The board approved minutes from April 15, May 13, and May 21. Holiday hours were set for Abbot Hall and the Mary Alley Building: for Juneteenth (observed June 19), the buildings will be open Thursday June 18 from 8 AM to 12:30 PM and closed all day Friday; for July 4th, open July 2 from 8 AM to 12:30 PM and closed July 3, with Abbot Hall remaining open for Festival of Arts activity.

The board approved a motion to prepare a proclamation honoring the 60th Marblehead Festival of Arts (July 1). Two HP printers were declared surplus. The board also approved a letter of appreciation for John Kelly, who served on the town’s assessment board for approximately 40 years.

A notice was shared that a water and sewer rate hearing will be held June 30 at 100 Tower Way at 7:00 PM.

The meeting opened with a unanimous vote appointing Moses Grader as vice chair of the Select Board. The town administrator noted the board is the 378th convening of the Select Board in Marblehead’s history and shared that 381 individuals have held the office since 1648. Grader was assigned number 375, noted as the third Moses and second Grader to serve. New member Rosanna Ferrante was designated number 381, the most junior member in Marblehead’s recorded history.

The meeting closed with extended tributes to departing Select Board member Alexa Singer, elected in 2021.

Fellow board member Erin highlighted Singer’s role in establishing Marblehead’s first sustainability coordinator position, the board’s adoption of hybrid meeting technology, formalized financial policies, and the creation of Select Board email addresses for resident access.

In her farewell remarks, Singer reflected on accomplishments including HR centralization, comprehensive roads and sidewalk planning, modernized financial procedures, and the three-year override plan. She thanked town employees, department heads, and former town administrators Jason Silver and John McGinn, as well as current Town Administrator Thatcher, and singled out staff member Kyle as institutional backbone. She urged future board members to listen first, take independent votes, and show respect to all constituents.

Other board members also offered personal tributes. The board then adjourned by unanimous vote.

Grant Letters of Support: The board authorized the chair to sign letters for three applications: (1) underutilized properties program for the Historic Commission attic project, (2) MassWorks infrastructure program for the Five Corners intersection, and (3) MBTA Community Scenic Fund for the rail trail.

Consent Agenda (all approved):

• Annual Harbor Freight parade, July 4th (rain date July 5th), starting and ending at National Bank
• Bell ringing throughout town on July 4th at 7:30–8:00 AM, 12:00–12:30 PM, and 6:00–6:30 PM
• Temporary parking restrictions for Harbor Freight, July 4th
• Fireworks display, July 4th (rain date July 5th)
• Festival of Arts Street Festival, July 3rd, 2026

Denied: Request from Martin Lancun / Art of Museums LLC to use the Spirit of ‘76 image on archival prints was denied because the company is for-profit. The board noted a need to develop a formal policy distinguishing nonprofit from for-profit requests.

At the request of parish council representative Jason Gillan, the board voted to prepare and issue a Select Board citation honoring Monsignor Timothy J. Moran on his golden anniversary of priestly ordination. The citation will be presented at a celebration on June 14th. A board member was informally nominated to read the proclamation at the event.

Board member Dan presented a multi-slide discussion on operational efficiencies and revenue opportunities, organized into three areas:

Procurement / Purchase Services Suggested evaluating which purchased services (e.g., legal services, software, print contracts) should be put out to bid. Cited a school department print contract rebid that saved $20,000. A proposed motion to direct the Town Administrator and Procurement Director Allison Jenkins to evaluate purchase services was tabled in favor of inviting Allison Jenkins to a future meeting for a fuller discussion.

Working Groups / Employee Input Proposed working groups including board members, department heads, employees, and citizens to surface operational inefficiencies. Examples raised included duplicated groundskeeping across departments (cemetery, highway, Board of Health, Rec & Parks) and opportunities to share facilities with the school department.

Revenue Opportunities

• Monetizing Round Top Road long-term commercial parking (currently free)
• Tying beach fees to actual cost of services
• Promoting paid use of town properties such as Abbott Hall
• Betterment fees for private (non-accepted) roads

The Town Administrator cautioned the board to distinguish between its policy-making role and day-to-day operations, noting significant centralization already underway in HR, procurement, finance, and technology. The board agreed to invite the Procurement Director to a future meeting before taking formal action.

The Town Administrator reported five updates:

1. MBTA Catalyst Grant: The town is applying for an $867,000 grant (no match required) for rail trail improvements, now accessible because Marblehead is on the path to MBTA zoning compliance.
2. Community One Stop / MassWorks Grant: A $70,000 application (10% local match) to advance the Five Corners intersection from 50% to final design, with an eye toward expanded pedestrian and outdoor dining space.
3. Senior Tax Relief Program: A session at the Council on Aging drew 67 attendees and covered the state senior circuit breaker and Marblehead’s new means-tested senior exemption program.
4. Picket House Exterior: Final exterior painting is underway; work funded through the building’s own trust fund, with Building Commissioner Steve Cummins leading the effort.
5. Beauport Ambulance CPR Classes: Free community CPR classes scheduled for June 4th at 4:00 PM at Abbott Hall (up to 18 people); Beauport will also train the entire Rec and Park staff at no cost to the town.

The chair announced that a CALM (Community Assessment of Local Mental Health) initiative report meeting is scheduled for the following day at 3:00 p.m. A survey of 2,553 Marblehead residents was completed; focus groups and demographic analysis from state health data were also conducted. A public presentation is expected in mid-June, with five or six community wellness priorities to be identified.

The board voted unanimously to authorize the director to enter a contract with Flat Rock Creative (Peter Shellac, designer) to rebuild the dormant Marblehead Cares website, not to exceed $3,000, funded by existing mental health grant dollars rather than town operating funds.

The board read through vendor payments for the transfer station revolving fund, including:

| Vendor | Purpose | Amount | |—|—|—| | DeLullis Brothers | Transfer station operations | $142,322.28 | | Republic Services | Trash collection | $112,220.77 | | Waste Management | Trash disposal | $45,618.81 | | Haley Ward Inc. | Engineering | $47.50 | | NE Security LLC | Intercom annual service | $13,644.00 | | Marblehead Counseling Center | Psychological counseling | $6,788.12 | | EuTech | Mattress recycling | $6,270.00 | | Madugo LLC | Tire container/shipping container | $5,779.00 | | Partery Gardening | Landfill/wetland maintenance | $3,524.00 | | Pacific Company | Curbside bin repair parts | $7,900.00 | | Health training (AEDs) | AED equipment | $2,950.00 | | Boston Green Fuel Co. | Waste oil recycling | $801.76 | | Bob’s Tire Company | Tire disposal | $619.50 | | A1 Exterminators | Rat control | $875.00 | | RMG Enterprises | TV/monitor recycling | $628.94 | | Dynamic Waste Systems | Shrink wrap disposal | $551.00 | And several smaller items for uniforms, printing, phone, and legal fees.

Board chair introduced Gretchen, coordinator of the Marblehead Transfer Station Swap Shop, who described the shop’s operations and growth. The facility sees 1,300–1,400 cars on Saturdays and has grown its reuse tonnage year over year. Volunteers, many in their 70s and 80s, must unload and reload two shipping containers every operating Saturday, which the director acknowledged is physically demanding.

The director confirmed a promise of a permanent swap shed remains in the plan. Preliminary drawings for a roughly 40×30-foot structure with garage-style roll-out display units exist. Cost estimates for a prefabricated kit structure were noted at approximately $40,000 before labor or electrical work. Options discussed included partnering with Essex Aggie students for construction labor and establishing a Friends of the Swap Shed nonprofit (501(c)(3)) to accept donations. Solar readiness and electrical conduit are already in the ground at the site.

Funding constraints were noted: the town committed at a recent town meeting not to seek additional capital requests for three years, so commercial revenues from the transfer station’s revolving fund are the likely near-term source. A two-year construction timeline was described as the goal.

The superintendent reported that the anti-discrimination committee, which last met March 16, is finalizing a discrimination reporting form for students and staff, drawing on examples from other districts and the district’s existing harassment policy. The form is expected to be completed at the June 4 meeting. For Jewish American Heritage Month, student-led activities include morning announcements by Jewish students, documentary screenings in US History and AP History classes, display of famous Jewish Americans, and contributions to the upcoming Culture Feast. The committee noted an inconsistency in reporting only on Jewish Heritage Month and agreed to address consistent heritage month reporting going forward.

At the request of the PD committee, the school committee voted 4-0 to move a district-wide professional development day from Friday, March 29 to Friday, March 19. Staff noted that a Friday placement allows time for reflection over the weekend without returning to classrooms the next morning, and the later date conflicted with a holiday weekend for some staff.

The committee approved a schedule of bills totaling $1,174,747 and meeting minutes from May 7, 2026, with a correction to the spelling of Jack Attridge’s name on page three of the minutes.

The superintendent reported that DESE made an unannounced visit to Village School to observe MCAS administration protocols and gave highly positive feedback. A $1,000 grant from the Mark Shonwasser Holocaust Educational Foundation was awarded to fund a Holocaust survivor speaker and Anne Frank books for Veterans Middle School. The district received a congratulatory letter from Commissioner Paige Martinez noting Marblehead was one of 55 out of 361 Massachusetts districts to reduce chronic absenteeism by at least five percentage points compared to March 2025 data.

The committee recognized outgoing member Jen Shaffner for multiple terms of service including roles as chair and vice chair. Student representative Will gave his final report, noting NHS induction, Math MCAS week, sports records, and his nine-year tenure in the music program. Village School principal Jonathan Keller joined remotely from Camp Bournedale to provide a live update on the sixth-grade overnight trip, noting approximately 100 students participating in outdoor activities and the evening ‘Sixth Grade Idol’ program.

The committee opened and closed a public hearing on school choice with no public comment. The superintendent explained that Massachusetts districts are deemed school-choice participants unless they affirmatively vote out. His recommendation to decline participation was based on two factors: the state reimbursement of $5,000 per choice student is well below per-pupil expenditure, and districts have no ability to screen applicants for disciplinary history or special needs. The committee voted 4-0 to accept the recommendation.

A board member described plans to meet with the Town Administrator to discuss operational efficiencies, citing three ideas:

1. Bid out services — Using the printing services bid as a model (reportedly saving $20,000 while revealing utilization patterns), the member suggested bidding consolidated legal services, noting most communities do this as standard practice.
2. Cross-departmental working groups — Modeled on private-sector continuous improvement practices, small groups would include elected/appointed officials from the Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee alongside frontline employees who have direct knowledge of processes.
3. Issue-tracking sheet — A shared document maintained by the Town Administrator and staff to prevent items from ‘slipping through the cracks,’ citing the Bouvier Road situation as an example.

The same member also recognized town employees for their work preparing the recent Town Meeting venue at the high school, specifically noting an electrician who worked a 17-hour day running 275 feet of conduit to power the large display screen.

A one-day liquor license was approved unanimously for Marblehead International One Design Fleet Inc. for June 15, 2026 at the King Cooper Mansion, with the standard conditions regarding authorized sourcing and storage. The $50 fee was noted.

Fire department donation: A $5,000 check from the Pequot Tribal Foundation, designated for use at the sole discretion of the Marblehead Fire Department, was accepted unanimously.

Spirit of 76 image request: A request submitted through the Marblehead Historical Commission to reproduce the Spirit of 76 painting in several print sizes on archival paper appeared to originate from a Florida-based organization. The board asked for more information on the requester’s identity and whether it is a non-profit before acting, citing a prior experience with a commercial use request (referenced as ‘the hot dog thing’). The item was tabled.

A proclamation was approved honoring Joan Gullboyes on her retirement as Executive Director of MHTV after 15 years of service, with a retirement event at The Landing on May 20.

Temporary outdoor dining applications from Alia Taverna (261 Washington Street) and The Landing (81 Front Street) were approved for the 2026 season under the same conditions and footprints as prior years. One board member abstained on The Landing approval due to a conflict of interest. The vote was 4–0 with one abstention.

Caleb Sidman described organizing the Marblehead Alliance for Growth, Inclusion, and Connection (MAGIC) with fellow Jewish Student Union officers following an incident on the anniversary of October 7 in which a student painted swastikas in two school bathrooms. The group aims to bring anti-discrimination programming to younger grades, particularly Village School. Sidman is also president of the BBYO New England region.

The board voted unanimously to appoint him with a term expiring June 2026, noting a reappointment process occurs at the end of June.

Finance team recognition: Free cash was certified at approximately $6.1 million, close to estimates. The team also completed the Schedule A state financial report and is wrapping up the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) while continuing to deploy modules of the VUNA financial system, including the recently activated revenue module.

New town accountant: Town accountant Chris Holick departed for the Town of Saugus. Nicholas Gilmore, hired from the City of Amesbury where he served as a financial payroll analyst, will start Monday. He is a graduate of the Commonwealth’s Local Finance Fellowship program.

Marblehead Alerts: The town is replacing its Code Red emergency notification platform, which suffered a cyber attack that disrupted the database. The new system is branded ‘Marblehead Alerts’ and runs on the Regroup platform. Residents and businesses are asked to re-register at the town website even if they were previously enrolled in Code Red.

Senior tax assistance session: The assessor’s office is hosting an information session Thursday, May 21 from 1:00–3:00 PM at the Jacoby Community Center covering the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and the newly enacted Means Tested Senior Property Tax Exemption, passed as a special act and recently signed by Governor Healey.

The board voted unanimously to approve a $100 sticker refund to Charlotte Moore.

Staff presented a 10-month analytics report on the Bloom mental health navigation platform. Key figures: 108 active users, 26% member engagement rate, 2,737 total platform visits. Approximately 69% of visitors sought free therapy or mental health services. The platform offers four free mental health visits and healthcare navigation assistance. It is funded through opioid settlement funds and is offered to both town and school employees. Bloom is expanding into healthcare navigation services to assist residents in finding appointments and providers.

Staff announced a second Recovery Coach Academy to be held in collaboration with the towns of Salem and Swampscott, running June and July. The program trains community members as recovery coaches to assist other residents. Participation in all sessions is highly advisable but not required. The program is offered at no cost, funded by opioid settlement funds. The program is coordinated with Officers Michelle Simonds and Gina Rabbitt of the Marblehead Police Department.

The associate chair read a bill list including: A-1 Exterminators ($100), Agri-Source grinding and compost removal ($13,600), Black Earth Compost residential food composting ($2,554.88), Bonsai Logic license plate reader ($3,076.30), Bailey Ward engineering ($8,616.42), Marblehead Counseling Center ($2,904.77), Marblehead Light Department ($1,313.83), Marblehead Water and Sewer ($4,051.99), Mayor Tree grinding and compost removal ($27,500), Stericycle sharps collection ($712.75), Wastequip 40-yard container ($10,900, partially grant-funded), Winter Street Architects ($6,358), and WL French Excavation ($4,153.34), among others.

The board reported that a CHIP grant application requesting $100,000 for a two-year youth mental health coalition planning effort remains under review; the state grant office indicated decisions may come in July. The board also noted plans to revive the Marblehead Cares community resource website, previously hosted by the Marblehead Mental Health Task Force, making it more user-friendly and comprehensive.

A community needs assessment visiting pediatric and obstetric offices found that clinicians uniformly requested the Board of Health run parenting classes, which the board indicated it would pursue using existing grant funds.

The board chair reported that the CALM (Creating a Healthy Marblehead) initiative survey drew approximately 2,500 respondents, with five focus groups completed. UMass Boston partners are preparing a unified report expected in mid-May; a public presentation is planned for the June 16 board meeting.

The chair also proposed exploring formation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to partner with the Board of Health, which would enable access to grants and donations unavailable to municipal agencies. The proposal was tabled pending the board expanding to five members after the June 9 election. With five members, quorum would be three, allowing two members to confer outside of formal meetings.

Kate Wharton and Lynn Nadeau presented Article 40 as an advisory resolution affirming Marblehead’s commitment to the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, separation of powers, and the rule of law in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. A resident, Walter Haug, proposed an amendment naming President Trump as ‘a clear and true danger’ and calling for his removal from office. Multiple speakers opposed the amendment as inappropriate for town meeting. The amendment failed by show of hands; the main motion passed. The meeting dissolved after Article 40.

• Article 31 – Administrative benefit amendment: Non-union employees receive 3 personal days, accelerated vacation accrual, and $750/year longevity increase; total impact $11,650.
• Article 32 – Mooring fee increase: Periodic increase (fourth since 2018) to sustain Harbor Enterprise Fund; 60% of harbor revenue comes from mooring fees; fund is saving toward seawall repairs along harbor from Parker’s to Tucker’s Wharf.
• Article 33 – Crypto ATM ban: Prohibits cryptocurrency kiosks within Marblehead as a public safety/consumer protection measure; Chief Dennis King noted these kiosks are used in fraud schemes with near-irreversible transactions.
• Articles 34, 37, 38, 39 – Indefinitely postponed (dissolve Public Works Committee, limit employment contracts to one year, restore select board one-year terms, repeal planning/community development dept).
• Article 35 – Amend General Bylaws re: Public Works Committee: Updated mission statement adopted.
• Article 36 – DPW bylaw housekeeping: Reflects three mechanics, stormwater engineering, and director title.

• Article 6 – Unpaid accounts: $60,182.27 from FY2025; approved unanimously.
• Article 7 – Revolving fund caps: $4,272,898 total (Park revolving $2M; commercial waste $1,367,598); approved.
• Article 8 – Equipment purchase: Indefinitely postponed due to fiscal constraints.
• Article 9 – Lease purchase: $510,682 ($274,605 from free cash; $236,077 from waste revolving fund); approved.
• Article 10 – Capital improvements for public buildings: Indefinitely postponed.
• Article 11 – Walls and fences: Standard maintenance article; approved.
• Article 12 – Stormwater construction: $200,000 from general fund (resident noted this is below the $300,000 town meeting had previously approved per year); approved.
• Article 13 – Water/sewer consent articles: $2.4M water construction, $2.1M sewer construction from retained earnings; approved.
• Article 14 – MWRA interest-free loan authority: Up to $3.5M; requires two-thirds vote; approved.

Free cash was certified at $6.1 million for FY2026. The town is using $5 million to reduce the tax rate and balance the budget, plus $360,000 in surplus from the light department, for a total of $5,360,000 applied under Article 22.

High School Roof: General contractor Homer Contracting has been awarded and has begun work. The school committee chose the ‘recover’ option; project is currently on budget.

Mary Alley Roof: Bids expected by Thursday of that week; no further detail available.

Transfer Station: New scale house, truck scale relocation, retaining wall, and paving complete.

DPW Roads (2022 capital): $12,475,000 allocated in 2022 for road and sidewalk improvements; future plan calls for $3M annually over three years. Commercial, West, and Mystic Streets cited as completed ‘Total Streets’ examples.

Home Rule Petitions signed into law:

• Means-tested senior property tax exemption (signed May 29, 2026)
• Board of Health expansion from 3 to 5 members (signed Dec 18, 2025)
• Parking fines during snowstorms (signed Nov 12, 2025)

Retirement Board reported annual COLA meeting: June 10, 2026, 4:00 PM, Mary Alley building.

Charter Committee chair Amy Drinker reported draft charter to be submitted to Select Board in June 2026; memorialized committee member Sean Casey.

The moderator reported approximately 1,200 attendees. Ceremonial opening included a pledge of allegiance led by VFW Commander Ronnie Knight, a land acknowledgement by Diane Gora recognizing the Naumkeag band, and remarks by Joe Whipple on behalf of the Select Board’s Task Force Against Discrimination. The moderator reviewed ground rules including two-minute speaker limits and electronic voting procedures.

Two residents presented Article 40, a non-binding resolution affirming the town’s support for the U.S. Constitution as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The article includes a series of whereas clauses and references the pledge of allegiance recited at town meeting. The FinCom chair noted there are no financial implications and the committee did not make a recommendation. The League of Women Voters is distributing 500 copies of the resolution.

The committee re-voted two previously approved articles with minor adjustments. Unpaid balances were revised upward by $36.98 to $60,182.20 to capture a late school bill. The lease article was reduced by approximately $13,000 to $510,682 after adding a school bus lease and removing community vehicles (police fleet lease ended this year). Both votes were unanimous.

The director reported that transfer station construction is complete and the facility is fully operational, with only minor punch-list items (landscaping, striping) remaining. The board discussed scheduling a site tour.

The board reviewed departmental bills including (selected items):

• Republic Services trash collection: $105,107.65
• Waste Management of Massachusetts trash disposal: $98,123.06
• Black Earth Compost (central food composting): $2,554.88
• AgrSource (compost grinding/removal): $24,000
• Marblehead Counseling Center: $5,914.76
• Utech (mattress recycling): $6,360
• Stericycle (sharps collection): $712.75
• Bonsai Logic (license plate reader): $3,780.52

The director also noted plans to purchase two AED defibrillators for the transfer station (one for the scale house, one for the back) at $1,500 each.

Upcoming meetings scheduled: May 12 and May 26 (contingent on need), both at 7:00 PM. The director noted he would speak at town meeting on the trash override article, presenting cost figures only without offering a recommendation.

Roof subcommittee

Roof project at Veterans Middle School starting up in two weeks; Marblehead High School roof done in three small sections during April vacation. Long-lead HVAC and steel-fabrication items being tracked closely; delivery on schedule. CORI approvals underway for site contractors.

CPAC (Community Preservation Advisory Committee)

Meeting was short on agenda items – most resident questions were about the budget and override. CPAC is recruiting new members and a chair; reach out if interested.

Wellness Advisory Committee

Bulk of the year’s work was revising the wellness policy (already approved). New items discussed: distracted driving (Kate flagged), new DESE guidance items, and a draft measles protocol by school nurse Megan in case of an outbreak. The committee will continue meeting on implementation.

Policy Subcommittee

No formal update.

Two committee meeting dates moved:

• June 18 → June 11 – aligns with the post-election cycle so new membership/sub-committee assignments can be sorted quickly after the June ballot.
• April 16 → April 30 – Jen and Melissa both unavailable on the 16th; the 23rd is school vacation week so the 30th is the next workable Thursday.

Also affirmed: executive session minutes from September 12, 2025 and October 10, 2025 remain under non-disclosure following the March 19, 2026 re-review.

Bills consent approved: bill schedules totaling $443,690.77 plus minutes from March 12 and March 27, 2026.

Athletic Director Ken Cant declared surplus on portable basketball nets, field sweepers, and miscellaneous broken equipment totaling roughly $1,100. Standard end-of-year housekeeping. Approved.

Tommo Tackle at 104 Highland St, Salem donated a rod/reel combination ($140), a $25 gift certificate, and a $50 gift certificate – total $215 – for the Borndale outdoor-education trip. Phys-ed director Steve Vulpi worked with the shop. Thank-you noted to Tommo’s. Approved.

Superintendent’s announcements covered the week’s community work:

• Harry Ki, MHS ‘11 alum and co-producer of the Broadway show Suffs, came to work with the MHS women’s ensemble on the show’s final number, performed at Marblehead Little Theater. Thanks to Colleen for the connection.
• May 4 Town Meeting parking – participants getting VIP parking at 5:00 PM (meeting moves to MHS field house).
• Drive to Stay Alive – Essex County DA’s office programming for senior students and parents on substance abuse, social hosting, and prom-season safety. Presenters: Kathy and Chris Sullivan.
• Joint letter drafted by Chief King, DA Paul Tucker, and the Superintendent on the town’s collective commitment to student safety – to be released shortly. All three will sit on a panel at the April 14 Board of Health meeting at Mary Alley, 7:00 PM.
• MECCO advocacy day at the State House the following Monday. Funding for the program may be reduced; a transportation collaboration with Swampscott is being piloted to absorb any cuts.
• COA panel with all Marblehead department heads hosted by the Select Board – first time the format had been tried, well-received with ~30 community members.

Principal shoutouts: MVMS Tech Department (MCAS testing transition); Mary Davies (Village substitute, decade-plus); Eileen DeMoore (Brown music teacher, second-year live arrival concert program).

Licensing and consent: Eastern Yacht Club pool license renewed (42-44 Foster St); Dolphin Yacht Club local Sunday entertainment license renewed; consent agenda approved (Abbot Hall reservations for the Marblehead School of Music, National Prayer Day, Marblehead Charter School student mock public meeting, Marblehead Harbor Rotary Pops Concert; Marblehead Counseling Second Annual Community Champion Celebration proclamation for May 7). Change order #3 for the Village Street bridge replacement contract approved – $55,000 extension to Dec 31, 2026, funded with Chapter 90 dollars. One-day liquor licenses approved for Coastline Marine (8 Sewall St, May 2) and Steven Decor (4 Quick St, April 25). Student-rep interview for Marblehead Task Force on Discrimination scheduled for May 13 (avoiding school vacation week).

Article 34 (dissolve Public Works Committee) held for further discussion. Committee was created in 1970, before the Town Administrator role existed. Town Administrator Thatcher argued it duplicates the administrative chain and creates governance conflict; Jim defended it citing recent useful coordination on the Reynolds Playground and Brown School Building Committee projects. Board explored whether a redesigned committee chaired by the Town Administrator could preserve the inter-departmental coordination benefit while resolving the conflict. Article 35 (modernize the same committee) was not yet discussed.

Town Administrator update on grant-funded capital projects: Five Corners Improvement Project (public input page open through April 30), Rail Trail design review April 13, Coffin School Reuse Study survey (closes April 13), State Street Landing and Tucker’s Wharf Resiliency CZM grant ($519,193 for 60% design), Marblehead High School Tree Planting cooling-corridor grant ($51,265). Cultural Council appointment of Katherine Zukowski approved (term to June 2029).

Article 33 (Cryptocurrency ATM prohibition): The committee made no recommendation, finding no measurable financial impact to the town. The police chief sponsored the article; a committee member with a law enforcement background expressed strong support citing elder scam risks.

Articles 34 and 35 (Public Works Committee — dissolve vs. modify): The town administrator requested dissolution, arguing the 1970-era committee predates the town administrator role and creates organizational confusion. A public works department head read a statement from committee members supporting preservation and strengthening, citing the Reynolds Field playground as an example of beneficial cross-departmental coordination. The committee made no recommendation on either article, viewing it as a town meeting debate.

Article 36 (DPW housekeeping): No financial implications; no recommendation.

Article 39 (Repeal community development reorganization article): Tabled to April 27 pending a legal opinion on financial implications, as the article references defunding a department that currently has funded positions (town planner, clerk).

Articles 37, 38, 40: Tabled or no recommendation; citizens’ petitioner William Cooper invited to attend the April 27 hearing.

Article 24: No deposit to the general stabilization fund is proposed. Current balance is approximately $1.5 million, representing about 1.4% of the operating budget. The Massachusetts DOR recommends 5–7%; Marblehead’s own financial policy recommends 3–5%. The committee noted the fund was established only about four years ago.

Article 30: The committee recommended adoption of a rescission of $1,627,000 in previously authorized borrowing for the Brown School project. The MSBA audit is complete and the project came in under budget; the remaining borrowing authority is being released rather than reprogrammed.

Article 22 appropriates $5,360,000 to assist the assessors in setting the tax rate: $5,000,000 from free cash and $360,000 from electric light surplus. This is $2 million less than the $7 million appropriated in FY26, reflecting a deliberate policy to reduce operating budget reliance on free cash. Estimated free cash available is approximately $6.0–$6.5 million; after the Article 22 draw, the Article 9 lease-purchase draw, and a $280,000 contractual obligation, an estimated $712,000–$1.2 million remains unappropriated. DOR has not yet certified free cash; the CFO expected to submit the certification by end of that week.

Article 6 covers $60,145.29 in unpaid accounts from fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to be paid from FY26 funds. The committee noted this figure is lower than in prior years, partly due to a new purchase-order control system implemented to minimize future occurrences.

