Public Meetings - Peabody, Massachusetts

The meeting began with a Committee of the Whole session to receive a presentation from the South Essex Surge District (SESD) regarding severe financial challenges and a request for legislative relief from Proposition 2½. The regular City Council meeting followed, addressing a billboard zoning amendment, a special permit for a used car dealer, and several other business items. Committee of the Whole: South Essex Surge District (SESD) Presentation - SESD board chairman Mike Parsons presented the district’s financial plight: operating costs rising faster than 2.5%, chemical costs up 90% since the pandemic, and residuals disposal costs expected to increase by $1.5–2 million annually starting in FY28. A 20-year capital plan totaling $390 million is needed for aging infrastructure (30-year-old equipment, pipelines over 50 years old). - SESD is asking the state legislature for relief from Proposition 2½ via special legislation. The proposed relief includes: a one-time operating budget ceiling increase from $26 million to $30.5 million, and debt exclusion for the full $390 million capital plan, with projects approved by the board on a rolling basis. - For Peabody, the estimated annual debt service for priority group one (first five years) would be $1.9 million, and for priority group two (years six onward) an additional $3.2 million, totaling $5.1 million per year for 30 years. Councilor Hockman asked Finance Director Mike Gingris about the impact on an average homeowner; Gingris estimated a 300–400% increase in water and sewer bills. - Council members expressed concern about the burden on municipalities already near their own Prop 2½ limits. Councilor Peach noted Peabody already pays significantly more than other member communities. Councilors asked about state/federal grant opportunities; State Representative Tom Walsh confirmed that available state revolving funds are insufficient to make a major dent. The district’s legislative delegation hopes to file the bill by the end of the legislative session, and is asking each community to pass a resolution of support. Peabody was the first community to receive the presentation. No vote was taken; the item was received for information. Public Comments & Testimony - Billboard Zoning Amendment (8H): No members of the public spoke for or against the proposed ordinance. The planning board had previously recommended approval unanimously. - Class 2 Motor Vehicle License Amendment – Boston Prime Motors (4D): Petitioner Roberta Maher requested to increase vehicles for sale from 42 to 77 (71 for sale, plus 6 customer/employee spaces). Councilor Gamash noted the business was already over its previous permit. Councilor Manning Martin expressed opposition, stating the lot felt too crowded. Councilor Hockman proposed 60 vehicles for sale, citing safety concerns with car carrier unloading. Councilor Ladoff suggested 58. After debate, the council settled on 60 vehicles for sale. The amendment was approved 7–2 (Councilors Manning Martin and Corvo opposed). Condition: a revised parking plan must be submitted within 30 days. Discussion Items - The council adopted the billboard zoning amendment (9–0), adding Section 11.6 to the zoning ordinance. It includes annual renewal fees ($15,000 for static, $25,000 for digital), removal requirements for abandoned billboards within 30 days with a $300/day fine, and a prohibition on new billboard special permits. - A resolution was passed requesting the administration provide an organizational chart of all city departments, including the school department, within two weeks, ahead of budget review. - The council approved a motion to require all non-confidential communications mailed to residents to also be posted on the city website and social media channels within five business days of distribution. - Several items were referred to committees: a letter regarding ADU ordinance changes (to ICD and Planning Board), items 7A, 7B, 7E to Finance, and item 8C to ICD. A special event application (5K and Family Fun Walk) was approved. - Councilor Peach moved to have water department staff Sandra Howland and Sharon Cameron appear before the Public Services Committee to explain water notices to the public. - Councilor Manning Martin made motions to: research the vacant billboard at 258 Newberry Street, request from Essex Tech records on the reduction of Peabody’s student allocation from 125 to 75, and request triple net lease agreements from the city. Key Outcomes - Billboard zoning amendment adopted (9–0). - Boston Prime Motors class 2 license amendment approved for 60 vehicles for sale (7–2), with condition to submit revised parking plan within 30 days. - Organizational chart request passed, with a two-week deadline. - Social media posting of mailed communications approved. - SESD presentation received as information; no vote taken. The district will continue seeking legislative relief, and Peabody may consider a support resolution at a future meeting. - Meeting adjourned after unanimous approval of minutes, late communications, and miscellaneous motions.

