Michael Arpino

The meeting commenced with an executive session to address medical issues related to member disability applications and to conduct a strategy session for collective bargaining negotiations. Discussions during the regular session included evidentiary hearings for several members and a decision regarding sending one case to a medical panel. The Board reviewed and received an Investment Consultant Review & Update Report covering market overview, performance, and manager presentations from Putnam Investments, TerraCap Management, LLC, and The DSF Group. Warrants for February 2025 and estimates for March 2026 were reviewed and approved for payment. The Board acknowledged several new member enrollments, buybacks/makeups, and transfers. A superannuation retirement was acknowledged. Old business included reviewing correspondence and the litigation update report. New business involved the appointment of Lannie Patel as the Election Officer for the upcoming Member #2 Term election.

The meeting included an Investment Consultant Review & Update Report from Wainwright Investment Counsel (WIC), covering market performance through November 2025 and asset distribution details. WIC provided preliminary performance reports for Putnam Investments and Fisher Investments, and a summary of all partnerships. Finalists for the U.S. Small Cap Value search—Fisher Investments, Boston Partners, and Columbia Threadneedle—presented, with the Board requesting additional fee information before the next meeting. The Board approved the December 2025 Warrant and the Estimated January 2026 Warrant, as well as acknowledging several new member enrollments and approving several retirements. In Old Business, the OPEB document was approved. For New Business, the Board accepted the RFP from Sacco & Collins P.C. for Legal Services and requested interviews with Stone Consulting and RMS Actuaries for Actuarial Services. The Board also voted to increase member stipends from $3,000.00 to $4,500.00 annually.

The Haverhill Board of Appeals convened to discuss variance requests for properties at 74 Auburn Street and 24 Trumbull Avenue. The first case involved a variance for rear setback to enclose a rear deck and construct a one-story addition for a master bedroom. The second case concerned variances for front setback and building coverage to construct an addition onto a single-family dwelling, including an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for the applicant's parents and in-laws. The board granted both applications, but denied the request to forgo the 21-day appeal process.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several applications. A one-day wines and malt license was approved for the Frozen Shamrock Road Race, with considerations for the race location, beer service area, tenant notifications, and weather postponement plans. Another one-day wines and malt license was approved for the First Annual Athletics Hall of Fame at Northern Essex Community College. Additionally, a new entertainment license, a common victualler license, and an outdoor dining permit for G's LLC were discussed and approved, pending the receipt of necessary certificates and compliance with ADA requirements. A change of corporate structure for Central Plaza Wine & Spirits was also approved. The commissioners had a preliminary discussion about manager requirements and certifications.

The Haverhill License Commission meeting included discussions and decisions on various applications and requests. Approvals were granted for one-day wine and malt licenses for the Haverhill Community Television Corporation and Kimball Farm, as well as one-day all-alcohol licenses for the Hellenic Orthodox Community's Greek Festival fundraiser. New entertainment licenses were approved for Tropical Fire and Grill, Wang Wang Asian Bistro, and Papa's Café and Bakery, along with new common victualler licenses for the same establishments. The commission also reconsidered an application from Villa Mar Caribbean Restaurant Corp. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding parking requirements for Whiskey Barrel Bar and the use of a lot owned by the Schiff Brothers, which was held over for further review.