Topsfield, MA

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a virtual meeting to discuss a stormwater permit modification and a land subdivision. The board will also address its own reorganization.

• Stormwater permit modification request for 49 Asbury Street
• Public hearing continuation for proposed definitive subdivision of 21, 25, and 27 John's Lane
• Reorganization of the Planning Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a public hearing regarding a proposed accessory dwelling unit. The board will also organize for Fiscal 2027 and vote on May and June 2026 minutes.

• Public hearing for 18 Central Street regarding a variance for side setbacks of 2.5’ (10’ required) for an accessory dwelling unit
• Election of officers and designation of authorized signatory for Fiscal 2027
• Vote on May and June 2026 meeting minutes

Topsfield School Committee

The committee will review reports on FY26 close-out, audit reports, and enrollment updates. New business includes discussions on staffing for the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and the opening days of school for August and September.

• FY26 Close-Out and EOY Audit Reports
• Staffing: Assistant Superintendent of Operations
• Policy Subcommittee updates to Policy Book (JKAA and IMGB) and waiving Policy BGB
• Fair Share Update ("Millionaire’s Tax")
• I.T. Surplus List

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continuation of a public hearing for a proposed accessory dwelling unit at 18 Central Street, requiring a variance for reduced side setbacks. The board will also organize for Fiscal 2027 by electing officers and approving minutes from May and June 2026.

• Continuation of public hearing for 18 Central Street accessory dwelling unit with requested side setbacks of 2.5 feet (10 feet required)
• Variance from Article IV, Section 4.02 for non-conforming lot (acreage, frontage, side setbacks)
• Election of officers and designation of authorized signatory for Fiscal 2027
• Discussion and vote on minutes from May and June 2026

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will consider several municipal appointments and contracts for police and fire equipment. The meeting includes a public hearing for an off-premise liquor license and the approval of a building permit fee schedule update.

• Public Hearing: Off-Premise Liquor License application for 239 Boston Street
• Topsfield Fire Department: Contract to purchase a Ford F550
• Topsfield Police Department: Contracts for a cruiser, TASER weapons, and an All-Terrain Vehicle
• Building Permit: Fee Schedule Update
• Topsfield Call Firefighters Association: Approval of Memorandum of Agreement

Board of Assessors

The Topsfield Board of Assessors will discuss motor vehicle abatements and the 2026 motor vehicle commitment #4. They will also review the exemption clause 17D for seniors, surviving spouses, and minor children with a deceased parent. The meeting includes approval of minutes, signatures, an assessor report, and an executive session for non-public records.

• Motor vehicle abatements
• 2026 motor vehicle commitment #4
• Review of exemption clause 17D for seniors, surviving spouses, and minor children with a deceased parent
• Assessor Report
• Executive session under c.30A, §21(a), Purpose 7 and G.L. c. 30A, §22(f)

Board of Assessors

The Topsfield Board of Assessors will meet to discuss routine procedural items, motor vehicle abatement requests, and a review of exemption clause 17D for seniors and surviving spouses. The board may also enter executive session to discuss non-public records.

• Motor vehicle abatements
• 2026 motor vehicle commitment #4
• Review of exemption clause 17D (seniors, surviving spouses, minor children)
• Executive session for non-public records

Board of Health

The Topsfield Board of Health will hold a remote meeting on July 15, 2026. The main action item is a vote on landfill signatory authorization. The board will also receive updates on the Public Health Excellence program, opioid settlement funds, and review bills and monthly revenue.

• Vote on Landfill Signatory Authorization
• Public Health Excellence (PHE) Update and FY27 List of Approvable Expenses
• Opioid Settlement Funds Update
• Review of Bills Paid and Monthly Revenue

Library / Board of Library Trustees

The Topsfield Library Board of Trustees will convene to approve the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes and receive updates from the Friends of the Library, Art Committee, and Music Committee. The board will also discuss facilities updates and begin FY27 budget planning.

• Approve June 9, 2026 meeting minutes
• FY27 Budget planning discussion
• Facilities update

Council on Aging Board

The Topsfield Council on Aging Board will approve June meeting minutes, hear the Director's report, and receive updates from the Friends Liaison, Dementia-Friendly Team, Intergenerational, and Craft Connections groups. Old business includes a grant writing update and a transportation update. No new business is listed.

