Ordinances & Administration Committee
Monday, September 14, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
1st Floor Council Conference Room
9 Dale Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
-Minutes-
Present: Chair, Councilor Sean Nolan; Vice Chair, Councilor Frank Margiotta; Councilor Marjorie Grace
Other Councilors Present: Councilor Tony Gross; Councilor Dylan Benson
This meeting was conducted in-person and remotely via ZOOM.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Boards, Committees, and Commissions
New Appointments
- Open Space & Recreation Advisory Committee — Philip Schwarz (fulfilling unexpired term) — TTE 2/15/2027
Summary of Discussion: Philip Schwarz stated that he was a part of the Cape Ann Trail Stewards, and was currently serving as board president. He stated that he had a long-standing interest in the area of Dogtown. He stated he was looking forward to working with the Committee.
The committee thanked Philip Schwarz for his willingness to volunteer his time.
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 appoint Philip Schwarz to the Open Space & Recreation Advisory Committee, TTE 2/15/2027.
2. 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. 14-49 “Enforcement.”
Summary of Discussion: Councilor Benson stated that an ongoing issue that had been brought to him by constituents was that shopping carts were being found around different areas of the downtown.
Councilor Nolan stated that he wanted there to be outreach to businesses before the matter was voted on. He stated that he supported the changes to the proposed ordinance amendment.
Councilor Benson stated he could reach out to the various businesses with shopping carts about the proposed ordinance amendment over the next month.
This matter was continued to the October 19, 2026 Ordinance & Administration meeting.
3. 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 the proposed ordinance amendment came after a meeting with businesses and Senator Tarr and Representative Tarr and the City. He stated that the only parking that would be eliminated would be Gorton's personnel parking. He stated that there had been several near misses of cars hitting pedestrians. He stated that there would be a traffic safety study on the area as well.
Councilor Benson asked if it was Gorton's that was asking for the proposed changes. Councilor Gross stated that it was. He stated it would not affect trailer truck parking.
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 22 “Traffic and Motor Vehicles” as follows:
Amend Section 22-270 “Parking prohibited at all times” and Section 22-291 “Tow-away Zones” by
DELETING:
- No parking at 127 Rogers St. for 25 feet in a southerly direction from the northern crosswalk.
- No parking at 128 Rogers St. for 25 feet in a southerly direction from the northern crosswalk and in a northerly direction from the same northern crosswalk to corner of Gorton's parking lot entrance at 128 Rogers St.
ADDING
- “No Parking at 128 Rogers St. for 100 feet in a northerly direction from the southern crosswalk to corner of Gorton's parking lot entrance at 128 Rogers St.”
- “No Parking at 127 Rogers St. for 110 feet in a southern direction from the lot entrance to the trailer truck only parking zone”
A public hearing for this matter will be held September 22, 2026
MOTION TO ADJOURN: On a motion by Councilor Nolan, seconded by Councilor Margiotta, the Ordinances & Administration Committee voted 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to adjourn the meeting at 6:27 p.m.
Submitted by: Lynds Jones, Legislative Aide
Documents submitted at the meeting: None.
Matters appearing on the agenda that are to be continued: None.
Meeting Recording: https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/1097/Past-Remote-Public-Meetings