Essex meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Essex boards weigh fire department leadership, bridge work, housing proposals

No decisions have been reported from Essex town boards over the past two weeks; all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The most consequential item under discussion is the future leadership of the Fire Department, which both the Board of Fire Engineers and the Board of Selectmen took up on Aug. 18.

Fire Department Leadership

The Board of Fire Engineers and the Board of Selectmen each met Aug. 18 to consider three options for the department's future: keeping the board and hiring a Fire Captain, hiring a "weak" Fire Chief, or regional oversight through an intermunicipal agreement. Both boards also discussed the department's operating budget and staffing for FY2027 and FY2028, and what would happen if the Board of Engineers is dissolved — including the hiring process, salary range, and transition plan for a full-time employee. The Selectmen's meeting was described as a discussion and decision-making session, not a final vote.

On Aug. 19, the Board of Fire Engineers interviewed two candidates for a vacant seat on the board: Mark Brewer at 5:00 p.m. and Nicholas Ouellette at 6:30 p.m. The board deliberated afterward but no appointment was reported.

Infrastructure and Budget

The Board of Selectmen on Aug. 10 discussed the FY2028 budget process with the Finance Committee and a possible contract with Weston & Sampson for study and design of three town-owned bridges. The same bridge contract is on the agenda for the Selectmen's Aug. 24 meeting.

The Board of Public Works met Aug. 17 to discuss a water rate update, Pond Street road work, a pump installation at Pump Station #4, a paving update, and a bridge scope of work.

Housing and Planning

The Affordable Housing Trust on Aug. 12 reviewed a possible Local Initiative Project on the Brian Tardif properties, including collaboration with a private developer and state financial assistance. The board also received an update on the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw technical assistance grant and heard presentations on a 40R Smart Growth District, a 40Y Starter Home District, and ways to maximize affordable housing through the state's Accessory Dwelling Unit law.

The Planning Board on Aug. 19 reviewed an ANR endorsement request for lot boundary changes at 2 and 4 King's Court (Map 151, Lots 007 & 008). It also discussed proposed bylaw updates for the Fall Town Meeting, including increased zoning violation fees, new short-term rental inspection regulations, new rules for clean energy infrastructure and data centers, and an inclusionary zoning bylaw draft.

Other Board Business

The Housing Authority on Aug. 11 approved minutes, accepted July 2026 disbursements, reviewed financial statements for the period ending June 30, 2026, and approved a certificate of final completion for a shower controls replacement project (Project 092069). The board also reviewed an agreed-upon procedures audit.

The Board of Assessors on Aug. 13 reviewed clerical and assessors payroll, motor vehicle excise abatements, and a contract for FY27 assessing services.

The Historical Commission on Aug. 19 reviewed new demolition permits, discussed preservation options for 94 Eastern Avenue, and considered appointing a delegate to the Community Preservation Committee.

Coming Up

• **Board of Selectmen, Aug. 24** — Bridge contract with Weston & Sampson, FY2025 audit findings, seasonal leases at Conomo Point, Robbins Island, and Beach Circle, and a no-cost offer from Rob-Con and Farm Creek to replace the stone area outside the Senior Center with pavers.
• **Conservation Commission, Aug. 25** — Continued hearings on a greenhouse removal and addition at 139 Eastern Avenue and a roadway/utilities/leaching facility for an Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Rd. Also, review of an emergency certification and possible violations.
• **Board of Fire Engineers, Aug. 25** — Interviews for the vacant seat with Andrew Ellison at 5:00 p.m. and Michael Soucy at 6:30 p.m., with possible recommendation to the Selectmen.
• **Board of Selectmen, Aug. 26** — Receive the interview committee's recommendation for the vacant Fire Engineers seat, possibly vote to install the candidate, and discuss adding additional members to the board.

Essex boards review grants, bylaw changes, and wetlands permits; no decisions made

No decisions were made at Essex town meetings over the past two weeks; all sessions were agenda-only with minutes not yet published. The most consequential item on the table is the Planning Board's review of proposed bylaw changes for the Fall Town Meeting, which could introduce new short-term rental inspections and a clean energy infrastructure bylaw.

Board of Selectmen (July 27)

The board reviewed a Town Administrator's report covering town authority and bridge studies. It considered permits for a bonfire event on Essex Riverday (scheduled for August 15 or 29, 2026), ratification of a Public Safety Wellness Grant for police cardiac wellness, an application for a "A Great Place to Work Grant" for cooling vests, a grant application for Town Hall HVAC diagnostics and repairs, and one-day wine, malt, and entertainment licenses for 35 Dodge Street and 66 Main Street.

