Public Meetings - Beverly, Massachusetts

The Beverly City Council held a regular meeting on October 20, 2026, at the Beverly Middle School due to ongoing renovations at City Hall. (NB: The council president opened the meeting by stating the date as 'Monday, October 19th, 2026' in the official transcript, conflicting with the supplied event metadata). The agenda included public testimony on the sewer billing structure and Flock cameras, a surprise recognition for Councillor Scott Houseman for his work saving the Cabot Theatre, the approval of easements for Millbrook Road, and routine subcommittee referrals. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: Minutes from the regular meetings of May 4, 2026, and May 18, 2026, were approved by an 8-0 vote. - Jerry Perry Retirement: A letter of retirement from Budget Analyst Jerry Perry was received and placed on file by an 8-0 vote. - Site Cleanup Update: An update on the former Variant site at 150 Sawyer Road was received and placed on file by an 8-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Lucci (Ward 5) on Sewer Billing: Mr. Lucci argued that the city's practice of charging sewer fees strictly on water consumption (at a fixed rate of $7.29 per 100 cubic feet in 2026) rather than measured discharge violates Massachusetts General Law Chapter 83, Section 16. He stated this creates a legal mismatch because the Southern Essex Sewer District (SESD) bills the city on actual volume, and residents are charged for water that does not enter the sewer (e.g., irrigation). He presented estimates suggesting this generates roughly $3.198 million over a five-month watering season for 5,000 properties with 2,000 sq ft lawns. He urged the council to align the city's practice with other SESD members. - Brian Rodolfo, Rich Marino, and Mayor Mike Cahill Honor Councillor Houseman: The trio surprised Councillor Scott Houseman with a formal resolution recognizing his leadership in saving the Cabot Theatre. The resolution cited his 2013 efforts to organize business leaders who later founded the organization now operating the Cabot, leading to its 2014 reopening and 2025 renovations. The council spread the resolution upon the city records. Councillor Houseman expressed being deeply honored and speechless. - John Dudley (Ward 3) on Flock Cameras: Mr. Dudley expressed strong opposition to the city's Flock Safety contract. He argued the cameras feed data into systems accessible by agencies like ICE. He criticized Flock's contract terms for granting the company an irrevocable perpetual right to use local data, lacking guarantees against selling data, limiting data breach liability, and mandating legal arbitration in Georgia. He cited difficulties in Illinois and Indiana where municipalities faced fees and continued operation after attempting to terminate contracts. He urged the council to use its political influence to let the contract expire in 30 days. Discussion Items - Millbrook Road Layout (Orders 264 & 264A): Assistant Solicitor Dole explained the three-step process for laying out a public way. With the initial step completed (Order 223), the council voted 8-0 to approve the second step (Order 264, taking of easements) and the third step (Order 264A, adopting the layout and accepting portions of Millbrook Road as a public way). - Finance & Property Subcommittee: During the subcommittee break, the Finance and Property subcommittee discussed Councillor Houseman's request for $2,000 for the Beverly Human Rights Committee. Due to the upcoming election pushing the next regular council meeting to November 9, 2026, the subcommittee decided to allow more time for Mayor Cahill and HRC Chair Eric Nudson to meet before scheduling a standalone meeting on the request. Key Outcomes - Votes (All 8-0): - Approved meeting minutes (May 4 and May 18, 2026). - Adopted Millbrook Road orders (264 and 264A). - Approved the waiver of right of first refusal for an affordable housing unit at 348 Rantoul Street. - Granted a class two motor vehicle license renewal for Michael's Autobody. - Received and placed on file the retirement of Budget Analyst Jerry Perry and the Beverly Site Cleanup update. - Public Hearings Scheduled: The council scheduled public hearings for National Grid underground facility petitions on November 23, 2026, for Woodbury Street (7:30 PM) and Dane Street (7:40 PM). - Appointments Referred: Multiple reappointments and appointments (Zoning Board of Appeals, Commission on Disabilities, Beverly Harbor Management Authority, Golf and Tennis Commission) were referred to relevant subcommittees for further review. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned unanimously (8-0).

