Topsfield, MA

Planning Board

Topsfield School Committee

Board of Assessors

The Topsfield Board of Assessors is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving minutes, signing documents, and reviewing motor vehicle abatements and denials. They will also discuss exemption clause 17D, which applies to seniors, surviving spouses, and minor children with a deceased parent. The agenda includes an executive session to discuss non-public records, but no specific decisions or proposals are listed.

• Motor vehicle abatements and denials
• Review of exemption clause 17D (seniors, surviving spouses, minor children with deceased parent)
• Executive session under c.30A, §21(a), Purpose 7 and G.L. c. 30A, §22(f) for non-public records

Sustainability Advisory Committee

The Topsfield Sustainability Advisory Committee will meet virtually to review past minutes, discuss membership and calendar, and plan upcoming events. The main focus is setting priorities for 2026-2027, including education, solar opportunities, invasive plants, drought resiliency, and waste reduction, as well as discussing grants and policies.

• Review of minutes from 6/9/2026
• Discussion of upcoming events: Mass ECO-FEST in September and possible Speaker Series
• Green Communities Climate Leader goals: energy trends, grants, goals & timeline
• Priorities for 2026-2027: education, schools, solar, invasive plants, drought/rain barrels, wildlife, dark skies, waste reduction
• Grants & policies discussion

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee is meeting virtually to approve prior minutes, reorganize, and plan an October 14, 2026 business social. The agenda also includes a Town Administrator update and discussion of 2026/2027 committee planning. No votes on specific projects or contracts are listed.

• Approval of June 22, 2026 meeting minutes
• Committee re-organization vote
• Planning for October 14, 2026 business social
• Town Administrator update
• 2026/2027 ECDC planning discussion

Select Board's Office

The Topsfield Select Board is holding a work session to discuss town finances, policies, and procedures, as well as to set priorities and goals for town services, resident amenities, economic development, sustainability, and communication. The agenda is largely a general discussion with no specific votes or decisions listed.

• Discussion of town finances, policies, and procedures
• Discussion of Select Board goals including town services, resident amenities, economic development, sustainability, and communication

Board of Health

The Topsfield Board of Health is meeting remotely to discuss routine business, including the health director's report, meeting minutes, and updates on the Public Health Excellence program and opioid settlement funds. New business includes the Topsfield Fair (October 2-12) and flu vaccine clinics with Conley's Pharmacy on September 24 and October 22. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Topsfield Fair October 2-12, 2026 – John Coulon RS
• Flu Vaccine Clinics with Conley's Pharmacy: Sept. 24 and Oct. 22, 1-4 pm
• White Goods curbside collection on Friday, September 11, 2026 (fees apply, pre-registration required)
• Public Health Excellence (PHE) Update
• Opioid Settlement Funds Update

Alcohol Advisory Committee

The Topsfield Alcohol Licensing Advisory Committee is meeting to elect officers for FY 2027 and discuss an application for an off-premise (Section 15) alcohol license at 239 Boston Street. The committee will also review and discuss the town's nips and miniatures policy, alcohol legislation, and proposed edits to Topsfield's Rules and Regulations Related to Alcohol.

• Election of officers for FY 2027
• Application for off-premise (sec.15) alcohol license at 239 Boston Street
• Nips and miniatures policy review, discussion and proposal
• Alcohol legislation review
• Topsfield Rules and Regulations Related to Alcohol: review, discussion and proposed edits

Town Clerk

The Topsfield Town Clerk's office is meeting to test the ballot tabulators and Automark equipment ahead of the 2026 State Primary. This is a routine procedural step to ensure voting machines are working properly.

• Test ballot tabulators and Automark equipment for the 2026 State Primary

Conservation Commission

The Topsfield Conservation Commission will meet remotely to review several requests for certificates of compliance, hear applications for work in wetland buffer zones, and address enforcement orders for unauthorized activities. The agenda includes public hearings on projects such as a fence installation, sidewalk reconstruction, and new construction, as well as updates on ongoing enforcement matters.

