20231218 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes CI rY
City of Beverly RECEI f E^
Regular City Council Meeting CITY C_ _ : ; ;!f E
Public Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 18, 2023, 7:OOpm 1013 DEC 2 b P 4' 13
City Council Chambers, 191 Cabot St.
Julie Flowers, City Council President, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Assistant City
Clerk, Christine Dixon,took attendance by roll call.
Members Present: Hannah Bowen, Steven Crowley, Kathleen Feldman, Scott Houseman,
Brendan Sweeney, Estelle Rand, Todd Rotondo, Matthew St. Hilaire, Julie Flowers
Members Absent: None
Rand led the pledge of allegiance.
Resolution
Order#310-Councilors Flowers and Houseman-Ward Two City Councilor Estelle Rand
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
A motion for a brief recess was made and seconded. The meeting recessed at 7:18pm. The
meeting was called back to order at 7:29pm.
Comments by Citizens
Stewart Kemp, 81 Lothrop St., commented on the parking ordinance under consideration by the
Council. Kemp stated he has had difficulties with people causing problems at the end of Abbott
Street and other streets nearby. Kemp asked that abutters be exempted from the no street parking
rule.
Lorinda Visnick, 39 Middlebury Ln., read a land acknowledgement. Visnick expressed her
appreciation for Councilor Rand.
St. Hilaire motioned to waive the 9:30am rule. The motion was seconded. A vote was taken, and
the motion carried (9-0).
Paul Hansen-Mitev, 25 Vine St., spoke about the war in Gaza and the importance of elected
officials issuing statements calling for a ceasefire.
Acceptance of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Regular City Council, September 5, 2023
Regular City Council, October 16, 2023
Legal Affairs Committee,November 20, 2023
Regular City Council,November 20, 2023
Legal Affairs Committee, December 4, 2023
Regular City Council, December 4, 2023
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Communications from His Honor the Mayor
Order#311-Donation-12 Christmas Trees from US Pavement to be distributed to veterans for
the upcoming Christmas Holiday
Referred to Committee on Finance and Property.
Order#312-Grant-A grant up to $400,200 in Parkland Acquisitions and Renovation for
Communities grant assistance for reservations to Holcroft Park at 40 Mill Street from the
MassDOT
Referred to Committee on Finance and Property.
Order#313-The City of Beverly will participate in the Vulnerable Road User Program from the
MassDOT. This program will provide Safe Bicycle Passing signs at no cost to the city. Beverly
expects to receive up to 180 bicycle passing signs
Referred to Committee on Finance and Property.
Order#314-Donation-A $10,320 donation from Beverly Youth Soccer Associates for the
purchase of four Automated External Defibrillator devices
Referred to Committee on Finance and Property.
Communications from other City Officers and Boards
Order#250A-City Clerk-A request to revise the 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Schedule
that was approved on October 2, 2023, due to scheduling conflicts
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(9-0).
Order#315-City Clerk-2024 Amusement License Renewals
Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs.
Order#316-City Clerk-2024 Class I, II and III Renewals
Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs.
Order#317-City Clerk-2024 Livery and Taxi Renewals
Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs.
Order#318-Councilor Rand-Appointment letter for Jamie Jaimeson to represent Ward 2 on the
Open Space and Recreation Committee
Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs.
Order#319-Finance Director Bryant Ayles-A request for approval to use FY2024 appropriated
funds toward the payment of two (2)prior year invoices totaling$5,044.10
Referred to Committee on Finance and Property.
Communications,Application and Petitions
Order#320-Department of Environmental Protection-Issuance of Waterways License No 15608
A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion
carried (9-0).
A motion for a brief recess was made and seconded. The meeting recessed at 7:56pm. The
meeting was called back to order at 8:00pm.
Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes—December 18,2023 page 2 of 6
Public Hearins
8:00 PM-Order#292-A loan Authorization request of$690,000 to facilitate improvements to
Holcroft Park, located at 38 Mill Street in the City and that to meet this appropriation the
Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow$690,000 under and pursuant
to Chapter 44, Section 7 (31) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority,
and to issue bonds and notes of the City therefor; provided, however that the amount authorized
to be borrowed shall be reduced to the extent of any Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for
Communities (PARC) grant funds received by the City from the Executive Office Energy and
Environmental Affairs, any Community Preservation Act funds appropriated for such purpose,
and any further transfers of funds from other sources.