The Peabody Planning Board convened at 7:00 PM at Wigan Auditorium for a joint public hearing and regular meeting. The public hearing addressed a proposed zoning amendment to re-instate and modify Section 11.6 (Billboards), which had been eliminated in 2017. The board also considered a building permit plan review for a group residence at 303 Law Street, including a waiver request for multiple dwellings on one lot. Both items resulted in votes to recommend adoption and to continue the matter, respectively. Public Hearing – Billboard Zoning Amendment - Kurt Bellavance (Director of Planning and Community Development) presented the amendment, drafted by the city solicitor after the 2017 removal of the billboard section. The amendment re-establishes language to regulate existing billboards (static and digital), sets permit terms, imposes fines of $300 per day for abandonment after 30 days, and prohibits any new billboards in Peabody. - Bellavance noted the city currently leases billboard space at $15,000/year for static and $25,000/year for digital signs, but the zoning ordinance lacked enforcement provisions. - Board member Dr. Otto observed that the advertisement included only section titles, not the full text of the amendment. Bellavance provided photocopies after a short recess. - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. - The board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend that the City Council adopt the zoning change as presented. Consent Calendar – Minutes Approval - March 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously by eligible members (Mr. Gagnan, Mr. French, Mr. Slieber, Mr. Feld, and Mr. Betancourt). Dr. Otto was not eligible to vote. - April 2, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously by eligible members (Mr. Gagnan, Mr. French, Dr. Otto, Mr. Ford, Mr. Saliba, Mr. Feld, and Mr. Betancourt). Discussion Items – 303 Law Street (North Shore Heritage Association Inc.) - Attorney John Kelty represented the applicant, seeking plan review approval for a renovation and new construction of group residences for individuals with disabilities (primarily audio disabilities, but also other impairments). The project involves converting the existing building into a four-bedroom group home and constructing a new second residence at the rear of the lot. - Kelty requested a waiver under Planning Board Rule Section 1D (prohibiting more than one dwelling building on a lot) to allow the second residence. He argued that the project qualifies for protections under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 3 (the Dover Amendment), which exempts group homes from unreasonable zoning regulations, but allows reasonable regulation. - The applicant has removed an existing garage to widen access and improve fire lane access. The project is also pending review by the Conservation Commission regarding stormwater management near wetland areas. - Kelty requested a continuance to the next meeting (May 7, 2026) to allow the engineer (Peter Blazedell) to present technical aspects and to submit a legal memorandum supporting the waiver request. - The board voted unanimously (7-0) to continue the matter to May 7, 2026, and instructed Kelty to provide the legal brief and requested comments from the Department of Public Services. Public Comments & Testimony - During the public hearing on the billboard amendment, no members of the public spoke. - During the regular meeting, an individual on Zoom (wishing to speak on the 303 Law Street item) stated he was “strongly opposed to development” on behalf of residents directly neighboring the property. The chair explained that the item was a public meeting (not a public hearing) and that public comment is discretionary; the individual was invited to attend the next meeting on May 7 to provide written comment and speak at that time if permitted. Key Outcomes - Billboard Zoning Amendment: The board voted 7-0 to recommend the City Council adopt the zoning change. The amendment will re-instate and modify Section 11.6 to regulate existing billboards, impose fines for abandonment, and prohibit new billboards. - 303 Law Street (Group Residence): The board voted 7-0 to continue the application to May 7, 2026, pending submission of a legal memorandum and engineering presentation. The applicant’s waiver request will be considered in conjunction with the full plan review. - Minutes: Both sets of minutes (March 19 and April 2, 2026) were approved unanimously by eligible members.

