City Council

GLOUCESTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – 6:30 p.m. Rose Baker Center for Aging Well 6 Manuel F. Lewis Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 and Remotely via Zoom -Minutes-

Councilors Present: Council President, Councilor Tony Gross; Council Vice President, Councilor Sean Nolan; Councilor Scott Memhard; Councilor Marjorie Grace; Councilor Patti-Ann Page; Councilor Hannah Kimberley; Councilor Dylan Benson; Councilor Francesco Margiotta

Absent: Councilor Jason Grow

Also Present: CAO, Kelly Dolan (remote); CFO, Conor MacCorkle (remote); City Clerk, Grace Poirier; Auditor, Kenny Costa (remote); DPW Director, Michael Hale (remote); Economic Development Coordinator, Emily Sloane (remote); School CFO, Cody Marshall (remote); Assistant Conservation Agent, Katie Kneeland (remote)

This meeting was conducted with the City Council in person and the public participating in person and remotely via Zoom.

Meeting called to order at 6:32 p.m.

Councilor Gross stated the following:

"This public meeting of the City Council is recorded on zoom with a link that is posted on the agenda. If you are calling in on a phone, you can press Star 9 to request to speak. If you are watching on a computer or device, there is a "raised hand" button that you can tap or press to request to speak. Please use either of these options during oral communications and public hearings to be recognized to speak.

If technical difficulties arise and the Zoom link is interrupted during an in-person hybrid meeting of the City Council and a quorum is present, the meeting may continue after efforts have been made to reestablish the link. The minutes shall note the interruption.

It is the finding of the City of Gloucester that no individual should be denied equal treatment or opportunity because of their age, ancestry, color, disability, including intellectual and developmental mental disability, family status, immigration status, gender identity or expression, military status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation."

FLAG SALUTE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE

Councilor Benson led the flag salute. Councilor Gross asked for a moment of silence in honor of all the City's fisherman that had been lost at sea.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Douglas Finkle, 65 Old Nugent Farm Road, stated his concerns regarding the Blinkay app for the City's beaches not advertising the Long Beach parking lot that he had recently become the owner of.

PRESENTATIONS/COMMENDATIONS

None.

CONFIRMATION OF NEW APPOINTMENTS

None.

CONSENT AGENDA

ACTION

• CONFIRMATION OF REAPPOINTMENTS
• MAYOR'S REPORT 1. Memorandum from the Archives Department requesting acceptance of donations in the amount of $216 (refer B&F) 2. Memorandum from the Mayor regarding a supplemental list of Election Officers for the September 1, 2026 State Primary and the November 3, 2026 State Election (refer O&A) 3. Memorandum from the Community Development Director regarding the draft Housing Compass Plan referral (refer P&D) 4. Memorandum from the Sustainability Coordinator regarding an invitation to attend the Climate Leader Community Designation Public Forum (Info only) 5. Memorandum from the Mayor regarding Division 5, Section 2-454 Recommendation re: Mariner's Medal Nomination (FCV 8/25/2026)
• COMMUNICATIONS/INVITATIONS
• INFORMATION ONLY
• APPLICATIONS/PETITIONS 1. SCP#2026-008: The application of 187 Atlantic Ave Holdings, LLC, Map #255, Lot #1: GZO Sec. 5.2 "Earth Fill and Removal Regulations," 5.2.2 "Permit from the City Council," to permit the movement of more than 3 acres or 1,000 cy of soil in the R-20 district. (refer P&D)
• COUNCILORS ORDERS
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS 1. City Council Meeting: 7/28/2026 (Approve/File) 2. Standing Committee Meetings: B&F 8/6/2026 (under separate cover), O&A 8/3/2026, P&D 8/5/2026 (under separate cover) (Approve/File)

ITEMS TO BE ADDED/REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Benson, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to accept the consent agenda.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget & Finance – August 6, 2026

1. Memorandum from the Interim Police Chief requesting acceptance of CIU donations for the Youth Anglers Program in the amount of $5,500

