors, marketing welcome packet, expanded program spaces, community partnerships, and volunteer‑tax work‑off program
• Review of the Strategic Planning Action Items (Attachment 2) if time permits
• Open floor for other ideas or comments from committee members

The committee approved the October 21 meeting minutes and assigned actions to resolve data discrepancies. Tess and Curt will meet to investigate report differences, and Curt will check if reports can be saved for recurring use. The committee defined the ideal senior center but decided a new building is not achievable for the 2026‑2030 Strategic Plan. The committee will continue beyond the plan’s development to adjust goals as needed.

• Minutes approved (no vote tally recorded)
• Tess and Curt to meet to determine why report statistics differ
• Curt to determine if report types can be saved for recurring use
• Committee to define what the ideal Senior Center would look like
• New senior center building excluded from 2026‑2030 Strategic Plan
• Committee will continue beyond plan development to adjust goals

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend the School Committee meeting at the MS/HS Learning Commons. They will also consider any items that were not posted in advance because they could not be reasonably anticipated under the Open Meeting Law. No specific agenda items are listed.

• Attend and participate in the School Committee meeting
• Consider items not posted in advance due to Open Meeting Law deadline

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will consider the printing schedule and due date for the water bill. It will also receive updates on the fuel depot, Essex Park development, the well upgrade project, and a superintendent job search. No specific decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Water bill printing and due date
• Fuel depot update
• Essex Park development update
• Well upgrade project update
• Personnel update – superintendent job search

The Board approved the August 11 meeting minutes with unanimous support. It signed off on the cemetery deed. The Board also approved moving the water bill due date to November 3 to account for a printing delay.

• Approved August 11 minutes (unanimous)
• Signed off on cemetery deed (unanimous)
• Approved water bill due date push to November 3 (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will vote to set the date and open the warrant for the Fall Town Meeting. The body will also consider a property lease proposal and review reports on town infrastructure and housing.

• Vote to hold Fall Town Meeting on November 17, 2024
• Ratification of $2,000 SeniorCare funding for Council on Aging housing needs
• Ratification of $6,544.85 change order for public water supply well building brick work
• Authorization to purchase a new police cruiser using 2025 Annual Town Meeting appropriations
• Proposal from K.D. Montgomery to lease Town-owned property adjacent to the Town Landing

The Selectmen voted unanimously to accept a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for a new harbormaster boat, contingent on a town match approved at the upcoming Fall Town Meeting. They also unanimously approved signing a regional emergency shelter memorandum of understanding with Gordon College. Additional unanimous actions included approving the weekly warrant of $1,004,604.98 and authorizing a new police cruiser purchase.

• Accepted FEMA Port Security Grant for new harbormaster boat (unanimous)
• Approved signing of regional emergency shelter MOU with Gordon College (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant of $1,004,604.98 (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of new police cruiser using 2025 Annual Town Meeting funds (unanimous)
• Approved retiree health insurance renewal rates for calendar year 2026 (unanimous)
• Ratified $2,000 Title III-B Funding Agreement to SeniorCare Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Ratified $6,544.85 change order for unanticipated brick work on public water supply well building (unanimous)
• Approved use of Folsom Pavilion for "Ales Over ALS" fundraiser on Nov 8, 2025 (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Essex Council on Aging’s Strategic Planning Committee will meet on October 15, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Essex Senior Center, 17 Pickering Street. The committee, chaired by Susan Lufkin, will review and update strategic planning action items, discuss a document on setting goals and objectives, and brainstorm ideas for the 2026-2030 strategic plan. The meeting includes input from invited guests from the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee.

• Review and update of Strategic Planning Action Items (Attachment 1)
• Review of document, 'Setting Goals and Objectives' (Attachment 2)
• Brainstorming goal and objective ideas for the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
• Collaborate with Chebacco Terrace senior residents and Essex COA to identify needs
• Develop a Welcome Packet for new Essex COA members

The committee approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes with a correction adding the word “by.” They tasked Tess and Curt with determining if MySeniorCenter can track cost savings and, if not, having Curt set up a spreadsheet. The meeting was ended early and the remaining agenda will be continued at the next meeting, which was scheduled for October 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes with correction adding word “by”
• Assigned Tess and Curt to assess MySeniorCenter’s savings‑tracking capability; Curt to create spreadsheet if needed
• Decided to end meeting early and continue agenda at next meeting
• Scheduled next meeting for October 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Senior Center

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on nine proposed bylaw articles that will be considered at the November 17, 2025 Special (Fall) Town Meeting. The board will also review the 1, 2 and 4 King’s Court subdivision application, which the applicants claim does not require Subdivision Control Law approval. After hearing public input, the board will discuss and finalize the articles for submission to the Board of Selectmen before the October 20, 2025 warrant deadline, and will vote on the October 1 meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on nine bylaw articles for the Nov 17 Special (Fall) Town Meeting
• Board review of 1, 2 and 4 King’s Court subdivision application (ANR request)
• Discussion to finalize Town Meeting articles before the Oct 20 warrant deadline
• Vote on the meeting minutes from October 1, 2025
• Committee updates: Community Preservation, Strategic Planning, Affordable Housing Trust, TownGreen/Cape Ann MARCH Initiative

The Board opened and later closed the public hearing on nine proposed articles for the Special (Fall) Town Meeting, both motions passing unanimously. Board members unanimously endorsed the 1, 2, and 4 King’s Court ANR subdivision plan and signed the plan for filing. The October 1, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously, and the Board agreed to send the unchanged town‑meeting articles to the Selectmen. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Opened public hearing on nine articles (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Endorsed 1, 2, and 4 King’s Court ANR subdivision plan (unanimous)
• Approved October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• No changes to Special (Fall) Town Meeting articles; will be sent to Selectmen (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will participate in a Planning Board public hearing regarding Zoning Articles proposed for the Fall Town Meeting. The meeting also allows for items that could not be anticipated by the Open Meeting Law deadline.

• Planning Board public hearing for proposed Zoning Articles

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority Board will consider several financial items, including September 2025 disbursements and the August 2025 financial statements. It will review and decide on a budget revision for fiscal year 2025. An executive session is scheduled to discuss litigation strategy under Exemption 3.

• Acceptance of September 2025 disbursements
• Review of August 2025 financial statements
• Review and acceptance of budget revision for FY2025
• Consideration of unused CPA funds
• Application to destroy records

Housing Authority

The Board approved a budget revision for FY 2025 to account for increased legal, electricity, and labor costs. The body also discussed the use of unspent Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for building repairs and approved a request to destroy old records.

• Approved FY 2025 budget revision due to higher legal, electricity, and maintenance costs
• Allocated $10,231 in unspent CPA paving funds to repair building stoops
• Approved Application for Destruction Permission for on-site records
• Replacement project for shower controls (MOD #92069) has started
• Hot water tank replacement (MOD #92071) scheduled to start October 20

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will approve the minutes from the October 2 meeting and review and update its Strategic Planning Action Items. It will also assess progress on Goal 4 of the 2020‑2025 Strategic Plan, discussing program participation, services for Chebacco Terrace residents, tax‑burden relief mechanisms, and education on aging.

• Approval of October 2 meeting minutes
• Review and update of Strategic Planning Action Items (Attachment 1)
• Evaluation of Goal 4 progress in the 2020‑2025 Strategic Plan
• Discussion of programs to increase male participation and serve Chebacco Terrace residents
• Consideration of mechanisms to ease tax burden for senior citizens

The Council on Aging Strategic Planning Committee approved the October 2nd meeting minutes, adding language to Objective 3 and a determination statement. The committee assigned several follow‑up actions: Tess will update male participation data by 10/15/25, Curt will explore an electronic list of residents turning 60, and Curt will request a Senior Center Management System presentation for a board meeting. The group also directed the creation of a Board Member Welcome packet and will consider a 2026‑2030 objective to identify town positions that could be replaced by volunteers. The committee concluded Goal 4 is met except for the senior tax‑burden issue, which will be revisited in the next strategic plan.

• Approved October 2nd meeting minutes (with changes)
• Assigned Tess to provide updated male participation data by 10/15/25
• Assigned Curt to investigate electronic .csv list of residents turning 60
• Assigned Curt to request Senior Center Management System presentation for board agenda
• Assigned creation of a Board Member Welcome packet
• Directed consideration of a 2026‑2030 objective to identify volunteer‑replaceable town positions

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee will review the 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan update, focusing on community‑engagement deliverables such as a volunteer sign‑up sheet, an online survey, and planning for the Clam Fest on Oct 25. The committee will also receive updates on the open‑space inventory and recreation topics, and will outline next steps for the following meeting.

• Community‑engagement plan deliverable
• Volunteer sign‑up sheet
• Online survey
• Planning for Clam Fest on Oct 25
• Open‑space inventory updates

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend the Manchester Essex Regional School District’s School Building Committee community meeting. No other items were posted because they could not be reasonably anticipated by the Open Meeting Law posting deadline.

• Attendance at the Manchester Essex Regional School District’s School Building Committee community meeting
• Unposted items due to Open Meeting Law posting deadline constraints

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review funding sources for the Fall Town Meeting Warrant. The body will also discuss the budget process for Fiscal Year 2027 and address line item transfers.

• Fall Town Meeting Warrant review and funding sources
• FY27 Budget Process
• Line item transfers

The Finance Committee unanimously approved the September 9 minutes with changes. It approved a line‑item transfer from the Finance Committee Reserve Fund to Shellfish Boat Repairs. The Committee agreed that the Sale of Real Estate Fund is an appropriate source to fund the replacement of the fire department tanker truck.

• Approved September 9 minutes (unanimous, with changes)
• Approved line‑item transfer to Shellfish Boat Repairs
• Agreed Sale of Real Estate Fund appropriate for fire tanker replacement

Council on Aging

The Essex Council on Aging board will review and approve the September 2 meeting minutes. It will receive an updated financial summary and updates from the Policy Committee on building use and behavior policies. The board will also get a strategic planning update and consider a request for a senior survey about moving town meetings to a Saturday daytime slot.

• Review and approve 09/02/25 meeting minutes
• Updated Financial Summary presentation
• Policy Committee updates: Building Use Policy and Behavior Policy
• Strategic Planning Update
• Discuss request for a senior survey to move town meetings to daytime on a Saturday

The board unanimously approved the amended 2025-0902 meeting minutes. It decided not to sponsor or host a senior survey on Saturday meeting preferences, leaving the request to the selectperson. The board also unanimously approved a $250 contribution from the Gift Fund to supplement a $2,000 Senior Care block grant for a speaker series.

• Approved 2025-0902 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided not to sponsor or host senior Saturday‑meeting survey
• Approved $250 Gift Fund contribution for speaker series (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Essex Conservation Commission will consider a public request to determine wetland jurisdiction at 82 Eastern Avenue. It will hold hearings on two Notice of Intent applications: one for a single‑family home at 3 Turtleback Road and another to replace a boardwalk, dock and fence at 10 Patriots Landing. Additional agenda items include minor modification and tree‑removal requests, and discussion of possible violations at two properties.

• Request for Determination of Applicability for area at 82 Eastern Avenue
• Notice of Intent to construct a single‑family home at 3 Turtleback Road
• Notice of Intent to replace boardwalk, dock and install fence at 10 Patriots Landing
• Minor modification request at 64 Spring Street
• Tree removal request at 74 Eastern Avenue

The Commission unanimously approved the September 16 minutes and a minor driveway paving modification at 64 Spring Street. It voted to continue the public meeting on October 28 and to issue Orders of Conditions for projects at 3 Turtleback Road and 10 Patriots Landing. The Commission also amended the Tree Removal Policy to permit removal of dead ash trees in wetland areas with mitigation.

• Approved September 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved minor modification for driveway paving at 64 Spring Street (unanimous)
• Continued public meeting to October 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 3 Turtleback Road (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 10 Patriots Landing with storage condition (unanimous)
• Decided to hire a professional to determine wetlands boundary at 0 Western Avenue (unanimous)
• Tabled violation matter at 99 John Wise Avenue for further input (unanimous)
• Amended Tree Removal Policy to allow removal of dead ash trees in wetlands with 25% mitigation (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss a request to add a crosswalk at Maple Street. It will also receive updates on the fuel depot, Essex Park development, the well upgrade project, and a superintendent job posting.

• Maple Street crosswalk request
• Fuel depot update (if needed)
• Essex Park development updates (if needed)
• Well upgrade project update (if needed)
• Personnel update – superintendent job posting

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will hear an update from the Ipswich Family YMCA on community programs. The Town Administrator's report will cover topics such as the DPW superintendent hiring, solid waste contract, and park tennis court renovation. The board will consider one‑day wine, malt, and entertainment licenses for the Essex Historical Society at the Waterline Center Shipyard on October 10‑11. An executive‑session will focus on contract negotiations with AFSCME for a successor collective bargaining agreement.

• Executive‑session negotiation of a successor collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME
• One‑Day Wine & Malt License for Essex Historical Society at 66 Main Street, Oct 10‑11
• One‑Day Entertainment License for Essex Historical Society at 66 Main Street, Oct 10‑11
• Review and approval of revised Treasurer/Collector’s Clerk position description
• Approval of the weekly warrant (amount not specified)

The Selectmen approved a new five‑year solid waste disposal contract with Reworld, pending appropriation at the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting. They also approved the successor collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME, subject to a funding vote at the upcoming Fall Town Meeting. Additional actions included approving a weekly warrant of $258,113.84, appointing Sam Mercier to the Conservation Commission, and granting several one‑day licenses for the Essex Historical Society.

• Approved 5‑year solid waste disposal contract with Reworld (unanimous, subject to appropriation)
• Approved successor collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME (unanimous, subject to Fall Town Meeting vote)
• Approved weekly warrant of $258,113.84 (unanimous)
• Appointed Sam Mercier to Conservation Commission for partial 3‑year term (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day wine & malt and entertainment licenses for Oct 10‑11 at 66 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved revised Treasurer/Collector Clerk position description (unanimous)
• Moved to Executive Session to discuss AFSCME contract negotiations (unanimous)
• Approved and signed minutes for September 22, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Essex Historical Commission will discuss new demolition permits, award nominees for historic preservation, and a walking‑tour brochure. A major agenda item is evaluating alternatives to the complete demolition of 44 Main St., with several preservation and new‑construction scenarios and a cost estimate of $300,000‑$500,000 for roof, windows, and exterior work. The commission will also appoint a delegate to the Community Preservation Committee and address any items missed by the Open Meeting Law deadline.

• Review any new demolition permits received since the last meeting
• Consider alternatives to complete demolition of 44 Main St., including preservation, partial demolition, and new building options
• Recognition award nominees for historic preservation projects in Essex
• Walking tour brochure reprinting
• EHC delegate appointment to the Community Preservation Committee

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will approve the September 18th meeting minutes and update its Strategic Planning Action Items. Committee members will examine Goal 3 of the 2020‑2025 Strategic Plan, assessing what has been achieved in certified programs, social and nutrition activities, and community partnerships. They will discuss available metrics, grant opportunities for technology training, and the status of services such as SHINE counseling, tax consultation, and home‑care support.

• Approve September 18th meeting minutes
• Review and update Strategic Planning Action Items (Attachment 1)
• Evaluate Goal 3 outcomes: certified programs, social/nutrition activities, partnerships
• Discuss metrics for SHINE counseling, tax consultation, and technology assistance
• Identify grants for senior technology training

The committee approved the September 18 meeting minutes with no changes. It noted that two objectives—developing alternative meeting/activity spaces and collaborative programming with neighboring councils—were not met and will be considered for the 2026‑2030 Strategic Plan. Several action items were assigned, including gathering program statistics, renaming a form, asking the board about technology grants, and posting a newsletter link on Facebook.

• Approved September 18 meeting minutes (no changes)
• Assigned Tess to provide SHINE program statistics (see COA Action Log)
• Assigned Tess to provide program participation statistics (see COA Action Log)
• Directed inclusion of alternative meeting/activity spaces in the 2026‑2030 Strategic Plan
• Directed committee to evaluate collaborative programming objective for the 2026‑2030 plan
• Asked the board whether to seek technology grant opportunities for senior iPads
• Approved rename of the Technical Assistance Request form and updated its instructions
• Approved posting a link to the newsletter on the COA Facebook page

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign payroll, bills payable, and monthly reports. The body will also discuss excise abatements for motor vehicles and boats, as well as Chapter Land Applications for FY27.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Boat Excise Abatements
• Chapter Land Applications FY27
• Departmental Bills Payable
• Property and Field Work Review

The Essex Board of Assessors met on October 2, 2025 and reviewed payroll, motor vehicle excise abatements, boat excise abatements, departmental bills payable, certification, property inspection, field work, and prior meeting reviews. No actions were approved, denied, or tabled, and the meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

Board of Health

The Advisory Board will discuss planning for EERPHC operations after the SSC transition. They will also cover recruitment and hiring matters and provide a brief overview of the FPHS meeting. Upcoming advisory board meeting dates for October, November, and December are listed.

• Planning for EERPHC Operations Following SSC Transition
• Recruitment & Hiring Discussion
• FPHS Meeting Overview (5 Minutes)
• Upcoming Advisory Board Meetings – Oct 21, 2025; Nov 18, 2025; Dec 16, 2025

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review and vote on the endorsement of an Approval Not Required subdivision plan to split the lot at 0 Horsestable and Emerson Lane. It will discuss the upcoming Special (Fall) Town Meeting articles ahead of the public hearing on October 15, 2025. The board will also review a consultant proposal for the Essex Park Road Open Space residential development and an update to the Open Space Plan. Minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting and unapproved 2023 minutes will be voted on.

• Application for endorsement of ANR subdivision plan to create two lots at 0 Horsestable and Emerson Lane (Map 142 Lot 22)
• Review of Special (Fall) Town Meeting articles before the October 15 public hearing
• Review of Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development consultant proposal
• Open Space Plan update review
• Vote on September 17, 2025 meeting minutes and 2023 minutes not previously approved

The Planning Board approved the applicant’s request to split the lot at 0 Horsestable and Emerson Lane, contingent on a deed‑recorded building restriction, with a unanimous roll‑call vote. The Board also approved previously missing minutes for September 6 2023 and the September 17 2025 meeting by majority vote. In addition, the Board voted to support the Community Preservation Committee’s pier‑rebuilding proposal, which will be presented to the upcoming Special Town Meeting.

• Endorsed 0 Horsestable & Emerson Lane subdivision plan with building restriction (unanimous)
• Approved September 6 2023 minutes (majority vote)
• Approved September 17 2025 minutes (majority vote)
• Supported Community Preservation Committee pier rebuild proposal (approved)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Open Space Committee

The Essex Open Space Committee will recap its first meeting with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). It will examine circulated PDFs, including MAPC's scope of work and the state's Open Space Recreation Program workbook, and discuss a draft survey. The meeting will also address any new business raised by members.

• Recap of first meeting with MAPC
• Review of MAPC's scope of work document
• Review of the state's OSRP workbook
• Review of draft survey
• Consideration of new business items

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will review a septic system plan for 158 John Wise Avenue, Storey (Map 106, Lots 2 & 5). It will consider permits for a retail food service establishment (RFSE-25-3 – Marshview Farm General Store) and a temporary food event (TFE-25-17 – Woodman’s Food Truck – Clam Fest). The meeting also includes discussion of a bill payable (#768 – $2,474.76) and other items such as OSRD off Essex Park Road and short‑term rental registration.

• Septic System Plan Review – 158 John Wise Avenue, Storey, Map 106, Lots 2 & 5
• Retail Food Service Establishment Permit – RFSE-25-3 – Marshview Farm General Store
• Temporary Food Event Permit – TFE-25-17 – Woodman’s Food Truck – Clam Fest
• Bills Payable – #768 – $2,474.76
• Discussion – OSRD off Essex Park Road

The board approved the meeting minutes from 9‑11‑2025, Bills Payable #768 for $2,474.76, and permits for the Marshview Farm General Store retail food establishment and Woodman’s Food Truck at the Clam Fest. It disapproved the septic system plan for 158 John Wise Avenue, Storey, Map 106, Lots 2 & 5. The board gave permission to pursue leaving the Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition and joining a Gloucester/Manchester coalition. Discussion on short‑term rental registration was tabled.

• Approved 9‑11‑2025 meeting minutes (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #768 for $2,474.76 (All in Favor)
• Disapproved septic system plan for 158 John Wise Avenue, Storey, Map 106, Lots 2 & 5 (All in Favor)
• Approved Retail Food Service Establishment permit for Marshview Farm General Store (All in Favor)
• Approved Temporary Food Event permit for Woodman’s Food Truck – Clam Fest (All in Favor)
• Approved Leave Use Notification form for Erin Kirchner (All in Favor)
• Tabled discussion on short‑term rental registration
• Approved permission for Erin Kirchner to pursue leaving EERPHC and joining Gloucester/Manchester coalition (All in Favor)

Community Preservation Committee

The Essex Community Preservation Committee will meet on September 25, 2025 at Town Hall. The agenda includes a discussion of the Town Ramp Project, followed by open communication and any other business that may arise within 48 hours of the meeting. The meeting will conclude with adjournment and scheduling of the next regular meeting.

• Town Ramp Project

The committee approved a $25,000 funding request for the Town Ramp – Gangplank Pier project. The project was placed in the recreation funding category. The vote was unanimous in favor. No other actions were taken.

• Approved $25,000 Town Ramp – Gangplank Pier project (unanimous)
• Classified project under recreation category

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will consider a grant for the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and review several ongoing projects. Items include a driveway permit for 96 Martin Street, a review of snow plow rates, updates on the fuel depot, park development, well upgrades, and sewer pump repair costs, as well as a personnel update on the superintendent job posting.

