Gloucester City Council: topics across meetings

Budget and taxes

• Sept. 8, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. $164,320 state grant for the Council on Aging
  The state's yearly formula grant for the city's services for older residents, for the 2027 budget year.
• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Five-year lease for police Tasers
  Lets the city sign a five-year lease for Tasers for the Police Department, $60,211.32.
• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. $3,100 for early voting staff
  Pays early voting workers for the September state primary and the November state election. This was a roll call vote.
• Sept. 8, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Three small donations
  $216 for the Archives, $550 for Veterans Services and $777.86 for Elder Services.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Paying a 2019 board-up bill
  The city will pay a $3,592.90 invoice from 2019 for boarding up the Wilson Field concession stand, using FY2027 funds. The mayor's office will find money so it does not cut the inspections budget.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent appointments, grants, donations and other requests to committees, and approved prior minutes.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $2.5 million loan order for city fleet
  The city may borrow $2,500,000 to buy DPW equipment, trash trucks, school buses and other city vehicles. A later motion to reconsider the vote failed by roll call, 0 to 8.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. New conservation filing fees
  The council replaced the wetlands permit fee schedule, last updated in 2006. New fees include $200 for a Request for Determination of Applicability and $250 to $1,000 for Notices of Intent, by project category.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Accepted Roll call 5 to 3. $17,000 grant for 65 Rogers Street planning
  The council accepted a $17,000 MassDevelopment grant amendment to support visioning and a request for proposals for 65 Rogers Street (I4C2), with a $3,000 local match. Councilors Benson, Grace and Page voted no.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. Donations for Youth Anglers Program
  The council accepted $4,500 in donations from local businesses to support the police Community Impact Unit's Youth Anglers Program.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent a $216 Archives donation to Budget & Finance, sent the draft Housing Compass Plan and an earth removal permit request to Planning & Development, and approved prior minutes.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $375,000 youth mental health grant
  A three-year grant from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation pays $125,000 a year to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health on the North Shore. It runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with no local match.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $23,040 emergency management grant
  A federal Emergency Management Performance Grant passed through MEMA will pay for a regional hazmat tabletop exercise. The grant runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with an in-kind local match.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $2,500 grant for Visitor Welcome Center
  A 2026 Essex Heritage Visitor Center Grant will support the city's Visitor Welcome Center at Stage Fort Park. No local match is needed.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $275 in donations for veterans services
  The council accepted four cash donations totaling $275 to support Veteran Services.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Power easement at 50 Essex Avenue
  The city granted Massachusetts Electric Company an easement for overhead and underground electric lines. It will bring power to the new secondary wastewater treatment plant.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved the consent agenda, including a reappointment to the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation, referrals to committee and prior minutes, and accepted the July 23 Budget & Finance Committee report. It also gave extra presentation time at the 150 Main Street hearing, 7 to 0.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Year-end budget transfers
  The council moved money between accounts to cover Fiscal Year 2026 deficits totaling $1,444,231.35, much of it for fire overtime and DPW electricity and wages.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Money moved into special funds
  Approved $4,000 for Talbot Rink overtime, $30,000 for a council management audit fund, $29,947.42 for future election costs, $75,000 for an employee wellness program and $12,000 for wayfinding signs.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. O'Maley Middle School air conditioning repair
  Approved $45,000 from the Building Maintenance Stabilization Fund to replace critical parts of the air conditioning unit at O'Maley Innovation Middle School.
• July 14, 2026: Accepted Roll call 9 to 0. Three grants accepted
  Accepted a $680,963 federal Community Development Block Grant, a $16,800 state recycling grant and a $50,000 library grant to hire two part-time early learning assistants through June 30, 2027.
• June 23, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. State paving grant
  Accepted a $1,017,200 MassDOT grant to improve city-owned state-numbered routes, including the Route 127A and Bass Avenue repaving project. The grant runs through Dec. 31, 2026, with no local match.
• June 23, 2026: Failed Roll call 0 to 8. Motion to reconsider paving grant
  A motion to reconsider the paving grant vote failed, which locks in the acceptance so FY26 funds can be used.
• June 23, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Longer meter time on Pleasant Street
  Meters on Pleasant Street from Main Street to Franklin Square now allow 4 hours at $0.25 per half hour. The minutes note the old limit was listed in error as 1 hour; the code read 2 hours.
• June 23, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Riggs House preservation restriction
  Approved an agreement with Historic New England to protect part of the property at 27 Vine Street, including the Thomas Riggs House, the Milk House and the Barn. It does not change the property's taxes.

Showing the 25 newest of 225.

Roads and traffic

• Aug. 25, 2026: Adopted Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials height permit at 11 Dory Road
  The council adopted its written decision on a special permit letting Applied Materials build to 47.9 feet at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Vendor, food truck and special event rules rewritten
  The council rewrote Chapter 11 on hawkers, peddlers, vendors and special events. Two amendments passed 8 to 0: the Licensing Commission will be the city clerk, police chief and fire chief, and the Plum Cove vendor spot gets one parking placard.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Accepted Roll call 5 to 3. $17,000 grant for 65 Rogers Street planning
  The council accepted a $17,000 MassDevelopment grant amendment to support visioning and a request for proposals for 65 Rogers Street (I4C2), with a $3,000 local match. Councilors Benson, Grace and Page voted no.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. National Grid conduit on Wheeler Street
  National Grid may install about 55 feet of underground conduit on Wheeler Street, with DPW conditions on notice, trench patching and paving.
• July 28, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Special permits for 40 units at 150 Main Street
  Gloucester Main LLC may build 40 apartments and about 3,500 square feet of retail or restaurant space at the former bank site, with a height of 52 feet 5 inches. Four units must be affordable at 60% of area median income.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved the consent agenda, including a reappointment to the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation, referrals to committee and prior minutes, and accepted the July 23 Budget & Finance Committee report. It also gave extra presentation time at the 150 Main Street hearing, 7 to 0.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Applied Materials building height special permit
  Applied Materials may expand its building at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district to a height of 47 feet 9 inches, above the usual 35-foot limit.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Parking lot license near Long Beach
  Essex by the River, LLC got a license for an open-air lot at 2 Beachland Avenue for up to 225 cars, with 14 conditions including an attendant, online reservations and daily beach litter pickup. It runs to April 30, 2031.
• July 14, 2026: Adopted 9 to 0. Main Street short-term parking hours
  After voting 9 to 0 by roll call to reconsider its June 23 vote, the council set two 15-minute spaces in front of 274 Main Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and removed two 30-minute meters at 278 Main Street.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. National Grid conduit on Corliss Avenue
  National Grid may install about 4 feet of underground conduit on Corliss Avenue near Juniper Road, with DPW conditions on notice, work season and paving.
• July 14, 2026: Referred 9 to 0. Eastern Avenue parking change sent to Traffic Commission
  A proposal to remove two 30-minute spaces in front of 18 Eastern Avenue was pulled from the consent agenda and also sent to the Traffic Commission.
• June 23, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. State paving grant
  Accepted a $1,017,200 MassDOT grant to improve city-owned state-numbered routes, including the Route 127A and Bass Avenue repaving project. The grant runs through Dec. 31, 2026, with no local match.
• June 23, 2026: Failed Roll call 0 to 8. Motion to reconsider paving grant
  A motion to reconsider the paving grant vote failed, which locks in the acceptance so FY26 funds can be used.
• June 23, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Longer meter time on Pleasant Street
  Meters on Pleasant Street from Main Street to Franklin Square now allow 4 hours at $0.25 per half hour. The minutes note the old limit was listed in error as 1 hour; the code read 2 hours.
• June 23, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Main Street 15-minute parking
  Two 15-minute spaces were set in front of 274 Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., after an 8 to 0 vote changing the end time from 5 p.m. Two 30-minute meters at 278 Main Street were removed.
• June 23, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Riggs House preservation restriction
  Approved an agreement with Historic New England to protect part of the property at 27 Vine Street, including the Thomas Riggs House, the Milk House and the Barn. It does not change the property's taxes.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision for Applied Materials to expand its building on Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Sargent Street housing decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision to convert a two-family building on Sargent Street into six homes.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Corrections to earlier minutes
  The council fixed wording errors in April 22 committee minutes and May 12 council minutes about the Applied Materials permit and a Beachland Avenue parking permit.
• May 26, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Housing award for 47 Washington Street
  The council accepted an award of $300,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust and/or Community Preservation Fund to support Habitat for Humanity buying and developing 47 Washington Street.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion on Dory Road
  Applied Materials got a special permit for a building taller than 35 feet at 35 Dory Road. The three-story addition will hold mechanical systems, a clean room for customer demonstrations and engineering offices.
• May 12, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $45,000 wildfire fuels grant
  The council accepted a $45,000 state grant to improve fire road access, mow and cut down fuel at key spots named in the 2024 Cape Ann Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The grant runs through June 30, 2026, with no local match.
• May 12, 2026: Referred 7 to 0. Beachland Avenue parking permit sent back
  An outdoor parking permit request from Essex by the River, LLC for 2 Beachland Avenue went back to the Planning and Development Committee for more review.
• May 12, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent grant and donation requests and three summer event street closure requests to committees, and approved prior minutes.
• April 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Parking permit renewal withdrawn
  A renewal for an outdoor parking permit at 44 Commercial Street was withdrawn because the current license is good through April 30, 2027.