This meeting of the Beverly City Council was held in the Beverly Middle School Library due to City Hall renovations. The council honored the 2026 Senior of the Year, heard two public comments, conducted a continued public hearing on a National Grid reliability project, and approved several ordinances, grants, and appointments, all by 8-0 votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Paul Hansen Mitev (Ward 6) expressed concern about Beverly public schools dropping from 81st to 102nd in Boston magazine's rankings while Salem rose to 101st. He referenced the 1993 teachers strike and suggested that lessons from that resolution could inform current labor issues. He also raised the possibility of a Proposition 2½ tax override. - Paul Willenbrock (Ward 4), Chair of the Commission on Disabilities, described the commission's recent accomplishments: establishing an autism sign pole, repairing wheelchairs for beach use, establishing handicapped parking near the golf course, and seeking ASL support for a deaf adult. He provided meeting details (Oct 22, 12 noon at Council on Aging) and urged awareness of the commission's services. Discussion Items - Order 245 – Resolution Honoring Gail Dion as 2026 Senior of the Year: The council recognized Gail Dion for over 50 years of community involvement, volunteer work at the Senior Center, and generous spirit. The resolution was adopted 8-0. - Order 219 – National Grid Public Hearing (continued): A petition for underground electric reliability improvements on Bow, Wallace, Cabot, and Abbott streets. The National Grid representative described work to reduce outages. Councilors inquired about pedestrian access (sidewalk closures mitigated by steel plates/restoration), project duration (estimated weeks to a month), and restoration timing. Mayor Cahill reported that work is planned to start after New Year's, take up to three months, and that three of four Cabot Street crossings will be done simultaneously to minimize disruption. No night work is expected. The mayor noted agreements with National Grid on curb-to-curb restoration. School bus stops at Cabot & Abbott and Cabot & Bow will be addressed with the transportation department. No public signed up to speak. The hearing was closed and referred to the Public Services subcommittee. - Order 221 – Vegetation Obstruction Ordinance (Second Reading): An amendment to chapters 253 and 261 to enforce removal of vegetation blocking public ways through warnings, fines, and liens if unpaid after 60 days. The city solicitor confirmed enforcement would likely be complaint-based. Approved 8-0. - Order 222 – Human Rights Committee Ordinance (Second Reading): Clarified membership at 11 members and quorum calculation based on seated members. Approved 8-0. Key Outcomes - Order 245 (Senior of the Year): Adopted 8-0. - Orders 221 & 222 (Ordinance amendments): Approved for final passage 8-0. - Grant approvals (all 8-0): - Order 246: $45,010 Municipal Road Safety Program grant for traffic enforcement campaigns (annual, no match). - Order 247: $2,143,333 for Massachusetts Task Force One site support (general operations, plus $600K more than prior year). - Order 248: $66,590.90 for source capture exhaust systems at all three fire stations (replacing old equipment). - Order 249: $58,805 for Fire Department Marine One rescue and dive boat equipment (two new outboard motors). - Order 252: $430,456 from Seaport Economic Council to finalize design and environmental permitting for Lynch Park, with a 20% CPC match; Mayor thanked Lt. Gov. Driscoll for help securing funds. - Order 253: $25,300 from Mass Cultural Council for the Beverly Local Cultural Council. - License renewals (8-0): Rileside Auto (126 Pack St.) and Beverly Gas & Tire (383 Cabot St.) class two motor vehicle licenses renewed. - Reappointments (8-0): Joan Foot Fairbank and Kevin Hovind to Lynch Park Trustees; Nancy Solak to Clean Energy Advisory Committee. - Referrals: - Order 250 (data center use moratorium) sent to Planning Board with a public hearing set for Nov 8, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. - Order 258 (parking/traffic review on Essex and Cole streets) referred to Parking & Traffic Commission. - Orders 259 (council oversight of mayor's out-of-state travel) and 260 (council oversight of contracts over three years) referred to Legal Affairs. - Orders 261-263 (GoNet Speed underground fiber petitions on Virginia Ave, Charles St, Newball St) referred to Public Services. - Order 61 (Camp Paradise utilization) referred back to Public Services for further discussion. - GoNet Speed petition on East Street was withdrawn. - Public hearing on National Grid petition closed and referred to Public Services. - Future meetings: Noted that the council will continue meeting at the Beverly Middle School Library until further notice.