• 96 Martin Street driveway permit
• Sewer/MS4 grant discussion
• Snow plow rate review
• Fuel depot update (if needed)
• Sewer pump repair costs update

The Board unanimously approved the June 30 and July 14 meeting minutes. It kept current snow‑plow rates and authorized the circular driveway at 96 Martin Street. The Board agreed to extend the Covanta/Reworld contract and to resume selling couch stickers. It also agreed that purchasing a new sewer pump for $74,000 would be more cost‑effective than repairing the existing one for $61,000.

• Approved June 30 and July 14 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved maintaining current snow‑plow rates (unanimous)
• Approved driveway application for 96 Martin Street (unanimous)
• Agreed to extend Covanta/Reworld contract (unanimous)
• Agreed to resume selling stickers for couches (unanimous)
• Agreed that a new pump costing $74,000 is more cost‑effective than a $61,000 repair (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Essex Finance Committee will accompany the Board of Selectmen for a 1623 Studio presentation and discuss articles for the upcoming Fall Town Meeting warrant. The committee will consider line‑item transfers and the warrant itself after the Board’s appointment. Any items not posted in advance due to the Open Meeting Law deadline may also be addressed.

• Join Board of Selectmen for 1623 Studio presentation
• Discuss Fall Town Meeting warrant articles with Board of Selectmen
• Review line‑item transfers
• Consider Fall Town Meeting warrant after Board appointment
• Address any items not posted in advance per Open Meeting Law

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will review the Town Administrator’s report covering river dredging, infrastructure repairs, grant opportunities, and other updates. They will consider approving a contract with DOCKWA to transition the Harbormaster’s records system and a possible vote on a new collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME. Additional items include signing grant authority for a $5,700 cultural council award, approving various one‑day event licenses, and discussing a potential elementary‑school site.

• Consider approval of contract with DOCKWA to transition Harbormaster records management system
• Possible vote to approve successor collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME (subject to funding)
• Authorize signing of Massachusetts Cultural Council grant for Essex Cultural Council ($5,700)
• Approve one‑day wine, malt, and entertainment licenses for events at 66 Main Street and other venues
• Consider appointment to the Affordable Housing Trust (applicants Jessie Perrigo Palm or Janet Carlson)

The Board unanimously approved a weekly warrant of $1,007,161.14 to fund town expenses. They also authorized the Town Administrator to contract Copeland for a fire‑station siding assessment, signed a dumpster license for Shipyard Tavern, and approved several one‑day event licenses. Jessie Perrigo Palm was appointed to the Affordable Housing Trust, and the Board approved the transition to a new Harbormaster records system and a $5,700 cultural grant. An Employee of the Year award was granted to candidate #3.

• Approved weekly warrant of $1,007,161.14 (unanimous)
• Authorized assessment contract with Copeland for fire station siding (unanimous)
• Signed Shipyard Tavern dumpster license (unanimous)
• Approved multiple one‑day licenses for Essex Historical Society events (unanimous)
• Appointed Jessie Perrigo Palm to Affordable Housing Trust (unanimous)
• Approved transition to new Harbormaster records system with DOCKWA (unanimous)
• Authorized Chairman to sign Massachusetts Cultural Council grant of $5,700 (unanimous)
• Approved Employee of the Year award to candidate #3 (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will first consider and vote on the September 4th meeting minutes. Committee members will then review the document titled “Who Owns the COA Strategic Plan?” and discuss recommendations for Goal 1 with assigned actions. The main discussion will focus on Goal 2 of the 2020‑2025 Strategic Plan, evaluating outreach efforts, newsletter circulation, and social‑media engagement. Additional items include reviewing marketing materials such as the welcome packet, communication processes, and website updates.

• Approval of September 4th meeting minutes
• Review of the document “Who Owns the COA Strategic Plan?”
• Discussion of Goal 1 recommendations and assignment of actions
• Evaluation of Goal 2 progress: senior outreach records, newsletter circulation, and Facebook follower statistics
• Review of Objective 2 marketing materials: welcome packet, communication methods, website maintenance, and newsletter content

The committee approved the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes with no amendments. Members agreed on the content of the “Who Owns the COA Strategic Plan” document. The committee decided to add the welcome packet as an objective of the 2026‑2030 Strategic Plan. The goal to create awareness of senior needs was deemed partially met, pending completion of assigned actions.

• Approved September 4, 2025 meeting minutes (no amendments)
• Agreed on content of “Who Owns the COA Strategic Plan” document
• Added welcome packet as an objective of the 2026‑2030 Strategic Plan
• Determined Goal 2 is partially met, to be mostly met after pending actions

Safety Committee

The Safety Committee will consider electing a new chairperson and will approve the minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting. It will discuss the status of the MIIA Loss Control Grant for installing new railings at the town pier. Additional items include reviewing the committee’s FY26 goals, building inspection forms, and the Board of Health administrator’s coordination of OSHA compliance.

• Consider election of a new chairperson from the membership
• Review and approve minutes of June 26, 2025
• Discuss status of MIIA Loss Control Grant – new railings at Town pier
• Review Safety Committee goals and objectives for FY26
• Status of Board of Health administrator’s coordination of OSHA compliance

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting. Eian Woodman was unanimously appointed as the new Safety Committee Chairman. The meeting was unanimously closed, with the next meeting set for December 2025.

• Approved June 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Eian Woodman as Safety Committee Chairman (unanimous)
• Closed the meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider an application by Wallace Bruce to split the single lot at 0 Horsestable and Emerson Lane into two lots under the Subdivision Control Law (ANR). The board will also discuss a series of proposed bylaw updates, MBTA 3A zoning updates, and a consultant proposal for the Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development. No building inspector items are on the agenda.

• Application for endorsement of an ANR plan to create two lots at 0 Horsestable and Emerson Lane (Map 142 Lot 22) by Wallace Bruce
• Discussion of potential bylaw updates, including revisions to Chapters 2‑8, 6‑10.2, 6‑4.2.8, 6‑7.5, 6‑2.2, and others
• Review of MBTA 3A zoning updates
• Review of consultant proposal from Weston & Sampson for Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development
• Administrative: vote expected on September 3, 2025 board meeting minutes

The Planning Board agreed to move forward with a proposal to raise the number of multifamily units allowed by right in the Downtown Zoning District from four to six and to eliminate the minimum lot size, pending draft language and a public hearing notice. The Board also asked the zoning consultant to evaluate an alternate resident suggestion. Additionally, the Board re‑elected Chairman Lisa O’Donnell, appointed co‑Vice‑chairmen Ariel Brain and Beth Walsh, elected Shelly Bradbury as Clerk and Peter Levasseur as Vice‑clerk, and approved the August 6 and August 20 meeting minutes.

• Advance downtown zoning proposal to increase multifamily units (unanimous)
• Request evaluation of alternate multifamily suggestion (unanimous)
• Re‑elect Chairman Lisa O’Donnell (unanimous)
• Appoint Ariel Brain and Beth Walsh as co‑Vice‑chairmen (unanimous)
• Elect Shelly Bradbury as Clerk (unanimous)
• Elect Peter Levasseur as Vice‑clerk (unanimous)
• Approve August 6, 2025 minutes (5 Ayes, 2 Abstain)
• Approve August 20, 2025 minutes (4 Ayes, 3 Abstain)

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority Special Board will hold an executive session under Exemption 3. The session will focus on discussing strategy related to pending litigation. No other agenda items are listed for this meeting.

• Executive session (Exemption 3) to discuss strategy for pending litigation

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will review the opioid settlement funds and consider how to use them. It will also receive a radon overview, discuss the chair stipend, and examine the dashboard covering IMA, workplan, and budget. The meeting will set the workplan moving forward and provide an overview of the FPHS meeting.

• Discussion of opioid settlement funds
• Radon overview presentation
• Consideration of chair stipend
• Dashboard review: IMA, workplan, budget
• Workplan moving forward

Conservation Commission

The Essex Conservation Commission will meet on September 16, 2025 under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The agenda includes public hearings on a Notice of Intent to construct a single‑family home at 3 Turtleback Road and on replacing a boardwalk, platform, gangway, float, dock and adding a fence at 10 Patriots Landing. The commission will also review a minor modification request at 210 Southern Avenue, a tree‑removal request at 64 Eastern Avenue, and discuss possible violations at 99 John Wise Avenue, 0 Western Ave/121A Western, and 30 Pond Street gravel fill, as well as approve the August 26, 2025 minutes.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent to build a single‑family home at 3 Turtleback Road
• Public hearing on replacement of boardwalk, platform, gangway, float, dock and fence installation at 10 Patriots Landing
• Review of minor modification request at 210 Southern Avenue
• Review of tree removal request at 64 Eastern Avenue
• Discussion of possible violations at 99 John Wise Avenue, 0 Western Ave/121A Western, and 30 Pond Street gravel fill

The Essex Conservation Commission approved a modification to DEP Order #021-0753 to allow removal of hazardous trees at 210 Southern Avenue. It also continued two public hearings—one for a new home at 3 Turtleback Road and another for a boardwalk replacement at 10 Patriots Landing—both to the October 7, 2025 meeting. Additional actions included approving tree removal at 64 Eastern Avenue, issuing a Certificate of Compliance for 9 Turtleback Road, and sending Notices of Violation for work at 99 John Wise Avenue and 0 Western Avenue.

• Approved minor modification to DEP Order #021-0753 to remove hazardous trees (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing for 3 Turtleback Road to Oct 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved tree removal at 64 Eastern Avenue (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing for 10 Patriots Landing boardwalk project to Oct 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Agreed to send recommendation letter for Sam Mercier appointment (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 9 Turtleback Road (unanimous)
• Issued Notice of Violation for 99 John Wise Avenue (unanimous)
• Issued Notice of Violation for 0 Western Avenue (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will review bills payable totaling $1,111.03 and approve retroactive permits for food trucks and a residential kitchen. The agenda includes a discussion on Short Term Rental Regulation and the Public Health Excellence Grant.

• Bills payable: $1,111.03 (#766, #767)
• Retroactive permits: RRK-25-1, TFE-25-7, TFE-25-11, TFE-25-14, TFE-25-15
• Discussion: Short Term Rental Regulation
• Discussion: Public Health Excellence Grant
• Sign Tobacco Compliance Letters for Schooner’s Market, Energy North, and Chebacco Market

The board approved the minutes from the August 14 meeting and retroactively approved two bills payable totaling $1,111.03. It voted to disapprove a septic system plan for 2 Lufkin Point Lane and to approve a residential retail kitchen permit along with several temporary food‑event permits. The board also approved a leave‑use notification form, signed tobacco‑compliance letters for three markets, and adopted standing orders for flu, shingles, hepatitis B and Tdap vaccines.

• Approved Board of Health meeting minutes from 8-14-2025 (All in Favor)
• Retroactively approved Bills Payable #766 for $248.63 (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #767 for $862.40 (All in Favor)
• Approved letter to owner of 2 Lufkin Point Lane disapproving septic plan dated Aug 28 2025 (All in Favor)
• Approved Residential Retail Kitchen permit (RRK-25-1 Full Heart Floured Hands) and listed Temporary Food Event permits (All in Favor)
• Approved Leave Use Notification form for Erin Kirchner (All in Favor)
• Signed Tobacco Compliance Letters for Schooner’s Market, Energy North, and Chebacco Market (All in Favor)

Community Preservation Committee

The Essex Community Preservation Committee will consider several items, including approving the June 11, 2025 meeting minutes and adopting a new CPC email address. Members will vote on a new application and instruction process and on how to handle unspent funds from completed projects. The primary decision is a vote on a grant agreement, with a time limit, for the Affordable Housing Trust.

• Approve June 11, 2025 minutes
• Adopt new CPC email address
• Vote on new application and instruction process
• Vote on process for unspent funds in completed projects
• Vote on Affordable Housing Trust grant agreement with time limit

The committee approved the June 11 meeting minutes and adopted a new application and instruction form for CPC project requests, both unanimously. It determined that the proposed Historic Essex Walking Tour map is outside the CPC’s jurisdiction and declined to fund it. The board also voted unanimously to rescind the previously allocated $49,000 for a tennis‑court project pending a revised proposal.

• Approved June 11 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved new application and instruction for CPC project requests (unanimous)
• Declined jurisdiction for Historic Essex Walking Tour map project (unanimous)
• Rescinded $49,000 allocation for tennis‑court project (unanimous)

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee will receive an update on the 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan, including the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s scope of work and timeline. Members will discuss the roles of MAPC, the town, and the committee, and consider community‑engagement strategies. The meeting will also outline preliminary priorities and next steps for the plan.

• Presentation on MAPC scope of work and timeline for OSRP 2026
• Discussion of roles and responsibilities of MAPC, town, and committee
• Community‑engagement planning for OSRP 2026
• Review of preliminary priorities and focus areas for OSRP 2026
• Outline of next steps for the plan

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the FY25 report from Town Accountant Makayla Nolan and discuss potential warrant articles for the Fall Town Meeting. The body will also establish the FY27 budget process and calendar.

• Line item transfers
• FY25 Report from Town Accountant Makayla Nolan
• Fall Town Meeting potential warrant articles
• FY27 budget process and calendar
• Tax Talk 2

The committee approved the July 30, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It also unanimously approved a line-item transfer from Shellfish Vehicle Maintenance to Shellfish Boat Repairs. No other items were decided during the meeting.

• Approved July 30, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved transfer from Shellfish Vehicle Maintenance to Shellfish Boat Repairs (unanimous)

Housing Authority

The Board will hold a public hearing to review and approve the FY26 EOHLC Annual Plan. Members will also review financial statements and a project completion certificate.

• Public hearing and approval of FY26 EOHLC Annual Plan
• Review and approval of Certificate of Final Completion for Project #092063 (Fire Alarm Project)
• Acceptance of August 2025 disbursements
• Review of July 2025 financial statements

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority Board approved the FY 2026 annual plan, which includes the capital improvement plan, maintenance and repair plan, operating budget, and performance management review. The board also approved the Certificate of Final Completion for the fire alarm replacement project and issued a final payment of $19,495 to Jupiter Electric, Inc. Upcoming projects such as shower‑control replacements and hot‑water‑tank upgrades were noted, and tenant concerns were heard. The meeting concluded with a schedule for the next board meeting on October 14, 2025.

• Approve Certificate of Final Completion and final payment of $19,495 to Jupiter Electric, Inc. for fire alarm replacement (MOD #092063)
• Approve FY 2026 EOHLC Annual Plan (capital improvement, maintenance, operating budget, performance review)
• Shower Controls project (MOD #092069) scheduled to start in the next few weeks
• Hot Water Tanks project (MOD #092071) kickoff meeting to occur in the next few weeks
• Resident Service Coordinator Grant offer to a candidate; meeting with Manchester and Topsfield Housing Authorities

Housing Authority

The Board approved contracts for facility maintenance and authorized a broadband infrastructure grant application. Members also reviewed financial reports and the status of fire alarm and shower control projects.

• Contract awarded to Katie Jo Gionna for $20,000 to replace 30 gallon hot water tanks
• Contract awarded to Paone for $14,400 to clean 36 heat pumps
• Authorization to execute Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Residential Retrofit Participation Agreement
• Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion for Fire Alarm Replacement (MOD #092063)
• Payment of $281.60 to Gloucester Housing Authority for shower valve repair

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees will review minutes, the summer reading program, and a landscape project update. The agenda includes proposed new policies for volunteers, social media, and library closing procedures.

• Review and approve minutes from March 18, 2025
• Library Landscape Project Update
• New Policies: Volunteers, Social Media, and Library Closing
• Preview Financial Report (due in October 2025)
• Review of Summer Reading Program

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting. They also approved a $25 hourly wage for the substitute librarian on‑call position. The board voted unanimously to decline naming rights for the landscape project. Finally, they unanimously approved $40,000 from the Nancy Andrews trust for landscape lights, furniture, and a bike rack.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $25 hourly wage for substitute librarian on‑call (unanimous)
• Denied naming rights for the library landscape project (unanimous)
• Approved $40,000 from Nancy Andrews trust for landscape lights, furniture, and bike rack (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Essex Board of Selectmen will meet in person and remotely to decide on seasonal leases for Conomo Point and Robbins Island lots, ratify a $6,225 change order for the Water Filtration Plant Improvement Project, and hear updates on tennis court renovations and a bicycling event. The Town Administrator will present a report covering affordable housing, fire department email accounts, and ambulance billing contracts.

• Ratify $6,225.26 change order for Water Filtration Plant Improvement Project
• Vote on 1-year seasonal leases for 16 Conomo Point and Robbins Island lots
• Approve $2,026 gift from Conomo Point Association to Harbor Gift Fund
• Ratify Town Administrator’s sign-off on roof replacement permit at 11 Middle Road
• Consider outsourcing future ambulance services in Essex

The Selectmen approved a weekly warrant of $198,435.46 and accepted a $2,026 gift from the Conomo Point Association. They unanimously authorized interim loan notes up to $200,000 for the town’s community septic management loan program and granted the Manchester Essex Rotary Club permission to ride on Essex roads pending a MassDOT parade permit. Additional actions included purchasing five fire‑department email addresses, renewing the ambulance billing contract with Comstar, and authorizing a LEAP grant application for sea‑level‑rise planning.

• Approved weekly warrant $198,435.46 (motion carried, Chairman abstained)
• Approved and signed interim loan note documents for up to $200,000 septic loan (unanimous)
• Approved Rotary Club’s request to use Essex roads, contingent on MassDOT permit (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 5 additional fire‑department email addresses (unanimous)
• Renewed ambulance billing contract with Comstar for one year (unanimous)
• Authorized proceeding with LEAP Grant application for sea‑level‑rise planning (unanimous)
• Ratified Chairman’s signature on Water Filtration Plant change order $6,225.26 (unanimous)
• Sent letter of support for state legislation to reduce pancreatic cancer deaths (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Essex Board of Public Works will meet to address new business items including a resident sticker issue on Turtleback Road, a cemetery lot donation, and a rate study discussion. Updates on previous business items such as the fuel depot, Essex Park development, well upgrades, and water pump projects will also be provided.

• Turtleback Road resident sticker issue
• Cemetery lot donation
• Rate study discussion

The board voted to approve the 61 Story Street addition sewer flow application, increasing the property by one bedroom, with all members in favor. The board also approved the special permit for the Essex Park Road development, allowing 36 lots with common septic systems and requiring a water main loop and a valve at the Apple Street bridge.

• Approved 61 Story Street sewer flow addition (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for Essex Park Road development (36 lots)

Council on Aging

The Essex Council on Aging’s Strategic Planning Committee will review the 2020–2025 plan and begin brainstorming goals for 2026–2030. Members will assess progress on Goal 1—collaborating with the community to identify unmet needs—using metrics and feedback mechanisms.

• Review of 2020–2025 Strategic Plan with 4–6 meetings planned
• Brainstorming 2026–2030 goals (2–4 meetings)
• Assessment of Goal 1: community collaboration metrics and feedback methods
• Questions on Chebacco Terrace senior resident collaboration records
• Quarterly progress reporting to COA board

The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed and accepted the proposed Strategic Planning Process and the estimated number of meetings required for each step. No other motions were voted on. The committee also discussed recommendations on newsletters, communication with agencies, and transportation alternatives, but these were not formal decisions.

• Accepted proposed Strategic Planning Process (decision recorded, no vote tally provided)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign off on monthly reports for motor vehicle and boat excise abatements. The board will also discuss clerical and part-time salaries payroll and mapping changes.

• Clerical & Part-Time Salaries Payroll
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements Monthly Report
• Boat Excise Abatements Monthly Review
• Certification Year Review
• Mapping Changes Review

The Board of Assessors reviewed and signed the clerical and part‑time salaries payroll, motor vehicle excise abatements report, boat excise abatements report, certification year review, map changes review, and the review of previous assessors meetings. No votes, approvals, or other decisions beyond routine sign‑off were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conclude deliberations and vote on a special permit application from Bell Point LLC for a residential development. The board will also discuss potential bylaw updates for the Special Town Meeting and an update to the Open Space Plan.

• Vote on Special Permit for Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear
• Discussion of MBTA 3A zoning update and requirements
• Discussion of Scenic Roads Bylaw and 2-8 Revisions
• Discussion of ADU updates, short-term rental requirements, and roof signs
• Review of Open Space Plan Update

The Board voted 6‑1 to approve Bell Point LLC’s Special Permit for an Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear. Board officers were re‑elected: Lisa O’Donnell as Chairman, Ariel Brain and Beth Walsh as co‑Vice‑Chairmen, Shelly Bradbury as Clerk, and Peter Levasseur as Vice‑Clerk. The minutes from the August 6 and August 20 meetings were each approved by majority vote. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Special Permit for Essex Park Road OSRD (6‑1 vote)
• Re‑elected Lisa O’Donnell as Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Ariel Brain and Beth Walsh as co‑Vice‑Chairmen (unanimous)
• Elected Shelly Bradbury as Clerk (unanimous)
• Elected Peter Levasseur as Vice‑Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved August 6, 2025 minutes (5 Ayes, 2 abstentions)
• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (4 Ayes, 3 abstentions)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review a financial summary and discuss how to legally coordinate work on a new strategic plan and building policies. The board will also address the resignation of secretary Mary Heeny and the nomination of a replacement.

• Review of updated Financial Summary
• Vote on proposed events/activities submitted by Friends of the ECOA
• Resignation of secretary Mary Heeny and nomination of a new secretary
• Gift Fund requests for the Veteran's Gallery
• Discussion on public posting requirements for strategic planning and policy revision meetings

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The board approved using up to $500 from the Gift Fund for the veterans gallery and breakfast. Kathrin Rueda was appointed COA Secretary by unanimous vote. The FECOA building‑use requests for several senior‑center events were approved with two abstentions on each item.