The Finance Committee chair called the annual warrant article hearing to order. The committee noted that override articles (Articles 28 and 29) and the fire collective bargaining article would not be presented tonight because sponsoring boards have not yet voted on them. A second warrant hearing was set for April 27 at 7:00 PM.

The Finance Committee opened with approval of three prior meeting minutes, then voted to transfer $80,723 from the FY26 reserve fund for audiovisual equipment for town meeting. A vendor on the state contract list will provide equipment for approximately $90,263 total — roughly the same as one-year rental — with Marblehead Public Schools contributing $10,000. The vendor will assist with setup at least in year one.

Cemetery Superintendent Kathy presented a budget in which the department head’s salary was cut from approximately $119,957 to $59,978 (half-time on the general fund) and general labor from approximately $124,817 to $66,125—totaling approximately 1.5 FTE cuts from the general fund. The commission proposed funding the difference (~$84,504) from the Sale of Lots fund (current balance ~$234,000). The cemetery expects that fund to grow significantly once a new expansion area (estimated 200+ additional grave spaces) opens; pre-need sales are currently on hold with only ~130 spaces available. However, a Finance Committee member cited state law restricting sale-of-lots funds to cemetery maintenance, improvement, and perpetual care accumulation—not salaries—raising a legal question. The Finance Director indicated a warrant article revision and select board re-vote may be needed. The committee approved the $410,539 budget with the understanding that the funding mechanism requires further legal review. Seasonal help was also being removed from the general fund budget.

Assessor Todd presented a three-person department budget that is down 2% year over year. The decrease was driven by a certification year in FY26 that inflated expenses; FY27 returns to a lower baseline with the next certification cycle in FY31. The department uses Eagle View aerial flyover data and the Pushpin integration to identify unpermitted improvements such as pools, decks, and additions, capturing an estimated $30,000 in additional new growth this cycle. Abatement requests dropped from approximately 300 to about 85, reflecting improved database accuracy. Munis integration between the General Ledger, Treasurer, and Assessors offices is under construction. A means-tested senior property tax exemption is progressing through the state legislature and is expected to reach the governor’s desk for FY27.

The chair noted the day’s agenda included Assessors, Recreation & Parks, and Library before noon, with additional departments in the afternoon. The meeting aimed to cover each department head’s budget in order.

The board unanimously reappointed Emily Grande as Inspector of Animals with a term expiring April 30, 2027. The town administrator noted the appointment is driven by the Department of Agriculture calendar rather than the board’s standard cycle.

The board continued a public hearing on a request to remove three trees adjacent to Mary Alley (7 Woodrow Road), the town’s main network hub. Town facilities staff presented new information:

• A certified arborist from Maya Tree assessed the trees and confirmed pine bark beetle infestation on the red pine, branch dieback, and signs of overall decline.
• The tree warden confirmed a Tree Protection Zone of approximately 28–30 feet, encompassing the building foundation and planned ADA ramp excavation to a depth of 3–4 feet.
• Root interference with stormwater drainage was identified as a significant concern; the town’s DPW director (Amy McHugh, remote) clarified that sewer lines are generally not impacted by tree roots unless there is an existing defect, and asked that argument be removed, but confirmed stormwater and fiber-optic concerns were valid.
• The primary fiber-optic loop serving police, fire, and all town communications runs through one of the trees; branches had fallen in recent storms.
• Removal of one tree would expose remaining trees to wind throw.

Replacement trees would be provided under the town’s caliper-based formula (one 2-inch caliper nursery tree per 2 inches of DBH removed), incorporated into the Mary Alley renovation landscape plan with additional replacements elsewhere in town over time.

The board approved the tree removal unanimously (Dan Fox had already left the meeting).

Following the override votes, the chair called a three-to-four-minute recess. Member Dan Fox noted he would not return after the recess and thanked the board.

Town Administrator Kezer announced the next Citizens Police Academy running April 23 through June 11 on Thursday evenings. He then made extended remarks defending CFO Alicia Benjamin against what he characterized as unfair challenges to her numbers and competency made in other public forums, stating she had worked through the night to verify figures. Two board members echoed support for Benjamin.

The board opened the March 25, 2026 meeting with a roll-call vote to elect Alexa Singer as chair, since the presiding officer must be in person while member Dan Fox attended remotely. The vote was unanimous.

The board chair provided updates on several ongoing initiatives:

• KAN Program: Community health focus groups began this week and run through April 7, facilitated by UMass Boston partners. Results will feed into a final public report.
• District Attorney meeting: Scheduled for April 14, focusing on social hosting and underage substance use. Questions may be submitted in advance.
• Town Charter: The charter committee asked the board to review minor language changes, primarily removing the word “department” in favor of language describing the board’s responsibility for waste and public health services. Board members requested a few more days to review before a formal vote.
• Youth Center grant: The board is approximately 90% through a proposal seeking $100,000 over two years to study the feasibility of a youth center in Marblehead. The YMCA (Brian Flynn), Parks and Rec, schools, and potentially the police chief are supporting the application. No town funds would be spent.

The chair opened the meeting by announcing that board colleague Dr. Rizzo had been named Community Clinician of the Year by the Massachusetts Medical Society. The chair noted that being recognized as the best community clinician in a state known for having top physicians is a significant honor.

Two additional contracts were approved:

1. Police vehicle lease (Article 7 from 2025 Town Warrant): 36-month lease-to-own for a hybrid Ford Interceptor, total cost $73,724.43, paid in annual installments of $24,574.81. Approved unanimously.

2. Town meeting AV services (Contract 26-54): Agreement with Boston Light and Sound Inc to provide audio-visual equipment for town meeting at the field house. The board noted a 24-hour turnaround had been required last year and that getting AV right this year is a priority. Approved unanimously.

Council on Aging Director Alicia presented the department’s situation:

• The cut eliminates a combined half-time nutrition coordinator / half-time general laborer/custodian position.
• The department budget has declined 36% over 11 years (from 15.5 employees in 2015 to 10, or 7 full-time, after this cut).
• The town funds approximately 75% of salaries and only about 30% of expenses; the Shattuck Memorial Fund and Marblehead Female Humane Society fund the gap (including 4 vehicles and 2 part-time drivers).
• The COA provides 6,100+ rides annually for out-of-town medical appointments.
• Serves an average of 200+ people per day; 150+ in the building at a time.
• The laborer position also functions as backup driver, event setup/breakdown, kitchen maintenance, and park maintenance — raising safety concerns with its elimination.
• The outreach coordinator handled 85 cases last year working with fire, police, and public health.

The Community Development and Planning department was created less than two years ago after the retirement of a single long-tenured planner. The proposed FY27 budget eliminates two of four requested staff positions — the director’s position and the sustainability coordinator — leaving only a town planner (currently vacant) and a departmental clerk.

Director Brendan presented a formal department summary:

• 35 active projects including the Marblehead Rail Trail, Five Corners, two Harbor Resiliency projects, Municipal Boat Yard, State Street Landing, Tucker Wharf, Elm Street, the Comprehensive Master Plan, and the Kaufman School Disposition Plan.
• Combined project budget of $1.8 million with estimated construction cost exceeding $50 million.
• In two years, the department secured $1.9 million in grant awards; combined FY25+FY26 department salaries are outpaced by grants, yielding a net gain of $1.1 million to the town.
• $700,000+ in grant requests already submitted for FY27; if awarded, net gain of ~$302,000.
• An additional ~$4 million in FY27 grant applications anticipated.
• Loss of MBTA 3A compliance (via referendum) resulted in denial of $3.8 million in grant funding.
• The sustainability coordinator role is tied to Green Community designation, which would unlock $150,000 from the state and eligibility for additional energy-efficiency grants.
• On the morning of the meeting, the director secured $100,000 from the Boston MPO for the rail trail.

The town administrator and board members expressed regret at the cuts and committed to advocating for restoration through the override process.

The human resources department budget was reviewed with Tom (HR manager). The only notable cut was $11,000 in recruitment advertising (‘other professional technical’), removed under the assumption that hiring will be minimal without an override. The board noted this line would be restored in the override scenario. The department covers the HR manager, payroll manager, and benefits coordinator — three positions often assumed to be two. The town administrator emphasized the value of having dedicated HR capacity for collective bargaining and compliance.

The public buildings department faces a reduction to potentially zero custodians after one position was cut. Key issues discussed:

• Only two custodians currently serve all town buildings; losing one leaves a single custodian, and the budget scenario may eliminate both.
• Town buildings include approximately 13 properties, including the Old Town House (not ADA compliant, barring public events).
• The custodian role extends well beyond cleaning: snow removal, building security/access, responding to maintenance issues, and enabling public meetings.
• A key-card access system is being explored for Abbot Hall and other buildings to reduce staffing dependency.
• The lower-level conference room renovation at Abbot Hall is funded and planned, including ADA-compliant bathrooms and a separated public-meeting wing.
• Franklin Street Fire Station received new windows, siding on two sides, a new boiler (replacing a 30-year-old unit), and spray-foam roof insulation — all from a ~$130,000 article allocated two years ago with no additional appropriation.
• The board discussed creating a dedicated, recurring maintenance budget rather than relying on periodic capital articles.

The CFO outlined changes to the finance department:

• An assistant town accountant position was added to provide redundancy — the only position in the office previously without a backup.
• New tools deployed include: OpenGov (live budget/expenditure transparency, procurement module, contract and insurance tracking); DebtBook (real-time debt management); and ClearGov (historical data archive).
• The town is running legacy and MUNIS systems in parallel during transition; dual costs expected to fall off next year.
• The treasurer-collector’s office has grown from 3 to 4 staff to address chronic turnover and recording delays.
• Assessor’s office (3 staff) and treasury-collector’s office coordinate closely under the CFO’s oversight.
• The CFO also serves as de facto IT director; one full-time IT staff member supports the entire town-side organization. The CFO identified an IT director as her top unfunded hiring priority.

The select board department budget covers the town administrator, chief financial officer, assistant to the department, and a currently vacant senior clerk position. Historical figures were volatile due to positions (sustainability coordinator, HR) being housed then moved out of the department.

A new ‘civic events’ line item was created to fund and track costs of community events (Juneteenth, Fourth of July, etc.) that previously required ad-hoc transfers from other accounts.

Legal expenses previously distributed across multiple departments (~$163,000 from select board plus amounts from other departments) were consolidated into a single town counsel line for better oversight and transparency.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund vacancy: Applications due April 3; interviews at the April 8 select board meeting.

Bob Whitewood: The board voted unanimously to send a letter of appreciation to the family of Bob Whitewood, recognizing his extensive volunteer contributions to the town.

Community engagement forum: Board member Alexa Ewing announced a department-head forum scheduled for April 9, 10 AM–12 PM at the Community Center, to be facilitated with assistance from Jamie Block and Lisa Hooper. Department heads will present summaries of their operations, priorities, and challenges, followed by Q&A with residents. The board discussed posting it as a select board meeting to allow member attendance. Town Administrator Kezer will be unavailable due to a prior commitment.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer provided updates on several projects:

• Marblehead Shipyard Resilience Project: Army Corps of Engineers general permit received; now awaiting MassDEP Chapter 91 license and a federal Port Infrastructure Development Program grant decision.
• Brown School EV charging: A $50,000 grant request was denied due to the town’s non-compliance with MBTA Section 3A zoning.
• MBTA 3A: The Planning Board held a public hearing the prior evening.
• Coffman School community engagement: Meeting scheduled for March 18 at Abbott Hall, facilitated by UConn TAB program.
• Five Corners redesign: Moving forward with Apex Engineers; 50% design targeted by October 2026.
• Facilities: Pickett House received 20 new energy-efficient windows; Franklin Street Fire Station received 13 new windows and a new hot water heating system.

After completing the curbside contract vote, the board noted a member conflict with the March 23 meeting. The chair suggested March 16 (a Monday) as an alternative. The board agreed to resolve the date via email and check the town calendar. The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

The board moved through approval of four sets of meeting minutes in sequence, each passing unanimously. The chair noted that an October meeting’s minutes may still be outstanding.

Municipal Energy Reduction Plan (voted unanimously): Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey presented the final plan, covering 28 energy-intensive municipal buildings. If fully implemented, projected to reduce municipal energy use by approximately 45%. Adoption is a prerequisite for Marblehead to apply for Green Community designation through the Department of Energy Resources, which would unlock grant funding. A separate vote by MMLD on a renewable energy charge is required before the Green Community application can be submitted; that is not a Select Board decision.

Donations accepted (both unanimous):

• $5,000 from The Mariner to the Council on Aging, designated for the bocce court at VI Park
• $1,000 from Connections Program Inc. (25-year affordable housing nonprofit winding down) to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Make-A-Wish / Super JJ: Board unanimously declared March 29, 2026 Superhero Day in honor of 4-year-old JJ, who is undergoing treatment for a critical illness and whose wish is a superhero crime-solving scavenger hunt around Marblehead.

Reserve Fund Transfer: Board authorized the town clerk to request $53,460 from the Finance Committee reserve fund for audio/visual equipment upgrades at the Fieldhouse for town meeting (same systems used for school graduation).

Consent agenda approved: Minutes of January 8, February 9, and February 11, 2026; Lynch/Van Loo YMCA Hill to Harbor 5K/10K road race (May 17, 2026); Marblehead Festival of Arts (May 29, 2026); surplus desk chair at Abbott Hall.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Proclamation: Board approved preparation of a proclamation for March 22–April 30, 2026; town has 310 registered motorcycles in 2026.

Contracts approved:

• Contract 26-52: Fire and life safety compliance software with Briar LP (cost borne by inspected businesses)
• License agreement 26-53: Water-based recreational activities at Riverhead Beach with Sub East (vendor pays town)
• Change Order #3: Village Street Bridge replacement with Greenman Peterson Inc., +$55,000 (Chapter 90 funded) for additional pedestrian access ramp alignment design iterations; contract completion extended to March 31, 2026

One-day liquor licenses approved: Torian Presents at Abbott Hall (November 14, 2026); Temple Emanuel (April 30, 2026); Marblehead Festival of Arts at Abbott Hall (May 29, 2026).

The chair proposed, and the committee voted unanimously to approve, holding all FY budget hearings in a single day on Saturday, March 28, rather than the historical practice of three Monday evenings in March. The format allows liaison meetings to be completed beforehand, with the Saturday vote giving approximately one week before the warrant hearing scheduled for the first Monday in April. Committee members Tim (online) and Eric also voted in favor.

A vacancy on the Marblehead Housing Committee was announced after a recently appointed member (Ramon) submitted a resignation because he was also appointed to the Finance Committee and the two positions are incompatible. The board set an application deadline of March 6 and scheduled interviews for March 11.

A board member noted that the senior property tax exemption legislation is in its third hearing in the State House and advancing.

The meeting closed with board appreciation expressed to DPW, Rec & Parks, and Cemetery staff plowing through ongoing winter storms.

FY27 Revolving Fund Reauthorizations (approved per MGL Ch. 44 §53E½):

Contracts approved:

• 26/40: On-call painting — Capital Contracting Inc.
• 26/41: On-call plumbing — Bought Mechanical Inc.
• 26/44: Generator transfer switch repairs — Sherborne Consolidated
• 26/46: On-call electrical — Patriot Light and Power LLC
• 26/50: Five Corners intersection design — APAC Companies LLC, $150,000 ($135,000 from MassWorks grant, balance from other funding)

Consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes (January 14 and January 26), event permits for Pride Day, AHA Festival of Arts, youth baseball, and community charter school mock hearings, and surplus declaration of 25 chairs at Abbott Hall.

Callahan updated the board on the former Coffin School redevelopment planning process.

Hazardous Materials Investigation (December): A building investigation found asbestos and lead-based paint in both the 1963 annex and the main structure. Costs were broken down:

• Abatement within the main building for renovation: approximately $10,000
• Removal of existing built windows: approximately $25,000–$35,000
• Demolition of the annex building would carry higher costs

UConn TAB Program Partnership: The town engaged the University of Connecticut’s TAB (Technical Assistance to Brownfields) program, funded through the EPA Brownfields program, at no cost to the town. The program will:

1. Facilitate at least one community visioning session (likely in March)
2. Engage a graduate student team to produce a site reuse assessment report with renderings of potential development scenarios
3. Potentially hold a second session in late May/June to present findings

The site qualifies as a brownfield due to interior asbestos and lead paint. The full process is expected to complete by early June. Board members noted interest in broad community outreach, including tax-bill inserts and the new mass notification system.

Financial Transparency Portal: Town Administrator reported that a new Open Finance Transparency Center powered by the Munis financial platform is now live on the town website under the Finance Department. The system provides a near-real-time live link to financial data, replacing the previous weekly-upload process used with ClearGov. ClearGov will be retained temporarily to preserve historical data during the transition.

Mass Notification Replacement: The town is replacing Code Red (now Crisis 24) following a cyber incident that corrupted the town’s database of approximately 8,000 registered users, caused garbled outgoing messages, and left the system partially non-functional through several winter storms. The new vendor, Regroup Mass Notification, was selected at a cost of approximately $6,500 — roughly half the prior $12,000 annual cost. Regroup will manage the data migration. The contract is under the $10,000 threshold requiring board approval. Residents will be asked to re-register and select notification preferences when the new system is deployed.

Blue Light System: The town’s blue-light warning system for winter storms is on order with installation locations identified; deployment is expected within weeks.

The Select Board held a joint meeting with the Cemetery Commission to fill a vacancy. Two applicants were submitted: Sally Sands (present) and Rose McCarthy (absent). Only Sands was interviewed.

Sands described more than 10 years on the Oldham Historic District Commission, experience with fundraising and budget management, and familiarity with the town’s cemeteries. She expressed interest in improving access and communication for families of the bereaved, and noted the commission’s ongoing paving and expansion projects.

Cemetery Commission members spoke favorably of both candidates. During the nomination vote, one commissioner nominated McCarthy; the remaining four members — including the Select Board members — voted for Sands. Sands was appointed and thanked for her willingness to serve.

The meeting was adjourned on a 5-0 vote.

The communication subcommittee reported a budget-focused newsletter will go out Monday to avoid conflicting with school newsletters, with links to the budget book and video presentation. The superintendent provided an update on the Marblehead High School roof project: all HVAC units on back-order or long lead times have been ordered and confirmed for on-site delivery by June. A pre-inspection is planned during February vacation week; minor roof sections without HVAC equipment may be replaced during April vacation week, weather permitting. Summer student programs (weight training, guidance access) will continue with modified building entry as needed. No internal school programs will run in the building during the main construction period.

The committee approved the consent agenda unanimously. Assistant Superintendent Ling explained that National Grid had incorrectly credited town utility payments to the school department’s accounts. The school department is not treating those credits as usable funds, as they are town expenses; the matter is being resolved with National Grid.

The superintendent’s update covered Black History Month programming, noting a junior named Naima was recognized by METCO for a digital Black History Month project. The Battle of the Books at Veterans Middle School was highlighted, with the ‘Shao Cheetos’ team winning. The superintendent also described a Grade 1 MAP data team meeting at Glover led by Emily Perez as an example of collaborative instructional practice.

Staff shout-outs were given by principals at Village, Veterans, Marblehead High School, and Glover, recognizing teachers, instructional assistants, and METCO coordinators. The superintendent concluded by noting that an education magazine had reached out to potentially feature Marblehead Public Schools in a ‘10 Most Influential School Districts in 2026’ edition, citing the district’s academic performance and leadership.

The associate chair for community health provided a public health update:

Respiratory illness: Influenza positivity has declined from the thirties to approximately 18% of respiratory specimens. COVID is tracking at approximately 5% and RSV at approximately 6%. Fifty-two pediatric influenza deaths this season nationally, with 90% in unvaccinated children. The current COVID vaccine is approximately 50% effective against ED/urgent care visits and 80% effective against death in the prior season; full effectiveness may take approximately four weeks.

Measles: 588 confirmed U.S. cases in 2026 to date; largest outbreak in South Carolina. Last year’s total of 2,267 cases was the highest since measles elimination in 1991. Massachusetts has not reported any cases. The board discussed public health response protocols if a case were to appear locally, including notification and on-site vaccination.

Shingles vaccine: New data suggests a 20–32% reduction in dementia risk for recipients of the shingles vaccine, hypothesized to relate to reduction of herpes zoster-related inflammation.

Summer preparedness: The board discussed public health planning for the 2026 World Cup (six matches at Gillette Stadium), America 250 celebrations, tall ships, and Salem’s 400th anniversary, all of which will bring increased international and domestic visitors to the region.

The health director presented a proposal, suggested by a town employee, to allow individuals who work for the Town of Marblehead but live outside town limits to purchase one primary transfer station sticker at the standard resident price. Requirements would include proof of vehicle registration and a pay stub. The board viewed this as a modest recruitment benefit with minimal revenue impact. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

The health director presented routine bills for board review:

The chair reported ongoing dialogue with the Marblehead Chief of Police regarding social hosting enforcement and coordination with Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker’s office. The DA’s office had produced a video and three-page document on social hosting liability that neither the high school principal nor the superintendent had previously seen; the chair arranged for the Board of Health to be included on future DA mailings related to health topics.

A new Addiction and Recovery series, a biweekly Zoom program co-facilitated by health department staff (Gina) and a Swampscott-based recovery coach (Michelle), launched with approximately 26 participants. Training for facilitators was funded through a BSAS grant. The board endorsed the series and discussed ways to increase community awareness including posting to the town website and calendar.

Board members discussed the challenges of parental engagement by police, the stigma around addiction in affluent communities, and the need to rebuild the Marblehead Cares website as a navigation resource.

Board member Moses acknowledged the DPW crew’s snow removal effort and announced three retirements:

• Bob Titus — DPW, 31 years of service
• Peter James — Rec & Park, 39 years of service
• Dana Lamu — department not specified in transcript

The board voted unanimously to send congratulatory letters to all three. Board member Aaron also encouraged residents to be patient with sidewalk conditions, noting that Marblehead’s tree roots and narrow sidewalk widths make plowing equipment-intensive, and that the storm ranked as the eighth largest snowfall in Boston history.

The board voted unanimously to extend the lease for the Marblehead Counseling Center (Hobbs House) at 66 Equip for an additional five years, February 15, 2026 through February 14, 2031, at an annual rent of $7,488. The board noted the tenant receives a reduced rate in recognition of the mental health services it provides. The chair was authorized to execute the lease on behalf of the board.

Board member Aaron presented findings on Polco (a community engagement platform partnered with the National Research Center) as a potential tool for Marblehead. Key features described:

• Sends surveys to 3,500 randomly selected households, open for six weeks
• Combines paper mail (postcard + paper survey) and online response
• Results cross-referenced against census demographic data to validate representativeness
• Benchmarks against 500+ municipalities nationwide, customizable by population size, median income, and region
• Covers 10 livability facets (parks & rec, safety, education, mobility, open space, arts & culture, health & wellness, economy, natural environment, and others)
• Produces a ~30-page report with demographic breakdowns and a quality-vs-importance gap analysis
• Allows custom questions (e.g., resident appetite for tax increases vs. service cuts)
• National average response rate ~13%; Dedham achieved ~17% (~460 respondents) at 95% confidence, ~4–5% margin of error

Towns cited as having used Polco: Needham, Dedham, Franklin, Brookline, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, North Andover. Dedham used a community compact grant and the Collins Center at UMass alongside the survey to model budget reduction scenarios.

Aaron noted a competing service, Flash Vote, which is less expensive but lacks the national benchmarking and longitudinal trend analysis. A follow-up call with Flash Vote was scheduled for Friday at 1 PM.

The board consensus was to research further; no member opposed moving forward with additional due diligence. Aaron and at least one other member planned to join the Friday call.

The board read a proclamation for the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, noting an event hosted by the Task Force Against Discrimination on January 30 at noon in the Select Board meeting room.

The board then voted unanimously to issue a proclamation recognizing Nikolai Minos (‘Nico’), who is relocating to Florida. The proclamation cited his community presence, infectious positivity, and dedication to extreme cycling and fitness. A community event organized by Dave Aldrich (‘the bagel guy’) was scheduled for Saturday at The Beacon with bagels, coffee, and cider.

Cemetery Commissioner Jerry Tucker resigned after moving out of Marblehead. The board noted this is approximately the third appointment to the three-member commission in recent years. Applications will be accepted through February 6, 2026, with interviews scheduled for February 11 in coordination with remaining commission members.

The Marblehead Ballot Question Committee (identified as the “Yes” committee) donated $5,809.04 in remaining funds to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The board voted unanimously to accept the donation and to send a letter of gratitude to the committee.

Susan Woods, an artist and 25-year Marblehead resident active in the Marblehead Arts Association and Arts Festival, was appointed to the Cultural Council. She previously worked alongside scientists in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry for approximately 10 years. The board approved her appointment unanimously; the term expires June 2028.

Ramon Garcia, a current Housing Committee member who moved to Marblehead three years ago, was interviewed for an unexpired Finance Committee term. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Salem State with concentrations in accounting, information management systems, and business analytics, and has worked at Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Catalent (a subsidiary of Novo Holdings). The board approved his appointment unanimously; the term expires June 2028.

Superintendent of Buildings Steve Cummings reported the following completed or near-complete projects:

The administrator highlighted a shift toward proactive infrastructure replacement before end-of-life failure.

Town Administrator Patrick reported two technology updates:

• OpenGov procurement module: All bidding and vendor responses will now be handled through an online portal managed by Chief Procurement Officer Allison Jenkins, improving record-keeping and compliance.
• Permitting data for assessors: The existing OpenGov permitting platform now gives the assessing office access to permit data, allowing staff to flag permits with potential new-growth revenue.

The board discussed a two-page statement drafted by town counsel regarding the transfer station landfill closure settlement. The director noted that town counsel was cautious in its language to avoid jeopardizing the approximately $1.2 million settlement. Board members noted that none of them were on the board at the time and characterized the statement as legally conservative. The board agreed to make the statement available publicly alongside a link to the approximately 170-slide recorded presentation by the director, along with a brief social media post. The director noted no further answers would likely be forthcoming given the settlement’s finality.

The director reviewed a list of bills including payments to vendors such as Republic Services ($69,204), Waste Management ($64,656), Hayward Inc. for transfer station engineering ($18,367), Winter Street Architects ($22,482), and others covering operations, composting, and health services. The board discussed plans for the annual Wellness Fair on February 28, a Saturday, to run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the recreation center (shortened from four hours to three based on prior feedback). Outreach, raffle prizes, and vendor participation including gyms, yoga studios, counseling services, and blood pressure monitoring were discussed.

The board received a summary of checkbox responses to the 42-question community wellness survey conducted through UMass Boston. Approximately 1,600 responses were received, representing about 15% of the adult population (ages 18+), exceeding UMass Boston’s expected 10% return rate. The survey covered eight dimensions of wellness: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, environmental, occupational, spiritual, and financial.

Key findings discussed included:

• High concern about bicycle/pedestrian safety, possibly amplified by e-bikes
• Depression and anxiety concerns notably elevated in the 40–49 age group
• Youth and adolescent mental health, substance use (alcohol and cannabis), and bullying ranked highly
• Over 50% expressed moderate or high concern about stress and work-life balance
• More than 50% reported providing care for a disabled or frail family member in the past five years
• Low response rate from ages 18–29 (approximately 2% of that group); higher participation from 70–79 age group

Next steps include: identifying five focus areas for deeper analysis, conducting UMass Boston-facilitated focus groups from January through March, and developing measurable strategic goals. The board noted that many services residents expressed need for already exist but are not well publicized, pointing to a navigation/information gap.