Showing the 25 newest of 96.

Town property and projects

• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Five-year lease for police Tasers
  Lets the city sign a five-year lease for Tasers for the Police Department, $60,211.32.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $2.5 million loan order for city fleet
  The city may borrow $2,500,000 to buy DPW equipment, trash trucks, school buses and other city vehicles. A later motion to reconsider the vote failed by roll call, 0 to 8.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. New conservation filing fees
  The council replaced the wetlands permit fee schedule, last updated in 2006. New fees include $200 for a Request for Determination of Applicability and $250 to $1,000 for Notices of Intent, by project category.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Vendor, food truck and special event rules rewritten
  The council rewrote Chapter 11 on hawkers, peddlers, vendors and special events. Two amendments passed 8 to 0: the Licensing Commission will be the city clerk, police chief and fire chief, and the Plum Cove vendor spot gets one parking placard.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Applied Materials building height special permit
  Applied Materials may expand its building at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district to a height of 47 feet 9 inches, above the usual 35-foot limit.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Parking lot license near Long Beach
  Essex by the River, LLC got a license for an open-air lot at 2 Beachland Avenue for up to 225 cars, with 14 conditions including an attendant, online reservations and daily beach litter pickup. It runs to April 30, 2031.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. O'Maley Middle School air conditioning repair
  Approved $45,000 from the Building Maintenance Stabilization Fund to replace critical parts of the air conditioning unit at O'Maley Innovation Middle School.
• June 23, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. State paving grant
  Accepted a $1,017,200 MassDOT grant to improve city-owned state-numbered routes, including the Route 127A and Bass Avenue repaving project. The grant runs through Dec. 31, 2026, with no local match.
• June 23, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Riggs House preservation restriction
  Approved an agreement with Historic New England to protect part of the property at 27 Vine Street, including the Thomas Riggs House, the Milk House and the Barn. It does not change the property's taxes.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Using reserves to lower the tax levy
  The council used $747,571 in free cash and $1,000,000 from the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund to reduce the FY27 tax levy.
• June 16, 2026: Failed Roll call 1 to 8. Reopening the sewer budget vote
  A motion to rescind the sewer budget vote, so a councilor could propose shifting North Gloucester grinder and step tank repair costs onto the property owners who use them, failed.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Length of new trash and recycling contract
  The council approved a trash and single stream recycling contract for five years with two two-year options. State law requires council approval for contracts longer than three years.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision for Applied Materials to expand its building on Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Sargent Street housing decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision to convert a two-family building on Sargent Street into six homes.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Corrections to earlier minutes
  The council fixed wording errors in April 22 committee minutes and May 12 council minutes about the Applied Materials permit and a Beachland Avenue parking permit.
• May 26, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 1. Demolition delay for historic buildings
  The council added a new article to the city code to preserve historically significant buildings. A building the council finds should be preserved can face a nine-month wait before demolition. Several amendments passed 9 to 0 first.
• May 26, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Mariners Medal time limit removed
  The council struck the rule that a heroic act at sea must have happened within six months of notification to qualify for the Mariners Medal.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion on Dory Road
  Applied Materials got a special permit for a building taller than 35 feet at 35 Dory Road. The three-story addition will hold mechanical systems, a clean room for customer demonstrations and engineering offices.
• May 12, 2026: Referred 7 to 0. Beachland Avenue parking permit sent back
  An outdoor parking permit request from Essex by the River, LLC for 2 Beachland Avenue went back to the Planning and Development Committee for more review.
• April 28, 2026: Accepted 7 to 0. Firefighter safety equipment grant
  A $10,893.34 state grant to buy vehicle stabilization struts. The grant runs through June 30, 2026, with no local match.
• April 14, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. School building requests for Beeman and Plum Cove
  The council authorized the superintendent to send Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for Beeman and Plum Cove elementary schools. This is the first step and does not commit the city to any funding. One councilor was absent.
• April 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Six-unit housing permit on Sargent Street
  A special permit lets an existing two-family building on Sargent Street become six apartments. At least one unit must stay affordable forever, and a retaining wall must be built along the eastern property line by the parking area.
• April 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. New Blackburn cell tower lease with Verizon
  Verizon will pay $2,500 a month, with a 15% increase every five years. The first five-year term runs March 1, 2028, to Feb. 28, 2033, with four more five-year terms possible. Staff said newer technology made the site less valuable.
• April 14, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Written decisions for two housing permits
  The council adopted written decisions for Essex County Habitat for Humanity to turn an office building on Washington Street into three homes, and for a 10-unit project on Friend Street and Taylor Street.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Police unit visitor parking on School Street
  A 70 foot stretch of School Street near Middle Street is set aside for Community Impact Unit visitors from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The rule ends when Middle Street construction is done.

Showing the 25 newest of 85.