Open Space Committee (July 29)

The committee discussed public comments on the draft 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) from the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, and MAPC. It outlined next steps for submitting the final draft to the state.

Board of Public Works (August 3)

The board reviewed a new MS4 permit for a catch basin connection at 50 Belcher Street. It also discussed Essex River Day fence and gate plans for the August 15 event, a site walk at Centennial Grove Memorial Park, a new phone system, driveway regulations, and updates on water rates, bridge scope, and road projects.

Conservation Commission (August 4)

The commission's agenda included a continued wetlands protection hearing for Bell Point LLC's Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Rd, covering roadway, utilities, and a leaching facility. It also reviewed a request for a 12'x14' shed at 1 Apple Street, a notice of intent for a greenhouse addition at 139 Eastern Avenue, possible violations at 99 John Wise Avenue and 0 Western Avenue, and a notice of violation at 30 Pond Street for gravel fill.

Council on Aging (August 4)

The council reviewed July 7 meeting minutes, discussed an elevator emergency phone replacement quote, a potential patio donation, and no-show policy proposals. The director provided updates on senior center statistics, programming, and facilities.

Board of Fire Engineers (August 5)

The board discussed interview questions and the process for filling the Deputy Chief vacancy, and considered a maintenance proposal.

Planning Board (August 5)

The board reviewed a draft Priority Habitat Map from the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, with public comment open until October 4, 2026. It discussed proposed bylaw revisions to zoning violation fees (requested by Building Inspector Bill Sanborn), a new short-term rental inspection bylaw (per state requirement, drafted by Sanborn), and a new small clean energy infrastructure siting and permitting bylaw (presented by Town Planner Valerie Massard). The board also discussed other potential bylaw updates including Inclusionary Zoning, Wetlands Overlay District, and changes related to MGL 40A.

Board of Assessors (August 6)

The board finalized a house numbering procedure, reviewed a FY27 assessing service contract, reviewed plans for 7 Main Street, discussed motor vehicle and boat excise abatements, and reviewed property card descriptions including grade vs. year built and multi-house (109s).

Coming up

The Affordable Housing Trust meets August 12 to discuss a possible Local Initiative Project on the Brian Tardif properties with state financial assistance, an update on the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw technical assistance grant, and presentations on a 40R Smart Growth District and a 40Y Starter Home District, as well as maximizing affordable housing through the state's ADU law.

Essex Boards Tackle Sewer Rates, Septic Permits, and Open Space Plan; Conservation Hearing on Tap

Essex's town boards convened through late July on sewer rates, public safety grants, and a draft open space plan, though minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions — so only agenda items, not final decisions, can be confirmed. Several consequential hearings and discussions are scheduled for the coming two weeks.

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works met July 20 to discuss a sewer flow increase on Western Avenue and a proposed rate tier system. The agenda also included Chapter 90 road work at Centennial Grove and Conomo Point, a bridge scope of work for the new fiscal year listed at $60,000, and results from a public hearing on the Apple Street/Access Road intersection. Minutes are not yet published, so no votes or outcomes are confirmed.

The board meets again today, August 3, to review and approve a new MS4 permit for a Catch Basin Connection at 50 Belcher Street. Other agenda items include fence and gate plans for the August 15 Essex River Day event, a site walk at Centennial Grove Memorial Park scheduled August 10, a new department phone system, and driveway regulations.

Board of Health

The Board of Health met July 23 to review a septic system plan for 52 Lakeshore Dr. (NS Holding, LLC), process a septage installer permit for Taylor Price (DWIP-26-4), and take up bills payable #783 totaling $2,497.14. The agenda also listed an appointment with William Liberti of Essex Bay Sailing Club, Inc. Minutes are not yet published.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met July 27 to consider permits for a bonfire event on Essex Riverday, with dates listed as August 15 or 29, 2026. The agenda included ratification of a Public Safety Wellness Grant for police cardiac wellness, an application for an "A Great Place to Work Grant" for cooling vests for town personnel, and a grant application for Town Hall HVAC split system diagnostics and repairs. One-day wine, malt, and entertainment licenses for 35 Dodge Street and 66 Main Street were also on the agenda. No minutes are available yet.