The chair, serving on the Town Charter Committee, proposed adding language to Section 6.3 of draft B to explicitly describe the Board of Health’s dual executive and legislative authority under Massachusetts Chapter 111, including the power to promulgate health regulations and issue emergency orders without prior hearings. A board member raised a question about the definition of “reasonable” in the proposed language. The board agreed to hold the proposal until the next meeting pending clarification from town counsel and the charter committee. The board also noted a prior vote to remove the transfer station from the list of entities the board oversees, retaining only the health and waste departments.

The chair reported receiving a letter from Representative Jenny Armini confirming that legislation expanding the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members was signed — by the House on the 15th and by the Senate on the 18th. The expansion is expected to become effective following the June town election (anticipated June 9). The chair noted optimism about having additional perspectives on the board and acknowledged ongoing work to rebuild public confidence in public health.

The board confirmed a meeting the following Wednesday and voted unanimously to adjourn.

A board member recognized Hannah Friday, granddaughter of COA employee Dave Dragon, who will graduate from Parris Island after sustaining an injury in week 10 of 13 and choosing to remain and restart boot camp from week zero. Another member noted the successful Christmas tree burning event run by the fire department, with curbside tree pickup continuing through approximately January 16.

The board approved a $99,130 contract with Rafael Construction to expand Waterside Cemetery, including removal of granite, trees, and stumps to create additional burial sites. Funding was appropriated at the prior Town Meeting under Articles 42 and 43. The cemetery commission voted to approve the project on December 18.

Committee member Jen Johnson reported on a meeting earlier in the week with Select Board member Dan Fox, Police Chief King, community members, and District Attorney Paul Tucker. The discussion focused on a potential community-wide initiative on juvenile justice, restorative justice, and youth health decisions. The DA’s office offered resources including a spring pre-graduation program for parents and students that had previously been offered in Marblehead but ended after COVID.

The committee also voted 4–0 to appoint Al and Kate to the goals subcommittee, following up on interest expressed at the prior meeting when Melissa was absent.

Business Manager Mike presented results of a competitive procurement for 29 copiers (24 black-and-white, 5 color) district-wide. Current spend is approximately $129,000/year (lease plus service/supplies).

Three vendors responded: Ricoh (incumbent), Konica Minolta through UBO (dealer), and Canon.

• On a 48-month term, Ricoh and Konica Minolta were within ~$600/year of each other on total cost of ownership.
• Konica Minolta machines are 5 pages/minute faster per unit and offered true cost-per-copy (toner shipped on demand, billed in arrears), eliminating the need to purchase and store toner.
• Both Ricoh and Konica Minolta included PaperCut print-management software (requires ID badge to release jobs, reduces waste, tracks volumes); Canon did not.
• Estimated annual savings vs. current spend: ~$22,000/year (~$88,000 over 48 months).

A 48-month lease requires Select Board approval under Mass. General Law (a standing town meeting article permits the Select Board to authorize multi-year contracts). The committee voted 4–0 to endorse the vendor selection, with the next step being Select Board approval.

Committee member Jen Johnson raised a question about the Marblehead High School student newspaper, the Headlight, which has an informal exclusive arrangement with Marblehead Current for print publication. Two other local outlets—Marblehead Weekly News (print and digital) and Marblehead Independent (digital)—have expressed interest in also publishing student work.

The superintendent indicated the arrangement arose from a conversation several years ago and that students value the hard-copy print component and existing internship/nonprofit partnership. Committee members agreed the decision properly rests with the student editors and their adviser, Mr. Higgins, rather than the committee. The administration agreed to facilitate a conversation with the students about whether additional publishing opportunities are of interest.

Mark Strout, the current chair of the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District committee, was reappointed for a three-year term commencing January 1, 2026, on the recommendation of the superintendent and Town Moderator Jack Ridge. The vote was 4–0.

Committee members noted a recent shift from application-based to lottery admissions at Essex Tech and expressed interest in having Strout present an update on enrollment capacity and demand. The superintendent noted discussions about expanding vocational and technical pathways within the Marblehead district, including marine tech, CNA certification, and childcare certification, and mentioned potential grant funding for such programs.

Five new MASC policies received a third reading and were approved individually:

• ECAV (building/grounds access) — 4–0
• EFDA (meal modifications for disabilities/restrictions) — 4–0
• EFE (civil rights complaint for nutrition programs) — 4–0
• EHAA (technology security) — 4–0
• EHV (data and records retention, including electronic communications of public officials) — 4–0

IKFE (competency determination, replacing MCAS graduation requirement) was approved 3–1; one member objected to defining competency as a passing grade and stated the definition would be revisited at the policy subcommittee level.

Two policy updates reflecting Massachusetts universal free school meals were also approved:

• EFC (free and reduced-price food services) — 4–0
• EFD (meal charge policy) — 4–0

A motion to approve the consent agenda was amended to exclude the December 4 meeting minutes after a committee member identified several issues: a statement about budget document release, attribution of a point of order, and incomplete recording of a motion and amended motion on the competency determination policy. The bills totaling $814,799.87 were approved 4–0. The minutes were held for correction and will return at the next meeting.

Student representative Wil was absent; his update was read by a committee member. It covered the high school winter concert, yearbook sales, senior spirit days, and current sports records across basketball, swimming, hockey, wrestling, track, skiing, and gymnastics.

Superintendent John Roil offered condolences regarding tragedies in Australia and Brown University, noted extra custodial cleaning during cold and flu season, and gave holiday shoutouts to music educators across Village, Veterans, Brown, Glover, and Marblehead High School, as well as school counselors and support staff.

The board declared all contents of the Coffin School building, plus three vehicles in the parking lot, as surplus property no longer needed for municipal purposes, to be disposed of via online auction (GovDeals.com) beginning January 26, per the town’s procurement policy.

The board also announced the annual Christmas tree burning: trees will be collected curbside December 26–January 16, with the community burning event at Riverhead Beach on January 6 at 6:00 PM. Trees must have all lights, ornaments, and stands removed and must not be in plastic bags. Holiday wreaths, roping, and garland are not accepted curbside.

The board also set a January 9 deadline for corporate counsel letters of interest, with appointments at the January 14 meeting. A letter of condolence and appreciation was approved for the family of Sean Casey, a member of the Charter Committee who recently passed away.

Consent agenda: Abbott Hall Festival of Arts Puzzle Fundraiser (January 10, 2026) and Abbott Hall Valentine’s Dance (February 14, 2026) approved subject to standard rules and certificate of insurance. Minutes of November 19, November 25, and December 2, 2025 were held.

Contracts approved:

• Contract 26-28: On-call fencing repairs and installation — Premier Fence LLC — $42,485
• Contract 26-30: Replace siding on right side of fire station (Franklin Street) — Unicorn Inc. — $35,300 (funded from Article 11, 2022 town meeting)
• Contract 26-36: Towing services for snow emergencies — Esco Services LLC — zero-bid on-call contract

Coffin School — Mass Housing Partnership Community Assistance Program: Director of Community Planning and Development Brendan Callahan requested a letter to obtain free technical assistance for community engagement, conceptual site planning, zoning analysis, and eventual RFP drafting for the Coffin School property. The scope is not restricted to housing; the organization will evaluate all disposition options. Assistance could begin after January 1.

Village Street Bridge (Project #612947) — Boston Regional MPO / TIP: The town is reapplying for placement on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for construction funding (80% federal / 20% state). The 25% design phase is complete; MassDOT comments were expected imminently. The town has invested approximately $340,000 in design to meet TIP eligibility requirements. Construction estimated at approximately $4.7 million; programmed for FY31 if approved. MBTA 3A compliance adds 5 scoring points to the application. The structure is being designed as a culvert replacement (not a traditional bridge) with one lane of traffic maintained during construction.

On request from COA Director Lisa Hooper, the board approved the annual adjustment to income eligibility guidelines for the 2026 Senior Tax Work-Off Program, consistent with federal poverty-level chart updates. Vote was unanimous.

Two applicants were interviewed for three vacancies on the Disabilities Commission. Julie Matus, a former attorney and current assistant coordinator of student success at North Shore Community College with a background in disability studies and universal design, was appointed to a term expiring June 2028. Amy Maloff, a designer and marketing professional who donated the harbor Hoyer lift access sign, was appointed to a term expiring 2027. Both votes were unanimous. Appointees were directed to be sworn in with the town clerk before their first meeting.

The Town Administrator reported that the Mary Alley (Mary Ellen Booth) roof replacement is substantially complete with only a rooftop door on order for January delivery. The community center roof protective coating and snow guards are 100% complete. The Hobbs House rear deck (secondary egress for the Marblehead Counseling Center) was fully replaced; bids for window replacement were received. Fire alarm systems at the fire headquarters, community center, old town house, and DPW facility were inspected and brought to code. Next steps at Mary Alley include an HVAC replacement bid, elevator work, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and a lower-level conference room buildout. Funding came from facilities and capital accounts, with prior ARPA money used for earlier Hobbs House work.

Michael Hall, Energy Programs Manager for MMLD, presented a three-phase grid fortification project. Phase 1 (~$318,593) involves replacing wooden poles on the Salem line with galvanized steel; approximately one-third funded by MMLD and two-thirds by grant funding secured with assistance from Beacon Climate. Phase 2 (~$1.6 million, same funding split) would underground 1,800 feet of SubT transmission lines along the public utility right-of-way adjacent to the Marblehead rail trail. Phase 3 would underground the remaining ~3,900 feet connecting to the Village 13 substation.

Timeline: Phase 1 50% complete by August 2026, final completion October 2026; Phase 2 50% complete November 2026–April 2027, final completion June 2027. The board noted that the right-of-way is owned by the electric light and water department and the town holds a pedestrian easement. No rate increase is anticipated. No vote was required; the presentation was a community engagement courtesy.

The chair called the December 10 meeting to order and announced it was being recorded. Several minutes were spent resolving an audio issue with a participant named Thatcher joining remotely before the meeting could proceed.

During public comment, a board member raised the status of expanding to a five-member board; the chair confirmed that remains on track. The board discussed pallet and wreath disposal logistics from the Wreaths Across America event (approximately 2,700 wreaths). The director noted he is away December 22 through the new year. The board agreed to meet next on the second Tuesday of January 2026. The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

Minutes from the October 27th meeting were approved. The health director reported that the community wellness survey closed in mid-November with 2,547 respondents. UMass Boston noted Marblehead participants wrote unusually detailed open-ended responses. The 60–70 age cohort had the highest response rate; the 18–30 cohort was lowest, partly because college-aged residents list a Marblehead address but are not locally present. A preliminary report is expected before year-end; a fuller breakdown by age decile (including an 80+ category) is planned for early 2026.

Facilities subcommittee: A survey on early education demand received 75 responses; most were supportive, with a small minority strongly opposed. Respondents most strongly expressed interest in extended-day childcare (approximately 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) rather than a traditional half-day preschool. A more concrete proposal will be developed before a further survey is conducted. The Veterans Middle School roof is also being assessed.

METCO liaison: The annual METCO opportunity ball fundraiser is scheduled for March 24. The committee member also planned to attend the METCO conference the following day.

Communications subcommittee: A school committee newsletter will be sent on the second Friday of each month using an existing district email account. The first issue will feature a budget roadmap; upcoming enrollment data may be a future topic.

Due to conflicts for both the chair and the superintendent, the committee agreed to move the January 8 meeting to January 15 and the January 22 meeting to January 29. The town’s deadline for municipal warrant article submissions was confirmed as noon on Friday, January 30, making the January 29 meeting the appropriate venue for any warrant article votes.

The committee voted 4-0 to establish an ad hoc subcommittee for the Elevating Educator Voices goal (researching how other school committees use non-voting members) and then 4-0 to consolidate that subcommittee with work on the Strategic Planning goal (developing a proposed long-term planning framework for spring 2026). At least one member expressed interest in serving. Membership appointment was deferred until the full five-member committee is present.

The following new MASC-recommended policies completed a second reading before the full committee: ECAB (Access to Buildings and Grounds), EFBA (School Food and Nutrition Meal Modifications), EFE (Civil Rights Complaint Policy for Child Nutrition Programs), EHAA (District Security Relating to Technology), and EHB (Data and Records Retention). No vote was taken at the second reading; a third reading and vote are expected at a future meeting.

The committee voted 4-0 to approve policy EEAA, retitled ‘Walkers and Riders,’ incorporating MASC-recommended language refinements. Policy EEAG, governing student transportation in private vehicles — which includes a background check requirement for non-student adult passengers — was initially tabled pending a question from an absent member, then brought back and approved 4-0 after discussion about operational implications.

MVMS instructional assistant and dance teacher Denning Jennings presented a proposal for a memorial bench honoring MVMS student Savannah Gael, who recently died. Friends’ tributes were read aloud. The bench is to be placed between two trees near the original entrance of MVMS. The project was fully funded through donations from Glover, Brown, Village, MVMS, MHS communities and an anonymous donor. The inscription will read ‘Donated by the Marblehead community, in loving memory of Savannah Gael.’ Approved 4-0.

The consent agenda included a schedule of bills totaling $403,727.82 (lower than usual because no town warrant was issued the prior week), minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting, and updates to policies EEB, EBB, EBC, EEA, and EEAE. The committee noted the EEAE changes applied only to the MASC-recommended portion of the policy, leaving Marblehead-specific language intact. Approved 4-0.

The superintendent noted that Governor Healey’s office released a preliminary graduation framework following the elimination of 10th-grade MCAS as a diploma requirement. Key proposed elements include end-of-course assessments, MyCap career plans, capstone projects or portfolios, financial literacy, and seals of distinction. A final framework is expected in June 2026; no immediate action is required by districts.

New METCO president Dr. Candace Sumner visited Marblehead High School and met with students, staff, and community members. The superintendent described the visit as highly positive.

The anti-discrimination committee discussed Holocaust remembrance planning, the Commission on Combating Antisemitism report, and reporting mechanisms. Students formed the MAGIC Coalition (Marblehead Alliance for Growth, Inclusion and Connection) to lead peer discussions on discrimination. The superintendent also met separately with approximately 16–17 students of color who expressed a desire to be heard and to create a positive message to replace a removed banner.

The superintendent’s shout-outs recognized counselors, permanent substitutes, nurses, secretaries, and literacy support staff at MVMS, Village, Glover, and MHS, as well as the Abbot Public Library director for collaborating with third-grade classes on the Caldecott Award selection process.

The MHS student representative reported that the football team beat Swampscott on the final drive of the Thanksgiving Day game. Winter sports began their first week of practice. Multiple acapella groups — including the eighth-grade Lum Tones from MVMS — performed at the Sing Free concert. The representative also noted that MHS had switched back to its previous schedule, beginning at 7:55 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m.

Following the classification votes, a board member noted a response had been sent regarding comments made about town employees and leaders, expressing the board’s commitment to deliberative process and collaboration. The board then voted unanimously to adjourn.

Assessor John Kelly and Assistant Assessor Todd Laramie presented the FY2026 tax classification options to the Select Board. Key points from the presentation:

Valuation Overview

• Total taxable assessed valuation for FY2026 is approximately $9.4 billion, up from roughly $7 billion in FY2022.
• Residential property comprises approximately 95% of total taxable valuation; commercial, industrial, and personal property make up roughly 4%.
• FY2026 values are based on calendar year 2024 sales, which were described as vigorous.
• The median single-family assessed value now exceeds $1 million.

Proposed Tax Rate

• Projected rate: approximately $8.60 per thousand — the lowest board members could recall.
• The rate decrease is attributed to rising property values and the rolling off of approximately $28 million in high school debt.
• Despite the lower rate, average tax bills are projected to rise modestly (approximately $70–$80 for the average single-family home on a current-factors basis) because assessed values have increased.
• The levy is capped at 2.5% growth plus new growth under Proposition 2½.

New Growth

• New growth for FY2026 is approximately $287,000 in additional tax levy (approximately $83,000 commercial + approximately $204,000 residential), representing roughly $30 million in new assessed value.

Assessors’ Recommendations (all adopted unanimously)

Assessor Operations Update Assistant Assessor Todd Laramie noted the town recently completed a five-year state certification/revaluation. He described increased outreach efforts — making proposed values publicly available on the town website, holding an open-door policy for homeowners, and conducting approximately 500 property inspections in the past year. The office also noted it is working to catch up on the state mandate requiring each property to be inspected at least once every 10 years. Patriot Properties assists with building permit tracking and cost methodology.

The chair called the December 2 meeting to order, confirmed the meeting was being recorded, and noted no public comment had been submitted. The board moved directly to the tax classification hearing, welcoming Assessor John Kelly and Assistant Assessor Todd Laramie.

Minutes from the November 17 meeting and two prior meetings still pending approval at the start of this meeting. Earlier meeting minutes have not yet been completed by Asst Supt Pfifferling.

Motion by Melissa Clucas, seconded by Jennifer Schaeffner, to approve the November 17 meeting minutes. Passed 2-0.

Two other meeting minutes pending: not voted at this meeting.

No public comment at close. Meeting adjourned at 3:56 PM.

Following completion of the sole agenda item, board members wished the public happy holidays. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.

The board opened the meeting and immediately moved to appoint a chair pro tem. Moses Rader was nominated and approved unanimously.

Following public comment, the board voted unanimously to adjourn. The next Board of Health meeting was noted as December 9.

A board member (identified contextually as having medical/public health expertise) presented three public health updates:

CDC vaccine-autism language The CDC website was updated to state that the claim “vaccines do not cause autism” is “not evidence-based.” The presenter noted no new scientific data supported this change; it reflected the viewpoint of HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Millions of children in observational studies worldwide have shown no increased autism risk from MMR vaccination. The presenter recommended the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians as alternative trusted sources. The board discussed posting a statement by Massachusetts DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein to the town website.

Flu vaccine mismatch (H3N2 subtype K) Canadian researchers published early influenza surveillance data showing the dominant circulating flu strain this season is H3N2 subtype K, which is not included in the current vaccine. H3N2 strains generally cause more severe illness than H1N1 subtypes, but subtype K does not appear more virulent than other H3N2 variants. Despite the mismatch, vaccination is still strongly recommended as historical data from prior mismatch seasons shows significant reduction in hospitalizations and death. The presenter noted that mRNA-based flu vaccine technology could address mismatch problems in future seasons but that federal funding for such research has been withdrawn.

H5N5 avian flu (Washington state) A fatal case of H5N5 (bird flu) was reported in Washington state in a person with extensive backyard poultry and wild bird exposure. Risk to the general public remains low as there is no confirmed human-to-human transmission.

The chair opened the Board of Health meeting and the board voted unanimously to approve minutes from two prior meetings with no corrections or additions.

The policy subcommittee received a first draft of the attendance determination policy from the superintendent and assistant superintendent; a second draft is expected after Thanksgiving. Work on the naming policy is also underway. Several policy revisions and new policies are expected before the committee in December.

The wellness subcommittee held its second meeting, gathering input for the required triennial policy revision. A revised draft will be brought back at the next meeting before going to the broader committee. Safety committee meetings with union/administrators are planned for December 11, with a community presentation expected in spring. The town-level safety committee will meet quarterly, with the next session anticipated in January.

The communications subcommittee sought approval to purchase a Smore basic plan ($99/year) to send community newsletters. Discussion revealed the district may already have a Smore account from prior years. Committee members expressed concern that individual members should not control or manage a separate contact database; any list must be administered through the district.

Options discussed included:

• Using an existing or new district-linked Smore account
• Creating a school committee subcommittee email address that ties to the account
• Allowing community members to opt in via a link on the district website
• Having the district newsletter include a sign-up link for school committee updates

The Crow plan ($179/year) was noted as the lowest tier that includes translation services. No vote was taken; the subcommittee was directed to meet with the technology director (Steven) to identify the right approach.

Committee member Melissa presented a refined draft of a school committee goal on elevating educator voices. The goal proposes working with the superintendent to hold productive educator sessions, appointing an ad hoc subcommittee to research how other districts incorporate non-voting representatives or increase educator participation at meetings, and reporting back to the committee by the end of the school year.

Discussion focused on whether union leadership would typically serve as non-voting representatives (generally not recommended) and the exploratory nature of the goal. One committee member abstained. Motion passed 3-0 with one abstention.

The superintendent presented a revised set of goals incorporating committee feedback from a November 3rd workshop and a November 6th meeting discussion. The superintendent described the goals as 18-month targets and noted the committee can revisit progress and adjust as needed. Motion to approve passed 4-0.

The committee voted 4-0 to accept a $2,500 donation from the Marblehead Female Humane Society directed to the Marblehead METCO Donation Fund.

The chair called for a motion to approve the schedule of bills totaling $835,535.81 and meeting minutes from November 6, 2025. A committee member flagged that the minutes referenced a Bell school process under subcommittee updates. The motion passed 4-0.

The superintendent reported that high school students prefer to discuss substance use in small groups within regular classes rather than large assemblies. Programming spans grades 4–12 and includes featured speakers, focus groups, curricular lessons, data collection, and diversion counseling.

The superintendent also shared staff recognitions from principals across all schools, including Village School counselors, a Brown School teacher who expanded a food drive, Veterans Middle School English staff who led an Alice Hoffman assembly, and a Glover School nurse and custodian. The superintendent closed with Thanksgiving wishes.

Board members made several closing announcements:

• Veterans Day ceremony: Former Select Board member Harry Christensen (deceased) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Fidelity, which recognizes continued service after military service. He had previously received the Silver Star and Purple Heart approximately 60 years ago.

• Capital improvement planning: A board member proposed putting a capital improvement planning discussion with Facilities Director Steve Cummings on a future agenda, to catalog building needs over the next 5–10 years. The Town Administrator noted the capital planning committee is being reinstituted and focuses on projects above approximately $1 million. Smaller items come through the annual budget process. The board agreed to defer to a December or January agenda item rather than rush the conversation.

• School staff audit: A board member noted the school department is conducting a staffing audit in anticipation of budget pressures and the potential override. The board agreed to monitor but not get ahead of the Finance Committee’s process.

Town Administrator Keer summarized the Coffin School reuse process to date:

Expressions of Interest (internal, from town departments):

• Municipal Light Department
• Cemetery
• Recreation and Parks
• Housing Authority
• Community Development

Responses to Request for Information (external):

• Cemetery (submitted twice)
• Harbor Light Homes (local nonprofit, proposing a 40-unit affordable housing project)
• Housing Authority of Marblehead

A second public meeting is planned for December, with board members suggesting it be held in a larger venue (e.g., Brown School) and in a more facilitated format (sticky notes, ranked idea lists) to capture a broader range of reuse ideas beyond housing. Board members noted the first meeting was dominated by neighbors focused on open space and housing but lacked more varied or creative proposals.

Community Development Director Brenda Callahan is also contracting for a hazardous building material investigation ($5,950) to obtain preliminary abatement and demolition cost estimates (the Bell School demolition and abatement cost approximately $1.4 million five years ago as a reference point).

The board appointed two shellfish constables. Felix Ler, described as a lifelong Marblehead resident, avid fisherman, and assistant harbormaster, was appointed first. Jennifer Duffy, a 30-year Marblehead resident with a background in Great Lakes fishing, was appointed second. Both are required to be sworn in by the town clerk. A third applicant, Eric Bur, did not respond to multiple contact attempts and was not considered.

Logan Casey, the town’s sustainability coordinator, presented the draft Municipal Energy Reduction Plan developed with Power Options (a nonprofit consultant) using approximately $9,500 in ARPA funds.

What the plan is:

• Required by the state Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for municipalities applying to become a Green Community.
• Covers 25 town buildings, 28 water/sewer station facilities, and 175 municipal vehicles.
• Baseline energy data drawn from FY2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) via Massachusetts Energy Insight software.
• The plan’s recommended actions would achieve up to 45% annual energy reduction, well above the required 20% over five years.
• Buildings account for the majority of energy use; schools are the largest users by square footage.

Near-term strategies (1–3 years, payback ≤2 years):

• Optimizing heating set points and HVAC scheduling
• Converting to LED lighting and installing motion sensors
• Reducing plug loads with more efficient appliances

Long-term strategies:

• Electrification (heat pumps, e.g., Mary Alley building)
• Deep energy retrofits and insulation improvements
• Rooftop solar on school buildings
• Building strategies projected to save ~25% of annual energy use

Vehicle strategy:

• Aligns with the zero-emissions vehicle procurement policy already adopted.
• Target of ~6 light-duty zero-emissions vehicles per year; by 2030 approximately 1-in-4 fleet vehicles would be all-electric.
• Vehicle electrification alone projected to save ~20% of energy use.

Green Communities grant funding:

• Designation grant: $150,000–$175,000 upon acceptance.
• Competitive grant: $250,000 per round (twice annually); up to $500,000 for full electrification projects.
• 3A complication: DOER confirmed Marblehead would be accepted as a Green Community but would not receive grant funds until achieving MBTA 3A compliance. Marblehead is described as a “test case” as no other community has been in this exact situation.

Light Commission role:

• Because Marblehead has a municipal light plant, the Light Commission must adopt a renewable energy charge (estimated at approximately $5–$6 per year for an average household) as a condition of Green Communities eligibility.
• The Light Commission has expressed concern about imposing the charge before grant benefits can be received.

Board discussion:

• Board members agreed to defer the vote to adopt the plan to the next meeting.
• One member proposed a “grant triage” analysis: cataloging denied grants, pending applications, and projected future grants affected by 3A noncompliance, with an estimated tax impact per median household.
• Board members noted that the energy reduction planning has value independent of the grants, supporting the town’s net-zero-by-2040 goal.
• One member noted sensitivity about the Select Board directing the Light Commission on rate-setting decisions; agreed a letter of support (not a rate directive) would be appropriate language.
• Applications are accepted twice yearly, at end of June and end of December.
• A board member suggested putting capital improvement planning with facilities director Steve Cummings on a future agenda.

Bob Beck, a longtime MHTV board member, appeared to recruit applicants for the Select Board’s designated seat on the MHTV board, which has been vacant for approximately two years. He noted:

• MHTV has operated as an independent nonprofit since 2009 and has a seven-member board.
• Executive Director Joan Gallaway is retiring after many years and a national award-winning tenure.
• The studio is currently inoperable due to rain damage through the roof, suspending live broadcasting of select board meetings; repairs are expected within about a month.
• A new executive director search is in progress.
• The school department also has an unfilled representative seat.

Interested residents can contact MHTV directly. The board meets approximately once a month.

Town Administrator Thatcher Keer reported three items:

1. Town Planner resignation: Alex Heitler submitted his resignation effective December 12, 2025, to pursue opportunities in Australia with his partner. The position will be posted, though a board member noted the town should be cautious about filling vacancies given revenue uncertainty.

2. Employee of the Month program: The town launched a new employee recognition program. The first recipient is Amanda Elli (payroll and benefits), nominated by Victoria in the assessor’s office. The winner receives a day off; the nominator receives a half day.

3. MBTA 3A impact on Council on Aging vans: The Community Transit Grant program, which provides an 80% state match for COA shuttle vans, is now unavailable to Marblehead due to 3A noncompliance. The COA provided more than 5,100 rides to over 200 residents using these vans last year. The town received approximately $45,000 from this grant. Of four vans, one (received 2015) is likely next in line for replacement. A board member expressed frustration, stating the town had been warned this would happen.

Community resources

Counselor Caitlin LeBaron created a community resources document shared with families:

• Food pantries: Marblehead Food Pantry, Salem Pantry, Public Market, Marblehead Free Pantry, Family Table Sinai
• Additional resources: Making Ends Meet, Marblehead Female Humane Society, Marblehead Counseling Center
• PTA and PCO food drives recognized

Postponed

Step-three grievance discussion postponed, rescheduled for a later date.