Appointments and elections

• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. $3,100 for early voting staff
  Pays early voting workers for the September state primary and the November state election. This was a roll call vote.
• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Two volunteers for city boards
  New members for the Council on Aging and the Historic District Commission.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Mariners Medals awarded to fishing captain
  The council accepted the Mariners Medal Committee's recommendation to award three medals for heroism to a fishing boat captain nominated by state Sen. Bruce Tarr. The medals will be presented at a later special meeting.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Election officers confirmed
  The council confirmed a supplemental list of election officers for the Sept. 1 state primary and the Nov. 3 state election.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent appointments, grants, donations and other requests to committees, and approved prior minutes.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Vendor, food truck and special event rules rewritten
  The council rewrote Chapter 11 on hawkers, peddlers, vendors and special events. Two amendments passed 8 to 0: the Licensing Commission will be the city clerk, police chief and fire chief, and the Plum Cove vendor spot gets one parking placard.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Election officers confirmed
  The council confirmed the Mayor's election officer appointments for the Sept. 1, 2026 State Primary and the Nov. 3, 2026 State Election.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Warrant for Sept. 1 State Primary
  The council adopted the warrant for the Sept. 1, 2026 State Primary Election.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Fire safety wall condition dropped from permit
  The council removed a Fire Chief condition requiring fire resistant exterior walls because it conflicted with designs the Historic Commission approved. Other conditions require state code compliance.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved the consent agenda, including a reappointment to the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation, referrals to committee and prior minutes, and accepted the July 23 Budget & Finance Committee report. It also gave extra presentation time at the 150 Main Street hearing, 7 to 0.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Money moved into special funds
  Approved $4,000 for Talbot Rink overtime, $30,000 for a council management audit fund, $29,947.42 for future election costs, $75,000 for an employee wellness program and $12,000 for wayfinding signs.
• July 14, 2026: Appointed 9 to 0. Seven board appointments
  The council filled seats on the Affordable Housing Trust, Board of Health, Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee and four seats on the Mariners Medal Committee.
• July 14, 2026: Referred 9 to 0. Eastern Avenue parking change sent to Traffic Commission
  A proposal to remove two 30-minute spaces in front of 18 Eastern Avenue was pulled from the consent agenda and also sent to the Traffic Commission.
• June 23, 2026: Appointed 8 to 0. Committee for the Arts appointment
  The council filled an unexpired term on the Committee for the Arts running to Feb. 15, 2029.
• April 28, 2026: Appointed 7 to 0. New Board of Health member
  The council appointed a new member to the Board of Health for a term ending Feb. 15, 2029.
• April 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Police detail costs for special elections
  Four transfers repay police for details at polling places: $9,369.66 and $376.25 for the March 3 special state election, and $10,119.12 and $409.81 for the March 31 special state election.
• April 14, 2026: Appointed 9 to 0. Chief administrative officer and arts committee member
  Kelly Dolan was appointed chief administrative officer for a two-year term ending Feb. 14, 2028. A new member was also appointed to the Committee for the Arts.
• April 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  Approved the consent agenda and Budget and Finance report, a $1,275 transfer for election custodians, $5,785.01 in senior center donations, and a $5,000 prior year planning invoice. Sent Ward 4 polling place consolidation to committee and the School Committee.
• March 24, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Free cash for two special elections
  Four transfers from free cash pay for the two Fifth Essex District state representative special elections: $4,000 for overtime, $18,000 for police details, $400 for building rentals and $32,600 for poll workers.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved the consent agenda and committee report, confirmed a new Human Rights Commission member, and accepted donations of $210 for the Archives Committee and $550 for Veteran Services.
• March 10, 2026: Appointed 8 to 0. Assessor and two board members appointed
  The assistant assessor was appointed Assessor through Feb. 14, 2027, plus one more term to Feb. 14, 2030. New members were also named to the Gloucester Cultural Council and the Human Rights Commission.
• March 10, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Warrant for March 31 special state election
  The council adopted the warrant for the March 31, 2026 special state election.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Referred 8 to 0. 150 Main Street housing and retail plan sent to review
  Gloucester Main LLC wants to build 40 homes plus shops or a restaurant at 150 Main Street. The council sent it to Planning and Development, the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board and city departments.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Appointed 6 to 0. Three senior city staff reappointed
  Conor MacCorkle was reappointed chief financial officer and Alex Koppelman community development director, both to Feb. 14, 2028. Timothy Good was reappointed assessor to Feb. 14, 2029.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Appointed 6 to 0. Nine new board and commission members
  The council filled seats on the Clean Energy, Conservation, Human Rights and Traffic commissions, the Community Preservation Committee, the Council on Aging and the Gloucester Cultural Council.

Showing the 25 newest of 79.

Housing and zoning

• Aug. 25, 2026: Adopted Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials height permit at 11 Dory Road
  The council adopted its written decision on a special permit letting Applied Materials build to 47.9 feet at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Continued No vote recorded. Hearings continued to later dates
  Hearings on a Day Court housing permit, a 40,000 square foot minimum lot size in the coastal residential district, and Deacon Farm Lane go to Sept. 8. A flagpole zoning definition goes to Dec. 8.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent a $216 Archives donation to Budget & Finance, sent the draft Housing Compass Plan and an earth removal permit request to Planning & Development, and approved prior minutes.
• July 28, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Special permits for 40 units at 150 Main Street
  Gloucester Main LLC may build 40 apartments and about 3,500 square feet of retail or restaurant space at the former bank site, with a height of 52 feet 5 inches. Four units must be affordable at 60% of area median income.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Applied Materials building height special permit
  Applied Materials may expand its building at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district to a height of 47 feet 9 inches, above the usual 35-foot limit.
• July 14, 2026: Appointed 9 to 0. Seven board appointments
  The council filled seats on the Affordable Housing Trust, Board of Health, Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee and four seats on the Mariners Medal Committee.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. General Fund revenue and overlay
  The council approved FY27 General Fund revenue of $155,788,033 and a $475,000 overlay reserve for abatements and exemptions, leaving $155,313,033 available to spend.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Community Preservation Act budget
  The council approved $1,068,000 in Community Preservation Fund revenue and spending, including $106,800 each for open space, community housing and historic preservation reserves.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision for Applied Materials to expand its building on Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Sargent Street housing decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision to convert a two-family building on Sargent Street into six homes.
• May 26, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Housing award for 47 Washington Street
  The council accepted an award of $300,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust and/or Community Preservation Fund to support Habitat for Humanity buying and developing 47 Washington Street.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion on Dory Road
  Applied Materials got a special permit for a building taller than 35 feet at 35 Dory Road. The three-story addition will hold mechanical systems, a clean room for customer demonstrations and engineering offices.
• April 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Six-unit housing permit on Sargent Street
  A special permit lets an existing two-family building on Sargent Street become six apartments. At least one unit must stay affordable forever, and a retaining wall must be built along the eastern property line by the parking area.
• April 14, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Written decisions for two housing permits
  The council adopted written decisions for Essex County Habitat for Humanity to turn an office building on Washington Street into three homes, and for a 10-unit project on Friend Street and Taylor Street.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Free cash for housing, paving and retiree benefits
  Also from free cash, $99,305 went to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $401,286 to miscellaneous paving work and $200,643 to the OPEB Trust Fund to partly fund the city's unfunded retiree health liability.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Habitat for Humanity homes at 47 Washington Street
  Special permit lets Essex County Habitat for Humanity keep the building's 36 feet 2 inch height while turning former Action Inc. offices into three affordable homeownership units at 60% of area median income.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $100,000 for Forbes School facade repairs
  The council approved a $100,000 grant from the Gloucester Affordable Housing Trust Fund for emergency facade repairs at the Forbes School, 37 Washington Street.
• March 10, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. St. Peter's Fiesta street use, June 24 to 28
  The St. Peter's Fiesta Committee may use St. Peter's Park and nearby streets June 24 through June 28, 2026, with conditions including insurance and a site plan filed with the City Clerk by June 5.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Community Preservation grants for housing and recreation
  $250,000 for Action Inc. rental assistance, $125,000 for the 272 Washington Street affordable housing project, $200,000 for the Gloucester Affordable Housing Trust and $60,000 for the YMCA's Camp Spindrift pool.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Special permit for 10 units on Friend Street
  64 Friend LLC may keep 10 apartments in two buildings at 64-68 Friend Street. Only eight had ever been legally permitted. One unit must stay affordable to households at 60% of area median income forever.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Wireless tower decision for New Way Lane
  The council adopted its written decision on a special permit for a wireless communications facility at 50 New Way Lane in the R-30 district.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Referred 8 to 0. 150 Main Street housing and retail plan sent to review
  Gloucester Main LLC wants to build 40 homes plus shops or a restaurant at 150 Main Street. The council sent it to Planning and Development, the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board and city departments.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Failed Roll call 0 to 6. East Gloucester rezoning rejected
  A proposal to change 25 lots from Marine Industrial to Neighborhood Business zoning failed. The Planning Board and the Planning and Development Committee had both recommended against it.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Referred 6 to 0. Habitat for Humanity housing permit to committee
  Essex County Habitat for Humanity's request to convert an office building at 47 Washington Street into a three-family home went to the Planning and Development Committee.
• Jan. 28, 2026: Referred 9 to 0. Zoning board reappointment and Purple Heart memo
  A Zoning Board of Appeals reappointment was pulled from the consent agenda and sent to the Ordinances & Administration Committee. A memo on becoming a Purple Heart Community was sent back for a full council vote Feb. 10.