• Approved 2025-0805 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved use of up to $500 from Gift Fund for veterans gallery and breakfast (unanimous)
• Appointed Kathrin Rueda as COA Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved FECOA building‑use request for Trash Bag Sales (2 abstentions)
• Approved FECOA building‑use request for Monthly Meetings (2 abstentions)
• Approved FECOA building‑use request for Ladies Brunch (2 abstentions)
• Approved FECOA building‑use request for Annual Boutique Fundraiser (2 abstentions)
• Approved FECOA building‑use request for Scarecrow Kit Sales (2 abstentions)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to meet on August 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall Auditorium. The primary item on the agenda is a possible attendance and participation in the Affordable Housing Trust meeting.

• Possible attendance at Affordable Housing Trust meeting
• Meeting date: August 27, 2025
• Location: Town Hall Auditorium, 30 Martin Street

Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust will review survey results and draft goals for the Housing Production Plan with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The body will also consider appointing a new Chairperson and filling an at-large seat vacancy.

• Appointment of a new Chairperson
• Vacancy in an at-large seat on the Trust
• Review of Housing Production Plan survey results
• Discussion of draft housing sites, goals, and strategies
• Consideration of a resident suggestion for an inclusionary zoning bylaw

The board unanimously appointed Alva Ingaharro as the Trust's new chairperson. Minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting were approved, with two members abstaining. The Trust agreed each member will consider and submit candidates for the open seat to the Town Administrator. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous motion.

• Alva Ingaharro appointed chairperson (unanimous)
• April 24, 2025 minutes approved (Guerin and Thompson abstained)
• Members to consider and submit candidates for open seat to Town Administrator
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously
• MAPC to add map of non‑viable development areas to next presentation
• Town Administrator to share Senior Needs Assessment with MAPC
• Brendhan Zubricki to send Ms. Pereen’s draft inclusionary zoning bylaw to MAPC
• Draft Housing Production Plan to be presented to Trust early‑mid October 2025

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss driveway work on an easement and review two notices of violation. The body will also consider requests for Certificates of Compliance.

• Driveway work on easement at 19 Turtleback Road
• Certificate of Compliance request for 9 Turtleback Road
• Notice of Violation for tree cutting at 17 Water Street
• Notice of Violation for gravel fill at 30 Pond Street

The commission voted 3‑yeas to 1 abstention to issue a letter of return to compliance for 17 Water Street. It unanimously found that driveway easement work at 19 Turtleback Road met minor activity standards under the Wetlands Protection Act. Commissioners authorized the removal of eight trees at 32 Pond Street, allowing replacement planting despite the five‑tree filing limit. The meeting also approved the August 5 minutes and set future agenda items.

• Issued letter of return to compliance for 17 Water Street (3 yeas, 1 abstain)
• Found driveway easement work at 19 Turtleback Road met minor activity standards (unanimous)
• Authorized removal of eight trees at 32 Pond Street with replacement planting
• Approved issuance of Certificates of Compliance for 9 Turtleback Road pending fees
• Placed discussion of work at 99 John Wise Avenue on next agenda
• Authorized clerk to contact new Conservation Agent for Town of Rowley
• Approved August 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will meet to consider a driveway permit for 6 Dodge Street and discuss gas line work on Harry Homans. The board will also review the DPW Superintendent job description and receive project updates.

• Driveway permit for Jason Neuffer at 6 Dodge Street
• Tennessee gas line work on Harry Homans
• DPW Superintendent job description edit review
• Well upgrade project update
• Essex Park development updates

The Board of Public Works agreed to the minor changes in the superintendent job description. It authorized the DPW to dig utility trenches for the fuel depot project. The board also agreed that rebuilding Pump Station #4 may be more cost‑effective and will seek repair details. No other items were voted on.

• Approved revised superintendent job description (unanimous agreement)
• Authorized DPW to dig utility trenches for fuel depot (no vote recorded)
• Agreed rebuilding Pump Station #4 may be more cost‑effective (no vote recorded)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will deliberate and potentially vote on a special permit for an Open Space Residential Development. The board will also discuss potential bylaw updates for the Special Fall Town Meeting.

• Special Permit application by Bell Point LLC for Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear
• Discussion of Inclusive Zoning Bylaw updates
• Discussion of Scenic Roads Bylaw updates
• Discussion of 2-8 Revisions
• Consideration of Board representation for TownGreen’s Cape Ann MARCH Initiative

The Planning Board tabled the Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development special permit and the 3A compliance item until the September 3 meeting. Beth Walsh was assigned as the Board liaison to the TownGreen Cape Ann MARCH Initiative, and Shelly Bradbury was removed from the scenic roads assignment. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Tabled Essex Park Road OSRD Special Permit to Sept 3 2025 (insufficient members for supermajority)
• Tabled 3A compliance discussion to next meeting
• Assigned Beth Walsh as Planning Board liaison to TownGreen’s Cape Ann MARCH Initiative
• Removed Shelly Bradbury from scenic roads assignment
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously
• No building inspector report items presented
• No public comment received
• Administrative Assistant report reviewed; no minutes ready for approval

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will hold a procedural meeting to review past minutes, receive a staff update from a regional social worker, and discuss the board’s strategic vision, standard operating procedures, and public health metrics. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

The Board approved the Strategic Vision & Mission, adding a communication section under guiding principles. The motion was moved by J. Thomas, seconded by A. Ting, and passed with all votes in favor. The board also approved the minutes from meetings 4, 5, and 6 unanimously. Members agreed to review SOPs individually and email comments to P. Vernucci for a future agenda item.

• Approved Strategic Vision & Mission with communication addendum (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from meetings 4, 5, and 6 (unanimous)
• Motion to call meeting to order passed (unanimous)
• Agreed to review SOPs individually and submit comments to P. Vernucci (consensus)
• Decided members will email SOP comments to P. Vernucci for future agenda

Board of Selectmen

The Essex Board of Selectmen will meet in-person and remotely to review the Chief of Police’s recommended changes to department rules, discuss progress since his appointment, and hear the Town Administrator’s report on projects including the Municipal Fuel Depot construction and grant programs. They will also consider licensing changes, personnel updates, and several endorsements and approvals.

• Review Police Department Rules & Regulations changes proposed by Chief Tom Shamshak
• Award Municipal Fuel Depot Construction Project
• Consider local option adoption of Section 12D Chapter 138 for all-alcohol license trading
• Ratify Town Administrator’s endorsement of siding replacement permit at 110 Conomo Point Road
• Accept resignation of Troy Scarborough from Essex Affordable Housing Trust

The Board awarded the municipal fuel depot construction contract to SRS Petroleum Services and accepted the recommended changes to the Essex Police Department Rules & Regulations. They also signed the EMS Billing Agreement with Manchester, approved the draft Marijuana Host Community Municipal Equity Policy, and ratified the Port Security Grant application. Additional approvals included a $1,544,096.85 weekly warrant, building permits for 110 and 120 Conomo Point Road, and the local‑option license trade provision.

• Awarded Municipal Fuel Depot contract to SRS Petroleum Services (unanimous)
• Accepted Essex Police Department Rules & Regulations changes (unanimous)
• Signed EMS Billing Agreement with Town of Manchester (unanimous)
• Approved draft Marijuana Host Community Municipal Equity Policy for submission (unanimous)
• Ratified Chairman's signature on Port Security Grant application (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant in the amount of $1,544,096.85 (unanimous)
• Approved building permit for siding replacement at 110 Conomo Point Road (unanimous)
• Approved building permit for solar panels at 120 Conomo Point Road (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold a public hearing to adopt regulations for hiring outside consultants. The board will also review a septic system plan and various permits.

• Public hearing on Rules & Regulations for Hiring Outside Consultants
• Septic System Plan Review for 82 Conomo Point Road
• Bills payable totaling $8,084.28
• Permits for Kim Henriques, 5 Star Phresh Phood, and Down River Ice Cream
• Discussion regarding OSRD off Essex Park Road

The Board of Health adopted a new regulation for hiring outside consultants, allowing costs to be paid by project applicants. It approved retroactive payments for Bills Payable #764 ($7,782.00) and #765 ($302.28). The Board also approved a septic‑system plan letter, several permits (Keeping of Animals, Mobile/Push‑Cart, Temporary Food Event) and a Leave Use Notification form. All motions passed with votes recorded as All in Favor.

• Adopted Rules & Regulations for Hiring Outside Consultants (All in Favor)
• Retroactively approved Bills Payable #764 for $7,782.00 (All in Favor)
• Retroactively approved Bills Payable #765 for $302.28 (All in Favor)
• Approved letter confirming septic system plan for 82 Conomo Point Road (All in Favor)
• Approved Keeping of Animals permit KOA-25-2 – Kim Henriques (All in Favor)
• Approved Mobile/Push‑Cart permit MOBL-25-2 – 5 Star Phresh Phood (retroactive) (All in Favor)
• Approved Temporary Food Event permit TFE-25-9 – Downriver Ice Cream (retroactive) (All in Favor)
• Approved Leave Use Notification form for Erin Kirchner (All in Favor)

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority will hold its regular board meeting to review and approve financial disbursements, bids, and contracts. Key items include the approval of a hot water heater replacement project and heat pump cleaning quotations, as well as financial statements for May and June 2025.

• Approval of bids and contract award for Hot Water Heater Replacement (Project #092071)
• Review and approval of quotations for Heat Pump Cleaning
• Review and approval of Gloucester Housing Authority invoices for Maintenance Services (July 2025)
• Review and approval of Grant Application to Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
• Review and approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion for Project #092063-Fire Alarm System

Board of Public Works

The Essex Board of Public Works will meet on August 11, 2025, to review minutes from prior meetings and conduct new business, including a vote on an updated job description for the DPW Superintendent and a decision on a driveway permit at 6 Dodge Street. The board may also discuss fuel depot updates, Essex Park development, and personnel matters if time permits.

• Vote on updated DPW Superintendent job description
• Decision on driveway permit at 6 Dodge Street
• Possible discussion of fuel depot updates
• Possible discussion of Essex Park development updates
• Possible personnel matters

The Board of Public Works approved the minutes for the June 16 and July 28 meetings unanimously. The board reviewed a driveway redesign request and asked the homeowner to return for further discussion. Concerns about recent yellow line painting on Choate Street were noted, and the board will investigate removal costs and speed data. Additional items included sewer grease cleanup, a fuel depot plan review, staffing challenges, roadside mowing contracts, and landfill inspections.

• Approved June 16 and July 28 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign various administrative reports and payroll. The session includes reviews of excise abatements for motor vehicles and boats, as well as the cyclical reinspection plan.

• Clerical and part-time salaries payroll
• Motor vehicle excise abatements monthly report
• Boat excise abatements monthly review
• Cyclical reinspection plan review
• Map changes review

The Essex Board of Assessors reviewed and signed a series of items, including clerical and part‑time salaries payroll, motor vehicle and boat excise abatements reports, certification year review, cyclical reinspection plan review, map changes review, and meeting reviews. No votes or further actions were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 am.

• Reviewed and signed Clerical & Part‑Time Salaries Payroll
• Reviewed and signed Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements Monthly Report
• Reviewed and signed Boat Excise Abatements Monthly Report
• Reviewed and signed Certification Year Review
• Reviewed and signed Cyclical Reinspection Plan Review
• Reviewed and signed Map Changes Review
• Reviewed and signed Review of Last Assessors Meetings
• Reviewed and signed Schedule Next Assessors Meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review a special permit for an Open Space Residential Development and a new building siting request. The board will also discuss potential bylaw updates for the Special Fall Town Meeting.

• Special Permit application by Bell Point LLC for Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear
• Request for approval of siting for a new building at 36 Pickering Street
• Selection of a peer reviewer for Definitive Subdivision at Essex Park Road
• Discussion of possible Bylaw updates for the Special (Fall) Town Meeting
• Update on potential change of use at 6 Turtleback Road

The Planning Board approved the siting of a new building at 36 Pickering Street with a unanimous vote. It also approved hiring Weston & Sampson to peer‑review the Essex Park Road Definitive Subdivision Plan, again unanimously. The minutes from the July 16, 2025 meeting were approved by a majority vote, while the OSRD Special Permit decision and 3A compliance were tabled for a future meeting.

• Approved siting of new building at 36 Pickering Street (unanimous)
• Approved engagement of Weston & Sampson for peer review of Essex Park Road Definitive Subdivision Plan (unanimous)
• Approved July 16, 2025 meeting minutes (majority: Aye – BW, PL, SB, AB; Abstain – LO)
• Tabled OSRD Special Permit decision (no vote recorded)
• Tabled 3A compliance discussion (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will discuss a financial summary and a strategic plan update for 2026. Members will vote on whether to limit center usage to the Friends of the Essex COA or allow other town 'Friends' groups. The board will also consider forming a subgroup to revise building usage and behavior policies.

• Vote on center usage for Friends of the Essex COA versus other town 'Friends' groups
• Review of strategic plan with possible 2026 update
• Proposal to create a subgroup to revise building usage and behavior guidelines
• Review of updated Financial Summary based on the Town Accountant’s Report
• Update on the Gift Fund

The board approved the July 1 minutes (with two abstentions) and accepted the July financial analysis. A new strategic‑plan committee was created and tasked to deliver a preliminary plan by end‑January 2026, with resource material to be sent by Ann Buckley. The board voted to limit Senior Center building use to approved “Friends” groups and directed a draft usage policy be written. Additional committees were established to oversee policy updates and to implement best‑practice standards from the NCOA‑NISC guidance manual.

• Approved July 1 minutes (2 abstentions)
• Accepted July financial analysis
• Formed strategic‑plan committee (Lufkin, Parady, Siebert, Rueda, Leary)
• Set preliminary strategic‑plan completion target: end of Jan 2026
• Adopted limited Senior Center use policy – option 3 (Friends groups only)
• Created policy‑development committee (Buckley, Joseph, Rueda plus staff)
• Directed draft of updated Senior Center usage and behavior policy
• Committed to review NCOA‑NISC guidance manual and begin process audits

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to review minor modifications and certificates of compliance for several properties. The body will also address notices of violation regarding tree cutting and gravel fill.

• Minor modifications at 2 Gregory Island Road and 82 Conomo Point Road
• Certificate of Compliance request for 9 Turtleback Road
• Notice of Violation for tree cutting at 17 Water Street
• Notice of Violation for gravel fill at 30 Pond Street

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to accept two minor project modifications: one for Roger Lipman at 2 Gregory Island Road and another for John Judd at 82 Conomo Point Road. The commission also agreed to accept a natural revegetation report for tree cutting at 17Water Street and to issue a Certificate of Compliance for the Order of Conditions at 9 Turtleback Road. Additionally, the commission approved the June 24, 2025 minutes and agreed to consider certificates for four outstanding orders.

• Unanimously accepted minor modification for 2 Gregory Island Road (Roger Lipman)
• Unanimously accepted minor modification for 82 Conomo Point Road (John Judd)
• Agreed to accept natural revegetation report for tree cutting at 17Water Street
• Agreed to issue Certificate of Compliance for 9 Turtleback Road with outdated DEP number
• Agreed to consider issuing Certificates of Compliance for four outstanding orders and to receive project information with them
• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes as presented

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hear a five-year outlook for the Fire Department and discuss budget planning with the Finance Committee. The meeting includes a Town Administrator's report on various infrastructure and licensing projects and the appointment of poll workers.

• Fire Chief Christian Hassel's five-year outlook for the Essex Fire Department
• Proposal to repeal the OSRD zoning bylaw
• Contract with ClearGov for budgeting software
• Proposal to convert tennis courts to parking
• One-day entertainment and wine/malt licenses for various events

The Selectmen approved a contract with ClearGov to provide municipal budgeting software, covering a one‑time setup fee of just over $4,000 and an annual cost prorated to $6,271 for fiscal year 2026. They also approved a change of manager for the retail wine and malt license at Marshview Farm Store and granted a new one‑day entertainment license for Riversbend Patio and Tent Areas on September 13, 2025. The Board ratified its July 21 action on a prior one‑day entertainment license and tabled a resident’s agenda item indefinitely. No action was taken on the Town Landing parking configuration, and the Administrator was tasked with drafting a license for the Shipyard Tavern dumpster use.

• Approved change of manager for Retail Wine and Malt Alcohol sales license at Marshview Farm Store (unanimous)
• Ratified Board’s July 21 action on one‑day entertainment license for Riversbend Patio, 35 Dodge St (unanimous)
• Granted one‑day entertainment license for Riversbend Patio and Tent Areas, 35 Dodge St, Sep 13 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved contract with ClearGov for budgeting software, $4,000+ setup and $10,750 annual fee (unanimous)
• Tabled resident Jay Tetzloff’s agenda item indefinitely
• Declined any action on Town Landing parking configuration (no action)
• Directed Town Administrator to draft a license for Shipyard Tavern dumpster use at Town Landing (pending)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to prepare for a Board of Selectmen meeting and review previous minutes. The committee will also discuss a request for support for Bill S 407 from Donald Elitzer of Great Barrington, MA.

• Discussion regarding request for support for Bill S 407 from Donald Elitzer

The committee unanimously approved the July 15 minutes. It voted to recommend that the Board of Selectmen continue the annual $250,000 OPEB funding plan. It also voted to recommend support for the Bill S‑407 study and forward that recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved July 15 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended continued annual OPEB funding to the Board of Selectmen (all members voted)
• Recommended support for the Bill S‑407 study and forwarding the recommendation to the Board of Selectmen (all members voted in favor)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to participate in the Finance Committee's regular meeting. No other specific agenda items were listed.

• Participation in Finance Committee regular meeting

Board of Appeals

The Essex Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to review a petition regarding sign measurements. The board will also review minutes from the June 25, 2025 meeting.

• Variance request for The Shipyard Tavern at 74 Main St to exceed the 32 sq ft maximum permanent sign area

Board of Public Works

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a water bill for a Western Ave resident and review quotes for sludge, catch basin, and street sweeping testing. The board will also receive updates on paving, the fuel depot, and the well station upgrade.

• Discussion of Western Ave resident water bill
• Quotes for catch basin, street sweeping, and sludge testing
• DPW Superintendent job description
• Well station upgrade update
• Essex Park development updates

The board voted to proceed with the application for suitability testing of the water‑plant sludge with Weston and Sampson. It also approved the updated DPW superintendent job description and will refer it to the personnel board. A cemetery deed was signed transferring the parcel to Laura Corral. Other agenda items were discussed but no further actions were taken.

• Approved moving forward with water‑plant sludge suitability application with Weston and Sampson (no vote recorded)
• Approved the updated DPW superintendent job description; to be sent to the personnel board (no vote recorded)
• Recorded the signing of a cemetery deed transferring the parcel to Laura Corral (no vote recorded)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review a proposal to improve parking at the Town Landing on Main Street and a request for the 17th Happy as a Clam 5k to use town roads. The board will also hear a Town Administrator's report on asphalt removal and street excavation disposal.

• Proposal to improve parking at the Town Landing on Main Street
• Request from Friends of the Essex Elementary School for the Happy as a Clam 5k race
• One Day Wine & Malt License for Lindsay Bergeron at 35 Dodge Street
• Notice of Betterment Agreement for 18 John Wise Avenue
• Town Administrator's report on Grove Parking Lot recycled asphalt removal

The Selectmen unanimously approved a weekly warrant for $155,283.30. They also unanimously granted a one‑day wine and malt license for September 13, 2025, and a one‑day entertainment license for August 2, 2025, both to Lindsay Bergeron at 35 Dodge Street. Additional unanimous actions included approving the use of town roads for a 5K race, authorizing a site visit on a parking proposal, and ratifying the July 7, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved weekly warrant of $155,283.30 (unanimous)
• Granted one‑day wine and malt license to Lindsay Bergeron, Riversbend Tented Area, 35 Dodge Street, for Sep 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Granted one‑day entertainment license to Lindsay Bergeron, Riversbend Patio Area, 35 Dodge Street, for Aug 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved use of town roads for Friends of the Essex Elementary School 5K race on Sep 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Resolved to conduct a site visit on George Mullin’s parking improvement proposal (unanimous)
• Ratified minutes of the July 7, 2025 Open Meeting (unanimous)
• Ratified Chairman’s signature on Notice of Betterment Agreement for 18 John Wise Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved the weekly warrant and authorized Selectman Cameron to sign on her behalf (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will deliberate and possibly vote on a special permit for an Open Space Residential Development. The board will also discuss potential bylaw updates for the Fall Town Meeting.

• Special Permit application for Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear
• Request to withdraw Special Permit application for 44 Main Street
• Discussion of possible Bylaw updates for the Special (Fall) Town Meeting
• 3A Compliance board update

The Planning Board voted to approve, without prejudice, the withdrawal of the special permit application for 44 Main Street. The motion passed unanimously. The Board also approved the minutes from the July 2, 2025 meeting by majority vote. Additionally, the Board requested several revisions to the draft OSRD special permit for Essex Park Road and set a deadline for an updated draft before the August 6 meeting.

• Approved withdrawal of 44 Main Street special permit (unanimous vote)
• Approved July 2, 2025 meeting minutes (majority vote: 5 aye, 1 abstain)
• Requested revisions to OSRD draft findings and conditions (to be revised by Planner)
• Set deadline for revised OSRD draft before August 6, 2025 meeting
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review and approve fiscal year 2025 close line item transfers. The body will also prepare for an upcoming Board of Selectmen meeting.

• FY25 Close Line Item Transfers

The committee unanimously approved the June 7 and June 24 meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved the FY25 Close Line Item Transfers. The Finance Committee scheduled its next meeting for July 27 at 7:00 a.m. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved June 7 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 24 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 Close Line Item Transfers (unanimous)
• Scheduled Finance Committee meeting for July 27 at 7:00 a.m.

