Gloucester, MA

Board of Health - Eastern Waste Services Subcommittee Meeting, 4:00 PM

Ordinances & Administration Meeting

Historical Commission

Open Space and Recreation Commitee

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Planning & Development Meeting

City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Gloucester Conservation Commission is meeting to review and discuss numerous Notices of Intent (NOIs) for projects in coastal and wetland resource areas, including home elevations, subdivisions, seawall repairs, and dock construction. The agenda also includes an executive session on ongoing legal proceedings, certificates of compliance, and enforcement orders. Most items are continued from previous meetings, with several scheduled for decision on September 16, 2026.

• NOI 028-3125: Elevate existing home at 490R Washington Street
• NOI 028-2976: 26-unit residential subdivision at 171 & 281R Magnolia Avenue
• NOI 028-3006/3007: Replace homes at 105 and 107 Wingaersheek Road
• NOI 028-3153: Raise seawall at 740R Washington Street
• Enforcement orders for 137 Wingaersheek Road, Whistlestop Way, and 227 Atlantic Road

CATA Advisory Board

Special Events Advisory Committee Meeting

Planning Board - REMOTE MEETING

SFL Saunders House Stewardship Committee

The Saunders House Stewardship Committee will meet remotely on August 28, 2026, to approve previous minutes and receive updates on fire suppression, door repairs, and structural reinforcement. The group will also discuss additional architectural services and a contract amendment with SPG. The next meeting is scheduled for October 2, 2026.

• Approval of minutes from August 7, 2026
• Update on fire suppression systems
• Update on Middle Street door repairs
• Update on structural reinforcement
• Discussion of additional architectural services and contract amendment with SPG

City Council Tax Classification Workshop

The Gloucester City Council is holding a workshop on tax classification, presented by the Assessor's Department. This is a discussion session, not a voting meeting, focused on tax classification matters for the city.

• Tax Classification Workshop presented by the Assessor's Department

Board of Assessors Meeting

The Gloucester Board of Assessors is meeting to approve minutes and then enter executive session to discuss abatements and exemptions, as permitted by state law. The board will not return to open session after the executive session.

• Approval of open session minutes
• Executive session to discuss abatements and exemptions
• Vote to enter executive session

Clean Energy Commission

The Gloucester Clean Energy Commission is meeting on August 27, 2026, to approve July minutes and hear staff reports on geothermal updates, EV charger updates at the Annex, and upcoming events including the TownGreen Climate Summit and the 5th Annual Energy Fair. The agenda is routine and procedural, with no votes or public hearings listed.

• July minutes approval
• Geothermal updates
• Annex EV charger updates
• TownGreen Climate Summit on 9/10/2026
• 5th Annual Energy Fair on 10/29/2026

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

The Gloucester Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on August 27, 2026, to review eight new applications for special permits or variances. The agenda includes requests for home additions, a front porch, a deck, and a change of use for an indoor pickleball court complex. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and sign off on four prior decisions via the consent agenda.

• 36 Whittemore St LLC: Change of use and reduced parking for an indoor pickleball court complex in the GI district
• George Grant: Demolish a single-family home and rebuild a two-family home at 25 Marina Dr. in the R-10 district
• Patricia Doherty: Add a second story at 1000 Washington St. in the R-20 district
• Bobbi and Ben Orlando: Construct an addition at 24R Lyndale Ave. in the R-20 district
• Consent agenda: Approval of decisions for 40 Eastern Point Blvd., 12 Andrews Ct., 5 Dune Ln., and 23 Cliff Rd.

Gloucester Retirement Board

The Gloucester Retirement Board will hold its regular monthly meeting to approve routine financial reports and vote on new administrative contracts. Key decisions include authorizing the PRIT fund, approving the GASB 67/68 report, and selecting the board's new Chair and Vice Chair. The board will also vote on the addition of nine new members to the system.

• Vote on Retirement Board Administrator Contract
• Vote on Actuarial Valuation dated January 1, 2026 by Stone Consulting, Inc.
• Vote on Independent Auditor’s Report by Roselli Clark & Associates
• Vote on PRIT Fund Authorization
• Vote to add nine new members including Lindsay Carroll and Jennifer Costanzo

Gloucester School Committee

The Gloucester School Committee will vote to approve the Superintendent's goals and student handbooks. The body will also ratify $51,317.23 in prior-year expenses, including a $46,980.60 settlement with the MA Nurses Association. Additionally, the committee will accept two FY2027 grants totaling $463,733 for preschool and civics programs.

