Beverly City Council set to vote on FY27 budget and $1.5M road resurfacing transfer in busy two-week stretch
Beverly's City Council was scheduled to vote on Mayor Cahill's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and consider a $1.5 million transfer for road resurfacing during a packed stretch of meetings from June 22 through July 2. All items below are drawn from published agendas; minutes had not been posted as of July 6, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.
City Council: Budget and infrastructure spending
The City Council had two meetings on June 22 and a third on June 25. The June 22 agenda listed a public hearing and vote on Mayor Cahill's proposed FY27 budget (Order #151), followed by executive sessions on police and fire collective bargaining and litigation in the case of City of Beverly v. Beverly Police Superior Officers Association. A separate special meeting the same day was set to vote on Order #15 for the FY27 proposed budget.
On June 25, the council was scheduled to hold public hearings on three items: a $1.5 million transfer from the road resurfacing account for work on Lothrop Street and a utility route; a $45,000 transfer for supplemental MEPA permitting for the Lynch Park Climate Resiliency project; and a National Grid petition to install underground electric facilities on River Street, including a 3,000-foot duct bank and nine manholes. The council was also set to consider appointing Brad Willenbrock to the Human Rights Committee and review alcohol waiver requests from The Bubble Bar and The Bottle Shop at Beverly Commons.
Zoning Board: Residential variances and 124-foot cell tower
The Zoning Board of Appeals on June 24 had hearings on five residential requests and one continued hearing for a wireless communications facility. Residential items included variances for a building addition at 78 Old Standley Street, a 20'x20' carport at 340 Old Essex Road, and a detached one-family dwelling at 29 West Street, plus a special permit for an addition at 11 Sunnyvale Street. The continued hearing covered a special permit and height/setback variances for a 124-foot monopole at 12 Tozer Road.
Historic District Commission: Two demolition delay hearings
The commission on June 24 scheduled public hearings on demolition delay application DD-26-3 for 38 Paine Ave and DD-26-5 for Glen Urquhart School at 206 Greenwood Ave. Members were also set to receive updates from the Demolition Delay Ordinance Subcommittee and the Historic Resource Survey Project for the Cabot-Rantoul Residential Neighborhood.
Conservation Commission: Seawall repairs and residential projects
On June 30, the Conservation Commission had public hearings for several properties. At 40 Prince Street, the proposal was to raze a house and build a new home, pool, and repair a seawall. Other hearings covered invasive species treatment and stair reconstruction at 58 West Street, an addition and patio at 15 Wirling Drive, and a carport, driveway, and patio at 8 Upland Road. The commission was also set to approve FY27 MACC membership dues.
Affordable Housing Trust: $160K grant extension request
The Beverly Affordable Housing Trust on June 30 was scheduled to consider a request from Harborlight Homes to extend a $160,000 grant for the Turtle Woods Housing Preservation and Decarbonization project.
Contributory Retirement Board: Retirements and warrants
The board on June 25 was set to vote on an involuntary retirement application for Patrol Officer Nicole Phillips (9 years, 1 month of service) and a buyback discrepancy for Mary Sullivan's creditable service. Seven superannuation retirements were listed, including Firefighter Robert Atherton Jr. (38 years) and Library Custodian Ralph Palmer (22 years). Financial warrants on the agenda totaled $1,411,383.87 for retiree payroll and $155,528.02 for disbursements.
Licensing Board: New brewery permit and cafe application
On July 2, the Licensing Board was scheduled to consider a new Farmer's Brewery Pouring Permit and Entertainment License for Old Planter's Brewing Co at 232 Rantoul Street, an alteration of licensed premises for Reds on the Rail at 112-114 Rantoul Street, and a common victualler application for Fresh Brew Café at 289 Rantoul Street. The board was also set to discuss license use and the recent closure of Prides Pizza at 644 Hale Street.
Other meetings
The Council on Aging (June 23) was set to vote on Senior of the Year and noted the retirement of building manager Ralph "Chip" Palmer effective June 29. The Commission on Disabilities (June 25) planned to review ADA transition plans and Dane Street wheelchair accessibility. The Library Trustees (June 30) were scheduled to review the FY2027 budget, a State Aid waiver application, HVAC issues at the main library, and leaks at the Farms branch. The Open Space & Recreation Committee (July 1) was set to discuss trail extensions, the Norwood Pond Bridge construction update, and an open space parcel at 0 Trask Lane.
Coming up
The South Essex Sewerage Board meets July 8 to approve warrants and consider authorization to file legislation. No other meetings are listed in the next 14 days.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Beverly Boards Take Up FY27 Budget, $1.5M Road Transfer, and New Brewery Permit
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.