The Beverly City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. It was the council’s last meeting in the current council chambers before City Hall renovation. The agenda included a quilt presentation by the Garden City Quilters, five public comment speakers, several public hearings, unfinished business, and committee reports. The meeting was broadcast through Bev Cam; future meetings will be held at Beverly Middle School Library. Opening Presentation - The Garden City Quilters presented the Beverly 400 quilt. The council thanked the quilting group, the Beverly 400 Plus Committee, and Historic Beverly. The quilt will be displayed/hung in council chambers and cared for during the City Hall work. - The council took a five-minute recess so members and quilters could take photographs with the quilt. Public Comments & Testimony - Five members of the public signed up to speak. - A speaker discussed the council’s decision to cut the city’s DEI position, saying the position was created to give underrepresented residents a voice. The speaker noted that the position had a small budget, but it became the only significant cut, was called ‘a want, not a need,’ and that the cut had little budget impact but a large community impact. - Another speaker said DEI work includes providing laptop and Wi-Fi access to the 1,000 Beverly households without home internet, and educating the public so LGBTQ+ and immigrant neighbors feel safe. The speaker added that people who attend public meetings are not representative of everyone the city serves. - A further speaker recalled that at the council’s June 23 debate, all council members said they believed in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and acknowledged Beverly’s significant budget challenges, suggesting that commitment should guide the council’s decisions. Public Hearings and Discussion Items - Council took up Order 221, amending Beverly Ordinance Section 253-24. A solicitor’s summary was used for the second reading. The transcript does not identify the subject of the amendment. Councilor Rotundo was thanked for community support and work on the item. - A utility-related public hearing concerned installation of two new conduits from a manhole just beyond the intersection of Cabot and School Streets to a new handhole on school property. Since that section of School Street was repaved the prior year, City Engineer Lisa Chandler advised that doing more work under the sidewalk could allow restoration of sidewalk panels instead of repaving the street. No member of the public signed up or came forward to speak. - Council discussed a proposed $134,413 set-aside in three categories—historic resources, community housing, and open space. Full applications would be posted for public comment and deliberations would take several months; there was interest, but the number of projects was unknown. - Before the 8:25 p.m. hearing, the council used time to take up unfinished business from a prior meeting and discussed scheduling items for the October meeting. - Committee reports included a public services update; the council heard that a contractor was mobilized and actual construction took about two days. The completed work was praised as timely. Key Outcomes - The council voted to amend its rules of order regarding public comment. The change—which required a two-thirds vote because it changes council rules—removes the requirement that speakers state their name and address aloud during public comment. Instead, speakers can leave their address with the clerk when signing up and state the ward in which they live or work when addressing the council. - The council continued at least one public hearing and indicated the continued hearing would be at the Beverly Middle School Library, where future council meetings will be held during City Hall renovation. - The council acted on Order 221 and other agenda items, but the transcript does not include vote tallies.

The Beverly City Council held its first regular meeting after the summer recess on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The agenda included a quarterly update from Mayor Cahill, public comments from three residents, and multiple routine business items including grants, appointments, utility easements, and a first reading of an ordinance regulating cryptocurrency machines. Many items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Michael Sperber (15 Irving Street) requested the council rename the second Monday in October from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, citing Columbus's violent history and Indigenous contributions such as aspirin and syringes. - Neil Levine (36 Thorndike Street) expressed strong support for a proposed $20,000 supplemental appropriation to the Beverly Human Rights Committee to continue diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) work, calling it timely and cost-effective. - Aisha