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee met July 29 to review public comments on the draft 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan from the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, and MAPC. The committee also planned finalization steps for state submission. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **Board of Public Works — August 3:** MS4 permit for 50 Belcher Street, Essex River Day fencing, and driveway regulations.
• **Conservation Commission — August 4, 7:15 PM:** Continued public hearing on Bell Point LLC's Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Rd, including roadway, utilities, and a leaching facility. Also on the agenda: a shed at 1 Apple Street, a greenhouse addition at 139 Eastern Avenue, possible violations at 99 John Wise Avenue and 0 Western Avenue, and a Notice of Violation at 30 Pond Street for gravel fill.
• **Council on Aging — August 4:** Approval of July 7 minutes, an elevator emergency phone replacement quote, a potential patio donation, and no-show policy proposals.
• **Affordable Housing Trust — August 12:** Discussion of a possible Local Initiative Project on the Brian Tardif properties with state financial assistance, an update on the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw technical assistance grant, and presentations on a 40R Smart Growth District, a 40Y Starter Home District, and the state's Accessory Dwelling Unit law.

Essex boards weigh fire department restructuring, housing plan, and tree removals in busy two-week stretch

Essex town boards covered a wide range of business over the past two weeks, from the future management of the Fire Department to implementation of the town's new Housing Production Plan. All meetings listed below were agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so items reflect what was scheduled for discussion or possible votes, not confirmed outcomes.

Fire Department management structure under review

The Board of Fire Engineers (July 16) and the Board of Selectmen (July 16) both had meetings scheduled to discuss the future management of the Essex Fire Department. Options on the table included hiring a "weak" or "strong" fire chief under a new statute, hiring a full-time fire captain, using a third-party contractor for inspections, or pursuing regional oversight through an intermunicipal agreement with another community's fire chief. Several of these options could lead to dissolving the Board of Engineers. The FY2027 fire department operating budget was also on both agendas.

Housing Production Plan implementation discussed

The Planning Board, Affordable Housing Trust, and Board of Selectmen held a joint meeting on July 13 at 6:15 p.m. in the 3rd-floor auditorium of Town Hall, 30 Martin Street, to discuss proposed actions for implementing the new Essex Housing Production Plan. The agenda also listed possible discussion of Zoning Bylaw updates. No specific decisions, contracts, or rezoning proposals were listed.

Selectmen agenda included grant vote and Open Space Plan

The Board of Selectmen (July 13) was scheduled to ratify a Marine Oil Spill Prevention & Response Grant Application for $23,333, review and vote to accept the updated Essex Open Space and Recreation Plan, discuss permits for an Essex Riverday bonfire event on August 15, 2026, and handle multiple one-day wine and malt license requests for Woodman's Inc. at 121 Main Street. An executive session for collective bargaining with the Police Union was also listed.

Board of Health: septic consultant vote and retroactive bills

The Board of Health (July 9) had a possible vote to select a peer consultant for The Preserve at Essex septic system design plan review. The agenda included retroactive approval of three bills: Bill #780 ($4,443.79), Bill #781 ($258.00), and Bill #782 ($145.22). A variance request from 75 Eastern Ave, Gourmet Eastern Ave Realty LLC, for FDA Food Code Section 4-301.12 warewashing compliance was also listed, along with a licensing consideration for Essex Bay Sailing Club and review of a septic system data collection project by David Lash of the Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association.

Tree and stone wall removal hearings

The Board of Public Works and Planning Board held joint public hearings on July 15 regarding removal requests: one pine tree (3-inch diameter) near 21 and 23 Choate Street; 15 feet of stone wall at 30 Apple Street; multiple Sugar Maple saplings and trees at 30 Apple Street; and one 10-inch diameter Maple tree at 30 Apple Street. The Planning Board was also scheduled to review and vote on a draft letter of support for the Open Space Plan and discuss the future of the property at 94 Eastern Avenue.

Conservation Commission: Bell Point LLC hearing continued

The Conservation Commission (July 14) continued a public hearing for Bell Point LLC to construct a roadway, utilities, and leaching facility at 0 Essex Park Rd. The agenda also included a Certificate of Compliance request for Essex River dredging (DEP #021-0224), possible violation reviews at 99 John Wise Avenue and 0 Western Avenue, and a Notice of Violation for 30 Pond Street Gravel Fill.

Other boards

• **Board of Assessors** (July 9): Clerical payroll, motor vehicle abatements, house numbering procedure, and departmental bills payable.
• **Council on Aging** (July 7): Approval of June 2, 2026 minutes, discussion of an activity and event cancellation policy, FYE 26 financial report, and grants update from Pam Liaperdos.
• **Finance Committee** (July 14): Board reorganization, minutes approval, line-item transfers, and FY27 finance meeting schedule.
• **Housing Authority** (July 14): Review of June 2026 disbursements, financial statements ending April 30 and May 31, 2026, Amendment #17 to a Contract for Financial Assistance, and Change Order #1 from Chance Plumbing (EOHLC #092069) for shower control replacement.
• **Board of Selectmen** (July 14): Procedural-only meeting to attend the Finance Committee meeting.