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold a meeting to discuss updates with a Regional Inspector and review FPHS updates. The agenda includes a discussion on rebuilding trust in public health and goals related to the IMA.

• Discussion with Regional Inspector
• Review of 'Is It Too Late to Rebuild Trust in Public Health' article
• Discussion of Goals & Responsibility from IMA
• FPHS Updates

The advisory board voted to continue holding its meetings at Essex Town Hall on the third Tuesday of each month. It also agreed to share agendas and minutes with each town’s Board of Health and to sign the Open Meeting Law education receipt only once. Additional actions were assigned for communication and reporting, and a future vote on the strategic vision will be scheduled.

• Continue holding meetings at Essex Town Hall on the third Tuesday of each month
• Share meeting agendas and minutes with each town’s Board of Health
• Sign the Open Meeting Law education receipt only once
• P. Vernucci will email members who have not signed the Open Meeting Law form
• P. Vernucci will give a brief update at each monthly meeting
• Drafts of the posting will be sent out the next day
• Schedule a future meeting to vote on and adopt the strategic vision and mission
• Create a checklist of goals and responsibilities for review and adoption

Board of Public Works

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a PFAS settlement and review quotes for third-party inspections. The meeting includes updates on paving and several ongoing infrastructure projects.

• PFAS settlement discussion
• Third party inspection quotes
• Paving update
• Centennial Grove parking area
• 36 Pickering Street driveway plan

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 12 and June 2 meetings. It approved the driveway permit plan for 36 Pickering Street. It agreed to use CMA Engineering for transfer station, landfill and gas monitoring and Weston & Sampson for catch‑basin and sludge testing. The board kept the fuel depot at its original location and postponed the tennis‑court fence removal until a plan is received.

• Approved May 12 and June 2 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved driveway permit plan for 36 Pickering Street (unanimous)
• Agreed to contract CMA Engineering for transfer station, landfill and gas monitoring
• Agreed to contract Weston & Sampson for catch‑basin and sludge testing
• Decided to keep fuel depot at original location
• Postponed tennis‑court fence removal pending a plan

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review septic system plans for two properties and discuss consultant fee regulations. The meeting includes updates from the public health nurse, social worker, and shared services coordinator.

• Septic system plan review for 31 Apple Street
• Septic system plan review for 147 R Eastern Avenue
• Discussion on OSRD off Essex Park Road
• Discussion on consultant fee regulations M.G.L. c.44, §53G ½
• Bills payable #763 for $33.00

The Board approved the minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting and a $33.00 bill payable. It also approved sending approval letters for septic system designs at 31 Apple Street (pending two design revisions) and 147R Eastern Avenue. All motions were adopted unanimously (All in Favor).

• Approved meeting minutes from 6-26-2025 – All in Favor
• Approved Bills Payable #763 for $33.00 – All in Favor
• Approved letter to owner of 31 Apple Street, 2 Big Dogs Realty Trust, approving septic design pending revisions – All in Favor
• Approved letter to owner of 147R Eastern Avenue, Kobby Properties LLC, approving septic design – All in Favor
• Motion to start the meeting at 7:00 p.m. – All in Favor
• Motion to close the meeting at 7:52 p.m. – All in Favor

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign reports regarding motor vehicle and boat excise abatements. The board will also discuss clerical and part-time salaries payroll and conduct a certification year review.

• Clerical & Part-Time Salaries Payroll
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements Monthly Report
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Boat Excise Abatements Monthly Review
• Boat Excise Abatements

The Essex Board of Assessors reviewed and signed the clerical payroll, motor vehicle excise abatements, boat excise abatements, certification year review, and meeting schedule items. No additional business was taken up, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority will meet to review the Executive Director's report and June 2025 disbursements. The board will also discuss the potential for temporary help and enter an executive session regarding pending litigation.

• Acceptance of June 2025 disbursements
• Discussion regarding possible temporary help
• Executive Session: Litigation strategy for Essex Housing Authority v. David Smith and Wendi Wendell

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review a 5-year vision for the Police Department and consider several appointments for town committees and the Harbormaster's office. The board will also discuss zoning bylaw repeal requests and various operational contracts.

• Proposed repeal of the OSRD zoning bylaw
• Ratification of the Marina and Marina Operator’s Insurance Policy Proposal
• Contract with Locality Media Inc. for First Due fire management software
• Appointments for Assistant Harbormaster, Affordable Housing Trust, and Essex Cultural Council
• Discussion on whether resident senior citizen commercial clamming licenses should remain free

The Board unanimously approved the FY2025 weekly warrant of $200,698.14 and the FY2026 weekly warrant of $1,491,904.59. It also approved the Marina insurance policy, a replacement Police Union side letter, two resident parking stickers for 24 Lufkin Point Road, an order for 15 town donation signs, an indoor entertainment license for the Centennial Grove cottage, a contract with Locality Media for additional fire‑department software, and changes to the public‑comment policy. Additionally, the Board confirmed numerous appointments and reappointments. No other substantive motions were pending.

• Approved FY2025 weekly warrant $200,698.14 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 weekly warrant $1,491,904.59 (unanimous)
• Approved Marina insurance policy (unanimous)
• Approved replacement Police Union side letter (unanimous)
• Approved issuance of two parking stickers for 24 Lufkin Point Road (unanimous)
• Approved order of 15 town donation signs (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Locality Media for additional fire software module (unanimous)
• Approved changes to public‑comment policy (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold continued public hearings and may vote on two special permit applications. These include a residential development project and a mixed-use building in the downtown district.

• Special Permit for Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear
• Special Permit for mixed-use building with 1 commercial unit and 6 residential units at 44 Main Street
• Vote on meeting minutes for June 4, 2025 and June 18, 2025

The Board voted to reopen the public hearing on the Bell Point LLC special permit for the Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development, with the motion passing unanimously. The Board also approved the minutes of the July 2, 2025 meeting (recorded on July 16, 2025). No other applications were voted on at this meeting.

• Reopened Essex Park Road OSRD public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved July 2, 2025 meeting minutes (approved July 16, 2025)

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to conduct interviews for the Regional Epidemiologist position. The board may vote on a finalist for the role following the interviews.

• Interviews for Regional Epidemiologist: Kerra Washington, Megan Eberius, and Khafayat Kadiri
• Possible vote on finalist for Regional Epidemiologist position

The Advisory Board voted to support either of the two interviewed candidates for the Regional Public Health Epidemiologist position. The motion passed with all members in favor and none opposed. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Supported either candidate for Regional Public Health Epidemiologist (vote: In Favor - All; Opposed - None)
• Adjourned meeting (vote: In Favor - All; Opposed - None)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will discuss a financial summary based on the Town Accountant's report and review policies regarding trip participation. The board will also evaluate the strategic plan for a possible 2026 update.

• Review of updated Financial Summary from Town Accountant's Report
• Revision of trip participation policies
• Strategic plan review for 2026 update
• Gift Fund update and potential Requests for Action
• Report on Senior Center Management System

The board approved the meeting minutes as amended after a motion by Sue Parady and a second by Ann Buckley. A unanimous vote accepted a $750 donation from the Essex PBA. No other actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes as amended (motion by Sue Parady, seconded by Ann Buckley)
• Unanimously accepted $750 donation from Essex PBA (motion by Curt Siebert, seconded by Sue Parady)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2026 and the fiscal year close out. The agenda includes reviews of a driveway plan for 36 Pickering Street and updates on the fuel depot and Essex Park development.

• Water and sewer rates for FY 2026
• Sewer flow increase at 48 Southern
• Driveway plan resubmission for 36 Pickering Street
• Tennis court fence removal
• Fuel depot gas monitoring inspections update

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 28 meeting. It signed off on increasing the sewer flow allowance at 48 Southern Ave from a 3‑bedroom to a 4‑bedroom classification. The Essex Park Road development was postponed to a later date. The updated driveway plan for 36 Pickering Street was not approved and the homeowner will be asked to discuss the permit.

• Approved April 28 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved sewer flow increase for 48 Southern Ave (3‑bedroom to 4‑bedroom)
• Postponed Essex Park Road development
• Did not approve updated driveway plan for 36 Pickering Street; homeowner to be consulted

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review new demolition permits and recommend member reappointments. The body will also discuss several options to avoid the total demolition of 44 Main St., including renovation and relocation of the structure.

• Discussion of alternatives to demolition for 44 Main St.
• Estimate of $300k-$500k for roof, windows, and exterior restoration at 44 Main St.
• Proposal to move the front portion of 44 Main St. 50 feet to meet setback requirements.
• Reappointment recommendations for Jay Tetzloff, Marlene Putman, and Keith Symmes.
• Review of new demolition permits received since the last meeting.

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review septic system plans for two properties and vote on a letter regarding 2 Lufkin Point Lane. The board will also consider food service and mobile permits for local businesses.

• Septic system plan review for 184 Southern Avenue and 147R Eastern Ave
• Food Service Establishment permit for Essex River Cruises
• Mobile/Push-Cart permit for Riverview Pizza
• Vote on letter for 2 Lufkin Point Lane
• Bills payable totaling $2,537.24

The Board of Health approved the meeting minutes from June 12, 2025 and two bills payable totaling $2,537.24 and $33.00. It granted a Food Service Establishment permit (FSE-25-3) to Essex River Cruises and a Mobile/Push‑Cart permit (MOBL-25-1) to Riverview Pizza. The board also ordered letters to owners of 147 R Eastern Avenue and 2 Lufkin Point Lane requiring septic system compliance, all with unanimous votes.

• Approved meeting minutes from 6-12-2025 (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #761 ($2,537.24) (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #762 ($33.00) (All in Favor)
• Approved Food Service Establishment permit FSE-25-3 for Essex River Cruises (All in Favor)
• Approved Mobile/Push‑Cart permit MOBL-25-1 for Riverview Pizza (All in Favor)
• Ordered letter to owner of 147 R Eastern Avenue, Kobby Properties LLC, requiring a complete septic design plan (All in Favor)
• Ordered letter to owner of 2 Lufkin Point Lane, Fitts, requiring septic system compliance by June 4, 2027 (All in Favor)

Safety Committee

The Safety Committee will meet to elect a new chairperson and establish safety goals and objectives for fiscal year 2026. The body will also review building inspection forms and the status of OSHA compliance coordination.

• Election of a new chairperson
• Setting of FY26 Safety Committee Goals and Objectives
• Discussion of MIIA Loss Control Grant status
• Review of Building Inspection Forms
• Status update on Board of Health Administrator's OSHA compliance coordination

The committee unanimously appointed Brendhan Zubricki as acting chair. The minutes from the March 27, 2025 meeting were also unanimously approved. The meeting was closed by unanimous vote and the next Safety Committee meeting is set for September 18, 2025.

• Appointed Brendhan Zubricki as acting chair (unanimously approved)
• Approved March 27, 2025 minutes (unanimously approved)
• Closed the meeting (unanimously approved)

Board of Appeals

The Essex Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a zoning variance petition. The board will also review minutes from April 23, 2024, and discuss general board business.

• Variance request from Zoning By-law 6-3.3.1.7 for a 11.5’ right side yard at 61 Story St

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for a barn project. The body will also review tree removal requests and existing violations.

• Public hearing: DRS Properties LLC proposal to remove and replace a barn at 50 Eastern Ave
• Review of tree removal request at 2 Lane’s Rd
• Notice of Violation for tree cutting at 17 Water Street
• Notice of Violation for gravel fill at 30 Pond Street

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the June 3 meeting. It voted 3‑1 to allow tree removal at 2 Lane’s Road. The public hearing on DRS Properties’ barn replacement at 50 Eastern Avenue was closed without comment, and the commission unanimously issued an Order of Conditions for the project.

• Approved June 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved tree removal at 2 Lane’s Road (3 yeas, 1 abstention)
• Closed public hearing on DRS Properties barn project (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions with standard conditions for DRS Properties barn project (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss line item transfers and receive liaison reports. The meeting also includes time for public comment and the approval of previous minutes.

• Line item transfers

The committee deferred approval of the June 11 meeting minutes, deciding to approve them at the next meeting. Seven line-item transfers were unanimously approved. Ruth Pereen was assigned as the liaison for Town Hall departments. The committee plans to meet with the Board of Selectmen in August to discuss upcoming capital projects.

• Deferred approval of June 11 meeting minutes (approval postponed)
• Approved seven line-item transfers (unanimous)
• Assigned Ruth Pereen as liaison for Town Hall departments
• Scheduled collaborative meeting with Board of Selectmen in August

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will conduct public hearings regarding alcohol license transfers for properties on Main Street and Riversbend. The board will also discuss the creation of a full-time EMT position and review various town administrative reports.

• Alcohol license transfer requests for 122 Main Street and 132 Main Street
• Discussion on creating one full-time EMT position
• Proposed $10,000 reserve fund transfer for legal expenses
• Ratification of $5,000 total payment from a film company for Conomo Point Road use
• Request to allow YMCA to add pickleball lines to Centennial Grove basketball court

The Selectmen unanimously voted to extend the North Shore IT Collaborative MOU for six months and to recommend the fuel depot be located in the third area of the DPW yard. They also unanimously approved two alcohol license transfers and a third revised transfer, awarded a 10‑year lease for 28 Main Street at $200 per year, and approved a $243,945.50 weekly warrant. A motion to remove the tennis‑court fence for parking passed 2‑1.

• Approved 6‑month extension of North Shore IT Collaborative MOU (unanimous)
• Recommended fuel depot be sited in third DPW yard area (unanimous)
• Approved two annual alcohol license transfers to Essex Hospitality OpCo LLC (unanimous)
• Approved revised annual alcohol license transfer to Riversbend, LLC (unanimous)
• Awarded 10‑year lease of 28 Main Street to Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum at $200 per year (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant in the amount of $243,945.50 (unanimous)
• Motion to remove tennis‑court fence for parking carried (2‑1)
• Approved weekly warrant exemption for listed contracts (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign off on payroll and abatement requests. The session includes a review of FY25 abatement applications and previous meeting records.

• Clerical & Part-Time Salaries Payroll
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Boat Excise Abatements
• Abatement Application Review FY25

The Board of Assessors reviewed and signed the clerical and part‑time salaries payroll. It also reviewed and signed motor vehicle and boat excise abatements. The board discussed the FY25 abatement applications, reviewed prior assessors meetings, and scheduled the next assessors meeting. No further business was taken up.

• Reviewed and signed Clerical & Part-Time Salaries Payroll
• Reviewed and signed Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Reviewed and signed Boat Excise Abatements
• Discussed Abatement Application Review FY25
• Reviewed Last Assessors Meetings
• Scheduled Next Assessors Meeting

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will participate in a Planning Board public hearing. The session covers a special permit application for a mixed-use development and a continued hearing for the Essex Park Road OSRD.

• Special permit application for one commercial unit and six two-bedroom residential units at 44 Main Street
• Continued hearing for the Essex Park Road OSRD

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing for a special permit at 44 Main Street and vote on a preliminary subdivision plan for Essex Park Road. The board will also review and potentially vote on the 44 Main Street application.

• Public hearing for 44 Main Street: Special Permit for one commercial unit and six residential units
• Vote on Preliminary OSRD Subdivision Plan Review for Essex Park Road and Pond Street Rear
• Continuation of Essex Park Road OSRD Special Permit hearing to July 2, 2025
• Vote on meeting minutes for May 21, 2025 and June 4, 2025

The Board approved the June 21 minutes with a vote of Aye: LO, SE, MG, SB, PL, AB, BW; Abstain: MG. It unanimously opened a public hearing on the 44 Main Street mixed‑use special permit. The board also unanimously voted to continue the Essex Park Road OSRD public hearing to July 2, 2025. Board member Beth Walsh recused herself from the 44 Main Street discussion due to a conflict of interest.

• Approved June 21 minutes (Aye: LO, SE, MG, SB, PL, AB, BW; Abstain: MG)
• Opened public hearing on 44 Main Street special permit (unanimous)
• Continued Essex Park Road OSRD hearing to July 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Beth Walsh recused from 44 Main Street deliberation

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to ensure compliance with posting methods under 940 CMR 29.03(3). The board will also discuss the FY26 workplan and budget and review an interview summary for a Regional Epidemiologist.

• Vote on Posting Methods – 940 CMR 29.03(3) Compliance
• FY26 Workplan & Budget
• Review of Regional Epidemiologist Interview Summary

The advisory board approved a unified posting method for agendas and minutes, matching the Town of Hamilton’s approach, with a 3‑in‑favor and 1‑opposed vote. It also adopted all prior meeting minutes unanimously. The board set a regular meeting schedule for the third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM through the end of the year and chose a hybrid format that allows remote participation and voting. Future meeting dates were scheduled through December 2025.

• Adopted shared posting method for agendas/minutes (3‑in‑favor, 1‑opposed)
• Adopted all previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Established monthly meetings on the third Tuesday at 9:00 AM (unanimous)
• Selected hybrid meeting format with remote voting (unanimous)
• Confirmed all four towns have updated tobacco regulations (unanimous)
• Agreed to invite regional staff for a 20–30 minute segment in a future meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled future meetings for July 15, Aug 19, Sep 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The meeting agenda consists of procedural items and attendance at a regional school district subcommittee meeting.

• Attendance at the Manchester Essex Regional School District Finance Subcommittee meeting

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is scheduled to attend the Manchester Essex Regional School District Finance Subcommittee meeting. No other specific business items are listed on the agenda.

• Attendance at Manchester Essex Regional School District Finance Subcommittee meeting

Board of Public Works

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2026. The agenda includes reviews of specific sewer connections and updates on town development projects.

• Water and sewer rates for FY 2026
• Sewer flow increase at 77 Southern Ave #2
• Sewer connection at 148 Main Street
• Driveway plan resubmission for 36 Pickering Street
• Coast to the Cure Bike Race on Sept 6

The board approved a 220 GPD sewer flow increase for 77 Southern Avenue and authorized a sewer connection for the back house at 148 Main Street. The board also placed the 36 Pickering Street driveway and water/sewer rate items on the agenda for the next meeting.

• Approved 220 GPD sewer flow increase for 77 Southern Ave (unanimous)
• Approved sewer connection for back house at 148 Main St (unanimous)
• Added 36 Pickering St driveway to agenda for next meeting
• Added water and sewer rates discussion to agenda for next meeting

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review septic system plans and food service permits. The board is scheduled to vote on a contract for food inspector Carolina Bencosme and a permit fee waiver for a library event.

• Septic system plan reviews for 147 R Eastern Avenue and 184 Southern Avenue
• Food service permits for Salty’s Pizza and Ice Cream, Woodman’s Food Truck, #1 Ice Cream Truck, and John’s Farmstand
• Vote on contract for Food Inspector Carolina Bencosme
• Vote on Temporary Food Event permit fee waiver for Library opening
• Bills payable totaling $956.42

The Board approved a $956.42 payment (Bill #760) and renewed the Food Inspector contract through June 30, 2026. It approved several food service permits, including Salty’s Pizza, Woodman’s Food Truck, an ice‑cream truck, and John’s Farmstand, and waived the permit fee for the library ice‑cream truck. The Board disapproved the septic system design for 147 R Eastern Avenue and tabled the septic plan for 184 Southern Avenue due to a conflict of interest. All motions passed unanimously.

• Disapproved septic system design plan for 147 R Eastern Avenue, Kobby Properties LLC (All in Favor)
• Tabled septic design plan for 184 Southern Avenue, Ramsey (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #760 for $956.42 (All in Favor)
• Approved Food Service Establishment permit FSE-25-2 Salty’s Pizza and Ice Cream (All in Favor)
• Approved Temporary Food Establishment permits TFE-25-5 Woodman’s Food Truck and TFE-25-6 Ice Cream Truck (All in Favor)
• Approved Retail Food Service Establishment permit RFSE-25-2 John’s Farmstand (All in Favor)
• Renewed Food Inspector Carolina Bencosme’s contract through June 30, 2026 (All in Favor)
• Waived permit fee for Ice Cream Truck at Burnham Library (All in Favor)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss budget line item transfers and board reorganization. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Line item transfers
• Board reorganization and open seat

The Finance Committee approved multiple budget transfers, tabled one pending more information, and unanimously appointed Jodi Harris to continue as chair. It also unanimously recommended Ruth Pereen to the Board of Selectmen to fill the vacant Finance Committee seat.

• Approved $6,000 transfer from Finance Committee reserve to Unemployment
• Approved $1,500 transfer from DPW Highway Operators to O/T account
• Approved $6,000 transfer from Water Department operators to chief operator salary (letter to be drafted)
• Tabled $11,764 transfer from Water Department maintenance to well cleaning pending additional information
• Approved $1,600 transfer from DPW operator to part‑time salaries
• Approved $3,760 transfer from Harbormaster Assistant salary to harbormaster boat repairs
• Unanimously appointed Jodi Harris to continue as Finance Committee chair for the next year
• Unanimously recommended Ruth Pereen to Board of Selectmen to fill the vacant Finance Committee seat

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will meet to elect a new Chairman and establish a meeting schedule. Members will also discuss CPA Bootcamp training and the application process.

• Vote on a new Chairman
• Discussion on CPA Bootcamp training
• Discussion on CPA Application process and implementation
• Discussion regarding Tennis Courts

The Community Preservation Committee unanimously elected Michele French as chair. Members agreed to hold quarterly meetings in September, December, March, and June, with additional special funding request meetings as needed. The committee will distribute links to online CPA training and create a “Project Guidelines for Project Submission” for the website. They also resolved to review unspent CPC funds and forward any surplus to the Selectboard.

• Elected Michele French as Chair (unanimous)
• Agreed to implement quarterly meetings (Sept, Dec, Mar, Jun)
• Agreed to hold special funding request meetings as needed
• Agreed to send links to online CPA training
• Agreed to produce “Project Guidelines for Project Submission”
• Agreed to investigate unspent CPC funds and submit to Selectboard

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority Board will meet to review financial statements and disbursements. The body will consider awarding a contract for a shower control replacement project and reviewing bids for hot water heater replacements.