• Approval of prior-year expenses totaling $51,317.23, including a $46,980.60 MA Nurses Association settlement
• Acceptance of FY2027 EEC Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Grant of $423,733
• Acceptance of FY2027 FC 589 Civics Teaching and Learning Grant of $40,000
• Approval of the Superintendent’s Goals
• Approval of Student Handbooks

Gloucester Housing Authority

The Gloucester Housing Authority will hold its regular meeting on August 26, 2026, to review financial reports and approve several maintenance and administrative actions. Key decisions include awarding a re-bid contract for the Main Office Roof Replacement and approving emergency repairs for the Clark Elevator. The board will also review the FY27 Central Office Rent and certify compliance with federal and state lead paint laws.

• Review & Approval of Re-bid & Contract Award - Main Office Roof Replacement
• Review & Approval of Emergency Repair ~ Clark Elevator
• Review & Approval of FY27 Central Office Rent
• Review & Approval of EOHLC Proj. 107147-Clark 2" Elevator Designer/Architect
• Annual Certification of Compliance with Notification Procedures for Federal & State Lead Paint Laws

City Council Meeting

The Gloucester City Council is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including a presentation on the upcoming solid waste and recycling service transition, the purchase of Tasers, and multiple zoning amendments. The agenda also includes appointments, donations, and several public hearings that have been continued to future meetings.

• Presentation by Casella Waste Systems on solid waste transition effective October 1, 2026
• Purchase of Tasers for $60,211.32
• Amend GCO Ch. 14 to add Shopping Cart Regulations
• Add $100 fee for door-to-door sales permits
• Public hearing on increasing minimum lot area in RC-40 district from 20,000 to 40,000 sf

Sawyer Free Library Board of Trustees

The Sawyer Free Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve July minutes, hear the treasurer's report, and discuss a transfer to the City of Gloucester, a fundraising update, an ARIS report, and Teen Room modifications. The agenda is routine governance business with no votes or dollar amounts specified.

• Approval of minutes from July 28, 2026
• Treasurer's Report
• Transfer to the City
• Fundraising Update
• Teen Room Modifications

Historic District Commission

The Gloucester Historic District Commission is meeting to consider Certificates of Appropriateness for window replacement at 36 Middle Street and signage at 67 Middle Street, and to discuss an HVAC installation at 52 Main Street. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes. All items are under new business or board discussion, meaning they are proposals to be reviewed, not final decisions.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement at 36 Middle Street (Map 7 Lot 98)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 67 Middle Street (Map 70, Lot 60)
• Discussion of HVAC installation at 52 Main Street (Map 7 Lot 77)
• Approval of July 28, 2026 minutes

Licensing Commission REMOTE MEETING

The Gloucester Licensing Commission is meeting remotely to approve prior meeting minutes, consider a request from the Gloucester Fire Department and Muscular Dystrophy Association to conduct tag days on Stacey Boulevard, and review an updated Modular Moving Permit application. The agenda is otherwise limited to these routine items.

• Approval of August 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Tag days on Stacey Boulevard September 5-7, 2026, with rain dates September 12-14
• Review of updated Modular Moving Permit application

Gloucester Contributory Retirement System Board Special Meeting

The Gloucester Contributory Retirement System Board is holding a special meeting to discuss retirement office security and candidates for the executive director position. The meeting will be held remotely via dial-in.

• Discussion of retirement office security
• Review of executive director candidates

Gloucester Lyceum Committee Special Meeting

The Gloucester Lyceum Committee is holding a special remote meeting to discuss a proposed amendment to the Library Bylaws regarding the Lyceum Committee and to discuss spring 2026 programming for a 'Celebration of Freedom' event. The meeting is held via Zoom only.

• Proposed Library Bylaws amendment: Lyceum Committee
• Spring 2026 Programming Discussion: 'Celebration of Freedom'

Planning Board

The Gloucester Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing on a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance's definition of "Structure" to add flagpoles under 30 feet in height, which was continued to November 19, 2026. The board will also receive a presentation and discussion on the draft Gloucester Housing Compass Housing Production Plan. Other business includes approval of minutes from the August 6, 2026 meeting.

• Continued public hearing: amend zoning definition of 'Structure' to add flagpoles under 30 feet
• Presentation and discussion: Gloucester Housing Compass Draft Housing Production Plan
• Approval of minutes from August 6, 2026 meeting

CANCELLED 6:00 PM Planning & Development Meeting

The Gloucester City Council's Planning & Development Committee will discuss a draft Housing Compass Plan referral and consider a special permit application for a multi-family conversion at Day Court #4. The meeting also includes continued items on zoning amendments and an earth removal permit, with several matters postponed to later dates.