• Certificate of Compliance requests for 46 Alderbrook Drive and 76 Parsonage Lane
• Public hearing for after-the-fact fence at 249 Rowley Bridge Road (RDA 2026-01)
• Public hearing for sidewalk and parking lot reconstruction at 69 Washington Street (RDA 2026-02)
• Notice of Intent for in-ground pool at 2 Proctor Drive and repaving at 476-478 & 482 Boston Street
• Enforcement orders for unauthorized wetland activities at 249 Rowley Bridge Rd, 110 Perkins Row, and 20R/21/25 Johns Lane

Library / Board of Library Trustees

The Topsfield Town Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve minutes, receive updates from committees, and discuss the director's report and budget. They will also review the trustees' bylaws and the winter weather policy as unfinished or new business. The agenda is largely routine, with no major funding decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve July 14, 2026 meeting minutes
• Friends of the Library, Art Committee, and Music Committee updates
• Facilities update and FY27 Budget discussion
• Trustees Bylaws Review
• Winter Weather Policy Review

Topsfield Housing Authority

The Topsfield Housing Authority is holding a special meeting to vote on three contracts: a $1,104,422 site improvements project, a $2,147,931 financial assistance amendment, and a $13,120 engineering services agreement. All items are subject to approval by the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC).

• Vote to approve $1,104,422 contract with Site Improvements, Inc. for parking, sidewalks, and lighting at Little Brook Village (EOHLC Project No. 298035)
• Vote to approve Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) 5001, Amendment No. 19, in the amount of $2,147,931
• Vote to approve $13,120 work order for Rogue Engineering and Design for sump pump installation design and oversight (EOHLC Project No. 298058)

Select Board's Office

The Topsfield Select Board will hold a work session to discuss and review several policies, including an update on PFAS and water, a draft flag and banner policy, and a policy on town events and private events regarding public safety details. They will also discuss modifications to the Topsfield Alcoholic Rules and Regulations regarding nips and miniatures, and appoint a liaison to a financial policy review working group. The board will enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation, and will vote on memoranda of agreement with two firefighter unions.

• Water Department PFAS and Water Report update and discussion
• Review of draft Flag and Banner Policy for public spaces
• Discussion on Town Events and Private Events public safety details policy
• Discussion on modification to Topsfield Alcoholic Rules and Regulations regarding nips and miniatures
• Approval of Memoranda of Agreement with Topsfield Local 3250 (Firefighters) and Topsfield Call Firefighters Association

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continuation of a public hearing for a proposed accessory dwelling unit at 18 Central Street, requiring a variance for reduced side setbacks. The board will also organize for Fiscal 2027 by electing officers and approving minutes from May and June 2026.

• Continuation of public hearing for 18 Central Street accessory dwelling unit with requested side setbacks of 2.5 feet (10 feet required)
• Variance from Article IV, Section 4.02 for non-conforming lot (acreage, frontage, side setbacks)
• Election of officers and designation of authorized signatory for Fiscal 2027
• Discussion and vote on minutes from May and June 2026

Topsfield School Committee

The committee will review reports on FY26 close-out, audit reports, and enrollment updates. New business includes discussions on staffing for the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and the opening days of school for August and September.

• FY26 Close-Out and EOY Audit Reports
• Staffing: Assistant Superintendent of Operations
• Policy Subcommittee updates to Policy Book (JKAA and IMGB) and waiving Policy BGB
• Fair Share Update ("Millionaire’s Tax")
• I.T. Surplus List

Historical Commission

The Topsfield Historical Commission is meeting to review the designs for the sign and entrance area of the Emerson Homes project at 10 High Street, as required by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The meeting will also cover minutes and other business.