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the Budget & Finance Committee voted, 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to recommend that the City Council accept various cash donations and a gift card under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support the Community Impact Unit for the Youth Anglers Program in the amount of $4,500 from the following members and business partners in our community:

| NAME | AMOUNT | DATE | |---|---|---| | Bass Pro Shops | $500.00 | 7/8/26 | | Campbell Funeral Service, Inc. | $1,000.00 | 7/8/26 | | Harsheel Inc. | $1,000.00 | 7/8/26 | | Fisherman's Wharf | $1,000.00 | 7/8/26 | | North Atlantic Pacific Seafood LLC | $500.00 | 7/8/26 | | Gloucester Lane Inc. | $500.00 | 7/8/26 | | Total | $4,500.00 | |

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to accept various cash donations and a gift card under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support the Community Impact Unit for the Youth Anglers Program in the amount of $4,500 from the members and business partners listed above.

2. Memorandum from the Building Commissioner requesting approval to pay a 2019 invoice with FY2027 funds

This matter was continued to the August 25, 2026 City Council meeting.

3. Memorandum from the Economic Development Coordinator requesting acceptance of the amendment to the MassDevelopment memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the Budget & Finance Committee voted, 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to recommend that the City Council accept a state grant, under MGL c. 44, §53A, an amendment to the Community One Stop for Growth Grant from MassDevelopment in the amount of $17,000 from the Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program Scope Extension to support the 65 Rogers Street (I4C2) Visioning and RFP Development project. There is a local match of $3,000 for this grant.

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Page stated the following:

"In context to this grant extension, it is important to recognize there are two relevant state reports which are due to be released within the next several weeks. One is the named MBTA Ferry study where Gloucester is shortlisted as one potential location. The other is the State Commercial Fisheries Commission Fisheries Economic Development report. This commission, initiated by Sen. Bruce Tarr, is considering fishing industry initiatives worthy of investment. Given the direct impact on the site, It would be prudent to await the results of both studies. It is widely speculated I4-C2 is being considered for the expansion of the MBTA ferry.

After decades of waiting and inaction, a few more weeks would allow all options to be considered and provide the broadest possible perspective. A ferry terminal in Gloucester needs to consider location carefully. The Cruiseport terminal is expressly dedicated to commercial passenger ships. The harbormaster's station is a special public destination facility within the DPA for the arrival of transient yachts. Adding the prospect of passenger ships in Harbor Cove needs to be evaluated. HC should remain dedicated to commercial fishing industry infrastructure. Repeatedly there are violations within the DPA and each infraction weakens the whole. Harbor Cove, the last vestige of commercial dockage in the port, should not be further compromised with the assault of recreational passenger ships. If Harbor Cove is added to the locations for passenger ships, what becomes of the industrial port? Harbor Cove is the point of no return. This is an accelerated timeframe from the previously stated schedule which was through January. – it was recognized a good process takes time and we would take as long as it needs.

The timing would be quite right for the issuance of an EOI which coincidentally coincides with the MBTA ferry study. Slam dunk. The revised, abbreviated schedule is not realistic for outside interests and are not fairly considered in timeframe. Collaborative interests need time to conduct process - due diligence Stakeholder meetings? Harbor plan? The Harbor Plan process was clear not to grant any special relief for I4-C2. The I4-C2 webinar presentation did not mention a ferry or "forward leaning concepts".

The events of this week effectively signal fishing is important to the City's economic development. The State is coalescing around fishing. There should not be consideration of "forward leaning concepts" within the DPA. We should pull this back and provide more time. Pause on the contract extension, await the State reports and resubmit the EOI with a longer timeline."

Councilor Gross stated that nothing about the proposed contract amendment was binding. He stated that all options needed to be considered and discussed because that was what was fair to the residents of the City.

There was a brief discussion regarding the timeline of the EOI process. Economic Development Coordinator, Emily Sloane stated that an EOI had not been originally considered, and was being added to the process, which is why there was an extension to the timeline.

Councilor Page asked if the two studies should be considered first. Emily Sloane stated that the MBTA Ferry Study had originally been set to be released in the spring, but was being held up for unknown reasons, and the City was one of several communities that were being considered, so the release of the study should not hold up the City's process. She stated that the fishing study would be reviewed and any parties that were completing an RFP would integrate relevant findings into their proposal.