Executive session

Motion by Schmeckpeper, second by Gwazda: enter executive session pursuant to Chapter 38, Section 21A3 Purpose 3 to discuss litigation between Marblehead School Committee and Marblehead Teachers Association (MUP2511555), as open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position. No intent to return to open session.

Passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned in executive session.

Commendations

• Mary Maxfield (Brown School principal) commended for bringing Lynn Lyons to district. Thanks to Friends of Marblehead Public Schools and PTOs/PCOs for funding. Parent presentation received positive feedback.
• SRO Sean Sweeney commended for professional work and communication keeping students and staff safe throughout the year.

Student rep update

• Quarter one ends the following Thursday
• Fall sports playoffs begin next week; football’s final regular-season game next day at home vs. Danvers; Powderpuff practicing four times weekly at Getchell’s
• Seniors working toward Nov 1 admission deadlines; school counseling recognized

District announcements

• Parent-teacher conferences Nov 5 and Nov 12; professional development Nov 10; Veterans Day Nov 11
• NHS inducted 17 new members: Catherine Andriano, Tessa Andriano, Finn Bowen, Elon Rucker, Tessa Francis, Sasha Ganeser, Emil Gil Duran, Brian Lynn Golden, Avery Prune, Joy Mishulem, Jack Molinari, Ashley Mortensen, Isabel Mortensen, Chloe Rowland, Haley Schmidt, Thomas Spencer, Luna Valandri
• Lynn Lyons returning in January for part two on anxiety management
• Laura Backosh provided mindfulness through Rotary-funded program
• SNAP benefits impact messaging distributed; resources from counselor Caitlin LeBaron
• Digital backpack resource created for website and newsletters
• “Wait Until 8th” cell-phone guidance added for parents

The district contracts with All About Town for AI-drafted minutes from video recordings with timestamps. The system enables clickable timestamps linking to video segments for public transparency.

Known limitations

• Voice recognition misses votes and motion details
• AI-generated minutes do not clearly state motions, often summarizing them generically
• Different subcommittees use various systems – committee member suggested standardizing

Cost and improvements

• $60 per school meeting; better than free alternatives
• Henry Gwazda contacted Joel from All About Town for formatting improvements
• AI tool output must always be reviewed by humans – never simply accepted without human review

Procedural reminders

Committee members and clerk should clearly state and write down motions during meetings, per Robert’s Rules. Roll-call votes should be used for accuracy. Motions should be clear and concise, “not long and bogged down.”

The secretarial position filled in June discussed these responsibilities and needs resources for support. Henry Gwazda responsible for determining minutes-preparation methods.

Facilities

Henry Gwazda appointed Chair of Facilities Subcommittee, 5-0.

Roofing

Timeline:

• Nov 13 – bids due
• Nov 14 – subcommittee meets to vote on recommendations
• Nov 20 – full School Committee vote on contractor; then Select Board approval
• Decision point: liquid-applied roofing vs membrane replacement, based on bid analysis
• HVAC equipment delivery safe for July 1 if contracts signed by January 1

Communications

Identified need for independent communication tools separate from the district’s Smore system (which only reaches enrolled families, not the broader community).

• Exploring vendors like MailChimp for an opt-in community email list
• Quarterly newsletters proposed
• Existing unused Facebook / Instagram pages to be utilized

Other subcommittee work

• Policy subcommittee: November meeting set for MASC revisions and meeting with administrators John (Robidoux) and Julia (Ferreira) on competency determination policy
• Wellness advisory: began reviewing district wellness policy
• Liaisons: Charter school collaboration discussions (quarterly meetings, school tours, resource sharing); Marblehead 2037 master plan held first meeting; Safety committee met with principals, fire chief, police chief, SRO, and charter school reps

Policy rescissions (5-0 each)

• CHCA E – Approval of handbooks and directives
• CL – Administrative reports

Policy revisions (5-0 each)

The DJE threshold change is substantive – it doubles the dollar value at which more formal procurement procedures are triggered. The JEB change affects the cohort of kindergarten-eligible children (some children who would have made the cohort under the prior rule will be a year later).

All five revisions and both rescissions moved by Kate Schmeckpeper, seconded by Williams or Clucas. Passed 5-0 each.

A committee member filed an open-meeting-law violation complaint online with state officials on behalf of the committee, explaining what happened and previous committee votes.

Corrective action adopted 5-0 (motion by Schaeffner, second by Clucas):

• All School Committee members must take mandatory open-meeting-law training since September 30 or attest that they have already taken such training
• All members shall agree to refrain from violating open meeting law in the future

Votes in favor: Schaeffner, Schmeckpeper, Clucas, Gwazda, Williams.

The specific violation is not described in the minutes; the corrective-action text was the focus of the vote.

The chair noted the board was not prepared for an executive session due to incomplete materials. No additional public comments were offered. The board voted to adjourn.

The board chair presented details of a Request for Applications from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention. The $3 million total grant pool is expected to fund approximately 15 awards across three tiers. Tier A (design and development) carries awards of $100,000–$150,000 and is the appropriate tier for Marblehead, which the chair described as being at an early stage of program development.

The chair acknowledged competitive headwinds: roughly 300 organizations attended the state’s webinar, and the RFA gives preference to populations facing behavioral-health disparities and multilingual communities — characteristics that do not strongly favor Marblehead. Despite this, the board agreed to proceed, with the chair volunteering to draft the proposal. The conceptual focus would be promoting early intervention for youth and young adults, potentially including a ‘nano’ or ‘micro’ public mental health education program modeled on a mini-med school format.

The board discussed scheduling additional Zoom open meetings to review drafts, targeting November 6 and around midday on November 12, with the regular November Board of Health meeting moved to November 10 due to the Veterans Day holiday. The proposal deadline is 3:00 PM on Monday, November 17.

The board chair described the history of the Marblehead Mental Health Task Force, which was established during the pandemic to address community stress and stigma. Following the task force’s suggestion to affiliate with the Marblehead Counseling Center — an active face-to-face service provider — the board had previously endorsed the transition. The new entity, Marblehead Cares, has held two meetings. The board voted unanimously to discontinue the task force listing on the town website, with discussion of redirecting web traffic to the Marblehead Counseling Center site until a dedicated Marblehead Cares site is restored.

The board chair reported that the community health survey conducted in partnership with UMass Boston had received just over 1,500 responses. While this matched initial projections, it fell short of the goal needed for statistically significant comparisons across all age cohorts — particularly for the 18–30 and 30–40 age groups. A push to reach 2,000–3,000 responses is underway through newspaper ads, a rolling billboard at the Halloween football game, postcard distribution at a local bank drive-through, and table cards at restaurants. The survey window will remain open through the week of November 11.

Old Townhouse sign: The board approved a 15-by-7-inch sign under the Crabtree apple tree at the Old Townhouse main entrance recognizing the Old Marblehead Improvement Association’s voluntary restoration work (including stone repairs and brick walkway replacement). Voted unanimously.

Shellfish season: Per Chapter 130 §40A, the Devereux and Tuckers Beach shell-fishing flats are classified conditionally approved and open from October 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026.

Vacancies announced:

• Shellfish Constable: 2 vacancies, 3 letters of interest received; application deadline November 7, interviews November 19
• Disability Commission: 3 vacancies; application deadline December 5, interviews December 12

Next meetings: November 19 (regular meeting); December 10 (regular meeting, including Disability Commission interviews — corrected from an initially stated December 12 date which fell on a Friday).

Consent Agenda (approved unanimously): Minutes of October 1 and October 9, 2025; Abbott Hall Festival of Arts/Artisans Holiday Marketplace, December 5–7, 2025.

Contracts approved:

Reynolds Field design notes: Rec and Parks Commission unanimously selected CHA over one other firm because CHA has an in-house division dedicated to municipal sports fields, whereas the competing firm was assembling an outside team. The contract covers three tasks (stakeholder coordination, topographic/wetland surveys, and a phased options menu). Only the initial ~$69,000 requisition was being submitted; the board approved the full contract with phased expenditure. Additional Lars Anderson funds for construction phases will require a future Select Board vote.

The board approved a reorganization of the Green Marblehead Committee membership, replacing the town planner designee with the Community Development and Planning Director (Brenda Kelly) to reflect the creation of that director-level position. The change was described as simply swapping who holds the designated seat. Voted unanimously.

The Select Board addressed its overdue response to the Town Charter Committee’s questionnaire. Discussion focused on two articles:

Article 4, Section 4.1:

• Paragraph 11 language referencing “matters which town meeting has authorized or directed the select board to act” was flagged as potentially inconsistent with state law opinions that town meeting cannot direct select board actions; board asked the charter committee to review.
• A suggestion was made to add language explicitly noting the Select Board’s authority to award and execute contracts on behalf of the town.
• A suggestion was made to note the Select Board as the town’s sole legal decision-making authority for litigation and legal strategy.
• A suggestion was made to recognize the Select Board as head of town government for ceremonial purposes.

Article 4, Section 4.2:

• Paragraph 3 language prohibiting the town administrator from engaging in other business was flagged as potentially problematic for National Guard or military reserve commitments.
• Paragraph 9 language restricting TA involvement with the school system was flagged; the TA had served as chief bargaining agent for the school committee under Chapter 150E, and the language should not prohibit the school committee from appointing the TA as their bargaining agent.
• Adding procurement responsibility to the TA’s listed duties was suggested.
• Clarification on interim/acting TA procedures during vacancies or extended absences was suggested.
• Language tying committee appointments and chairmanships to bylaws rather than the charter was suggested to preserve flexibility.

The board voted unanimously to authorize the chair to respond to the questionnaire.

Suzanne Cruel was the sole applicant for the Council on Aging vacancy. She noted over 50 years of Marblehead residency, extensive finance and nonprofit board experience, and involvement with the COA board and Friends of the Council on Aging since 2012. The board voted unanimously to appoint her with a term expiring June 2028.

The board interviewed three candidates for one alternate member vacancy on the Harbors and Waters Board:

• Matthew Burke: 14-year resident, former commercial captain, currently Director of Transportation at DSG Logistics; highlighted logistics, budgeting, and on-the-water experience at West Shore
• Andy Garnets, 8 Partly Street: commercial construction estimator/project manager handling $10M–$150M projects; active member of Marblehead Anglers Club; emphasized budgeting and project management experience
• John Lucas: Marblehead native, Virginia Tech computer engineer, works on fast-attack submarines at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard; highlighted systems engineering, maritime engineering background, and project management

Board members noted all three candidates were highly qualified and encouraged the two not selected to continue volunteering. The vote was 3–2 for Burke (Sisson, Degrader/Singer voting Burke; Fox and one other voting Garnets). Burke will need to be sworn in at the Town Clerk’s office before attending his first meeting.

Building Commissioner Steve presented Nelson Gagnan for appointment as on-call plumbing inspector, noting the current inspector is undergoing knee replacement surgery and that having a backup inspector is a legal requirement. Gagnan has prior experience working with the Building Commissioner in Salem and serves as backup plumbing inspector in several other towns. The board voted unanimously to appoint him with a term expiring June 2026.

The Town Administrator reported two restored state earmarks: $50,000 for repairs and irrigation at Waterside Cemetery, and $35,000 for updated firearms training for the police department, secured through Representative Jenny and Senator Creighton.

On the grant front, the town applied for multiple grants through the One Stop and Coastal Zone Management program totaling approximately $2,816,493. Following the referendum vote that took the town out of MBTA 3A compliance, the town was deemed ineligible for all of those grants. Staff indicated they intend to continue applying and will let state agencies determine eligibility on a grant-by-grant basis.

The Village Street Bridge project is at 25% design, with the next step being 75% design funded through the Metropolitan Planning Organization (TIP process). It remains unclear whether 3A non-compliance will affect the project’s position in the TIP conveyor belt.

The Council on Aging roof project and Mary Alley building roof project are both underway, funded by previously approved debt exclusions; the Mary Alley project is expected to take approximately four weeks.

The Coffin School reuse process was outlined: internal department input has been collected (park and rec dog park, electric light battery storage, housing authority housing, and cemetery expansion were among requests), a neighbor meeting was held, a Request for Information has been issued to potential developers, and a broader public meeting is planned for the first or second week of November. Recommendations are expected to be presented to the Select Board around the end of the calendar year or early new year, at which point an RFP would be issued.

A board member provided a public health overview of influenza in advance of the upcoming season. Key data points from last season (classified as severe):

• 47 million U.S. illnesses
• 610,000 hospitalizations (1.8–2.8× higher than the prior 15-year average)
• 38,000–43,000 deaths (preliminary)
• 288 pediatric deaths — the highest since tracking began in 2004; approximately 80–89% of those children had not been vaccinated

Three vaccine types were described: inactivated/killed (standard and high-dose for ages 65+), recombinant (suitable for immunocompromised patients and those with severe egg allergies), and live attenuated nasal spray (ages 2–49, now available for home delivery and self-administration for the first time). Vaccine effectiveness last season ranged from 32–60% in children and 36–54% in adults against medically attended illness, with 78% protection against hospitalization in children. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone six months and older. September through October is the recommended timing window.

The director presented draft signage language for the Riverhead boat ramp clarifying that it is not a monitored bathing beach. Members discussed whether citing the state’s minimum standards for bathing beaches was confusing given Riverhead’s non-beach status, and agreed to refine the wording. The item was tabled to the October 27 meeting.

The board also briefly discussed the end of the beach bacterial monitoring season. The state funds sampling through approximately Labor Day; samples beyond that cost roughly $300 each. The director noted water temperatures in late September were around 61–66°F and that extending sampling one additional week into mid-September is possible but would require a budget increase.

The director announced that the town has purchased access to the Bloom app for all approximately 20,000 Marblehead residents and roughly 1,200 town employees. Residents can access the app via a QR code flyer at no cost. Services include 24/7 crisis support, therapy and mental health navigation, substance use and recovery coaching, grief support, parent coaching, elder care consulting, and fitness and nutrition resources. Each resident receives four free telehealth therapy or mental health support sessions; upon completion, the app assists with finding ongoing care. The QR code will be posted to the town website.

A board member presented a framework for public mental health as a population-based (non-clinical) approach involving three pillars: preventing mental illness, minimizing its consequences when it occurs, and promoting wellness and resilience. The presenter noted that mental health conditions peak before age 50 — earlier than cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and oncological conditions — and argued this makes early investment especially high-value.

The board also reviewed two recent columns they co-authored, including one on autism spectrum disorder and acetaminophen. A large Swedish sibling-controlled study covering 2.5 million children over 20 years, and a smaller Japanese replication study, both found that after controlling for genetic factors, acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with increased autism risk. A board member noted that mental health conditions collectively cause more lost healthy-life-days than diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer combined.

The board discussed forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (tentatively called ‘Friends of Public Health’ or similar) as a vehicle for grant-writing to fund public mental health initiatives long-term.

The board chair reported on a leadership meeting held earlier that day to coordinate outreach for the UMass Boston-administered community wellness survey. As of the meeting, approximately 1,400 responses had been received. The chair noted this was the first UMass Boston survey to include respondents as young as age 18, and that the 18–30 age cohort was responding at well below average compared to the other 80 municipalities UMass Boston has surveyed. The 30–39 cohort was also below average. The target response goal is roughly comparable to participation at the peak of the MBTA 3A town meeting discussions.

The board appointed Emily DeGrande as Animal Inspector with a term expiring April 30, 2026. The position became vacant when the previous inspector departed and carries a $2,400 annual stipend with approximately 20–24 callouts per year. The role focuses on public health obligations — primarily quarantine reporting and documentation to the state — rather than general animal control.

DeGrande described her background in animal rescue, including work with a domestic rabbit rescue organization and experience transporting various animals. Staff noted that DeGrande was selected after a posting and interviews for her combination of animal care experience and demonstrated capacity for the paperwork and reporting aspects of the role. The board directed staff to ensure she is trained before her first quarantine callout.

The board approved a revision to the previously approved date for the Veterans Town Hall at Abbott Hall, moving it to November 10, 2025, subject to the usual rules, regulations, and fees. The board also approved the minutes of the September 24, 2025 meeting.

The chair noted that the Board of Health was listed as one of only two of 68 town committees and boards that expressed support for Draft B of the charter revision. The proposal has had three readings at the House level and at least one at the Senate level. However, due to the legislative calendar and an upcoming election cycle, full passage and return to town meeting may not occur until 2028.

The chair reported that 16,739 postcards were mailed the morning of the meeting, one for each resident over 18 in Marblehead. The survey, developed with UMass Boston under IRB approval, aims to document health and wellness status to inform Board of Health strategic planning.

Key outreach plans discussed:

• Social media pushes coordinated in waves with different community members
• Placements at the senior center, Marblehead Y, and JCC
• A banner to be installed at Marblehead Electric Light
• Eighth-page newspaper ads near the survey close date
• A planned email blast and eventual Code Red notification

The survey is expected to run approximately three weeks. The board noted that the largest age cohort in the mailing is 18–29, which is expected to be the most challenging group to engage. Data will be anonymous, stored on a password-protected platform, and only aggregated results will be reported publicly. A preliminary review by the UMass Boston researcher identified that Marblehead seniors (60+) have higher-than-state-average rates of falls, cataracts, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

The Board of Health convened at 7:33 PM on September 29. The chair called for a motion to approve minutes from July 10, July 22, and August 13. The motion passed unanimously.

Procurement approvals: | Contract | Vendor | Amount | Funding | |—|—|—|—| | Mary Alley Community Center roof replacement (Contract 26-04) | MDM Engineering | $839,000 | Article 11, Town Meeting 2022 | | Hammond Nature Center Timber Stairs Repair (Contract 26-005) | Northeast Trail Works LLP | $19,000 | Shaddock Fund / Rec revolving fund |

The roof contract came in approximately $360,000 below the $1.2 million estimate. Seven to eight bids were received; MDM was the lowest qualified bidder.

Consent agenda approved:

• Minutes of September 10, 2025
• Private drain connection license, 155 Jersey Street (Frisoni)
• Abbott Hall use for MHS/VMS Art Show, May 7–29, 2026
• MHS Annual Booster Drive, October 5, 2025
• Congressman Seth Moulton Veterans Town Hall, Abbott Hall, November 11, 2025
• Festival of Arts First Look Party (Abbott Hall or Old Townhouse), October 17, 2025
• Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat, October 30, 2025 (street closures 4–5:30 PM)

Liquor license (polled vote): One-day beer and wine license for Festival of Arts, October 17, 2025, Old Townhouse or Abbott Hall, 5–7 PM — approved unanimously.

The Taxation Aid Committee, which administers a voluntary tax-bill checkoff fund for residents in need, was reconstituted with two new resident appointments alongside ex officio members (Board of Assessors chair and Treasurer-Collector). The Town Administrator noted that most taxpayers pay through mortgage escrow and never see the checkoff on their bills, causing the fund balance to decline over time; the committee is expected to launch a public awareness campaign.

Appointments: | Name | Committee | Term Expires | |—|—|—| | Meredith Rearden | Taxation Aid Committee | June 2026 | | Phyllis Smith | Taxation Aid Committee | June 2026 | | Andy Gillis | Council on Aging | June 2028 |

Gillis is executive director of the Mariner in Marblehead and has worked in senior housing and healthcare since 1993.

Charter Committee Chair Amy Drinker, Vice Chair Rosanna Ante, and drafter Sean Casey briefed the board. Key points:

• The committee is gathering feedback from entities named in the charter via a questionnaire.
• A final draft will be submitted to the Select Board in January 2026, after review by Town Counsel and the Collins Center.
• The Select Board will hold a public hearing before the warrant closes, then town meeting 2026 votes on the charter.
• After town meeting passage, the charter goes through a state legislative process (estimated 12–18 months), then returns for a town-wide ballot vote—potentially 2027 or 2028.
• Board members noted that the state legislature may make changes; if those changes are unacceptable, the charter could be rejected at the town-wide vote.

Key updates from the Town Administrator:

• Fiber network: Approximately $500,000 in ARPA funds were used to upgrade the municipal fiber network to a redundant loop configuration. Cutover is scheduled for Sunday, September 28.
• Elevators/lifts: Abbott Hall elevator is nearly back in service pending state inspection. The Old Townhouse hydraulic lift is described as failing beyond its useful life, overheating under frequent use. Future elections and events may be relocated. A capital improvement plan to address historic building elevators is being developed.
• Ambulance service (Boport): In its first month (starting August 15), Boport responded to 97 calls with an average response time of 7.5 minutes and no resident complaints. The service is temporarily co-located at fire headquarters before moving to 8 Sewell Street.
• Village Street Bridge: The project reached 25% design, a key threshold in the Metropolitan Planning Organization federal/state funding process. The bridge is nearly 100 years old and critical for public safety. Staff noted that 3A non-compliance creates uncertainty about whether the project remains on the funding conveyor belt.

After filling subcommittee seats — Jen and Melissa to budget, Melissa to communications, Kate as health and wellness liaison, Al Williams as town master planning liaison — the committee voted 4–1 on a motion to limit membership of the facilities, budget, policy, and communications subcommittees to elected school committee members voted onto those committees since July 2, 2025, explicitly excluding members of the public.

One member dissented, noting the facilities subcommittee has historically included community members with subject-matter expertise (citing past members Jeff St. George and Jeremy Poer) and that this practice has been beneficial. The majority view, as articulated by another member, was that high-level standing subcommittees should be composed of elected members, with task-specific advisory groups formed separately when outside expertise is needed.

The Glover School PTO donated $50,000 for new playground equipment, described as a climbing structure with ropes. The equipment was installed over the summer and has been in use. Motion passed 5–0.

A cash donation of $4,952.63 from the Friends of Marblehead Public Schools will fund Great Books Foundation training and supplies. Volunteers from the Council on Aging will work with second and third graders twice a week during the advisory block, focusing on high-quality literature and inquiry-based discussion. Motion passed 5–0.

Kate presented the year-long agenda developed from examples at other districts and a prior Marblehead planning calendar. Members discussed adding December warrant articles, a May town meeting entry, a preliminary Q4 FY26 report in June, and a vote on budget transfers before fiscal year end. The roof project contract approval is planned for the first November meeting, with a subcommittee recommendation on roof type (liquid-applied vs. new membrane) to accompany the contract vote. Motion passed 5–0.

The consent agenda included: a schedule of bills totaling $508,281.03; school committee meeting minutes of September 4, 2025 (approved with corrections for pagination, adjournment time, and a spelling fix); 19 MASC-recommended policy updates with minor language changes; school committee operating protocols; and the superintendent’s annual appointment to the North Shore Education Consortium Board. Motion passed 5–0.

The superintendent presented an update on the anti-discrimination committee, which held its first meeting of the year on September 18. All members from the prior year returned. The committee identified three priority areas from the state’s Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism recommendations: anti-bias education for all staff, Jewish American Heritage Month programming, and trauma-informed counseling support for Jewish students.

Planned deliverables include a presentation by Dr. Mi Bar-Halper to the administrative team, development of anonymous student reporting mechanisms (including QR codes), and a review of the anti-discrimination policy to add antisemitism-specific language. The superintendent is also working with Dr. Darice Arm-Jackson on a district equity audit. Committee members asked for deliverables with specific dates and suggested the full committee present to the school committee mid-year.

On a motion by the CFO, the committee voted 4–0 (one member briefly absent) to declare eight audiometers surplus. The items will be listed on the state surplus registry and may be sold or sent to an electronics recycler.

The superintendent welcomed Melissa Lucas and reported that open houses and PTO/PCO meetings are underway with strong attendance. Alice evacuation drills are being conducted at each building. The district is participating in an MGH substance use and mental health survey on October 9. A Board of Health needs assessment called CAHM (Creating a Healthier Marblehead), developed with UMass Boston, was noted. The superintendent shared a staff email reminding employees to be mindful of political and social commentary. Several staff members were recognized by name for exemplary work, including Zach Dixie (Village), Christine Chenowski, Mike Giardi, Danielle Moser (MHS), instructional coaches, Jay Budda (Vets), Tawny Callahan, and team chairs.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a welcome to new school committee member Melissa Lucas. Student representative Will provided an update on fall sports: boys soccer (5–2), girls soccer (4–0–2), volleyball (5–1), field hockey (3–2–1), and football (2–0). The marching band has begun practicing. Senior college application seminars and a financial aid night on October 28 were noted.

A board member raised concern about the Lynn Way Multimodal Corridor Project, a $20 million grant-funded initiative to improve the bus, pedestrian, and bicycle experience on the Lynn Way (a state highway). A key element is proposed removal of a travel lane on each side to create a dedicated bus lane, which the member noted could create significant backlog for commuters from Marblehead and neighboring towns. An in-person information session is scheduled at Abbott Library the following Wednesday from 12:30–2 PM. The member proposed reaching out to the Swampscott and Nahant select boards to coordinate advocacy on behalf of commuters, with board support. Staff noted they had already contacted State Representative Jenny’s office and posted the project flyer to the town website.

The board approved a one-month, $0-cost demo lease of a Demara EES electric mini bus from Demara Bus USA LLC, subject to town counsel review. The vehicle will be used by the Council on Aging as a direct replacement for existing gas-powered mini buses. Key specifications: approximately 130-mile battery range, capacity of 10–15 passengers, and a low-floor design for wheelchair and mobility-impaired users. The bus will charge at the Mary Alley charger. A public showcase event is planned for early October.

The Town Administrator presented a draft Cannabis Social Equity Policy required under Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2022, which mandates municipalities establish a process giving advantages to social equity applicants (owners from disproportionately impacted communities), as well as women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. Marblehead has two host community agreements expiring in November 2026 and April 2027. At least one of those two agreements must qualify under the social equity criteria; if neither does when renewal comes up, the town must hold a six-month open application period for qualifying applicants before considering others. Staff indicated the recently transferred Seven Sisters license may qualify. No vote was taken; the policy will return at a future meeting.

The Select Board unanimously adopted the Town of Marblehead Zero Emissions Vehicles First Procurement Policy. Key features highlighted during discussion:

• Applies primarily to light-duty vehicles; emergency vehicles and heavy equipment are explicitly excluded
• Includes a feasibility clause so the town is not locked into purchases that are functionally or financially inappropriate
• Supports the town’s Net Zero by 2040 roadmap adopted in 2023
• Constitutes one of the required steps toward applying for Green Community designation from the state (as discussed in public comment)

The policy was reviewed by department heads and the CFO before presentation. Staff noted the Town of Concord used a similar policy as a model.

Town Planner Brendan reported the Coffin School reuse project is proceeding on schedule. Key upcoming steps:

• September 26: Deadline for municipal department expressions of interest
• Late September: Letter to direct abutters; in-person/hybrid abutters meeting
• ~Early October: First public meeting following the abutters meeting
• ~30-day window: Request for Information (RFI) to potential outside developers and nonprofits posted to the town website
• ~November: Second public meeting; select board expected to begin deciding direction
• ~January (aspirational): Potential issuance of a formal RFP

Board members discussed the importance of broad community engagement and a structured criteria-based process, drawing lessons from the Gary School reuse process. At least one Select Board member expressed interest in attending the abutters meeting.

Steve McClure, artist and operator of the Willie Shaker Gallery, was appointed to the Cultural Council (term to June 2028). Duncan Facie was reappointed as a full member of the Old and Historic Districts Commission (term to June 2026), correcting an administrative oversight from June. Michael Hall, who holds a master’s in Historic Preservation from the University of Edinburgh and helped establish a historic district commission in Augusta, Maine, was appointed OHDC alternate member (term to June 2026).

The Fire Chief explained that the clock tower bell is struck hourly by a brass hammer at the same spot and has never been rotated, creating risk of metal fatigue and cracking after approximately 140 years of use. A local steeplejack/welder with relevant experience had been lubricating the retaining nut for several months in preparation. The board unanimously approved granting permission to rotate the bell.

