Methuen public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council voted to accept the agenda for the special meeting. The motion passed with six votes in favor and one vote against (Councilor DiZoglio). No other actions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Accepted agenda (6-1)

Conservation Commission

The Methuen Conservation Commission will hold public hearings to discuss notices of intent and violations. The body is reviewing requests for determinations of applicability and certificates of compliance for several local properties.

• Amendment to Order of Conditions for 99 Cross Street (Mass Cabinets, Inc.)
• Request for Determination of Applicability for 29 Oak Street
• Notice of Violation for 30 Brown Court
• Notice of Violation for 2 Muirfield Lane
• Certificates of Compliance for 12 Cameron Way

The commission opened and then closed the hearing on the amendment to the Order of Conditions for 99 Cross Street (MCC File #25-004) unanimously. It unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes of the 11/20/2025 meeting. It voted unanimously to issue a Negative 3 Determination with eight special conditions for the 29 Oak Street renovation (File #25-020). It also unanimously continued Notice of Violation #25-004 (30 Brown Court) to the Jan 22 2026 meeting and Notice of Violation #25-017 (2 Muirfield Lane) to the Jan 8 2026 meeting.

• Opened hearing on amendment to Order of Conditions for 99 Cross Street (unanimous)
• Closed hearing on amendment to Order of Conditions for 99 Cross Street (unanimous)
• Accepted agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 11/20/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination with Special Conditions 1‑8 for 29 Oak Street (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-004 (30 Brown Court) to 1/22/2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-017 (2 Muirfield Lane) to 1/8/2026 meeting (unanimous)

Housing Authority

The Methuen Housing Authority will hold a public hearing on its proposed FY 2027 annual plan and approve routine items such as minutes, correspondence, payments, and financial reports. New business includes decisions on a $72,251.66 change order, a managed IT contract up to $200,000, participation in the state‑aided property insurance program, and changes to the Resident Service Coordinator role and salary.

• Approve Change Order for FISH# 181113 – $72,251.66 (previously tabled)
• Award Managed IT Contract to Intellibeam, LLC – not to exceed $200,000
• Approve participation in Massachusetts State‑Aided Property Insurance Program
• Expand Resident Service Coordinator Portfolio
• Increase Resident Service Coordinator Salary

Housing Authority

The Methuen Housing Authority is holding a public hearing to review its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The plan outlines operations and goals for state-aided public housing.

• Proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Plan
• Proposed Maintenance and Repair Plan
• Current Operating Budget
• Responses to Performance Management Review (PMR) findings
• List of waivers from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) regulations

Zoning Board

The Methuen Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025 was cancelled because no agenda items were submitted. No decisions or discussions will take place at this meeting. The board’s next meeting is set for January 28, 2026.

City Council

The Methuen City Council will hold a public hearing on three Public Service Grant applications. Each grant proposes installing a single JO pole on Washington Street, Pelham Street, and Prospect Street. The council will consider approval of these installations.

• Public Service Grant #31199696 – install one JO pole on Washington Street.
• Public Service Grant #31211482 – install one JO pole on Pelham Street.
• Public Service Grant #31199697 – install one JO pole on Prospect Street.

City Council

The Methuen City Council will consider overturning a mayor's veto to pave five unaccepted roads and vote on several grants and ordinances, including a resolution of no confidence in school leadership.

• TR-25-61: Vote to overturn veto for paving five unaccepted roads
• TR-25-74: Resolution of no confidence in Superintendent and School Committee
• TR-25-69: Accept $30,000 recycling grant
• TR-25-71: Accept $19,231 Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
• TO-25-18: Ordinance adding Cross Street Planned Residential Development District

The council unanimously approved a motion to move item #7 to before item #4 on the agenda. A second motion to accept the agenda as amended was also approved unanimously. No other substantive measures were voted on during the meeting.

• Motion to amend agenda moving item #7 before item #4 – approved unanimously
• Motion to accept agenda as amended – approved unanimously

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will review accessibility reports from the ADA Coordinator and DPW. Members will discuss community outreach for emergency preparedness and updates to the commission's website.

• Review of proposed font and content for a new two-sided informational flyer
• Follow-up on sidewalk width measurement guidelines for Gleason St. and Railroad St.
• Discussion on policy for acquiring deaf/blind signs in neighborhoods
• Proposed emergency preparedness workshops with MFD, MPD, and EMS
• Discussion on updating the MCOD website with community resources

The commission voted to approve the meeting agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. The treasurer’s financial report showing $203,491.05 in total funds was accepted. The discussion on a two‑sided flyer was tabled for the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Agenda approved (motion passed)
• Previous meeting minutes approved (motion passed)
• Treasurer’s report accepted (motion passed)
• Flyer discussion tabled until next meeting (motion passed)
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

Board of Health

The Methuen Board of Health will meet on December 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion and acceptance of emergency bodywork regulations. The meeting also includes a call to order and adjournment. No other agenda items are listed.

• Discussion and acceptance of emergency bodywork regulations

The Methuen Board of Health voted unanimously to adopt the proposed Emergency Bodywork Regulations. The motion was made by Donald Marcus and seconded by Abbey Meyers. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Approved Emergency Bodywork Regulations (unanimous yes vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous yes vote)

Methuen Lawrence Public Health Partnership

The Public Health Excellence Grant Board will review a Training Hub presentation, a Housing Pamphlet presentation, and an update on grant reporting. The meeting includes a discussion on harm reduction. An open forum will be held to schedule the next meeting.

• Training Hub Presentation
• Housing Pamphlet Presentation
• Grant Reporting Update
• Harm Reduction Discussion
• Open Forum to schedule next meeting

Housing Authority

The board will conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. Members will also consider several contracts and staffing changes for resident services.

• Public Hearing for Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027
• Managed IT Contract award to Intellibeam, LLC not to exceed $200,000
• Change Order for FISH# 181113 for $72,251.66
• Participation in the Massachusetts State-Aided Property Insurance Program
• Proposed expansion of Resident Service Coordinator portfolio and salary increase

Housing Authority

The Methuen Housing Authority will hold a public hearing on December 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM to review its proposed Annual Plan for fiscal year 2027. Residents and the public may submit comments on the plan’s components, which include a five‑year capital improvement plan, a maintenance and repair plan, the current operating budget, responses to the Performance Management Review findings, policy listings, and regulatory waivers. The Authority will consider substantive comments from local tenant organizations and the Resident Advisory Board before finalizing the plan for submission to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

• Five‑year proposed Capital Improvement Plan
• Proposed Maintenance and Repair Plan
• Current Operating Budget
• Responses to Performance Management Review (PMR) findings
• Lists of Authority policies and regulatory waivers

City Council

The Methuen City Council and Community Development Board will hold a joint public hearing on December 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The agenda includes an ordinance to amend the Methuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance by adding a Cross Street Planned Residential Development District as proposed in new Article XIV. Residents can watch the meeting on local TV channels or via livestream, and a recording will be posted online afterward.

• Joint public hearing of City Council and Community Development Board, Dec 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m., Great Hall, Searles Building, 41 Pleasant St.
• Ordinance to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance by adding Cross Street Planned Residential Development District (new Article XIV).
• Meeting can be viewed on Channel 8 (Comcast) or Channel 32 (Verizon) or livestream at Methuen.gov/livestream.
• Recording will be available on demand within 1–3 business days at https://methuen-ma.viebit.com/index.php?folder=ALL.
• Accessibility assistance contact: Sandy Almonte, ADA/DE! Coordinator, 978‑382‑2123, [email protected].

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will hold a public hearing to consider amending the city’s Zoning Ordinance to create a Planned Residential Development District at 11 Cross Street. The board will also make a recommendation to the City Council regarding that proposed district. In new business, the board will set a public hearing date for a special permit hotel application at 143 Pleasant Valley Street and discuss a bond reduction for the Geramat Way (23 Hampstead Street) definitive subdivision.

• Public hearing to amend the Zoning Ordinance for 11 Cross Street – creation of a Planned Residential Development District
• Recommendation to the City Council on the proposed Cross Street Planned Residential Development District
• Set public hearing date for 143 Pleasant Valley Street (Special Permit for a hotel)
• Bond reduction discussion for Geramat Way (23 Hampstead Street Definitive Subdivision)
• Acceptance of minutes from July 29, 2025; October 8, 2025; November 12, 2025

The Community Development Board voted unanimously to send a favorable recommendation to the City Council for rezoning 11 Cross Street into a Planned Residential Development District. The Board also set a public hearing for the hotel special permit at 143 Pleasant Valley Street for January 14, 2026. A motion to reduce the Geramat Way bond to $16,002.25 was approved unanimously. Both the City Council and the Board closed their respective public hearings by unanimous vote.

• Board sent favorable rezoning recommendation for 11 Cross Street (unanimous)
• Public hearing for 143 Pleasant Valley Street hotel special permit set for Jan 14, 2026
• Bond for Geramat Way reduced to $16,002.25 (unanimous)
• City Council closed its public hearing (unanimous)
• Community Development Board closed its public hearing (unanimous)

City Council

The Methuen City Council will hold a public hearing on Dec 8, 2025 to consider changes to property tax classifications for FY 2026. Council members will review proposals for a residential exemption of up to 35% of average assessed value, a 25% exemption for Class II open‑space properties, and a partial exemption for qualifying small commercial properties. They will also determine how the tax levy will be allocated among property classes for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Residential exemption of up to 35% of average assessed valuation
• Exemption of up to 25% for Class II – Open Space properties
• Partial tax exemption for qualifying small commercial properties
• Determination of tax levy percentage for each property class for FY 2026

City Council

The City Council will discuss property tax exemptions and the tax levy distribution for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting also includes a resolution regarding health insurance for council members and a proposed vote of no confidence in the school superintendent.

