City Council

City Council September 8, 2026 Page 1 of 17

GLOUCESTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – 6:30 p.m. Gloucester City Hall - Kyrouz Auditorium 9 Dale Avenue, 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; Councilor Dylan Benson; Councilor Marjorie Grace

Also Present: Mayor Paul Lundberg (remote); CAO, Kelly Dolan (remote); City Clerk, Grace Poirier; Auditor, Kenny Costa (remote); DPW Director, Michael Hale

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 Grow led the flag salute.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Mark Diesel, 84 Rocky Neck Avenue, stated his concerns regarding unauthorized work occurring at 7 Sumac Lane. He stated the owner had been issued stop work orders by the Conservation Commission and ignored them.

Fred Stoddard, 12 Cherry Street, stated his concerns regarding the need for the curb in front of his home to be repaired.

PRESENTATIONS/COMMENDATIONS

Julia LaFontaine, Director of the Open Door, stated that September is Hunger Action Month, and the Open Door was participating in a national campaign to increase awareness. She stated that the Open Door was started after the Blizzard of '78 with volunteers distributing food out of the trunks of their cars. She stated that the first physical location of the pantry was in Brown's Mall. She stated that in the first year 49 households had been served, and the Open Door served 12,780 individuals last year. She stated that the Open Door had grown from an emergency response to a network of programs that served thousands of families each year. She stated that hunger was caused by financial insecurity due to rising cost. She stated the Open Door worked to meet immediate needs and advocated for long term solutions.

Sarah Grow, Director of Advocacy and Development for the Open Door, shared her screen.

Sarah Grow stated the above [slide: "SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH!" Mission: The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. Anchored in Community, Grounded in Hope: Mission made possible by support from community; Communities served by TOD step up time and time again; More than 1,000 volunteers committed 29,688 hours in 2025 to connect people to good food.]

Sarah Grow stated the above were the communities that the Open Door served. She stated that the Open Door also operated mobile markets in Danvers and Lynn at North Shore Community College. She stated that 53% of students attending North Shore were food insecure and many of them were City residents.

[Slide: SERVING 11 cities and towns: GLOUCESTER, ROCKPORT, MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, ESSEX, IPSWICH, ROWLEY, BOXFORD, TOPSFIELD, HAMILTON, WENHAM, GEORGETOWN. With Mobile Markets in DANVERS and [Lynn].]

[Slide: What is Food Security? Consistent, adequate access to nutrition in a socially acceptable environment.]

[Slide: The Greater Boston Food Bank 2025 Food Access Report: 40% of Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity. Essex County 43% of HH are food insecure, up 9%.]

Sarah Grow stated the above.

[Slide: 2025 FACT SHEET: 36% increase in requests for food assistance in 2025 ON TOP of 30% increase in 2024, and 30% increase in 2023. 2.06M >> 2.48M pounds of food; 2.48M meals; 12,780 people served; 136,851 visits.]

Sarah Grow stated the above.

[Slide: 2025 FACT SHEET: 159,546 meals prepared in-house. 3,022 SNAP appointments; 34% of all food distributed was fresh produce; 17,389 summer meals for kids; 2,764 holiday meal baskets; Medically Tailored Groceries: 134 individual nutrition counseling sessions, 72 community events, workshops and classes.

WHY Increased Need? FEDERAL: - Impact of $187B in SNAP cuts due to One Big Beautiful Bill* - Increased Food Security due to: High Food Costs, High Energy Costs, High Housing Costs (1 in 6 HH behind in energy payments) - Will Implement SNAP Cost sharing with states (Cost to MA $392M/year) IMPACT: From July 4 2025-April 2026, in the US 4.7M people dropped off SNAP STATE: - Impact of Rules and Regulation changes due to OBBB, increased rules/paperwork - Insufficient number of DTA workers to do paperwork and placed pressure on DTA assistance line more than 70% of calls being disconnected (77-85% in some months) - Upcoming state budget underfunded DTA workforce $26M of level budget. Would need an addition $10M on top of level funding to address workload shortage. IMPACT: From July 4, 2025-April 2026 in MA 175K people including 61K children have dropped of SNAP.]

Sarah Grow stated the above. She stated that while there was $4.1 million in SNAP fraud that had been identified, but that represented less than 0.1% of the total $2.62 billion budget. She stated that the SNAP program was one of the most rigorous eligibility programs.

