City Council

GLOUCESTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday, August 25, 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 Jason Grow; Councilor Scott Memhard; Councilor Patti-Ann Page; Councilor Hannah Kimberley; Councilor Francesco Margiotta

Absent: Councilor Dylan Benson; Councilor Marjorie Grace

Also Present: Mayor Paul Lundberg; CAO, Kelly Dolan; City Clerk, Grace Poirier; Director of Communications and Constituent Services, Sophia Gross; DPW Director, Michael Hale; DPW Operations Manager, Rose LoPiccolo; DPW Financial Manager, Lauren Orlando; IT Systems Analyst, Brian Hamilton

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

Agenda items were taken out of order and the minutes reflect these changes.

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 Gross led the flag salute.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Susan Fehrmann, 47 Rocky Neck Avenue stated her concerns regarding illegal floats being installed and illegal dumping off of Rocky Neck Avenue.

Mark Diesel, 84 Rocky Neck Avenue, stated his concerns regarding unpermitted electrical work and dumping happening at 7 Sumac Lane.

CONFIRMATION OF NEW APPOINTMENTS: None.

CONSENT AGENDA

ACTION

• CONFIRMATION OF REAPPOINTMENTS
• MAYOR'S REPORT 1. New Appointments
  • Council on Aging: Rosalie Nicastro, Alternate Member, TTE 2/15/2029 (refer to O&A)
  • Historic District Commission: Peter Thompsen (to fill an expired term), TTE 2/15/2028 (refer to O&A) 2. Memorandum from the General Counsel regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 9, Article I, Trash (refer to O&A) 3. Memorandum from the Veterans Services Director requesting acceptance of donations in the amount of $550 (refer to B&F) 4. Memorandum from the Director of Elder Services requesting acceptance of donations in the amount of $777.86 (refer to B&F) 5. Memorandum from the Director of Elder Services requesting acceptance of the State Formula grant in the amount of $164,320 (refer to B&F) 6. Memorandum from the City Clerk & #2027-SA-2 for payment of the Early Voting staff for the State Primary in September and the State Election in November in the amount of $3,100 (refer to B&F) 7. Memorandum from the Interim Police Chief regarding the purchase of Tasers in the amount of $60,211.32 (refer to B&F) 8. Memorandum from the Director of Public Works regarding the new trash and recycling program starting October 1, 2026 (refer to B&F) 9. Memorandum from the Director of Public Works regarding a presentation by Casella Waste Systems (info only) 10. Memorandum from the Director of Public Works regarding the East Gloucester Playground – Davis Street Ext. (info only)
• COMMUNICATIONS/INVITATIONS
• INFORMATION ONLY
• APPLICATIONS/PETITIONS 1. PP#2026-004: Petition by National Grid to install 1 JO pole on Bellevue Avenue beginning at a point approximately 37 feet east of the centerline of the intersection of Bellevue Avenue and Conant Avenue. National Grid is petitioning to install 1 new JO pole 3006 with sidewalk anchor on public way at 17 Conant Avenue. Gloucester, MA. (refer to P&D)
• COUNCILORS ORDERS 1. CC#2026-017 (Benson): Amend GCO Ch. 14 "Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions" by ADDING a new Article IV "Shopping Cart Regulations," Sec. 14-46 "Definitions," Sec. 14-47 "Identification of shopping carts," Sec. 14-48 "Shopping carts to be confined to premises," Sec. 14-19 "Enforcement." (refer to O&A) 2. CC#2026-019 (Gross): Amend the City Clerk Fee Schedule to ADD "Door-to-door sales permit, $100" (refer to B&F)
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS 1. City Council Meeting: 8/11/2026 (Approve/File) 2. Standing Committee Meetings: B&F 8/20/2026 (no meeting), O&A 8/17/2026, P&D 8/19/2026 (no meeting) (Approve/File)

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

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Grow, seconded by Councilor Memhard, the City Council voted 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent, to accept the consent agenda.