• Review and approval of bids and contract award for Shower Control Replacement Project #092069
• Review and rejection of bids for Hot Water Heater Replacement Project #092071
• Acceptance of Contract for Financial Assistant, Amendment #16
• Review and approval of RSC Grant Continuance
• Acceptance of EOHLC Performance Management Review (PMR)

Housing Authority

The Board approved a contract for shower control replacements and accepted an $82,360.34 grant for aging-in-place apartment modifications. The Board also voted to take over management of a $70,000 Resident Service Coordinator grant for Essex, Topsfield, and Manchester.

• Approved Chance Plumbing bid of $74,577.00 for Shower Control Replacement Project (MOD #92069)
• Accepted CFA Amendment #16 for $82,360.34 for aging-in-place apartment modifications
• Voted to manage the $70,000 annual Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) grant
• Rejected a $20,000.00 bid from Glionna Plumbing for hot water tank replacement (MOD #92071)
• Accepted EOHLC Performance Management Review noting corrective action items for apartment inspections

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss a Town Administrator's report covering land leases and fuel depot permitting. The board is also considering several appointments for town committees and departments effective July 1, 2025.

• Authorization for a Department of Industrial Accidents safety training grant up to $25,000
• Discussion on removing the fence and net posts at Memorial Park tennis courts for parking
• Review of a discounted boat offer to replace the Harbormaster Department's Boston Whaler
• Consideration of a permanent indoor entertainment license for the Centennial Grove Cottage
• Appointments for Town Counsel, Deputy Harbormaster, and the Affordable Housing Trust

The Board voted to have the town oversee the design and permitting phase of the Memorial Park tennis court project, contingent on receiving $56,000 from the Friends of Memorial Park. They also authorized the Town Administrator to sign the design contract with Weston & Sampson. Additional actions included approving a $343,010.98 weekly warrant, accepting a discounted boat for the Harbormaster Department, and making several appointments and procedural revisions.

• Approved town oversight of Memorial Park tennis court design/permits (2-1)
• Authorized Town Administrator to sign contract with Weston & Sampson (2-1)
• Approved weekly warrant in the amount of $343,010.98 (unanimous)
• Accepted discounted boat for Harbormaster Department (unanimous)
• Appointed Alva Ingaharro to Affordable Housing Trust (2-0-1)
• Appointed Peter D. Phippen as MAPC Representative (2-0-1)
• Appointed Gregg Perry as Harbormaster’s Assistant (unanimous)
• Revised procedures for disposition of tangible supplies under MGL 30b (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to discuss the FY26 budget and goals. The body will also review payroll for clerical and part-time staff and process various tax abatements.

• FY26 Budget
• FY26 Goals
• Clerical & Part-Time Salaries Payroll
• Motor Vehicle and Boat Excise Abatements
• FY25 Abatement Application Review

The Essex Board of Assessors met on June 5, 2025 and reviewed and signed several agenda items, including clerical and part‑time salaries payroll, motor vehicle and boat excise abatements, the FY25 abatement application review, a review of prior assessors meetings, and scheduling the next meeting. No vote tallies were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

• Reviewed and signed Clerical & Part-Time Salaries Payroll
• Reviewed and signed Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Reviewed and signed Boat Excise Abatements
• Reviewed and signed Abatement Application Review FY25
• Reviewed and signed Review Last Assessors Meetings
• Reviewed and signed Schedule Next Assessors Meeting

Board of Health

The Advisory Committee will review FPHS with BME Strategies. The body will also discuss and vote on selecting a Chair or Co-Chair for the Advisory Board.

• FPHS Review by BME Strategies
• Vote to select Advisory Board Chair/Co-Chair

The board unanimously approved R. Cahill as Co‑Chair and D. Smith as Chair. A motion to call the meeting to order and a motion to adjourn at 2:05 PM both passed without opposition. P. Vernucci agreed to take minutes and will send a scheduling poll for future meetings.

• Call meeting to order – passed unanimously
• Nominate R. Cahill as Co‑Chair – passed unanimously
• Adjourn meeting at 2:05 PM – passed unanimously
• Nominate D. Smith as Chair – passed unanimously

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing regarding a special permit for an Open Space Residential Development. The board will also review a mixed-use application for 44 Main Street and discuss recommendations for the Board of Public Works.

• Public hearing for Bell Point LLC's Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear
• Initial review of special permit for mixed-use development at 44 Main Street (1 commercial unit, 6 residential units)
• Vote on recommendations for candidates to serve on the Board of Public Works
• Review and vote on May 21, 2025 meeting minutes

The Essex Planning Board unanimously approved the nomination of Nick Ellis as a candidate for the Board of Public Works. The Board also unanimously approved a motion to reopen the public hearing on Bell Point LLC’s Open Space Residential Development special permit. No other actions were decided at this meeting; other items were discussed or scheduled for future hearings.

• Approved nomination of Nick Ellis for Board of Public Works (unanimous)
• Approved motion to reopen public hearing for Bell Point LLC OSRD permit (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend and participate in a Planning Board public hearing. The discussion concerns a proposed Open Space Residential Development (OSRD).

• Public hearing for proposed Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review a financial summary based on the Town Accountant's report and discuss board member terms for FY26. The board will also consider potential votes on building maintenance and capital needs.

• FY26 board member terms discussion and consideration
• Potential vote on upcoming capital needs
• Potential vote on building maintenance needs
• Updated Financial Summary based on Town Accountant's Report
• Gift Fund update and potential Requests for Action

The board unanimously approved the May 6th minutes and recommended Kathrin Rueda for the open seat, as well as reappointing three members to the Selectmen. Officers for FY 2026 were elected, and the director was authorized to spend $2,200 for laptops and $5,000 for basement and stairway repairs. A $50 donation from Richard and Linda Geary was also accepted.

• Approved May 6th minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Kathrin Rueda for open board seat (unanimous)
• Recommended reappointment of Ann Buckley, Susan Parady, Mary Heeney (unanimous)
• Elected Diane Polley Chair, Susan Parady Vice‑Chair, Mary Heeney Secretary (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $2,200 to replace three laptops (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $5,000 for basement and stairway repairs (unanimous)
• Accepted $50 donation from Richard and Linda Geary (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public meetings on three Requests for Determination of Applicability and one continued public hearing. The body will also address several notices of violation and enforcement orders.

• Continued public hearing for Costello Construction & Remodeling, Inc. to demolish two buildings and construct a commercial building at 44 Main Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for an 885 sq ft addition at 77 Southern Ave
• Request for Determination of Applicability to relocate the Homestead Trail at 0 Old Manchester Rd
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a salt marsh pilot experiment at 0 Dean and Lows Island
• Notices of Violation for tree cutting at 17 Water Street and gravel fill at 30 Pond Street

The commission voted to issue negative determinations for three separate applications: a trail relocation on Old Manchester Road, an addition at 77 Southern Avenue, and a salt‑marsh pilot study at Dean and Lows Island. It unanimously accepted the withdrawal of a commercial building proposal at 44 Main Street and issued a complete Certificate of Compliance for 77 Southern Avenue. An enforcement order was issued for a tree‑cutting violation at 17 Water Street, and a site inspection was assigned for 22 Coral Hill Road. The meeting also approved the May 13, 2025 minutes.

• Negative Determination for Homestead Trail relocation (3 yeas, 1 abstain)
• Negative Determination (contingent) for 77 Southern Avenue addition (unanimous)
• Negative Determination (contingent) for pilot experiment at Dean and Lows Island (unanimous)
• Accepted withdrawal of Notice of Intent for 44 Main Street commercial project (unanimous)
• Issued Enforcement Order for 17 Water Street tree‑cutting violation (consensus)
• Issued complete Certificate of Compliance for 77 Southern Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Commissioner Ageloff agreed to inspect 22 Coral Hill Road site

Board of Public Works

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review minutes from January 27th and address new business regarding sewer and infrastructure. The board will also receive updates on the fuel depot and Essex Park development.

• Sewer flow increase at 77 Southern Ave
• Station #4 Sewer pump
• Tennis Court fence inquiry
• Fuel depot
• Essex Park development updates

The Board approved a 110 gpd sewer flow increase for a resident's bedroom addition. The Board also approved the January 27 meeting minutes as written. Finally, the Board approved the scheduled Essex River Day on June 14 at Memorial Park.

• Approved 110 gpd sewer flow increase for bedroom addition
• Approved January 27 minutes as written
• Approved Essex River Day scheduled for June 14

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign documents regarding clerical payroll and various abatement applications. The session includes reviews of building permits and certification years.

• Assessors and Clerical Payroll
• Motor Vehicle Abatements
• Boat Excise Abatements
• Building Permits Review
• Certification Year Review

The Board of Assessors reviewed and discussed several agenda items, such as assessors and clerical payroll, abatement applications, motor vehicle and boat excise abatements, certification year review, and building permits. No approvals, denials, or vote tallies were recorded for any of these items. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 am.

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will conduct its regular meeting, including reviewing minutes, approving bills payable, and receiving updates from public health staff. One temporary food permit application will be considered for an event at Mayflour.

• Approve bills payable: #758 ($219.93) and #759 ($5,218.25)
• Review temporary food permit TFE-25-4 for Mayflour at Art in the Barn Event
• Discuss OSRD off Essex Park Road
• Leave Use Notification submitted by Erin Kirchner

The Board of Health unanimously approved the Temporary Food Establishment Permit TFE-25-4 for the Mayflour Bakery Art in the Barn event. It also retroactively approved Bills Payable #758 ($219.93) and #759 ($5,218.25) and approved a Leave Use Notification Form for Erin Kirchner. The Board accepted its May 8, 2025 meeting minutes and set a May 28, 2025 deadline for final health comments on the OSRD subdivision plan.

• Approved Temporary Food Establishment Permit TFE-25-4 for Mayflour event (unanimous)
• Approved Bills Payable #758 for $219.93 (unanimous)
• Approved Bills Payable #759 for $5,218.25 (unanimous)
• Approved Leave Use Notification Form for Erin Kirchner (unanimous)
• Approved Board of Health meeting minutes from 5-8-2025 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to start the meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to close the meeting (unanimous)
• Set deadline for Board of Health comments on OSRD subdivision plan to May 28, 2025 (informational)

Finance Committee

The Essex Finance Committee will discuss and potentially approve line-item transfers, review the FY27 work plan with liaison assignments, and examine data from a recent RFI response. The meeting will also include a presentation on Tax Talk 2 planning and allow for public comment.

• Review and approve line-item transfers
• Discuss FY27 work plan and liaison assignments
• Review data from RFI response
• Tax Talk 2 planning presentation
• Public comment period

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the May 5, 2025 meeting, adding a note that it expressed no opinion on the override. Eight line‑item transfer requests were considered; seven were approved unanimously and one was denied because no supporting bill was provided. The committee also scheduled a September "Tax Talk" session to explain town finances to residents.

• Approved May 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous, with revision note)
• Approved seven line‑item transfer requests (unanimous)
• Denied one line‑item transfer request (no bill submitted)
• Planned September Tax Talk session (tentative)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a Special Permit for an Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear. The board will also vote on building siting requests and discuss recommendations for the Board of Public Works.

• Public hearing for Bell Point LLC's Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear
• Siting vote for new building at 8 Milk Street
• Siting vote for new accessory building at 45 Grove Street
• Siting vote for new building at 0 Centennial Grove
• Discussion of candidates for the Board of Public Works

The Planning Board unanimously approved siting of new buildings at 8 Milk Street and 45 Grove Street, and approved the building at 0 Centennial Grove by a 4‑1 vote. The Board also unanimously opened the public hearing for Bell Point LLC’s Open Space Residential Development special permit. Minutes for the April 16 and May 7 meetings were approved unanimously.

• Approved siting of new building at 8 Milk Street (unanimous)
• Approved siting of new building at 45 Grove Street (unanimous)
• Approved siting of new building at 0 Centennial Grove (4‑1)
• Opened public hearing for Bell Point LLC OSRD special permit (unanimous)
• Approved April 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend and participate in a Planning Board public hearing. The hearing concerns a proposed Open Space Residential Development (OSRD).

• Public hearing for proposed Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority will meet to approve minutes from April 8, 2025, and review the Executive Director's report. The board will consider financial statements ending March 31, 2025, and a contract amendment for a financial assistant.

• Approval of financial statements for period ending March 31, 2025
• Acceptance of Contract for Financial Assistant, Amendment #16
• Acceptance of April 2025 disbursements
• Acceptance of EOHLC Performance Management Review (PMR)

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority will meet to approve minutes from April 8, 2025, and review the Executive Director's report. The board will consider the acceptance of April 2025 disbursements and a performance management review. Financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2025, are also on the agenda.

• Approval of Financial Statements for period ending March 31, 2025
• Acceptance of Contract for Financial Assistant, Amendment #16
• Acceptance of April 2025 disbursements
• Acceptance of EOHLC Performance Management Review (PMR)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet jointly with remaining members of the Board of Selectmen to discuss and potentially appoint a new member to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Assessors until the next town election. The meeting includes review and signing of related documents.

• Joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen to consider appointing a new Board of Assessors member to a vacant seat until the next town election

The Essex Board of Assessors met on May 19, 2025 and unanimously recommended Sally Ann Rich to fill the vacant assessor position until the next town election. The recommendation will be considered jointly with the Board of Selectmen. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

• Recommended Sally Ann Rich for vacant assessor seat (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a joint meeting with the Board of Public Works to discuss several infrastructure topics, including the Gloucester Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrade, disposal of surplus street excavation materials, planning for the Municipal Fuel Depot, use of the Sewer Betterment Interest Surplus Fund, and possible placement of recycled asphalt at Conomo Point. The board will also consider reorganizing leadership, conduct a lottery for 10 special non-resident boat launching permits, receive updates on the Memorial Park Tennis Court Project and a UMass Boston senior survey, and meet jointly with the Board of Assessors to appoint a new member. Other business includes finalizing changes to Centennial Grove Regulations (with possible new rental rates) and deciding whether the civilian harbormaster will continue or be replaced by the Chief of Police as harbormaster.

• Lottery for 10 special non-resident boat launching and parking permits
• Joint meeting with Board of Public Works covering Gloucester Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrade, Municipal Fuel Depot, and other topics
• Possible new rental rates at Centennial Grove under finalization of regulations
• Joint meeting with Board of Assessors to appoint a new member to a vacant seat
• Consideration of whether civilian harbormaster continues or is replaced by Chief of Police as harbormaster

The Selectmen unanimously approved the weekly warrant for $1,007,877.49 and the FY 2026 Police & Fire Accident Insurance Policy. They also unanimously appointed Selectman Ingaharro as Chair, Selectman Phippen as clerk, and designated the Police Chief as Harbormaster with the current civilian Harbormaster as Deputy Harbormaster. The Board authorized the removal of three dead trees on Gregory Island Road and approved an RFP to lease 28 Main Street.

• Appointed Selectman Ingaharro as Chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Selectman Phippen as clerk (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant of $1,007,877.49 (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 Police & Fire Accident Insurance Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Police Chief as Harbormaster and Deputy Harbormaster appointment for Fialho (unanimous)
• Approved removal of three dead trees by DPW contractor (unanimous)
• Authorized RFP for lease of 28 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Sally Rich to Board of Assessors until next election (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Commissioners will meet with Selectmen to discuss various topics. No specific agenda items or decisions were listed.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal to demolish two buildings and construct a larger commercial building at 44 Main Street. The commission will also address several administrative items and notices of violation.

• Public hearing: Costello Construction & Remodeling, Inc. proposal for 44 Main Street
• Notice of Violation: Tree cutting at 17 Water Street
• Notice of Violation: Gravel fill at 30 Pond Street
• Enforcement Order: 19 Wood Drive
• Placement of Fill: 91 Main Street

The commission voted unanimously to postpone the public hearing on Costello Construction’s Notice of Intent for 44 Main Street until June 3, 2025. It also approved the minutes from the April 1 and April 22, 2025 meetings. The commission agreed to allow lumber to be stockpiled in the parking area at 91 Main Street and to have the new owner of 17 Water Street contacted for permission to enter the property. Mr. Edward Neal was instructed to hire a professional to identify resource areas and buffer zones at 30 Pond Street and to report back by June 24, 2025.

• Continued public hearing on 44 Main Street project to June 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved April 1 and April 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Allowed lumber stockpiling in parking area at 91 Main Street; no further action
• Requested contact with new owner of 17 Water Street for entry permission
• Directed Mr. Edward Neal to hire professional to map resource areas at 30 Pond Street and report by June 24, 2025

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will meet to discuss a water/sewer abatement for the Shipbuilding Museum and driveway concerns at 36 Pickering Street. The board will also review maintenance requests for Conomo Point Road and the status of the well upgrade project.

• Water/sewer abatement request for Shipbuilding Museum at 28 Main Street
• Driveway concerns at 36 Pickering Street
• Conomo Point Road maintenance request
• Well upgrade project status update
• Essex Park Road update

The board voted unanimously to waive the sewer charges for the ship‑building museum at 28 Main Street. It also approved the minutes from the April 7 meeting. The discussion on the 36 Pickering Street driveway permit was tabled pending a revised plan.

• Waiver of sewer charges for 28 Main Street museum approved (all in favor)
• April 7 meeting minutes approved (all in favor)
• Discussion on 36 Pickering Street driveway permit tabled

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review permits for disposal works installers and food establishments. The board is scheduled to discuss and vote on a sewer connection extension for 148 Main Street and sampling variances for Clammers Beach and Front Beach.

• Vote on 148 Main Street sewer connection date extension request
• Vote on sampling variance extensions for Clammers Beach and Front Beach
• Temporary food permits for The Cravery Ice Cream Truck and Butter “UR” Biscuit
• Bathing beach permits for Centennial Grove Beach, Clammers Beach, and Front Beach
• Bills payable #757 for $75.00

The Board of Health unanimously approved several permits, bills payable, and a leave‑use notification. It granted a 90‑day extension for the municipal sewer connection at 148 Main Street, requiring completion by August 28. The Board also approved a request to seek a state variance to reduce beach water‑sampling frequency at Clammers and Front Beaches.

• Approved Bills Payable #757 for $75.00 (All in Favor)
• Approved Erin Kirchner to sign off on next Bills Payable for $219.93 (All in Favor)
• Approved Disposal Works Installers permits DWIP-25-1 and DWIP-25-2 (All in Favor)
• Approved Temporary Food Establishment permits TFE-25-1 and TFE-25-2 (All in Favor)
• Approved Bathing Beaches permits for Centennial Grove, Clammers, and Front Beaches (All in Favor)
• Approved Leave Use Notification for Erin Kirchner (All in Favor)
• Approved 90‑day extension for 148 Main Street sewer connection, to be completed by Aug 28 (All in Favor)
• Approved submission of variance request to reduce beach sampling at Clammers and Front Beaches (All in Favor)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review the process and schedule for an Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) on Essex Park Road. The board will also vote on a request for a new accessory building at 45 Apple Street.

• Vote on siting of a new accessory building at 45 Apple Street
• Discussion on Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) process and schedule
• Review of May 1, 2025 site visit for Essex Park Road project
• Process update on Subdivision Rules and Regulations changes
• Planning for a May 21, 2025 public hearing regarding the Essex Park Road Special Permit

The Board approved the siting of a 10’x10’ pole shed barn at 45 Apple Street. The motion was made by Peter Levasseur, seconded by Shelly Bradbury, and passed unanimously. The minutes from the April 16 meeting will be approved at the next meeting, and a request for 8 Milk Street will be placed on the May 21 agenda. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved siting of accessory building at 45 Apple Street (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review the Town Administrator's report and finalize motions for the Annual Town Meeting. The board is also considering loan assistance for septic and sewer upgrades and revisions to rental rates at Centennial Grove.

• Approval of weekly warrant for $311,533.06
• Resolution for Massachusetts Clean Water Trust loan assistance for septic and sewer systems
• Licensing for Marshview Farm Store Wine & Malt Package Store and Common Victualler
• Request for recycled asphalt on Conomo Point Road shoulders
• Appointment of Hayes Demeule as Assistant Animal Control Officer

The Board unanimously approved the weekly warrant of $311,533.06 and a resolution authorizing the Board of Health Administrator to pursue loan assistance from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust for septic upgrades and sewer connections. It also approved the removal of a dead tree on Town property, appointed Hayes Demeule as Assistant Animal Control Officer for a partial one‑year term, and confirmed reappointments to the Affordable Housing Trust, Economic Development Committee, and Finance Committee. Additional permits for a commercial shellfish operation and gasoline‑fuel storage were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved weekly warrant of $311,533.06 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to seek loan assistance from Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (unanimous)
• Approved removal of dead tree at 30 Apple Street, preferring DPW to perform work (unanimous)
• Appointed Hayes Demeule as Assistant Animal Control Officer (partial 1‑year term) (unanimous)
• Reappointed Affordable Housing Trust members: Cliff Ageloff, Shelly Bradbury, Michael Flynn (unanimous)
• Reappointed Economic Development Committee member: Jodi Harris (unanimous)
• Reappointed Finance Committee members: Joshua Franklin, Jodi Harris (unanimous)
• Approved permits: Commercial Shellfish Permit for Jackson Friedman; Gasoline‑Fuel Storage Permit for Superior Plus Energy Services, Inc. (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review and approve minutes and discuss line item transfers. The body will also review a monetary summary.

• Line item transfers
• Monetary summary

The Finance Committee approved the April 17, 2025 minutes and five line‑item transfers unanimously. It voted to support every monetary‑summary article except Article 7, the MERSD Override, for which it took no position and referred the decision to town voters. The committee also assigned members to present each warrant article at the upcoming Town Meeting.