Coming up

The Board of Public Works meets today, July 20, to discuss a sewer flow increase on Western Avenue, a proposed rate tier system, Chapter 90 road work at Centennial Grove and Conomo Point, bridge scope of work for the new fiscal year ($60,000), and results from the Apple Street/Access Road intersection public hearing.

Essex Boards Set Stage for Housing Plan, Fire Department Overhaul; Recent Minutes Pending

Most Essex boards met over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any recent meeting, so no decisions can be confirmed. Agendas show boards addressed septic system design, water infrastructure, and financial reporting. The most consequential discussions are scheduled for the coming week, including a potential overhaul of Fire Department management and next steps for the town's Housing Production Plan.

Board of Health

The Board of Health agenda for July 9 listed a possible vote to select a peer consultant for the septic system design plan review for The Preserve at Essex. The board also planned to consider retroactive approval of three bills payable: #780 ($4,443.79), #781 ($258.00), and #782 ($145.22). Other items included a variance request from 75 Eastern Ave, Gourmet Eastern Ave Realty LLC, for FDA Food Code Section 4-301.12 warewashing compliance, and licensing consideration for Essex Bay Sailing Club. Minutes are not yet published.

Board of Public Works

On July 6, the Board of Public Works scheduled a tree hearing on Choate Street and discussed brush cutting along Eastern Avenue. Updates on well repair and water status were also on the agenda. The board noted a future public hearing on the Apple Street/Access Road intersection set for July 15. Minutes are not yet published.

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging agenda for July 7 included approval of June 2, 2026 meeting minutes, discussion of an activity and event cancellation policy, and an FYE 26 financial report. Committee reports covered strategic planning, standing rules, and grant updates from Pam Liaperdos. Minutes are not yet published.

Other Recent Meetings

The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee held a joint procedural meeting on June 30. The Planning Board's July 1 meeting was canceled. The Board of Assessors met July 9 to review clerical payroll, motor vehicle abatements, house numbering procedures, and departmental bills payable. All are agenda-only with minutes pending.

Coming Up

• **July 13, 6:15 p.m. — Housing Production Plan Joint Meeting:** The Planning Board, Affordable Housing Trust, and Board of Selectmen will meet at Town Hall, 30 Martin Street, 3rd-floor auditorium, to discuss implementation actions for the new Essex Housing Production Plan and possible Zoning Bylaw updates. No specific decisions or rezoning proposals are listed.
• **July 13 — Board of Selectmen:** The board will vote on the updated Essex Open Space and Recreation Plan and ratify a Marine Oil Spill Prevention & Response Grant Application for $23,333. The agenda also includes multiple one-day wine and malt license requests for Woodman's Inc. at 121 Main Street and an executive session on Police Union collective bargaining.
• **July 14 — Conservation Commission:** A continued public hearing on Bell Point LLC's plan to construct a roadway, utilities, and leaching facility at 0 Essex Park Rd. The commission will also review possible violations at 99 John Wise Avenue, 0 Western Avenue, and 30 Pond Street.
• **July 15 — Joint Tree and Stone Wall Hearing:** The Board of Public Works and Planning Board will hold a joint public hearing on requests to remove one pine tree near 21 and 23 Choate Street, and to remove 15 feet of stone wall, multiple Sugar Maple saplings and trees, and one 10-inch diameter Maple tree at 30 Apple Street.
• **July 16 — Fire Department Management:** The Board of Fire Engineers and Board of Selectmen will discuss options including hiring a "weak" or "strong" fire chief, hiring a third-party contractor for inspections, or pursuing regional oversight via an intermunicipal agreement—any of which could lead to dissolving the Board of Engineers. The FY2027 fire department budget is also on the agenda.

Essex meeting roundup: Safety Committee acts, Selectmen weigh $299K warrant and appointments

The only confirmed decision from Essex's recent government meetings came from the Safety Committee, which unanimously approved its March 26, 2026 minutes. Several other boards met or were scheduled to meet, but their minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes listed below reflect agendas only.

Safety Committee

On June 25, 2026, the Safety Committee approved the minutes from its March 26, 2026 meeting unanimously. The committee discussed updates on a loss control grant, building inspections, and FY27 goals for employee training and safety equipment. No other substantive decisions were made.