COUNCIL VOTE:

1. Memorandum from the Mayor regarding Division 5, Section 2-454 Recommendation re: Mariners Medal Nomination.

Summary of Discussion: Mayor Paul Lundberg stated that the Mariners Medal Committee had been reformed earlier in the year. He stated that the City Council had amended the Code of Ordinances to remove a six-month time limit for reporting. He stated that the Committee had received a nomination from Senator Bruce Tarr for Captain Gus Sanfilipo of the F/V Lilly Jean for three separate incidents that occurred years previous.

Councilor Gross stated that there would be a special City Council meeting for the presentation of these awards at a later date.

[Note: Because this matter was taken out of order earlier in the meeting, Senator Tarr was allowed to make the following comments later in the meeting.]

Senator Bruce Tarr thanked the Council for their support for awarding Captain Gus Sanfilipo three Mariners Medals for heroism and courage.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent, to accept the Mariners Medal Committee's recommendation for recipients of the Mariners Medal.

2. Decision to Adopt: SCP2026-006: The application of Applied Materials, Inc. (Owner, John Goodwin) to permit a building height of 47.9 feet in accordance with GZO Secs.1.8.3 "Standard to be Applied," 1.10.1 "Miscellaneous Special Permits," subsection (a) (1) "City Council," 3.1.6 (b) "Building Heights in Excess of 35 Feet" & 3.2.1 (b) "Maximum height for buildings may be increased by special permit pursuant to Section 3.1.6" at Dory Road #11, Map #262, Lot #16, 26 & 32 in the Business Park district.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Grow, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted by ROLL CALL 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent, to adopt the decision for Special Council Permit SCP2026-006: Dory Road #11, Map 262, Lots 16, 26 and 32 in the Business Park District.

PRESENTATIONS/COMMENDATIONS:

Presentation by representatives from Casella Waste Systems re: comprehensive overview of the upcoming transition in solid waste and recycling services, effective October 1, 2026

Jack Manning, Market Area Manager, Casella Waste, stated he was representing Casella Waste.

Jack Manning shared his screen.

[Slide: Casella - Established 1975 - City of Gloucester, Massachusetts - August 25, 2026] [Slide: Automated Collection Benefits - Improved community aesthetics & litter containment with standardized bins & colors; Improved environmental impact through optimized routing and reduced contamination rates; Improved safety - 50% reduction in claims, 88% improvement in severity of claims]

Jack Manning stated the above. He stated that the City would be moving from a rear loading truck service to an automated side loaded truck service. He stated that the move to automated side loading trucks was largely due to their increased safety.

[Slide: Automated Collection in Massachusetts - Long-term success stories: Town of Brookline, MA; Town Wilmington, MA; Town of Hamilton, MA; Town of Wenham, MA; Town of Dracut, MA; City of Somerville, MA. Recent success stories: City of Beverly, MA (Converted July 2026); City of Melrose, MA (Converted July 2024); Town of Shrewsbury, MA (Converted REC July 2024); City of Pittsfield, MA (Converted fall of 2024). Upcoming program transitions: Town of North Reading, MA; City of Gloucester, MA; Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA]

Jack Manning stated the above were municipalities that were currently being serviced by Casella Waste.

[Slide: Automated Collection Calendar - August 2026: Community Outreach & Education; September 2026: Cart Assembly & Delivery; October 1, 2026: Automated Collection with Casella - Start Date]

Jack Manning stated the above.

[Slide: Frequently Asked Questions - What will the trucks look like? Casella will be utilizing single commodity automated side-load trucks. Casella will deploy (2) trucks to collect solid waste and (2) trucks to collect recycling, and an additional rear-load truck for some of the tight areas and downtown. Where do I store my carts? In a garage, along side of house or fence, in front next to steps or porch. How were street audits conducted? Casella operations in partnership with City Officials have been spending time on the streets of Gloucester, learning and evaluating streets to ensure safe service is provided to all stops. Will carts get tagged for any reason? During Implementation: Oops! Stickers will be utilized to provide notice and feedback to residents on how and where carts need to be set out moving forward. Post Implementation: Oops! Stickers will be utilized to provide notice and feedback to residents why their cart was not collected. Examples include: contamination, wrong side of street, etc.]