Councilor Benson asked if the vote should be delayed until the studies were released. Councilor Page stated she believed the studies should be released before a vote was taken. She stated that there was language in the contract that called out the MBTA Study and its potential impact, which gave her pause on wanting to see the study first.

Councilor Gross stated that City would retain the ability to agree to or deny a ferry service coming into the City and where it would be.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted by ROLL CALL 5 in favor, 3 opposed (Benson, Grace, Page), 1 absent, to accept a state grant, under MGL c. 44, §53A, an amendment to the Community One Stop for Growth Grant from MassDevelopment in the amount of $17,000 from the Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program Scope Extension to support the 65 Rogers Street (I4C2) Visioning and RFP Development project. There is a local match of $3,000 for this grant.

Ordinances & Administration – July 20, 2026 Meeting

1. Memorandum from the Mayor regarding the appointment of election officers for September 1, 2026 State Primary Election and the November 3, 2026 State Election

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Margiotta, seconded by Councilor Nolan, the Ordinances & Administration Committee voted 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to recommend that the City Council, in accordance with MGL c. 54, §§ 11 and 11b, confirm the appointment of election officers as recommended in the memo from the Mayor to City Council dated July 2, 2026.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to, in accordance with MGL c. 54, §§ 11 and 11b, confirm the appointment of election officers as recommended in the memo from the Mayor to City Council dated July 2, 2026.

Ordinances & Administration – August 3, 2026 Meeting

No items under this heading.

Planning & Development – July 22, 2026 Meeting

1. PP#2026-003: Petition by National Grid to install underground facilities on Wheeler Street beginning at a point 10 feet South of the centerline of the intersection of Wheeler Street and Wheeler Point Road and continuing approximately 55 feet in a Northwest direction. National Grid is petitioning to install 55ft +/- 2-3" PVC conduit from the existing pole 515 on Wheeler Street to the property of 134 Wheeler Street. Gloucester, MA.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Grow, seconded by Councilor Benson, the Planning & Development Committee voted 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to recommend that the City Council permit Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid, to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the public way, as described in the petition, with conditions including: notification to DPW 72 hours in advance; minimizing conflict with existing underground utilities; securing excavations at all times; patching trenches flush with asphalt in two 2-inch lifts; restoring sidewalks with like material immediately after pole set; and approval of paving conditions by Public Works prior to issuance of road opening permit.

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Benson stated that the proposed work would be completed in the winter, and the paving would occur in the spring.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Benson, seconded by Councilor Kimberly, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to permit Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid to install the underground facilities on Wheeler Street as described, with the conditions listed above.

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. PH2026-015: Petition to the City Council to accept and lay out a public way re: Deacon Farm Lane

This matter was continued from July 14, 2026 to the August 25, 2026 City Council Meeting.

2. PH2026-018: CC#2026-012 (Memhard): Amend GZO Sec. 3.2.1 "Dimensional Requirements for Single, Two-Family and Three Family Dwellings" by increasing the minimum lot area per dwelling unit (sf) requirement for the RC-40 (Coastal Residential) zoning district by DELETING "20,000 sf" and ADDING "40,000 sf."

This matter was opened and continued to the August 25, 2026 City Council Meeting.

3. PH2026-019: Loan Order 2026-002: Memorandum from the Chief Financial Officer re: Loan Order for Municipal Equipment, School Bus & Fleet Acquisition in the amount of $2,500,000

• Public Hearing Opened: 7:09 p.m.
• Speaking in Favor: DPW Director, Michael Hale stated that a one-year projection of the outlook for the City's fleet of vehicles had been completed, which had found that 55% of the fleet was beyond their life expectancy. He stated that equipment was considered beyond life expectancy after 12 years, and there was equipment that was from the 1980s and 1990s.

Grace Poirier shared her screen showing a detailed list of City vehicles by department, brand, model, year, registration, and VIN.

Michael Hale stated that the list was the current fleet of City vehicles. He stated that too much money was being spent on maintaining an aging fleet, and new vehicles needed to be purchased. He stated that the aging vehicles were becoming a safety hazard to both employees and the general public.