Sidicki (Ward 3) advocated for a land acknowledgement in council rules, raised privacy concerns about requiring full address disclosure during public comment, and urged the council to hold a public meeting on Flock cameras, noting that over 25 Massachusetts communities have ended their Flock contracts. She also criticized the council's 5–4 vote to eliminate the DEIB director position, noting the position was budgeted at half-time for $62,602.57. Discussion Items - Mayor's Quarterly Update: Mayor Cahill presented an overview of city projects: - McPherson Youth Center: Completed on budget using ARPA funds and a $1 million earmark; operational since late spring. - Central Fire Station: Envelope and mechanical work substantially complete; interior work remaining. - City Hall Renovation: To avoid a $2 million cost overrun, the project was redesigned to cut 3,050 square feet, eliminating the originally planned inspectional services and health department suites but integrating them elsewhere. Parking loss is 3–4 spaces. The city will move into the former TD Bank building across the street in the first week of October. - N192 Transmission Line: Cable removal from streets expected by end of September; railroad work to follow. - Water Meter Replacement: 4,500 of 11,000 meters installed; completion targeted for summer 2027. - Paving: 24 new streets paved this year; most 2026 program streets will be done. - Brimble Avenue Project: Contractor hired; earthwork to begin soon; 12–18 month timeline. - Bridge Street Temporary Bridge: Deck completed; approach slabs and utility work pending; substantial completion expected April 2027. - Obear and Lynch Parks: Environmental permitting underway; grant applications pending. - Cell Service: Agreement with Verizon to place tower on water tower; Verizon also seeking to improve coverage on Prospect Hill. - Coast Guard Housing: City may decline due to lack of funding. - Dollar Store Property: Initial RFP unsuccessful; working with state to re-market. - Spring & Corning Intersection: Preemption issue still unresolved; update expected in October. - Council Questions: Councilor Feldman inquired about parking at City Hall and requested clearer graphics for the Brimble Avenue rotary; she also noted that some residents may not have received water meter replacement notices. Councilor St. Hilaire asked about the total square footage of the City Hall project and confirmed the $2 million cut kept the budget on target. - First Reading – Cryptocurrency Machine Ordinance (Order 187): City Clerk Lisa Kent read the full proposed ordinance, which would prohibit cryptocurrency kiosks in Beverly. Key findings cited FBI statistics showing $388,981,267 lost nationally to such kiosk scams in 2025, including $6,834,561 in Massachusetts, and $195,029 lost by Beverly residents since 2024. The ordinance passed its first reading 9–0; a second reading will be required for final passage. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approvals: The council approved four sets of meeting minutes (March 16, April 6, April 21, and a joint committee meeting) 9–0. - Grants and Donations Approved (9-0 each): - FY27 state earmark awards (Order 188) - $8,500 Title IIIB Senior Care Grant (Order 189) - $13,950 Emergency Management Performance Grant (Order 192) - $1,200 and $100 donations for Senior Day at Lynch Park (Order 193) - $15,277 technology gift to Beverly Public Library from UMass Lowell (Order 194) - $174,544 FY27 state formula grant for Council on Aging (Order 195) - $1,000 donation for Veterans Council (Order 196) - $172,520 FAA grant for airport snow removal equipment building design (Order 220) - Public Hearings Set (all 9-0): - Budgetary transfer of $25,000 for harbor patrol boat motors (September 21, 7:45 p.m.) - FY27 CPA budget (September 21, 8:00 p.m.) - Four National Grid petitions for utility work (September 21, 8:15–8:45 p.m.) - Appointments Approved (9-0): - Carol Gerard to Community Preservation Committee - Councilors Retundo, Spang, and Houseman to special screening committee for Budget Analyst position - Utility Easements Approved (9-0 each): Two easements to Mass Electric Company for work at 191 Cabot Street and 11 South Hardy Street. - Cell Tower Lease Agreement Approved (9-0): Lease with Selco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless. - First Reading of Cryptocurrency Machine Ordinance (Order 187): Passed 9–0; second reading at next meeting. - Order 213 (Supplemental Appropriation for Human Rights Committee): Held in subcommittee for further discussion with the mayor. - Order 205 (Flammable Registration for National Grid): Held by Councilor Spang for further review. - Deficit Reduction Committee Update: Councilor Feldman addressed transparency concerns, noting that subsequent meetings were recorded and future ones will be on BEVCAM; the committee's research will be presented publicly on October 20.