• Residential exemption of up to 35% of average assessed valuation
• Exemption of up to 25% for Class II - Open Space property
• Partial tax exemption for qualifying small commercial properties
• TR-25-73: Resolution for City Council health insurance participation
• TR-25-74: Resolution calling for a vote of no confidence in the Superintendent of Methuen Public Schools

Conservation Commission

The Methuen Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on two Notices of Intent for development projects on Pleasant Valley Street and 231 Wheeler Street. It will also consider two emergency certifications for the Howe Street Pumping Station and 64 Maple Street, and several notices of violation for properties on Thayer Street, Linwood Avenue, Lyndale Avenue, Meriline Avenue, and Ayer Street. The meeting includes the election of officers for the January 2026 agenda.

• Notice of Intent – DEP File #219-1310, MCC File #24-016 – Pleasant Valley Street over Bare Meadow Brook (culvert) – TEC, Inc. – City of Methuen
• Notice of Intent – DEP File #219-13XX, MCC File #25-007 – 231 Wheeler Street (Lot 4) – Norse Environmental Services and Civil Design Consultants – O’Brien Homes, Inc.
• Emergency Certification #25-008 – Howe Street Pumping Station – Methuen Department of Public Works
• Emergency Certification #25-009 – 64 Maple Street – Methuen Department of Public Works
• Notice of Violation #24-008/Enforcement Order #25-001 – 25 Thayer Street – Moskal and Cavarallo

The Methuen Conservation Commission unanimously ratified Emergency Certifications #25-008 for Howe Street Pumping Station and #25-009 for 64 Maple Street. It also closed the Pleasant Valley Street culvert hearing and refused to accept the Wheeler Street filing due to incomplete documentation. Several notices of violation were continued to future dates for follow‑up inspections.

• Closed Pleasant Valley Street culvert hearing (unanimous)
• Did not accept Wheeler Street (231 Wheeler St.) filing (unanimous)
• Accepted agenda amendment to defer 11/20/2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Certification #25-008 – Howe Street Pumping Station (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Certification #25-009 – 64 Maple Street (unanimous)
• Continued Enforcement Order #24-008 (25 Thayer St.) to 1/8/2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-013 (52 Linwood Ave.) to 4/2/2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-012 (13 Lyndale Ave.) to 1/8/2026 (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 4, 2025 at City Hall. After routine items such as call to order, roll call, and acceptance of the November 6, 2025 minutes, the board will enter an executive session. In that session the board will review abatement and exemption applications under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 60.

• Accept minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting
• Executive session to review abatement and exemption applications pursuant to MGL Chapter 59, Section 60

The Board of Assessors opened the meeting at 8:32 a.m. and unanimously accepted the September 4 2025 minutes. It signed the November excise tax abatements and then unanimously voted to enter executive session at 9:30 a.m. to consider statutory exemption and abatement applications. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.

• Opened meeting at 8:32 a.m. (unanimous)
• Accepted September 4 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Signed November excise tax abatements (action)
• Entered executive session at 9:30 a.m. to consider exemption and abatement applications (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:40 a.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is holding a public hearing to discuss two public service grants for utility pole installations. Due to a broken elevator at City Hall, the meeting has been moved to a virtual Zoom format.

• Public Service Grant #31199696: Install one JO pole on Washington Street
• Public Service Grant #31211482: Install one JO pole on Pelham Street

City Council

The Methuen City Council will vote on a five‑year contract with Axon Enterprise for police body cameras and tasers valued at $1,179,176.80. Council members will also consider several resolutions, including a grant acceptance for the Nevins Memorial Library and a resolution to pave five unaccepted roads. Additional items include contract awards for lawn equipment, energy services, and water‑quality investigations, as well as public service grant installations on Washington and Pelham Streets.

• C-26-56: Axon Enterprise contract for police body cameras & tasers, $1,179,176.80 (5‑year)
• TR-25-62: Resolution authorizing acceptance of $99,968.80 grant for Nevins Memorial Library digital equity plan
• TR-25-61: Resolution recommending paving of five unaccepted roads for public safety
• C-26-53 ($157,379.53), C-26-54 ($82,355.00), C-26-55 ($50,000.00): Contracts for lawn equipment, energy advocate, and water‑quality investigations
• Public Service Grants #31199696 (Washington Street) and #31211482 (Pelham Street) to install JO poles

The Methuen City Council unanimously approved the 2026 meeting schedule, including the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 2 at the Methuen Music Hall. Councilors also unanimously appointed Jodie Lamirande to the Board of Health and William Haneffant II as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. All agenda and minutes approvals were unanimous.

• Approved 2026 City Council meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved Jan. 2, 2026 inauguration ceremony at Methuen Music Hall (unanimous)
• Appointed Jodie Lamirande to the Board of Health (unanimous)
• Appointed William Haneffant II as alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to remove Decorum Schedule item (unanimous)
• Accepted amended agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted November 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule vote (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Methuen Cultural Council will meet virtually on December 1, 2025. The agenda includes a discussion and vote on how to spend the remaining FY26 budget. No financial report or new business is scheduled. The meeting will conclude with miscellaneous items and adjournment.

• Discussion and vote on spending the remainder of FY26 budget
• Roll call and public participation
• Financial report – none
• New council business – none
• Miscellaneous items

The council voted on allocating the remaining $353 of its FY26 budget. A motion to add the $353 to grant FY26‑LCC‑124927 was rejected (2 yes, 3 no). A motion to add the $353 to grant FY26‑LCC‑118923 passed unanimously (5 yes), increasing that grant to $2,853.

• Motion to add $353 to FY26‑LCC‑124927 denied (2 yes, 3 no)
• Motion to add $353 to FY26‑LCC‑118923 approved (5 yes), grant increased to $2,853
• Reconsideration request denied by MA Cultural Council
• Motion to adjourn the meeting approved (5 yes)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will consider two Notices of Intent for projects on Pleasant Valley Street and 109 North Street. It will review requests for determination of applicability for sites at 116 Lowell Blvd., 14 Derry Rd., and 37 Arrowwood St. The commission will also address multiple existing Notices of Violation and Enforcement Orders for properties such as 2 Hayes Street and 5 Riverview Cir. In other business, the commission will vote to release funds from the Receipts Reserved account to cover membership fees for two new appointees.

• Notice of Intent — DEP File #219-1310, MCC File #24-016 — Pleasant Valley Street culvert (TEC, Inc.)
• Notice of Intent — DEP File #219-1318, MCC File #25-006 — 109 North Street (Norberto Galicia, Andover Consultants, Inc.)
• Requests for Determination of Applicability for 116 Lowell Blvd., 14 Derry Rd., and 37 Arrowwood St.
• Review of existing Notices of Violation and Enforcement Orders (e.g., 2 Hayes Street, 5 Riverview Cir., 52 Linwood Ave.)
• Authorize release of funds from Receipts Reserved account for two new Conservation Commission memberships

The Methuen Conservation Commission continued the Pleasant Valley Street hearing to the Dec. 4 meeting and later closed the 109 North Street hearing. The agenda and the minutes from the Nov. 6 meeting were accepted. The commission issued Negative Determinations with Special Conditions for applications at 116 Lowell Blvd, 14 Derry Rd, and 37 Arrowwood St. All votes were unanimous, with Commissioners Lozowski and Lecher abstaining.

• Continue Pleasant Valley Street hearing to Dec. 4, 2025 (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)
• Table then untable 109 North Street hearing (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)
• Close 109 North Street hearing (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)
• Accept agenda as posted (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)
• Accept minutes from 11/6/2025 (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)
• Issue Negative 2 (State) and Negative 3 (Local) Determinations with Special Conditions 1‑7 for 116 Lowell Blvd (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)
• Issue Negative 3 Determination with Special Conditions 1‑7 for 14 Derry Rd (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)
• Issue Negative 3 Determination with Special Conditions 1‑7 for 37 Arrowwood St (unanimous, Lozowski & Lecher abstained)

Board of Health

The Methuen Board of Health will review proposed bodywork regulations and receive updates on vaccination efforts and the Methuen Cares Food Pantry. The meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025.

• Review of proposed bodywork regulations
• Vaccination efforts update
• Methuen Cares Food Pantry update
• Acceptance of September 15, 2025, minutes
• Board Member Appointment and Update

The board accepted the minutes from the September 15 meeting, with one abstention. They appointed Abby Meyers as a new Board of Health member. The board agreed to vote on the Emergency Bodywork Regulations draft at the next meeting in December. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted September 15 minutes (passed, one abstention)
• Appointed Abby Meyers as Board of Health member (appointment announced)
• Agreed to vote on Emergency Bodywork Regulations draft at next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous yes vote)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to discuss a variance application for a proposed office building. The board will determine if the project can proceed despite not meeting specific area and setback requirements.

• Variance request for a 1 Story Office Building (51'-0" X 60'-0") at 37 Jackson Street
• Request for area variance: 8,800 sq. ft. instead of the required 10,000 sq. ft.
• Request for left side setback variance: 12 ft. instead of the required 30 ft.
• Request for rear setback and residential space buffer variance: 15 ft. instead of the required 60 ft.

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the October 22, 2025 minutes. They also unanimously accepted the new landscape plan for 37 Jackson Street. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned.

• Accepted October 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted new landscape plan for 37 Jackson Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Methuen City Council will discuss the legal process for accepting 49 state-approved streets and the use of abandoned developer bonds. The body is also reviewing several city contracts and resolutions regarding municipal grants and public access.