School CFO, Cody Marshall stated that a bid had been received of $480,000 for leasing nine school buses. He stated that it would be more cost effective to purchase the buses outright. He stated that the City already owned six buses, and the School Department would be reducing the fleet to 18 school buses.

• Speaking in Opposition: None.
• Communications: None.
• Questions from Councilors to Applicants/Staff: None.
• Public Hearing Closed: 7:20 p.m.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the Budget & Finance Committee voted, 3 in favor, 0 opposed, recommend that the City Council approve the loan order to appropriate Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) to pay costs of acquiring municipal vehicles and equipment, including DPW equipment, refuse and trash collection vehicles, school buses, and general City fleet vehicles, with the Treasurer authorized to borrow said amount under MGL Chapter 44, Section 7, and related authorizations to apply for grants and to qualify bonds under Chapter 44A.

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Nolan stated that he had toured the DPW fleet recently and it was in dire need of replacement due to the age of the vehicles. Councilor Gross stated his support for the matter. Councilor Benson stated his support for the matter.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted by ROLL CALL 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to approve the loan order as recommended.

MOTION TO RECONSIDER: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Memhard, the City Council voted by ROLL CALL 0 in favor, 8 opposed, 1 absent, to reconsider the vote.

MOTION TO RECONSIDER FAILS

4. PH2026-020: Memorandum from the Conservation Agent to amend Ch. 12 "Marshlands," Sec. 12-16 "Requests for determination of applicability and submission of notices of intent" re: fee schedule.

• Public Hearing Opened: 7:27 p.m.
• Speaking in Favor: Assistant Conservation Agent, Katie Kneeland stated that there had been two different versions of the ordinance posted on the City website, and when discrepancies were discovered, changes were made to fix this issue. She stated that those changes were done in 2023, with the fee structure being the only part left to do, which was what was before the Council. She stated that the fee structure had not been updated since 2006.
• Speaking in Opposition: None.
• Communications: None.
• Questions from Councilors to Applicants/Staff: (none recorded)
• Public Hearing Closed: 7:29 p.m.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Grace, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the Ordinances & Administration Committee voted 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to recommend that the City Council amend the Gloucester Code of Ordinances Chapter 12 "Marshlands," Sec. 12-16(e) Fees, deleting the old fee structure based on number of interests/lots and construction cost, and adding a new flat Fee Structure table covering: Legal Notice ($125); Request for Determination of Applicability ($200); After-the-fact RDA ($400); GWO Delineations ($1/linear foot, capped); Notice of Intent Categories 1–5 ($250–$1000, or $4/linear foot for Category 5); Amendment to Order of Conditions ($100); Extension Permit Request ($100 each); Certificate of Compliance requests ($100–$200 plus $100 if expired); After-the-fact NOI (2x filing fee, minimum $600); Request for Return to Compliance ($500); and Additional Fees of +50% of filing fee for work in Riverfront Area, ACEC, Upland Edge, or near fish runs/fisheries/shellfish/eelgrass beds.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to amend the Gloucester Code of Ordinances Chapter 12 "Marshlands" as recommended.

5. PH2026-021: CC#2026-007 (Gross): Amend GCO Ch. 11 "Hawkers, Peddlers, transient Vendors and Special Events," covering numerous sections (11-1 through 11-17) regarding definitions, licensing/permitting, fixed vending locations, conduct of business, hours, prohibited areas, permit revocation/expiration, special events, door-to-door sales, food products licensing, and violations/fines.

• Public Hearing Opened: 7:33 p.m.
• Speaking in Favor: Councilor Gross stated that the main changes to the ordinance were in regard to door-to-door solicitation, food trucks, special events, and the Licensing Commission. He stated that the Special Events Advisory Committee would no longer be a Committee, as it required City employees to post public meetings which were unnecessary. He stated that the time frame for when a special event would need to be applied for would change to thirty days before the event. He stated that Hawkers & Peddlers licenses would last one year, rather than expiring on January 1st of each year. He stated that door-to-door sales would need to register within the City, as there were more scams happening recently.
• Speaking in Opposition: None.
• Communications: None.
• Questions from Councilors to Applicants/Staff: Councilor Page asked for clarification on the disbanding of the Special Events Advisory Committee (SEAC). City Clerk, Grace Poirier stated that SEAC had been established in roughly 2011 to streamline the process for special event permits, but the process had become more cumbersome due to Open Meeting Law requirements. She stated special events would still be reviewed by departments, the Mayor's Office would retain final approval, and road closure events would go before the Planning & Development Committee.