Showing the 25 newest of 69.

Health and human services

• Sept. 8, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. $164,320 state grant for the Council on Aging
  The state's yearly formula grant for the city's services for older residents, for the 2027 budget year.
• Sept. 8, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Three small donations
  $216 for the Archives, $550 for Veterans Services and $777.86 for Elder Services.
• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Two volunteers for city boards
  New members for the Council on Aging and the Historic District Commission.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Election officers confirmed
  The council confirmed a supplemental list of election officers for the Sept. 1 state primary and the Nov. 3 state election.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $375,000 youth mental health grant
  A three-year grant from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation pays $125,000 a year to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health on the North Shore. It runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with no local match.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $275 in donations for veterans services
  The council accepted four cash donations totaling $275 to support Veteran Services.
• July 14, 2026: Appointed 9 to 0. Seven board appointments
  The council filled seats on the Affordable Housing Trust, Board of Health, Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee and four seats on the Mariners Medal Committee.
• June 23, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. Donations and police vest grant
  Accepted donations of $2,827 for Veterans Services, $300 for the Archives Committee and $3,725 for the Council on Aging, plus an $8,223.46 grant to buy 7 ballistic vests for police officers.
• June 9, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Waterways savings deposit
  Supplemental appropriation 2026-SA-21 moves $174,143 in FY25 waterways retained earnings into the Waterways Stabilization Fund.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  Approved the consent agenda and accepted $200 in donations for Veterans Services.
• May 26, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Fire safety education grants
  Two state grants for fire and life safety education: $7,125.20 for students in Pre-K to 12th grade and $3,028.66 for seniors 65 and older. Both run through Aug. 31, 2026, with no local match.
• May 26, 2026: Adopted 9 to 0. Purple Heart Community proclamation
  The council designated Gloucester a Purple Heart Community at the request of the Director of Veteran Services.
• April 28, 2026: Appointed 7 to 0. New Board of Health member
  The council appointed a new member to the Board of Health for a term ending Feb. 15, 2029.
• April 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda as amended, the April 23 Budget and Finance report, $765 in donations to the Council on Aging and $100 to Veteran Services.
• April 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  Approved the consent agenda and Budget and Finance report, a $1,275 transfer for election custodians, $5,785.01 in senior center donations, and a $5,000 prior year planning invoice. Sent Ward 4 polling place consolidation to committee and the School Committee.
• March 24, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Opioid recovery grant of $150,000
  The Board of Health may apply for and accept a $150,000 state grant for recovery services in Gloucester, Rockport and Ipswich, running March 1, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027. The $150,000 match comes from opioid settlement funds.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved the consent agenda and committee report, confirmed a new Human Rights Commission member, and accepted donations of $210 for the Archives Committee and $550 for Veteran Services.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Free cash for housing, paving and retiree benefits
  Also from free cash, $99,305 went to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $401,286 to miscellaneous paving work and $200,643 to the OPEB Trust Fund to partly fund the city's unfunded retiree health liability.
• March 10, 2026: Accepted Roll call 8 to 0. Veterans Services donations
  The council accepted $1,625 in donations to support Cape Ann Veterans Services.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Gloucester named a Purple Heart Community
  The city will put up two signs at its entrances and fly the Purple Heart flag at City Hall each Aug. 7. The veterans services director said the only cost is two signs and a flag.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Approved 6 to 0. Shared public health agreement with Manchester
  The council approved a Public Health Excellence shared services agreement between Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The agenda item listed it at $600,000.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Appointed 6 to 0. Three senior city staff reappointed
  Conor MacCorkle was reappointed chief financial officer and Alex Koppelman community development director, both to Feb. 14, 2028. Timothy Good was reappointed assessor to Feb. 14, 2029.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Appointed 6 to 0. Nine new board and commission members
  The council filled seats on the Clean Energy, Conservation, Human Rights and Traffic commissions, the Community Preservation Committee, the Council on Aging and the Gloucester Cultural Council.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Approved 6 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved the consent agenda and committee report and accepted donations of $6,848.50 for Veteran Services and $875 for the Council on Aging.
• Jan. 28, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Opioid abatement agreement with Rockport and Ipswich
  The council approved an agreement letting Gloucester manage $50,000 from Rockport and Ipswich for shared opioid abatement work. The money was already received and held until the agreement was in place.

Showing the 25 newest of 65.

Licenses and permits

• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Five-year lease for police Tasers
  Lets the city sign a five-year lease for Tasers for the Police Department, $60,211.32.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Adopted Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials height permit at 11 Dory Road
  The council adopted its written decision on a special permit letting Applied Materials build to 47.9 feet at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Continued No vote recorded. Hearings continued to later dates
  Hearings on a Day Court housing permit, a 40,000 square foot minimum lot size in the coastal residential district, and Deacon Farm Lane go to Sept. 8. A flagpole zoning definition goes to Dec. 8.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. New conservation filing fees
  The council replaced the wetlands permit fee schedule, last updated in 2006. New fees include $200 for a Request for Determination of Applicability and $250 to $1,000 for Notices of Intent, by project category.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Vendor, food truck and special event rules rewritten
  The council rewrote Chapter 11 on hawkers, peddlers, vendors and special events. Two amendments passed 8 to 0: the Licensing Commission will be the city clerk, police chief and fire chief, and the Plum Cove vendor spot gets one parking placard.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent a $216 Archives donation to Budget & Finance, sent the draft Housing Compass Plan and an earth removal permit request to Planning & Development, and approved prior minutes.
• July 28, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Special permits for 40 units at 150 Main Street
  Gloucester Main LLC may build 40 apartments and about 3,500 square feet of retail or restaurant space at the former bank site, with a height of 52 feet 5 inches. Four units must be affordable at 60% of area median income.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Fire safety wall condition dropped from permit
  The council removed a Fire Chief condition requiring fire resistant exterior walls because it conflicted with designs the Historic Commission approved. Other conditions require state code compliance.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. Nip bottle ban withdrawn
  Sponsors withdrew, without prejudice, a proposed ordinance to ban sales of miniature single-use alcohol bottles. Liquor store owners committed to helping reduce litter.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Applied Materials building height special permit
  Applied Materials may expand its building at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district to a height of 47 feet 9 inches, above the usual 35-foot limit.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Parking lot license near Long Beach
  Essex by the River, LLC got a license for an open-air lot at 2 Beachland Avenue for up to 225 cars, with 14 conditions including an attendant, online reservations and daily beach litter pickup. It runs to April 30, 2031.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision for Applied Materials to expand its building on Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Sargent Street housing decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision to convert a two-family building on Sargent Street into six homes.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Corrections to earlier minutes
  The council fixed wording errors in April 22 committee minutes and May 12 council minutes about the Applied Materials permit and a Beachland Avenue parking permit.
• May 12, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Shellfish permit rules changed
  People under 18 cannot get a noncommercial permit but may dig with a permitted adult nearby. Commercial applications are due June 30, with a $100 late fee from July 1 to July 15 and none accepted after.
• May 12, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Taxi fares go up
  The first flag drop rises from $4.50 to $4.75, and each added one-seventh mile rises from $0.50 to $0.75. Waiting time stays $30 per hour. The change takes effect 31 days after the vote.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion on Dory Road
  Applied Materials got a special permit for a building taller than 35 feet at 35 Dory Road. The three-story addition will hold mechanical systems, a clean room for customer demonstrations and engineering offices.
• May 12, 2026: Referred 7 to 0. Beachland Avenue parking permit sent back
  An outdoor parking permit request from Essex by the River, LLC for 2 Beachland Avenue went back to the Planning and Development Committee for more review.
• April 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Parking permit renewal withdrawn
  A renewal for an outdoor parking permit at 44 Commercial Street was withdrawn because the current license is good through April 30, 2027.
• April 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Six-unit housing permit on Sargent Street
  A special permit lets an existing two-family building on Sargent Street become six apartments. At least one unit must stay affordable forever, and a retaining wall must be built along the eastern property line by the parking area.
• April 14, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Written decisions for two housing permits
  The council adopted written decisions for Essex County Habitat for Humanity to turn an office building on Washington Street into three homes, and for a 10-unit project on Friend Street and Taylor Street.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Habitat for Humanity homes at 47 Washington Street
  Special permit lets Essex County Habitat for Humanity keep the building's 36 feet 2 inch height while turning former Action Inc. offices into three affordable homeownership units at 60% of area median income.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Special permit for 10 units on Friend Street
  64 Friend LLC may keep 10 apartments in two buildings at 64-68 Friend Street. Only eight had ever been legally permitted. One unit must stay affordable to households at 60% of area median income forever.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Water and wastewater treatment contract
  The city may sign a five-year contract, with two one-year options, to run and maintain its water and wastewater treatment plants from July 1, 2026, possibly through June 30, 2033. The request listed $3,864,932.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Wireless tower decision for New Way Lane
  The council adopted its written decision on a special permit for a wireless communications facility at 50 New Way Lane in the R-30 district.