The Peabody Planning Board met on April 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM at City Hall Lower Level Conference Room, 24 Low Street, Peabody, MA. The meeting included deferral of minutes and a public hearing on an ANR plan for 117 Linfield Street followed by a vote. Approval of Minutes - The board voted unanimously to defer approval of the minutes from the March 万19 2026 meeting due to insufficient eligible voting members. Public Hearing: ANR Plan – 117 Linfield Street (Continuance from March 19, 2026) - Tom Holden and his father Chuck, owners of the property, presented a proposal to relocate a fence line 10 feet into adjacent Lot 2, merging the two lots. The adjustment would resolve a side yard setback variance for the Holden house and make the lot conforming. The existing restaurant building at 117 Linfield Street is to be demolished, and a special permit for the restaurant use will be transferred. - Board members asked about the historic use of the site (including a former dairy and bottling plant) and the existing drive-through slip lane. - The board voted 5-0 to approve the ANR plan (plan sheet F 6869, prepared by East of Land Survey Associates). The chair will sign the mylar copy for recording at the registry, and a motion sheet will be provided to the applicants. Other Matters - No other business was brought before the board. The meeting adjourned unanimusly.

The meeting began with the Finance Committee sitting as the committee of the whole to receive a fiscal year 2027 budget overview from Mayor Ted Bettencourt. After a brief recess, the regular City Council meeting convened, including public hearings on several license applications, committee reports, and routine motions. The meeting took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank L. Wigan Auditorium and remotely via Zoom. Consent Calendar - Taxi-to-Limousine License Transfer: Approved unanimously (10-0) for Sunshine Car Service to convert six taxi licenses to limousine licenses. (Public hearing held; no opposition.) - Innkeeper's License for Daniela's Suites: Approved unanimously (10-0) for 41 Cross Street, Unit 2, a 24-room hotel that already operates with a Board of Health permit. The license is a administrative requirement; no changes to use. - Entertainment License for Daniela's Suites: Approved unanimously (10-0) for non-live entertainment (digital internet jukebox via television) limited to one speaker in the lobby and one in the elevator, with conditions that no further expansion without new special permit. Condition added to address neighbor concerns about noise and future bar use. - Continuances: Several hearings were continued to April 9, 2026, due to absence of petitioners: hearing 4D (entertainment license for Dave's, moved by Councilor Gamash), hearing 4E (entertainment license 31 Linfield, moved by Councilor Latoff), hearing 4F (special permit for additional esthetician services, moved by Councilor Walton due to petitioner not present), and hearing 4H (entertainment license for 121 Newbury St, moved by Councilor Latoff). Public Comments & Testimony - In favor of innkeeper's license: No public comments. Councilor Daigle explained it is a administrative cleanup. - Opposition to entertainment license for Daniela's Suites: Katrina Ryan (68 Prospect St, Unit 9) expressed concern that the application for a digital internet jukebox could lead to a bar with late-night noise. Tim Tao (68 Prospect St, Unit 5, via Zoom) echoed the same concern. Both were satisfied after the council clarified the license is only for background music in the lobby and elevator and that a condition would prevent expansion. - No other public testimony was offered during the hearing portions. Discussion Items - FY27 Budget Overview (Finance Committee – Committee of the Whole): - Mayor Bettencourt presented the city's budget process and challenges. For the first time, department heads were asked to submit a 5% reduction in their operating budgets (due April 1). Budget meetings with departments will begin the second week of April. - The school budget process includes Tuesday meetings in April with Superintendent Dr. Vidala. - State aid numbers are preliminary: the governor's proposal treats Peabody as a minimum aid community ($75 per pupil for Chapter 70, down from $125 per pupil in prior years). The city hopes for improvement when the House and Senate finalize budgets in late May/early June. - Proposition 2½ is approaching. The city has historically had $18 million in excess levy capacity, now down to $8 million. Annual budget increases of $10–11 million have been supported by excess levy