• Approval of June Board Meeting Minutes
• Director Report
• Grant Writing Update
• Transportation Update
• Reports from Friends Liaison, Dementia-Friendly Team, Intergenerational, and Craft Connections

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold a work session to discuss the preliminary FY28 town operating budget and general budget processes. The meeting is virtual only, with no in-person public attendance.

• Preliminary discussion of FY28 town operating budget
• General overview of FY28 budget processes

Topsfield Housing Authority

The Topsfield Housing Authority is holding a public hearing to review its proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The plan covers capital improvements, maintenance, operating budget, and policy waivers. Residents and the public may submit comments orally or in writing before the hearing closes.

• Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (3-year)
• Proposed Maintenance and Repair Plan
• Current Operating Budget
• Responses to Performance Management Review (PMR) findings
• List of waivers from EOHLC regulations

Topsfield Housing Authority

The Topsfield Housing Authority will convene at 9:00 A.M. on July 9, 2026, at the Community Room, Little Brook Village, 69 Washington Street. The meeting is procedural, with votes on minutes from June 11, 2026, and the annual plan. No substantive decisions are listed beyond routine approvals and reports.

Topsfield School Committee

The Topsfield School Committee will hold a virtual meeting on July 8, 2026, under state legislation allowing remote public meetings. The session includes routine items, a review of an Open Meeting Law complaint, and adjournment at 5:00 pm.

• Review of Open Meeting Law Complaint

Conservation Commission

The Topsfield Conservation Commission will meet remotely to vote on a new chair, consider several Requests for Certificates of Compliance, and hold hearings on after-the-fact wetland buffer zone work and a sidewalk/parking lot reconstruction. The agenda also includes discussion of proposed changes to the local wetlands bylaw and multiple enforcement orders.

• Vote to appoint new Conservation Commission Chair
• Request for Certificate of Compliance: 46 Alderbrook Drive (OOC #307-0844)
• Hearing: RDA 2026-01 for after-the-fact fence installation at 249 Rowley Bridge Road
• Hearing: RDA 2026-02 for sidewalk and parking lot reconstruction at 69 Washington Street (Topsfield Housing Authority)
• Discussion of proposed changes to the Topsfield General Wetlands Bylaw

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing on a proposed definitive subdivision submitted by Raymond Lawton for properties at 21, 25, and 27 John's Lane. The board will also reorganize and handle signatory authorizations.

• Continuation of public hearing on definitive subdivision for 21, 25, and 27 John's Lane (Assessor's Map 68, Parcel 41; Map 76, Parcels 3 and 2)
• Reorganization of the board
• Signatory authorizations

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold public hearings on non-conforming sign modifications at 376 Boston Street and 249 Rowley Bridge Road, and on liquor license changes for Essex Agricultural Society and a new off-premise license at 239 Boston Street. They will also consider a building permit fee schedule update, grant acceptance for a rail trail storage shed, donation acceptance for paving and street lights at 10 School Ave, and FY2027 appointments to boards and committees.

• Public Hearing: Non-Conforming Sign Modification at 376 Boston Street
• Public Hearing: Non-Conforming Sign at 249 Rowley Bridge Road
• Public Hearing: Liquor License Change of Officers for Essex Agricultural Society
• Public Hearing: Off-Premise Liquor License Application at 239 Boston Street
• Building Permit Fee Schedule Update

The Select Board approved sign modifications for two properties and accepted a $52,900 donation for paving and street lights at 10 School Ave. The Board also accepted a $46,420 state grant for a rail trail maintenance shed and renewed a victualler's license. A liquor license application for 239 Boston Street was continued to August 3, 2026.

• Approved sign modification for Pags Real Estate, LLC at 376 Boston Street (5-0)
• Approved signage for Essex County Craft Collaborators at 249 Rowley Bridge Road with no internal lighting (4-1)
• Continued public hearing for Topsfield Fine Food Market liquor license to August 3, 2026 (5-0)
• Accepted $52,900 donation from Tim Collins for 10 School Ave paving and street lights (5-0)
• Approved 2026 Common Victualler’s License Renewal for Osteria Peppino Pizzeria (4-1)
• Tabled building permit fee schedule update
• Accepted $46,420 state grant for a rail trail maintenance shed (5-0)
• Reappointed Zillie Bhuju, Charise Rohm Nulsen, and Jackie Yee to Sustainability Advisory Committee (5-0)

Finance Committee

The Topsfield Finance Committee will meet on June 29 at 6:30 PM to review meeting minutes, vote on reserve requests, and discuss FY2027 performance and FY2028 revenue/cost expectations. The meeting will also include a vote for the Summer Chair and may address other items at the Chair’s discretion.