• Contract C-26-50 for $100,000 to TEC, Inc. for Oakland Avenue over Methuen Rail Trail superstructure replacement
• Contract C-26-51 with Stertil-Koni USA, Inc. for vehicle lifts
• Resolution TR-25-62 to accept a $99,968.80 grant for Nevins Memorial Library's Digital Equity Plan
• Resolution TR-25-67 to accept a $54,870 Federal Municipal Road Safety Grant
• Ordinance TO-25-20 regarding votes on mail-in ballots for local municipal elections

The council unanimously accepted the agenda and the minutes from the November 5 meeting. It approved appointments for Thomas Giarrosso to the Community Advisory Television Board, Wanda Santos to the Commission on Disability, Alejandro Baez to the Cultural Council (6‑yes, 1 abstention), and Mansour Chaya as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of Nov 5 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Thomas Giarrosso appointment to CATV (unanimous)
• Approved Wanda Santos appointment to Commission on Disability (unanimous)
• Approved Alejandro Baez appointment to Cultural Council (6 yes, 1 abstention)
• Approved Mansour Chaya appointment as ZBA alternate (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council unanimously accepted the October 20 minutes and approved the $4,400 in grant allocations discussed at the October and November grant meetings. A motion to cancel the December 8 meeting also passed unanimously. The council tentatively accepted the proposed 2026 meeting dates, pending further discussion in January.

• Accepted October 20 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved $4,400 grant allocations (5‑0)
• Cancelled Dec 8, 2025 meeting (5‑0)
• Tentatively accepted 2026 meeting schedule (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Housing Authority

The Methuen Housing Authority Board will consider three new business items: approving CFA 5010 Amendment A for $79,876, approving Federal Public Housing flat rents, and approving a change order for FISH# 181113 (amount to be determined). The Board will also approve the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes, approve payments for the period 10/1/2025–10/31/2025, and receive various reports. Public participation will be allowed for up to five minutes per speaker.

• Consideration of approving CFA 5010 Amendment A – $79,876.00
• Consideration of approving Federal Public Housing flat rents
• Consideration of approving a change order for FISH# 181113 – amount TBD
• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2025
• Approval of payments for period 10/1/2025 – 10/31/2025

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will hold public hearings regarding a zoning map change and a special permit. The board will also discuss setting a hearing date for a new residential development district on Cross Street.

• Public hearing for 121-133 Pleasant Valley Street proposed zoning map change from RC to BH
• Public hearing for 40 Jackson Street Special Permit for drive-through hours after midnight
• Recommendation regarding 121-133 Pleasant Valley Street zoning
• Setting a public hearing date for 11 Cross Street proposed Zoning Ordinance for a Planned Residential Development District
• Discussion of the 2026 Agenda

The Community Development Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing on the Pleasant Valley Street rezoning proposal. It also unanimously closed the public hearing on the 40 Jackson Street special permit request. A motion was made to allow McDonald’s to extend its drive‑through hours to 2 a.m., with a condition for police review after 90 days, but the minutes do not record a vote on that motion.

• Closed Pleasant Valley Street rezoning public hearing (unanimous)
• Closed 40 Jackson Street special permit public hearing (unanimous)
• Motion to extend McDonald’s hours to 2:00 am – outcome not recorded

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing and consider two Notices of Intent for construction projects: one for a culvert over Bare Meadow Brook on Pleasant Valley Street and another for work at 109 North Street. It will also review three Requests for Determination of Applicability for properties on Lowell Blvd., North Street, and Lyndale Ave. Additional agenda items include several Notices of Violation and a Certificate of Compliance for a project on Cooper Lane.

• Notice of Intent – DEP File #219-1310, MCC File #24-016 – Pleasant Valley Street culvert over Bare Meadow Brook – TEC, Inc.
• Notice of Intent – DEP File #219-1318, MCC File #25-006 – 109 North Street – Norberto Galicia, Andover Consultants, Inc.
• Requests for Determination of Applicability #25-014 (116 Lowell Blvd.), #25-016 (3 North Street), #25-017 (13 Lyndale Ave.)
• Notice of Violation #25-004 – 30 Brown Court – Henrique Alves
• Certificate of Compliance/Bond Release – MCC File #19-010 – 4 Cooper Lane – JR Builders, Inc. & Millennium Engineering, Inc.

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Compliance and released the bond for the 4 Cooper Lane project. It also issued Negative 3 Determinations with special conditions for two property owners, lifted two Notices of Violation, and continued several pending hearings and violations to future meetings.

• Issued Certificate of Compliance and released bond for 4 Cooper Lane (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination with Special Conditions 1‑7 for 3 North Street (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination with Special Conditions 1‑6 for 13 Lyndale Ave (unanimous)
• Lifted Notice of Violation for 268 Lowell Street (Karla Gibbons) (unanimous)
• Lifted Notice of Violation for 274 Lowell Street (Michael Bowen) (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for Pleasant Valley Street culvert (DEP #219-1310) to 11/20/2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-004 for 30 Brown Court to 11/20/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted amendment moving 10/16/2025 minutes reference under Acceptance of Minutes (unanimous)

Commission on Disability

The Methuen Commission on Disability will meet to approve minutes, review reports, and discuss sidewalk repairs and the Blue Envelope initiative. The body will also plan community outreach on emergency preparedness.

• Approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
• Review of a proposed new one-sheet flyer
• Update on the Blue Envelope initiative
• Status on repair and access to sidewalks on Gleason St.
• Discussion on community outreach and emergency preparedness

The commission voted to approve the agenda as written. It also approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by motion. No other formal actions were taken.

• Agenda approved (motion passed)
• Previous meeting minutes approved (motion passed)
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

Board of Assessors

The Methuen Board of Assessors will hold an executive‑session meeting on November 6, 2025. In that session the board will review abatement and exemption applications under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 60. The meeting also includes routine items such as accepting the September 4, 2025 minutes and handling new and old business.

• Acceptance of September 4, 2025 Board of Assessors minutes
• Review of Chapter 59, Section 60 abatement and exemption applications (executive session)
• Consideration of new business (no specific items listed)
• Consideration of old business (no specific items listed)

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved opening the meeting at 8:38 a.m. and accepted the September 4, 2025 minutes. It signed excise‑tax abatements for May‑November, Commitment #6 for excise tax 2025, and Commitment #70 for boat tax 2025. The Board also unanimously voted to enter Executive Session at 8:50 a.m. and adjourned at 9:23 a.m.

• Approved opening of meeting at 8:38 a.m. (unanimous)
• Accepted September 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Signed excise‑tax abatements for May‑November 2025
• Signed Commitment #6 for 2025 excise tax
• Signed Commitment #70 for 2025 boat tax
• Approved entry into Executive Session at 8:50 a.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:23 a.m.

City Council

The Methuen City Council will discuss a zoning amendment that adds a Cross Street Planned Residential Development District. A resolution will authorize acceptance of a $99,968.80 grant for the Nevins Memorial Library’s Digital Equity Plan. A presentation will explore reallocating $4 million bond funds originally for the Elks property to support an additional building at Greater Lawrence Vocational School. Additional items include contract approvals and updates on city services.

• Presentation on reallocating $4 million bond for Elks property to fund an additional building at Greater Lawrence Vocational School
• Resolution TR-25-62 to accept a $99,968.80 grant for the Nevins Memorial Library’s Digital Equity Plan
• Ordinance TO-25-18 amending the zoning ordinance to add a Cross Street Planned Residential Development District (CROSSLD QOZB, LLC, Parcel 512-124-23)
• Ordinance TO-25-19 amending Article IV for temporary repairs and reconstruction of private ways
• Contract C-26-48 for UTEC mattress recycling (up to $60,000) and Contract C-26-49 for a Chevrolet Tahoe SSV ($54,995.00)

The City Council unanimously accepted the agenda and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. It also unanimously approved appointments to the Cultural Council, Community Development Board, Conservation Commission, Council on Aging, Commission on Disability, and Board of Health Commission.

• Agenda acceptance – unanimously approved
• Approval of previous meeting minutes – unanimously approved
• Olivia Chung appointed to Cultural Council – unanimously approved
• Taana Latu appointed to Cultural Council – unanimously approved
• Lely Melendez-Medina appointed to Cultural Council – unanimously approved
• Shadi Kassis reappointed to Community Development Board – unanimously approved
• Gary Lozowski appointed to Conservation Commission – unanimously approved
• Scott Dukeshire appointed to Council on Aging – unanimously approved

Historic District Commission

The Methuen Historic District Commission will hold public hearings on two Certificate of Appropriateness applications: one to add required egresses to apartments at 257 Lawrence St. #25-15, and another to replace a door at 10 Ditson Place #25-12 for the Leadership & Literacy Foundation. The meeting will also review an updated enforcement spreadsheet and letters, and receive updated renderings for the MX Lindo patio project to meet ADA requirements.

• Public hearing: 257 Lawrence St. #25-15 – add required egresses (Park Lodge) – request by Brad Jones, Jones & Co.
• Public hearing: 10 Ditson Place #25-12 – replace door for Leadership & Literacy Foundation/Methuen Youth & Community Center – request by Michael Luciano
• Enforcement: updated enforcement spreadsheet and issuance of enforcement letters
• Project update: MX Lindo patio – updated renderings for ADA compliance
• Acceptance of meeting minutes from September 28, 2025 and October 2, 2025

The Historic District Commission unanimously approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for 257 Lawrence Street, adding specific conditions for stairs and windows. The commission unanimously tabled the application for 10 Ditson Place until the December 4, 2025 meeting. Enforcement letters were signed and will be sent to the Methuen Family Funeral Home at 333 Lawrence Street and to 36 Hampshire Street. The meeting minutes and adjournment were also approved unanimously.

• Approved August 28 and October 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous affirmative vote)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 257 Lawrence St with conditions on stairs and windows (unanimous affirmative vote)
• Tabled Certificate of Appropriateness for 10 Ditson Place until 12/4/2025 (unanimous affirmative vote)
• Signed enforcement letter for Methuen Family Funeral Home at 333 Lawrence St (unanimous affirmative vote)
• Signed enforcement letter for 36 Hampshire St (unanimous affirmative vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous affirmative vote)

Zoning Board

The Methuen Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to accept minutes and a 2026 schedule, and to consider a variance request to build a 1-story office building at 37 Jackson Street.