capacity, but health insurance increases ($6.2 million this year at 11.1%) are the primary driver. Without an override, future budgets would be limited to $5.5–6 million annual increases under Proposition 2½. - Health insurance: The city reached a tentative agreement with the Peabody Public Employees Coalition to reduce the impact. Coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss was eliminated, which lowered the increase from 19.7% to 11.1%. A buyback program ($5,000 for employees who waive city insurance) exists but has low utilization; unions are working to promote it. - Other cost drivers: salaries (3% COLAs for most unions, each 1% costs $800,000–1 million), overtime (working on reductions), trash pickup (prevailing wage increase of $500,000), retirement ($611,000 increase), Essex Tech assessment ($1.27 million increase), and water/sewer rates (proposed 15–20% increase, or $75–100 annually for average resident, due to drought requiring MWRA purchases). - The Rousseau (Russell) property: The city has an agreement to purchase 138 acres for $25 million, pending environmental testing. This could secure future water supply. - Business liaison: Focused on attracting businesses to the Analogic property (Tishman Spire development) and the Sandstone Group property on Route 1. - Councilors requested additional information for the next budget meeting: a debt service schedule (Councilor Rosignal), an organizational chart showing vacancies (Councilor Corvo), and a follow-up from Essex Tech on their budget. - Councilor Daigle expressed strong support for maintaining full public safety services (police and fire) despite budget pressures. - Councilor Peach's Committee Report: A detailed summary of the Finance Committee discussion, including a motion to receive a late communication (7B) which carried 10-0. - Motions and Resolutions: - Councilor Gamash moved to receive communication 8B and send to Public Services Committee, and to continue the special permit for AL Boston Prime from April 9 to April 23. - Councilor Peach moved to request a response from the city solicitor and building commissioner on the ADU ordinance by the next meeting. - Councilor Higgins moved to receive 7A and refer to Finance. - Several late communications were received and approved under suspension of rules. - Councilor Latoff moved to approve a utility contractor's license for Nelly's Construction (36 Whittier St, Newton, NH); Councilor Hockman recused himself (motion carried 9-0). Key Outcomes - Votes (unanimous): - Taxi-to-limousine license (Sunshine Car Service) – approved 10-0. - Innkeeper's license (Daniela's Suites) – approved 10-0. - Entertainment license (Daniela's Suites) with conditions – approved 10-0. - Receipt of late communications 7B, 8B (refer to committee), 7A (refer to finance), and utility contractor license – all carried. - Continued hearings: Four hearings continued to April 9, 2026. - Future meetings: Another budget committee-of-the-whole meeting is planned for late April or early May, prior to the June budget submission. The Finance Committee will also receive requested documents (debt service schedule, org chart, Essex Tech budget details) at that time. - ADU ordinance: The city solicitor and building commissioner are requested to provide a response by the April 9 meeting.

Date: March 19, 2026 Location: World Congress Room, 24 Law Street, PVD, Massachusetts Note: The applicant for the sole substantive agenda item was absent, leading to a continuance. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 5, 2026): Moved and seconded, unanimous approval without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - A&R Land Court – 117 Linfield Street (Applicant: ETS Linfield Street, LLC): The item involved a lot line adjustment combining two parcels (Lot 2, 3,179 sq ft owned by Thomas and Emily Colden) with the applicant’s property at 117 Linfield Street to create a continuous parcel; the existing building at 117 Linfield Street (52,362 sq ft) would be demolished. The site is zoned R-1B. - Applicant Absence: The presenter did not attend. Board members debated whether to proceed without the applicant. Some noted the matter was not a public hearing and could be addressed, but others expressed concern about setting a precedent and the inability to ask questions. The board decided to wait the customary 10 minutes. After the wait, they moved to continue the item to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous vote to approve the March 5, 2026 minutes. - Land Court Item Continued: Unanimous vote to continue the 117 Linfield Street matter to the next Planning Board meeting (scheduled for April 2, 2026) due to the applicant’s absence. - No other business: Site building permits, appointments, division board actions, correspondence, regional notices, city council items, and other matters were all listed as none. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