The Town Administrator highlighted recent professional development: Treasurer/Collector Kami Elli passed the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association Collector Exam on her first attempt, earning full certification. Assistant Assessor Victoria Boca-rate completed the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers Annual Summer School in assessing procedures. The police department was also notified of its re-accreditation (on a roughly three-year cycle), with a formal recognition ceremony planned for October.

The chair called the joint Select Board–School Committee meeting to order and explained procedures: four applicants would be interviewed individually in alphabetical order, deliberation would follow, and a majority of five votes from the combined eight-member panel (one member recused) would be required for appointment.

A board member reported that at the end of the most recent budget season, the Finance Committee had been prepared to endorse increasing the town’s contribution to the Marblehead Counseling Center from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, but budget pressures forced it back to $60,000. The counseling center has indicated readiness to restore the higher figure.

The board discussed pursuing a town meeting article to provide sustained, multi-year funding rather than annual appropriations. The director noted that a meeting with counseling center director Sharon is scheduled for Thursday to get a specific financial figure for the backlog reduction request.

The board also discussed the potential for in-school counseling at Marblehead schools, noting that most neighboring towns have this model. The director confirmed Peabody uses in-school counseling and that it significantly reduces after-school waitlist pressure. A board member volunteered to represent the Board of Health on Superintendent Jen Schaffner’s multi-board working group on youth substance use.

Vaccination update: The associate chair for community health reported connecting with Megan Calkin, lead nurse for Marblehead Public Schools. MMR vaccination rates for the 2024 school year were: Glover – 100%, Village – 100%, Vet’s (Veterans) – 98%, High School – 100%. Recent gaps in reported data were attributed to a website usability error rather than a data collection problem. No student exclusions for vaccination non-compliance have been required under the current nursing team.

Riverhead Beach signage: Park and Rec proposed signage language for Riverhead Beach noting it is not a designated swimming beach and water is not tested under Massachusetts DPH Bathing Beach regulations. The board found portions of the proposed language (particularly ‘calm protected waters’) unclear or promotional and directed the director to consult state bathing beach program staff for approved alternative language. A formal vote was deferred; beach season ends at the end of the week so timing pressure is low.

The board chair, who has served on the 9-member town charter committee since its inception, described the project as a clarification and documentation effort rather than a change vehicle. Draft B is available on the Marblehead website (searchable as ‘Marblehead Charter Draft B’). The Board of Health section runs approximately 8–9 pages, covering composition, powers, duties, appointing authority, and policy roles.

Key process steps noted:

• Feedback on draft B due by October 6
• Draft C to follow
• Final charter must be approved by town meeting, then the state legislature, then ratified again
• Earliest anticipated timeline: April 2027 town meeting

Board members noted the draft currently lists five members for the Board of Health and indicated they would review the section carefully.

The board chair described what he called a new ‘information curator’ role for the Board of Health in an era of widespread misinformation. Three initiatives were outlined:

1. Newspaper columns: Both local papers (the Current and the Weekly News) have agreed to publish Board of Health articles on public health topics. Articles will differ between the two papers. Supporting references will be posted on the Board of Health website.

2. ‘Creating a Healthier Marblehead’ survey: On September 29, approximately 16,000 postcards will be mailed to all Marblehead residents over age 18 inviting participation in a 42-question online health assessment survey. UMass Boston is the survey partner and will provide multi-level analysis. The survey is planned to run for three weeks in October, with focus groups following in early 2026 and a public forum summarizing findings in mid-2026.

3. Marblehead Mental Health Task Force: Formerly a subdivision of the Board of Health, this group is now independent and will serve as a bridge between the Board of Health and the Marblehead Counseling Center, with Dr. Labone as chair.

Additionally, two small best-practice grants are supporting a project with Salem State professor Abeta examining child and maternal health in the community.

School Committee Vacancy: The board received formal notification from School Committee Chair Al Williams of Brian Ota’s resignation effective July 31. The board opened an application process, with letters of interest and resumes due September 5, 2025, submitted to both the Select Board at Abbott Hall or by email, and to School Committee Chair Williams. A joint interview meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2025.

Consent Agenda approved:

• Old Town House use for Marblehead & Revolution Weekend, September 20–21, 2025
• Dollars for Scholars 10th Annual Run for the Fund 5K, October 5, 2025
• Shanty #1 renewal to Mark Lozier for 2025–2026
• Abbott Hall use for wedding ceremony, August 1, 2026
• Old Town Hall use for Wings Women Discovery presentation, September 5, 2025
• Meeting minutes of July 9, July 15, and July 23, 2025

Surplus equipment declared: one Precision Solar Control (est. value $100 scrap) and one 2017 Ford Explorer from the Police Department.

One-day liquor license approved for Friends of Council on Aging, August 2025, 4:30–6:30 PM at the Jacoby Community Center, 10 Humphrey Street.

Contracts approved:

• MetaSource LLC records digitization project: time extension to June 30, 2026 (no cost increase)
• Ham Electric LLC, Redd’s Pond playground sports lighting: $21,750 (paid from Rec & Parks revolving fund)
• Penalty Floors Inc., police station flooring: $14,234 (paid from Town Meeting 2025 Article 8)

The board approved three motions authorizing the Town Administrator to act on behalf of Marblehead in National Opioid Litigation Consortium settlements:

1. Purdue/Sackler: Vote on the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan including a $6.5 billion Sackler family settlement, to be submitted by September 23, 2025.
2. GISA Release: Execute the Governmental Entity Settlement Agreement quasi-release for the Sackler agreement via DocuSign by September 30, 2025.
3. Nine-defendant settlement: Execute participation forms for agreements with Algen, Amal, AAX, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Zydus, and (if applicable) Sandoz, by October 1, 2025.

The Town Administrator noted Marblehead has already received upward of $330,000 from prior settlements. Settlement funds are restricted to uses including community prevention programs, substance use treatment, recovery housing, naloxone distribution, and public health infrastructure. The town’s strategy is to identify existing community organizations providing these services and fund them rather than delivering services directly.

The board formally adopted its 2025 strategic goals as summarized by a board member following the earlier retreat. The goals are organized into areas including good governance, communication and public engagement, finance and budgeting, capital planning and investment, community quality of life, workforce and human resources, and community development and economic growth.

Discussion centered on how to operationalize the goals, with one member suggesting alignment with the GFOA budget document so departmental budgets reflect the board’s strategic priorities. The Town Administrator described the goals as the top-level direction for the organization, feeding into the next budget cycle. The board voted unanimously to adopt the goals and indicated plans to post them publicly on the town website.

Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey presented two related items: the state Green Communities program and a draft Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) First procurement policy.

Green Communities Program: The program provides designation grants ($150,000–$700,000 at designation) and competitive grants (up to $225,000 per round, offered approximately every six months) for energy efficiency and carbon-reduction projects. About 300 of 351 Massachusetts municipalities participate. Marblehead has already met three of five criteria: as-of-right zoning for renewable energy, permitting within one year, and adoption of the Stretch Building Code.

The two remaining criteria are the ZEV procurement policy and an energy reduction plan (due in October). As a Municipal Light Plant community, Marblehead must also adopt a renewable energy charge of 0.5 mill per kilowatt-hour (approximately $5–$6/year per average household, totaling roughly $50,000 town-wide annually). That decision rests with the Light Board. The application deadline is December 2025; applications can also be submitted every six months.

A board member raised the question of whether MBTA Communities non-compliance would affect grant eligibility. Casey noted the competitive grant program does consider MBTA compliance, and the designation grant is a gray area being investigated with the state Department of Energy Resources.

ZEV First Policy: The draft policy would require that, starting in FY27, any light-duty vehicle purchase (under 8,500 lbs) consider battery-electric options first, then plug-in hybrids, then hybrids, before conventional vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles, emergency response vehicles, and off-road equipment are exempt. Cost feasibility and operational suitability are built-in escape valves. The town currently has two fully electric vehicles in its approximately 90-vehicle light-duty fleet.

The board asked for time to review the draft policy before a future vote.

The board formally appointed Allison Jenkins as Chief Procurement Officer, a newly dedicated full-time position. Jenkins has approximately 19 years of municipal government experience, including service as a Select Board member in Hamilton, nearly 10 years as Chief Procurement Officer in Reading (where she centralized that function for the first time), and a stint with the City of Everett.

The Town Administrator noted that previously the CPO role was split with the Town Planner position and that centralizing procurement will improve contract quality, free up department heads to focus on core functions, and help manage significant project volume. Jenkins indicated there was already substantial pent-up demand waiting for the new office. Her term expires June 2026.

Council on Aging representatives Marcy Schwam (in person) and Lisa Hooper (remote) presented the board’s June 12 vote to change its operational policy. The COA, currently a seven-member board, requested extending consecutive service from two to three three-year terms (up to approximately nine years) before requiring members to step off and reapply. The rationale was continuity of institutional knowledge, particularly after COVID disrupted normal board timelines. The Select Board noted that most appointed boards do not have term limits, and approved the change unanimously.

The board interviewed two applicants for Conservation Commission vacancies (three vacancies exist: two three-year terms and one two-year term).

Allison Fry is Associate Director at Salem Sound Coast Watch, with experience in habitat restoration, salt marsh work, wetland protection, and coastal resilience grants. She has attended Marblehead Conservation Commission meetings and has presented at other North Shore commissions.

Brandon Collins grew up in Lake George, NY, where his mother was a prominent limnologist. He has worked with the Lake George Association and related freshwater science programs, and moved to Marblehead in 2015. He works in real estate and is familiar with Conservation Commission processes through client interactions.

After interviews, the board voted unanimously to appoint both to three-year terms expiring June 2028.

The Town Administrator provided updates on three property matters:

Cove Lane Access Dispute: A resident is claiming private ownership of Cove Lane on the Neck, which has historically been used by the public for beach access. Town counsel is researching deed records; the town’s current position is that ownership is shared among abutters. No court filings have been made; the dispute remains at the attorney-correspondence stage. Board members expressed strong support for defending public access.

Cliff Street Boatyard Cleanup: The town received a draft permanent solution with no conditions statement from DEP, indicating soil remediation of historical oils and liquids is complete with no restrictions required on property use.

Smith Street Rail Trail Ribbon Cutting: A ribbon cutting ceremony for a showcase section of the Rail Trail is scheduled for August 26 at 4:00 PM. The section serves as a prototype to set dimensions and materials for remaining portions.

The board discussed whether to hold a second August meeting given schedule conflicts in the final week of the month. Members agreed to postpone and set the next regular meeting for the second Tuesday of September, with the large public trash-contract input session planned for the fourth Monday (Wednesday the 24th) of September.

Marblehead Forever

Motion to prepare a proclamation in honor of the 2025 Marblehead Forever Award. All in favor.

Letters of interest received

• Matthew Burke – Harbors & Waters Board
• Steve McClure – Cultural Council
• Andrew Gillis – Council on Aging

The Board will receive letters of interest for the Harbors & Waters Board, Council on Aging, and Cultural Council with a deadline of August 29, 2025. Interviews to be scheduled for a future meeting.

Marine Corps letter

Mr. Grader proposed sending a letter to the Marine Corps Delegation thanking them for their visit and expressing the Town’s support for the August 21 anniversary event. Motion made and seconded to have the Town Administrator send the letter. All in favor.

Adjourned at 7:50 PM.

The Community Development and Planning Department, along with the Planning Board, requested a Select Board representative to serve on the Comprehensive Master Plan Advisory Committee.

The Chair asked who might be interested. Both Mrs. Noonan and Mr. Zisson expressed interest. Motion made and seconded to appoint James R. Zisson. All in favor.

Two minutes-approval motions.

• Minutes of May 28, 2025 – approved with 4 in favor; Mr. Zisson voted present
• Minutes of June 25, 2025 – approved unanimously

Mr. Zisson’s vote of “present” rather than “in favor” on May 28 is not explained in the meeting record – possibly an absence on the meeting date or a procedural objection not captured in the minutes.

Town Administrator update with two items.

Elm Street Park

During construction, a 7-foot-deep cistern from 1858, built of granite blocks, was discovered on the site. After obtaining additional funding from the Board, the team integrated the granite blocks into the park design as steps and seating. Remaining granite blocks taken by public works for future use.

Project funding: partially through ARPA and neighborhood fundraising, with each phase dependent on securing further funding.

Marine Corps 250th Anniversary

As part of Marine Week in Boston (250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps), a potential event scheduled for Marblehead at Fort Sewall on August 21, 2025.

The event:

• Expected to draw regional attendance
• Includes a ceremony, silent drill, and cake cutting
• Approximately 3 hours total
• Main Marine Week activities start in Boston August 20
• Marblehead’s event recognizes the town’s historical connection to the Marine Corps

The Town Administrator will coordinate with department heads and bring more details and potential parking restrictions to the Board at a future meeting.

The chair proposed formalizing two associate chair (vice chair) roles discussed informally the prior year: one focused on community health and one focused on waste/environmental issues. The motion passed unanimously. The chair noted an earlier attempt to write to the Attorney General seeking a waiver from open meeting law requirements for clinical discussions was declined politely by an assistant AG.

Bills read into the record (selected items): | Vendor | Purpose | Amount | |—|—|—| | Bonsai Logic | (unspecified) | $24,902.50 | | Republic Services | Curbside collection (pre-strike) | ~$69,596 | | Marblehead Counseling Center | Counseling | $9,464.48 | | Haley Ward (engineering) | Transfer station | $2,534 | | Agri-Source | Grinding | $12,940 | | Black Earth Compost | Residential food composting | $1,649.73 | | United Construction | Non-highway vehicle repair | $8,010.96 | | East Coast Compactor | Compactor repair | $1,070.75 |

Beach water testing:

• Grace Oliver’s Beach is closed pending a passing sample; retest scheduled for the next day with possible reopening Saturday.
• Crocker Park returned a high result; retest authorized; beach may remain open depending on outcome.
• Riverhead Beach is not a public bathing beach under state regulations and is not tested by the department.
• A $240 payment to Atlantic Vet was for rabies testing (animal control, paid by BOH).

Community health survey: A mid-August target was set for fielding a 40–45 question survey, with a steering group meeting regularly with UMass Boston.

Town charter committee: The chair reported that the committee (which has met 24 times) has completed Version A of the charter and will begin reviewing Version B at its August meeting. The board is represented in Chapter 8 or 6. The committee’s approach is to codify existing practices rather than change them.

Master Plan Advisory Group: A new town-wide advisory group led by the Planning Board is examining redundancies and potential consolidation across departments. The board unanimously appointed Tom (senior BOH member) to represent the Board of Health. The director noted the transfer station’s specialized, year-round operations offer little opportunity for cross-departmental consolidation.

Menstrual equity program: The chair noted a request to partner with the school committee on a menstrual equity program; a local expert with relevant thesis research will be invited to a future meeting.

Appointments approved:

• Douglas Perry, Constable (civil process), expires June 2026
• John Arfloor, Animal Inspector (temporary), expires June 2026

Minutes: June 11, 2025 approved.

Events:

• Marblehead Rotary 5K, Sunday November 2, 2025, 11:00 AM, Crocker Park; ~150–200 participants; subject to police/fire approval and liability insurance.

Liquor licenses:

• Seven one-day licenses for Annunciation House Complex (Ammas House, 22 Endicott St. and Egypt House, 12 Conant Rd.) for events July 30 through December 25, 2025.
• One one-day license for Marblehead Little Theater, August 2, 2025, 7:00–10:00 PM (Bent Water Brewery).
• Wine and malt beverage package store application from Flora Mattia, 164 Washington Street: board voted to issue public notice seeking all applicants and schedule a public hearing.

Rail Trail Engineering: Amendment No. 2 to contract with Toole Design Group for Swampscott Rail Trail Engineering Design Phase 2 approved at no cost change; reallocates funds from one task to permitting and drainage tasks. Funded through ARPA.

Conservation Commission vacancy: Board directed staff to post a letter-of-interest notification with an August 8 deadline; interviews targeted for August 13.

Two additional items were approved:

Board of Health Donation Account: Public Health Director Andrew Petty requested establishment of a donation account for FY26 to receive grants and private donations funding the CALM community health assessment. No town appropriation is involved. Approved unanimously.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Letter of Support: The grant, administered through the Metropolitan Planning Organization, would fund a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and two demonstration pilots, incorporating the town’s complete streets prioritization plan, bicycle facilities plan, and sidewalk plan. The board authorized the chair to sign a letter of support. Approved unanimously.

The board approved temporary traffic and parking restrictions July 16–20, 2025 to accommodate delivery of five large switchgear sections to the Village 13 substation. A 275-ton crane will arrive July 16; trailers carrying the switchgear — described as wider than the transformer delivered in a prior year — will arrive July 17–18, with July 19–20 providing buffer for potential delays. The equipment must arrive in a specific sequence. Coordination with police and fire was required. Vote was unanimous.

The board approved consent agenda items including:

• Minutes of May 14 and June 16, 2025 (May 14 voted separately; one member abstained as he was not yet on the board at that meeting)
• Temporary street closures and traffic regulations for July 4th parade, fireworks, and Festival of Arts
• License for a private drain connection at 37 Baldwin Road
• Declaration of surplus equipment (Smith air compressor, paver, weight/measuring trailer, Ford F-550 dump body, V-blade plow, Smith salt spreaders, photocopier, survey equipment)
• Lobster and fishing shanty renewals at Turner Land/Front Street Little Harbor for Steve (slip 2), Jeff Flynn (3), John Burns (4), Doug Percy (6), William Brown (8), and Dave Rogers (9)

Following discussions between board members Aaron Nunan and Moses (remote) with current Harbors and Waters Board members, the board restructured the committee appointments. Gary Gregory, who led the board through a restructuring of the enterprise fund over many years, agreed to transition to an alternate position rather than continuing as a full member given increased time in Florida. Steve Wolf was elevated from alternate to full member. The reconstituted board: John Dub, Jay Micho, Rick Ner, Clark Smith, and Steve Wolf as members; Karen Puccio and Gary Gregory as alternates. One alternate vacancy remains to be posted. A board member noted Gregory’s expertise will be particularly valuable as the town considers potential bonding by the Harbors and Waters Enterprise Fund to finance elements of the harbor plan.

The board approved annual reappointments to more than 30 boards, committees, and commissions. Two items were pulled from the bulk motion for separate votes:

Finance Committee — Michael Janko (3-year term): One board member declined to support the reappointment, citing concerns about Janko being the sole dissenting vote on four Finance Committee warrant articles during the year without public explanation, and a vote in support of a citizen petition to defund the sustainability coordinator position (which the petition’s own sponsor subsequently withdrew). Another board member countered that Janko’s fiscally conservative perspective adds value as a contrarian voice and that ideological diversity should be preserved. A third member noted having spoken with Janko that day. The motion passed 3-2 (Singer and Nunan not in favor).

Finance Committee — Timothy Meyer (3-year term): Approved unanimously.

Linda Gifford (Finance Committee clerk): No separate vote taken; acknowledged.

All other reappointments were approved unanimously in bulk. The board also voted to send letters of appreciation to 14 individuals who did not seek reappointment or reached term limits.

Community Development Director Brenda presented the merger of the Fair Housing Committee and the Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee into the new Marblehead Housing Committee. Key structural changes:

• Select board direct membership removed; a liaison relationship retained
• Community development director serves as chair
• Town planner, Task Force Against Discrimination rep, Disabilities Commission rep, and Housing Authority rep are standing members
• Four at-large members with three-year staggered terms; two alternates with one-year terms
• All existing members retained; no one displaced
• The Marblehead Housing Trust (the “bank”) remains a separate entity

Board members Moses (remote) and Aaron both noted prior service on one or both predecessor boards. Vote was unanimous.

Following a resident request coordinated through DPW and Community Development, the board approved installation of a streetlight on utility pole number 5 on Curtis Street. The Marblehead Municipal Light Department provides and installs the hardware; the town pays the ongoing electricity cost. Three households signed in support. Vote was unanimous.

Board of Health member Tom Ro (and newly appointed Dr. Amanda Ko, who was present) presented the “Creating a Healthier Marblehead” (CALM) initiative. Key elements:

Baseline Assessment: The town has contracted with UMass Boston, which has conducted similar health assessments in approximately 80 Massachusetts municipalities including Salem and Swampscott, to develop a health status and wellness profile for Marblehead. Work is expected to begin after Labor Day.

Scope: The assessment will address physical, mental, social, emotional, intellectual, and occupational health, as well as social determinants of health. Substance use was identified as a priority topic. The board also cited a grant from the lieutenant governor’s office to develop a child and maternal health landscape.

Survey Mechanics: A town-wide survey targeting residents 18 and over will be distributed in fall 2025, followed by at least four professionally facilitated focus groups. The goal is a 30–50% response rate (~4,600–7,500 respondents). Delivery methods under consideration include QR codes, paper mail-in, in-person at town hall or the Council on Aging, and newspaper.

Privacy: All data will be de-identified before tabulation.

Funding: The initiative is funded through grants and nonprofit donations; no town tax appropriation is required for the current phase.

Board members suggested promoting the survey’s link to future grant funding as an incentive for participation. The presenters indicated they would return to the board in September before the survey launches.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer summarized several operational updates. Veterans Services Agent Roseanne Triumphe-Elli has been holding community coffee events, presenting at library programs, and receiving positive feedback on the expanded property tax abatements for veterans approved at town meeting.

The Munis financial software system is set to launch July 1, replacing the legacy Soft Right system. Historical data from Soft Right will not be migrated into Munis due to system incompatibility; instead, prior-year records will be preserved as Excel spreadsheets. Alicia Benjamin led the implementation effort.

On June 27, the town is launching a salary survey and classification study with consultant Katie Yee of MGT. The project is expected to conclude in November–December, in time for budget season. The board will be asked to set a policy target for where Marblehead falls on the salary range relative to comparable and competitive communities; the administration’s goal is the 75th percentile, up from a prior benchmark of 50%.

Transfer Station Construction: The project bid is expected to be issued around July 16–17, with a roughly six-week bid period. Construction is targeted for fall 2025. Key operational disruptions will include taking the scale offline and pouring concrete for the compactor pit and tractor-trailer slab simultaneously to minimize downtime.

Five-Member Board: The director reported that state legislation to expand the Board of Health from three to five members is on track. Once passed by the legislature, the expansion would appear on the next annual election ballot. Staggered terms would need to be addressed in consultation with town counsel.

Sticker Sales Update: As of the meeting, the transfer station had sold 4,047 primary stickers, 1,411 secondary permits, and 342 veteran permits, on pace toward the typical annual total of 6,500.

Dog Waste at Transfer Station Entrance: The director noted that individuals walking dogs near the Green Street entrance have not been cleaning up after their animals. A camera is being installed in that area, and fines will be issued for violations.

The board received updates on several community health initiatives:

• Community Health Survey (PRIME project): A signed contract with UMass Boston is in place. Bi-monthly planning meetings will focus on survey mechanics and maximizing response rates. The approximately 45-question survey targets residents 17 and older, with a target completion window ending November 11. The board plans to present the project to the Select Board for an endorsement.
• Mental Health Merger: The Marblehead Mental Health Task Force, Marblehead Cares, and the Marblehead Counseling Center are in the process of merging. The board discussed its future role in town mental health and the concept of “Public Mental Health” for government agencies.
• Landscape Grant / Maternal and Child Health: Outreach visits to Pediatric Associates of Greater Salem (PAGS) and Marblehead Pediatrics identified a gap in parenting classes. PAGS suggested the board offer parenting classes; the Marblehead Counseling Center previously ran such classes and expressed interest in reviving them. A grant opportunity with a very short window was noted.
• Health Literacy: The chair proposed that the board take a more active public-education role, potentially starting meetings early for health-system literacy sessions, writing newspaper columns, and using the board’s email address for community input.

Director of Public Health Andrew Petty opened the reorganization meeting. A motion was made and seconded to elect Thomas Massaro as chair; the vote passed unanimously. The board confirmed its existing meeting schedule (second Tuesday and fourth Monday at 7:30 p.m.) and voted to approve the June 3rd meeting minutes with corrections, including fixing the spelling of a member’s name and adding an attendee.

Board members offered congratulations to Jim Zin on joining the Select Board and to all candidates who ran in the recent election. Members noted the high voter turnout and praised the Marblehead High School polling location as accessible and well-run. The chief was also commended for a firefighter recognition event held the prior Sunday. Members acknowledged all poll workers and election volunteers.

Consent agenda approved:

• Minutes of May 5, 6, and 19, 2025
• Holiday hours for Abbot Hall and Mary Alley Building (June 30–July 4)
• 4th of July Harwell Parade on July 4, 2025 at 10:10 AM (same route as prior year, rain date July 6)
• BNS Fitness Wicked Half Marathon on Sunday, September 21, 2025

Open Meeting Law complaint: A complaint filed by Dan Albert on May 25, 2025 was delegated to Town Counsel for response.

One-day liquor licenses approved:

• Play on Yacht Club, 42 Foster Street — July 2, 2025, 6–10 PM
• Star of the Sea, 85 Atlantic Ave — June 28, 2025, 5–7 PM
• Bubble Bar Boston, 88 Washington Street — July 4, 5, and 6, 2025, 12 noon–5 PM

Resignation: Amy Hirsch’s resignation from the Disabilities Commission was accepted; a letter of appreciation to be sent.

Water and Sewer: The board noted a public rate-setting hearing by the Water and Sewer Commission on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM at 100 Tower Way, Building 11.

The Town Administrator reported three items:

Domain transition: The town will move from marblehead.org to marblehead.gov on June 17, 2025. The .gov domain is managed by the US General Services Administration and is considered more secure and legitimate for government communications. The .org domain will remain active and redirect for an extended period.

Chief Procurement Officer: The town will post for a Chief Procurement Officer, a position previously held part-time by former town planner Becky Kern. Staff members Amy Ew and Alicia Benjamin had been covering procurement duties, which was described as unsustainable. The position will be assigned to the Select Board’s office and funded within the existing budget. A new procurement software module will also be implemented to manage contracts and procurement processes in-house. Board members and a Finance Committee member with Inspector General experience expressed strong support.

Street sweeping plan: Following the elimination of the all-winter parking ban in favor of an on-demand snow ban, the town lost the open window it previously used for street sweeping. Public Works will present a new plan proposing defined spring and fall sweeping windows, with residents encouraged to sign up for Code Red notifications. Street sweeping is required under the town’s stormwater permit.

The meeting opened with nomination of a chair for the upcoming year. Dan Fox was nominated, seconded, and approved unanimously by all five members: Grayer, Nunan, Senior, Zin, and Fox himself.

Committee member Sarah Fox presented a memo requesting that the Catherine R. Martin Organic Garden at Brown School be renamed the Catherine R. Martin and Jeffrey St. George Organic Garden. Fox noted that Jeff St. George, who passed away in January 2025 less than eight months after his wife Katie, was instrumental in building the original garden, wrote the letter of interest that initiated the Gerry Building Project at the MSBA, and served for years on the district’s facilities subcommittee.

A letter of support from Kristen Salby Pratt was read into the record. Fox noted that the artist who originally created the garden’s ceramic sign, Kirsten Von, had been contacted and agreed to produce a new sign; the St. George daughters may participate in creating it. The committee voted 4-0 to approve.

The committee approved its school committee operating protocols (5-0), noting the original 2017 slim version could not be located and that the current version, while longer than desired, reflects significant work.