The public hearing was called to order.
City Finance Director Bryant Ayles spoke about the request. Ayles stated the City does not
intend to borrow for this, and this is an administrative process.
Rotondo asked about the duration of the project and for an update on the two pocket parks.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Bruce Doig started with updates on the
pocket parks. 14 Simon Street has artificial turf down. Stone dust and compacted materials will
be put in for an area where there will be two benches and four picnic tables. Doig stated the
fencing will be coming in the next couple weeks and some planters and a tree will go in. For 34
Simon Street, most of the equipment has come in and the rest is due to arrive soon. That will be
started in the spring as soon as holes can be dug to install the playground equipment. Doig stated
the Holcroft project cannot start until July 1, 2024 and has to be done by June 2025.
Houseman noted there are a lot of projects for which the Council has authorized money that have
been on the docket but have not been completed. Houseman asked what happens to this
obligation if, consistent with some other projects in this city, it takes longer than a year to get
done.
Ayles stated it has to be done and all resources would go towards meeting the timeline. It is a
matter of shifting resources to what is most time-sensitive,the best opportunity and leveraging
the most dollars that are not the City's. This project is entirely attainable.
St. Hilaire asked what the total cost is for the Holcroft project.
Doig stated he has estimated it at $690,000 based on experience with other projects like this.
St. Hilaire asked, although it is not the intent of the loan authorization, if, given higher costs
generally of projects, the idea is that the City may need to borrow.
Ayles stated it is not. If the cost came in higher than expected,there would need to be a decision
to either come back to the Council or reallocate existing resources elsewhere. It would not be the
intent to borrow for this project in any way.
City Council Budget Analyst Gerry Perry spoke in support of the order. This allows the City to
enter into contractual agreements. Perry stated his expectation is that the administration will
come back at a later date to rescind this loan order.
Stacey Rogers, 13 Beckford. St., spoke in support of this item. Rogers stated Holcroft Park is
unsafe with rusty equipment and that improvements to it would be good for the neighborhood
and would build community.
Alison Dudley, 7 Beckford St., also spoke in support of the improvements.
Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes.—December 18,2023 page 3 of 6
The public hearing was closed and the item was referred back to Committee on Finance and
Property.
A motion to break for committee work was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the
motion carried (9-0). The meeting recessed at 8:20pm. The meeting was called back to order at
8:41pm.
Reports of Committees
Finance and Property
Order#258-Councilor Bowen-Letter to discuss the current status and future direction of major
building projects in the city
A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion
carried (9-0).
Order#279-Councilor Houseman-A letter to Mayor Cahill
A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion
carried (9-0).
Order#292-A loan Authorization request of$690,000 to facilitate improvements to Holcroft
Park, located at 38 Mill Street in the City and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with
the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow$690,000 under and pursuant to Chapter 44,
Section 7 (31) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue
bonds and notes of the City therefor; provided,however that the amount authorized to be
borrowed shall be reduced to the extent of any Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for
Communities (PARC) grant funds received by the City from the Executive Office Energy and
Environmental Affairs, any Community Preservation Act funds appropriated for such purpose,
and any further transfers of funds from other sources
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
A motion to reconsider was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion failed (0-9).
Order#3 11-Donation-12 Christmas Trees from US Pavement to be distributed to veterans for
the upcoming Christmas Holiday
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#312-Grant-A grant up to $400,200 in Parkland Acquisitions and Renovation for
Communities grant assistance for reservations to Holcroft Park at 40 Mill Street from the
MassDOT
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(9-0).
A motion to reconsider was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion failed (0-9).
Order#313-The City of Beverly will participate in the Vulnerable Road User Program from the
MassDOT. This program will provide Safe Bicycle Passing signs at no cost to the city. Beverly
expects to receive up to 180 bicycle passing signs
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(9-0).