• Approved April 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved five line‑item transfers (unanimous)
• Supported all monetary‑summary articles except Article 7 (no position on Article 7)
• Assigned members to present warrant articles at Town Meeting

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss two warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting. Article 35 proposes repurposing $49,999 already appropriated for tennis courts at Memorial Park to instead fund pickleball and/or tennis courts at Centennial Grove. Article 36 recommends a new $50,000 appropriation from the Open Space Reserve for constructing pickleball courts at Centennial Grove.

• Consider position on Article 35: change purpose of $49,999 from tennis courts at Memorial Park to pickleball/tennis at Centennial Grove
• Consider recommending Article 36: new $50,000 appropriation for pickleball courts at Centennial Grove from Community Preservation Fund Open Space Reserve

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review and discuss abatement applications for motor vehicles and boats, as well as a draft letter for a clerical step. They will also schedule the next meeting and approve minutes from the last meeting.

• Abatement application review
• Motor vehicle abatements discussion
• Boat abatements discussion
• Draft letter for clerical step
• Schedule next assessors meeting

The Board reviewed and discussed several agenda items but recorded no approvals, denials, or votes on any substantive matters. The only formal action was the approval of the meeting minutes on May 27, 2025. No other decisions were documented.

• Approved meeting minutes (May 27, 2025)

Board of Selectmen

The Essex Board of Selectmen is scheduled to attend a Library program titled 'Everything you need to know about Town Meeting.' This is an informational session, not a decision-making meeting. No other items are on the agenda.

• Attendance at Library program 'Everything you need to know about Town Meeting'

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on proposed entertainment licenses for Woodman's Inc. at 119 and 125 Main Street, consider allowing limited non-resident boat launch and parking permits by lottery at a premium fee, and discuss the Town Administrator's report covering affordable housing, Chebacco Lake study updates, and a grant for an Open Space Plan. Other business includes a $2,761.27 firefighter safety equipment grant, a memorial bench at 9 Beach Circle, and appointments to the Assistant Animal Control Officer position.

• Public hearing on annual weekday and Sunday entertainment licenses for Woodman's Salt Marsh Tent & Grassy Area (119 Main St.) and Woodman's Essex Room Lawn (125 Main St.)
• Consider allowing limited non-resident boat launch and parking permits by lottery for the 2025 boating season at a premium fee
• Consider revising the rental rate structure for facilities at Centennial Grove and related regulations
• Vote to accept resignation of Dianne Corliss as Assistant Animal Control Officer and appoint a replacement
• Ratify contract for a Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant in the amount of $2,761.27

The Selectmen unanimously approved numerous one‑day and annual entertainment licenses, renewed the town’s Paglia Park license, and authorized contracts for the Chebacco Lake study and an open‑space planning grant. They also approved a weekly warrant of $206,458.19, accepted the resignation of the assistant animal control officer, and approved ten non‑resident boat launch permits at $1,000 each.

• Approved one‑day entertainment and wine & malt licenses (unanimous)
• Approved annual weekday and Sunday entertainment licenses (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of town’s license to use Paglia Park (unanimous)
• Approved Chairman’s signature on Chebacco Lake study contract with Applied Watershed Sciences (unanimous)
• Approved Chairman’s signature on $46,700 open‑space planning grant contract (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant for $206,458.19 (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Assistant Animal Control Officer Dianne Corliss (unanimous)
• Approved ten non‑resident boat launch permits at $1,000 each via lottery (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will consider setting water and sewer rates, review a letter from a Main Street resident about traffic concerns, and address a cemetery complaint. They will also act on a sewer flow increase and driveway permit for 36 Pickering Street, and receive updates on the Essex Park Road project and well upgrade. The meeting opens at the Water Filtration Plant.

• Water/sewer rates discussion
• 36 Pickering Street sewer flow increase and driveway permit
• Letter from Main Street resident regarding traffic concerns
• Cemetery complaint email
• Essex Park Road update

The Board of Public Works approved the March 10 and 24 meeting minutes with all members in favor. The board asked Sarah Willworth Dyer to email the tennis‑court engineering estimate for review. The board requested more information on the 36 Pickering Street driveway plan and to invite the owner to the next meeting. The board agreed to draft a letter to the family regarding the cemetery complaint, to be signed at the next meeting.

• Approved March 10 and 24 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Directed Sarah Willworth Dyer to email tennis‑court estimate for board review
• Requested additional information on 36 Pickering Street driveway and to invite owner to next meeting
• Decided to draft a letter to the cemetery‑complaint family, to be signed at next meeting

Affordable Housing Trust

The Essex Affordable Housing Trust will approve minutes from its December 2024 meeting and receive an update from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on the Housing Production Plan (HPP) development process. The discussion will include a debrief of the January 30 public webinar, a review of housing constraints and opportunity sites, and strategies for the HPP. Next steps for public engagement will also be outlined.

• Approval of December 9, 2024 meeting minutes
• Housing Production Plan update and next steps from MAPC
• Debrief of January 30, 2025 public webinar on the HPP
• Discussion of housing constraints and opportunity sites
• Discussion of HPP strategies and future public engagement

The Affordable Housing Trust board approved the minutes from the December 9, 2024 and January 30, 2025 meetings with a unanimous vote. Afterward, the board unanimously moved to adjourn the April 24, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved minutes from Dec 9 2024 and Jan 30 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Essex Conservation Commission will hold public meetings and hearings on April 22, 2025, at 7:15 PM at Town Hall. Items include Requests for Determination of Applicability for sewer pipe installations at 0 & 2 Lufkin Point Lane and 42 Apple Street, a Notice of Intent for two new dwellings at 98 Choate Street, and a Notice of Intent for an ecological restoration project to replace a culvert at Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave. Administrative items include tree cutting, certificates of compliance, and minutes approval.

• Request for Determination: sewer pipe installation at 0 & 2 Lufkin Point Lane (William Fitts)
• Request for Determination: septic system expansion at 42 Apple Street (42 Apple Street Realty Trust)
• Notice of Intent: remove dwelling and construct two new dwellings with utilities at 98 Choate St (MAVYMO, LLC)
• Notice of Intent: Ecological Restoration Project to replace failed culvert at Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave (Essex County Greenbelt Association)
• Administrative: 17 Water Street Tree Cutting

The Conservation Commission issued a Notice of Violation for the property at 17 Water Street. It gave negative determinations for sewer work requests at 0 & 2 Lufkin Point Lane and 42 Apple Street, with a condition on erosion control for the latter. It approved an Order of Conditions for a revised two‑dwelling project at 98 Choate Street by a 5‑yea, 1‑abstain vote. It also approved an Order of Conditions for an ecological restoration at the Cox Reservation.

• Issued Notice of Violation for 17 Water Street (co‑chairs authorized to approve)
• Negative Determination for excavation at 0 & 2 Lufkin Point Lane (unanimous)
• Negative Determination with erosion‑control condition for 42 Apple Street project (unanimous)
• Approved Order of Conditions for 98 Choate Street two‑dwelling project (5 yeas, 1 abstaining)
• Approved Order of Conditions for ecological restoration at 82 Eastern Avenue (Cox Reservation) (unanimous)
• Authorized Administrative Clerk to request a single account number for all filing fees (unanimous)
• Recommended filing a Request for Determination of Applicability for Homestead Trail work (unanimous)
• Approved revision of March 11, 2025 Minutes without public comment (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet on April 17, 2025, to discuss and possibly act on abatement applications, exemption reviews, a line item transfer, and quarterly coordination of town business. The agenda also includes scheduling the next meeting and reviewing prior minutes. The meeting is largely procedural with no specific properties or dollar amounts listed.

• Abatement Application Review
• Exemption Review
• Line Item Transfer Request
• Quarterly Coordination of Town Business
• Schedule next Assessors meeting

The Board of Assessors met on April 17, 2025 and reviewed the Abatement Application, Quarterly Coordination of Town Business, Exemption Review, Line Item Transfer Request, and scheduled the next meeting. No motions or votes were recorded for these items. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (May 1 2025)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and potentially act on line item transfers for the current fiscal year. They will also consider the proposed FY26 budget, warrant, and monetary summary. Additionally, the committee will discuss the work plan for FY27. Public comment and minutes approval are procedural items.

• Review and approval of line item transfers
• Consideration of FY26 budget, warrant, and monetary summary
• Discussion of FY27 work plan
• Public comment period
• Any unanticipated items allowed by law

The committee approved the minutes from four prior meetings unanimously. It also unanimously approved two line‑item transfers: $6,890 moved from Holiday Overtime and Part‑Time Salaries to Incidental Overtime, and a transfer from Police Travel Expenses to Dues and Memberships. No other actions were decided.

• Approved 1/16/2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2/6/2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 3/26/2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 4/3/2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $6,890 transfer to Incidental Overtime (unanimous)
• Approved transfer from Police Travel Expenses to Dues and Memberships (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review a new demolition permit for 36 Pickering Street. The body will also brainstorm alternatives to the total demolition of 44 Main St., including preservation and renovation options.

• Review of demolition permit for 36 Pickering Street
• Discussion of preserving 44 Main St. with estimated costs of $300k-$500k for roof, windows, and siding
• Proposal to lift the front portion of 44 Main St. to add a basement level
• Proposal to move the front portion of 44 Main St. approximately 50 feet to meet setback requirements
• Discussion of adding abutting parcels Tax maps 147 and 148 to the 44 Main St. plan

The Essex Historical Commission met on April 16, 2025. The commission found that the 1925‑built structure at 36 Pickering has no historic or architectural significance. The members were in full agreement that the owners may proceed with demolition.

• Approved demolition of 36 Pickering (full agreement)

Community Preservation Committee

The Essex Community Preservation Committee will review its annual report for the Spring 2025 Town Meeting and approve annual fund category allocations. A new proposal would reallocate $49,999 originally designated for renovating tennis courts at Memorial Park to instead build tennis and pickleball courts at Centennial Grove (Article 35). The committee will also reorganize by electing a new chairperson and recruiting new members through a Board of Selectmen appointment.

• Reallocate $49,999 from Memorial Park tennis courts to Centennial Grove tennis/pickleball courts (Article 35)
• Approve annual allocations to fund categories
• Review Annual Report for Spring 2025 Town Meeting
• Elect new chairperson
• Recruit new members / Board of Selectmen appointment

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on nine zoning bylaw articles (16-24) for the May 5 Annual Town Meeting, a revised fee schedule, and an update to Subdivision Rules and Regulations Section 6.1.1.f. After the hearing, the Board will vote on all these items. The Board will also begin reviewing the Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development proposal and consider building siting requests at 21 Spring Street and 45 Apple Street.

• Public hearing on nine zoning articles (16-24) for Annual Town Meeting
• Vote on revised Planning Board Fee Schedule
• Vote on revision to Subdivision Rules and Regulations Section 6.1.1.f
• Initial review of Essex Park Road Open Space Residential Development proposal
• Decision on building siting requests at 21 Spring Street and 45 Apple Street

The Planning Board opened a public hearing on Annual Town Meeting Articles 21 and 22, the fee‑schedule update, and a subdivision‑rule change, with the motion approved unanimously. After the hearing, the Board voted unanimously to support placing Articles 16 through 24 on the upcoming Annual Town Meeting ballot. All votes were recorded as unanimous roll‑call approvals.

• Opened public hearing on Articles 21 & 22, fee schedule update, and subdivision rule change (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Supported Articles 16‑24 for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend and participate in the Planning Board's public hearing regarding proposed changes to the Essex Zoning Bylaw. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Participation in Planning Board public hearing on proposed changes to the Essex Zoning Bylaw

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to discuss standard administrative items including abatement applications, exemptions, and a line item transfer. The agenda consists of regular procedural business with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Abatement Application Review
• Exemption Review
• Line Item Transfer Request
• Quarterly Coordination of Town Business
• Review and schedule of next meeting

The Essex Board of Assessors met on April 14, 2025 at 8:15 am in Town Hall, Room 209. The board reviewed and signed the agenda items, including an abatement application review, quarterly coordination of town business, exemption review, line item transfer request, scheduling the next meeting, and reviewing prior minutes. No votes, approvals, or other decisions were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 9 am.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hear the Town Administrator's report covering implementation of economic development recommendations, police operations, and Section 3A compliance. They will consider multiple appointments including a police sergeant and two probationary firefighters, and vote on a $13,425 budget transfer from cemetery accounts. Other business includes changing parking lot rules, setting boat launch permit fees, and reviewing a letter on Main Street traffic safety.

• Consider appointment of Robert Wheway to the rank of Police Sergeant
• Vote to transfer $13,425 from cemetery accounts to FY2026 budget pending Town Meeting approval
• Consider changing municipal parking lot rules to disallow overnight parking
• Consider allowing a limited number of non-resident boat launch and parking permits by lottery at a premium fee for 2025 season
• Consider a request from the YMCA to hold a fundraiser at the Centennial Grove Pavilion in August

The Selectmen unanimously approved a weekly warrant of $230,802.65 and a series of licensing and permit applications, including a Class II license and fuel storage permit for Sam’s Main Street Auto. They also confirmed several appointments, such as Michael Sudora as a full‑time patrol officer and added a Deputy Harbormaster position with set hourly wages. Additional actions included authorizing grant signatures for an Island Road culvert project, transferring $13,425 to the Board of Public Works budget, and raising the Field of Dreams fee to $20 per player.

• Approved weekly warrant $230,802.65 (unanimous)
• Approved Class II License and Fuel Storage Permit for Sam’s Main Street Auto, 8 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Michael Sudora as Full‑Time Patrol Officer (partial 3‑year term) (unanimous)
• Added Deputy Harbormaster position with $23/hr pay; Assistant Harbormaster $18/hr (unanimous)
• Authorized Chairman’s signature on Island Road culvert grant documents (unanimous)
• Approved $13,425 transfer to Board of Public Works FY2026 budget (unanimous)
• Approved increase of Field of Dreams fee to $20 per player (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Robert Wheway to Sergeant rank (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review a septic system plan and process permits for a septage hauler and a food service establishment. The board will also discuss the Town Meeting Warrant and the posting of food inspection reports.

• Septic System Plan Review: 42 Apple Street
• Retail Food Service Establishment permit: Essex River Cruises, Inc.
• Septage & Offal Hauler permit: Quality Sewer & Drain, Inc.
• Bills payable totaling $684.40
• Discussion of Town Meeting Warrant

The Board approved the minutes from the February 27 meeting and two bills payable totaling $684.40. It approved a letter confirming the septic system expansion design for 42 Apple Street, Minehan. The Board also approved a septage and offal hauler permit for Quality Sewer & Drain, Inc., a retail food service permit for Essex River Cruises, Inc., and a leave‑use notification for Erin Kirchner. All motions passed with unanimous support.

• Approved Board of Health meeting minutes from 2‑27‑2025 (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #755 for $118.45 (All in Favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #756 for $565.95 (All in Favor)
• Approved septic system expansion letter for 42 Apple Street, Minehan (All in Favor)
• Approved Septage and Offal Hauler Permit HAUL‑25‑1 for Quality Sewer & Drain, Inc. (All in Favor)
• Approved Retail Food Service Establishment permit RFSE‑25‑1 for Essex River Cruises, Inc. (All in Favor)
• Approved Leave Use Notification for Erin Kirchner (All in Favor)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will review its annual report and approve fund category allocations. The body will also discuss a proposal to move funding from Memorial Park to Centennial Grove. Additionally, the committee will elect a new chairperson and recruit new members.

• Proposal to reallocate $49,999 from Memorial Park tennis court renovations to build tennis and pickleball courts at Centennial Grove (Article 35)
• Approval of annual allocations to fund categories
• Review of Annual Report for Spring 2025 Town Meeting
• Election of new chairperson
• Recruitment of new members for Board of Selectmen appointment

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority will hold a regular board meeting on April 8, 2025, to approve previous meeting minutes, accept March 2025 disbursements, review January 2025 financial statements, and consider a maintenance invoice from the Gloucester Housing Authority. No major policy decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the agenda is largely procedural.

• Approval of minutes from March 11, 2025 meeting
• Acceptance of March 2025 disbursements
• Review and acceptance of January 2025 financial statements
• Review and approval of Gloucester Housing Authority maintenance invoice

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review pending abatement applications, approve the previous meeting's minutes, and schedule the next meeting. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific property or dollar amounts listed.

• Review of abatement applications
• Approval of last meeting's minutes
• Scheduling of next assessors meeting

The Board of Assessors reviewed pending abatement applications, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and scheduled the next assessors meeting. No vote tallies were recorded for these items. The meeting was adjourned at 9 a.m.

• Reviewed abatement applications (outcome not specified)
• Approved prior meeting minutes
• Scheduled next assessors meeting

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works Commissioners will meet at the Water Filtration Plant to consider a driveway request for 184 Western Ave and sign a notice to proceed for well cleaning. They will also discuss a cemetery transfer letter, sign commitments, and review recycling numbers. Previous business items on personnel, well upgrade status, and fuel station may be addressed if needed.

• Driveway request at 184 Western Ave
• Sign notice to proceed for well cleaning
• Cemetery transfer letter re-sign
• Recycling numbers comparison
• Fuel station discussion (if needed)

The board unanimously approved a driveway permit for 184 Western Ave, allowing pavers in the front yard. It signed off on the well cleaning notice to proceed after receiving required paperwork. The board also approved the water and sewer billing commitments. The cemetery transfer letter will be re‑signed because the interest section was missing.

• Approved driveway permit for 184 Western Ave (unanimous)
• Re‑signed cemetery transfer letter (interest section missing)
• Approved well cleaning notice to proceed
• Approved water and sewer billing commitments

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the FY26 budget, warrant, and monetary summary, along with line item transfers and a candidate recommendation for the committee. Additionally, the committee will examine an RFI from the Manchester Essex Regional School District (MERSD). This meeting focuses on financial planning and school district matters.

• Line item transfers review
• Finance Committee candidate recommendation
• FY26 budget, warrant, and monetary summary review
• RFI from MERSD (Manchester Essex Regional School District) review

The Finance Committee approved the FY26 town budget and forwarded it to the Board of Selectmen for final approval. Members voted on the finance‑committee candidate, with a majority supporting Bill. The police contract was settled. The committee agreed that Jodi will revise the RFI form and send it to the Board of Selectmen.

• Approved FY26 budget (recommended to Board of Selectmen)
• Police contract settled
• Finance Committee candidate recommendation: majority voted for Bill
• Jodi will revise and finalize RFI form before sending to Board of Selectmen

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss adjustments to MBTA 3A zoning compliance modeling and potential bylaw changes for November 2025. The board will also review a draft revised fee schedule and a revision to subdivision control regulations. Other items include initial review of a site plan at 73 Eastern Avenue, a building permit update at 44 Main Street, and a DEP notification for salt marsh restoration in the Great Marsh area. A vote on whether to submit comments on the restoration will occur at the April 16 meeting.

• 73 Eastern Avenue – initial review of plans before a Site Plan Review application
• 44 Main Street – building permit application update and special permit process review
• Great Marsh Area – DEP notification for salt marsh restoration; public comment period ends April 25
• Annual Town Meeting Article 16 – non-substantive edits to zoning bylaw Chapter VI
• Fee Schedule Revision – draft revised fee schedule review and discussion

The Board approved the siting of a new single‑family house at 82 Conomo Point Road, voting unanimously. It also endorsed an application to change the boundary between 169 and 171 Eastern Avenue, finding no approval required under the Subdivision Control Law, also unanimously. The March 19, 2025 meeting minutes were not approved because a quorum was lacking and will be reconsidered at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved siting of new building at 82 Conomo Point Road (unanimous 4‑0)
• Endorsed boundary change between 169 and 171 Eastern Avenue as not requiring approval (unanimous 4‑0)
• Did not approve March 19, 2025 minutes due to lack of quorum; will revisit at April 16 meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous 4‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Essex Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on three wetland-related projects under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Two new dwellings, a culvert replacement for tidal restoration, and parking lot repairs with tree mitigation are on the agenda. The meeting will also include administrative reviews and approvals.

• Public hearing for MAVYMO, LLC to remove a dwelling and build two new homes at 98 Choate St.
• Public hearing for Essex County Greenbelt Association to replace a failed culvert at Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave.
• Continued hearing for 19 Wood Dr Realty Trust to repair parking lot and mitigate unauthorized tree removal at 19 Wood Dr.

The Commission unanimously denied the 19 Wood Drive parking lot and tree‑removal application and ordered conditions with a Memorandum of Findings of Facts. It voted 3‑1 (one abstention) to issue an Enforcement Order requiring the applicant to submit a restoration plan for the unpermitted tree removal. The Commission also recommended that the project be reviewed by the Department of Public Works under the town’s storm‑water regulations. Earlier, the Commission continued hearings for projects at 98 Choate Street and 82 Eastern Avenue to the April 22 meeting.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Continued 98 Choate Street hearing to April 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued 82 Eastern Avenue ecological restoration hearing to April 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Found 19 Wood Drive restoration plan insufficient (unanimous)
• Denied 19 Wood Drive application and issued Order of Conditions with Findings (unanimous)
• Issued Enforcement Order for restoration plan (3 yeas, 1 abstain)
• Recommended DPW review of 19 Wood Drive under stormwater regulations (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Essex Historical Commission will meet to brainstorm alternatives to the complete and total demolition of 44 Main St. No new demolition permits are pending for review.

• Discussion of alternatives to demolition for 44 Main St.

The commission reviewed four possible approaches to preserve the existing structure at 44 Main St. and prevent total demolition. Cost estimates of $300‑$500K were noted. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Safety Committee

The Safety Committee will review and approve prior meeting minutes, discuss the status of a MIIA Loss Control Grant, and review goals for FY25. They will also examine building inspection forms and the Board of Health Administrator's coordination of OSHA compliance. All items are discussions or routine procedural business.

