{
 "city": "Topsfield",
 "state": "MA",
 "page": "https://mytown.theboringparts.com/city/topsfield-ma.gov/",
 "attribution": "MyTown / The Boring Parts — CC BY 4.0. Summaries AI-generated from official sources.",
 "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
 "generated": "2026-08-05",
 "upcoming": [
  {
   "date": "2026-08-05",
   "body": "Planning Board",
   "headline": "Planning Board to hold public hearing on John's Lane subdivision",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052026-592",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-08-05",
   "body": "Zoning Board of Appeals",
   "headline": "ZBA to consider variance for accessory dwelling unit at 18 Central Street",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052026-593",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-08-05",
   "body": "Topsfield School Committee",
   "headline": "Topsfield School Committee to discuss staffing and school opening dates",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052026-590",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-08-06",
   "body": "Zoning Board of Appeals",
   "headline": "ZBA to continue hearing on 18 Central Street accessory dwelling unit",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-594",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  }
 ],
 "recent": [
  {
   "date": "2026-08-03",
   "body": "Select Board's Office",
   "headline": "Select Board to hold public hearing on liquor license for 239 Boston Street",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08032026-591",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-30",
   "body": "Board of Assessors",
   "headline": "Board of Assessors to review motor vehicle abatements and 2026 commitment #4",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07302026-589",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-30",
   "body": "Board of Assessors",
   "headline": "Topsfield Board of Assessors to review motor vehicle abatements and exemptions",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07302026-588",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-15",
   "body": "Board of Health",
   "headline": "Board of Health to vote on landfill signatory authorization",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152026-586",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-14",
   "body": "Library / Board of Library Trustees",
   "headline": "Library board to review June minutes and FY27 budget planning",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07142026-587",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-14",
   "body": "Council on Aging Board",
   "headline": "COA Board reviews grants, transportation, and committee updates",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07142026-584",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-13",
   "body": "Select Board's Office",
   "headline": "Select Board to discuss FY28 budget process",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132026-585",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-09",
   "body": "Topsfield Housing Authority",
   "headline": "Housing Authority holds public hearing on FY2027 Annual Plan",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07092026-544",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-09",
   "body": "Topsfield Housing Authority",
   "headline": "Topsfield Housing Authority meets July 9 to approve minutes and annual plan",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07092026-576",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-08",
   "body": "Topsfield School Committee",
   "headline": "Topsfield School Committee meets virtually July 8 to review open meeting complaint",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082026-583",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-08",
   "body": "Conservation Commission",
   "headline": "Conservation Commission to vote on new chair, multiple wetland permits, and enforcement orders",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082026-578",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-08",
   "body": "Planning Board",
   "headline": "Planning Board continues public hearing on Lawndale subdivision for 21, 25, 27 John's Lane",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082026-581",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-07-06",
   "body": "Select Board's Office",
   "headline": "Select Board to hold hearings on signs, liquor licenses, and fee updates",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07062026-577",
   "minutes_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07062026-577",
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-29",
   "body": "Finance Committee",
   "headline": "Finance Committee to review library Zoom meeting and 2026-2028 budget plans",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06292026-573",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-29",
   "body": "Select Board's Office",
   "headline": "Select Board to vote on alcohol license changes, budget transfers, and fee updates",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06292026-575",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-25",
   "body": "Board of Assessors",
   "headline": "Topsfield Board of Assessors meets June 25 to review preliminary tax warrant and abatements",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06252026-568",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-25",
   "body": "Board of Assessors",
   "headline": "Topsfield Board of Assessors meets June 25 to review tax abatements and FY2027 warrant",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06252026-569",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-25",
   "body": "Zoning Board of Appeals",
   "headline": "ZBA to continue hearing on accessory dwelling unit at 18 Central Street",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06252026-574",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-24",
   "body": "Select Board's Office",
   "headline": "Select Board to review FY2027 town budget in virtual work session",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242026-572",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-23",
   "body": "PHE",
   "headline": "Vote on FY26 budget and review PHE grant spending for PFAS cleanup",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232026-570",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-22",
   "body": "Economic and Community Development Committee",
   "headline": "Committee to review April Business Social and approve March minutes",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06222026-567",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-22",
   "body": "Topsfield School Committee",
   "headline": "Topsfield School Committee meets virtually June 22 to discuss FY27 budget",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06222026-571",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-17",
   "body": "Board of Health",
   "headline": "Board of Health to hear appeal of fine from Topsfield Shell gas station",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-566",
   "minutes_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06172026-566",
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-16",
   "body": "Select Board's Office",
   "headline": "Select Board and Finance Committee review 2026 Special Town Meeting warrants",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06162026-560",
   "minutes_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06162026-560",
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-15",
   "body": "Finance Committee",
   "headline": "Finance Committee to review and explain all warrant articles",
   "summary": "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.",
   "agenda_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06152026-556",
   "minutes_url": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06152026-556",
   "source": "https://www.topsfield-ma.gov/AgendaCenter"
  }
 ]
}