• Review of sign and entrance designs for Emerson Homes at 10 High Street
• Conditions set by the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Drawings and plans available at Town Hall
• Meeting held via Microsoft Teams

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a public hearing regarding a proposed accessory dwelling unit. The board will also organize for Fiscal 2027 and vote on May and June 2026 minutes.

• Public hearing for 18 Central Street regarding a variance for side setbacks of 2.5’ (10’ required) for an accessory dwelling unit
• Election of officers and designation of authorized signatory for Fiscal 2027
• Vote on May and June 2026 meeting minutes

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a virtual meeting to discuss a stormwater permit modification and a land subdivision. The board will also address its own reorganization.

• Stormwater permit modification request for 49 Asbury Street
• Public hearing continuation for proposed definitive subdivision of 21, 25, and 27 John's Lane
• Reorganization of the Planning Board

Topsfield School Committee

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will consider several municipal appointments and contracts for police and fire equipment. The meeting includes a public hearing for an off-premise liquor license and the approval of a building permit fee schedule update.

• Public Hearing: Off-Premise Liquor License application for 239 Boston Street
• Topsfield Fire Department: Contract to purchase a Ford F550
• Topsfield Police Department: Contracts for a cruiser, TASER weapons, and an All-Terrain Vehicle
• Building Permit: Fee Schedule Update
• Topsfield Call Firefighters Association: Approval of Memorandum of Agreement

Board of Assessors

The Topsfield Board of Assessors will discuss motor vehicle abatements and the 2026 motor vehicle commitment #4. They will also review the exemption clause 17D for seniors, surviving spouses, and minor children with a deceased parent. The meeting includes approval of minutes, signatures, an assessor report, and an executive session for non-public records.

• Motor vehicle abatements
• 2026 motor vehicle commitment #4
• Review of exemption clause 17D for seniors, surviving spouses, and minor children with a deceased parent
• Assessor Report
• Executive session under c.30A, §21(a), Purpose 7 and G.L. c. 30A, §22(f)

Board of Assessors

The Topsfield Board of Assessors will meet to discuss routine procedural items, motor vehicle abatement requests, and a review of exemption clause 17D for seniors and surviving spouses. The board may also enter executive session to discuss non-public records.

• Motor vehicle abatements
• 2026 motor vehicle commitment #4
• Review of exemption clause 17D (seniors, surviving spouses, minor children)
• Executive session for non-public records

Board of Health

The Topsfield Board of Health will hold a remote meeting on July 15, 2026. The main action item is a vote on landfill signatory authorization. The board will also receive updates on the Public Health Excellence program, opioid settlement funds, and review bills and monthly revenue.

• Vote on Landfill Signatory Authorization
• Public Health Excellence (PHE) Update and FY27 List of Approvable Expenses
• Opioid Settlement Funds Update
• Review of Bills Paid and Monthly Revenue

Council on Aging Board

The Topsfield Council on Aging Board will approve June meeting minutes, hear the Director's report, and receive updates from the Friends Liaison, Dementia-Friendly Team, Intergenerational, and Craft Connections groups. Old business includes a grant writing update and a transportation update. No new business is listed.

• Approval of June Board Meeting Minutes
• Director Report
• Grant Writing Update
• Transportation Update
• Reports from Friends Liaison, Dementia-Friendly Team, Intergenerational, and Craft Connections

Library / Board of Library Trustees

The Topsfield Library Board of Trustees will convene to approve the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes and receive updates from the Friends of the Library, Art Committee, and Music Committee. The board will also discuss facilities updates and begin FY27 budget planning.

• Approve June 9, 2026 meeting minutes
• FY27 Budget planning discussion
• Facilities update

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold a work session to discuss the preliminary FY28 town operating budget and general budget processes. The meeting is virtual only, with no in-person public attendance.

• Preliminary discussion of FY28 town operating budget
• General overview of FY28 budget processes

Topsfield Housing Authority

The Topsfield Housing Authority is holding a public hearing to review its proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The plan covers capital improvements, maintenance, operating budget, and policy waivers. Residents and the public may submit comments orally or in writing before the hearing closes.

• Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (3-year)
• Proposed Maintenance and Repair Plan
• Current Operating Budget
• Responses to Performance Management Review (PMR) findings
• List of waivers from EOHLC regulations

Topsfield Housing Authority

The Topsfield Housing Authority will convene at 9:00 A.M. on July 9, 2026, at the Community Room, Little Brook Village, 69 Washington Street. The meeting is procedural, with votes on minutes from June 11, 2026, and the annual plan. No substantive decisions are listed beyond routine approvals and reports.

Topsfield School Committee

The Topsfield School Committee will hold a virtual meeting on July 8, 2026, under state legislation allowing remote public meetings. The session includes routine items, a review of an Open Meeting Law complaint, and adjournment at 5:00 pm.

• Review of Open Meeting Law Complaint

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing on a proposed definitive subdivision submitted by Raymond Lawton for properties at 21, 25, and 27 John's Lane. The board will also reorganize and handle signatory authorizations.

• Continuation of public hearing on definitive subdivision for 21, 25, and 27 John's Lane (Assessor's Map 68, Parcel 41; Map 76, Parcels 3 and 2)
• Reorganization of the board
• Signatory authorizations

Conservation Commission

The Topsfield Conservation Commission will meet remotely to vote on a new chair, consider several Requests for Certificates of Compliance, and hold hearings on after-the-fact wetland buffer zone work and a sidewalk/parking lot reconstruction. The agenda also includes discussion of proposed changes to the local wetlands bylaw and multiple enforcement orders.

• Vote to appoint new Conservation Commission Chair
• Request for Certificate of Compliance: 46 Alderbrook Drive (OOC #307-0844)
• Hearing: RDA 2026-01 for after-the-fact fence installation at 249 Rowley Bridge Road
• Hearing: RDA 2026-02 for sidewalk and parking lot reconstruction at 69 Washington Street (Topsfield Housing Authority)
• Discussion of proposed changes to the Topsfield General Wetlands Bylaw

Select Board's Office

The Select Board will hold public hearings on non-conforming sign modifications at 376 Boston Street and 249 Rowley Bridge Road, and on liquor license changes for Essex Agricultural Society and a new off-premise license at 239 Boston Street. They will also consider a building permit fee schedule update, grant acceptance for a rail trail storage shed, donation acceptance for paving and street lights at 10 School Ave, and FY2027 appointments to boards and committees.

• Public Hearing: Non-Conforming Sign Modification at 376 Boston Street
• Public Hearing: Non-Conforming Sign at 249 Rowley Bridge Road
• Public Hearing: Liquor License Change of Officers for Essex Agricultural Society
• Public Hearing: Off-Premise Liquor License Application at 239 Boston Street
• Building Permit Fee Schedule Update

The Select Board approved sign modifications for two properties and accepted a $52,900 donation for paving and street lights at 10 School Ave. The Board also accepted a $46,420 state grant for a rail trail maintenance shed and renewed a victualler's license. A liquor license application for 239 Boston Street was continued to August 3, 2026.

• Approved sign modification for Pags Real Estate, LLC at 376 Boston Street (5-0)
• Approved signage for Essex County Craft Collaborators at 249 Rowley Bridge Road with no internal lighting (4-1)
• Continued public hearing for Topsfield Fine Food Market liquor license to August 3, 2026 (5-0)
• Accepted $52,900 donation from Tim Collins for 10 School Ave paving and street lights (5-0)
• Approved 2026 Common Victualler’s License Renewal for Osteria Peppino Pizzeria (4-1)
• Tabled building permit fee schedule update
• Accepted $46,420 state grant for a rail trail maintenance shed (5-0)
• Reappointed Zillie Bhuju, Charise Rohm Nulsen, and Jackie Yee to Sustainability Advisory Committee (5-0)