The Peabody City Council held three consecutive meetings on March 12, 2026: a Committee of the Whole, a Finance Committee, and a Regular City Council meeting. Key actions included a 3% raise for the mayor, approval of $2.1 million in overtime and salary transfers for police and fire, and passage of several special permits and license transfers. Discussions highlighted ongoing overtime cost concerns and budget pressures. Committee of the Whole – Mayor's Salary Review - Councilors discussed increasing the mayor's salary by 3%, consistent with raises given to union and non-union city personnel. After clarification of the base salary (which had increased from $139,000 to $142,000 in the prior year), the motion passed in committee 8-2. The new annual salary was set at $146,260. Later, the full council adopted the ordinance by the same vote (8-2, with Councilors Manny Martin and Corvo opposed). Finance Committee – Transfer of Funds for Police and Fire - Item 1: Police and Fire Overtime and Salaries – A transfer of $2.1 million from free cash was requested. Discussion focused on escalating overtime: police overtime projected at $2.1 million and fire overtime at $2.3 million (total $4.4 million for the year). Police Chief noted 708 lost patrol shifts due to long-term sick and duty injuries, and that six officers are entering the police academy in May. Fire Chief reported staffing at 73 firefighters after recent retirements. Councilor Gamash voiced frustration with recurring overtime overruns and suggested a freeze. The committee passed the transfer 5-0. Full council later approved 10-0. - Item 2: Software and IT Services – A $55,000 transfer from budgeted reserve to fund IT services for the library. Originally, funds were to come from a capital account, but that capital was used for a data incident in summer 2025. Committee passed 5-0; full council passed 10-0. - Item 3: Cable Fund Transfer (RCN) – Quarterly installment of $13,885.51 from reserved cable fund to cable fund expense. Passed committee and full council unanimously. - Item 4: Cable Fund Transfer (Comcast) – $174,054.63 transfer for Comcast receipts. Passed committee and full council unanimously. Regular City Council Meeting – Public Hearings - 4A: Special Permit – Sunday Hours Extension for St. Bashoy Inc. – Petitioner sought to extend Sunday liquor sales from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 598 Lowell Street. Councilor Gamash noted no resident objections and that business was hurt by construction. Public hearing closed, motion approved 10-0. - 4B: Special Permit – Auto Sales at 1R Newbury St (Boss Motors LLC) – Applicant Jad Saleh sought to operate used auto sales with conditions from prior permit (King Motors). No repairs on site, maximum 10 vehicles, parking plan as per 2012 site plan. Approved 10-0. - 4C: Transfer of Class II Motor Vehicle License – Transfer from King Motors to Boss Motors LLC. All conditions carry over. Approved 10-0. - 4D & 4E: Special Permit and Entertainment License for 120 Main St / Greg's Mediterranean Restaurant – Continued to April 9, 2026, to allow site visit and further review of parking arrangements. Approved 10-0. - 4F: Special Permit Amendment for 5 Stars Corporation – Continued to March 26, 2026, at petitioner's request. Approved 10-0. Reports of Committees - Committee of the Whole Report – Presented by Council President Higgins. The prior meeting on mayor's salary approved a 3% raise. Ordinance vote in full council: 8-2. - Finance Committee Report – Presented by Councilor Peach. All four transfer items were reported out and adopted by the full council. Motions, Orders, and Resolutions - 8A: Annual Report for Amrise at 55 Russell St – Received informationally. - 7A: Chapter 90 Program Funding – Received as information; Councilor Turco noted a $500,000 increase over prior year. - Overtime Freeze Recommendation – Councilor Gamash motioned to recommend Mayor impose a freeze on all overtime through end of FY26 and that all departments cut budgets by 5% for the remainder of the year. Exceptions for emergencies suggested. Passed by voice vote. - Hiring Freeze Recommendation – Councilor Manny Martin motioned to recommend a hiring freeze on all departments except police and fire. Passed by voice vote. - Parking Amendments on Tremont Place – Councilor Peach moved to amend parking