Showing the 25 newest of 52.

Public safety

• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Five-year lease for police Tasers
  Lets the city sign a five-year lease for Tasers for the Police Department, $60,211.32.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Vendor, food truck and special event rules rewritten
  The council rewrote Chapter 11 on hawkers, peddlers, vendors and special events. Two amendments passed 8 to 0: the Licensing Commission will be the city clerk, police chief and fire chief, and the Plum Cove vendor spot gets one parking placard.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. Donations for Youth Anglers Program
  The council accepted $4,500 in donations from local businesses to support the police Community Impact Unit's Youth Anglers Program.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Fire safety wall condition dropped from permit
  The council removed a Fire Chief condition requiring fire resistant exterior walls because it conflicted with designs the Historic Commission approved. Other conditions require state code compliance.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $23,040 emergency management grant
  A federal Emergency Management Performance Grant passed through MEMA will pay for a regional hazmat tabletop exercise. The grant runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with an in-kind local match.
• June 23, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. Donations and police vest grant
  Accepted donations of $2,827 for Veterans Services, $300 for the Archives Committee and $3,725 for the Council on Aging, plus an $8,223.46 grant to buy 7 ballistic vests for police officers.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. City department budgets for FY27
  The council approved each city department's FY27 spending one by one, including $12,631,004 for fire, $7,240,336 for police patrol, $15,424,488 for debt service and $14,326,000 for pensions.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Ambulance billing policy and fees
  The council approved the Fire Department's billing and collection policy and its fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Write-off of unpaid ambulance bills
  The city wrote off $725,495.53 in ambulance bills it cannot collect. A councilor said much of it is owed by people who cannot pay or was denied by insurers.
• April 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Police detail costs for special elections
  Four transfers repay police for details at polling places: $9,369.66 and $376.25 for the March 3 special state election, and $10,119.12 and $409.81 for the March 31 special state election.
• April 14, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Letters to senators on federal funding
  The council will send letters to Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey backing Cape Ann regional emergency planning funding and an FY2027 federal funding request for a Gloucester Fire Department headquarters.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Police unit visitor parking on School Street
  A 70 foot stretch of School Street near Middle Street is set aside for Community Impact Unit visitors from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The rule ends when Middle Street construction is done.
• March 24, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Free cash for two special elections
  Four transfers from free cash pay for the two Fifth Essex District state representative special elections: $4,000 for overtime, $18,000 for police details, $400 for building rentals and $32,600 for poll workers.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $100,000 for Forbes School facade repairs
  The council approved a $100,000 grant from the Gloucester Affordable Housing Trust Fund for emergency facade repairs at the Forbes School, 37 Washington Street.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Budget transfers for union contract costs
  Seven transfers from the mayor's emergency contingency account, ranging from $150 to $8,000, cover sick leave buyback and pay changes from union contract settlements in several departments.
• Jan. 28, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. $125,000 state grant for fire communications
  The council accepted a state earmark grant of $125,000 to improve wireless communication in the Fire Department. The grant runs from Dec. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with no local match.
• Jan. 28, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Donations for police Community Impact Unit
  The council accepted two donations from the Gloucester Fund, $28,001.64 and $2,266.37, to support Police Department and Community Impact Unit programs.
• Jan. 13, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. 145-foot cell tower at 50 New Way Lane
  SBA and AT&T may replace a 76-foot tower with a 145-foot monopole. The old tower must come down within four months. The city gets space at the top 20 feet for emergency FirstNet antennas.
• Jan. 13, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Extra conditions added to tower permit
  The applicant must help install city emergency equipment, mail residents and abutters the construction timeline one week before work starts, and repair any road damage from construction.
• Jan. 13, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. $245,970.46 for Community Impact Unit
  The council accepted donations collected through the Gloucester Fund since 2020 to support the Police Department and its Community Impact Unit. Future donations will go straight to the city.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Accepted 9 to 0. Police grants and donation
  The council accepted a $35,975 federal Municipal Road Safety grant for traffic enforcement, a $30,000 federal Byrne Justice Assistance grant to buy a utility terrain vehicle, and a $250 donation from the Gloucester Elks Lodge No. 892.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Police budget transfers
  The council moved $12,500 within the police budget to buy uniforms and equipment for five student officers entering the academy in January, and approved transfers of $8,266.40 and $362.82 to cover police details at the Nov. 4, 2025, election.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Consent agenda
  The council approved its consent agenda, sending a $245,970.46 Gloucester Fund grant for the police Community Impact Unit, a $164,320 state grant for elder services, a $500 cemetery donation and electric vehicle charging rules to committees.
• Nov. 25, 2025: Accepted Roll call 8 to 0. Dispatch and AED grants
  The council accepted state earmarks of $70,000 to replace the Fire and Police dispatch system and $10,000 for automated external defibrillators.
• Oct. 28, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. YMCA lease for Community Impact Unit
  The council approved a lease with the YMCA of the North Shore for the police Community Impact Unit at 5 Center St., running Nov. 1, 2025, to Oct. 31, 2035.

Showing the 25 newest of 48.