[Slide: Frequently Asked Questions cont. - Will I have to use the new carts provided? Yes. The new automated collection system cannot accommodate other carts or bins. How many carts will I receive? Each resident will receive two carts, one for trash and one for recycling. Which cart will be for trash and which cart will be for recycling? The trash cart will have a black lid and will be labeled "TRASH". The recycling cart will have a light blue lid and will be labeled "RECYCLING." What will I do if I have overflow trash, recycling, or other waste that does not fit in my cart? Items placed beside the carts will no longer be collected. Please call 800-CASELLA to discuss renting a dumpster of find out where you can bring materials to dispose of. Can I put construction debris in my trash container? No. Trash containers are intended for municipal solid waste (household waste) only, for disposal of construction debris, please call 800-CASELLA to discuss renting a dumpster of find out where you can bring materials to dispose of.]

Jack Manning stated the above. He stated that Casella would also be providing weekly bulk item pickup, and white goods and CRT pickup monthly, which could be coordinated with Casella customer service.

[Slide: Cart Placement Instructions - General Instructions: Keep cart lids closed to prevent elements. Place carts on a hard flat, surface (end of driveway/ on the curb). Carts must be curbside with wheels towards the house. Place 3 ft apart from each other, or other objects (mailbox, telephone pole, fire hydrant, etc.). Winter Cart Information: Avoid placing your cart in the street when there is a winter storm. Avoid placing your carts on snow banks. Prior to / during winter storms, watch for alerts of delayed or cancelled collection.]

Jack Manning stated the above.

[Slide: Acceptable Single Stream Recycling - Acceptable materials: Cardboard, Paper, Plastic Bottles Jugs Tubs & Lids, Metal Cans, Glass Bottles & Jars. Unacceptable materials: Plastic bags, Batteries, Scrap metals, Clothing, Electronics, Hazardous containers]

Jack Manning stated the above.

[Slide: Casella Customer Care - Residents of Beverly will have a direct line to our Customer Care Center. Missed pick-ups, Questions regarding oops stickers, services delays, Scheduling bulky waste collection, Scheduling white goods collection. Contact: 800-CASELLA. Coming soon - Casella App: Real Time Alerts, Quick & Easy Ordering, Find It Know It Toss It Right, Service Calendar]

Jack Manning stated the above.

Councilor Grow asked what were the City's plans for implementation of the new trash service. DPW Director, Michael Hale stated that the City had been working since the spring with Casella determining the contract. He stated that there were open hours where staff were available at municipal locations to answer questions. He stated that there were not many options within the industry other than automated trash pickup. He stated that the provided service would be similar to the previous level of service.

Councilor Nolan asked if there was a plan on how to deal with steep and treacherous roads within Ward 5. Michael Hale stated that the DPW had received calls regarding those issues, and were working with Casella to come up with solutions. Jack Manning stated that Casella had experience with similar situations and had purchased a smaller truck to deal with smaller streets and other issues. He stated that Casella would work with the DPW to find solutions.

Michael Hale stated that the trash trucks would be a split body design and would be hauling both trash and recycling.

Councilor Grow asked if there would be any accommodations for disabled residents. Michael Hale stated that would need to be brought up with the administration.

Councilor Grow asked if tenants or landlords would be responsible for the barrels and payment. Michael Hale stated that the bill would go to whoever is responsible for the utility bill of the unit.

Councilor Grow asked if the landlord could pass the cost onto the tenant. Michael Hale stated that it was a question for the Legal Department, but he believed they could.

Councilor Grow asked if a landlord could get a senior discount on behalf of a tenant if the tenant would qualify. Michael Hale stated that they could.

Councilor Grow asked if landlords needed to pay for trash service for unoccupied units. Michael Hale stated that the intention was to charge for every unit regardless of occupancy, as determining if a unit was occupied or not was difficult, unless the building was actively being renovated. He stated that there would be no consideration for seasonal use.