The following MASC policies were adopted (all 5-0 or 4-0 after member Al Williams departed at approximately 8:24 PM):

• IMG – Animals in School
• IMGA – Service Animals in School
• IHBG – Homeschooling (removes erroneous diploma language)
• CHA/CHC – Development and Dissemination of Procedures
• IHBD – Compensatory Education (cross-reference update)
• IHBF – Home Bound Instruction (14-day cumulative threshold)
• IHBH – Alternative School Programs
• IJ – Instructional Materials (cross-reference update)
• IKAB – Student Progress Report to Parents and Guardians
• IMB – Teaching About Controversial Issues and Controversial Speakers
• IHBG-R – Deleted (superseded by adopted MASC homeschooling policy)

Policies IL (Evaluation of Instructional Programs), IGB (Student Services Program), parent technology consent form, and student email/internet guidelines were deferred to the June 18 meeting for minor revisions.

The superintendent provided a district update covering: a successful student-athlete signing day (25 athletes committing to colleges), the sixth-grade trip to Wellfleet Dale, the Culture Feast, and end-of-year events. He read an extensive list of colleges and universities that graduating seniors will attend, including Stanford, Yale, Cornell, and Northwestern, as well as students entering trade programs and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Outgoing student representative Ella was formally commended by the committee chair. Incoming student representative Will Shank was introduced. The superintendent also noted that committee members Fox and Taylor have school committee elections on Tuesday.

Following public comment and the director’s report, the chair offered brief farewell remarks noting 28 years of service on the Board of Health. The board then voted by roll call to enter executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A §21(a)(2) — strategy sessions in preparation for negotiation with non-union personnel — specifically regarding the health director employment contract. The board stated it would not return to open session.

Roll call: Dr. Zaro — Aye; Mr. McMahon — Aye. Motion passed unanimously.

The board worked through a backlog of approximately two and a half months of meeting minutes. A correction was made to the April 22 minutes: language was amended to read ‘remove funding for assistant waste director from waste salaries and move associated funding into the commercial waste revolving fund’ rather than simply ‘remove the assistant director.’ All minutes were approved unanimously.

The meeting opened with an extended tribute to retiring Board of Health member Helene, who has served since 1997 — nearly three decades. The board chair read a formal statement of gratitude, and former board colleague Joanne delivered a detailed account of Helene’s community contributions, including:

• Co-founding Dollars for Scholars, providing need-based financial aid to Marblehead High School graduates
• Co-founding Making Ends Meet, supporting residents in need
• Founding Friends of Marblehead Public Schools, supporting enrichment programming
• Founding the Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination
• Serving nine years on the School Committee
• Volunteering with the Marblehead Counseling Center since the 1970s
• Leading creation of the Marblehead Mental Health Task Force during COVID

Helene also served as a board member since 1997 and previously chaired the board. She thanked attendees and closed the tribute portion by saying she wished to say ‘goodnight, but not goodbye.’

Board member Brett Murray’s final meeting was acknowledged by the full board. Chair Newan highlighted Murray’s contributions including availability, insight, and collaborative spirit. Other members noted his long history in Marblehead (family roots to the 1700s) and collegiality.

Murray thanked Marblehead voters for multiple reelections, praised the direction of the town under Town Administrator Keer’s leadership, and encouraged more residents to run for boards and committees. He thanked his family for supporting his service.

Separately, the chair noted upcoming Town Charter Committee public forums: a Thursday noon-to-one session at the Judy Jacoby Center (Council on Aging) and a Friday 9–10 AM online webinar. A prior evening forum had approximately 25 online attendees and 15 in person. Draft A of the proposed charter is posted on the Charter Committee’s website.

Town Administrator Keer presented a broad update drawn from a recent department head meeting:

Civic Engagement

• Veterans Service Agent held her first independent Memorial Day ceremony; described as successful.
• Citizen Police Academy completed with six graduates committing to volunteer with the police department; interest in a second academy.

Technology Infrastructure

• $89,000 public infrastructure grant received to extend the ARPA-funded municipal fiber loop to the Neck, connecting remaining municipal infrastructure.
• Munis financial software: staff access established, training underway, go-live targeted for July 1.

Electric Vehicle Fleet Transition

• Mass Fleet Advisor technical assistance agreement underway to develop an EV transition plan.
• Green Marblehead Implementation Committee assessing high-speed EV charger locations including the DPW yard.
• Draft employee home charging policy in development for employees authorized to take vehicles home; would cover cost of Level 2 charger installation and reimburse home electricity costs for overnight charging.
• Council on Aging exploring purchase of an electric van.

Assessing Office

• Current abatement season is very light; assistant/lead assessor proactively reviewing and correcting land value database issues that affected certain neighborhoods in prior years.

Environmental / Regulatory

• DCR floodplain permit approved; final revisions underway.
• Gas leaf blower ban in effect from Memorial Day through Labor Day; enforcement approach is education-first.

Ambulance Contract

• Atlantic Ambulance contract expires June 30; town is engaging the marketplace to evaluate options before renewal or replacement.

On advice of town counsel, the board voted to make public six sets of executive session minutes: February 26, 2025; May 15, 2024; May 23, 2024; May 24, 2023; June 28, 2023; and November 2, 2021. The board also voted to continue holding four sets: March 12, 2025; March 26, 2025; November 13, 2023; and November 23, 2020.

Sustainable Coordinator Logan Casey presented eight grant applications for board authorization:

A board member noted that eligibility for several grants — specifically MBTA Community Catalyst Funding, MassWorks, and Complete Streets programs — depends on Marblehead maintaining compliance with MBTA 3A zoning, which remains in abeyance pending a July 8 referendum on a petition to repeal the town meeting vote.

The board approved several contract amendments:

• Brighter Horizons Environmental (Police Tank Removal): increased by $18,144, extended to July 30, 2025. Additional contamination found in the excavation required further soil mitigation beyond the original ARPA-funded scope; additional funds were identified through the finance department.
• Granice & Sons, Inc. (Bessom Beacon Storm Sewer Extension, Contract 1807): four change orders totaling a net decrease:
  • Change Order 1: +$21,946.21
  • Change Order 2: +$19,440.49
  • Change Order 3 (additional video inspections): +$7,090.97 (approximate)
  • Change Order 4 (final balancing): -$82,874.45

Funding is from stormwater construction articles.

The board approved a consent agenda covering: minutes of April 23, 2025; a request for church bells to ring on July 4 at 7:30–8:00 AM, noon–12:30 PM, and 6:00–6:30 PM; a fee waiver for Sustainable Marblehead (nonprofit) for use of the Old Townhouse on June 6, 2025; and the Breast Friends Walk on October 12, 2025 at Devereaux Beach, subject to standard approvals, insurance, and conditions prohibiting permanent street markings.

At the opening of the May 28, 2025 meeting, the chair called for a vote to enter executive session under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A for the purposes of contract negotiations with the town administrator and to review executive session minutes where public discussion could be detrimental to the town’s negotiating position. The vote was unanimous. The board subsequently reconvened in open session.

The board approved the following contracts and changes:

The Purvis Systems amendment shifts software hosting from the vendor to the town’s own IT staff, resulting in minor savings; remaining contract funds are retained for contingencies.

Charter Committee Chair Amy Drinker provided a status update:

• Draft A review: The committee has been working through draft language article by article since January; tomorrow’s meeting (May 15) picks up at Article 7.5 (recall) through Articles 8–11, completing the Draft A review.
• Draft B and beyond: After Draft A, there will be subsequent drafts refined over the next ten months before presentation to the Select Board and ultimately Town Meeting next May.
• Public forums: Three forums scheduled in late May at different venues (including the COA Jacoby Center at lunchtime on a Thursday, and the committee’s regular meeting on May 27) to gather public input. The draft charter has been on the town website since January.
• Collins Center: The committee is conserving its contracted time with the Collins Center (MAPC) for the most critical review stage.
• State process: In September, the committee plans to meet with Representative Jenny Armini to walk through the home rule petition and state review process, which takes approximately one year.

Town Administrator Keer reviewed the logistical effort surrounding the emergency relocation of Town Meeting to the high school field house:

• Clicker system: The town had purchased 1,500 clickers but attendance exceeded that number. Vendor Meridian’s Peter Babel delivered 800 additional rented clickers from Hopkinton, while Westford contributed 300 and Hamilton contributed 300, bringing the total to 2,900 clickers.
• WiFi issue: A traffic jam on the system caused slowdowns; rebooting the WiFi cleared the problem. A technical writeup was provided back to vendor Meridian for other towns’ benefit.
• Audio/visual improvements planned: The board discussed upgrading screens, projectors, and permanently mounting receivers higher to avoid signal blockage, ahead of designating the field house as the standard venue.
• Staff recognition: The Administrator and Chair recognized IT staff Frank Perez, school staffer Gretchen Langton (who ran the voting system), custodians, COA drivers (flagged by Lisa Hooper), childcare coordinator Janie Block, and others.
• Chief King award: Police Chief King received a Community Leadership Award from ADL New England’s Essex County Law and Education Day for work addressing antisemitism following October 7, 2023.

A resident asked about the status of the proposed expansion to a five-member Board of Health. The board explained this requires approval from the state legislature and is being followed up by the selectman’s office, with Representative Armini aware of the matter.

The resident also asked about the location of the new commercial vehicle scale at the transfer station. The director explained it will be located in front of the tipping floor, flush with the asphalt, allowing commercial vehicles to weigh in and out without crossing resident traffic lanes.

The outgoing chair presented a draft text for a commemorative bronze plaque to be installed at the transfer station upon completion of the renovation project. The director noted that a large brass plaque from the old incinerator building is currently stored in his office, and that a new plaque had always been planned.

The board discussed whether the facility could be named after a long-serving member and agreed that would be a future board decision. The next regular meeting is June 3, with the Memorial Day meeting skipped. The chair noted she is in office until June 10.

Staff reported that a meeting was held at the Marblehead Counseling Center with task force leadership to formalize the transition. A note from task force chair Mark is being distributed to all members confirming the move and thanking the Board of Health for founding the task force during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accomplishments of the task force include developing a comprehensive webpage, publishing articles, co-developing the CALM initiative, participating in community wellness fairs, and hosting regional health speakers. The task force will reconvene under the counseling center’s auspices after a summer break.

The board discussed the status of the task force website, which was hacked and held for ransom. Staff will investigate whether the site can be recovered or whether content can be migrated to the counseling center’s existing website. A small mental health best-practices grant could cover recovery costs if feasible.

A resident submitted a letter to the board with copies of a Cleveland Clinic preprint suggesting vaccinated employees had a slightly higher infection rate than unvaccinated ones. Staff prepared a detailed written response noting that the 2% infection rate among ~40,000 vaccinated employees compares favorably to the CDC’s estimated ~20% general population infection rate.

The response also cited studies showing vaccination reduces hospitalization by 40% in children and 80% in adults among those who do become infected, and cited a Taiwan study showing reduced mortality for vaccinated seniors. Staff cautioned that preprints have not undergone peer review and that public health conclusions require data from multiple sites, not one hospital.

The board decided not to formally endorse the letter as a full board; the vice chair will sign it on behalf of the board instead.

The board voted unanimously to approve a proposal from UMass Boston’s Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging to conduct a community health assessment. The community health person noted the contract involves two researchers — a PhD in public policy and a person with an MPH and 10 years of relevant experience. Funding comes from private sources including both Marblehead Rotary clubs, the Female Humane Society, and the Mariner, with no tax dollars used.

One minor outstanding issue: the proposal lists three focus groups rather than the four the board had previously discussed. Staff sent an email to the UMass Boston contact to request a fourth group. Work is expected to begin in early June with a hybrid (digital and paper) survey approach.

The chair opened the meeting by acknowledging May as Mental Health Month and highlighting the Marblehead Counseling Center and the Mental Health Task Force’s online resource list as supports for community members.

Articles 46 (independent audit appropriation), 47 (sustainability coordinator), 48 (residency requirement), 49 (town meeting parliamentarian), and 51 (town meeting reconsideration procedure) were each moved for indefinite postponement by their sponsors and passed with minimal to no discussion.

Article 44 increased parking ticket fees during declared snow emergencies. Select Board Chair Aaron Nunan noted the article was a redo because a prior town meeting vote on the same matter was submitted to the state but never completed the full home rule petition process — it did not receive a governor’s signature. A resident asked who would ensure the process was completed this time; Nunan acknowledged the state process is not within the town’s direct control. The article passed 383–47.

Article 42 transferred $80,000 from the Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Fund for capital items identified by the cemetery commissioners. One resident argued the perpetual care fund is essentially a personal family account for grave lot maintenance and should not be used for capital projects. The article passed 317–89.

Article 43 transferred $100,000 from the Cemetery Sale of Lots Trust Fund for capital and operational needs. A resident noted the cemetery’s roads, drains, and walls are in poor condition. The article passed 391–24.

Town Administrator Patrick Keer presented Articles 38 and 39 together. Rather than having town meeting set permit fee schedules annually, the articles delegate that authority to the Select Board following a mandatory advertised public hearing.

One resident challenged the legal basis of fees, arguing they can only cover the extra cost of providing a service, not total departmental overhead. Keer responded that fees are intended to cover the full cost of the relevant function (staff, vehicles, equipment, overhead), with benchmarking against comparable municipalities to avoid overreach. A separate resident noted the building department projects approximately $1 million in building permit revenue annually across seven staff.

Article 38 passed 294–127; Article 39 passed 301–111. Because both passed, Articles 40 and 41 (which would have set specific new fee schedules) were indefinitely postponed by the sponsor at 367–34 and 379–32 respectively.

The moderator reconvened the 2025 Annual Town Meeting with a quorum present, noting it was the third or fourth night. He reviewed procedures for indefinite postponements (noting sponsors requested them, not opponents), the two-minute speaker limit, and electronic voting mechanics. A test vote on whether Mother’s Day would be sunny passed 313–51. The Pledge of Allegiance was led before proceeding to articles.

Article 35 (an appropriation related to Article 11 from May 2022) was indefinitely postponed on motion of the sponsor after the town administrator confirmed a legal determination that windows at the Franklin Street Fire Station are already covered under prior town meeting authorization. The vote passed 259–22. Immediately following, the moderator declared a loss of quorum based on the voting numbers and a motion was made and approved to reconvene the following evening at 7:00 PM.

Article 31 transferred the Coffin School property from the School Committee to the Select Board’s care, custody, and control, authorizing the board to pursue reuse or sale following a public process similar to the Gary School reuse. Select Board member Moses Greater noted the rigorous Chapter 30B disposition procedures that would apply to any sale. Multiple residents urged retaining the site for affordable senior housing or as open space. Passed 229–86 on a two-thirds vote. Article 32 transferred the Gary School playground (Elm Street Park) from the Select Board to the Recreation and Parks Commission to support an ongoing park improvement project with the Park on Elm Community Group. Passed 299–9.

Article 29 (Clause 22I) allows the disabled veterans’ exemption amount to increase annually with CPI, passed 298–11. Article 30 (Clause 22J) doubles that adjusted amount, passed 292–18. The combined annual cost of both measures was estimated at $60,000, funded from the tax overlay.

Select Board member Dan Fox presented a means-tested property tax relief program for eligible seniors. Requirements include age 65+ (or co-owner 60+), 10-year residency, assessed home value at or below the town mean (~$1.2M for FY25), income and asset limits, and mandatory filing for the state senior circuit breaker tax credit first. The select board will set the annual maximum exemption; the first year is proposed at $2,000 per participant, estimated to cost approximately $200,000 funded from the tax overlay. Because it is a home rule petition, it must go to the state legislature and governor before taking effect — a process expected to take about a year. A discussion about adding disabled residents was deferred for further study. Passed 297–23.

Article 26 adopted the prudent investor standard (MGL Ch. 203C) to allow the town treasurer to invest trust funds in a broader range of investments beyond the outdated state legal list. The finance director noted the treasurer uses Bartholomew and Company of Rockland as a financial advisor. Passed 281–42. Article 27 appropriated $1,000,000 to the general stabilization fund, bringing the total reserve above $1.5M. Passed 310–9.

Town Planner Alex Zeitler explained the update was required by FEMA to maintain Marblehead residents’ access to subsidized federal flood insurance. Key changes include a new floodplain work permit for any construction in a floodplain, formal designation of the town engineer as floodplain administrator, and updated definitions. One of six FEMA map panels was revised, primarily affecting inland areas near swamps. Article 25 passed 315–23 on a two-thirds vote.

Residents Eileen Haley (Green Marblehead Implementation Committee) and Elaine Leahy (Ida Road) spoke in support of sustainability coordinator Logan Casey, citing approximately $700,000 in grants secured against a roughly $73,000 salary and noting his role coordinating departments and advancing the town’s 2040 net-zero goal. Retired town planner Becky Cutting was quoted as calling the sustainability role ‘vital.’

Article 18 directed $7,000,000 from free cash and $360,000 in electric surplus — a total of $7,360,000 — to offset the general fund budget and reduce the tax rate. A resident questioned why more was not saved; the finance director explained a separate $1M stabilization article and described the select board’s policy target of 5% of the general fund in reserves. Article 18 passed 406–28.

Article 11 authorized $1,236,000 from water retained earnings for water system construction and $1,599,000 from sewer retained earnings for sewer system construction, along with a claims authorization article. All three subarticles passed on a single vote of 407–30.

Article 2 (reports) passed 407–21. Article 3 (consent articles) passed 402–22. Article 4 (unpaid accounts totaling $28,668.72) passed 403–25 on a four-fifths vote; the finance director noted that new accounting software in FY26 should eliminate future unpaid bills. Article 5 (departmental revolving funds) passed 408–21.

Retirement Board Chair Robert Peck announced the annual COLA hearing for retirees on June 12, 2025 at 4 PM at Mary Alley. Charter Committee Chair Amy Drinker reported the committee has met 21 times, has draft language posted online, and plans three public forums by end of May; the final draft is targeted for March 2026 submission to the Select Board, with a possible town-wide vote after legislative approval. Finance Committee Vice-Chair Molly Teets reported the FY25 reserve fund was funded at $144,000 with $45,000 drawn, leaving a $99,000 balance; the FY26 reserve was increased to $444,000.

Mike Ling reported that the $5.36M school roof project (part of a $14M total need) will go to design after the HVAC ballot, with construction targeted for June–October 2026. Board of Health Chair Helene Ley, retiring after 28 years, reported the transfer station compactor replacement and new transaction huts are complete; a new scale house is the FY26 priority. Town Administrator Thatcher Keyser noted the Mary Alley roof ($480K) and Community Center roof ($800K) will be bid as a single project, and that the Franklin Street Fire Station windows are covered under prior town meeting authorization. DPW Director Amy McHugh presented a detailed five-year pavement management plan funded by the $12.495M 2022 override, with approximately $2.08M spent in years one and two on planning and initial paving.

The moderator convened the reconvened 2025 Annual Town Meeting on its third night, confirmed quorum, and walked voters through clicker voting procedures using two test questions. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Moses Greater.

The moderator moved to reconvene the Annual Town Meeting at the Marblehead High School Field House at 7:00 PM the following night. The motion was seconded and approved by hand count. The moderator noted the PA system would be addressed before the next session.

Seamus Han moved to amend Article 1 (order of articles) to take up Article 23 (MBTA 3A zoning), Article 34 (Marblehead High School HVAC), and Article 33 (Mary Alley building renovation) before the remaining articles in numerical order starting with Article 2. He stated the purpose was to maximize turnout.

Several residents opposed the reordering. Mary Ellen Walsh-Broski (5 Spray Avenue) warned that taking popular articles first risks losing quorum for remaining town business. Jonathan Klotzman (32 Peach Islands) raised a procedural concern, noting that last year’s 3A vote was followed by a reconsideration motion after many voters had left, and suggesting the reordering was designed to enable a similar maneuver.

Nick Ward (6 Rolleston Road) and others supported the motion citing time constraints and the large attendance. The motion passed by electronic vote (margin not announced).

The moderator opened the meeting by recognizing the logistical effort required to convene. David Rogers led the Pledge of Allegiance and honored Harry Christensen — a Marine, Vietnam veteran, Silver Star recipient, former selectman, and lifelong Marblehead resident who died on Easter Sunday — with a moment of silence.

Diane Gora delivered the land acknowledgment recognizing the Naumkeag Band of the Massachusetts and Pawtucket tribes as the original stewards of the land.

Joe Whipple (106 Atlantic Avenue), a former Select Board member, presented a statement on behalf of the Select Board’s Task Force Against Discrimination. He noted the task force was formed in 1989 following an anti-Semitic vandalism incident and described recent activities including sponsorship of Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous People’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and other observances. He noted the town holds a ‘No Place for Hate’ designation from the Anti-Defamation League.

The committee deferred first reading of draft school committee operating protocols and a code of ethics to the May 15 meeting, citing the late hour and a desire to incorporate feedback from legal counsel.

The committee reviewed the inaugural community coffee-hours session. Members described the conversation as cordial and substantive, covering flags, book review policy, WIN block, recess, and bullying. Attendance was modest but the format was endorsed. The committee agreed to:

• Continue the series with varying times and venues to reach different community segments (evenings, playgrounds, etc.)
• Assign the next session to Sarah Fox and Brian Oda
• Avoid reading out online Q&A chat during deliberations (open-meeting protocol)

In new business, Brian Oda raised concern about committee members engaging in back-and-forth with audience members and asked to return to a more structured speaking order, which the chair agreed to address when operating protocols are taken up on May 15.

Committee member Allison Taylor introduced a first reading of a draft recess policy that would require:

• A minimum of two recess periods per school day for grades K-6
• Total recess time of no fewer than 35 minutes
• One morning and one afternoon block (each at least 15 minutes)
• Outdoor recess when weather permits; indoor free play otherwise
• Recess not withheld as punishment

The policy cites CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Massachusetts School Wellness Advisory Committee guidelines.

Superintendent Oda presented time-on-learning projections under several scenarios (900-hour state minimum applies at elementary level):

• 25-min recess + 25-min lunch: 925 hours — compliant
• 15-min AM + 20-min PM recess + 20-min lunch + 5 contractual added minutes: 900 hours — just compliant
• Two 20-min recesses + 20-min lunch: 876.4 hours — non-compliant

A dispute arose over whether a five-minute school-day extension agreed to in recent bargaining was available to apply toward the recess schedule; union and management representatives gave conflicting accounts of what was agreed. Passing time (approx. 6 minutes to/from recess) does not count as instructional time under 603 CMR 27.04.

The committee agreed to defer to a second reading while the policy subcommittee, superintendent, and legal counsel clarify the CBA language and scheduling options.

The committee took up the third reading of Policy IMDB governing display of flags and banners on school property. Before the vote, committee member Al Williams stated he would not support the policy, arguing:

• No policy was needed before or now
• Creating the policy generates more legal uncertainty, not less
• The current practice (flags hanging without a formal policy) has not caused significant problems this school year
• Administration should manage flag decisions with student and faculty involvement without a formal policy

Chair Jen Schaffner and member Sarah Fox countered:

• Legal counsel advised that without a government-speech policy, any flag refusal is legally vulnerable under First Amendment case law (referencing Shurtleff v. City of Boston)
• The district has already spent approximately $38,000 on an investigation stemming from a flag-related conflict
• Anonymous flag deliveries to the superintendent’s office (including an Israeli flag and others) show requests are ongoing
• A policy is needed to protect the superintendent if he declines a request

Member Brian Oda acknowledged frustration with 18 months of revision cycles, noting every fix creates new problems, but ultimately voted in favor.

The key amendment added at the meeting: the phrase ‘students’ in the exemption paragraph (personal items brought to school) was amended to read ‘students or staff,’ ensuring staff personal items are explicitly covered, consistent with collective bargaining agreement language.

Final policy summary (as adopted):

• The school committee is the sole authority for government-speech flags/banners on district property
• The superintendent may recommend flags/banners to the committee
• Required displays: US flag, Massachusetts flag, POW/MIA flag
• Permitted displays during specified months: flags for African American History Month (Feb.), Women’s History Month (Mar.), Asian Pacific American History Month (May), Pride Month (June), Hispanic Heritage Month (mid-Sept.–mid-Oct.), Native American Heritage Month (Nov.)
• No third-party requests accepted by the committee
• Does not apply to athletic banners, student/staff artwork, locker decorations, or personal items

Vote: 4 in favor (Oda, Fox, Taylor, Schaffner), 1 against (Williams)

The committee voted 5-0 to authorize naming a playground structure at the Glover School main playground in memory of Brook Yano, a longtime kindergarten teacher at Glover who passed away. The main playground itself is already named for a prior honoree. Committee members noted that full details—including the specific structure, cost, plaque design, and donation sources (including possible PTO funds)—will return for a second vote once finalized. A facilities update indicated that new playground surface funds and potential capital funds are part of a broader Glover playground improvement effort.

Marblehead High School – Dr. Michelle Carlson presented four goals:

1. Prepare for NEASC accreditation visit (pushed to next school year after lost professional-development days)
2. Create written curriculum documents with scope and sequence for all courses
3. Offer professional learning to support educators, including Wayfinder SEL training expansion
4. Increase student voice and sense of belonging through surveys, listening sessions, and celebration

Glover School – Principal Frank Kowalski (his first year presenting) outlined three areas:

1. Teaching and learning: Focus on tier-one instruction, common planning time for MTSS data meetings, and a school-wide silent reading ‘do now’
2. Professional culture: Celebratory staff recognition, shared accountability, and Club Fridays
3. Diversity, equity, inclusion: Inclusive practices with a specific focus on the METCO community; biweekly meetings with the METCO director

Both plans were approved 5-0.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the schedule of bills totaling $595,088.79. The chair noted that the staff member responsible for meeting minutes had left the district; a replacement has been identified. The chair proposed posting watermarked draft minutes online ahead of formal approval to improve public access.

PCO representative Melissa Kalu informed the committee that former Glover School PCO President Mira Kiki had passed away unexpectedly. The committee observed a moment of silence.

Student representative Ella reported: a ‘Chopped’-style cooking competition on April 11th; cheerleading tryouts June 9, 11, 12; senior college signing day May 29th; the a cappella spring concert ‘Acappzza’ on May 9th at Vets; junior prom May 16th; senior lawn signs available; and AP exams beginning the following week.

Superintendent John Oda noted National School Principals Day, recent international student trips to Thailand and Greece, Earth Day mulching and planting at Glover and Brown, the Grade 6 passion-project gallery at Village, and a mock town meeting at Vets moderated by town moderator Jack Ridge in which students debated and voted on the sustainability article from the actual town warrant.

Finance Director Alicia reported that new bond counsel and local town counsel both confirmed that reprogramming the bond language for fire station windows is unnecessary because the scope is already covered under the original vote. The sponsor withdrew the article and the Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend indefinite postponement.

The committee was informed that one additional invoice from Smith Marine, totaling $7,300, had arrived after the previous warrant hearing. This brought the total unpaid FY24 accounts (Article 4) to $28,668.72. The committee voted unanimously to recommend that amount for appropriation from FY2025 funds.

The board discussed a draft mission statement and powers-and-duties document that had been reviewed and redlined by legal counsel. Key points of disagreement included:

• A board member wanted to restore struck language stating the Board of Health acts “through the Health Department” for inspection services, arguing the board itself does not conduct inspections.
• Another member objected to removal of the term “environmental health,” arguing that going beyond the minimum requirements of MGL Chapter 111 is a positive.
• The director noted the transfer station—an unusual responsibility not shared by most other boards of health in the state—was underrepresented in the document.

The board agreed to table formal adoption until the May 13th meeting. Individual members may draft revised language and circulate it to the full board before the meeting (without expecting a reply, per open meeting law). Legal counsel was confirmed available for an executive session on May 13th at 7:00 PM to address a separate contract matter.

Board members noted the passing of Harry Christiansen on Easter Sunday. Christiansen was a long-serving select board member, a local attorney, and a Marine Corps tank commander and Silver Star recipient for actions in Vietnam. Two board members recalled serving alongside him. Visiting hours are May 2 and services on May 3. The board voted unanimously to send a letter of condolences to the Christiansen family.