restrictions to improve emergency vehicle access: no parking on the westerly side and 50 feet from Tremont Street on the easterly side. Adopted unanimously. Also requested DPS move the sign immediately due to safety concerns. - Other Items – Received notice of home rule petition submitted to state delegation; approved outdoor dining license for The Bell Inn; approved entertainment license renewals for Macros Pizzeria and VFW; resolved unfinished business on Tri-City license renewal; and various recognitions. Key Outcomes - Mayor's salary set at $146,260 per year (3% increase, passed 8-2). - $2.1 million transferred from free cash for police and fire salaries and overtime (approved 10-0). - $55,000 transferred from budgeted reserve for library IT services. - Cable fund transfers totaling $187,940.04 approved. - Special permits and license transfers for 598 Lowell St (extended Sunday hours), 1R Newbury St (auto sales and license transfer) all approved 10-0. - Two items continued: 120 Main St restaurant/entertainment to April 9; 5 Stars Corp auto repair amendment to March 26. - Non-binding recommendations to mayor: overtime freeze and 5% budget cuts; hiring freeze except public safety. - Parking restriction on Tremont Place adopted. - Next finance committee meeting scheduled for March 23, 2026, for budget updates.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated. The source material is empty, and no discussion items, votes, or public comments are available.

The City Council held a Committee of the Whole, a Finance Committee meeting, and a Regular Meeting on February 26, 2026. The Committee of the Whole began with an executive session to discuss pending litigation (Doe v. Tolls, Clickstein v. City of Peabody, and Bernard Correspondence) and then received an update on the North Shore Children's Museum. The Finance Committee approved two fund transfers. The Regular Meeting included public hearings on two special permit applications, approval of appointments, and several motions. Consent Calendar - Transfer of $41,195 from the police detail admin fee account (100-000-43629) to the capital police vehicles account (3000-58322026-000-002100) – approved by Finance Committee 5-0 and by full council 9-0. - Transfer of $17,200 from the CPC Historic Preservation fund (270-00000-33022) to the CPC plaque and stone restoration account (2701811-58563-2026-000505) – approved by Finance Committee 5-0 and by full council 9-0. - Entertainment license renewal for 535 Lowell Street (In the Game) – approved. - Limousine license new application for Sunshine Cast Service LLC at 153 Newbury Street – public hearing scheduled. - Letter from Park Place Cooperative regarding fence at 274 Newbury Street – continued to April 1, 2026. - Special permit application for 106 Lynn Street – public hearing scheduled. - Entertainment licenses for Daniela's Suites and Bourbon Street – public hearings scheduled. - Inholders license for Alto Suites LLC – public hearing scheduled. - Special event application for Frost Lounge (March 7, 2026) – approved. - Appointments to various boards and commissions (Cemetery, Disability, Community Preservation, Facilities, Historical, Recreation, Planning, Rent Control, Zoning Board of Appeals) – approved 9-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person or via Zoom for any of the public hearings. Discussion Items North Shore Children's Museum Update (Committee of the Whole) - Mayor and Executive Director Jen Cowell presented a detailed update on the museum's operations, finances, and community impact. Key points included: - The museum opened in October 2022 and has served over 33,000 visitors in its first full year (2023), with a slight decline in 2024-2025 aligning with national trends. - Over 875 distinct zip codes have visited; Peabody residents account for 11% of known visitors, but up to 57-89% of total visitors are from outside Peabody (due to 32,000 untracked transactions). - The museum offers reduced admission (WIC/EBT at $3, library passes at 50% off) and free days, saving families nearly $100,000. - Staffing: two full-time and seven part-time; a marketing associate will be hired. The museum reduced full-time staff from three to two to save costs. - The Friends of the North Shore Children's Museum (501c3) now handles fundraising and grants. The museum received $30,000 in grants out of $271,000 applied for in 2024-2025. - Exhibits have been upgraded with custom elements. New additions planned for 2026 include a car racetrack, sound machine, and fiber optic light cloud. - Challenges include weather dependency, staffing turnover, and need for more