• Review and vote on FinCom Reserve Requests
• Discuss FY2027 performance and FY2028 revenue/cost expectations
• Vote for Summer Chair
• Review meeting minutes

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will discuss and vote on several items including a proposed modification to a home-rule petition for an off-premise alcohol license, FY2026 budget transfers, a building permit fee schedule update, and multiple contract and donation acceptances. The meeting also includes board reorganization and liaison appointments.

• Vote on language modifications for S.2526, a 2025 Home Rule Petition for an off-premise alcohol license
• FY2026 Budget Transfers: Gas/Diesel and Planning Advertisement requests per MGL 34, 33B
• Building Permit Fee Schedule Update
• Pine Grove Cemetery Mowing/Trimming Services Contract Acceptance
• Boston Street Storage Tank Replacement: Wright-Pierce Contract Amendment

Board of Assessors

The Topsfield Board of Assessors will convene at Town Hall to review motor vehicle abatements, the FY2027 preliminary tax commitment warrant, and the Chapter Land Lien at 37 East Street. The board will also approve minutes, receive an assessor report, and set FY2027 meeting dates.

• FY2027 Preliminary Tax Commitment Warrant to Collector and Accountant Notice
• Motor vehicle abatements review
• Chapter Land Lien at 37 East Street

Board of Assessors

The Topsfield Board of Assessors will convene at Town Hall to discuss motor vehicle abatements, the FY2027 Preliminary Tax Commitment Warrant, and a land lien at 37 East Street. The board will also review the Assessor’s report and set meeting schedules.

• FY2027 Preliminary Tax Commitment Warrant to Collector and Accountant Notice
• Motor vehicle abatements
• Chapter Land Lien at 37 East Street
• Schedule of FY2027 meetings
• Assessor Report

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Topsfield Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting on June 25, 2026. The main item is a continued public hearing on a proposal for an accessory dwelling unit at 18 Central Street, which requires a finding and a variance due to non-conforming lot size and setbacks. The board will also discuss a dumpster location request for 7 Grove Street and vote on minutes from May.

• 18 Central Street – Continued public hearing for an accessory dwelling unit with requested side setbacks of 2.5 feet (10 feet required) on a non-conforming lot
• 7 Grove Street – Request by Topsfield Station LLC for consultation and possible approval of a dumpster location
• Minutes from May 2026 – Discussion and vote

Select Board's Office

The Topsfield Select Board will hold a virtual work session to review, discuss, and outline next steps for the FY2027 town operating budget. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom due to state law, with no in-person public attendance permitted.

PHE

The Essex Tri-Town Public Health Excellence Grant committee meets to review and vote on the minutes from the May 27, 2025 meeting. New business includes reviewing the FY25 budget, discussing PFAS funding for FY25 using remaining PHE grant funds, and discussing FY26 deliverables. The committee will also vote on the FY26 budget, which is due on June 23, 2025.

• Review and vote on minutes from May 27, 2025 meeting
• Review FY25 PHE budget
• Discuss PFAS funding for FY25 using remaining PHE grant funds
• Vote on FY26 budget

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic & Community Development Committee will meet virtually to approve minutes from March 16, 2026, and review the April Business Social event. The agenda also includes a Town Administrator update and a motion to adjourn.

• Approval of March 16, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review of April Business Social event
• Town Administrator updates

Topsfield School Committee

The Topsfield School Committee will hold a virtual meeting on June 22, 2026, to discuss the FY27 Elementary School Budget and other routine items. The meeting is conducted remotely under state legislation extending remote meeting authorizations through June 30, 2027.

Board of Health

The Topsfield Board of Health will hold a public hearing via Zoom on June 17, 2026. The main item is an appeal of a fine issued to Topsfield Shell (also called Topsfield Gas and Service) by the Healthy Communities Tobacco Control Program. The board will also discuss updates on the Public Health Excellence program and opioid settlement funds.

• Appeal of fine from Topsfield Shell/Topsfield Gas and Service regarding a Correction Order from the Healthy Communities Tobacco Control Program
• Public Health Excellence (PHE) update
• Opioid Settlement Funds update
• Approval of May 20, 2026 meeting minutes

The Board of Health voted 3-1 to affirm a $1,000 fine against Topsfield Shell (Topsfield Gas and Service) for selling tobacco to a minor during a June 5 compliance check. The board heard an appeal from the business, which argued the fine was too high for a first offense, but state regulations do not allow reducing the penalty. The board also approved the May 20 meeting minutes and received updates on septic permits, food vendor inspections, and opioid settlement fund grants.