Grant Coordinator Donna Terrell presented plans for the revival of Annual Perambulation Day on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10 a.m., starting at Chandler Hovey Park. Town historian Don Dolliver will give a brief presentation; Sustainable Marblehead will provide water. The event had not been held since before COVID.

Separately, the board voted to authorize a notification letter to the state historic preservation officer confirming the town’s intent to record a preservation restriction on the Franklin Street Firehouse in perpetuity (replacing a 10-year restriction signed in August 2022). This change is required to proceed with a Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund grant application for 22 windows at the firehouse.

Following a prior hearing and recommendation from the assistant animal control officer, the board voted unanimously to declare the dog named Wyatt, residing at 24 Main Street, a dangerous dog under MGL Chapter 140, Section 157C(1)–(5), and to notify the owner in writing of the required compliance measures.

Superintendent Chu requested that the board send letters of support to Congressman Seth Moulton’s office and Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren for congressional directed spending for the town’s sewer lining infiltration and inflow removal project. The town was awarded FY25 CDS funding but the current federal administration declined to disburse it; Senator Markey requested the town reapply for FY26. The board approved the letters unanimously and authorized the chair to sign.

The board approved the consent agenda including meeting minutes from March 12 through April 9, 2025, and Old Townhouse rental applications for Sustainable Marblehead events.

Contracts approved:

The fireworks contract is funded through the fireworks donation account.

The board reviewed the 2025 Annual Town Warrant articles and voted to support all articles except those on hold (Articles 19 and 21 — collective bargaining for police and fire — voted separately). Key amounts include:

• Article 4: Unpaid bills — $26,689
• Article 5: Departmental revolving funds — $5,199,535
• Article 6: Equipment purchases — $301,741
• Article 7: Lease-purchase — $491,218
• Article 8: Capital improvements for public buildings — $1,236,958
• Article 9: Walls and fences — $50,000
• Article 10: Stormwater construction — $400,000
• Article 11: Water/sewer construction — $1,236,000 (water) + $1,599,000 (sewer)
• Article 17: Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical — $627,323
• Article 33: Mary Alley HVAC — $5,750,000

Articles 19 and 21 (collective bargaining for police and fire, amounts to be determined) passed 3 to 1.

The board also voted unanimously to support the continuation of the sustainability coordinator position in response to a citizen warrant article (Article 47) proposing to eliminate the role.

The town administrator reported that free cash certification remains in progress due to reconciliation challenges between the accounting and treasurer’s offices stemming from the old software system. Staff have been working evenings and weekends to resolve the discrepancies. The Department of Local Services is aware of the timeline and is ready to certify before town meeting. A new software system is expected to automate these processes beginning next fiscal year.

The communication subcommittee reported on three proposals:

1. Office hours: Two committee members (not from the same subcommittee) would meet monthly for one hour, open to the public. The committee discussed starting in late April or early May.
2. Town hall forums: A budget-focused community forum is being considered for early May, after town meeting. The committee expressed interest in making this a recurring quarterly event.
3. Facebook page: The subcommittee discussed a school committee Facebook page for timely announcements. A question arose about whether replies should be enabled. The chair noted MASC guidelines recommend no-commenting pages to avoid open-meeting deliberation issues; the committee agreed to seek current MASC guidance before deciding.

The facilities subcommittee noted a meeting in approximately two weeks to review results of a test patch of roof sealant at the direction of a resident owner’s project manager. The chair also reported that FinCom voted unanimously to recommend both the town operating budget and the override article for the HVAC/roof project, as well as capital items for Glover School playground equipment and PACK seating restoration.

The committee discussed scheduling a workshop to compile superintendent evaluation survey results and complete individual evaluations. The tentative plan is a workshop on or around May 8 (evening), presentation and vote at the May 15 meeting, followed by an executive session the next morning to discuss contract parameters, with a separate meeting called for formal contract approval. Member Al Williams was absent but noted as having schedule constraints through May 3.

The committee conducted a second reading of proposed policy IMDB on flag and banner displays. The chair read the policy as amended by prior vote (removing language about “symbolic displays”):

Flags with official legal status (US flag, Massachusetts flag, POW-MIA flag) shall be displayed. Additional flags and banners reflecting the district’s mission, vision, and values may be displayed as determined by the school committee; the superintendent may recommend displays to the committee. The school committee will not accept third-party requests.

The chair noted that the prohibition on third-party requests reflects legal counsel’s guidance based on the Shurtleff v. Boston case to avoid creating a public forum.

Committee member Allison Taylor proposed two additions:

1. Exclusion clause explicitly stating the policy does not apply to sports banners, graduation banners, student artwork, personal attire, locker decorations, notebook covers, or personal items.
2. Heritage months — recognizing heritage months (African American History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month) by flying corresponding banners, removing the word “federally” to avoid the designations being affected by federal policy changes.

The superintendent expressed support for greater explicitness in the policy. The chair agreed to send proposed language to legal counsel and bring a revised third reading at the next meeting. A fourth reading was noted as possible if the committee is not satisfied.

The committee voted 4–0 to approve the schedule of bills in the amount of $958,360.52.

Superintendent updates included:

• Middle school principal Matt Fox was named finalist for a principal role at West Middle School in Andover; his departure is anticipated.
• Project Reboot, focused on device use, was brought to the district by Julia Ferrera with PTO/PCO support.
• The musical Hades Town ran successfully over the prior weekend.
• Unified track held three meets; the superintendent attended the Salem contest.
• Kindergarten orientations occurred at Brown and Glover schools.
• The superintendent judged a culinary arts chopped challenge at the high school.
• Third grade parents were welcomed to Village School for the grade four transition night.
• Seventh graders held a poetry reading at the PACK.

Senior class president Jared presented the Class of 2025’s planned legacy donation. The donation covers a new vinyl graduation banner ($875) designed with wind slits for outdoor use, replacing a 2017 banner originally designed for indoor graduation, and three replacement water bottle filling stations in the cafeteria and A-wing floors ($6,094.44 total). The facilities department will order and install the bubblers and be reimbursed by the class. The committee voted 4–0 to approve the donation totaling $6,969.44.

The superintendent presented the annual school choice public hearing, recommending Marblehead not participate in the state school choice program for 2025–26. He noted that participating districts cannot review prospective students’ disciplinary records, IEPs, or 504 plans prior to enrollment, and that the per-pupil reimbursement under school choice is approximately $5,000 compared to over $10,000 for resident students — a gap borne by local taxpayers. The committee noted that Marblehead has never participated in school choice. The committee also noted that a recent collective bargaining agreement extended to all staff units the ability to enroll their own children on a space-available basis. The committee voted 4–0 to opt out.

Student representative Ella Ana provided a school update including spring sports records, the end of quarter three, and upcoming AP exams. Committee member Allison Taylor commended technology director Steve Ek for contributions to professional development presentations. Another committee member praised Village School teacher Katie Freegan for coordinating the Northeast Treble Concert experience for students.

Under the terms of the lease between the town and Northshore Medical Center executed March 6, 2023, the tenant must obtain Select Board approval for building alterations exceeding $25,000. The medical center proposed replacing an existing air handler unit at a total cost of $54,930. The board unanimously approved the request.

The board approved two contracts:

1. MGT Impact Solutions, LLC (Tampa, FL) — Employee Classification Study Project: $78,780. Funded through the operating budget.
2. Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) — Town Comprehensive Plan: $143,000. The town previously received a $130,000 grant and is providing a $13,000 local match.

Both contracts were unanimously approved.

The board approved a welcome letter from the Select Board for inclusion in the 2025 Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race program book. Kate Ferris Richardson, Vice Commodore of the Boston Yacht Club and U.S. Chair of the race, was present and requested a current board photograph to accompany the letter. The board agreed to provide a photo. The 2025 race, starting July 6, is the 40th biennial running of the event.

Abbott Library Director Kim (last name approximate) requested permission to erect national public library signs at two locations: the intersection of Burial/Bubier Road and Atlantic Avenue, and on Lafayette Street at the town entrance. The signs are already purchased.

The board engaged in extended discussion about sign proliferation, referencing past efforts in the 1990s to reduce roadside signage in town. Members expressed concern that the Lafayette Street sign would serve more as an advertisement than a wayfinding tool given its distance from the library, while generally supporting the Bubier/Atlantic location as a functional directional sign.

The library director indicated she had no strong preference on location if the board preferred only one sign. The board ultimately approved a motion to authorize one national public library directional sign with final location to be determined by the Town Administrator and DPW Director, avoiding a prescriptive vote on placement.

The Town Administrator reported that expenditure reconciliation is complete but revenue account reconciliation on the accounting side remains in progress. Legacy software and staffing turnover in the Treasurer-Collector’s office have contributed to ongoing delays. The town is working closely with the Department of Local Services (DLS), which is awaiting final submission. CFO Alicia Benjamin engaged an outside accounting firm to accelerate the process and meet the town meeting deadline.

The Town Administrator also highlighted the annual employee benefits fair, which drew approximately 250 attendees — more than double last year’s turnout — and was organized by HR benefits coordinator Amanda Elli (name approximate per ASR).

The board confirmed the following schedule:

The May 26th meeting was dropped due to the Memorial Day holiday. Minutes of the March 24th meeting were approved unanimously. The board then voted to adjourn the public session and proceed to executive session, with no plan to reconvene in open session.

The chair read the Select Board’s proclamation designating April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Marblehead, noting that Megan Sweeney drove the effort. The Board of Health voted unanimously to join the Select Board in the proclamation. A moment of silence was held acknowledging that one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence in their lifetime.

Article 46 – Independent Audit ($100,000): Citizen-sponsored article to fund an independent audit of town departmental budgets, with results reported at the 2026 town meeting. The Finance Director noted the town is already legally required to conduct an annual CPA audit (~$70,000) and also conducted an internal controls audit in recent years through a separate firm. The FinCom voted 9-0 to oppose, citing duplication of existing requirements and the article presenter’s absence.

Article 47 – Eliminate Sustainability Coordinator: Advisory article to eliminate the sustainability coordinator position. Brendan (Community Development Director) reported that Logan (Sustainability Coordinator, hired January 2024) has secured over $665,000 in grants and is working toward Green Community certification (which would provide $170,000 upfront and up to $125,000/year). The town administrator noted his background at CTPS and transportation grant expertise. A FinCom member noted the position appears financially net-positive. Voted 8-1 to oppose (Mr. Jenko supported the article).

Article 42 – Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Fund ($80,000): Transfers funds to a cemetery department capital account for identified improvement projects. Approved unanimously.

Article 43 – Cemetery Sale of Lots Trust Fund ($100,000): Parallel transfer for additional capital needs. Approved unanimously.

Article 44 – Snow Emergency Parking Fines: Refiles a home rule petition to increase fines beyond $50 for vehicles blocking snow removal operations. The Select Board previously voted to increase the fine to $50; further increases require home rule approval. The petition lapsed in the legislature and is being refiled. Approved unanimously.

The School Committee has already voted to release the Coffin School property from educational purposes. Article 31 completes the statutory transfer of care, custody, and control to the Select Board, which will then conduct a public input process to determine future use. The town administrator noted this could have positive financial implications depending on the disposition. Approved unanimously.

Article 29 – CPI Adjustment (Clause 22I): Accepts a local option under the Heroes Act (signed August 2024) allowing the existing $400 Clause 22 veterans property tax exemption to increase annually by the prior year’s CPI as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue. Not reimbursed by the state.

Article 30 – 100% Increase (Clause 22J): If both articles pass, the CPI-adjusted exemption is further doubled. Example: $400 base + 5% CPI = $420; doubled to $840. Estimated combined maximum cost: ~$60,000 per year to the tax overlay (approximately 30 qualifying veterans). Not state-reimbursed.

Both articles approved 8-1 (Mr. Jenko opposed). A public commenter (David Patton) supported Article 29 but questioned whether doubling was necessary given existing veterans benefits; another commenter (Bill McCue) noted the importance of honoring veterans’ service.

The committee unanimously approved transferring $2,000,000 from free cash to the general stabilization fund (Article 27). The fund currently holds $500,000; after the transfer it would hold $2,500,000, representing approximately 2.3% of the operating budget. Town policy targets 3–5%; state DOR guidance recommends a combined stabilization-plus-unappropriated-free-cash reserve of roughly 8–12% of budget for AAA bond rating maintenance. The fund was established approximately four years ago with a stated goal of contributing $250,000–$500,000 per year.

Article 25 – Floodplain District: Updates Marblehead’s floodplain bylaw to current FEMA maps, preserving resident access to NFIP flood insurance. No financial implications; no FinCom recommendation.

Article 26 – Prudent Investor Standard: Accepts MGL Chapter 44 §50B to allow trust fund investments under the prudent investor standard (MGL Chapter 203C), enabling the treasurer to use total return (appreciation plus income) rather than income-only investing. The Finance Director noted this law was enacted in 2023 and provides flexibility modeled on the long-standing prudent investor principle used in other states. Oversight will rest with the Finance Director in consultation with the treasurer. Approved unanimously.

The committee approved appropriating $7,360,000 ($7,000,000 from free cash; $360,000 from the electric light surplus) to assist assessors in setting the tax rate. The electric surplus figure increased from $330,000 to $360,000, the first increase in approximately eight years.

Of an estimated $12+ million in certified free cash:

• $7M applied to reduce the tax rate (this article)
• $2M used for capital articles (Articles 6, 7, 8)
• $2M to stabilization fund (Article 27)
• ~$1M+ left as a base for future free cash generation

The FinCom chair noted that local receipts increased significantly due to higher interest income in FY24 (attributable to rising interest rates and a newly-filled treasurer position) and the first full year of meals and hotel taxes, but cautioned that neither source guarantees comparable growth next year. The town’s stabilization fund currently holds $500,000; after the proposed $2M deposit it would hold $2.5 million, representing approximately 2.3% of the operating budget versus the town’s own policy target of 3–5%.

Article 9 – Walls and Fences ($50,000 from tax levy): Standard annual appropriation for seawall and similar protective structures.

Article 10 – Stormwater Construction ($400,000 from tax levy): Annual appropriation to meet MS4 permit requirements.

Article 11 – Water and Sewer Construction:

• Water: $1,236,000 from water retained earnings
• Sewer: $1,599,000 from sewer retained earnings

The water/sewer superintendent Amy McHugh explained that amounts vary year to year based on retained earnings timing and construction scheduling. The town is under an EPA administrative order to spend $1 million per year on sewer lining over 10 years. She noted 28 aging pump stations (most installed in the 1960s) need eventual replacement at $800,000–$1.8 million each, and that MWRA/SESD costs represent 40–60% of the water/sewer budget, rising 3–4% annually.

Article 4 – Unpaid Accounts ($21,368.72): Bills from FY24 that arrived after the close of the fiscal year, covering sewer, water, and finance departments. A resident asked for copies of the underlying invoices; the finance director agreed to scan and provide them.

Article 5 – Departmental Revolving Funds: Annual authorization of spending caps for departmental fee-based revolving funds. Notable increases were proposed for the Parks revolving fund (program expansion) and commercial waste (capital needs at the transfer station). All boards had previously voted these numbers.

Finance Committee Chair Alec Goolsby opened the 2025 annual warrant hearing, noting 52 articles for review. Articles 1 (articles in numerical order) and 2 (report of town officers) carry no financial implications and received no FinCom recommendation. Article 3, a multi-part consent article covering assumed liability, trust property, lease of town property, multi-year contracts, and conservation financial assistance, was unanimously approved.

Chair Sarah Fox read a revised draft flag-display policy into the record as the first of three required readings. Key features of the draft:

1. No third-party requests accepted by the committee (to be moved from opening line to a numbered rule).
2. Only flags with official legal status (U.S. flag, Massachusetts flag, POW/MIA flag) shall be automatically displayed.
3. Additional flags and banners that reflect the district’s mission, vision, and values may be recommended by the superintendent to the committee for adoption as government speech.

Committee discussion produced several proposed amendments:

• Strike ‘similar symbolic displays’ and add the word ‘affixed’ to clarify the policy covers only items attached to school property, not personal clothing, vehicles, or handheld items.
• Move the third-party petition prohibition to a numbered rule rather than the opening sentence.
• The superintendent will bring recommendations periodically (quarterly suggested) rather than only in August.

Committee member L. Williams stated she remains uncertain whether a flag policy is necessary at all but would not be surprised if she votes against final passage.

The committee also voted unanimously (5 to 0) to authorize the chair to work with legal counsel to draft a response to the Marblehead Education Association (MEA) e-board’s cease-and-desist demand letter opposing the policy.

Sarah Fox and Brian Oda presented three draft Google surveys for the interim superintendent’s formative evaluation — one each for administrators, staff, and community members. Key discussion points:

• Staff and administrator surveys will be anonymous (Google limiting to one response per school account); the community survey will not be anonymous to prevent duplicate submissions.
• The committee debated and revised question wording, particularly around student services improvements, agreeing to change ‘improved’ to ‘changed’ to avoid leading language.
• A demographic identifier question (‘student / parent / community member’) will be added to the community survey.
• High school students will be invited to complete the community survey.
• Raw data will be shared with all committee members; Allison Taylor offered to compile a roll-up summary.
• Target distribution: Tuesday, April 8, with responses due approximately one week later; results available by April 16–17.

The committee voted 4 to 0 to approve the schedule of bills for the month totaling $196,632.61. Meeting minutes were not available and were deferred to a future meeting.

Superintendent John Fox provided district updates including:

• School year: April 23–25 are school days; last day is June 25 (half day for students).
• Budget: The FY26 school committee-approved budget was presented to the Finance Committee, which voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Kindergarten registration opened March 24; orientation is April 10 at Glover and Brown schools.
• Project Reboot parent/guardian workshop on healthy technology use is April 10 at 7 PM at Veterans.
• Hades Town (teen edition) runs April 11–13 at the high school.
• Athletics: Girls lacrosse, boys lacrosse, baseball, track, softball, and tennis all starting spring seasons.
• The dilapidated shed at Village was replaced and track repairs are scheduled for the week of April 21.
• Custodian Rick Lemieux retired after 23 years at Village School.
• Frank Kowalski was offered the full principalship at Glover School after serving as interim.

The meeting opened with student presentations from Marblehead Veterans Middle School. Seventh-grade students Jordan London and Annabelle Cassidy, with teacher Tony Callahan, presented a diffusion/osmosis lab using gummy bears. Eighth-grade students June Crawford and Chloe Steiner read sonnets tied to their ‘windows and mirrors’ independent reading unit.

Principal Matt Fox announced that eighth-grader Melissa Balla’s letter to poet Naomi Shihab Nye earned first place in the entire state in the Massachusetts Center for the Book Letters About Literature competition. Two Marblehead students were among the top 10 essays statewide, with another student receiving honorable mention.

The student representative reported on upcoming high school events: AP exams going fully digital, Hades Town musical April 11–13, All Strings concert that evening, and spring sports underway.

The board approved minutes of February 26, 2025, declared surplus a historical commission display case and a Kohler generator from the police station, approved the Rotary Club of Marblehead’s request for a Holiday Pops event December 12–15, 2025 at Abbott Hall, and appointed Daniel Pool as Inspector of Animals through April 30, 2026.

A board member raised the idea of a more formal operational review process involving other elected boards (cemetery, recreation and parks, schools) to identify areas of duplicated effort or inefficiency. Discussion touched on the absence of a dedicated facilities department, the ongoing rollout of centralized HR, and the need to involve unions and department heads. Board members generally supported the concept as complementary to the Town Administrator’s ongoing reorganization efforts. The board agreed to continue the conversation and bring it back to a future agenda, with the approach to come from the Select Board rather than the moderator.

Maura Darley Rocco described her background as a health educator and prior participation in Task Force meetings at the invitation of a current member. She noted alignment between this role and her work on the Disabilities Commission. The board unanimously approved her appointment.

The Town Administrator reported that the document digitization project, led by Town Engineer Maggie Wheeler, has shipped 84 bankers boxes containing 3,120 folio files — the oldest dating to 1845 — to a vendor for scanning. Engineering documents are being digitized first, with planning documents next.

A new assistant engineer, Caroline Dalton, begins March 31. A $100,000 grant was submitted to restore historic windows at the Franklin Street Fire Station. Staff are conducting multiple public engagement meetings on the MBTA 3A zoning issue, with events scheduled March 31, April 15, and April 16, and one or two more planned before Town Meeting. The former Gary School Playground project is entering phase two. An HVAC contractor is installing an air source heat pump at the State Street restroom facility to enable year-round access, expected to be completed by summer.

The Select Board convened a joint meeting with the Water and Sewer Commission to fill a vacancy on the commission. Three candidates were interviewed in alphabetical order: Jim Maher (retired Vice President and engineer at CDM Smith with 30 years of water/wastewater experience including the South Essex Sewage District secondary treatment plant), Tim Meyer (Finance Committee member and liaison to the Water and Sewer Commission for four years, with family background in water authority governance), and Tom Val (industrial controls manager with experience overseeing SCADA systems for a major metropolitan sewer district).

After deliberation, all board and commission members voted for Jim Maher, citing his comprehensive engineering resume, deep knowledge of MWRA and South Essex Sewage District operations, and ability to hit the ground running. Maher noted he had already pulled nomination papers to run for the full three-year term at the next election. The Water and Sewer Commission then adjourned its portion of the joint meeting.

Brief technical setup for screen sharing preceded the library budget presentation.

The chair opened the meeting noting this was the second of three full Finance Committee budget hearing nights. The committee had voted several departments the prior week and expects to complete all remaining departments by the following Monday. No meeting minutes were available to review.

The board voted to approve minutes from the following meetings: March 4, 2025; June 14, 2024; July 9, 2024; August 13, 2024; and September 10, 2024. All votes were unanimous.

The chair opened a certified letter during the meeting from a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) notifying the board of a home heating oil release at 218 Green Street, originating January 12, 2025, as reported to Mass DEP by the Marblehead Fire Department. The director noted this was an underground storage tank (UST), and that the board had been aware of the spill but not of the formal LSP letter. The letter was logged into the property file; no reply is required. The director described the LSP remediation process and noted the property is believed to be near completion of cleanup.

Dr. Mezaros reported that at the March 20 charter committee meeting, Town Administrator Thatcher raised the question of whether the transfer station should be explicitly named in charter Chapter 5.3 under the Board of Health, or treated as just one of many facilities (analogous to parks or cemeteries) and potentially removed from the org chart.

A non-binding show of hands at the committee resulted in a 4–4 split; no formal vote was taken. A charter committee member present (Jim) confirmed the language still remains in the draft and that a follow-up meeting was scheduled for the following evening (March 25) at 6:30 p.m. at Abbot Hall.

Board members expressed concern that the discussion arose without prior notice to the Board of Health or, reportedly, to Select Board members. The board discussed the substantive risk: if the charter does not explicitly place transfer station management under the Board of Health, future town meeting votes could shift oversight elsewhere without a charter amendment.

The board agreed that a board agent should attend the charter committee meeting the following evening as an observer.

Communications subcommittee (Al Williams & Brian Oda): The March newsletter is in preparation. January and February newsletters each reached over 1,000 readers. A short reader survey will be included. The subcommittee is also exploring informal small-group coffee meetings (two non-subcommittee-paired members each) and a full town hall Q&A format.

Finance liaison (Jen Schaffner): A joint meeting with FinCom earlier in the week focused on revolving fund balances. The district has been drawing on revolving funds more heavily this year to offset budget pressure; Assistant Superintendent of Finance Mike reviewed what is and is not permissible under each fund’s statutory purpose. Further analysis is underway.

Policy subcommittee: Working on the committee’s operating protocol following a meeting with Alicia Mallon; draft expected at an upcoming meeting.

CPAC liaison (Al Williams): The Unsung Heroes program, which recognizes special education paraprofessionals, tutors, and teachers nominated by colleagues, has secured funding and will proceed this year.

Public safety note: The chief of police reported a shortage of crossing guards. The position pays $21.33/hour for up to 10 hours. Interested residents can apply at the police department.

The committee held a first-reading discussion of the proposed Policy IMDB — Flags and Banners. Subcommittee member Jen Schaffner summarized the legal brief from district counsel John Foskett, which cited the Shurtleff v. Boston (2022) Supreme Court case and an Eighth Circuit 2024 decision. Counsel’s position is that any flags or banners displayed in common areas of public school buildings constitute government speech, and that soliciting or accepting requests from teachers, students, or community members to determine what is displayed could forfeit the district’s government-speech immunity, effectively opening displays to unrestricted First Amendment claims.

Key committee positions:

• Al Williams opposed the policy as written, arguing it fails to address student voice; proposed a modified approach allowing the superintendent to vet requests and bring recommendations to the committee.
• Brian Oda noted the committee has received substantial email support for the current draft from community members who have not spoken publicly.
• Sarah Fox expressed concern that the debate has overshadowed the deeper question of why certain student populations do not feel a sense of belonging, and called for more holistic approaches including curriculum and community.
• Jen Schaffner clarified counsel’s reasoning: once the committee adopts a policy asserting government-speech control, the genesis of flag decisions must come from the governing body, not from third-party petitions.

The committee voted 4-0 to refer the policy back to the subcommittee with direction to:

1. Obtain attorney clarification on whether the superintendent acting as agent/conduit would comply with the government-speech framework.
2. Review Al Williams’s alternative proposal.

Member Allison Taylor was not present for this portion of the meeting.

Business teacher Paul Gleason requested approval for a five-night overnight trip (April 25–30, 2025, with April 30 as a travel day) to the DECA Career Development Conference in Orlando. Through fundraising and a grant, the registration fee and lodging are covered; students are responsible only for airfare and ride costs. Chaperone arrangements were made in coordination with Quabin Regional High School and the Beverly High School DECA advisor. The committee voted 4-0 to approve.

Interim Superintendent John provided a wide-ranging update:

• Spring performances: Hades Town Teen Edition April 11–13; all-town musical concerts for chorus (in progress), bands (March 25), strings (April 3), and jazz (April 16).
• Student highlights: Nate Assa placed sixth nationally in the 5,000-meter race at New Balance National Indoor Track; a student documentary selected for the Salem Film Festival.
• METCO program is active with more students enrolled for next year; current leadership transition underway after the president/CEO resigned.
• The superintendent participated in a Hadassah webinar on antisemitism, referencing student David McGinn’s advocacy around curriculum materials.
• An anti-discrimination committee focused on antisemitism has been formed, including parents, administrators, teachers, and students.
• The executive summary of the independent antisemitism investigation and the Academic Discoveries special education report are both expected at the next meeting. The superintendent noted the 349-page Academic Discoveries draft report contains inaccuracies being addressed with the vendor, and that most issues identified have already been remediated by the special education director.

Principal Mary Maxfield and counselor Kara Elmer introduced the Brown School Leadership Council, a new program in which third graders are elected by classmates to lead monthly all-school community meetings. Students June Gray, Jackson Crosby, Maggie Willard, Matthew, and others presented slides detailing their goals, teamwork practices, and initiatives including a kindness and justice wall and a successful proposal to the PTO for a new podium. Superintendent and committee members praised the program as a model of student voice. All nine presenting students received certificates.

Chair Sarah Fox called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM with two members joining remotely. Under accommodations, a committee member commended the boys and girls track coaches and student athletes who, upon noticing an alumnus whose bike had broken, pooled resources to buy him a new one. The committee voted 5-0 to authorize the chair to send a formal note of gratitude.

Finance Committee chair Eric led the assessors presentation with new Department Head Todd and Board of Assessors Chair John Kelly. The approved FY26 budget is $394,221.