• Acceptance of August 27, 2025 minutes
• Acceptance of 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting schedule
• Variance request for 1-story office building at 37 Jackson Street
• Request to reduce required area from 10,000 sq. ft. to 8,800 sq. ft.
• Request to reduce required left side setback from 30 ft. to 12 ft.

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously accepted the minutes from August 27, 2025 and the 2026 meeting schedule. A variance application for a 1‑story office building at 37 Jackson Street was discussed, and the board voted to grant a continuance to the next meeting on November 19. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted August 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Granted continuance of variance petition to November 19 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider several municipal contracts, including vehicle and software purchases. The body will also vote on appointments for the Council on Aging and Building Division, and discuss ordinances regarding recycling and public ways.

• Contract C-26-47 for three Ford vehicles totaling $307,690.61
• Contract C-26-45 for Granular Activated Carbon totaling $482,300.00 over two years
• Contract C-26-41 for Microsoft licenses totaling $242,489.73
• Resolution TR-25-57 for Methuen 300 events not to exceed $109,000
• Ordinance TO-25-17 to authorize curbside recycling for eligible condominium associations

The City Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. A motion to approve the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting passed with six votes in favor and one councilor present. No other actions were voted on or decided.

• Agenda accepted – unanimously approved
• Minutes from Oct 6, 2025 approved – 6 yes, 1 present

Cultural Council

The Methuen Cultural Council will meet on October 20, 2025 at Nevins Memorial Library. Members will vote on the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting and receive the October 9 financial report. The council will begin reviewing grant applications and make initial cuts to those that do not meet the council's criteria. No other decisions are listed.

• Vote on September 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review October 9 MA CC financial report
• Initial review and cuts of grant applications

Conservation Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Notice of Intent for a culvert over Bare Meadow Brook on Pleasant Valley Street (DEP File #219-1310, MCC File #24-016). It will also review additional Notices of Intent, a request for applicability determination, an emergency certification, and several ongoing Notices of Violation. Minutes from the October 2 meeting will be accepted, and the commission will receive updates on enforcement orders.

• Notice of Intent – DEP File #219-1310, MCC File #24-016 – Pleasant Valley Street over Bare Meadow Brook (culvert) – TEC, Inc. – City of Methuen
• Notice of Intent – DEP File #219-13XX, MCC File #25-006 – 109 North Street – Norberto Galicia – Andover Consultants, Inc.
• Request for Determination of Applicability #25-015 – 55 Hampshire Rd – Michael Murphy (The Lamar Companies)
• Emergency Certification #25-007 – 123 Milk St. (Veterans Park) – City of Methuen Water Dept.
• Notice of Violation #24-005 – 5 Riverview Cir. – Barry Thornton (continued monitoring of resource area revegetation)

The Methuen Conservation Commission unanimously issued a Negative 3 Determination with special conditions for the vegetation trimming project at 55 Hampshire Road. It also unanimously accepted the Tighe & Bond peer‑review proposal for the Pleasant Valley Street culvert project and continued that hearing to the November 6 meeting. The commission ratified an emergency certification for the water‑main break at Veterans Park and continued two violation items to future meetings. All agenda and prior minutes were accepted unanimously.

• Issued Negative 3 Determination for 55 Hampshire Rd billboard vegetation trimming (unanimous)
• Accepted Tighe & Bond peer‑review proposal for Pleasant Valley Street culvert (unanimous)
• Continued Pleasant Valley Street culvert hearing to 11/6/2025 (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Certification for water main break at 123 Milk St (Veterans Park) (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation issue for 5 Riverview Cir to 11/20/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes from 10/2/2025 (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for Pleasant Valley Street notice of intent to 11/6/2025 (unanimous)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee is meeting to continue editing Article 2-8c and proofread the entire charter. The committee will vote on whether to send the final revised Charter to the Collins Center and the solicitor for recommendations.

• Editing of Article 2-8c
• Proofreading of the entire charter
• Vote to send revised Charter to Collins Center and solicitor

Housing Authority

The Methuen Housing Authority will meet on October 8, 2025 at the Community Room, 22 Mystic Street. The board will approve several previously tabled meeting minutes and approve payments for September 2025. It will also discuss two new items: a resident‑installed surveillance device policy and the FY2026 payment standard schedule. Additional reports and correspondence will be reviewed but no decisions are noted for those items.

• Approval of June 11, July 29, and September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of payments for the period 9/1/2025 – 9/30/2025
• Consideration of the Resident‑Installed Surveillance Device Policy
• Consideration of adopting the F^2026 Payment Standard Schedule
• Correspondence: PHN 2025-12 pre‑qualified CAFO candidates

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will hold a public hearing to consider the site plan for 99 Cross Street. It will also review a special permit and site plan modification for 477 & 479 Broadway, and set hearing dates for a zoning map change at 125‑133 Pleasant Valley Street and a special permit at 40 Jackson Street. Old business includes a bond release for the Regency at Emerald Pines.

• 99 Cross Street – site plan approval (public hearing)
• 477 & 479 Broadway – special permit & site plan modification
• 125‑133 Pleasant Valley Street – proposed zoning map change from RC to BH
• 40 Jackson Street – special permit to keep existing drive‑through open after midnight
• Regency at Emerald Pines – bond release

The Community Development Board accepted the May 14 and July 9, 2025 minutes. It unanimously approved the site‑plan for 99 Cross Street, amended a special permit to allow a vinyl fence with a 30‑day repair condition, and set public‑hearing dates for a zoning map change on Pleasant Valley Street and a special permit on Jackson Street. The Board also released $10,000 in bonds and the remaining Regency at Emerald Pines bonds (Phase II $254,400; Phase IA, II, III $190,200). The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted May 14 and July 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 99 Cross Street site plan (unanimous)
• Amended Special Permit for 477 & 479 Broadway to allow vinyl fence with 30‑day repair condition (unanimous)
• Released $10,000 bonds (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for 125‑133 Pleasant Valley Street zoning map change on Nov 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for 40 Jackson Street special permit on Nov 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Released remaining Regency at Emerald Pines bonds: Phase II $254,400; Phase IA, II, III $190,200 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Methuen City Council is holding a public hearing to discuss a public service grant. The meeting focuses on a request for National Grid to relocate a utility pole.

• Public Service Grant #31120485 for National Grid to relocate one JO pole on Old Ferry Road

City Council

The Methuen City Council will vote on a resolution to adopt the city’s 2025‑2030 Housing Production Plan. It will also consider several ordinances, including a Blue Envelope program for autism support and a ban on unattached trailers on public ways. Additional agenda items include approvals of multiple public‑service contracts totaling over $2 million and updates on traffic, IT consolidation, and other council requests.

• Resolution TR‑25‑2 – Adopt the 2025‑2030 Methuen Housing Production Plan
• Ordinance TO‑25‑14 – Blue Envelope Program to support residents with autism in police interactions
• Ordinance TO‑25‑16 – Prohibit unattached trailers on public ways
• Contract C‑26‑34 – ERA Equipment, LLC – Hampstead Street Sidewalk Repairs – $399,337.80
• Contract C‑26‑40 – M.T. Mayo Corporation – Lowell Street Barrier Removal Project – $584,508.00

The Methuen City Council approved three appointments by unanimous vote, with Councilor DiZoglio absent. Nicholas Dore was promoted from temporary to permanent police sergeant. Cheryl Watson Fisher was appointed as an alternate member of the Licensing Board. Haleigh Reisman was appointed as First Assistant City Solicitor.

• Approve Nicholas Dore promotion to permanent police sergeant (unanimously approved)
• Approve Cheryl Watson Fisher appointment as Licensing Board alternate member (unanimously approved)
• Approve Haleigh Reisman appointment as First Assistant City Solicitor (unanimously approved)
• Accept meeting agenda (unanimously approved)

Unaccepted Ways Task Force

The Unaccepted Ways Subcommittee will hear a request from Councilor Patricia Valley to pave unaccepted roads using the Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2026. The meeting will also include an update from the Roadway Task Force with findings and recommendations presented by Michael Welch. The remaining agenda items are standard procedural matters.

• Request to pave unaccepted roads via the Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2026 (Councilor Patricia Valley)
• Roadway Task Force updates, findings and recommendations (presented by Michael Welch)

Conservation Commission

The Methuen Conservation Commission will accept the agenda and minutes, then discuss updates on several Notice of Violation cases. Items include fence condition at 268 Lowell Street, enforcement at 25 Thayer Street, revegetation at 484 Broadway, and other ongoing violations. The commission will also consider two requests for Certificates of Compliance for West Methuen Playstead and 5 Hemlock Court.

• Notice of Violation #23-001 – 268 Lowell Street – fence condition recheck
• Notice of Violation #24-008 – 25 Thayer Street – enforcement order update
• Notice of Violation #24-013 – 484 Broadway – revegetation assessment
• Notice of Violation #25-001 – 2 Hayes Street – enforcement order update
• Request for Certificate of Compliance – West Methuen Playstead (25 Burnham Rd.)

The Conservation Commission accepted the agenda and minutes unanimously (with one abstention). It then voted unanimously, with Commissioner Parsons abstaining, to continue each outstanding Notice of Violation and Enforcement Order to later meetings. No violations were resolved; all were postponed for further inspection or action.

• Continued Notice of Violation 423-001 (268 Lowell St) to 11/6/2025 (unanimous, Parsons abstained)
• Continued Notice of Violation #24-008 (25 Thayer St) to 10/16/2025 (unanimous, Parsons abstained)
• Continued Notice of Violation #24-013 (484 Broadway) to Oct 2026 meeting (unanimous, Parsons abstained)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-001 (2 Hayes St) to 11/20/2025 (unanimous, Parsons abstained)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-006 (15 Ayers Village Rd) to 10/16/2025 (unanimous, Parsons abstained)
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-013 (52 Linwood Ave) to 10/16/2025 (unanimous, Parsons abstained)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-004 (30 Brown Court) to 11/6/2025 (unanimous, Parsons abstained)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will review a request for $7,500 for MCTV closed captioning and finalize details for Methuen Day. The body will also consider a presentation on implementing the Blue Envelope program to assist Police and EMS with individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

• Update on $7,500 request from MCTV for closed captioning for city meetings
• Final planning for Methuen Day disability information and staffing
• Presentation on the Blue Envelope program for Police and EMS
• Update from DPW on city accessibility issues
• Safe Street Task Force update on intersection safety

The commission moved to approve the agenda, the minutes from the previous meeting, and the Treasurer’s report; the minutes do not record vote outcomes for those motions. A motion to adjourn was made and the meeting was officially adjourned at 7:40 p.m. No substantive policy or funding decisions were adopted.