Councilor Grow asked for clarification regarding the cost of additional trash bins. Michael Hale stated that there would be a $75 one-time charge for each additional trash bin, and then there would be a yearly fee based on the size of the trash bin.

Councilor Grow asked if there were contingency plans for if a union formed in the company and there was a strike. Michael Hale stated that the City would find solutions if something like that happened.

Councilor Grow asked where residents could get PAYT trash bags up until the new trash system began. Michael Hale stated that the large stores were making sure to stock enough.

Councilor Grow asked if overflow bags would be able to be purchased. Michael Hale stated that there would be no overflow bags offered.

Councilor Grow asked what would happen if trash bins were stolen or damaged. Michael Hale stated each trash bin will be identified to the address, and if there is something wrong with a bin Casella could be contacted.

Councilor Grow asked if there was any potential for the robotic arm damaging vehicles. Jack Manning stated the robotic arms would not go over cars, and if bins were not accessible then the operators would move the bins into position and put a sticker on the bins to inform residents of where they needed to be placed for service.

Councilor Grow asked if residents could change the level of service once service began. Michael Hale stated that there would be a six-month assessment period and then a plan would be made for those who want to change their service.

Councilor Grow asked how holiday surges and seasonal yard waste would be handled. Michael Hale stated that there would be four weeks of collection in the fall, three weeks in the spring and Christmas trees in January.

Councilor Grow asked why the trash program had been revealed at the last moment and not sooner. Michael Hale stated that the goal was for service choices be made by August 31st, but if more time was needed then the DPW would sort it out.

Councilor Grow asked if there was concern regarding dumping now that the cost of bulk items was significantly more expensive. Michael Hale stated that previously bulk items were grossly undervalued, and the new costs were more in line with what the cost was to pick up the items.

Councilor Kimberly asked what residents should do with their old trash and recycling bins. Michael Hale stated that after the new program started the DPW would have a drop off that would allow residents to recycle their old bins at no fee.

Councilor Memhard asked for clarification regarding properties that were seasonal and were not connected to water in the winter. Michael Hale stated that the program was year-round for all properties.

Councilor Nolan asked how would residents be assessed the trash fee if they were not connected to City water. Michael Hale stated they would receive a new utility bill just with the trash service on it.

Councilor Margiotta asked what residents could do with unused PAYT trash bags. Michael Hale stated there would be no refund for extra trash bags, and if residents needed PAYT trash bags the week before the start of the program then the large stores will still be carrying them.

Councilor Margiotta asked how the rates for the trash service had been determined. Michael Hale stated that this was a new trash contract and a large portion of the cost was paying for recycling service, which in the past had been negotiated as zero cost. He stated that the fees were an equitable distribution of the total contract cost.

Councilor Margiotta asked if there could be rate changes if there were a large number of seniors who took advantage of a discount. Michael Hale stated that there would be an accounting done once the program was up and running.

Councilor Margiotta asked if there was a way to opt-out of the program. Michael Hale stated that if proof of an alternate disposal mechanism could be provided then residents could opt out.

Councilor Margiotta asked what would be done for streets where trash was left at the end of the street rather than along the side of the road. Michael Hale stated that the DPW and Casella would be examining these streets over the coming weeks to make adjustments.

Councilor Page asked if there were any accommodations that could be made for excess trash caused by large gatherings and the like. Michael Hale stated that residents would need to find alternative methods to deal with excess trash, such as renting dumpsters. Jack Manning stated that other smaller haulers could provide such services.

Councilor Page asked if there would be the opportunity to change the level of service if a change in ownership happened for a property. Michael Hale stated there would be.

Councilor Gross asked if there would be a service fee for changing bin sizes. Michael Hale stated that there currently would not be a fee, and if there was a change in service size the DPW would be the one to handle it.

Councilor Gross asked if there would be any ramifications if residents marked or painted on their trash bins. Jack Manning stated there would not be.

Councilor Gross asked how would streets that were completely filled with cars on the sides of the street be serviced. Jack Manning stated that would have to be something that was evaluated.

Councilor Gross asked what should be done if a street was uneven and there's the possibility of bins rolling on their own. Michael Hale stated that they should stay in place.