• Draft Housing Compass Plan referral from Community Development Director
• SCP2026-007: Special permit for conversion to 4-6 dwelling units at Day Court #4 (R20 district)
• SCP#2026-008: Earth fill/removal permit for 187 Atlantic Ave Holdings (over 3 acres or 1,000 cy of soil)
• CC#2026-012: Proposed zoning amendment to increase minimum lot area in RC-40 district from 20,000 to 40,000 sf (continued to Sept 2)
• Zoning Ordinance Section VI 'Definitions' amendment (continued to Sept 16)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Gloucester Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting to review and act on numerous Notices of Intent (NOIs) for projects affecting wetlands, coastal areas, and buffer zones, including residential construction, docks, and road work. The commission will also hear a public comment period, approve minutes, and discuss a new fee schedule that takes effect September 11, 2026. Several items were previously continued and will be heard again, and one enforcement action involves a public hearing for penalties at 137 Wingaersheek Road.

• New fee schedule approved by City Council on 8/11/2026, effective 9/11/2026
• NOI 028-2976: 26-unit residential subdivision at 171 & 281R Magnolia Avenue
• NOI 028-3006/3007: Replace homes at 105 and 107 Wingaersheek Road in Coastal Dune/Barrier Beach
• NOI 028-3145/XXXX: Duplex and driveway at 195 and 197 Atlantic Street
• EO-24-01: Public hearing on penalties for non-compliance at 137 Wingaersheek Road

Cape Ann Public Health Alliance PHE Advisory Board Meeting

The Cape Ann Public Health Alliance PHE Advisory Board, serving Gloucester and Manchester-By-The-Sea, is meeting virtually to handle routine business. They will approve June meeting minutes, review a summary of the FY26 SAPHE 2.0 performance standards survey, and get a status briefing on FY27 active projects. The agenda is mostly procedural, with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.

• Approval of meeting minutes from June 23, 2026
• FY26 SAPHE 2.0 Performance Standards Survey Summary Briefing
• FY27 Active Projects Briefing & Status

Community Preservation Committee

The Gloucester Community Preservation Committee will review and potentially discuss four applicant presentations for preservation projects, including the Davis-Freeman House Renovation, Magnolia Reserve Conservation, Schooner Adventure Preservation Part 3, and Marine Railway Restoration. The committee will also approve minutes from the July 20, 2026 meeting and receive administrative updates.

• Davis-Freeman House Renovation (Wellspring House)
• Magnolia Reserve Conservation Project (Essex County Greenbelt)
• Schooner Adventure Preservation Part 3
• Marine Railway Restoration (Maritime Gloucester)
• Approval of July 20, 2026 meeting minutes

Ordinances & Administration Meeting

The Gloucester Ordinances & Administration Committee is meeting to discuss two items: a supplemental list of Election Officers for the September and November 2026 elections, and a proposed amendment to the city's fire lane regulations. The amendment would expand the fire lane designation on Rackliffe Street from one side to both sides of the street.

• Supplemental list of Election Officers for Sept. 1, 2026 State Primary and Nov. 3, 2026 State Election
• CC#2026-014: Amend GCO Ch. 22 Sec. 22-292 to add both sides of Rackliffe Street to fire lane designation

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Gloucester Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a comprehensive permit for a 62-unit multi-family building at 272 Washington St., plus several new special permit and variance applications for residential additions, a pool, a deck, and a building height exception. The board will also vote on signing prior decisions for six properties. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Comprehensive permit (G.L. c. 40B) for 62-unit multi-family at 272 Washington St. (Map 85, Lot 47) — continuance requested
• Special permit/variance for second-story addition at 5 Dune Ln. (R-20 district)
• Special permit/variance for pool at 40 Eastern Point Blvd. (RC-40 district)
• Special permit/variance to exceed max building height at 3 Deacon Farm Ln. (R-10 district)
• Consent agenda: sign decisions for 24 Kondelin Rd., 9 Linden Ave., 21 Cliff Rd., 354 Essex Ave., 49 Reynard St., 14-16 Links Rd.

Gloucester Lyceum Committee

The Gloucester Lyceum Committee is meeting to approve minutes, discuss a response to a request from William Falcetano, and consider a bylaws amendment proposal. The committee will also receive reports on corporate communications and fall 2026 programming, and begin forming working groups for 2027 programs on World Health and Meaning of Democracy.

• Approval of minutes for June 4 and July 9, 2026
• Response to William Falcetano's request
• Bylaws amendment proposal
• Fall 2026 Program Update
• 2027 Program working groups: World Health and Meaning of Democracy

Waterways Board Public Facilities

The Gloucester Waterways Board Public Facilities is meeting to discuss several items, including the removal of the Harbor Cove Federal Line, a grant for 112 Commercial Street, a plaque project at 14C2 Plank, and an update on the St Peter's Landing Grant. The meeting is open to the public in person and remotely.