• Agenda approval motion – outcome not recorded
• Minutes approval motion – outcome not recorded
• Treasurer’s Report approval motion – outcome not recorded
• Adjourned meeting at 7:40 p.m. (motion passed)

Historic District Commission

The commission will hold public hearings on Certificate of Appropriateness applications for 10 Ditson Place, 26 Pleasant Street, and 203 Lawrence Street. It will also review an updated enforcement spreadsheet and provide updates on the sign‑off of 2 Charles Street and the approved signage with new lighting at 255 Broadway.

• Public hearing: Certificate of Appropriateness for 10 Ditson Pl. #25-12 – replace door
• Public hearing: Certificate of Appropriateness for 26 Pleasant St. #25-13 – replace two doors
• Public hearing: Certificate of Appropriateness for 203 Lawrence St. #25-14 – signage
• Updated enforcement spreadsheet (old business)
• Project updates: sign‑off of 2 Charles Street and signage with new lighting approved at 255 Broadway

The Historic District Commission approved the May 22, 2025 minutes and tabled the 10 Ditson Place application until the October 30 meeting. It unanimously approved certificates of appropriateness for a door replacement and signage at 26 Pleasant Street, and adopted a violation‑log and three‑step enforcement letter system. Updates were given on completed projects at 2 Charles Street and 255 Broadway, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved May 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled 10 Ditson Place #25-12 application until 10/30/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved 26 Pleasant Street #25-13 door replacement certificate (unanimous)
• Approved 26 Pleasant Street #25-14 signage certificate (unanimous)
• Adopted violation log and three‑step enforcement letters (unanimous)
• Noted completion and CO for 2 Charles Street project (informational)
• Noted approval of 255 Broadway signage with new lighting conditions (informational)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council and School Committee will hold a joint public hearing. CBIZ auditors will present the findings and recommendations of the Operational and Cultural Audit of Methuen Public Schools. The hearing is scheduled for September 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Great Hall of the Searles Building, 41 Pleasant Street.

• CBIZ auditors present Operational and Cultural Audit findings for Methuen Public Schools
• Joint public hearing of the Methuen City Council and School Committee

City Council

The Methuen City Council special meeting will consider contract C‑26‑32 for pest control and integrated pest management services for all municipal buildings and school facilities. The contract is with Braman Termite and Pest Elimination, located at 101 Clematis Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453, and is valued at $68,815. The agenda also includes roll call, acceptance of the agenda, public participation, and adjournment.

• Approve contract C‑26‑32 with Braman Termite and Pest Elimination for pest control services ($68,815)

The council voted to award a $68,815 contract to Braman Termite & Pest Elimination for integrated pest management of all municipal and school buildings. The motion was made by Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Surillo, and passed unanimously with one member absent. The contract replaces the former vendor, Pest End, and formalizes services for both city and school facilities.

• Approved $68,815 Braman Termite & Pest Elimination contract for municipal and school buildings (unanimous, 1 absent)
• Accepted meeting agenda (unanimous, 1 absent)

Council on Aging

The Methuen Council on Aging will review the minutes from its May meeting, noting that the June meeting was cancelled. The board will receive a financial report and a director’s report. A discussion will be held on the council’s policy and procedures. The meeting will close with notice of the next meeting on October 24, 2025.

• Review minutes from May meeting
• Financial report
• Director’s report
• Discussion of policy and procedures

The Methuen Council on Aging accepted the May meeting minutes, the financial report, and the director's report, each with unanimous approval. A motion to adjourn the September 26 meeting was also passed unanimously. The next meeting is scheduled for October 24, 2025.

• Accepted May minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report (unanimous)
• Accepted director's report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for September 24, 2025 was cancelled because there were no agenda items. No decisions or discussions will take place at this meeting. The next scheduled meeting is on October 22, 2025.

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will continue its second round of edits, reviewing Articles 2‑8 and Article 10, and will proof the entire charter. It will then vote on sending the final revised charter to the Collins Center for review and recommendations. The agenda also includes routine items such as call to order, roll call, public participation, and setting the next meeting date.

• Continue second round of edits – review Articles 2‑8 and Article 10
• Proof of the entire charter and revisit specific sections as requested
• Vote to approve sending the final revised charter to the Collins Center for review

Board of Health

The Methuen Board of Health will accept the minutes from its April 16, 2025 meeting, appoint Vanessa Santillan as the Board’s agent, and provide general updates on hiring, training, and the School Safety Task Force.

• Accept minutes from the April 16, 2025 Board of Health meeting
• Appointment of Vanessa Santillan as Agent of the Board of Health
• General update on hiring
• General update on training
• General update on the School Safety Task Force

The Methuen Board of Health unanimously approved the April 16, 2025 meeting minutes, confirmed Vanessa Santillan as the Board's Agent, and then adjourned the September 17, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions or policy decisions were taken.

• Approved April 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous yes vote)
• Approved appointment of Vanessa Santillan as Agent of the Board of Health (unanimous yes vote)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous yes vote)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on a Public Service Grant (No. 31199852) awarded to National Grid. The grant authorizes the installation of one SO pole (P-3386-84) at East Brook Place. Council members will consider the proposal during the meeting.

• Public Service Grant #31199852: National Grid to install one SO pole (P-3386-84) at East Brook Place

City Council

The Methuen City Council will consider several new business items, including a resolution to accept and spend a $50,000 Merrimack River Water Quality Improvements Grant. It will also act on contracts for a 911 dispatch console ($62,356.02) and a $50,000 service agreement with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, and adopt ordinances for autism support and a winter parking ban. Additional agenda items include updates on traffic, school field maintenance, and other councilor requests.

• Resolution TR-25-52 – Accept and expend $50,000 Merrimack River Water Quality Improvements Grant (Mayor request)
• Contract C-26-30 – Motorola Solutions, Inc. for 911 Dispatch Console – $62,356.02
• Contract C-26-31 – Service contract with Merrimack Valley Planning Commission – $50,000.00
• Ordinance TO-25-14 – Blue Envelope Program to support residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in police interactions
• Ordinance TO-25-15 – Amendment to the Winter Parking Ban

The council examined evidence that Councilor Joel Faretra may have moved to Manchester, NH, including social media posts and server login records. The city solicitor explained that the charter requires a council vote to declare a seat vacant if a member is not a resident. No vote or formal decision was recorded during this meeting.

• No formal decision or vote taken on Councilor Faretra's eligibility

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to conduct a second round of edits to the city charter. The committee intends to review Article 7 and potentially Articles 6, 8, and 9.

• Second round of edits for Article 7
• Potential edits for Articles 6, 8, and 9
• Approval of minutes from July 2, 2025 and August 14, 2025

Housing Authority

The Methuen Housing Authority will consider approving final completion certificates for two projects and awarding contracts for HVAC maintenance, boiler repair, and hardwood floor refinishing, with each contract not to exceed $50,000. The meeting will also include the approval of minutes, payments, and various agency reports.

• Approval of Certificate of Final Completion for Project #181134
• Approval of Certificate of Final Completion for Project #181132
• Awarding HVAC Maintenance and Repair Contract to Eric C. Shaw Mechanical LLC (not to exceed $50,000)
• Awarding Preventive Maintenance Boiler Contract to Eric C. Shaw Mechanical (not to exceed $50,000)
• Awarding Hardwood Floor Sanding and Refinishing Service Contract (not to exceed $50,000)

Commission on Disability

The Methuen Commission on Disability will meet on September 9, 2025 at City Hall. Commissioners will approve the previous minutes, hear the Treasurer’s, ADA Coordinator’s, and DPW reports, and discuss accessibility updates. A key item is the request to allocate $7,500.00 to MCTV for closed captioning of all city meetings for up to three years. Additional topics include a new public flyer, website updates, and planning for a table at Methuen Day.

• Request to allocate $7,500.00 to MCTV for closed captioning of city meetings for up to three years
• Follow‑up with SePac representative regarding the commission’s table at Methuen Day
• Update from DPW on city accessibility issues
• Input on a new one‑sheet flyer about the Commission on Disability
• Discussion of proposed changes and updates to the MCOD website

The commission approved its agenda and the minutes from the prior meeting. Commissioners confirmed they will work with SEPAC to hold Methuen Day on October 4, with 2–3‑hour volunteer shifts. The meeting was adjourned.

• Agenda approved (motion passed)
• Previous meeting minutes approved (motion passed)
• Collaboration with SEPAC for Methuen Day on Oct 4 confirmed
• Volunteer shifts of 2–3 hours deemed manageable
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

Cultural Council

The council accepted the minutes from the August 11, 2025 meeting unanimously. A motion to cancel the October meeting was passed unanimously, leaving the November 10 meeting as the next voting session. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted August 11 minutes (5-0)
• Cancelled October meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding a culvert project on Pleasant Valley Street. The body will also discuss several ongoing enforcement actions and notices of violation at various residential and commercial addresses.

• Notice of Intent for Pleasant Valley Street Over Bare Meadow Brook (Culvert)
• Enforcement #24-005 at 48 Kensington Ave
• Notice of Violation #23-011/Enforcement Order #23-006 at 510 Lowell Street
• Notice of Violation #23-013 at 52 Linwood Ave
• Approval of 2026 Conservation Commission Meeting Dates

The Methuen Conservation Commission accepted the agenda and the August 21 minutes by unanimous vote. It then unanimously voted to continue a series of notices of violation and enforcement matters to later meetings, scheduling follow‑up inspections for October 2025, October 16, 2025, and June 2026.

