Stephanie Bilotti

The key discussions during the meeting included a vote on requiring a peer review specialist for the septic plan review related to the 10 High Street Caleb/Emerson Homes Project, which involved a 44-unit senior living proposal. The Board voted to secure Thomas Mannetta CE for this peer review and require the applicant to establish a $10,000 interest-bearing escrow account. The Health Director provided updates on the Public Health Excellence (PHE) Grant, including local food inspections and reimbursement received for the 2025 Topsfield Fair. Old Business covered the PHE Grant, noting that Town Administrator Kevin Harutunian remains the Topsfield representative on the Advisory Board, and updates on the Opioid Settlement Funds Committee, including the purchase of informational magnets and the hiring of an administrator. Financial matters reviewed included bills paid since the previous meeting and monthly revenue figures for November and December.

The Finance Committee meeting included reviewing and approving previous minutes. Key agenda items involved updating the Finance Committee calendar with coordination efforts for department head meetings with the Select Board. Discussions on current events covered preliminary work on the Masco School Committee budget, efforts to reduce the TESC budget above guideline amounts, funding goals for Special Education Reserve and Stabilization Funds, and updates from meetings with Highway, Water, Clerk, and Inspectional Services Departments. Furthermore, the committee planned to seek updates on health insurance premium increases and pension contribution factors. A significant portion of the meeting focused on reviewing the initial Town Budget, which currently exceeds guidelines by $292K, and discussing the use of Free Cash to fund potential Capital projects, including anticipated requests related to the Massachusetts School Building Authority Accelerated Repair program.

The meeting addressed several key items, beginning with a reading of the Governor's Order regarding remote meeting procedures. Discussions included the schedule and business participation for the upcoming Holiday on the Green event, which will feature changes such as the removal of the bonfire but the addition of a new end-of-night event. Planning for Small Business Saturday (SBS) was initiated, focusing on earlier coordination among Topsfield businesses, potentially using a temporary banner pending Select Board approval, and developing a flyer; some planning elements might be deferred to 2026. The committee also confirmed that previous Business Social events have been successful and planned a future scheduling meeting. An off-agenda topic concerning inventory storage in the parking lot was raised, with the recommendation to consult the town building inspector.

The committee meeting commenced with a reading of the Governor's Order regarding remote meeting procedures. Key agenda items included a review and approval of the updated ECDC Charter for the Select Board, with no changes made after discussion regarding non-resident positions. The committee also voted to re-nominate Michelle Mercier-Link as Chair for the next year and discussed alternating the minute taker role among members. The Town Administrator provided updates on various local matters, including National Grid infrastructure improvements, resurfacing of tennis courts, the status of the 10 School Ave property sale, licensing for the Alfalfa Farm, potential tenants for the Pet Co Building, funding secured for the Caleb Group/Emerson 44-unit complex, details for the upcoming Topsfield 375th celebration, and delays concerning the Shopping Center Sign due to the owner's illness.

The joint meeting commenced with announcements regarding remote participation pursuant to a Governor's Order. A public hearing was held to modify the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Rules and Regulations and Fee Schedule, primarily to comply with EPA regulation changes concerning stormwater and to adjust for the lack of a Stormwater Coordinator. Numerous documents detailing applications, rules, and fee schedules were reviewed and subsequently approved by both boards. Key project discussions included the approval of a Peer Review proposal from Bobrek Engineering and Construction for the property at 249 Rowley Bridge Road, contingent on signing an escrow agreement. The Board also addressed concerning earthwork activities at 134 Central Street, which lacked a required stormwater permit, leading to a unanimous vote to issue a cease and desist letter to the owners. Finally, the boards reviewed and voted on the 2026 Meeting Calendar and began discussions on proposed bylaw modifications for the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting, covering topics like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), restaurant definitions, Conference & Event Facilities, Accessory Buildings, and solar/wind bylaws pending final state regulations.