[Slide: SNAP FACTS: 1 in 7 MA residents on SNAP; Max SNAP is $292/month; average is $199; 66% of MA HH below 100% poverty*; Average SNAP HH $312/month OR Average SNAP HH $10/day.]

Sarah Grow stated the above.

[Slide: What does this mean for local people? Since July 2025-April 2026 (8 months): TOD Service area: 599 families have dropped off SNAP since OB3 passed at a loss of $2.271M SNAP loss. City/Town, HH Lost, SNAP $ Lost: Gloucester 332, 1,258,944 Rockport 31, 117,552 Manchester 10, 37,920 Essex 15, 56,880 Ipswich 76, 288,192 Hamilton 33, 125,136 Wenham 16, 60,672 Boxford 13, 49,296 Topsfield 17, 64,464 Rowley 8, 30,336 Georgetown 48, 182,016 Total: 599, $2,271,408

ECONOMIC IMPACT of SNAP: - 2025 annually $10M in SNAP benefits for Gloucester residents. So far reduced by at least $1.2M - Approximately 23 locations accept SNAP Benefits in Gloucester - The USDA estimates $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.]

Sarah Grow stated the above.

[Slide: WHAT HAVE WE DONE? - Focused on CORE programs - Increased hours (8AM-6PM Mon-Fri) - Created a second shift for the pantry - Added more food pantry timeslots - Current on-line shopping model AT CAPACITY

WHAT'S NEXT? - Return to in-person, client-choice shopping at food pantry - Robust Quick Trips - Focus on dignity, nutrition, and culturally responsive foods.

INTEGRATED NUTRITION SERVICES - Reinforce "nutrition security" - Medically Tailored Groceries - Fish to Plate Program - Food is Medicine ANCHOR program with Tufts University and UMASS]

Sarah Grow stated the above.

[Slide: THE LAST MILE - More Mobile Markets in neighborhoods, schools and community colleges, senior sites, and partner locations. - Non-traditional partners for "hub and spoke" model distribution.

HEALTHY CHOICE. EASY CHOICE - Nutritious, ready-to-eat meals - Choice architecture - Expanded Grab 'n Go choices

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS - Summer Meals for Kids 14+ sites - Self-funded program-no longer federally supported - Free Breakfast and Lunch - This summer, distributed 20K up from 17K meals]

Sarah Grow stated the above.

Julia LaFontaine stated that City Hall, the Cruiseport, and Second Glance were all lit up orange for Hunger Action Month.

Councilor Benson asked if there had been any attempt to get the State to reconsider the decreases to DTA funding. Julia LaFontaine stated the Open Door had been advocating for adequate funding. She stated that organizations like the Open Door were not designed to carry the weight of the Federal nutrition program. Sarah Grow stated that for DTA to have adequate funding $24 million in cuts would need to be reversed and an additional $10 million be added to the budget.

Councilor Gross asked for clarification on what a quick trip was. Julia LaFontaine stated that when customers were not able to order online and arrived at the Open Door they could receive a bag of prepackaged groceries. Councilor Margiotta stated that currently these bags included, milk, eggs, tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, carrots, juice, peanut butter, a protein like chicken or tuna, and a pasta and sauce.

Councilor Grow asked what was the makeup of the clientele of the Open Door. Sarah Grow stated that 19% of those the Open Door serves are elderly, and 30% are children. She stated most customers were white, with 11% being Hispanic. She stated that SNAP was not sufficient so many families needed to supplement. Julia LaFontaine stated that many people who came to the Open Door were working as many as three jobs, and the Open Door had added refrigerated food lockers for people to pick up their orders during off hours.

Councilor Grow asked how much federal funding did the Open Door receive. Julia LaFontaine stated that less than 5% of the Open Door's funding came from Federal or State sources. She stated that the funding they do seek are low risk funding sources.

Councilor Gross asked for clarification on grocery deliveries. Julia LaFontaine stated that the Open Door delivered groceries to those that were housebound on a limited basis.

Councilor Grow asked what people could do to volunteer. Julia LaFontaine stated that individuals could come and help with a number of opportunities at the Open Door, from packing groceries to answering the phone.

Councilor Gross stated that it was better to donate money to the Open Door over food. Julia LaFontaine stated that the Open Door was much more efficient with money than anyone shopping for food. She stated the Open Door purchased food at wholesale prices, got food from the Greater Boston Food Bank, and had a robust food rescue program. She stated that donated was still acceptable, however.