The Beverly City Council held a special meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the council chambers at 191 Cabot Street. The meeting focused on three public hearings for funding transfers and a National Grid petition, along with routine appointments and waivers. All items were approved unanimously (7-0) by the close of the meeting, which was the final scheduled session before the summer recess. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak at any of the three public hearings. No public comment was offered. Discussion Items - Order 166: Transfer of $1,500,000 for Road Resurfacing — Finance Director Brian Ailes explained the request to transfer funds from the Road Resurfacing (RSR) special revenue account to the Road and Sidewalk Capital account, covering resurfacing work for streets impacted by National Grid’s 115 kV project, gas work at Dane Street Beach, and general opening fees. $1.35 million comes from National Grid’s 115 kV project (final payment from a memorandum of agreement), $116,000 from National Grid Gas for Dane Street Beach area sidewalk and ADA ramp work, and $30,000 from various street‑opening fees. Specific streets identified include Wellman, Weber, Congress, School, River, and Pleasant (Goat Hill area). Councilor Houseman raised questions about the $4.6 million total from National Grid, coordination with ongoing work on East Lothrop Street and Cabot Street, and the 3,000‑foot segment on River Street. Mr. Ailes noted that the RSR account currently holds $1.526 million, leaving $26,000 after the transfer. The council referred the matter to the Committee on Finance and Property. - Order 167: Transfer of $45,000 from Free Cash for Lynch Park Climate Resiliency Permitting — Sustainability and Resiliency Project Manager Ibrahim Lopez Hernandez presented an update on the Lynch Park climate resiliency project. The $45,000 transfer from the city’s certified free cash balance is needed to cover supplemental MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act) permitting work, with a deadline of July 24, 2026, to avoid a nine‑month project delay. The project aims to protect the Rose Garden and carriage house areas from storm damage. Previous funding included a $100,000 grant from the Coastal Zone Management Agency and $49,000 from the Community Preservation Committee. The city has applied for a $488,000 grant from the Environmental Affairs Agency, with a decision expected in July or August. Budget Analyst Jerry Perry confirmed that if approved, the city would retain approximately $5,061,511 in free cash, about 50% of the initial $10.4 million balance. Councilor Houseman expressed strong support, calling Lynch Park “the jewel in the crown” of the park system. The matter was referred to Finance and Property. - Order 182: National Grid Petition for Underground Facilities on River Street — National Grid representative Kyle Surrett described the proposal to install eight manholes and conduit along River Street, Federal Street, Park Street, Elliott Street, Rantoul Street, and Lennox Street to improve downtown reliability. Councilor Houseman and Mayor Paul Kehill discussed the city’s leverage in negotiations for road repair payments, noting that streets like Park are in poor condition while Elliott and Rantoul are newer. Mayor Kehill indicated that National Grid has been a good partner and that the project is part of a larger effort tied to the removal of the old 115 kV line and planned January 2027 work on Cabot Street and Bow Street. Councilor Crowley expressed concern about “National Grid fatigue” in wards 2 and 3 due to ongoing projects. He asked about timing; the representative said the timeline is not yet set. No public speakers were present. The hearing was closed and referred to the Committee on Public Services. - Other Routine Items — The council approved several items including Order 186 (approval of the September 1, 2026 primary state election warrant), Order 183 (appointment of Brad Willebrock to the Human Rights Committee, referred), Order 184 and 185 (waivers of the alcohol prohibition ordinance for the Bubble Bar and Bottle Shop for Beverly 400+ events, referred and later approved). Key Outcomes - Order 166 (Road Resurfacing Transfer): Approved 7-0 after committee report. The Committee on Finance and Property recommended approval, and the full council voted to adopt the order. - Order 167 (Lynch Park Permitting Transfer): Approved 7-0 after committee report. - Order 182 (National Grid Petition): Approved 7-0 after committee report from Public Services. No additional conditions were attached. - Order 173 and 174 (Conservation Commission Appointments): Approved 7-0. Order 174 required a separate vote to waive the registered voter requirement for appointee Joanne Miller; the waiver was granted 7-0, then the appointment was approved. - Order 184 and 185 (Alcohol Waivers): Approved 7-0 for events associated with Beverly 400+. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 PM, marking the last regular session before summer recess.