• Accepted agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 8/21/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Continued Pleasant Valley Street culvert hearing to Oct 16 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Enforcement #24-005 (48 Kensington Ave) to June 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Enforcement #23-006 (510 Lowell St) to June 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-013 (52 Linwood Ave) to Oct 2 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-014 (40 Atkinson St) to June 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #24-005 (5 Riverview Cir) to Oct 16 2025 (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors unanimously opened the meeting, accepted the May 1 2025 minutes, and signed Excise Tax Commitments #3 and #4 along with the yearly Letter of Authorization. The board also voted unanimously to enter executive session at 8:50 a.m. to consider statutory exemption and abatement applications. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.

• Opened meeting at 8:35 a.m. (unanimous)
• Accepted May 1 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Signed Excise Tax Commitment #3 for 2025
• Signed Excise Tax Commitment #4 for 2025
• Signed yearly Letter of Authorization
• Entered Executive Session at 8:50 a.m. to consider statutory exemption and abatement applications (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the agenda and accepted the minutes from the July 23 and August 4 meetings. It also confirmed the promotion of Captain Jeff Slattery to Deputy Chief of the Methuen Fire Department. Additionally, the council unanimously appointed Lieutenant Richard Talbot to Captain.

• Accepted agenda (unanimously approved)
• Approved July 23 minutes (7-0)
• Approved August 4 minutes (unanimously approved)
• Appointed Jeff Slattery as Deputy Chief (unanimously approved)
• Appointed Richard Talbot as Captain (unanimously approved)

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved certificates of appropriateness for new signage at 42 Hampshire St., 233 Lawrence St., and 255 Broadway, as well as a free‑standing sign at 255 Broadway pending a wall‑sign alternative. It also approved a red door for 90 Broadway and an addition with light‑gray siding at 163 Broadway. Additionally, two upcoming meeting dates were rescheduled, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved sign for 42 Hampshire St. #25-06 (unanimous)
• Approved door color change to red for 90 Broadway (unanimous)
• Approved sign for 233 Lawrence St. #25-09 (unanimous)
• Approved free‑standing sign for 255 Broadway, pending alternative wall sign (unanimous)
• Approved addition with light‑gray siding for 163 Broadway (unanimous)
• Rescheduled September 25 meeting to October 2 (unanimous)
• Rescheduled October 23 meeting to October 30 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Methuen Lawrence Public Health Partnership

The Methuen-Lawrence Public Health Partnership will meet to review the FY26 workplan and budget. The board will also discuss grant reporting terms and provide updates on shared staff hiring.

• FY26 Workplan and Budget review
• Grant reporting terms and due dates
• Shared staff hiring updates

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved conditions for a special permit allowing an auto body shop at 348 Howe Street, including storage inside the garage and operating hours of Monday‑Friday 8 am‑5 pm. The Board also approved a fence ordinance waiver for a 6‑ft white PVC privacy fence at 23 Stillwater Road. Both actions were approved by unanimous vote.

• Approved conditions for special permit at 348 Howe Street (unanimous)
• Approved fence ordinance waiver for 6‑ft PVC fence at 23 Stillwater Rd (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for 75 Calumet Rd. The body will also review requests for determinations of applicability and monitor several ongoing enforcement orders and notices of violation.

• Public hearing: Notice of Intent for 75 Calumet Rd. & Parcel 1113-109X-16
• Request for Determination of Applicability: 21 Winstead Ave. and 123 Milk St.
• Enforcement and violation updates for 31 Salem Street, 945 Riverside Drive, 109 Milk Street, 40 Atkinson Street, 30 Brown Court, and 22 Lowell Boulevard
• Certificate of Compliance and Request for Insignificant Change for 56 Gill Ave.
• Grant of Pedestrian Easement for 799 Lowell Street

The Methuen Conservation Commission accepted the withdrawal of a DEP application and issued Negative 2 and Negative 3 determinations for projects at 21 Winstead Ave. and 123 Milk St., each with six special conditions. It also lifted two enforcement orders, continued several notices of violation, approved an insignificant change and a certificate of compliance for 56 Gill Ave., and released a pedestrian easement certificate for 799 Lowell Street.

• Accepted withdrawal of DEP File #219-13XX application (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 2 Determination for 21 Winstead Ave. with six special conditions (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination for 123 Milk St. with six special conditions (unanimous)
• Lifted Enforcement Order #22-001 for 31 Salem Street (unanimous)
• Lifted Enforcement Order #22-061 for 945 Riverside Drive (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-006 for 109 Milk Street to June 2026 (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 56 Gill Ave. with conditions 4, 5 & 7 (unanimous)
• Released pedestrian easement certificate for 799 Lowell Street (unanimous)

Commission on Disability

The Methuen Commission on Disability will meet to approve minutes, receive reports on accessibility issues, and discuss an update to the commission's website. The body will also consider a funding request from MCTV for closed captioning services.

• Approval of the Minutes from the last meeting
• ADA Coordinator’s Report and recent See Click Fix reports
• Update from DPW on accessibility issues
• Report on Updating MCOD website
• Funding request from MCTV for closed captioning

The commission voted to approve a $7,500 grant to Methuen Community Studios to add closed captioning to all city government meetings. The motion passed and the proposal will be forwarded to the mayor’s office for final approval and expenditure. Earlier agenda and minutes motions also passed, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Agenda accepted – motion passed
• Previous meeting minutes approved – motion passed
• Grant of $7,500 for closed captioning approved – motion passed
• Proposal to be sent to mayor’s office for final approval – action assigned
• Meeting adjourned – motion passed

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee approved several charter amendments, including a change to Section 4‑3 that lengthens the post‑service employment prohibition for School Committee members from one to two years (4‑yes, 1‑no). The committee also approved amendments to Section 4‑1(b) on member residency eligibility and adopted Section 4 as amended. Additional changes were made to Section 6‑5 regarding certification requirements, and the committee committed to review Sections 6‑9 and 7‑4 at the next meeting.

• Agenda accepted unanimously
• Section 4‑1(b) eligibility amendment approved unanimously
• Section 4‑3 employment prohibition extended to two years (4‑yes, 1‑no)
• Section 4 accepted as amended unanimously
• Section 5 accepted as presented unanimously
• Section 6‑5 second paragraph amended per Collins Center memo
• Committee will review Sections 6‑9 and 7‑4 at next meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for September 11, 2025

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet to approve minutes from the June 16, 2025 meeting. Members will receive updates on the FY25 budget, finance, and grants, and discuss a council-sponsored event scheduled for September 6, 2025.

• Vote on approval of June 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Update on FY25 budget, finance, and grants
• Planning for September 6, 2025 council sponsored event

The council approved the June 16 minutes as amended (5‑yes, 1 absent). A motion to pay the band $1,200 passed (3‑yes, 2 recused, 1 absent). Members voted to elect Ellen Baranowski as chair (4‑yes, 1 recused, 1 absent). A motion to keep the 2025 goals and priorities unchanged also passed (5‑yes, 1 absent).

• Approved June 16 minutes as amended (5 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved payment of $1,200 to the band (3 yes, 2 recused, 1 absent)
• Elected Ellen Baranowski as chairperson (4 yes, 1 recused, 1 absent)
• Kept 2025 goals and priorities unchanged (5 yes, 1 absent)

City Council

The City Council accepted the meeting agenda with six votes in favor and two members absent. It also approved the minutes from the June 23, June 25, and July 7 meetings, each receiving a majority of yes votes. No other substantive actions or policy decisions were taken at this session.

• Agenda accepted (6 yes, 2 absent)
• June 23, 2025 minutes accepted (6 yes, 2 absent)
• June 25, 2025 minutes accepted (7 yes, 1 absent)
• July 7, 2025 minutes accepted (6 yes, 1 present, 1 absent)

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board voted unanimously to approve the Historic Preservation Special Permit for the project at 47 Lowell Street. The approval follows revisions to the landscape plan that address drainage and planting concerns. The board also moved to adjourn the meeting, which was approved unanimously.

• Approved Historic Preservation Special Permit for 47 Lowell Street (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous vote)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously accepted updates to its Rules and Regulations to reflect the new FEMA flood maps. It also unanimously issued a Negative 2 Determination with six special conditions for the 25 Hampshire Road project. Earlier hearings were continued or closed: the Pleasant Valley Street culvert hearing was continued to September 4, 2025, and the hearings for 99 Cross Street and 109 North Street were closed. The agenda was accepted with an amendment removing the July 10 minutes.

• Continue Pleasant Valley Street hearing to 9/4/2025 (unanimous)
• Close 99 Cross Street hearing (unanimous)
• Close 109 North Street resource area delineation hearing (unanimous)
• Accept agenda with amendment removing 7/10/25 minutes (unanimous)
• Accept updated Rules and Regulations for new FEMA maps (unanimous)
• Issue Negative 2 Determination with Special Conditions 1‑6 for 25 Hampshire Rd (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The board denied the 80‑ft frontage variance request for 64 Merrimack Road after a roll‑call vote of all No. It approved a 4 × 8 ft exterior wall sign at 141 Tenney Street with a unanimous Yes vote. The board also unanimously accepted the minutes from April 23 and May 8, 2025, and accepted a new plot plan for 348 Howe Street.

• Denied 80‑ft frontage variance for 64 Merrimack Road (all members voted No)
• Approved 4 × 8 ft exterior wall sign at 141 Tenney Street (all members voted Yes)
• Accepted minutes of April 23, 2025 and May 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted new plot plan for 348 Howe Street (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission accepted the Notice of Intent file for 99 Cross Street and the Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation file for 109 North Street, both by unanimous vote. Both items were also continued to be heard at the July 24, 2025 meeting. The agenda and the June 26, 2025 minutes were each accepted unanimously.