Arts, culture and events

• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Two volunteers for city boards
  New members for the Council on Aging and the Historic District Commission.
• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Vendor, food truck and special event rules rewritten
  The council rewrote Chapter 11 on hawkers, peddlers, vendors and special events. Two amendments passed 8 to 0: the Licensing Commission will be the city clerk, police chief and fire chief, and the Plum Cove vendor spot gets one parking placard.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Fire safety wall condition dropped from permit
  The council removed a Fire Chief condition requiring fire resistant exterior walls because it conflicted with designs the Historic Commission approved. Other conditions require state code compliance.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. O'Maley Middle School air conditioning repair
  Approved $45,000 from the Building Maintenance Stabilization Fund to replace critical parts of the air conditioning unit at O'Maley Innovation Middle School.
• July 14, 2026: Accepted Roll call 9 to 0. Three grants accepted
  Accepted a $680,963 federal Community Development Block Grant, a $16,800 state recycling grant and a $50,000 library grant to hire two part-time early learning assistants through June 30, 2027.
• July 14, 2026: Adopted 9 to 0. Purple Heart proclamation updated
  The proclamation now calls Gloucester a Purple Heart City and adds the National Day for Purple Hearts on Aug. 7.
• June 23, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Riggs House preservation restriction
  Approved an agreement with Historic New England to protect part of the property at 27 Vine Street, including the Thomas Riggs House, the Milk House and the Barn. It does not change the property's taxes.
• June 23, 2026: Appointed 8 to 0. Committee for the Arts appointment
  The council filled an unexpired term on the Committee for the Arts running to Feb. 15, 2029.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Community Preservation Act budget
  The council approved $1,068,000 in Community Preservation Fund revenue and spending, including $106,800 each for open space, community housing and historic preservation reserves.
• May 26, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 1. Demolition delay for historic buildings
  The council added a new article to the city code to preserve historically significant buildings. A building the council finds should be preserved can face a nine-month wait before demolition. Several amendments passed 9 to 0 first.
• May 26, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Local cultural council grant
  A $14,000 state grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Gloucester Cultural Council for FY26 local cultural projects, with no required local match.
• May 26, 2026: Adopted 9 to 0. Purple Heart Community proclamation
  The council designated Gloucester a Purple Heart Community at the request of the Director of Veteran Services.
• May 12, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent grant and donation requests and three summer event street closure requests to committees, and approved prior minutes.
• April 14, 2026: Appointed 9 to 0. Chief administrative officer and arts committee member
  Kelly Dolan was appointed chief administrative officer for a two-year term ending Feb. 14, 2028. A new member was also appointed to the Committee for the Arts.
• April 14, 2026: Continued 7 to 1. Demolition delay ordinance hearing continued
  The public hearing on a proposed demolition delay rule for older historic homes stays open and continues to May 26. Councilors asked for a list of affected properties before any vote.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. No parking on part of Hesperus Avenue
  Parking is now banned and cars can be towed on both sides of Hesperus Avenue, starting 919 feet from Mussel Point Road for 3,078 feet south. It responds to Hammond Castle visitor parking.
• March 10, 2026: Appointed 8 to 0. Assessor and two board members appointed
  The assistant assessor was appointed Assessor through Feb. 14, 2027, plus one more term to Feb. 14, 2030. New members were also named to the Gloucester Cultural Council and the Human Rights Commission.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Community Preservation grants for historic sites
  Six grants: $14,000 for Schooner Adventure timber, $40,000 for Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association ADA work, $20,000 for Cape Ann Museum's Virginia Lee Burton papers, $50,000 for Hammond Castle, $30,000 for Manship Artist Residence and $32,695 for the Universalist Cemetery.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Gloucester named a Purple Heart Community
  The city will put up two signs at its entrances and fly the Purple Heart flag at City Hall each Aug. 7. The veterans services director said the only cost is two signs and a flag.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Accepted 6 to 0. Two cultural district grants
  The city accepted two $15,000 Massachusetts Cultural Council grants, one for the Rocky Neck Cultural District and one for the Downtown Harbortown Cultural District. Each needs a $4,000 city match.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Appointed 6 to 0. Nine new board and commission members
  The council filled seats on the Clean Energy, Conservation, Human Rights and Traffic commissions, the Community Preservation Committee, the Council on Aging and the Gloucester Cultural Council.
• Jan. 28, 2026: Referred 9 to 0. Zoning board reappointment and Purple Heart memo
  A Zoning Board of Appeals reappointment was pulled from the consent agenda and sent to the Ordinances & Administration Committee. A memo on becoming a Purple Heart Community was sent back for a full council vote Feb. 10.
• Jan. 13, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Extra conditions added to tower permit
  The applicant must help install city emergency equipment, mail residents and abutters the construction timeline one week before work starts, and repair any road damage from construction.
• July 22, 2025: Appointed 9 to 0. Election officers and Cultural Council
  The council confirmed election officers for the Sept. 16, 2025, preliminary and Nov. 4, 2025, general elections, and filled a Gloucester Cultural Council seat through Feb. 15, 2028.
• July 8, 2025: Adopted 7 to 0. No parking on part of Summer Street
  Parking is now banned and tow-away enforced on the southerly side of Summer Street from Granite Street to Riggs Street, for safety and emergency vehicle access.

Showing the 25 newest of 41.

Other

• Sept. 8, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. New trash and recycling fees
  The fee schedule for the city's new trash and recycling program, which started Oct. 1.
• July 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Citations for Retirement Board service
  The council issued citations honoring two Retirement Board members who served 36 years and 21 years.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent new items to committees and approved prior minutes, and voted to adjourn at 8:09 p.m.
• June 23, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Letters backing wrong-way driving amendment
  The council will send letters to the state House and Senate Ways and Means committees supporting Sen. Bruce Tarr's Wrong-Way Driving Amendment #872.
• June 23, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda, which sent new items to committees and approved prior minutes, and voted to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.
• May 12, 2026: Continued No vote recorded. Deacon Farm Lane public way petition
  The hearing on making Deacon Farm Lane a public way was opened and continued to June 9.
• April 28, 2026: Adopted 7 to 0. Sustainable Purchasing Policy
  The council accepted the updated Gloucester Sustainable Purchasing Policy presented by the Business Office Operations Manager and approved by the Mayor.
• April 28, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Summer meetings at Rose Baker Center
  Council meetings in July and August will move to the Rose Baker Center for Aging Well because the Kyrouz Auditorium gets very hot in summer.
• April 28, 2026: Adopted 7 to 0. ALS Awareness Month
  The council proclaimed May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month.
• April 14, 2026: Appointed Several votes, see minutes. City auditor and city clerk elected
  The council elected Kenny Costa as city auditor, 9 to 0, and Grace Poirier as city clerk, 8 to 0 with one absent. Both terms run from April 2026 to April 2028.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Letter backing rodenticide limits
  The council will send a letter to state Sen. Bruce Tarr supporting H965/S2721, a bill to restrict rat poisons statewide.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Adopted 6 to 0. Civility Resolution
  The council adopted the City of Gloucester Civility Resolution for its 2026/2027 term.
• Jan. 28, 2026: Adopted 9 to 0. Council code of conduct and rules
  The council accepted its Code of Conduct and its Rules of Procedure for the 2026/2027 term.
• Jan. 13, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda as amended and adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
• Jan. 1, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Tony Gross elected council president
  Councilor Tony Gross was elected president of the City Council.
• Jan. 1, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Sean Nolan elected council vice president
  Councilor Sean Nolan was elected vice president of the City Council.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Short-term rental fee delay
  Fees for short-term rentals registered with the city in 2025 are now due April 30, 2026, instead of Dec. 31, 2025, a one-time delay because the city's digital systems were not ready.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved minutes of the Nov. 25, 2025, council meeting and recent committee meetings.
• Nov. 25, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Commendation for DPW
  The council will commend the Department of Public Works for stepping up during the Republic trash strike.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Adopted 7 to 0. Hispanic Heritage Month
  The council recognized Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Aug. 26, 2025: Appointed 9 to 0. Interim chief administrative officer
  Catherine Schlichte was confirmed as interim chief administrative officer, filling an unexpired term to Feb. 14, 2026.
• July 22, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Letters on trash strike
  The council approved letters to Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 about the labor dispute, backing workers and urging the company to bargain in good faith.
• July 22, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Mariner's Medals awarded
  The council awarded the Mariner's Medal to four people for bravery at sea on June 24, 2025. A motion to reconsider failed, roll call 0 to 9.
• April 22, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Short-term rental ordinance cleanup
  The council deleted a section limiting owners to one short-term rental because it repeated another section. A separate change adding the words for-profit to the corporate ownership ban failed 0 to 9.
• April 8, 2025: Adopted 8 to 0. Short-term rental definitions and limits changed
  Homes held in a realty trust may count as primary residences, and rentals are barred in units owned by a corporation. The one non-primary unit rule and 120-day limit now refer to non-primary residential units.