Councilor Page asked whether special events would no longer appear on public agendas. Grace Poirier stated applications would be reviewed and approved internally, but the Mayor's Office could put upcoming special events on a calendar. Councilor Gross stated the Clerk's Office could put it on future City Council agendas for information only.

Councilor Benson asked for clarification regarding the deletion of events like the Horribles Parade and St. Peter's Procession from the ordinance. Grace Poirier stated that the ordinance, as currently written, read as if only the events defined within it could be permitted, and the deleted events would fall under the new language for special events.

• Public Hearing Closed: 7:46 p.m.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Margiotta, seconded by Councilor Grace, the Ordinances & Administration Committee voted 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to recommend that the City Council amend Chapter 11 as detailed in the ordinance redline, including: adding definitions for door-to-door sales, event vendor, food truck, licensing commission, mobile food establishment, and revising the definition of special event, temporary/transient business, transient vendor, and vendors; revising licensing/permitting language throughout Sections 11-2 through 11-9; replacing the Special Events Committee with department head review in Section 11-10; deleting the named list of specific special events; changing the application timeframe to thirty days; replacing old Section 11-12 (Door to Door Sales Books, magazines...) with a new Door-to-Door Sales permitting section requiring CORI review and city clerk permitting; and updating Sections 11-13 through 11-17 including changing certain permit expirations to one year from issuance.

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Gross proposed an amendment.

Councilor Benson asked for clarification regarding the amendment. Grace Poirier stated that during the legal review an older law had been referenced regarding the makeup of the Licensing Commission that included the building inspector and sanitary inspector, which was out of date, and therefore they did not need to be included.

MOTION AS AMENDED: On a motion by Councilor Gross, seconded by Councilor Nolan, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, that the Licensing Commission definition be amended to read: comprised of the city clerk, the chief of police, and the fire chief (deleting the building inspector and sanitary inspector).

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Gross proposed an amendment. Councilor Nolan stated that the area at Plum Cove Beach was resident parking only, and a vendor may be from out of town, so a parking placard was necessary.

MOTION AS AMENDED: On a motion by Councilor Gross, seconded by Councilor Memhard, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, that Section 11-5(a)(2) Washington Street, Water side at Plum Cove Beach, be amended to add that one parking placard shall be issued for this vendor spot.

MOTION AS AMENDED (FINAL): On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to amend the Gloucester Code of Ordinances Chapter 11 "Hawkers, Peddlers, Transient Vendors and Special Events" as recommended by the committee and as amended above.

COUNCIL VOTE

1. Warrant for the September 1, 2026 State Primary Election

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to adopt the Warrant for the September 1, 2026 State Primary Election.

INDIVIDUAL COUNCILOR'S DISCUSSION INCLUDING REPORTS BY APPOINTED COUNCILORS TO COMMITTEES

None.

COUNCILORS' REQUESTS TO THE MAYOR

Councilor Page requested an update regarding what had been spent on the East Gloucester playground renovation.

COUNCILORS' THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Councilor Grace thanked Councilor Gross and Councilor Nolan for putting together a workshop regarding frauds and scams for seniors.

Councilor Nolan and Councilor Gross thanked the organizers of the ceremony for the Fisherman's Memorial.

COUNCILORS' WARD UPDATES AND COMMUNITY NEWS

Councilor Margiotta stated that the Annisquam Village Players had put on a rendition of the Addams Family musical.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Gross, seconded by Councilor Nolan, the City Council voted 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m.

Submitted by: Lynds Jones, Legislative Aide

Items submitted at the meeting: Presentation by Michael Hale.

Meeting Recording: https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/1097/Past-Remote-Public-Meetings