Order#314-Donation-A $10,320 donation from Beverly Youth Soccer Associates for the
purchase of four Automated External Defibrillator devices
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Beverly City Council Nfeeting Minutes—December 18,2023 page 4 of 6
Order#319-Finance Director Bryant Ayles-A request for approval to use FY2024 appropriated
funds toward the payment of two (2)prior year invoices totaling $5,044.10
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Legal Affairs
Order#183-Councilor Rand-A request for temporary"Resident Only Parking"
A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion
carried(9-0).
Order#239-President Flowers-A letter regarding Section 8-5 of our City Charter(Review of
Ordinances)
A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion
carried (9-0).
Order#239A-City Solicitor-Regarding Order#239-2023 Review of City Ordinances, City
Solicitor Proposed Amendments
A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion
carried (9-0).
Order#282-City Clerk-2024 renewal application for a Lodging House License for Grigor
Qirjazi, 32 Broadway
A motion to approve a probationary license until February 5, 2024 was made and seconded. A
vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#284-City Clerk-2024 renewal application for a Lodging House License for Turner
Properties/Cabot Lodge located at 91-93 Cabot Street
A motion to approve as recommended by Legal Affairs was made and seconded. A vote was
taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#286-City Clerk-2024 renewal application for a Lodging House License for Girdler
House, 78 Lothrop Street
A motion to approve as recommended by Legal Affairs was made and seconded. A vote was
taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#287-City Clerk-2024 renewal application for a Lodging House License for 276 Rantoul
Street LLC, 276-278 Rantoul Street
A motion to approve a probationary license until February 5, 2024 was made and seconded. A
vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#288-City Clerk-2024 renewal application for a Lodging House License for Kosmos
Residences Realty Trust/Garden City Residences, 490 Rantoul Street
A motion to approve a probationary license until February 5, 2024 was made and seconded. A
vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#299-Reappointment-Ellen Flannery, 30 Conant Street to serve on the Planning Board
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#300-Reappointment-Mark S. Ianuzzi, 29 Granite Street to serve as Constable in the City
of Beverly for the express purpose of serving Civil Process
Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes—December 18,2023 page 5 of 6
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#302-Appointment-Grace Charles, 12 Hale Park to serve as the Conservation
Commission Representative on the Open Space and Recreation Committee
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(9-0).
Order#315-City Clerk-2024 Amusement License Renewals
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#316-City Clerk-2024 Class I, II and III Renewals
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order 4317-City Clerk-2024 Livery and Taxi Renewals
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(9-0).
Order#318-Councilor Rand-Appointment letter for Jamie Jaimeson to represent Ward 2 on the
Open Space and Recreation Committee
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Public Services
Order#298-Reappointment-David Lane, 10 Fosters Point to serve on the Beverly Harbor
Management Authority
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Order#301-Appointment-Joseph Crowell, 7 Margaret Avenue to serve on the Beverly Harbor
Management Authority
A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
Motions and Orders
Order#277-Proposed Amendments to Chapter 270, Sections 41, 42, 43 and 45, Relative to
parking in the area of Lothrop Street
A motion to approve the final passage was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the
motion carried(9-0).
Order#291-Proposed Amendment to Section 15-11 (A) of City Ordinances Relative to Airport
Commissioner Members. (Final Passage)
A motion to approve the final passage was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the
motion carried (9-0).
Order#281-Councilors Bowen and Rotondo-A proposed ordinance amendment creating a
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. (Final Passage)
A motion to approve the final passage was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the
motion carried (9-0).
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (9-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:16pm.
Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes—December 18,2023 page 6 of 6
Scott D. Houseman-Chair
Julie R. Flowers
Matthew J. St. Hilaire
Finance and Property/ City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
Monday, December 18, 2023, 7:OOPM
Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers,311 Floor, Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot St.
Houseman called the meeting to order at 8:22pm.