• Review status of MIIA Loss Control Grant
• Review Safety Committee Goals and Objectives for FY25
• Review of Building Inspection Forms
• Status of Board of Health Administrator’s coordination of OSHA compliance
• Comments from MIIA loss control representative, if in attendance

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold interviews for candidates seeking appointment to the committee. A catch-all item allows discussion of matters that could not be reasonably anticipated before the meeting posting deadline. No specific financial decisions or appropriations are on the agenda.

• Interview of Finance Committee candidates

The Finance Committee held an interview session for the two candidates, Mr. Gressler and Mr. Gauss, for the open committee seat. Chair Jodi Harris noted the interviews would be this evening and that the committee will deliberate at its next meeting. The committee plans to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen on the following Monday.

Board of Assessors

This is a regular administrative meeting of the Essex Board of Assessors. They will review exemption and abatement applications, approve previous meeting minutes, and schedule the next meeting. No significant policy changes or financial decisions are listed.

• Review of exemption applications
• Review of abatement applications
• Approval of last Assessors meeting minutes
• Scheduling of next Assessors meeting

The Essex Board of Assessors meeting on March 24, 2025 was cancelled. The board reviewed exemption and abatement applications, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and scheduled the next assessors meeting. No vote tallies were recorded.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled next assessors meeting (no vote recorded)
• Reviewed exemption applications (discussion only)
• Reviewed abatement applications (discussion only)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will meet on March 24, 2025, to discuss cemetery deeds and a transfer letter, and to hear a request from Inga Dowling to use Memorial Park for an Easter egg hunt on April 12. Previous business items (personnel, well upgrade project, and fuel station) will be addressed if needed.

• Cemetery deeds
• Cemetery transfer letter
• Inga Dowling request to use Memorial Park for Easter egg hunt on April 12
• Personnel update (if needed)
• Well upgrade project status (if needed)

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 24 meeting. It authorized the use of the park behind Town Hall for the annual Easter Egg hunt on April 12 at 9 a.m., provided there is no conflict with the field. The board signed off on the notice to proceed with cleaning wells #2 and #3, noting the low bid of $31,000 exceeds the $25,000 budget, and J. Federico will coordinate the work.

• Approved February 24 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved use of park behind Town Hall for April 12 Easter Egg hunt, pending field availability
• Approved notice to proceed with cleaning wells #2 and #3 (low bid $31,000, over budget)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review and vote on the proposed FY2026 Operating Budget, Water and Sewer Enterprise budgets, and health insurance rates. Other actions include considering a contract for incoming Police Chief Tom Shamshak, ratifying an $8,381.79 change order for the water filtration plant, and approving licenses and appointments. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining discussions.

• Vote on FY2026 Operating Budget and Water/Sewer Enterprise budgets
• Ratify change order of $8,381.79 for Water Filtration Plant Improvement Project
• Consider employment contract with incoming Police Chief Tom Shamshak
• Consider new use fee structure for Centennial Grove Cottage
• Transfer lease for 111 Conomo Point Road to Kristine and John True

The Board voted unanimously to approve and sign Sergeant Tom Shamshak's promotion contract to Police Chief. It also unanimously approved multiple one‑day wine, malt, and entertainment licenses for the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum. The Board granted several commercial, senior, student, and non‑resident shellfish permits, and approved a $41,900 contract with JK Custom Woodworking for restroom construction at Centennial Grove. Additional unanimous actions included approving the weekly warrant of $921,101.98, authorizing a leasehold transfer at 111 Conomo Point Road, and signing a license agreement for ramps at the Conomo Point stone pier.

• Approved promotion of Sergeant Tom Shamshak to Police Chief (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day wine, malt, and entertainment licenses for three events (unanimous)
• Approved commercial, senior, student, and non‑resident shellfish permits (unanimous)
• Approved gasoline fuel storage permits for Perkins Marine, Inc. and Laurel Lane LLC (unanimous)
• Approved contract with JK Custom Woodworking for restroom beams ($41,900) (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant in the amount of $921,101.98 (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of leasehold interest at 111 Conomo Point Road to Kristine and John True (unanimous)
• Approved license agreement with Conomo Point Association for ramps and floats on stone pier (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss the FY26 town budget and the MERSD approved school budget. They will also consider line item transfers and capital requests. The meeting includes public comment and interviews for committee positions.

• FY26 Budget Update
• MERSD Approved Budget review
• Line item or Reserve Fund transfers
• Capital Requests
• Finance Committee Interviews

The committee unanimously approved two line‑item fund transfers and the minutes from the March 6 and February 27 meetings. It approved the MERSD budget for recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. The FY26 budget was initially approved to be sent to the Board, and a motion to amend that approval was made. Capital project proposals were unanimously agreed to be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen, and the finance‑committee interviews were postponed.

• Approved two line‑item fund transfers (unanimous)
• Approved March 6 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 27 meeting minutes with date correction (unanimous)
• Approved MERSD budget for recommendation to Board of Selectmen
• Initially approved FY26 budget to be sent to Board of Selectmen
• Motion made to amend FY26 budget approval (outcome not recorded)
• Unanimously agreed to forward capital project proposals to Board of Selectmen
• Postponed finance‑committee interviews until next meeting

Board of Health

The Advisory Committee will discuss hiring a regional nurse, including reviewing the job description and timeline, and explore best practices for collaborating with the regional inspector. The meeting also aims to identify service gaps and set goals for the Board of Health for the coming year.

• Review job description and requirements for a regional nurse
• Discuss hiring process and timeline for the nurse position
• Best practices for collaboration with the regional inspector
• Identify service gaps and Board of Health goals for next year
• Future planning and next steps

The Essex Board of Health agreed to hold monthly meetings that will rotate among the participating towns. The board also discussed creating a regional public‑health website and a regional response model, but no formal actions were taken on those items.

• Approved monthly meetings with rotating locations among towns

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review applications for tax exemptions and abatements. The board will also vote to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review of Exemption Applications
• Review of Abatement Applications
• Approval of last meeting minutes

The Essex Board of Assessors met on March 19, 2025, and reviewed exemption and abatement applications, approved the previous meeting's minutes, and scheduled the next meeting. No specific outcomes or votes were recorded for these items, and no substantive decisions were made.

• Reviewed exemption applications (no outcome recorded)
• Reviewed abatement applications (no outcome recorded)
• Approved last meeting minutes
• Scheduled next assessors meeting

Planning Board

The Essex Planning Board will discuss and finalize nine articles for the Annual Town Meeting warrant, including seven reviewed at a March 5 public hearing and two additional articles for a second hearing on April 16. The board will also update on the Essex Park Road OSRD subdivision following a Conservation Commission order, review an ANR boundary-line application at 1 Tara Road, 4 Tara Road, and 31 Apple Street, and vote on the March 5 meeting minutes. Public comment on the OSRD project is deferred due to uncertainty.

• Finalizing language for 9 articles for Annual Town Meeting warrant (Selectmen to sign March 24)
• Update on Essex Park Road OSRD after Conservation Commission's ORAD issued March 11
• ANR boundary-line application by XLO Realty Trust and others for properties at 1 and 4 Tara Road and 31 Apple Street
• Building Inspector report on 12 Scots Way – guidance on whether improvements need a special permit amendment
• Review and vote on March 5 meeting minutes and fee schedule revision project

The Planning Board voted to endorse an application that the plan does not require approval under the Subdivision Control Law, changing boundary lines between 1 Tara Road, 4 Tara Road, and 31 Apple Street. The endorsement was approved unanimously by all six board members present. The board also approved the March 5, 2025 minutes with four affirmative votes and two abstentions. Items on Rules and Regulations revisions and the fee‑schedule project were postponed, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Endorsed boundary‑change plan for 1 Tara Road, 4 Tara Road, and 31 Apple Street (unanimous)
• Approved March 5, 2025 minutes (4 votes in favor, 2 abstentions)
• Postponed Rules and Regulations revisions discussion
• Postponed Planning Board fee schedule revision project
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees will approve minutes, distribute the Strategic Plan, and hear a report on new technology installed in February 2025. They will review the FY25 year-to-date budget and possibly discuss the FY26 budget. Other items include a proposal regarding Old Baldy to the Peabody Essex Museum, a history lecture series, and spring/summer program previews.

• FY25 budget year-to-date review
• FY26 budget update (if needed)
• Old Baldy proposal to PEM (Peabody Essex Museum)
• Distribution of copies of the Strategic Plan
• Report on new technology installed Feb. 2025

The Board of Library Trustees approved the December minutes and reviewed the strategic plan. They reported on new technology installed in February, including replaced computers and receipt printers, funded through the State Aid line. The board discussed the FY26 budget, including a proposed 1.85% increase and adding $3k to maintain certification, and noted potential impacts of federal funding cuts. They also decided to continue the extra Saturday open hour based on positive public feedback.

• Approved December meeting minutes
• Approved $4,300 for new Dell PCs and related tech, charged to State Aid line
• Continued extra Saturday open hour due to positive reception
• Discussed FY26 budget with 1.85% increase request and $3k addition for certification

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to decide whether the structure(s) at 44 Main Street qualify as 'preferably preserved' under the Town of Essex Demolition Delay/Review Bylaw. This decision determines if the building can be demolished or if a delay is imposed.

• Public hearing to determine if structures at 44 Main Street are 'preferably preserved' per Demolition Delay Bylaw

The Essex Historical Commission held a public hearing on whether the structure at 44 Main Street is 'preferably preserved' under the town's Demolition Delay Bylaw. After hearing from the applicant, owner, and residents, the commission unanimously voted to impose a three-month demolition delay, determining the structure is historically significant. The delay provides a window to explore alternatives, but demolition can proceed after the period expires.

• Opened public hearing for 44 Main Street (approved)
• Closed public hearing and began deliberation (approved)
• Voted unanimously 'YES' to a three-month demolition delay for 44 Main Street

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend and potentially participate in the Manchester Essex Regional School District Committee meeting.

• Attendance at Manchester Essex Regional School District Committee meeting

Economic Development Committee

The Essex Economic Development Committee will discuss several beautification and infrastructure projects. Topics include deploying decorative planters on downtown traffic islands, maintaining Paglia Park, and reviewing plans for cottage and pavilion rentals at Centennial Grove. The committee will also consider improvements to the former fire station park and possible purchase of trash receptacles.

• Discuss deployment and maintenance of decorative planters on downtown traffic islands
• Review Paglia Park Plan including return of granite benches and planting boxes
• Consider initial improvements to park at site of former fire station
• Review plan for cottage rentals and pavilion rentals (spring 2026) at Centennial Grove
• Review status of electric service and public restroom project at Centennial Grove

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and approve routine administrative items including payroll, bills payable, and motor vehicle excise abatements. They will also discuss exemption and abatement applications and follow up on a letter concerning Map & Lot 209-12. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Review motor vehicle excise abatements
• Review exemption applications
• Abatement application review
• Follow up on letter for Map & Lot 209-12
• Schedule next assessors meeting

The Essex Board of Assessors met on March 13, 2025, and reviewed routine items including payroll, bills, abatements, and exemption applications. No substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting was procedural in nature.

• Reviewed and signed Assessors/Clerks Payroll
• Reviewed Department Bills Payable
• Reviewed Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Reviewed Exemption Applications
• Reviewed Abatement Applications
• Discussed follow-up on letter for Map & Lot 209-12

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the FY26 budgets and the monetary summary for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant. The body will also consider capital requests, including one from incoming Police Chief Shamshack.

• FY26 Budgets Review
• ATM 2025 Warrant/Monetary Summary Review
• Capital Request from Incoming Police Chief Shamshack
• MERSD Budget
• Line item or Reserve Fund transfers

The Finance Committee unanimously approved all line item transfers and voted to recommend a capital request from incoming Police Chief Thomas Shamshak for new firearms, costing under $1,000 from free cash, to the Board of Selectmen. The committee also discussed candidates for a vacancy, reviewed FY26 budgets, and deferred several items to the next meeting.

• Approved all line item transfers unanimously
• Approved capital request for new police firearms for recommendation to Board of Selectmen

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will observe a School Committee Finance Subcommittee Budget Workshop. Representatives from Essex and Manchester town boards will work to develop multi-year financial models for the FY26 budget process.

• Development of multi-year financial models for FY26 budget

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is participating in the School Committee – Finance Subcommittee FY2026 Budget Workshop. No other items are on the agenda; this is a procedural attendance without separate decisions or public hearings.

• Participation in the School Committee – Finance Subcommittee FY2026 Budget Workshop

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority Board will meet to approve February 2025 disbursements and update bank account signatories to include the incoming Executive Director and current Board members. The Board will also receive notification regarding new minimum maintenance wage rates effective April 1, 2025.

• Authorization to update bank account signatories
• Acceptance of February 2025 disbursements
• Notification of State Department of Labor Standards New Minimum Maintenance Wage Rates

The Essex Housing Authority board approved transferring funds from the garage insulation project to the laundry room upgrade, deferring the garage work. They also approved the February disbursements, updated bank signatories to include the incoming executive director, and accepted the executive director's report. No tenant concerns were raised.

• Approved transferring garage insulation funds to laundry room upgrade (all in favor)
• Approved February 2025 disbursements (all in favor)
• Authorized bank signatory update to include incoming executive director and current board members (all in favor)
• Approved executive director's report (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings regarding land use and wetlands protection. The body will review a new septic system application and continue hearings on resource area delineation and parking lot repairs.

• Public hearing for septic system replacement at 15 Island Rd
• Continued hearing for Resource Area Delineation at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street
• Continued hearing for parking lot repair and tree removal mitigation at 19 Wood Drive
• Review of Certificate(s) of Compliance for 82 Eastern Ave

The Essex Conservation Commission issued a complete Certificate of Compliance for 82 Eastern Avenue, approved the February 18, 2025 minutes, and closed a public hearing to issue an Order of Conditions for a septic system replacement at 15 Island Road. It also issued an Order of Resource Area Delineation for Bell Point LLC and continued a hearing for 19 Wood Drive, voting to require a peer review and issue a letter of compliance for an enforcement order.

• Issued complete Certificate of Compliance for 82 Eastern Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 18, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for septic replacement at 15 Island Road (4-0-1)
• Issued Order of Resource Area Delineation for Bell Point LLC (unanimous)
• Voted 3-2 to require peer review for 19 Wood Drive project
• Issued letter of compliance for Enforcement Order at 19 Wood Drive (4-1)
• Continued 19 Wood Drive hearing to April 1, 2025 (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works Commissioners will meet at the Water Filtration Plant. New business includes a discussion on a Chapter 90 truck. Previous business includes updates on personnel, the well upgrade project, fuel station location, commercial business recycling, and a third compactor update, with some items contingent on need.

• Discussion on Chapter 90 truck
• Fuel station location discussion
• Well upgrade project status update (if needed)
• Commercial business recycling discussion
• 3rd compactor update

The Board of Public Works approved a change to transfer station stickers, moving to a printable style due to vendor changes, and approved the police department's use of the parking area for a car show on September 7 with a rain date of September 14. No other substantive decisions were made; personnel updates and equipment reports were informational.

• Approved sticker process change to printable transfer station stickers (unanimous)
• Approved police car show use of parking area for Sept 7, rain date Sept 14 (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign payroll, bills, and motor vehicle excise commitments. The body will also evaluate applications for tax abatements and exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Exemption Applications review
• Abatement Application review
• Final Chapter Land Application review
• Assessors/Clerks Payroll

The Essex Board of Assessors met on March 6, 2025, and reviewed routine administrative items including payroll, bills, motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements, and various applications. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting was procedural in nature.

• Reviewed and signed Assessors/Clerks Payroll
• Reviewed Department Bills Payable
• Reviewed Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment
• Reviewed Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements
• Reviewed Final Chapter Land Application
• Reviewed Exemption Applications
• Reviewed Abatement Applications

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and potentially approve line item or Reserve Fund transfers, discuss the MERSD budget, review FY26 budgets, capital requests, and the ATM 2025 warrant monetary summary. Public comment and minutes approval are also on the agenda.

• Review and approval of line item or Reserve Fund transfers
• MERSD Budget review
• FY26 Budgets Review
• Capital Requests review
• ATM 2025 Warrant/Monetary Summary Review

The Finance Committee reviewed the FY26 budgets and made adjustments to line items for each department. They also discussed the MERSD budget, noting a potential $700 average cost increase per household if an override is required. The ATM 2025 warrant/monetary summary was tabled for next week's meeting. No formal votes or approvals were recorded.

• Reviewed FY26 budgets and made adjustments to department line items
• Discussed MERSD budget, noting potential $700 average household cost increase if override needed
• Tabled ATM 2025 warrant/monetary summary review to next week's meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a public hearing to review zoning bylaw articles proposed for the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The board will discuss potential updates to bylaws and review public input, though no votes on the articles will occur at this meeting.

• Public hearing for zoning bylaw articles for the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting
• Discussion on minimum area/percentage of first floor for business use in Downtown District Mixed-Use properties
• Discussion on moving 11 Southern Avenue from General Use District to Downtown District
• Review of future articles regarding residential districts
• Vote on February 19, 2025 minutes

The Planning Board held a required public hearing on seven proposed zoning bylaw articles for the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, taking public comment but taking no votes on the articles. The board also discussed two potential additional articles (mixed-use business floor area requirements and moving 11 Southern Avenue to the Downtown District) and reviewed a draft fee schedule revision. The board will vote on the articles at its March 19, 2025 meeting.

• Opened and closed public hearing on 7 proposed zoning articles (unanimous)
• Approved February 19, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (5-0-1)
• Discussed draft fee schedule revision; draft to be prepared for March 19 review
• No votes taken on proposed zoning articles at this meeting

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend the Planning Board's public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Essex Zoning Bylaw. The meeting is a joint participation; no separate vote or decision by the Selectmen is listed on this agenda.

• Participation in Planning Board public hearing on proposed Zoning Bylaw changes

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will conduct a public hearing regarding a license transfer and review the Town Administrator's report. The board will also consider several entertainment licenses for Riversbend at Essex and various shellfish permits.

• Public hearing for license transfer from Essex Wine Exchange to Marshview Farm Store LLC
• Consideration of amending an order for two Police cruisers for faster delivery
• Grant funding identification for a culvert replacement on Island Road
• Entertainment license requests for Riversbend at Essex at 35 Dodge Street
• Lease addendum for a Conomo Point Tight Tank at 15 Middle Road

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved transferring the Annual Package Store License for Wine and Malt from Essex Wine Exchange to Marshview Farm Store LLC, subject to ABCC approval. They also approved multiple entertainment license changes for Riversbend, including expanded hours and new outdoor licenses, and authorized purchasing police vehicles from Colonial Municipal Group instead of MHQ.

• Approved liquor license transfer to Marshview Farm Store LLC (unanimous)
• Approved Riversbend weekday indoor entertainment license expansion to Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm (unanimous)
• Approved new Sunday indoor entertainment license for Riversbend (unanimous)
• Approved new outdoor entertainment licenses for Riversbend (weekday and Sunday) (unanimous)
• Approved switching police vehicle order to Colonial Municipal Group (unanimous)
• Approved weekly warrant of $323,227.04 (unanimous)
• Approved shellfishing permits (unanimous)
• Authorized website upgrade to Standard product for one year (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review a demolition permit for the 1910 Conomo Point Cottage at 34 Robbins Island Road. The commission will also discuss its historic preservation planning goals for 2025. Items that could not be reasonably anticipated may also be considered.

• Review demolition permit for 1910 Conomo Point Cottage at 34 Robbins Island Road
• Discuss Historic Preservation Planning Goals for 2025

Board of Health

The Essex Board of Health will hold a public meeting to review septic system plans for two properties, consider several permits (food service, animal keeping, recreational camp), and discuss proposed updates to the current Essex Onsite Systems Design Standard. The meeting includes routine appointments, minutes, and reports from public health staff.

• Septic system plan review: 15 Middle Rd. (Abis, Map 108, Lot 56) and 98 Choate St. (Mavymo LLC, Map 116, Lot 3)
• Food Service Establishment permit FSE-25-1 for Council on Aging
• Keeping of Animals permit KOA-25-1 for Margo McGrath
• Recreational Camp permit RCHM-25-1 for Camp Dory
• Discussion of updates to the Essex Onsite Systems Design Standard

The Board of Health approved septic system plans for 15 Middle Road and 98 Choate Street, each with specific conditions. It also approved three permits (food service, keeping of animals, recreational camp) and a vacation leave request for the administrator. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates on inspections and public health matters.

• Approved septic plan at 15 Middle Road (Abis) with tight tank lease addendum and 3-bedroom/330 gpd limit (unanimous)
• Approved septic plan at 98 Choate Street (Mavymo LLC) for 2 units, 4 bedrooms each, 880 gpd, with clean-outs and shared system notice (unanimous)
• Approved Food Service Permit FSE-25-1 for Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Approved Keeping of Animals Permit KOA-25-1 for Margo McGrath (unanimous)
• Approved Recreational Camp Permit RCHM-25-1 for Camp Dory (unanimous)
• Approved 8 hours vacation leave for Erin Kirchner on March 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 2-13-2025 meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss and review the FY26 budget, including the Fire Department budget with Chief Hassel, and a MERSD budget update. They will also consider line item transfers, capital requests, and the monetary summary for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Public comment will be taken at the start.

• Review and approve line item or Reserve Fund transfers
• MERSD Budget Update
• Fire Department Budget review with Fire Chief Hassel
• FY26 Budget Review/Discussion
• ATM 2025 Warrant/Monetary Summary Review

The Essex Finance Committee approved three line item transfers, including $14,958 from the Fin Comm reserve to the Fire Maintenance line item for unexpected pumper truck repairs. They also approved moving $6,000 to Unemployment Claims and $150 from sprinkler maintenance to fire alarm maintenance. Two Highway Department transfers were postponed pending additional information. The committee heard updates on the MERSD school budget, which exceeds the Proposition 2 1/2 override limit and may require annual overrides, and on fire department and police vehicle needs.