Councilor Gross asked if there were any upcoming events for the Open Door. Julia LaFontaine stated that Thrift the Runway at the Cut, a fundraising concert at the Cut, and a Cake Festival fundraiser were upcoming.

Councilor Kimberley asked what products other than food the Open Door accepted as donations. Julia LaFontaine stated that they primarily asked for food donations, but there was also pet food, diapers, and sometimes menstrual products available at the Open Door. She stated the Second Glance also offered a program for free household essentials.

[Slide: LOW-COST GOODS & REFERRALS FOR FREE - 361,720 items sold - 216 tons of recycled textiles, shoes, hard goods - 182 referrals for free Household Essentials

KEY CHALLENGES - Continued SNAP benefit reductions - Additional cuts to safety net (Healthcare; Public Charge; expiration of tax credits; HUD etc.) - All federal funding reductions and delays - Cost of food and transportation.

THANK YOU Julie LaFontaine, President & CEO Sarah Grow, Director of Advocacy and Development]

There was a brief recess taken at 7:15 p.m.

CONFIRMATION OF NEW APPOINTMENTS

Council on Aging — Rosalie Nicastro, Alternate Member — TTE 2/15/2029

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 that the City Council appoint Rosalie Nicastro to the Council on Aging, TTE 2/15/2029.

Summary of Discussion: Rosalie Nicastro stated that she was retired from the City and had worked as a Health Department inspector for 25 years. She stated that she ran the Senior on the Go bus program for five years. She stated that she was retired but worked for Holy Family Parish and was on the board of Senior Care.

The City Council thanked Rosalie Nicastro for her willingness to volunteer her time.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Grace, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to appoint Rosalie Nicastro to the Council on Aging, TTE 2/15/2029.

Historic District Commission — Peter Thompsen (fulfilling expired term) — TTE 2/15/2028

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 that the City Council appoint Peter Thompsen to the Historic District Commission, TTE 2/15/2028.

Summary of Discussion: Peter Thompsen stated he had a lifelong interest in architecture and he was pursuing his Master's in Architecture at Boston Architectural College. He stated that he currently worked at Treehouse Design in Rockport.

The City Council thanked Peter Thompsen for his willingness to volunteer his time.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Grace, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to appoint Peter Thompsen to the Historic District Commission, TTE 2/15/2028.

CONSENT AGENDA

ACTION

CONFIRMATION OF REAPPOINTMENTS - Council on Aging: Rosalie Nicastro, Alternate Member, TTE 2/15/2029 (FCV) - Historic District Commission: Peter Thompsen (fulfilling expired term), TTE 2/15/2028 (FCV)

MAYOR'S REPORT 1. New Appointment — Open Space & Recreation Advisory Committee, Philip Schwarz (fulfilling unexpired term), TTE 2/15/2027 (Refer O&A) 2. Memorandum from the Gloucester Public Schools CFO requesting payment of prior year invoice with FY27 funds, in the amount of $51,317.23 (Refer B&F) 3. Memorandum from the Acting Police Chief requesting to pay an FY27 invoice without a PO in place, in the amount of $440.94 (Refer B&F) 4. Memorandum from the Acting Police Chief requesting acceptance of FY27 State 911 EMD Grant in the amount of $42,528.96 (Refer B&F) 5. Memorandum from General Counsel re: Request from Historic New England for preservation restrictions for the Haskell House, 11 Lincoln Street and the Temple-Hayden Cottage, Eastern Point Boulevard (Refer P&D) 6. Memorandum from the Community Development Director re: Housing Compass public comment summary and final plan revisions (Refer CC) 7. Memorandum from the Community Development Director regarding the Downtown Wayfinding System Phase I Installation (Info only)

COMMUNICATIONS/INVITATIONS 1. Memorandum from City Clerk requesting to reduce Early Voting hours for 1st week of Early Voting for the November 3, 2026 State Election (FCV 9/22/26)

INFORMATION ONLY

APPLICATIONS/PETITIONS

1. PP#2026-005: Petition by National Grid to install underground facilities on Wheeler Street beginning at a point 194 feet South of the centerline of the intersection of Wheeler Street and Shore Hill Road and continuing approximately 2 feet in an East direction. National Grid is petitioning to install +/- 2 feet of underground conduit from pole 511 to property line of 115 Wheeler Street, Gloucester, MA. (Refer P&D)

COUNCILORS ORDERS

1. CC#2026-020 (Gross): Amend GCO Ch. 22 "Traffic and Motor Vehicles," Sec. 22-270 "Parking prohibited at all times" and Sec. 22-291 "Tow-away Zones" re: Rogers Street. (Refer O&A)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

1. City Council Meeting: 8/25/2026, Special City Council Workshop: 8/27/2026 (under separate cover) (Approve/File)
2. Standing Committee Meetings: B&F 9/3/2026 (under separate cover), O&A 8/31/2026, P&D 9/2/2026 (under separate cover) (Approve/File)

ITEMS TO BE ADDED/REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: Councilor Page removed item #7 from the Mayor's report.