Board of Selectmen (June 22)

The Board of Selectmen's June 22 agenda included approval of a weekly warrant of $299,088.65 and a long list of appointments for town committees, boards, and the fire department, including 50-plus Fire Department personnel. Other items on the agenda were consideration of a possible memorandum of agreement with the AFSCME Union, approval of a Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law exemption, and consideration of using the Town Events Fund for Essex Riverday. A report on town administration was also listed. Minutes have not yet been published, so these items cannot be confirmed as decided.

Conservation Commission

On June 23, the Conservation Commission was scheduled to continue a public hearing on Bell Point LLC's plan for an Open Space Residential Development at 0 Essex Park Rd, specifically regarding roadway and utility construction. The agenda also listed possible violations at 99 John Wise Avenue and 0 Western Avenue, and a Notice of Violation at 30 Pond Street involving a gravel fill restoration plan modification. Minutes have not yet been published.

Finance Committee and Selectmen (June 30)

The Finance Committee's June 30 agenda included a public comment period, approval of meeting minutes, discussion of line-item transfers, and liaison department reports. The Board of Selectmen was scheduled to attend and possibly participate in that Finance Committee meeting. Both agendas were procedural in nature, and minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Board

The July 1, 2026 Planning Board meeting was canceled. The board's next regular meeting is July 15, 2026, and members will also participate in a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen on July 13, 2026, to discuss next steps for the Housing Production Plan.

Coming up

• **Board of Public Works — July 6:** A tree hearing on Choate Street is scheduled, along with discussion of brush cutting on Eastern Avenue, updates on well repair and water status, and notice of a future July 15 public hearing on the Apple Street/Access Road intersection.
• **Council on Aging — July 7:** The board will review June 2, 2026 minutes, discuss a policy for canceling activities and events, and receive the director's report. Committee reports include an FYE 26 financial update, strategic planning, standing rules, the MSC database, and a grants update from Pam Liaperdos.
• **Planning Board / Affordable Housing Trust — July 13:** A joint meeting to discuss next steps for the Housing Production Plan, with possible discussion of Zoning Bylaw updates. No regular board business will be conducted.
• **Board of Selectmen — July 14:** Selectmen will attend and possibly participate in the Finance Committee meeting. No other items are on the agenda.

Safety Committee clears minutes; selectmen agenda floats $299K warrant

Town government meetings slowed over the past two weeks, with the Safety Committee producing the only official minutes during the period. Committee members voted unanimously on June 25 to approve the minutes of their March 26 meeting. No other board had published minutes by press time, leaving major items from the Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission as agenda-only actions.

Board of Selectmen agenda

At a June 22 session, the Board of Selectmen was slated to approve a weekly warrant totaling $299,088.65 and to appoint more than 50 Fire Department personnel. The agenda also included consideration of a memorandum of agreement with the AFSCME union, a Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law exemption, and possible use of the Town Events Fund for Essex Riverday. Because minutes have not yet been released, it is not known whether any of the items were adopted. A subsequent selectmen meeting on June 30 was strictly procedural, with members attending a Finance Committee session.

Conservation Commission hearing

On June 23, the Conservation Commission continued a public hearing on Bell Point LLC’s proposal for roadway and utility construction at 0 Essex Park Road as part of an Open Space Residential Development. The commission also discussed potential environmental violations at 99 John Wise Avenue and 0 Western Avenue, and took up a proposed modification to a gravel-fill restoration plan at 30 Pond Street. No decisions are available in the absence of published minutes.

Other recent meetings

• **Safety Committee (June 25):** Members unanimously approved the March 26, 2026, minutes. The meeting included updates on a loss control grant, building inspections, and fiscal year 2027 employee training and safety equipment goals. No votes were taken on those items.
• **Planning Board (July 1):** The regular meeting was canceled. The board will next meet on July 15 and will join a joint session with the Affordable Housing Trust on July 13 to discuss next steps for the Housing Production Plan.
• **Finance Committee (June 30):** The agenda listed line-item transfers, approval of minutes, and liaison department reports, with a public comment period. Minutes were not available by press time.

Coming up

• **July 6 – Board of Public Works:** A tree hearing for Choate Street, brush cutting along Eastern Avenue, well repair and water status updates, and a preview of a July 15 public hearing on the Apple Street/Access Road intersection.
• **July 7 – Council on Aging:** Discussion of an activity and event cancellation policy, approval of June minutes, a fiscal year-end 2026 financial report, and grant updates.
• **July 13 – Planning Board (joint meeting):** The board and the Affordable Housing Trust will discuss next steps for the Housing Production Plan, with possible talk of Zoning Bylaw amendments.
• **July 14 – Board of Selectmen:** Members will attend the Finance Committee meeting, with no other business on the posted agenda.