Certification year drivers Every five years the Department of Revenue conducts a deeper audit of Marblehead’s valuation methodology. This triggers higher vendor costs in two line items:

• Real estate appraisers — external appraisals of utility personal property (gas/electric companies)
• Other professional/technical — additional DOR reporting and database review by Patriot Properties

These costs are expected to fall back in the four interim years. Patriot’s fees have also risen following a corporate acquisition.

In-state travel / education A ~140% increase in that line reflects Todd’s goal of expanding staff certifications and continuing education through the Mass Assessors Association and Essex County Assessors Association.

Abatements Approximately 300 abatement requests are pending for FY26, similar to FY25 volume. Todd does not anticipate a significant revenue impact; values were corrected in a full revaluation last year that addressed land-value discrepancies in certain neighborhoods. Building values also rose broadly reflecting construction-cost increases.

New growth capture The committee discussed the challenge of capturing new growth in a largely built-out community. Improvements underway include:

• Coordinating with the Building Department for certificate-of-occupancy walkthroughs
• Access to Near Maps aerial flyover software (subscribed by Finance Director Alicia)
• Push Pin software comparing building permits to aerial imagery to flag unpermitted construction
• Todd’s own field visits during abatement inspections

Overlay Alicia noted she increased the overlay reserve for FY26 to account for both abatement activity and potential veterans exemption articles coming to town meeting.

The committee expressed appreciation for Todd’s transparency and proactive outreach to residents with abatement requests.

Cemetery Director Kathy presented a budget of $495,759 for FY26. Key points:

• Salary changes reflect a 2% COLA for the non-union administrator plus contractual step increases, partially offset by lower-wage new hires
• No other expense line increases; budget is nearly flat versus FY25
• Two capital articles were noted for the warrant: approximately $80,000 from Perpetual Care interest and $100,000 from the sale of lots reserve, to begin deferred capital projects
• The perpetual care interest offset (approximately $26,000) that previously reduced the operating budget will instead fund capital needs this year

The committee noted that FY25 had been the first year of right-sized expense lines after a decade of under-budgeting that had required reserve fund transfers.

The chair noted this is the first of three Monday night budget hearings held each March. Prior to the departmental reviews, the committee voted to approve minutes from the December 16, 2024 meeting. Members O’Neill and Tim abstained; all others voted yes.

Consent Agenda (Events/Minutes)

• Minutes of February 12, 2025 approved
• Marblehead School of Music use of Albert Hall Auditorium on June 14, 2025 approved
• Youth Baseball Opening Day Parade revised to Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 9 AM behind Veteran School

Contracts

• Rafael Construction Change Order #2: $11,742 (Gary School Playground)
• Rafael Construction Change Order #3: $13,200 (Gary School Playground)
  • Both funded by Friends of El Park fundraising
• MAPC Community Planning Grant: $143,000 accepted

Mass Preservation Projects Fund

• Grant application for the Industry Firehouse approved; work coordinated by the grant coordinator and Fire Chief

Water & Sewer Commission Vacancy

• Commissioner Carl Siegel passed away; board opened vacancy
• Letters of interest due March 21, 2025
• Joint interviews with Water & Sewer Commission: March 26, 2025 at 7 PM, Abbott Hall

Eastern Yacht Club

• Seasonal all-alcoholic club license renewed; Manager Jared Charney; Pool license, 42–44 Foster Street

Town Administrator Updates

• Compensation Committee annual report submitted (covers calendar year 2024 actions; will be supplemented through town meeting)
• Classification study bid opened; apparent awardee identified; 16-week process expected — results likely for next year’s town meeting
• Mary Alley rug replacement (Abbott Hall upper floor) delayed one week; insurance covers ~60%
• Town website migration from Civic Plus to Revize ongoing; alternate vendors being evaluated
• MAPC grant note: grant was previously held up due to non-compliance status; secured during the current compliance window

Jen Schaffner reported that the school committee has finally secured a Facebook page, with assistance from Steve Ek, and that the communications subcommittee will determine posting protocols before it goes live. The policy subcommittee is meeting the next day at approximately 11:30 a.m. to discuss the flag policy and to begin reviewing school committee operating protocols with MASC representative Alicia Mallon. A separate posted meeting of the full committee was scheduled for March 11 to work on the superintendent evaluation process with Mallon.

The superintendent provided a first formal update on three evaluation goals set at the start of the school year:

1. Professional Practice Goal — Establishing district-wide communication and staffing culture. Progress includes superintendent newsletters, open meetings, and ongoing special education programming reviews.
2. District Improvement Goal — Developing a new, comprehensive district improvement plan to replace the current ‘Plan for Success’ (effective through 2026). The plan is currently a 16–17 page working draft organized around six goal areas (curriculum/instruction, teacher quality, human resources, student support, leadership/governance, financial management). Remaining steps include feedback from assistant superintendent and principals, then broad surveys to staff, parents, and potentially students. Final committee approval is realistically expected around October of the next school year for implementation in 2026–27.
3. Student Learning Goal — Advancing student voice in teaching and learning. Progress includes principal-led efforts at each school, meetings with Boston-based students, and an anti-discrimination committee.

The chair noted that a robust strategic plan had been cited as missing in the community’s response to previous override campaigns, and that this plan would support long-term fiscal planning.

The committee moved, seconded, and voted unanimously (Brian Ota in favor, Jen Schaffner enthusiastically in favor, Sarah Fox in favor) to rename the Marblehead High School Athletic Complex the Alexander W. Kovich Junior Athletic Complex.

Prior to the vote, committee members described an inbox full of testimonials from former students, athletes, colleagues, and even opposing-school coaches and administrators spanning decades of Kovich’s career. Member Allison Taylor, absent due to a family commitment, was noted to have wanted to participate.

After the vote, Kovich addressed the committee, crediting coaches, parents, and student athletes, and emphasizing that student-athletes should be students first. His son Joe spoke on behalf of the family, describing Kovich as a man of character and thanking the community for its outpouring of support. A formal unveiling ceremony with the family and press will be scheduled once lettering is installed.

The superintendent reported that school improvement plans and handbook changes are on track for the fall. The district has begun ‘learning walks’ (instructional rounds) in which principals observe practices across buildings, with positive reception from administrators.

Art teacher Maggie Doin brought Glover School students to present neuro-graphic art, a drawing technique used over two sessions to help students process stress. Students explained the process live and the committee participated. The presentation was described as the first of five planned school spotlights, one per committee meeting. Each student received a certificate from the committee chair.

The director reported that the new town website was not yet live due to technical issues, primarily broken links. Board members were asked to review it once relaunched and flag problems, particularly for the Health Department pages.

The board then discussed the Mental Health Task Force’s proposed transition. The task force chair (Dr. Lavo, identified by context) recommended that the task force, which had been constrained by open meeting law quorum requirements, move into a closer operational partnership with the Marblehead Counseling Center. The Board of Health liaison reported that Counseling Center director Terry McDonough viewed the arrangement as a win-win. The board endorsed the transition. Plans include migrating the task force’s website content (marbledcares.com) to the Counseling Center’s website, maintaining a link from the town health department page, and preserving the ‘Marblehead Cares’ domain name. A formal presentation from the task force chair is expected at the April board meeting.

The chair opened the March 4, 2025 meeting with two announcements. First, the previously approved expansion of the Board of Health from three to five members will not reach the ballot this election cycle because the Select Board only recently forwarded the request to the State House, and the state representative indicated she could not expedite it.

Second, the chair announced she will not seek reelection when her term expires in June 2025, concluding 37 years in elected office in Marblehead — 28 years on the Board of Health (five as chair) and nine years on the School Committee. She cited COVID-19 pandemic stewardship, establishment of the Mental Health Task Force, and regulatory actions including banning plastic bags and tobacco use on public properties among notable accomplishments. She encouraged residents with healthcare or public health backgrounds to take out nomination papers beginning March 17 at the Town Clerk’s office.

The board set a deadline of March 21 for Disabilities Commission letters of interest and scheduled interviews for March 26. A resignation from Carol McCauley of the Conservation Commission was noted, and the board voted to send a letter of appreciation for her service.

Board member announcements included:

• Congratulations to student athlete Nate Levit for breaking a 40-plus-year state championship two-mile record and ranking first in the nation
• A motion to send a letter of condolence to the family of Carl Siegel, a longtime Rotarian, water and sewer board member, and creator of many of the town’s wooden signs
• A reminder that the MBTA Communities Act state auditor determination will be placed on the March 12 agenda for discussion with legal counsel

The board voted to:

• Approve minutes of February 5, 2025
• Declare surplus items at the public library (Pitney Bowes postal machine, metal banquet table, office chair, small rolling cart)
• Grant Marblehead Festival of Arts permission to use venues for July 4th and surrounding events in June and July, subject to police, fire, and Rec & Parks approval, fees, insurance, and tent permits
• Approve one-day liquor licenses (roll call vote) for:
  • Marblehead Festival of Arts at Fort Sewell, June 29, 2025
  • Marblehead Festival of Arts at Abbott Hall, May 30, 2025
  • Manna Project at North Shore Temple Sinai, March 22, 2025
  • Marblehead Arts Association (nine dates as listed in packet)
• Approve edited Home Rule petition draft on Board of Health membership expansion, per House counsel recommendations
• Sign the MAPC petition supporting permanent hybrid meeting provisions under the Open Meeting Law

The Town Administrator provided several updates:

• ADL Award: Police Chief Dennis King will receive the Essex County Law Enforcement Community Leadership Award at the ADL’s North Shore Law and Education Day Breakfast on May 14th.
• Citizen Police Academy: A few slots remain for the 10th Citizen Police Academy beginning March 14th on Friday mornings.
• Comprehensive Plan Grant: The town was awarded a $130,000 grant to update its expired comprehensive master plan. An earlier application had been rejected because the town was not in MBTA Communities compliance; the town has since filed for interim compliance and regained eligibility. Loss of compliance would jeopardize access to Housing Choice Initiative, Local Capital Projects Fund, Mass Works, and MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund programs.
• Mary Alley Carpet Project: Contractors are scheduled for the week of March 10th to replace carpeting throughout Mary Alley. Hallways will be done first; office spaces will follow with furniture moved by contracted movers. Portions of the project are covered by insurance proceeds from a break-in and subsequent water damage; ARPA funds were used to extend coverage from approximately 60% to 100% of the floor area.
• Website: The newly launched town website was rolled back to the existing Civic Plus platform after too many broken links and incomplete content were discovered. The vendor’s project lead had gone on paternity leave; the town is working directly with the vendor to complete requirements before re-launching.

The health director distributed current (2016) tobacco control regulations and proposed updated versions covering flavored tobacco products and delivery devices. Key proposed changes include raising the purchase age from 18 to 21, strengthening flavor restrictions targeting menthol-adjacent products, and updating vaping regulation language.

Body art (tattoo) regulations were also distributed. Current fees are $500 per establishment and $200 per practitioner annually. No body art establishments currently operate in Marblehead.

The board discussed a timeline: after board review at the March 3rd meeting, documents would be forwarded to town counsel for formatting, with a public hearing possible in April. A tobacco industry attorney may attend the public hearing. The board noted that regulations are adopted under Board of Health authority and do not require a town meeting vote.

The board voted to delegate its response to an open meeting law complaint filed by resident Alan Waller on December 2, 2024, to town counsel Mead, Teleman & Costa LLC. The complaint concerned meeting minutes; the board noted that a backlog of minutes had since been approved and posted publicly.

A board member presented an overview of SAFE 2.0 (State Action for Public Health Excellence), a piece of legislation signed by Governor Healy as part of a $4 billion state development effort. The board discussed the history of the North Shore inter-municipal public health collaborative, which Marblehead joined in 2012 alongside Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Peabody, and Swampscott.

The health director noted the collaborative had advanced shared regulations including tobacco control and food code modernization. Key concerns raised included:

• The absence of mental health and substance abuse language in SAFE 2.0’s text, though a future RFP may include those areas
• The challenges of grant-funded staffing, where temporary hires often leave for permanent positions
• Whether Marblehead should pursue regional partnerships or work independently

The board agreed by consensus to invite the town’s grant writer to a future meeting, with the chair to send a request to the Town Administrator.

At the opening of the meeting, a board member offered an apology for his behavior at the prior meeting, acknowledging that colleagues had told him he came across as angry. He distinguished the apology from the underlying disagreement, which concerned differing views on board member involvement versus the health director’s operational autonomy. The chair acknowledged the apology and noted she had used the gavel for only the second time during her tenure at the prior meeting.

The board approved the following contract actions:

1. First Price Landscaping Construction — Council on Aging bocce facility: $207,300 (funded by Shaddock Fund and Council on Aging)
2. Amend Tool Design Group LLC bicycle plan contract — extend to June 30, 2025 (no cost change)
3. Amend Greenman Peterson Inc. bridge replacement at Village Street over Rail Trail — increase by $8,948.76 and extend to September 30, 2025
4. Reject all bids received November 19, 2025 on Maverick Street Crossing Project (all bids exceeded available funding)
5. Sinclair Cleaning custodial services, Judy and Jean Jacoby Community Center — $36,400 through June 30, 2027

The board reaffirmed the town’s recycled products purchasing policy for 2025, a requirement for the Board of Health to remain eligible for certain grant programs. The board also appointed Leonard Rose as Sealer of Weights and Measures (term to June 2025), moving the role from the retired Veterans Services officer into the inspections department under Building Commissioner Steve Cummings.

The board reauthorized the following revolving fund accounts for FY2026:

The board also voted to submit Article 37 of the May 6, 2024 Annual Town Meeting (expanding the Board of Health from three to five members) to the General Court for approval.

Consent agenda items approved:

• Minutes of January 22, 2025
• YMCA Head to the Hills 10K, May 18, 2025 (subject to police and Rec & Parks approval, insurance, and police details)
• Miles for Mary 5K Walk/Run, October 18, 2025 (same conditions)
• Abbott Hall for Marblehead Community Charter Public School graduation and rehearsals, June 18, 2025
• License for private drain connection, 2–6 Washington Street (Barry and Beum Edelman)

The board also approved a clerical correction appointing the Eastern Yacht Club change of officers and directors on seasonal club license #065600052 at 42–44 Foster Street.

At the request of Judy Anderson of the Marblehead 250 Committee, the board approved ringing the Abbott Hall bells for three minutes at 11 AM on Sunday, February 23, 2025 as part of Marblehead’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Brendan Callahan introduced himself to the board after starting the position on Monday of that week. He noted an intensive first two days of meetings and expressed enthusiasm for the staff. The board formally appointed him as Community Development and Planning Director with a term expiring June 2025, with a reappointment expected in June.

The board confirmed its upcoming meeting schedule: February 18 (second Tuesday of the month), March 4 (moved earlier than the standard second Tuesday), and March 24 (a Monday, chosen to accommodate Dr. Labon who is available only on Mondays). The board noted President’s Day falls on February 17, making February 18 the earliest available date.

The board worked through six sets of meeting minutes, approving each with minor textual corrections:

• October 8: Charter commission discussion condensed to a single sentence; grant amount corrected from ‘over $90,000’ to ‘$90,000’; verb correction in item 3.
• October 22: ‘Three questions’ corrected to ‘four’.
• November 12: Approved as presented.
• December 10: Acronym ‘SAPHE 2.0’ corrected; wording revised from ‘push was discussed to allow for training’ to ‘encourages training’.
• December 13: Dollar figure corrected from $140 to $125 (primary) and $40 (secondary).
• January 14: Approved as presented; bullet format praised.

The board discussed the finalization of the annual town report, which went through multiple revision rounds among board members and staff. Minor formatting corrections were noted. The director indicated the report would be submitted the following day. No vote was required for submission.

The director distributed copies of proposed updated tobacco control regulations, highlighting sections on menthol and flavored products, and asked board members to review them before a future public hearing. Updated body art regulations developed through the North Shore Public Health Shared Coalition were also distributed. Both sets of regulations must be reviewed by town counsel before a public hearing can be posted.

A board member moved to delay the BSAS community perception survey to allow consultation with Dr. Coyle and assess overlap with the planned UMass Boston community health survey. The motion was seconded and debated at length, with the director defending day-to-day operational decisions and board members asserting that community-facing surveys rise to the level of board policy decisions.

The discussion also touched on the relationship between the Board of Health and the health department, the role of BSAS facilitator Wendy Kent, and communication through the mental health task force. The motion was ultimately withdrawn, with the chair directing the director and the vice chair of community health to meet and bring the matter back at a future meeting.

The director described a ‘Positive Community Perception Survey’ being developed with a coalition of Marblehead, Swampscott, Lynn, and Salem under a Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) grant. The survey covers community perceptions of youth substance use across middle and high school age groups.

A board member raised strong objections, arguing that the board—which has been developing its own comprehensive community health survey with UMass Boston—had not been informed about this parallel effort and that sending two surveys in close succession could reduce community response rates. Discussion centered on the respective roles of the director and elected board members in initiating community-facing activities.

A board member reported giving a community health program presentation approximately six or seven times to various boards, with several considering support. Communications with Dr. Coyle were described as resuming, with March anticipated as the start of formal progress.

Kezer and CFO Alicia Benjamin presented the financial outlook underpinning the FY26 budget. Key points:

Current Challenges

• Prop 2½ caps property tax growth below the rate of inflation; property taxes represent approximately 76% of all revenues.
• GIC health insurance costs expected to increase approximately 10% on average (range 8–12%), with retiree plans potentially up 12–30%.
• Outdated municipal software, deteriorating facilities (especially Mary Alley), and ongoing workforce recruitment/retention pressures.
• Trash and recycling contracts are expiring; a potential ~$1M increase is anticipated around 2027.

Free Cash (~$12M estimated, uncertified) | Allocation | Amount | |—|—| | Transfer to stabilization fund | $2.0M | | Remain as unrestricted free cash reserve | $1.0M | | Capital cash projects | $2.0M | | Applied to operating levy (flat from prior year) | ~$7.0M |

The stabilization fund allocation plus an annual $250K contribution will bring total reserves to over $3.5M, more than halfway to the board’s stated 5% policy goal (~$5M).

Revenue Projections (FY26)

• Total estimated revenues (excluding debt exclusions): approximately $102,282,697
• Debt exclusion revenues: approximately $9.1M (a wash with corresponding debt service)
• A $1.875M decrease in debt exclusion service payments in FY26 due to maturing debt, providing relief to taxpayers
• Meals and rooms tax estimate increased from $400K to $600K based on improving quarterly trends
• Investment/interest income reached $2.3M (up from ~$60K historically)

Expense Side and Structural Gap

• New revenues of approximately $4.2M split 50/50 between town and schools (~$2.1M each), with an additional $250K directed to schools for contractual obligations.
• Projected structural deficit: approximately $3.7M in FY27, growing to approximately $7M in FY28–FY29 based on current revenue and expenditure trajectories.
• No general operating override is planned for FY26.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer opened his State of the Town presentation by walking through the town’s mission statement, core service areas, and organizational structure including approximately 12 elected entities. He highlighted several recent organizational milestones:

• First-ever HR Director Tom Howard, hired in the prior year.
• First-ever Director of Community Development and Planning Brendan Callahan, starting the following Monday; Callahan is a Marblehead resident with prior experience in Peabody.
• Public Works reorganization under Amy Chu, restructuring positions for improved productivity and career pathways.
• Sustainability Coordinator hired to pursue energy savings and implement the net zero by 2040 plan.
• Building Commissioner transitioned from a shared arrangement with Swampscott to a full-time Marblehead employee.
• A new grant coordinator position to manage the pipeline of grant applications and compliance.

Kezer also previewed a charter committee effort targeting a 2026 town meeting vote on Marblehead’s first-ever town charter.

The Select Board opened the meeting by taking up a request from Gary Swain to proclaim Friday, February 7, 2025 as Donate Life Day in Marblehead. The chair noted Swain is an organ donation recipient and that many transplant recipients and people on waiting lists reside in Marblehead. The board voted unanimously to approve the proclamation.

Board members reviewed draft sections of the Board of Health’s annual town report, discussing the presentation of communicable disease statistics including COVID-19, pertussis, and RSV over multiple years. Members noted that COVID-19 cases had declined from approximately 3,000 in 2022 to approximately 300 in 2024, characterizing it as now endemic. A rise in pertussis cases was noted as consistent with statewide trends, with vaccine hesitancy and vaccine latency discussed as possible factors.

The board voted unanimously to amend its mission statement by replacing ‘the’ with ‘all’ residents of Marblehead. Members agreed the report drafts needed to be more concise before formal approval at a future meeting.

The board discussed upcoming meetings:

• February 5th: State of the Town (hybrid, Abbott Hall) — annual budget kickoff by the Finance Director
• February 11th: Regular Board of Health meeting, including approval of outstanding minutes
• February 24th: Second meeting tentatively held; board discussed possibly moving to February 18th due to a member conflict

A community member (Ken, last name unclear) offered public comment praising the wellness fair but urged the board to improve public communications, particularly around transfer station issues, suggesting photos and media outreach to counter the perception that problems reflect incompetence. He noted that at approximately $126 per household annually, Marblehead’s trash pickup service is a good value compared to other communities.

Discussion also touched on H5N1 bird flu monitoring, the need for the board to proactively communicate about the coming transition to curbside trash pickup fees, and the senior tax work-off program, with Petty noting two seniors had expressed interest in helping with computer work at the health office.

The board received an open meeting law complaint from the Attorney General’s office alleging that the Board of Health had failed to publish minutes for eight meetings over approximately six months (the last published minutes on the website were from September 10th). Unpublished minutes cover meetings on October 8th, October 22nd, November 12th, December 10th, December 13th, and January 14th.

Andrew Petty noted that meeting minutes are not legally required to be published on a website — only to be available upon request — and that the complainant had not actually requested the minutes. The board agreed to approve all outstanding minutes at the February 11th meeting and for Petty to respond to the AG’s office accordingly.

The board reviewed the status of approximately $330,000 in opioid settlement funds (from J&J and distributor settlements, distinct from the still-pending Sackler settlement). The opioid working group — comprising the Town Administrator, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Director of Public Health — has prioritized funding 90-day treatment programs for individuals in need.

Through the North Shore Public Health Excellence grant coalition (Marblehead, Salem, Swampscott, Danvers, Beverly), the Town of Peabody has hired a counselor to establish peer support groups addressing substance abuse and anxiety, which may extend to Marblehead. The board noted the Marblehead Counseling Center also provides support services on a sliding-scale basis.

The board reviewed a list of bills including: Republic Services for trash collection (~$85,057), Waste Management of Massachusetts for trash disposal (~$93,516), East Coast Compactor for compactor repair (~$9,687), Bonsai Logic for license plate reader (~$11,739), Black Earth Compost (~$2,946), Marblehead Counseling Center for psychological counseling (~$4,999), and numerous smaller operational expenses. Members noted the counseling center payments are spread across the year and cover town residents on a sliding scale and town employees at 100%.

The board received a community health update reporting that the Marblehead Rotary Club will provide $10,000 for the COMM program. A meeting with the Harbor Rotary Club was scheduled for the following morning with the intent to request a matching contribution. Additional outreach meetings were planned with the Female Humane Society and the Community Ministerial Association to build support for focus groups and surveys.

The board opened the January 27th meeting by congratulating John McMahon and others for organizing a well-attended community wellness fair. Members noted the public health nurse from the town’s consortium administered blood pressure checks, various health vendors participated, and plans were discussed to hold the event again the following year while avoiding holiday weekends.

The board approved sending letters of condolence to the families of Libby Moore and Ed Bell, both described as longtime pillars of the community. The board noted that MHTV had recently dedicated its studio to Ed Bell.

A board member also provided a brief update on the Gary School Elm Street project, noting that work began earlier than anticipated (originally expected to start March or April) and should be completed in early spring. Nearby parking spots will remain unavailable during construction. Project updates are posted on the Planning Board website.

The board approved:

• Letters to the Metropolitan Planning Organization supporting grant applications for improvements to the Village Street Bridge and additional bike racks in Marblehead
• Submission of FY2025 survey and planning grant for the Marblehead historical properties inventory and Old and Historic Districts inventory update (requested by the Historical Commission)
• Proclamation designating March 23–April 30, 2025 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period, at the request of Theresa Collins of 292 Pleasant Street

The board also noted letters of interest received from Joanna Rose (Disabilities Commission) and Eugene Record (Conservation Commission). A February 7 application deadline was set for the open Conservation Commission seat, with interviews planned for the February 12 meeting.

The board approved the following consent agenda items:

• Minutes from December 11, December 23, and February 8 meetings
• Surplus equipment (wooden desk)
• Rafael Construction Elm Street Improvement Project: contract increase of $3,800 (funded through ARPA; increase attributed to removal of weed-block fabric discovered during excavation)
• Ulti Floors, Mary Alley offices carpet project: $58,828 (partially offset by insurance proceeds)

The Town Administrator walked through the anticipated 2025 town meeting article list. Key items discussed:

A board member asked whether the MBTA 3A plan could be adjusted to increase affordability requirements beyond the current 10% threshold for developments of six or more units. The Town Administrator indicated it was procedurally too late for this cycle given the plan’s existing OHLC preliminary approval, but suggested it could be revisited in a future year.

Town Administrator reported significant improvements underway at the Mary Alley building, funded through a combination of insurance proceeds and ARPA funding:

• Carpet replacement throughout upper-level employee work areas
• Creation of a new small conference room and consolidated break room
• Consolidation of mail/copy machine spaces
• Renovation of the Veterans Services office
• New key card security system for three town-side doorways, plus secured access to the treasurer’s office and IT server room
• Employee ID cards to double as access badges

The Town Administrator also announced the hire of Brendan Callahan as Marblehead’s first Community Development Planning Director, starting February 10. Callahan currently serves as assistant director of planning for the City of Peabody and has over 19 years of public-sector experience including 16 years as senior city planner in Peabody. He holds a BA in Geography with a natural resources management concentration from Salem State College and is a Marblehead resident.

Jack (calling in via phone) announced that the Marblehead Rotary Club voted to donate $10,000 toward funding the UMass Boston community health assessment study, following a presentation by Dr. Zaro to the club.

Administrative items:

• State of the Town: February 5th, Abbott Hall, 6:00–7:30 PM
• Board of Health meeting schedule: Fourth Monday of each month; meetings will be placed on the calendar and postponed as needed. The next meeting is January 27th to allow for review of the dog bylaw articles before the January 29th warrant deadline.

The chair opened the January 4th Board of Health meeting, wished members a happy New Year, and introduced a representative from the Marblehead Counseling Center. Terry McDonough joined remotely due to illness.

A preliminary 2025–26 school calendar was distributed. Key discussion points:

• January 2 school day: Multiple members objected to returning to school on Friday, January 2, noting low expected student attendance. However, the alternative — returning for only one Monday in late June before Juneteenth — was seen as equally awkward. The calendar currently needs a decision.
• November 3–4 (half-day/PD): A half day on Monday November 3 followed by a PD day on Tuesday November 4 (Election Day) was flagged as choppy and potentially low-attendance. The November 4 placement was described as preemptive — the town has requested use of a school building as a single consolidated polling location for the entire town.
• Conference model: Discussion arose about replacing the conference half-day with a full PD day for teachers while shifting parent-teacher conferences to a hybrid Zoom/in-person model spread across Wednesday afternoons or evenings.
• NEASC accreditation: The High School is entering an NEASC review cycle, increasing the importance of staff PD time.
• The committee asked administrators to return with a revised calendar proposal at the next meeting.

The schedule of bills was tabled to the next meeting per the assistant superintendent’s request. Meeting minutes from December 5, 2024 were approved 5-0. Minutes from December 19, 2024 were approved 4-0 with one abstention after a committee member (Al Williams) noted he was incorrectly listed as attending that meeting and requested the correction be made.