Councilor Gross removed the Reappointments off the consent agenda as these were already voted on as new appointments.

Councilor Gross removed item #1 under Councilors Orders

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Gross, seconded by Councilor Benson, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to accept the consent agenda as amended.

1. CC#2026-020 (Gross): Amend GCO Ch. 22 "Traffic and Motor Vehicles," Sec. 22-270 "Parking prohibited at all times" and Sec. 22-291 "Tow-away Zones" re: Rogers Street.

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Gross stated that this matter was being advertised in advance of the Ordinance & Administration meeting for public hearing on September 22, 2026

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Grow, seconded by Councilor Memhard, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to refer the matter to O&A.

2. Memorandum from the Community Development Director regarding the Downtown Wayfinding System Phase I Installation

Summary of Discussion: Councilor Page stated that she had questions regarding the program. Councilor Gross stated that she should email those questions to CAO, Kelly Dolan and she would direct it to the proper department.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget & Finance – September 3, 2026

1. Memorandum from the Archives Department requesting acceptance of donations in the amount of $216

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 under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support the Archives Department in the amount of $216 from the following members and business partners in our community:

| NAME | AMOUNT | DATE | |---|---|---| | Ben Webster | $10.00 | 7/10/26 | | Connie Desimone | $1.00 | 7/12/26 | | Mark L. Nestor | $200.00 | 7/20/26 | | Judy Peterson | $5.00 | 7/27/26 | | Total | $216.00 | |

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to accept various cash donations under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support the Archives Department in the amount of $216 from the above members and business partners.

2. Memorandum from the Veterans Services Director requesting acceptance of donations in the amount of $550

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 under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support Veterans Services in the amount of $550 from the following members and business partners in our community:

| NAME | AMOUNT | DATE | |---|---|---| | Kristine M. Stellato | $100.00 | 7/22/26 | | Christina A. Roberts | $50.00 | 7/22/26 | | Ambrose D. Scola & Valerie D. Scola | $25.00 | 7/22/26 | | Evelyn F. Howard & Dennis A. Howard | $50.00 | 7/22/26 | | Angela F. Rich & David G. Rich | $25.00 | 7/23/26 | | Lauren L. DiMarco | $50.00 | 7/23/26 | | Elana M. Brink | $100.00 | 7/23/26 | | Philip P. Murray Jr. | $50.00 | 7/24/26 | | Edward Comeau | $100.00 | 7/29/26 | | Total | $550.00 | |

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to accept various cash donations under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support Veterans Services in the amount of $550 from the above members and business partners.

3. Memorandum from the Director of Elder Services requesting acceptance of donations in the amount of $777.86

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 under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support Elder Services in the amount of $777.86 from the following members and business partners in our community:

| NAME | AMOUNT | DATE | |---|---|---| | Margaret J. Allen | $100.00 | 8/3/26 | | Barry S. McKay | $377.86 | 7/20/26 | | Ann Byers | $100.00 | 6/21/26 | | Barbara G. Black | $50.00 | 6/4/26 | | Barbara G. Black | $50.00 | 8/5/26 | | Maureen A. Surrette | $100.00 | 8/12/26 | | Total | $777.86 | |

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to accept various cash donations under MGL c. 44, §53A, to support Elder Services in the amount of $777.86 from the above members and business partners.