• Approved $14,958 transfer from Fin Comm reserve to Fire Maintenance for pumper truck repairs (unanimous)
• Approved $6,000 transfer from Fin Comm reserve to Unemployment Claims (unanimous)
• Approved $150 transfer from sprinkler maintenance to fire alarm maintenance (unanimous)
• Postponed two Highway Department line item transfers pending more information

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will observe a School Committee Finance Subcommittee Budget Workshop meeting, held jointly with representatives from Essex and Manchester town boards, to develop multi-year financial models informing the FY26 budget process. This is a discussion and observation item, not a decision or vote.

• Observation of School Committee Finance Subcommittee Budget Workshop with Essex and Manchester town boards for multi-year FY26 budget models

Finance Committee

The Essex Finance Committee will observe a School Committee Finance Subcommittee Budget Workshop Meeting with representatives from Essex and Manchester town boards. The workshop aims to develop multi-year financial models to inform the FY26 budget process. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Observation of joint budget workshop with Essex and Manchester town boards to develop multi-year financial models for FY26 budget

Board of Selectmen

The Board will hear the Finance Committee's presentation of the fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget proposals. The Town Administrator will report on a cable franchise agreement renewal, the draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant, and other administrative items. The Board will also vote on routine approvals including a transportation grant MOU, appointments, and a cottage rental request, then enter executive session for collective bargaining and litigation strategy.

• Finance Committee presents FY26 operating and capital budget proposals at 7:30 p.m.
• Town Administrator reports on cable franchise agreement renewal and continued review of draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant
• Approve and sign a memorandum of understanding for the Seniors on the Go healthy aging transportation grant among Essex, Manchester, and Gloucester
• Vote to accept resignation of Curt Siebert from Finance Committee and appoint him to Council on Aging for partial term ending 6/30/2026
• Consider renting Grove Cottage on June 8, 2025 for a private bridal brunch (Rose and Dennis Burnham)

The Board of Selectmen approved the weekly warrant of $920,127.58, several licenses and permits, and multiple appointments, including to the Council on Aging and Conservation Commission. They also accepted a resignation, approved a transportation grant MOU, and set new restrictions on a dog after a fifth attack. The board entered executive session for collective bargaining and litigation strategy, then returned to open session.

• Approved weekly warrant of $920,127.58 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for Feb 10 and Feb 14 meetings (unanimous)
• Approved MOU for Seniors on the Go Healthy Aging Transportation Grant (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Curt Siebert from Finance Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Curt Siebert to Council on Aging, partial term ending 6/30/2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Chris Pellegrini to Conservation Commission, partial term ending 6/30/2027 (unanimous)
• Approved rental of Grove Cottage for private bridal brunch on June 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved shellfish permits, one-day wine & malt license, and dog restrictions (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss routine updates including a snow removal status report, a one-year review of an employee (Jason), and the well upgrade project. The meeting also includes an update on the Essex Park Road development and a discussion on the fuel station. No votes or binding decisions are anticipated.

• One-year performance review of employee Jason
• Snow removal update
• Well upgrade project status
• Essex Park Road development update
• Fuel station discussion

The Board of Public Works voted unanimously to move Jason Federico to the top of his pay range following a positive performance review. The board also discussed equipment repairs, the well upgrade project, and the fuel station location, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved moving Jason Federico to top of pay range (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen will hold a joint meeting to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. No specific budget figures or line-item decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Discussion of the FY26 Budget

Historical Commission

The Essex Historical Commission will consider a demolition permit for the 1880 Mansard antique store at 44 Main St., which is proposed to be replaced by condominiums. The commission will also discuss historic preservation planning goals for 2025.

• 44 Main St. – 1880 Mansard antique store to be replaced by condos (TBD)
• Historic Preservation Planning Goals for 2025

The Historical Commission reviewed a proposal by Sean Costello to purchase 44 Main Street and demolish existing structures. The board unanimously agreed to move to a public hearing to decide if the structure should be 'preferably preserved'.

• Unanimously agreed to move to a public hearing on 44 Main Street (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a final review and vote on a Special Permit application for 145 Main Street to create a four-family residential structure. The board will also discuss adjusting Downtown District limits for 11 Southern Ave and review proposed bylaw updates for the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting. An update on the Essex Park Road OSRD subdivision project will be provided.

• Final review and vote on Special Permit for 145 Main Street to create a four-family residential structure
• Consideration of adjusting Downtown District limits to include 11 Southern Ave at the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting
• Status update on Essex Park Road OSRD subdivision
• Review of proposed bylaw articles for the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, with a public hearing scheduled for March 5, 2025
• Vote on February 5, 2025 meeting minutes

The Essex Planning Board approved a Special Permit for Francis McCormick Jr. to create a four-family residential structure at 145 Main Street, which will intensify an existing nonconformity. The board also reviewed proposed zoning bylaw articles for the May 5 Annual Town Meeting, including updates to Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations, and discussed a potential rezoning request for 11 Southern Avenue. The minutes from the February 5 meeting were approved with one abstention.

• Approved Special Permit for four-family structure at 145 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved February 5, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-1, Bradbury abstained)
• Discussed proposed zoning articles for May 5 Annual Town Meeting, including ADU and floodplain updates
• Discussed potential rezoning of 11 Southern Avenue parcel into Downtown District

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several wetland-related projects, including an ecological restoration of salt marsh by The Trustees of Reservations at the Great Marsh, a parking lot repair with tree removal mitigation at 19 Wood Drive, and a resource area delineation at 0 Essex Park Road. The commission will also interview a candidate for a vacancy and review minutes from January 28, 2025.

• Public hearing on a Notice of Intent to repair/repave parking lot and for unauthorized tree removal with mitigation at 19 Wood Drive
• Continued public hearing for an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street
• Continued public hearing for an Ecological Restoration Project at the Great Marsh with ditch remediation, runnelling, and micro-topography construction
• Interview with candidate for vacancy on Conservation Commission
• Review and approve minutes for January 28, 2025

The Essex Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue an Order of Conditions for an ecological restoration project by The Trustees of Reservations at the Great Marsh, with special conditions including a five-year expiration and monitoring requirements. The Commission also continued two public hearings to March 11, 2025: one for a parking lot repair and tree removal mitigation at 19 Wood Drive, and another for a resource area delineation by Bell Point LLC. Additionally, the Commission recommended Chris Pellegrini to the Board of Selectmen for appointment to fill a vacancy.

• Approved minutes of January 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Recommended Chris Pellegrini for appointment to the Commission
• Continued public hearing for 19 Wood Dr Realty Trust to March 11, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing for Bell Point LLC to March 11, 2025 (unanimous)
• Closed public comments and hearing for Great Marsh restoration project (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Great Marsh restoration with special conditions (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is meeting to conduct interviews for the vacant Chief of Police position. Two finalists are scheduled for interviews.

• Interview of Lieutenant David Costa
• Interview of Sergeant Tom Shamshak

The Board of Selectmen interviewed two finalists for the Chief of Police vacancy and unanimously voted to offer the position to Essex Sergeant Thomas Shamshak, contingent on contract negotiations and Town Meeting appropriation. The board cited his institutional knowledge and consistent preparation as deciding factors. Town Administrator Zubricki will begin contract talks with Shamshak.

• Offered Chief of Police position to Sgt. Thomas Shamshak (unanimous)
• Interviewed finalists Lt. David Costa and Sgt. Thomas Shamshak
• Adjourned meeting at 9:00 a.m. (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold a public hearing on a retail food establishment permit for Chebacco Market, review a septic system plan for 0 & 2 Lufkin Point Lane, and consider retroactive food service and ice cream manufacturing permits for Mayflour. The board will also discuss grant applications, public health updates, and approve minutes and a leave request.

• Public hearing at 7:15 PM for Chebacco Market Retail Food Establishment Permit (Hareshkumar Patel, Owner)
• Septic System Plan Review for 0 & 2 Lufkin Point Lane, Fitts, Map 109, Lots 9 & 25
• Retroactive Food Service Establishment Permit FSE-24-51 for Mayflour
• Ice Cream Manufacturing Permit ICE-25-1 for Mayflour
• Partnership for Success Grant Application and PHE Grant Discussion

The Board of Health held a hearing on Chebacco Market's retail food permit, which is currently out of compliance with fire code due to stairway clearance. The owner agreed to pull a building permit by February 28 and complete the work by March 31. The board approved the permit retroactively and also approved the ice cream manufacturing permit after test results returned to normal.

• Approved Chebacco Market retail food permit with compliance deadline (all in favor)
• Approved ice cream manufacturing permit for Mayflour (all in favor)
• Approved septic plan for 0&2 Lufkin Point Lane with conditions (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from 1-13-2025 (all in favor)
• Approved Bills Payable #754 for $579.68 (all in favor)
• Approved leave use notification for Erin Kirchner (all in favor)

Housing Authority

The Essex Housing Authority will hold a regular board meeting to discuss routine business including approval of January 2025 disbursements and several annual certifications. The board will consider authorizing the use of Administrative Funds from Project 092063 for additional maintenance hours during ongoing construction. Other items include approval of minutes from the previous meeting and the executive director's report.

• Authorization to utilize Administrative Funds from Project 092063 for additional maintenance hours during construction
• Acceptance of January 2025 disbursements
• Certification of Compliance with Notification Procedures for Federal & State Lead Paint Laws — FYE 12/31/2024
• Certification of Top 5 Compensation Form — FYE 12/31/2024
• Certification of Year End Financial Statements & Tenant Accounts Receivable Data — FYE 12/31/2024

The board approved the use of up to $15,000 in administrative funds for the fire alarm replacement project (MOD #092063) to cover additional maintenance hours during construction. They also approved the Executive Director's report, January disbursements, and several certifications including lead paint compliance, top 5 compensation, and year-end financial statements. The meeting was routine with no major policy changes.

• Approved minutes of January 14, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved Executive Director's report (all in favor)
• Accepted January 2025 disbursements (all in favor)
• Authorized up to $15,000 in administrative funds for MOD #092063 (all in favor)
• Certified compliance with lead paint notification procedures (all in favor)
• Certified Top 5 Compensation Form for FYE 12/31/24 (all in favor)
• Certified Year End Financial Statement & Tenant Accounts Receivable Data (all in favor)

Board of Selectmen

The Police Chief Search Preliminary Screening Committee is meeting to announce the finalists recommended for public interviews. The committee will also review minutes from four January meetings.

• Announcement of finalists for Police Chief public interviews

The Board of Selectmen, acting as the Chief of Police Search Preliminary Screening Committee, recommended two finalists for police chief: Lieutenant David Costa (external) and Sergeant Tom Shamshak (internal). The board will interview both in open session on February 14, 2025. The board also accepted a $1,533 donation to the Harbormaster's Gift Fund, appointed John Ryan as Assistant Harbormaster, and approved multiple licenses and permits.

• Recommended Lt. David Costa and Sgt. Tom Shamshak as police chief finalists
• Approved $1,533 donation from Conomo Point Association to Harbormaster Gift Fund
• Appointed John Ryan as Assistant Harbormaster for partial term ending 6/30/27
• Approved weekly warrant of $101,360.04
• Approved commercial shellfish permits for Dean Rossi and Charles McNeil
• Approved non-resident shellfish permit for Ken Symonds (contingent on documents)
• Approved common victualler and one-day liquor/entertainment licenses for Mayflour Confections, Cape Ann Chamber, and Down River Ice Cream
• Approved revised DPW Water Operator Position I description

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will review minutes from December and January, then consider new business including a one-year employee review and a price quote for manhole work from Felix Marino. Previous business items such as the well upgrade project, Essex Park Road development, water plant updates, fuel station, and a Notice of Intent discussion are listed as 'if needed' and may be addressed if time permits.

• Felix Marino price for manhole work
• Jason 1 year review
• Well upgrade project status (if needed)
• Essex Park Rd development update (if needed)
• Fuel station discussion

Board of Assessors

The Essex Board of Assessors will meet to discuss routine administrative items including payroll, abatement applications, and property record updates. The board will also follow up on a letter concerning Map & Lot 209-12 and consider a signature stamp policy.

• Review of abatement applications
• Sign Chapter Land applications for FY26
• Follow up on letter for Map & Lot 209-12
• Property card changes by Aspro (Patriot)
• Discussion of a signature stamp for the board

The Board of Assessors met on February 6, 2025, and reviewed several administrative items, including payroll, motor vehicle excise abatements, abatement applications, and Chapter Land applications for FY26. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the board discussed and signed documents, and scheduled the next meeting. The minutes were approved on March 6, 2025.

• Reviewed and signed assessors/clerk payroll
• Discussed follow-up on letter for Map & Lot 209-12
• Reviewed motor vehicle excise abatements
• Signed Chapter Land applications for FY26
• Reviewed abatement applications
• Discussed signature stamp
• Reviewed property card changes by Aspro (Patriot)
• Scheduled next assessors meeting

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss the FY26 Budget and review line item transfers. The meeting also includes liaison reports and a period for public comment.

• FY26 Budget
• Line Item Transfers

The Finance Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the FY26 municipal budget, focusing on personnel costs in Public Works, Police, and Fire departments. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily a working session. Members discussed the need for a new mower for Public Works, Fire Department budget refinements, and a potential Proposition 2½ override due to rising health insurance costs.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was a working session
• Reviewed FY26 budget line items for Public Works, Police, and Fire
• Discussed Public Works need for new mower
• Discussed Fire Department budget refinements with Chief Hassel
• Discussed potential Proposition 2½ override due to health insurance costs

Planning Board

The board will continue discussions from January 22, including a request to determine if improvements at 12 Scots Way require a special permit amendment. A vote is expected on a special permit for 145 Main Street to create a four-family residential structure by altering an existing nonconforming structure. The board will also review bylaw updates for the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting and receive an update on the Housing Production Plan.

• 12 Scots Way – discussion on whether improvements require a special permit amendment (continued)
• 145 Main Street – possible vote on special permit for four-family conversion by Francis McCormick Jr.
• Essex Park Road OSRD subdivision – status update
• Review of bylaw articles for May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting
• Housing Production Plan update (endorsement expected late 2025 or early 2026)

The Planning Board followed Town Counsel's opinion that proposed improvements to the cell tower at 12 Scots Way require an amendment to the existing Special Permit, to be considered in a public hearing. The Board also reviewed draft decision language for the 145 Main Street special permit and discussed proposed zoning bylaw articles for the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting, with revisions to be made for the next meeting. No final votes were taken on these items.

• Agreed to follow Town Counsel's opinion that 12 Scots Way improvements require a Special Permit amendment (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 22, 2025 Chamber listening session as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 29, 2025 MPO public forum as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 30, 2025 MAPC webinar as amended (unanimous)
• Approved January 22, 2025 Planning Board minutes as amended (4-0-2)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will participate in the Manchester Essex Regional School District's final FY2026 operating budget proposal hearing. This is the primary and only substantive item on the agenda.

• Participate in Manchester Essex Regional School District final FY2026 operating budget proposal hearing

Finance Committee

The Essex Finance Committee will participate in a hearing on the Manchester Essex Regional School District's final FY2026 budget proposal. No vote or decision is scheduled; the committee is attending to hear the budget proposal.

• Participate in Manchester Essex Regional School District final FY2026 budget proposal hearing

Board of Selectmen

The Police Chief Search Preliminary Screening Committee will convene in open session and immediately move into executive session to consider and interview applicants for Chief of Police. No public discussion or decisions are scheduled.

• Entire meeting held in executive session under Massachusetts Open Meeting Law Exception 8
• Purpose: preliminary screening of Chief of Police applicants

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review and sign payroll, schedule bills payable, and discuss motor vehicle excise abatements and abatement applications. They will also follow up on a letter concerning Map & Lot 209-12, sign Chapter Land applications for FY26, and review property cards. The meeting is largely procedural, focusing on routine assessment administration.

• Follow up on letter received for Map & Lot 209-12
• Motor vehicle excise abatements
• Sign Chapter Land applications FY26 approval letters
• Review abatement applications
• Assessors/clerks payroll and schedule bills payable

The Essex Board of Assessors met on January 30, 2025, and conducted routine administrative business, including reviewing payroll, signing bills, and discussing abatement applications. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was procedural in nature.

• Reviewed and signed Schedule Bills Payable
• Discussed follow-up on letter for Map & Lot 209-12
• Reviewed motor vehicle excise abatements
• Signed Chapter Land Applications FY26 Approval Letters
• Reviewed abatement applications
• Reviewed property cards
• Discussed signature stamp use
• Scheduled next assessors meeting

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to attend and participate in a Housing Production Plan webinar hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Attend and participate in Housing Production Plan webinar with MAPC

Planning Board

The Planning Board is meeting solely to allow members to attend a Housing Production Plan webinar hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. No regular board business will be conducted, and attendance is optional. The meeting may be called to order and adjourned if a quorum is present.

• Housing Production Plan webinar hosted by MAPC

The Essex Planning Board held a meeting on January 30, 2025, solely to allow members to attend a Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) webinar on the Housing Production Plan. No quorum was present, and no substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural in nature.

• No decisions made; meeting held for webinar attendance only

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust is meeting to participate in a webinar hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The session focuses on the Housing Production Plan.

• Housing Production Plan webinar hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council

The Essex Affordable Housing Trust met on January 30, 2025, and the only substantive item was a presentation by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on housing affordability and development trends. No formal decisions were made during the meeting.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will attend and participate in a public forum hosted by the Boston Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization concerning their ongoing study of the causeway. No decisions or votes are scheduled at this meeting.

• Attend public forum on causeway study by Boston Regional MPO

Planning Board

This meeting is a public forum hosted by the Boston Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization for a Causeway Study. No regular Planning Board business will be conducted; the agenda is posted solely to allow Board members to attend without violating Open Meeting Law.

• Causeway Study Public Forum hosted by BRMPO

The Planning Board meeting on January 29, 2025, was held solely to allow members to attend the Boston Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization Causeway Study Public Forum without violating Open Meeting law. No regular Planning Board business was conducted, and no decisions were made. The meeting was called to order at 7:48 p.m. and adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act on January 28, 2025, to review a Notice of Intent for a new dwelling at 48 Rocky Hill Road, an ecological restoration project at the Great Marsh, and a continued hearing on resource area delineation at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street. Administrative items include reviewing a DPW road maintenance request and approving the FY24 annual report.

• Public hearing for Notice of Intent: Sean & Roxanne Costello to build dwelling, driveway, and septic at 48 Rocky Hill Road
• Public hearing for Notice of Intent: Trustees of Reservations for salt marsh restoration at Great Marsh (multiple parcels)
• Continued hearing: Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation by Bell Point LLC at 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street, including peer review proposal
• Review DPW request for work under road maintenance Order of Conditions
• Review and approve FY24 Annual Report

The Commission unanimously issued an Order of Conditions for a Notice of Intent filed by Sean and Roxanne Costello for work at 48 Rocky Hill Road. It also agreed to let the Department of Public Works proceed with work at Town Landing and First Beach under an existing Order of Conditions. Two public hearings were continued to February 18, 2025: one for ecological restoration on the Great Marsh and one for a resource area delineation by Bell Point LLC. The Commission also accepted the December 10, 2024 minutes and approved the FY24 Annual Report with revisions.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 48 Rocky Hill Road (unanimous)
• Agreed DPW work at Town Landing and First Beach can proceed under Order of Conditions for Road Maintenance
• Continued Great Marsh ecological restoration hearing to 2/18/2025 (unanimous)
• Engaged Seekamp Environmental for peer review on Bell Point LLC delineation (unanimous)
• Continued Bell Point LLC hearing to 2/18/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted 12/10/2024 minutes with revisions (unanimous)
• Approved FY24 Annual Report with revisions

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a quarterly department head meeting where Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki presents updates on interviewing police chief candidates, a contract for municipal fuel depot design, and other town operations. The board will also vote on routine items including a $12,460 fire safety equipment grant, a lease transfer for 126 Conomo Point Road, and an appointment to the Appeals Board. Additionally, they will consider a road closure for the Barns and Blooms Half Marathon and discuss collective bargaining with the police union in executive session.

• Town Administrator's report covering police chief candidate interviews and fuel depot design contract
• Vote on $12,460 Department of Fire Services Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant
• Lease transfer request from Frank Hardy for 126 Conomo Point Road (Map 108, Lot 66)
• Appointment of Amy Connors as Appeals Board Alternate for a 2-year term ending 1/31/2027
• Request to close town roads for Barns and Blooms Half Marathon on May 17, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the weekly warrant of $1,005,419.72, increased the Town Clerk salary range to $70,000-$90,000 and set FY2026 salary at $83,000 (subject to Town Meeting appropriation), and awarded a $15,000 contract to Web Engineering for municipal fuel depot design. They also approved several licenses, appointments, and a leasehold transfer. The meeting included reports on police chief search, school budget, and department updates, and ended with a move to Executive Session for collective bargaining.

• Approved weekly warrant of $1,005,419.72 (unanimous)
• Increased Town Clerk salary range to $70,000-$90,000 (unanimous)
• Set FY2026 Town Clerk salary at $83,000, subject to appropriation (unanimous)
• Awarded $15,000 contract to Web Engineering for fuel depot design (unanimous)
• Approved leasehold transfer of 126 Conomo Point Road to Frank I. Hardy Jr. Living Trust (unanimous)
• Appointed Amy Connors as Appeals Board Alternate for 2-year term (unanimous)
• Approved road pass-over for Barns and Blooms Half Marathon on May 17, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved multiple license renewals including Class II, shellfish, antiques, and common victualler (unanimous)