Members present: Julie Flowers, Matthew St. Hilaire, Scott Houseman
Members absent: None
Order Date to Description Action Taken
Number Committee
A $1,000,000 earmark from the United States Department of
#210 8/21/2023 Housing and Urban Development to support the main Library No action taken
HVAC system replacement and weatherization
A$100,000 earmark from the Massachusetts Marketing
#211 8/21/2023 Partnership within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce No action taken
Development to support HVAC improvements and weatherization
for the Beverly Public Library
A$200,000 earmark from the Massachusetts Marketing
#212 8/21/2023 Partnership within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce No action taken
Development to support HVAC improvements and weatherization
for the Beverly Public Library
#258 10/16/2023 Councilor Bowen-Letter to discuss the current status and future Receive and place
direction of major building projects in the city on file (3-0)
#279 11/20/2023 Councilor Houseman-A letter to Mayor Cahill Receive and place
on file (3-0)
A loan Authorization request of$690,000 to facilitate
improvements to Holcroft Park, located at 38 Mill Street in the
City and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer,with the
approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow$690,000 under
and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7 (31) of the General Laws,
or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds and
#292 12/18/2023 notes of the City therefor; provided,however that the amount Approved (3-0)
authorized to be borrowed shall be reduced to the extent of any
Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC)
grant funds received by the City from the Executive Office
Energy and Environmental Affairs, any Community Preservation
Act funds appropriated for such purpose, and any further transfers
of funds from other sources
#311 12/18/2023 Donation-12 Christmas Trees from US Pavement to be distributed Approved (3-0)
to veterans for the upcoming Christmas Holiday
Grant-A grant up to $400,200 in Parkland Acquisitions and
#312 12/18/2023 Renovation for Communities grant assistance for reservations to Approved(3-0)
Holcroft Park at 40 Mill Street from the MassDOT
The City of Beverly will participate in the Vulnerable Road User
#313 12/18/2023 Program from the MassDOT. This program will provide Safe Approved (3-0)
Bicycle Passing signs at no cost to the city. Beverly expects to
receive up to 180 bicycle passing signs
Donation-A $10,320 donation from Beverly Youth Soccer
#314 12/18/2023 Associates for the purchase of four Automated External Approved (3-0)
Defibrillator devices
Finance Director Bryant Ayles-A request for approval to use
#319 12/18/2023 FY2024 appropriated funds toward the payment of two (2)prior Approved (3-0)
year invoices totaling $5,044.10
The meeting adjourned at 8:35pm.
Beverly City Council Committee on Finance and Property Meeting Minutes—December 18,2023 page 2 of 2
Estelle M. Rand-Chair
Todd C. Rotondo
Brendan S. Sweeney
Legal Affairs/City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
Monday,December 18, 2023, 7:00 PM
Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor,Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot St.
Rand called the meeting to order at 8:23pm.
Members present: Todd Rotondo, Brendan Sweeney, Estelle Rand
Order Date to Description Action Taken
Number Committee
#315 12/18/2023 City Clerk-2024 Amusement License Renewals Approved(3-0)
#316 12/18/2023 City Clerk-2024 Class I, II and III Renewals Approved(3-0)
#317 12/18/2023 City Clerk-2024 Livery and Taxi Renewals Approved(3-0)
Councilor Rand-Appointment letter for Jamie
#318 12/18/2023 Jaimeson to represent Ward 2 on the Open Space and Approved (3-0)
Recreation Committee
The meeting adjourned at 8:27pm.
Kathleen M. Feldman-Chair
Hannah L. Bowen
Steven M. Crowley
Public Services/City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
Monday,December 18, 2023, 7:OOPM
Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers,3rd Floor, Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot St.
The meeting was called to order at 8:22pm.
Members present: Hannah Bowen, Steven Crowley, Kathleen Feldman
Members absent: None
Order Date to Description Action Taken
Number Committee
National Grid-A petition for gas main line location in
#290 11/20/2023 Kernwood Heights No action taken
Reappointment-David Lane 10 Fosters Point to serve
#298 12/4/2023 on the Beverly Harbor Management Authority Approved (3-0)
Appointment-Joseph Crowell, 7 Margaret Avenue to
#301 12/4/2023 serve on the Beverly Harbor Management Authority Approved(3-0)
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.