• Accepted Notice of Intent file for 99 Cross Street (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for 99 Cross Street to 7/24/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation file for 109 North Street (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for 109 North Street to 7/24/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted the 7/10/2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted the minutes of 6/26/2025 (unanimous)

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board adopted the draft Multi‑Family Overlay District Design Guidelines. The board also tabled the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes and the historic preservation special permit for 47 Lowell Street because not enough members were present. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Adopt Multi‑Family Overlay District Design Guidelines – unanimous of members present
• Table May 14, 2025 meeting minutes – unanimous of members present
• Table 47 Lowell Street historic preservation special permit – unanimous of members present
• Adjourn meeting – unanimous of members present

City Council

The City Council accepted the agenda for the July 7, 2025 meeting by a unanimous vote. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Accepted agenda – unanimous

Charter Review Committee

The committee approved several charter amendments. Section 2‑2’s organization clause was revised unanimously. Article 3‑2(i) was changed to remove the word “only” and delete a sentence, also unanimously. A new subsection 3‑3(b) governing mayoral appointments to boards was added, passing 4‑1. Motions to accept the agenda and approve prior meeting minutes also passed.

• Agenda accepted – unanimously approved
• Minutes of May 15, 2025 regular meeting approved – unanimously approved
• Minutes of May 15, 2025 public hearing approved – unanimously approved
• Minutes of June 11, 2025 meeting approved – 3 yes, 2 abstentions
• Amend Section 2‑2 (Organization) – unanimously approved
• Amend Article 3‑2(i) to strike “only” and delete third sentence – unanimously approved
• Amend Article 3‑2(a) – 4 yes, 1 no (Jennifer Kannan)
• Add Article 3‑3(b) on board/commission appointments – 4 yes, 1 no (Dennis DiZoglio)

Conservation Commission

The Methuen Conservation Commission unanimously accepted the agenda and the June 5 minutes. It then issued Negative 3 Determinations with special conditions for the projects at 54 Addison Avenue and 6 Hudson Street. The board also ratified two emergency certifications addressing beaver‑related drainage problems, and approved an amendment to an existing enforcement order while continuing several pending items to future meetings.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 6/5/2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination for 54 Addison Ave with six conditions (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination for 6 Hudson Street with five conditions (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Certification #25-003 for 5‑9 Harris Street (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Certification #25-004 for 42 Oakmeadow Lane (unanimous)
• Amended Enforcement Order #24-005 and continued it to 9/4/2025 (unanimous)
• Continued several enforcement and violation items to future meetings (unanimous)

Zoning Board

With only three members present, the Zoning Board of Appeals could not vote on the two variance petitions presented. The board proceeded to adjourn, and a motion to adjourn was approved unanimously.

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously
• No vote on Armano Realty variance petition (insufficient members)
• No vote on Harvey Sign variance petition (insufficient members)

City Council

The council voted 8‑yes to accept the agenda and then approved two Capital Improvement Program contracts: a $139,888 carpet and VCT tile replacement at Timony School and a $693,000 boiler replacement at Marsh Grammar School. Both motions passed with eight votes in favor and one member absent.

• Accepted agenda (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved $139,888 carpet removal and VCT tile installation at Timony School (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved $693,000 boiler replacement at Marsh Grammar School (8 yes, 1 absent)

City Council

The council voted on the FY2026 municipal budget, approving allocations for most city departments. Most items passed unanimously, while a few faced dissenting votes. Two motions failed: a $10,000 cut to IT expenses and funding for the Greater Lawrence Technical School.

• Approved City Council personnel and other expenses ($256,844) – unanimous
• Approved Mayor’s Office budget ($401,299) – unanimous
• Approved Police Department budget ($15,275,201) – unanimous
• Approved Fire Department budget ($14,277,517) – unanimous
• Approved Public Works budget ($8,601,481) – 8 yes, 1 no
• Approved Employee Benefits group health insurance ($17,457,712) – 7 yes, 2 no
• Failed motion to reduce IT other expenses by $10,000 – 2 yes, 7 no
• Failed motion to fund Greater Lawrence Technical School ($5,853,720) – 4 yes, 5 no

City Council

The City Council accepted the meeting agenda and approved several budget transfers, including $252,795 (TR‑25‑27) and $5,000 from the Edwin J. Castle Fund (TR‑25‑14). It also approved a $1,000 transfer for City Council personnel expenses (TR‑25‑33) and an EPA request. The City Solicitor contract (C‑25‑92) was removed from the table.

• Accepted agenda (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved $252,795 budget transfer (TR‑25‑27) (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved $5,000 Edwin J. Castle Fund expenditure (TR‑25‑14) (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved $1,000 City Council expense transfer (TR‑25‑33) (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved EPA request (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Removed City Solicitor contract C‑25‑92 from table (8 yes, 1 absent)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the City Council personal services and other expenses. The Mayor's personal services budget and the revised total budget were each approved by a 5‑yes to 4‑no vote. Legal Services and the Legislative & Executive totals were approved unanimously, while a $15,725 reduction to City Clerk expenses passed 5‑4.

• Approved City Council Personal Services $254,344 (unanimous)
• Approved Mayor Personal Services $398,299 (5 yes, 4 no)
• Approved New Mayor Personal Services $383,299 (5 yes, 4 no)
• Approved Total Other Expenses $18,000 (8 yes, 1 no)
• Approved New Total $401,299 (5 yes, 4 no)
• Approved Legal Services total $649,168 (unanimous)
• Approved Legislative and Executive total $1,843,518 (8 yes, 1 no)
• Reduced City Clerk other expenses by $15,725 (5 yes, 4 no)

Commission on Disability

The commission voted to accept the minutes from the previous meeting. It then approved the Treasurer’s report showing a current budget of $106,613.05 and available funds of $28,644.00. Finally, the body moved to adjourn the meeting, which was carried.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion by Mr. Hatch, second by Mr. McCormick)
• Approved Treasurer’s report (motion by Mr. Gosselin, second by Ms. Blood)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion by Mr. Hatch, second by Ms. Blood)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda with an 8‑yes vote and then voted to adjourn the session, also by an 8‑yes vote. No substantive policy or budget actions were taken.

• Agenda accepted (8‑yes, 1 absent)
• Motion to adjourn passed (8‑yes, 1 absent)

City Council

The Methuen City Council unanimously accepted the meeting agenda. A motion to extend public participation by 15 minutes was also unanimously approved. No other substantive budget actions were taken during this hearing.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Extended public participation by 15 minutes (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council approved the minutes from the May 19, 2025 meeting. It voted to change the scheduled time for the September 6 event to 11 AM‑3 PM. The council also agreed to fundraise for the 300th Anniversary Committee with a 50/50 raffle and to pay the band $1,100 for the performance. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 19, 2025 minutes (5 yes, 1 absent)
• Amended event time to 11 AM‑3 PM (5 yes, 1 absent)
• Agreed to run a 50/50 raffle for 300th Anniversary Committee fundraising
• Approved payment of $1,100 to band for event performance
• Adjourned meeting (5 yes, 1 absent)

Charter Review Committee

The Methuen Charter Review Committee approved Article I as previously amended. It also approved amendments to Section 2.1 that increase the number of precincts from 12 to 15 and move historical references to the chronology section. Additional unanimous approvals included title changes to President/Vice President, a new school‑department employment prohibition, and revisions to vacancy‑filling procedures.

• Approved Article I as previously amended (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 2.1(a) increasing precincts from 12 to 15 and moving historical references to chronology (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 2.1(c) moving historical references to chronology (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 2.2 wording on seniority for presiding councilor (unanimous)
• Approved change of titles “Chairman” and “Vice Chairman” to “President” and “Vice President” (unanimous)
• Approved addition of School Department employment prohibition in Section 2‑5 (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 2.6 on vacancy‑filling procedures (unanimous)
• Approved all amendments in Section 2.7 (unanimous)

City Council

The council accepted the meeting agenda. Councilors voted to appoint Paul T. O’Neill as City Solicitor. The agreement for his contract was tabled pending proper pay‑scale documentation. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted agenda (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Appointed Paul T. O’Neill as City Solicitor (8 yes, 1 absent)
• Tabled City Solicitor contract agreement (6 yes, 2 no, 1 absent)
• Motion to adjourn passed (no vote tally recorded)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission accepted the meeting agenda and the May 15 minutes, both by unanimous vote. It closed the hearing on the 175 Pelham Street Notice of Intent and unanimously accepted the amendment to the order of conditions for 15 Myrtle Street (MCC File #24-012). Several enforcement and violation items were unanimously continued to future meetings for further review.

• Accepted agenda with amendment to add May 15 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of the 5/15/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Closed hearing on Notice of Intent for 175 Pelham Street (unanimous)
• Accepted amendment to order of conditions for 15 Myrtle Street (unanimous)
• Continued Enforcement #24-005 (48 Kensington Ave.) to 6/26/2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-015 (64 Sycamore Rd.) to June 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-009 (60 Pond St.) to June 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation #25-002 (39 Tyler St.) to 6/26/2025 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council voted 7‑1 to approve Public Service Grant WR #31064078 for National Grid to install underground facilities at Elsmere Avenue and Edgewood Avenue. The agenda was amended to move citation presentations after the pledge of allegiance, the council waived its rules, and the amended agenda was accepted, all unanimously.

• Approved Public Service Grant WR #31064078 for underground utilities at Elsmere & Edgewood (7‑1, 1 absent)
• Amended agenda to move citation presentations after pledge of allegiance (unanimous)
• Waived council rules for the meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted the amended agenda (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging approved the minutes from the April 25, 2025 meeting, accepted the current finances, and adopted the updated workout‑room policy. All three items were approved unanimously. The next meeting is scheduled for June 20, 2025.