The Beverly City Council held a special meeting on June 23, 2026, to discuss and vote on the proposed FY27 budget. The meeting included opening remarks from Mayor Kay Hill, statements from councilors, a series of proposed amendments, and a final vote. The budget was approved 5-4 after incorporating four amendments. Opening Remarks - Mayor Hill noted that reserves had dropped from 20% of the FY26 budget to a projected 17% of the FY27 budget, and free cash declined from $10.4 million to $8.3 million. He urged the council not to cut the line item for COLA increases for non-union department heads, which is about 3%, while union contracts range from 3–4% or more. - Councilor St. Hilaire criticized the administration's transparency and the trash fee increase, proposing cuts to non-essential positions and expenses totaling over $700,000. He also urged canceling the city hall project to save $2 million. - Councilor Houseman warned of a structural deficit in FY28, stating that an additional $2 million in cuts would be needed. He suggested raising kindergarten fees, cutting school-side budgets, reducing the city's health insurance contribution rate from 80%, and advocating for increased state aid. He also noted that halting the city hall project would waste $5 million already spent and harm the city's bond rating. Discussion and Votes on Amendments - Mayor's Travel (Line 51891): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $13,500 to $0. Failed 3–6. Councilor Houseman then moved to reduce to $10,000. Passed 9–0. - DEI Coordinator (Line 51141): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $62,621 to $0. Passed 5–4. - Constituent Services Director (Line 51137): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $77,625 to $0. Failed 2–7. - Chief of Staff (Line 51130): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $115,000 to $0. Failed 1–8. - Executive Office Other Charges (Line 57301): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $15,075 to $0. Failed 1–8. - DEI Other Expenses (Line 5500): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $5,000 to $0. Failed 1–8. - Health Department Travel (Line 57100): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $3,000 to $0. Failed 1–8. - Reserve for Unforeseen (Line 57820): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $225,000 to $0. Failed 2–7. - Salary Pool for Exempt Employees (Line 57811): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $150,000 to $0. Failed 2–7. Councilor Houseman moved to reduce by $20,000 to $130,000; vote not explicitly recorded but did not appear in final list of passed amendments. - Finance Department Consultant (Line 53034): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $12,500 to $0. Failed 1–8. - Budget Analyst Position (Line 51106): Councilor Houseman moved to reduce from $79,869.75 to $59,869.75. Passed 9–0. Mr. Perry, the budget analyst, stated he could work within the reduced amount. - Mail Messenger (Line 51186): Councilor Retundo moved to cut from $7,000 to $0. Passed 5–4. The administration noted the funds would be used to compensate existing employees for added duties. - Health Department Consultant (Line 53024): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $27,500 to $0. Failed 1–8. Finance Director Ayles noted the line generates revenue through biohazard inspections. - Planning Department Consultant (Line 53034): Councilor St. Hilaire moved to cut from $17,500 to $0. Failed 1–8. Key Outcomes - The council adopted the FY27 budget as amended, passing 5–4. The four successful amendments reduced the mayor's travel by $3,500, eliminated the DEI coordinator position, cut the budget analyst's line by $20,000, and eliminated the mail messenger position. - The final budget includes a water rate of $4.42 per unit and a sewer rate of $7.76 per unit, with transfers of retained earnings for enterprise funds as part of the adopted order. - Councilors noted the need for ongoing work on revenue generation and expenditure control, with a deficit reduction committee being formed. Several councilors expressed concern about the structural deficit and the impact of cuts on services.

On Monday, June 22, 2026, the Beverly City Council held a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. to conduct a public hearing on Mayor Kay Hill's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting also included a referral of the budget from the Finance and Property subcommittee to the full council and concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining and litigation. The final vote on the budget is scheduled for the following evening, June 23, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Rick Marciano (141 McKay Street) criticized the state's Chapter 70 school funding formula, claiming it shortchanges Beverly by over $20 million annually compared to Salem. He argued that Essex Tech students cost only $734 more per student than Beverly district students and blamed former state representative Michael P. Cahill for closing the vocational wing at Beverly High School in 1995. - Nancy Gillis (Beverly resident) expressed opposition to the mayor's proposed $30 million renovation of city hall, arguing that money should be spent on education and public safety. She suggested cutting non-essential positions, negotiating health insurance, and eliminating the mayor's raise. She also stated that roads are in poor condition and traffic is a problem. - David Hannibal (22 Cox Court) proposed closing the Beverly Farms Library, calling it underutilized. He criticized the trash fee process as poorly managed and noted that a