Scott A. Brazis

The Saugus Board of Selectmen meeting included several significant actions. The Board recognized an individual for public service with a citation and reviewed correspondence requesting permission to display banners for the Saugus Cultural Council and Saugus Community Festival. The Board conducted a Public Hearing to determine the percentage of the Local Tax Levy for FY 2026, ultimately voting to adopt a maximum of 175% and a minimum residential factor of .856687. An appointment was approved for William Ferringo to the Saugus Cable Television Board of Directors. During Citizens Comment, residents raised concerns regarding rail trail safety regulations, issues at the dog park, and the safety and potential incentive programs for e-bikes. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed for the transfer of a Malt, Wine, and Cordial liquor license to Quan Pho, Inc., which was subsequently granted. The Board approved numerous 2026 license renewals across various categories, including All Alcohol Common Victualer's Licenses, Beer, Wine & Cordials Common Victualer's Licenses, Club Licenses, Package Store Licenses, Beer & Wine Store Licenses, Auto Dealer Licenses, Limo Licenses, Common Victualer's Licenses, and Valuable/Used Goods Licenses. The Town Manager's report covered updates on the upcoming Annual Tree Lighting, swearing in of new officers, fire department promotions, trash pickup delays due to Thanksgiving, and the success of Hazard Waste Day. Finally, the Board approved the minutes from previous meetings in September, October, and early November.

The meeting included the swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Housing Authority member and members of the Board of Selectmen. The Board members made remarks to acknowledge supporters and the community. The next meeting date was proposed for November 25, with license renewals and the Annual Tax Classification Hearing proposed for the agenda. The Board also discussed the Hewlett Street project and sending out information on potential future meeting dates. The Town Manager congratulated Selectman Federico and acknowledged the investment required of all candidates.

The Saugus Board of Selectmen meeting included recognizing Stephanie Puracchio and Joan Fowler for their service to the Town of Saugus. The board approved opting out of mailing early voting postcards for the November 4, 2025 election and approved one day of in-person early voting on October 25, 2025. Traffic concerns on Lincoln Avenue and Marden Street were addressed, with potential solutions discussed. The board considered the Veterans Services Officer (VSO) vacancy and appointed an interim VSO. A special permit was granted for Famiglia Ink to allow tattooing at 358 Central Street, and a Taxi/Livery License was approved for Blacklux Transportation, Inc. The board also approved amending Flo Golf, LLC's All Alcoholic Liquor License to increase hours of operation and the number of TVs. Additionally, Frank Federico and Stephen Sweezey were reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals and as Parking Hearings Officer, respectively. License fees were discussed for a future agenda.

The meeting included discussions on the town's fiscal condition, public safety communications improvements, Cliftondale revitalization and parking project, a proposal for a third fire station/public safety building, vocational school funding and budget impacts, the pension fund and market volatility, the use of federal ARPA funds and infrastructure, parks and playground development, senior center and town facility improvements, and communication and public information.

The Saugus Board of Selectmen meeting covered various topics, including approving the 2025 Local Election Warrant and a block party permit for Juniper Drive. There were discussions regarding safety concerns on the rail trail, a request for a special permit for a laundromat on Hamilton Street, and the extension of a special permit for quarry operations. The board also considered a common victualer's license for Cliftondale Pizza & Roast Beef. Additionally, the board voted to cancel the All Alcoholic Beverages Licenses of 99 West, LLC and Mga Foods, Inc. due to non-use. The Town Manager reported on the Fire Department's new ladder truck, the Fall Street Sweeping Program, and the appointment of a new Veterans' Service Officer.