• Removal of Harbor Cove Federal Line
• 112 Commercial Street Grant
• 14C2 Plank Plaque Project
• St Peter's Landing Grant Update

Gloucester School Committee Meeting

The Gloucester School Committee will meet to discuss the superintendent's entry plan and goals for 2026-2027, and vote on accepting several grants, including a McKinney-Vento homeless education grant and a Perkins career and technical education grant. The committee will also vote on the superintendent joining the Northshore Education Consortium Board. Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Vote on superintendent joining Northshore Education Consortium Board
• Acceptance of FY27 McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Grant of $25,000
• Acceptance of GHS FY27 Perkins Career and Technical Education Grant of $36,760
• Acceptance of O'Maley FY27 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant of $111,331
• Acceptance of $71.78 donation to Gloucester High School from FY2026 Ohiopyle Prints Spirit Wear Commission

Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds

The Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds is meeting to approve prior meeting minutes, review current fund balances, and discuss the status of several funds, including those with pending disbursements and those tied to probate court decrees. They will also hear a report on research related to the Fernald Fund and discuss potential disbursements from the Huntress Fund's accumulated income.

• Vote on minutes from June 29, 2026 meeting
• Review of current fund balances and Huntress Fund details
• Status of 5 funds with disbursements authorized in January 2026 or earlier
• Update on Powers and Clough Funds regarding probate court decrees
• Discussion on disbursement ideas from Huntress Fund accumulated income

Gloucester Cultural Council

The Gloucester Cultural Council is holding a regular public meeting to review and approve minutes, discuss updates on grant recipients and completion reports, address funding problems, and plan the fall grant schedule and staffing a table at the Block Party. The agenda is largely procedural and routine.

• Approval of minutes from May 13, 2026
• Updates on grant recipients
• Grant completion reports
• Fall grant schedule
• Staffing GCC table at Block Party, Sept. 4th

Gloucester Lyceum & SFL Board of Trustees Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Board of Trustees will meet remotely to discuss and recommend the yearly repayment to the City of Gloucester. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from May 7, 2026.

• Discuss and recommend yearly repayment to City of Gloucester
• Approval of minutes from May 7, 2026

EDIC Board Meeting

The EDIC Board will review status reports on current initiatives, including the Cape Ann Industrial Park, Blackburn Park, and the Jodrey State Fish Pier. A discussion is scheduled with attorney Joel Favazza regarding a sign at the Kondelin Road entrance prohibiting uncovered trucks. The board will also hear a Workforce Training Subcommittee report and review financials.

• Discussion of sign at Kondelin Road entrance prohibiting uncovered trucks with attorney Joel Favazza
• Cape Ann Industrial Park update including Eastern Waste Services and Applied Materials
• CATA request for entrance from Pond Road
• Toll Brothers/58 Great Republic Drive landscaping update
• Meeting with Secretary of Economic Development and MassDevelopment on Jodrey State Fish Pier

Licensing Board Meeting

The Gloucester Licensing Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed new annual all-alcohol license for Mehfil at 50 Rogers St., consider several one-day liquor license requests for local events, and discuss the availability of one annual all-alcohol on-premise license, including setting an application timeline. The board will also review a lodging license for Action Inc.'s emergency shelter and a manager change for The Salted Cod Arthouse.

• Public hearing: New annual all-alcohol license for Gloucester Restaurant Group dba Mehfil at 50 Rogers St., Manager of Record Prabjhot Pabla
• One-day liquor licenses: Peter Williamson (Lanesville Community Center, 9/19, rain 9/20), Catherine Gunn (Annisquam Village Hall, 10/10), Kimberly Trainor (Stage Fort Park, 9/19), Isabel Pett (Maritime Gloucester, 9/5)
• Extension of premise: Gloucester House Restaurant (Seven Seas Wharf) to serve at temporary Guiness Pub, 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
• Lodging license: Action Inc. Emergency Shelter, 370 Main St.
• Discussion: Availability of 1 annual all-alcohol on-premise license and application timeline

SFL Corporate Communications Committee

The Corporate Communications Committee of the Sawyer Free Library is meeting to discuss library programming, the final numbers from the spring appeal, an art auction update, publicity efforts, the annual meeting, and a grant writer. The agenda is routine and contains no votes on ordinances, contracts, or other binding actions.

• Approval of minutes from July 14, 2026
• Library programming update
• Spring appeal final numbers
• Art auction update
• Discussion of grant writer