4. Memorandum from the Director of Elder Services requesting acceptance of the State Formula grant in the amount of $164,320

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 under MGL c. 44, §53A, a Massachusetts State FY2027 Council on Aging Formula Grant Allocation from the Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs in the amount of $164,320. There are no local matching requirements for the state grant and the grant period is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to accept under MGL c. 44, §53A, a Massachusetts State FY2027 Council on Aging Formula Grant Allocation from the Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs in the amount of $164,320. There are no local matching requirements for the state grant and the grant period is from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

5. 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

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 Supplemental Appropriation #2027-SA-2 in the amount of $3,100 (Three Thousand One Hundred Dollars) from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation – Special Revenue Fund, Elections, Transfers to General Fund, Account #32165-596001 to the General Fund, Registration – Ordinary Maintenance, Purchase of Services, #0116352-520000 for the purpose of paying election workers to staff the early voting site for the State Primary and State Election.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted by ROLL CALL 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to approve Supplemental Appropriation #2027-SA-2 in the amount of $3,100 (Three Thousand One Hundred Dollars) from the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation – Special Revenue Fund, Elections, Transfers to General Fund, Account #32165-596001 to the General Fund, Registration – Ordinary Maintenance, Purchase of Services, #0116352-520000 for the purpose of paying election workers to staff the early voting site for the State Primary and State Election.

6. Memorandum from the Interim Police Chief regarding the purchase of Tasers in the amount of $60,211.32

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 under MGL c. 30B, §12B a term of contract to permit the procurement officer to award a five-year lease agreement and payment schedule to Axon Enterprise Incorporated for the purchase of tasers and expenses related thereto for the Gloucester Police Department for a total of $60,211.32.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to approve under MGL c. 30B, §12B a term of contract to permit the procurement officer to award a five-year lease agreement and payment schedule to Axon Enterprise Incorporated for the purchase of tasers and expenses related thereto for the Gloucester Police Department for a total of $60,211.32.

7. Memorandum from the Director of Public Works regarding the new trash and recycling program starting October 1, 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 the proposed trash & recycling program fee schedule beginning October 1, 2026, as presented in the memo dated August 18, 2026 as incorporated hereto presented by the Director of Public Works and approved by the Mayor.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to approve the proposed trash & recycling program fee schedule beginning October 1, 2026, as presented in the memo dated August 18, 2026 as incorporated hereto presented by the Director of Public Works and approved by the Mayor.

8. CC#2026-019 (Gross): Amend the City Clerk Fee Schedule to ADD "Door-to-door sales permit, $100"

NOTE: The following matter was voted informally, without a motion, at Budget & Finance resulting in no committee recommendation.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Memhard, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to amend the City Clerk Fee Schedule as follows: [ADD] "Door-to-door sales permit, $100"

Ordinances & Administration – August 31, 2026 Meeting

No items under this heading.

Planning & Development – September 2, 2026 Meeting

No items under this heading.

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 August 25, 2026 and continued to October 13, 2026.

2. 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 continued from August 25, 2026 and continued to October 13, 2026.

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 25, 2026 and continued to October 13, 2026.

COUNCIL VOTE

1. Decision to Adopt: SCP2026-03: The application of Gloucester Main LLC to construct a mixed-use residential development including 40 residential units and retail and/or restaurant space: GZO Secs. 1.8.3 "Standard to be Applied," 1.10.1 "Jurisdiction of the City Council and Zoning Board of Appeals," subsection (a) "City Council," 3.2.2 "Dimensional Requirements for Multi-family Dwellings and Their Accessory Uses (other than signs)," fn. (a) "Minimum lot area per dwelling unit or minimum open space per dwelling unit," 2.3.1 "Residential Uses" subsection (8) "Conversion to or new multi-family or apartment dwelling, seven or more dwelling units," 3.1.6(b) "Building Heights in Excess of 35 Feet" and 5.7.5 "Special Permit Criteria [Major Project]" at Main Street #150, Map #8, Lot #64 in the CB and CCD district.

Summary of Discussion: None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Grow, seconded by Councilor Kimberley, the City Council voted by ROLL CALL 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to adopt the decision for Special Council Permit SCP2026-003: Main Street #150, Map 8, Lot 64 in the CCD District.

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

None.

COUNCILORS' REQUESTS TO THE MAYOR

• Councilor Grow requested the streetlights on Rogers Street be repaired.
• Councilor Margiotta requested the curb at 12 Cherry Street be fixed.
• Councilor Benson requested sidewalks on Liberty Street be repaired.
• Councilor Benson requested an update on the Senior and Veterans Tax Work Off Program.

COUNCILORS' THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• Councilor Grace thanked the organizers of the Schooner Festival.
• Councilor Nolan thanked all the seasonal City employees for their work during the summer.

COUNCILORS' WARD UPDATES AND COMMUNITY NEWS

None.

MOTION: On a motion by Councilor Grow, seconded by Councilor Page, the City Council voted 9 in favor, 0 opposed, to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

Submitted by: Lynds Jones, Legislative Aide

Items submitted at the meeting: Presentation by the Open Door.

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