Showing the 25 newest of 31.

Open space and recreation

• Aug. 25, 2026: Adopted Roll call 7 to 0. Applied Materials height permit at 11 Dory Road
  The council adopted its written decision on a special permit letting Applied Materials build to 47.9 feet at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Paying a 2019 board-up bill
  The city will pay a $3,592.90 invoice from 2019 for boarding up the Wilson Field concession stand, using FY2027 funds. The mayor's office will find money so it does not cut the inspections budget.
• July 28, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. $2,500 grant for Visitor Welcome Center
  A 2026 Essex Heritage Visitor Center Grant will support the city's Visitor Welcome Center at Stage Fort Park. No local match is needed.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Applied Materials building height special permit
  Applied Materials may expand its building at 11 Dory Road in the Business Park district to a height of 47 feet 9 inches, above the usual 35-foot limit.
• July 14, 2026: Accepted Roll call 9 to 0. Three grants accepted
  Accepted a $680,963 federal Community Development Block Grant, a $16,800 state recycling grant and a $50,000 library grant to hire two part-time early learning assistants through June 30, 2027.
• July 14, 2026: Appointed 9 to 0. Seven board appointments
  The council filled seats on the Affordable Housing Trust, Board of Health, Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee and four seats on the Mariners Medal Committee.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Community Preservation Act budget
  The council approved $1,068,000 in Community Preservation Fund revenue and spending, including $106,800 each for open space, community housing and historic preservation reserves.
• June 9, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Applied Materials building expansion decision
  The council adopted the written special permit decision for Applied Materials to expand its building on Dory Road in the Business Park district.
• March 24, 2026: Failed Roll call 1 to 7. Stillington Drive will not become a public way
  Residents petitioned the city to accept the private road to Ravenswood Park as a public way. The Mayor and the DPW director recommended against it, and the council voted it down.
• March 10, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. St. Peter's Fiesta street use, June 24 to 28
  The St. Peter's Fiesta Committee may use St. Peter's Park and nearby streets June 24 through June 28, 2026, with conditions including insurance and a site plan filed with the City Clerk by June 5.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Community Preservation grants for historic sites
  Six grants: $14,000 for Schooner Adventure timber, $40,000 for Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association ADA work, $20,000 for Cape Ann Museum's Virginia Lee Burton papers, $50,000 for Hammond Castle, $30,000 for Manship Artist Residence and $32,695 for the Universalist Cemetery.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Community Preservation grants for housing and recreation
  $250,000 for Action Inc. rental assistance, $125,000 for the 272 Washington Street affordable housing project, $200,000 for the Gloucester Affordable Housing Trust and $60,000 for the YMCA's Camp Spindrift pool.
• Jan. 13, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Cemetery maintenance donation
  Carroll K. Steele Insurance Agency donated $500 for upkeep of the Langsford Street Cemetery.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Accepted 9 to 0. Other grants
  Accepted: an $11,375 state grant to trap invasive green crabs, a $2,500 Essex Heritage grant for the Stage Fort Park visitor center, and a $5,000 state grant for youth projects against tobacco and vaping.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Consent agenda
  The council approved its consent agenda, sending a $245,970.46 Gloucester Fund grant for the police Community Impact Unit, a $164,320 state grant for elder services, a $500 cemetery donation and electric vehicle charging rules to committees.
• Oct. 28, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Burnham Street speed limit request
  The council will send MassDOT a letter asking to lower the Burnham Street speed limit from 30 mph to 15 mph, citing the dense neighborhood near Burnham's Field.
• Oct. 28, 2025: Accepted 9 to 0. Library digital equity grant
  The council accepted a $100,000 grant for the Sawyer Free Library's Digital Equity Plan, running Oct. 24, 2025, to Oct. 30, 2026, with no local match.
• Aug. 12, 2025: Accepted 8 to 0. Library computer basics grant
  The city accepted a $13,104 Essex County Community Foundation grant for the Sawyer Free Library's Digital Learning Lab. Paid student interns will teach computer skills to 50 people from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.
• July 22, 2025: Adopted 9 to 0. Open space committee role expanded
  The Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee may now advise the mayor on rules for safe use of open space properties and on signs, maps and education materials.
• June 24, 2025: Approved Roll call 6 to 0. Seven apartments at 14 Prospect Street
  14 Prospect Street, LLC won a special permit to convert the former AMVETS building into seven small apartments with less lot area and open space per unit than zoning requires. One two-bedroom unit must stay affordable forever.
• June 24, 2025: Approved 6 to 0. Food truck spots at Stage Fort Park
  Four spaces in the southern lot near 41 Hough Avenue become a fixed vending location, after the Cupboard closed. Vendors must supply trash bins, pass health inspection and leave each night.
• June 24, 2025: Approved 6 to 0. One-hour parking in that lot
  The same southern lot at Stage Fort Park gets a one-hour parking limit so food truck customers can find spaces.
• June 17, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Community Preservation spending
  The council approved $1,008,600 in Community Preservation Fund revenue and spending: $100,860 each for open space, community housing and historic preservation, $50,430 for administration and $655,590 for a general reserve.
• June 10, 2025: Adopted 7 to 0, 1 present. New shellfish limits
  Recreational diggers are capped at 30 one-day permits a day and 15 surf clams a day, within the 15 pound daily and 60 pound weekly limits. Surf clams under five inches are restricted. One councilor voted present.
• May 27, 2025: Adopted 6 to 0. Two-hour parking at Fort Square lot
  The lot next to the Gemmellaro Ciaramitaro Playground now has a two-hour limit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, after complaints that workers parked there all day.

Showing the 25 newest of 31.