• Affirmed $1,000 state fine for Topsfield Shell tobacco sale to minor (3-1)
• Approved May 20, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0, one abstention)
• Heard appeal of tobacco fine; upheld violation and penalty
• Approved $1,500 from FY27 PHE budget for trainings and meetings

Select Board's Office

The Select Board and Finance Committee will hold a joint meeting to review and discuss the 2026 Special Town Meeting warrants and make final preparations for the meeting. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific warrant articles or dollar amounts listed.

• General review and discussion of 2026 Special Town Meeting warrants
• Final preparations for the Special Town Meeting

The Select Board and Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend an amendment to Article Second of the Special Town Meeting warrant, which would rescind prior budget votes and appropriate $28,454,186 for FY2027 operations. The amendment removes contingencies on Masconomet and Essex Tech school assessments, fully funding them regardless of override outcomes, and ties $356,788 in town services to three override questions on the June 17 ballot.

• Approved amendment to Article Second motion to fully fund Masconomet and Essex Tech assessments regardless of override results (7-0)
• Approved minutes of May 21 and May 26 meetings (7-0 each)
• Adjourned at 6:24 PM (7-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is holding an informational meeting to support the Budget/Moderators Forum in reviewing and explaining all articles on the annual town meeting warrant. This is an informative session only; no votes or meeting minutes will be taken.

• Committee will participate in annual preview and explanation of the warrant
• No votes or meeting minutes will be taken at this meeting
• Meeting is held in person at Topsfield Town Hall

The Finance Committee reports that the FY2027 budget approved at Town Meeting on May 5th was contingent on two overrides, both of which failed at the May 7th election. As a result, the town has no approved budget and must hold another Town Meeting and election. A revised budget of $28,454,186 has been proposed, $137,000 lower than the original, with three new override questions for voters.

• Town Meeting on May 5th approved a budget contingent on two overrides
• Both overrides failed at the May 7th Town Election
• Boxford and Middleton approved the Masco budget, obligating Topsfield to pay its share
• Essex Tech School District approved its budget, obligating Topsfield to pay its share
• Revised budget of $28,454,186 proposed, $137,000 lower than original
• Three override questions placed on ballot: General Operating ($123,000), Masco ($140,316), Essex Tech ($93,472)

Northeast MA Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District Board of Commissioners will meet on June 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The board will vote on a six-month contract extension for J. Moak and consider approval of the May 14, 2026 meeting minutes. The meeting will be held in person with remote access via Zoom.

• J. Moak six-month contract extension – vote required
• Review and approval of May 14, 2026 meeting minutes – vote required
• Executive session on district operations and personnel

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will meet to review and discuss the 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant, the FY2027 budget, capital plan, and potential warrant articles. The meeting is a work session, so no final votes are expected.

• Discussion of 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant
• Review of FY2027 budget and capital plan
• Discussion of potential warrant articles

The Select Board conducted a public information session to review the budget, potential service reductions, and the Masconomet Roof & HVAC Replacement Project. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

Finance Committee

The Topsfield Finance Committee is meeting solely for a Budget Information Session to review and explain all warrant articles and budget items. This is an informative meeting only, with no votes or minutes taken. The meeting is in person at St. Rose's, with possible later broadcast on YouTube and cable TV.

• Budget Information Session reviewing all warrant articles and budget items
• No votes or meeting minutes will be taken
• In-person meeting at St. Rose's, June 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Rail Trail Committee

The Topsfield Rail Trail Committee will vote on whether to locate the depot maintenance shed near Summer Street or Main Street. The committee will also discuss the depot layout and maintenance of the Topsfield Linear Common, including a Conex box at Route 1, mowing, and fence repair.

• Vote on depot shed location: Summer St. or Main St.
• Discussion of depot layout (overhead door, windows, doors)
• Conex box at Rt. 1 on the Linear Common
• Mowing and trimming of the Linear Common
• Repair fence by the Conex box

Council on Aging Board

The Topsfield Council on Aging Board of Directors will meet to approve minutes, receive reports from liaisons and committees, and vote on a signatory authorization form. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or financial items detailed.

• Vote on Signatory Authorization Form
• Approval of May Board Meeting Minutes
• Reports from Friends Liaison, Dementia-Friendly Team, and Intergenerational Update
• Transportation Update under Old Business