marketing. The museum aims to reduce reliance on city funding over time. - Councilors expressed support and asked questions about break-even point, mobile van use, Peabody resident attendance, and field trip funding. The mayor indicated a budget update will come in May/June. Special Permit Hearing – 180 Newbury Street (Automotive Repair Shop) - Applicant John Kelty (attorney) represented DCL Fleet Services, a hydraulic repair company that performs most work off-site. The property previously had an illegal upstairs apartment, which has been removed. The request was for office hours only (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday–Saturday) with no on-site repairs. Five vehicles would be stored on site. Councilor Gamash supported, noting the need for such services. No opposition. The public hearing was closed, and the special permit was approved 10-0. Special Permit Hearing – 0 Hardy Street (Contractor Bays) - Applicant John Kelty represented Hardy and Monroe LLC, seeking to build six contractor bays (reduced from seven) for storage of commercial vehicles and light office/shop use. No outdoor storage. The site is in a floodplain and adjacent to a car wash. Councilor Peach, the ward councilor, presented conditions after extensive work with the applicant and neighbors. Conditions included: no commercial vehicles on Monroe Street, no parking outside, no auto repair or detailing, vehicles backed in at night, hours 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., ADA sidewalk, and snow storage compliance. Councilor Turko and Hockman opposed, citing concerns about neighborhood impact, safety in flood zone, and enforcement. Councilor Gamash supported, noting the alternative of a ghost kitchen (allowed by right) could be worse. The motion to approve with conditions failed on a roll call vote (Daigle yes, Gamash yes, Hockman no, Turko no, Welton yes, Rosignal yes, Ladoff yes, Corvo no, Peach yes, Higgins yes). The transcript states "Motion fails" despite 7 yes votes, possibly due to a supermajority requirement or a recording error. The permit was denied. Snow Operations Briefing - Councilor Peach moved to have the DPS director and snow management staff appear before the Public Services Committee to brief the council on snow removal operations and challenges. The motion was approved. Key Outcomes - Committee of the Whole: Executive session held; Children's Museum update received; no vote taken. - Finance Committee: Two transfers approved (5-0) and subsequently ratified by full council (9-0). - Special Permit – 180 Newbury Street: Approved 10-0 with conditions (office hours 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Mon–Sat, no on-site repairs). - Special Permit – 0 Hardy Street: Motion to approve with conditions failed (7-3, but declared failed; see note). The permit was denied. - Ordinance Amendment (Billboards): A motion to reconsider a previous vote on an ordinance amendment (7A) passed 9-0, and the item was sent to the Planning Board for a public hearing. - Snow Management: Motion to invite DPS director to Public Services Committee – approved. - Temporary Fence: Motion to request the mayor install a temporary fence at Chestnut and Lowell Street for snow mitigation – approved. - Appointments: All 14 appointments to various boards and commissions approved 9-0.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Peabody City Council convened for a regular meeting that included subcommittee reports (Municipal Safety Committee and Legal Affairs Committee) followed by the full council session. The meeting covered the creation of a new Complete Streets Advisory Committee, adoption of a state law allowing beer/wine license conversions to full liquor licenses, multiple special permit hearings (sign, fast food restaurant, retail, distillery, entertainment, and vehicle dealer license transfer), reinstatement of a billboard ordinance, and several other motions and appointments. All votes were unanimous (10-0) unless noted. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Distillery Special Permit (58 Pulaski St.): Ted Neary (54 Linden Road) spoke in favor, praising applicant Patrick Lucky’s character and the business’s fit for the city. No other public testimony was offered on any hearing. - No public comments were made on the Complete Streets committee proposal, liquor license conversion, or other agenda items. Discussion Items - Complete Streets Transportation and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee (Municipal Safety Committee): Councillor Ladoff proposed a resident-led advisory committee (one resident per ward, plus city council representative, police, public services, historical commission, disability commission) to review traffic and pedestrian safety data, develop prioritized recommendations, and strengthen grant readiness. The committee would not enforce laws, affect budgets, or handle parking enforcement. The mayor expressed support and had already identified representatives from police, disability commission, and historical commission. Two additions were approved: a school committee representative (motion by Councillor Rosignal) and a fire department representative (motion by Councillor Hockman through Ladoff). Councillor Turko cautioned against adding too many members but the motions passed. - Legal Affairs Committee – Section 12D Alcoholic Beverages Conversion: Attorney Lashway explained that Section 12D, enacted in the FY2026 state budget, allows on-premise wine/malt licensees to convert to all-alcohol licenses without changing the city’s quota. Converted licenses cannot be transferred unless first reverted to wine/malt. Renewal fees increase by about $600 per license (from $1,650 to $2,250). The committee recommended adoption, and the council voted 10-0 to adopt the ordinance. - Special Permit Hearings (all approved 10-0): 1. 222 Newbury St. – Electronic Reader Board Sign (All About Signs LLC): A 10-second, auto-dimming digital sign for a business near Route 1. No residential abutters. Approved with standard conditions. 2. 229 Andover St. – Fast Food Restaurant (HDR Holdings LLC / Wonder Restaurant): A 14-seat, 3,500 sq. ft. fast-casual concept offering multiple chef-branded menus. Hours extended to midnight per applicant request. Conditions: grease trap, health department plan review, hours 10 a.m.–midnight daily. 3. 101 Lynn St. – Flooring/Tile Retail (Andre Ruest): Showroom and office; no deliveries. Conditions: no loading/unloading on Lynn St., trash removed daily, no exterior lighting, interior lights off by 7 p.m., customer hours 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon–Sat, office access until 8 p.m. 4. 58 Pulaski St. – Distillery (Patrick Lucky): Production of vodka, gin, and other spirits with a tasting room. Conditions: meeting with DPS/plumbing, pest/waste/odor plans, cleanable surfaces, commercial dishwasher, food vendors must be permitted, hours 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily. Applicant had already secured federal TTB permit and was close to ABCC license. 5. 89 Main St. – Entertainment License for Gallo Nero Restaurante (Gallo Nero Inc.): Non-live (TV, radio) and live entertainment (DJ or two-piece band, no amps). Hours as per restaurant operating hours. Approved 10-0. 6. 288 Newbury St. – Class 2 Motor Vehicle License Transfer (Car Zone Auto Group): Transfer from Nick Marcos. Lot split with Danvers; maximum 12 vehicles on Peabody side, 12 on Danvers side. Condition: no offloading on breakdown lanes. Approved 10-0. Key Outcomes - Complete Streets Committee: The council voted to create the advisory committee and directed the mayor to appoint representatives from the school committee and fire department. The final structure will include one resident from each ward, one city council member, police, public services, historical commission, disability commission, school committee, and fire department. Committee will meet monthly and submit written reports to the mayor and council. - Section 12D Adoption: The council voted 10-0 to adopt Massachusetts General Law Chapter 138, Section 12D, allowing beer/wine licensees to convert to full liquor licenses. The licensing board will establish regulations. The city may gain additional annual revenue of approximately $600 per converted license. - Billboard Ordinance Reinstatement: The council voted 10-0 to re-adopt Section 11.6 of the city ordinance, establishing annual renewal fees of $15,000 for static billboards and $25,000 for digital billboards, prohibiting new billboard permits, and setting a $300/day fine for non-removal of abandoned billboards. - Mayoral Appointments: The council confirmed Thomas Hosman to the Council on Aging (term expiring 12/31/2027) and forwarded the remaining appointments to the next meeting. - Other Referrals: A drainage/sewage issue on Linden Road was referred to the Public Services Committee. A communication on PILOT agreements was referred to the Finance Committee. A walking path easement request from Linfield was sent to Community Development. The council also requested that the mayor work with the Building Department to establish record keeping on annual fees waived. - All special permit applications and motions passed unanimously (10-0) where votes were recorded.