Catherine Barrett

The Special Committee on Rental Policies meeting agenda focuses on several key areas pertaining to rental policies. Discussions include the review of draft meeting minutes from December 11, 2025, and materials reviewed during that meeting, such as a draft purpose statement from James Gillis, the Beverly ordinance on lodging homes, the Gloucester ordinance on short-term rentals, and fire code notes from Captain Kreyling. A major focus will be developing a Draft Framework for Short-Term Rental Policy and a Draft Presentation Outline for an upcoming Public Forum on this policy. Finally, the committee will allocate tasks and schedule its next meeting.

The meeting commenced with the election of a new Vice President for the City Council, which resulted in Matthew J. St. Hilaire being elected. Communications from the Mayor included several Orders. Order #010 authorized a loan in the amount of $25,895,000 for the renovation and rehabilitation of City Hall and the former Police Station annex, with a public hearing set for January 20, 2026. Order #010A involved a debt stabilization transfer request of $2,000,000 for the same project, also setting a public hearing for January 20, 2026. Additionally, appointments were discussed: Donna Matarazzo for City Accountant (referred to Finance and Property Committee), John Reynolds for Veterans' Advisory Committee (referred to Public Services Committee), and a reappointment for Joanne Panunzio to the Trustees of Public Library.

The meeting focused on several administrative and operational matters. Key discussion points included the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, noting that the repair line item was nearly depleted. Concerns were raised regarding the north elevator breakdown, which has a projected repair cost of $20,900. The HVAC project start date was adjusted to mid-January due to subcontractor bid complications. In services, the library is transitioning its content supplier due to Baker & Taylor shutting down, causing delays in order fulfillment. The library was certified for the FY2026 State Aid to Public Libraries Program, receiving an initial payment of $55,548.05, with plans to focus on renovating the children's room post-HVAC completion. Legislative updates included the passing of two state acts concerning free expression and ebook pricing studies. Personnel news included the promotion of Myra Pueschel to Senior Library Assistant. New business noted the passing of former Library Trustee Diane Costa.

The meeting covered the acceptance of previous minutes and several reports from the Library Director. Key discussions included the completion of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget transfer for a retirement payout and updates on the HVAC project at the main library, scheduled to begin November 17, which will affect parking for staff and the location of the site superintendent. For Community Engagement, the book "The Bear" by Andrew Krivak was selected for the Community Read program, with the author scheduled to speak on May 15, 2026. The Friends of the Beverly Public Library's upcoming book sale was also noted. Furthermore, the Library Director detailed technology acquisitions through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, including 18 chromebooks, and progress on new grant applications for public use computers. In Personnel, the annual goal-setting process for department heads was initiated, with goals due November 14, and the target date for the next action plan shifted to March. Program updates included offerings from the Children's Department, Teens, and Adults. New Business addressed the expiring trustee terms of three members who wish to serve again.

The meeting focused on the continued Site Plan Review for 'The Commons at Trask Lane'. Key discussion points included connectivity of walkways across Sites A and B and external site connections. The applicant agreed to grant a conservation restriction for approximately 60 acres as open space and received a Special Permit to reduce the parking ratio. The updated site plan reflected changes such as clearer pathways, dedicated parking for a new convenience store, relocation and compaction of Building 6, elimination of a proposed parking garage, and the addition of bike racks. The Board conditionally recommended approval of the collective plans, subject to revisions regarding lighting fixture types (P and PT fixtures) and the addition of a screening barrier along the northerly side of Site A near the parking and trash compactor areas.