Peabody City Council Regular Meeting - January 22, 2026

The Peabody City Council met on Thursday, January 22, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM in the Frank E. Elvigan Auditorium and via Zoom. The meeting covered a license revocation hearing, two special permit applications, an entertainment license, continuances, and numerous motions. Votes were conducted by roll call; Councilor Corvo was absent for the final votes (9-0) after dropping offline. No members of the public spoke during any hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during any hearing or general comment period.

Show Cause Hearing – Revocation of Class II Motor Vehicle License (PK Motors)

• Background: The hearing was called to determine whether to revoke the Class II motor vehicle license held by Christine Fisher, d/b/a PK Motors, 195 Washington Street, following her conviction for money laundering conspiracy. The city solicitor, Elizabeth Lashway, presided.
• Continuance Request: A letter from Fisher’s attorney (Stephen Naiman) requested postponement until all appeal rights were exhausted. Councilor Gamash moved to deny the continuance; the motion carried 10-0.
• Testimony: Captain David Bonfonti stated the investigation began in 2016, led to a 2022 indictment for money laundering conspiracy, and involved drug dealing and funneled drug money through PK Motors to purchase properties. He called the operation “unacceptable” and a felony.
• Outcome: The council voted 10-0 to revoke the license.

Special Permit – Simply Lawn Care Services, LLC

• Application: Simply Lawn Care Services (owner Brandon Muse) sought a special permit for office and shop space, and storage of equipment/materials at 147 Summit Street, Suite 13B, in the IP zoning district. The business had been operating for three years without a permit; this was a compliance application.
• Discussion: Councilor Welton presented conditions from the Health Department (nuisance prevention plan for odors/pests) and Conservation Commission (outdoor items must be protected). Hours of operation were clarified: office Mon-Fri 8 AM–4 PM, shop/yard Mon-Fri 7 AM–7 PM, Saturday 9 AM–6 PM, no Sunday work.
• Outcome: The council closed the hearing (10-0) and then approved the special permit with the noted conditions (10-0).

Entertainment License – Full Circle Diner (Sisters Inc., d/b/a Full Circle Diner, 136 Newbury Street)

• Application: Request for non-live entertainment (TV, internet radio) and live entertainment (three-piece band, up to four instruments, three performers, two amps) for listening and dancing.
• Discussion: Councilor Gamash noted a correction to the occupancy permit number (75) and that the applicant agreed to a maximum of two nights per month (Friday or Saturday), with live entertainment ending at 12:30 AM. The diner would remain open 7 AM–3 PM for dining, with entertainment from 9 PM–12:30 AM.
• Outcome: The hearing was closed (9-0) and the license approved with conditions: non-live entertainment Mon-Sat 6 AM–12:30 AM, live entertainment max two nights per month (Fri or Sat), all entertainment ends by 12:30 AM, and the band specifications (9-0 vote). Councilor Corvo was absent.

Other Hearings – Continuances

• 4C (153 Lowell Street): Continued to February 22, 2026, at the petitioner’s request due to incomplete paperwork (9-0).
• 4E: Continued to February 22, 2026, because required information from Community Development was not yet submitted (9-0).

Motions, Orders, and Resolutions

• Mayoral Appointments: Councilor Gamash read a list of appointments (reappointments) under suspension of the rules. Councilor Manning Martin objected, citing council rules that mayoral communications should be received and referred to the next meeting, and noting that many terms had already expired (Dec 31, 2025). Councilor Gamash withdrew the motion, and the council voted 9-0 to receive the appointments and refer them to the next meeting.
• Class II License Transfer (9B): Set for a future public hearing (9-0).
• Sidewalk Shoveling and Snowstorm: Councilor Gamash reminded residents to shovel sidewalks near schools and bus stops, noting the city ordinance only covers the downtown business area. He also mentioned city worker hour limitations during prolonged storms.
• Social Services Division Update: Councilor Turko moved to schedule a status update from the Social Services Division (including the new resource center at Higgins Middle School) for the first meeting in March; motion carried 9-0.
• Business Permits Reminder: Councilor Welton reminded new business owners that signing a lease does not equate to obtaining a business permit; a separate special permit process is required.
• Late Communications:
  • Councilor Rosignal moved to receive Late 1 (fee dispute for Sir Charles Limousine) and made several subsequent motions:
    • Request the Building Commissioner to explain why a $300+ fine for Sir Charles Limousine was dismissed (9-0).
    • Request reasons why the business operated without a license and without paying fines (9-0).
    • Request the City Clerk not renew Sir Charles Limousine’s license for 2026 until all back fines are paid, and ask the Building Department to ensure the business is not operating (9-0).
    • Request the Building Commissioner provide a list of all other fees dismissed or cancelled in 2025 (9-0).
    • Request a response from the Building Commissioner by the next meeting (February 12, 2026) (9-0).
  • Councilor Rosignal also moved to send Item 8A (a special permit) back to the Building Commissioner due to insufficient parking per ordinance (the applicant did not own the parking property). The motion included a request for expedited review by February 12 to avoid constructive approval (9-0).
  • Received Item 9A (Galinero, 89 Main Street) and set a public hearing (9-0).
  • Moved to hold Greg’s Mediterranean Restaurant’s entertainment license pending response on Item 8A (9-0).
• City-Owned Land Application Process: Motion to have the city solicitor review the city’s application process for city-owned land and advise on compliance with state Chapter 30B (9-0).
• Amend Parking Ordinance: Councilor Peach moved to prohibit parking on both sides of Sabino Farm Road from No. 27 to the dead end (9-0).
• Replace Dead End Sign: Motion to have DPS replace the dead end sign on Sabino Farm Road (9-0).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned with a 9-0 vote.

Key Outcomes

• License Revoked: Christine Fisher’s Class II motor vehicle license (PK Motors) revoked 10-0.
• Special Permit Approved: Simply Lawn Care Services LLC approved with conditions (10-0).
• Entertainment License Approved: Full Circle Diner entertainment license approved with conditions (9-0).
• Continuances Granted: Two hearings continued to Feb 22, 2026.
• Mayoral Appointments: Referred to next meeting (9-0).
• Building Commissioner Inquiries: Multiple motions passed requesting explanations and actions regarding dismissed fines and unlicensed operations (all 9-0).
• Ordinance Amendment: New parking restriction on Sabino Farm Road approved (9-0).
• Sign Replacement: Dead end sign on Sabino Farm Road to be replaced (9-0).