• Approved April 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved finances (unanimous)
• Approved workout room policy (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda without opposition. No other motions or votes were taken; the remainder of the session consisted of public comments on school funding and mental‑health services.

• Accepted meeting agenda (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council voted 5‑yes to accept the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting. The council also voted 5‑yes to adjourn the May 19 meeting. Action items were assigned to follow up on two outstanding FY24 grants and to plan a special community‑culture event at Forest Lake, but no further formal decisions were recorded.

• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (5‑yes, 1 absent)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑yes, 1 absent)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously continued the Pleasant Valley Street hearing to July 24, 2025 and the 175 Pelham Street hearing to June 5, 2024. It accepted the Notice of Intent for 175 Pelham Street and the meeting agenda and minutes. The Commission also unanimously issued a Negative 3 Determination with six special conditions for Outfront Media’s work at 101 Lindberg Ave.

• Continue Pleasant Valley Street hearing to 7/24/2025 (unanimous)
• Accept Notice of Intent for 175 Pelham Street (unanimous)
• Continue 175 Pelham Street hearing to 6/5/2024 (unanimous)
• Accept agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Accept minutes of 5/1/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Issue Negative 3 Determination for Outfront Media at 101 Lindberg Ave with Conditions 1‑6 (unanimous)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee approved its agenda after a motion by Sharon Pollard, seconded by Dennis DiZoglio, with a unanimous vote. The committee also approved the minutes from the April 10, 2025 public hearing by a unanimous vote. No substantive charter changes were decided at this meeting.

• Agenda accepted (unanimous)
• Minutes of April 10, 2025 public hearing approved (unanimous)

Community Development Board

The Board held a public hearing on amending the Methuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in all single‑family residential zones and voted unanimously to send a favorable recommendation to the City Council. The Board also closed the public hearing on the Floodplain Overlay District amendment and approved several agenda motions, all by unanimous vote.

• Unanimous vote to send a favorable recommendation to City Council on ADU ordinance (by right in single‑family zones)
• Unanimous vote to close the public hearing on Floodplain Overlay District amendment
• Unanimous motion to amend the agenda by taking item 7a out of order
• Unanimous motion to resume the original agenda
• Unanimous City Council vote to close the public hearing on ADU ordinance

Zoning Board

The board moved to enter executive session to discuss strategy for pending litigation (Jay Patel v. Methuen Zoning Board of Appeals). The motion was made by Clerk Vincenzo Pesce and seconded by Vice Chairman Nicholas Boucher. All five members present voted yes. The board entered executive session at 7:24 PM.

• Entered executive session (5-0 unanimous)

City Council

The council accepted the meeting agenda (8‑yes, 1 absent). It approved the April 7 minutes after removal from the table (8‑yes, 1 absent) and approved the April 22 minutes (7‑yes, 2 not voting). The remainder of the session consisted of reports, public comments, and updates with no new approvals or denials.

• Agenda accepted (8 yes, 1 absent)
• April 7 minutes removed from table (8 yes, 1 absent)
• April 7 minutes approved (8 yes, 1 absent)
• April 22 minutes approved (7 yes, 2 not voting)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission accepted the agenda and the April 17 minutes by unanimous vote. It issued a Negative 3 Determination for a retaining‑wall project at 24 Copley Drive, also unanimously. The Commission adopted an Enforcement Order with multiple conditions for the 22 Lowell Boulevard site. Several other enforcement items were postponed to future meetings for further review.

• Agenda accepted (unanimous)
• April 17 minutes accepted (unanimous)
• Negative 3 Determination issued for 24 Copley Drive (unanimous)
• Enforcement Order issued for 22 Lowell Blvd with conditions (unanimous)
• Enforcement #24-005 (48 Kensington Ave) continued to 5/15/2025
• Notice of Violation #23-001 (268 Lowell St) continued to 10/2/2025
• Notice of Violation #23-004 (VP Hampshire Rd) continued to 7/24/2025
• Notice of Violation #24-013 (484 Broadway) continued to 6/5/2025

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors signed the excise tax abatements for April 2025. It also signed Commitment #2 for the 2025 excise program. The board entered an Executive Session at 8:50 a.m. to consider statutory exemption and abatement applications, with a unanimous 3‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved April 2025 excise tax abatements (unanimous)
• Approved Commitment #2 for 2025 excise (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session at 8:50 a.m. to consider exemption and abatement applications (3-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging approved the minutes from the April 4 meeting, the financial report, and the FY 2025 budget, each with unanimous support. A motion to adjourn was also approved unanimously. The next meeting is scheduled for May 30, 2025.

• Approved April 4 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the March 26, 2025 meeting. No vote or formal decision was made on the variance request for 40 ft × 100 ft Center Street parcel; the matter was discussed but left pending. The planned executive session was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

• Accepted March 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Community Development Board

The board held a public hearing to update the Floodplain Overlay District to reflect current FEMA maps; no public comments were made. The City Council motion to adjourn was passed unanimously, followed by a unanimous adjournment motion by the Community Development Board.

• City Council motion to adjourn – passed unanimously
• Community Development Board motion to adjourn – passed unanimously

City Council

Councilors approved the agenda after a motion by Clr. Campagnone and a second by Clr. Surillo, with all members voting yes. The remainder of the meeting consisted of public comments and no further actions were taken.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission voted unanimously to close the hearing on the Notice of Intent for 9 West Bedford Street, requiring the applicant to submit an updated plan before any work begins. The hearing had been continued from the April 3 meeting after the applicant’s representative arrived late. The Commission also unanimously accepted the agenda and the minutes from the April 3 meeting. Several enforcement and violation items (Enforcement Order #24-005, Notices of Violation #24-010, #23-013, #24-008) were continued to the May 1 meeting.

• Closed 9 West Bedford St hearing pending revised plan (unanimous)
• Accepted agenda as posted (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 4/3/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Continued Enforcement Order #24-005 (48 Kensington Ave) to 5/1/2025
• Continued Notice of Violation #24-010 (22 Lowell Blvd) to 5/1/2025
• Continued Notice of Violation #23-013 (52 Linwood Ave) to 5/1/2025
• Continued Notice of Violation #24-008 (25 Thayer St) to 5/1/2025

Board of Health

The Board of Health unanimously approved the minutes from the February 18, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a variance for a septic system repair at 468 Merrimack Street, allowing the proposed setbacks. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved minutes from February 18, 2025 BOH meeting (unanimous yes vote)
• Approved variance for 468 Merrimack Street septic repair (unanimous yes vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous yes vote)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council approved the minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting with a 5‑yes vote and one member absent. The board voted to table the discussion of a $7,860 special project budget until May, also by a 5‑yes vote with one absent. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑yes vote, one member absent.

• Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (5 yes, one absent)
• Tabled MCC special project budget $7,860 discussion (5 yes, one absent)
• Adjourned meeting (5 yes, one absent)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee unanimously accepted its agenda and later unanimously adjourned the meeting. No charter revisions or other substantive actions were approved, denied, or tabled during this session.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Council voted unanimously to accept the agenda for the April 7, 2025 regular meeting. No other motions or votes were recorded in the minutes excerpt.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous vote)

Council on Aging

The council approved revisions to the workout‑room policy after a motion by Don Marcus, seconded by Katy Abraham, with all members in favor. Other agenda items such as the March minutes, budget acceptance, and the interim director report were discussed but no vote outcomes were recorded. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved wording changes to policy (unanimous support)
• Motion to adjourn passed

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously accepted the Notice of Intent for 9 West Bedford Street and will continue its hearing at the April 17 meeting. It also unanimously issued a Negative 2 Determination with six special conditions for the 3 Riverview Circle patio project. The commission continued Enforcement Order #24‑004 for 47 Tedesco Road to the July 24, 2025 meeting. Agenda and prior minutes were accepted without dissent.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 3/20/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Notice of Intent for 9 West Bedford St (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for 9 West Bedford St to 4/17/2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 2 Determination with conditions for 3 Riverview Circle (unanimous)
• Continued Enforcement Order #24-004 for 47 Tedesco Rd to 7/24/2025 (unanimous)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. The treasurer’s report showing a $106,613.05 balance was accepted. The commission then adjourned the meeting. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved agenda (motion passed)
• Approved meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted treasurer’s report with $106,613.05 balance (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved opening the meeting, accepted the March 20, 2025 minutes, and entered executive session to consider statutory exemption and abatement applications. The monthly abatement reports were reviewed and signed. No other business was acted upon.

• Opened meeting at 8:48 a.m. (unanimous)
• Accepted March 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Reviewed and signed monthly abatement reports
• Entered executive session at 9:00 a.m. to consider exemption and abatement applications (unanimous; votes: Janet Yes, Thomas Yes)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board unanimously approved the February 26, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously accepted the updated, state‑land‑surveyor‑stamped plans for 50‑52 Hampshire Street. No vote was taken on the applicant’s special permit request, which remains pending pending further information.

• Accepted February 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted updated plans with MA land surveyor stamp (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Methuen Conservation Commission unanimously accepted the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting. It voted to continue the Pleasant Valley Street culvert hearing to May 15, 2025 and to continue the Notice of Violation 24‑010 to the April 17, 2025 meeting. The commission also issued a Negative 3 determination with six special conditions for the proposed addition at 18 Stillwater Rd.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 3/6/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Continued Pleasant Valley Street culvert hearing to 5/15/2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 determination for 18 Stillwater Rd with special conditions #1‑6 (unanimous)
• Continued Notice of Violation 24‑010 to 4/17/2025 (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors opened the meeting at 8:38 a.m. and unanimously accepted the March 6, 2025 minutes. A motion to enter executive session at 8:50 a.m. to consider statutory exemption and abatement applications was passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 a.m.

• Opened meeting at 8:38 a.m. (unanimous)
• Accepted March 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to consider exemption and abatement applications (unanimous, 2‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:55 a.m. (unanimous)