proposal to save $500,000 by switching to every-other-week recycling was not pursued. He suggested asking Endicott College to provide 10 free teaching fellows rather than paying $19,100 each. - Brad Willenbrock (5 Clifford F.) expressed full support for the $400 trash fee, describing it as an investment in the community. He highlighted his family's positive experiences with Beverly Public Schools and urged the city to care for vulnerable populations through equitable funding. - Andrea Sherman (78 Water Street), president of the educators' union, argued that the city's budget process concentrates too much power in the mayor's office, limiting the council's authority to increase school funding. She noted that $34 million (18% of the operating budget) sits in reserves while schools struggle. She called for charter or special act changes to give the council meaningful control over school appropriations. - Laura Newton (23 Jewett Road) urged the council to stop the mayor from "defunding" schools, stating that the school committee's critical needs budget was ignored. She claimed that the city has repeatedly failed to meet school needs and that the narrative that Beverly cannot afford adequate school funding is false. - John Taylor (41 Cole Street) thanked the council for handling the $3.9 million deficit and shared results of a survey on effective legislators, noting that the most popular view was that a legislator should vote as the speaker wants. - Paul Hansomatev (25 Line Street) praised the city's dental clinic, veteran services, and senior shuttle. He urged the council to preserve those services and to show sympathy for residents facing challenges, including potential homelessness from budget cuts. - Councilor Spien read a statement on behalf of Stephanie Andrews, a German teacher at Beverly High School, who urged passage of the school committee's budget. She detailed cuts to German language programs, unsafe class sizes in lab classes, and inadequate special education staffing, noting that next year will be the last year German is offered in Beverly Public Schools. - Lorenda Visnake (39 Middlebury Lane), school committee chair, spoke as a resident. She thanked the council for their work and encouraged public engagement via BEVCAM, the city website, and newsletters. She noted the difficulty of pushing information out without dedicated marketing staff. Discussion Items - Process Explanation: Council President Flowers and Finance and Property Chair Feldman explained the budget process to the public. The budget was proposed by the mayor on June 1, then reviewed in subcommittee meetings with department heads over several weeks. The full budget book is available online. The council cannot increase line items but can propose cuts. The final vote will occur on June 23, 2026. Feldman also noted that a financial forecasting subcommittee meets in November/December to produce a five-year forecast, which is publicly available. Key Outcomes - Referral of Budget: The Finance and Property subcommittee voted 3-0 to refer the proposed FY27 budget back to the full council for the public hearing. The full council then opened the public hearing. - Public Hearing Closed: After hearing from all speakers, the public hearing was closed. No votes on the budget were taken during this meeting. - Next Steps: The council will reconvene on June 23, 2026, for a public meeting to discuss and vote on the budget. Councilors may propose amendments (cuts) to the budget. The final vote will be on the budget as a whole. - Executive Session: The council voted 9-0 to enter executive session pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21A3 to discuss collective bargaining strategy with the Beverly Police Superior Officers Association, Beverly Police Benevolent Association, and Beverly Firefighters Dispatch Division, and litigation strategy in City of Beverly v. Beverly Police Superior Officers Association (Essex Superior Court Docket 2677CV00452). The open meeting was adjourned, and the council did not return to open session.

On June 17, 2026, the Beverly City Council convened to review three major budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2027: the civilian dispatch center, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School, and the Beverly Public Schools. The meeting featured detailed presentations from department heads, extensive council questioning, and a warning from the budget analyst about the unsustainability of current vocational education spending under Proposition 2½. Dispatch Center - Presentation by Brian Ailes (Finance Director) and Stephanie Brown (Dispatch Supervisor): The FY27 dispatch budget reflects the first full year of civilian operations. Ailes highlighted that the FY26 budget was based on assumptions that led to excessive overtime. The FY27 budget adds one full-time equivalent (FTE) to reduce overtime, and increases the equipment line by 253% ($46,000) to cover warranties, computer replacements, and the upgraded Rapid SOS software (including 1680–80 language translation and enhanced 911 location data). - Staffing & Overtime: The center currently operates with 10 full-time dispatchers, a supervisor, and three part-time intermittent employees, running three per day shift, three per evening, and two overnight. The original 2–3–2 staffing model proved insufficient, leading to excessive overtime. The budget requests one additional FTE and two more intermittents to fill gaps. - Council Questions: Councilor Rotondo questioned the $10,000 mutual aid line item (a stipend for being the Essex County fire control point) and whether the city receives reimbursement from other communities; Chief O'Connor confirmed no reimbursement but noted the value of the role. Councilor St. Hilaire referenced a