Councilor Gross asked for clarification regarding the drop off of the new bins to residents. Michael Hale stated that that the DPW would publish all relevant information online.

Councilor Gross asked if all the bins would have serial numbers and a barcode. Jack Manning stated that they would but they would only be used for the initial deployment of the bins.

Councilor Margiotta asked if trash had to be in bags in the trash bins. Michael Hale stated trash did not need to be in bags.

Councilor Grow asked if there would be accommodations for disabled residents. Michael Hale stated it would be a case by case basis.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Budget & Finance – August 6, 2026

1. Memorandum from the Building Commissioner requesting approval to pay a 2019 invoice with FY2027 funds (cont. from August 11, 2026)

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 approve, in accordance with MGL c. 44, §64, payment of a prior year invoice for Boston Board Up Services LLC at 11 Adam Road, Unit #9, Stoneham, MA 02180 provided boarding up services of the concession stand at Wilson Field in FY2019, for the purpose of paying invoice #10800, invoice dated December 24, 2019, in the amount of $3,592.90 to be paid with the current year FY2027 General Fund, Inspectional Services – Ordinary Maintenance budgeted funds.

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Gross stated that this invoice would not be held against the Inspectional Services operational budget, and the Mayors office would be finding alternative funds.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent, to approve, in accordance with MGL c. 44, §64, payment of a prior year invoice for Boston Board Up Services LLC at 11 Adam Road, Unit #9, Stoneham, MA 02180 provided boarding up services of the concession stand at Wilson Field in FY2019, for the purpose of paying invoice #10800, invoice dated December 24, 2019, in the amount of $3,592.90 to be paid with the current year FY2027 General Fund, Inspectional Services – Ordinary Maintenance budgeted funds.

• Budget & Finance – August 20, 2026

No meeting.

• Ordinances & Administration – August 17 2026 Meeting

1. 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

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On a motion by Councilor Grace, seconded by Councilor Nolan, the Ordinances & Administration Committee voted 2 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent, to recommend, in accordance with MGL c. 54, §§ 11 and 11b, that the City Council confirms the appointment of election officers as recommended in the memo from Mayor Lundberg to City Council dated August 4, 2026.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the City Council voted 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent, in accordance with MGL c. 54, §§ 11 and 11b, that the City Council confirms the appointment of election officers as recommended in the memo from Mayor Lundberg to City Council dated August 4, 2026.

• Planning & Development – August 19, 2026 Meeting

No meeting.

SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1. PH2026-022: SCP2026-007: The application of Seaside Legal Solutions, P.C. (Owner, Billiken Investments LLC), Day Court #4, Map #219, Lot #155: GZO Sec. 2.3.1(7) "Conversion to or new multi-family or apartment dwelling, four to six dwelling units," and Sec. 3.2.2 fn (e) "No principal building shall be closer to another principal building on the same site than the sum of their respective heights; provided, however, that the City Council may by special permit authorize a reduction in said distance upon a finding that such reduction is not detrimental because of view obstruction, overshadowing, service access or visual crowding" in the R20 district.

This matter was opened and continued to the September 8, 2026 City Council meeting.

2. PH2025-052: RZ2025-007: Amend GZO Sec. VI "Definitions" re: Flagpoles.

This matter was continued from June 23, 2026 and continued to the December 8, 2026 City Council Meeting.

3. 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 continued from August 11, 2026 and continued to the September 8, 2026 City Council meeting.

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

This matter was continued from August 11, 2026 and continued to the September 8, 2026 City Council meeting.

INDIVIDUAL COUNCILOR'S DISCUSSION INCLUDING REPORTS BY APPOINTED COUNCILORS TO COMMITTEES: None.

COUNCILORS' REQUESTS TO THE MAYOR: None.

COUNCILORS' THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: None.

COUNCILORS' WARD UPDATES AND COMMUNITY NEWS: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Grow, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the City Council voted 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 absent, to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

Submitted by: Lynds Jones, Legislative Aide

Items submitted at the meeting: Presentation by Casella.

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