The Committee of Finance and Property, along with the Committee of the Whole, convened on June 16, 2026, to hear presentations from the Veterans Services, Council on Aging, and Board of Health departments regarding their FY27 budgets. The meeting focused on service levels, staffing, and financial adjustments necessary to maintain critical services amid citywide budget constraints. Veterans Services Presentation - Veterans Services Director David Perrinchief and Assistant VSO Ken McKay presented a detailed defense of retaining the assistant's full-time position. Perrinchief highlighted that the department reduced its Chapter 115 budget from $630,000 in FY16 to $410,000, saving the city $230,000. Over ten years, $4.55 million was allocated, $1.08 million returned to the city, and $3.43 million reimbursed by the state (75% rate). The VA brings in $938,554 per month to Beverly residents, and McKay's work has generated $813,600 in new VA claims. The department handled 9,018 phone calls, 15,000 minutes of in-person communication, and manages 1,026 claims (748 active recurring). 36 elderly Chapter 115 clients receive intensive support. Perrinchief noted 51 burials over ten years and the emotional toll of the work. He emphasized that without McKay, the department could not maintain its current service level. - Bryant Ailes (City Finance) explained that the proposed budget originally cut the assistant VSO to 15 hours/week (39,000), but through reallocation from overtime, office supplies, Memorial Day expenditures, and veterans benefit line items, the full-time allotment (roughly $30,000 more) was restored. The bottom line remains unchanged, with an intra-departmental transfer to be executed July 1. Ailes stated the administration is committed to keeping the position full-time. - Councilors expressed strong support for the department. Councilor Houseman noted the difficulty of budget reductions and the need to educate the public about structural deficits. Councilor Feldman asked about data sharing; Perrinchief agreed to provide anonymized demographic data. Councilor Rondo questioned Memorial Day cuts; Perrinchief confirmed a shift away from Warrior Weekend to focus on core services, but noted pending grant applications through Catherine Barrett to potentially fund the event. Council on Aging Presentation - Director Chris Gomez reported absorbing a $90,000 reduction, including elimination of a part-time custodian. The department is also taking over transportation previously handled by CADA, saving the city over $100,000 annually. Current staffing: 14 (will become 13 July 1). Daily attendance rose from 99 (FY23) to 139 (FY26). Social work team: 376 in-office consultations, 790 phone consultations, 1,483 interactions. Transportation: 862 rides/month (up from 50/month in FY23). Programs: 320 seniors in farm stand, 60 grocery bags biweekly, 60 holiday gift bags, 20 seniors secured housing (including 5 homeless, 1 escaping abuse). Gomez noted the department uses a Formula Grant (state, based on senior population) to fund certain items previously in the general fund. Ailes explained that surplus in the formula grant allowed shifting costs (electric, heating, vehicle maintenance) without service cuts, except the lost custodian. The new shuttle will run Mondays and Thursdays 9am-1pm, first-come-first-served, with bi-weekly supermarket trips. Councilors asked about data collection and route planning; Gomez said surveys are underway and the service will be announced in the August newsletter. Councilor Houseman emphasized the need for detailed data to evaluate the program. Board of Health Presentation - Director Laura Regie outlined the health department's mission: inspections (food, pools, camps, rooming houses, tobacco), disease surveillance, and complaint response (trash, rodents, housing). The department has 8.66 FTE. The dental clinic, serving vulnerable children since 1918, had its dental hygienist line item zeroed out. An alternative funding source (finite reserve) can sustain staffing for 4-5 years, but no permanent funding exists. The clinic currently has two part-time staff (combined less than 1 FTE). Regie noted the clinic is unique in Massachusetts. She stressed the importance of maintaining three sanitarians to meet mandated inspections and avoid liability. Comparison: Salem has 5 FTEs, Lynn 5.5. The biosafety consultant line was cut in half but Regie expects no service impact due to fewer biolabs. Councilors expressed strong support and asked about promotion of the dental clinic and potential partnerships (e.g., with Essex Tech). Regie said she is working on promotional strategies. Key Outcomes - Veterans Services: The assistant VSO position will be retained full-time through reallocation of existing funds; no change to the bottom line. The department will continue to pursue grants for Warrior Weekend. - Council on Aging: The department will absorb CADA transportation starting July 1 with a revised shuttle system. Budget cuts reduced staff by one part-time custodian, and formula grant funds will cover some operational costs. Service levels are expected to be maintained, with data collection ongoing. - Board of Health: The dental clinic is temporarily funded from reserves for 4-5 years; no permanent funding solution identified. All other environmental health staffing remains intact. No votes were taken at this informational meeting; the council will consider the full budget later.