Harbor and waterfront

• Aug. 25, 2026: Approved 7 to 0. Mariners Medals awarded to fishing captain
  The council accepted the Mariners Medal Committee's recommendation to award three medals for heroism to a fishing boat captain nominated by state Sen. Bruce Tarr. The medals will be presented at a later special meeting.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Continued No vote recorded. Hearings continued to later dates
  Hearings on a Day Court housing permit, a 40,000 square foot minimum lot size in the coastal residential district, and Deacon Farm Lane go to Sept. 8. A flagpole zoning definition goes to Dec. 8.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Parking lot license near Long Beach
  Essex by the River, LLC got a license for an open-air lot at 2 Beachland Avenue for up to 225 cars, with 14 conditions including an attendant, online reservations and daily beach litter pickup. It runs to April 30, 2031.
• June 23, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Hearing set on coastal lot size rule
  Set an Aug. 11 public hearing on raising the minimum lot area per home in the RC-40 Coastal Residential district from 20,000 to 40,000 square feet, and sent it to Planning and Development and the Planning Board.
• June 9, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Corrections to earlier minutes
  The council fixed wording errors in April 22 committee minutes and May 12 council minutes about the Applied Materials permit and a Beachland Avenue parking permit.
• May 26, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Harbor money for floats and boat repairs
  Two transfers from Waterways Enterprise Fund retained earnings: $25,000 for float repairs at Solomon Jacobs and training for seasonal assistant harbormasters, and $27,100 for boat repairs and related equipment.
• May 12, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. Shellfish permit rules changed
  People under 18 cannot get a noncommercial permit but may dig with a permitted adult nearby. Commercial applications are due June 30, with a $100 late fee from July 1 to July 15 and none accepted after.
• May 12, 2026: Referred 7 to 0. Beachland Avenue parking permit sent back
  An outdoor parking permit request from Essex by the River, LLC for 2 Beachland Avenue went back to the Planning and Development Committee for more review.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $3.32 million loan for St. Peter's Landing repairs
  The city may borrow $3,320,000 to repair the marina superstructure, including pilings, planking, the seawall interface and docks. A $2.6 million state Seaport Economic Council grant will reduce the borrowing.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Accepted 8 to 0. St. Peter's Landing marina loan request
  The council accepted a request to borrow $3,320,000 to repair the superstructure of St. Peter's Landing and Marina and sent it to the Budget and Finance Committee.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Accepted 6 to 0. Two cultural district grants
  The city accepted two $15,000 Massachusetts Cultural Council grants, one for the Rocky Neck Cultural District and one for the Downtown Harbortown Cultural District. Each needs a $4,000 city match.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Adopted 9 to 0. Hammond Street resident parking
  Hammond Street becomes resident sticker parking only for its entire length, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 1 to Sept. 15. Supporters said beach and marina visitors were filling the street.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Failed 2 to 7. Withdraw waterfront rezoning
  A motion to withdraw a proposal to rezone certain lots from Marine Industrial to Neighborhood Business failed. The hearing was continued to Jan. 27, 2026.
• Nov. 25, 2025: Accepted Roll call 8 to 0. I4C2 Pier plank donations
  The council accepted $7,750 from the Name Your Plank fundraiser to repair rotting planks on the I4C2 Pier.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Haskell Pond Dam grant
  The council accepted a $1,000,000 state Dam and Seawall grant, $400,000 in FY2026 and $600,000 in FY2027, for engineering and construction on the Haskell Pond Dam repair, with no local match.
• Aug. 26, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Paying last year's bills
  Five National Grid electric bills from fiscal 2025 totaling $86,233.50 and a $14,442.20 beach parking app invoice from Blinkay Mobility will be paid with fiscal 2026 funds. The Blinkay item lists a remaining $1,814.60.
• July 8, 2025: Adopted 7 in favor, 2 opposed. Disability Pride Month
  The council proclaimed July 2025 as Disability Pride Month, citing city steps such as beach mats and sidewalk upgrades to meet ADA standards.
• June 24, 2025: Approved 6 to 0. Mooring fees raised
  Resident mooring fees rise from $8 to $10 per foot and nonresident fees from $10 to $12.50. The waiting list renewal goes from $10 to $15, and the late reinstatement total from $60 to $65.
• June 17, 2025: Approved 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent. Rink and waterways budgets
  The Talbot Rink budget was set at $385,853 and the Waterways budget at $655,712, which funds a deputy harbormaster position.
• June 10, 2025: Adopted 7 to 0, 1 present. New shellfish limits
  Recreational diggers are capped at 30 one-day permits a day and 15 surf clams a day, within the 15 pound daily and 60 pound weekly limits. Surf clams under five inches are restricted. One councilor voted present.
• June 10, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Gloucester Crossing site changes
  The council found three changes minor: an 81 space parking lot with 54 spaces leased to the Beauport Hotel, a wider Market Street and a wider Market Basket loading dock.
• April 8, 2025: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. I4C2 Harbor Walk repairs
  The council moved $36,824.86 from the former Gloucester Redevelopment Authority fund to the Waterways Enterprise for repairs at I4C2 along the Harbor Walk. The area was damaged in a storm.
• April 8, 2025: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Mass Audubon bird program
  The council moved $10,000 from the stabilization fund for Mass Audubon's Coastal Waterbird Program at Good Harbor Beach. It also approved paying last year's $5,000 invoice, 9 to 0.
• April 8, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Police rifles and IT consultant
  Transfers of $31,000 to replace the police patrol rifles and $7,500 for an IT applications consultant to finish projects such as the short-term rental registry and beach stickers.
• April 8, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  The council accepted the consent agenda and approved paying a prior year copier invoice of $2,776.06 from the Waterways Enterprise Fund.

Showing the 25 newest of 29.

Schools and education

• Aug. 11, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $2.5 million loan order for city fleet
  The city may borrow $2,500,000 to buy DPW equipment, trash trucks, school buses and other city vehicles. A later motion to reconsider the vote failed by roll call, 0 to 8.
• July 14, 2026: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. O'Maley Middle School air conditioning repair
  Approved $45,000 from the Building Maintenance Stabilization Fund to replace critical parts of the air conditioning unit at O'Maley Innovation Middle School.
• June 16, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 1. School Department budget of $55,778,897
  The council approved the FY27 school budget as one bottom-line amount of $55,778,897. One councilor voted no, saying schools needed more money.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Revolving funds and school food service
  The council set FY27 spending limits for city and school revolving funds, created a $100,000 Tax Title Collection Revolving Fund and approved $2,000,000 for the school food service program.
• May 26, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Fire safety education grants
  Two state grants for fire and life safety education: $7,125.20 for students in Pre-K to 12th grade and $3,028.66 for seniors 65 and older. Both run through Aug. 31, 2026, with no local match.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $300,000 for special education costs
  The council moved $300,000 from the school special education stabilization fund to pay for FY2026 special education staff and services that were not in the original budget.
• April 28, 2026: Accepted 7 to 0. Safe After Prom grant
  A $2,000 grant from the Essex District Attorney's Office for safer after prom and graduation activities for the Gloucester High School Class of 2026, with no local match.
• April 14, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. School building requests for Beeman and Plum Cove
  The council authorized the superintendent to send Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for Beeman and Plum Cove elementary schools. This is the first step and does not commit the city to any funding. One councilor was absent.
• April 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  Approved the consent agenda and Budget and Finance report, a $1,275 transfer for election custodians, $5,785.01 in senior center donations, and a $5,000 prior year planning invoice. Sent Ward 4 polling place consolidation to committee and the School Committee.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Police unit visitor parking on School Street
  A 70 foot stretch of School Street near Middle Street is set aside for Community Impact Unit visitors from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The rule ends when Middle Street construction is done.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Free cash moved into stabilization funds
  From certified free cash, $1,003,214 went to capital projects stabilization, $802,571 to general stabilization, $601,928 to building maintenance stabilization and $200,643 to special education stabilization.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $100,000 for Forbes School facade repairs
  The council approved a $100,000 grant from the Gloucester Affordable Housing Trust Fund for emergency facade repairs at the Forbes School, 37 Washington Street.
• Jan. 1, 2026: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. School Committee officers chosen
  At a special School Committee meeting, members elected Kathleen Clancy chair, William Melvin Jr. vice chair and Laura Wiessen secretary, each by a 7 to 0 roll call.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Police budget transfers
  The council moved $12,500 within the police budget to buy uniforms and equipment for five student officers entering the academy in January, and approved transfers of $8,266.40 and $362.82 to cover police details at the Nov. 4, 2025, election.
• Oct. 28, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Paying last year's bills
  The council approved paying fiscal 2025 bills with fiscal 2026 money: $26,402.51 for school employee insurance, $7,055.82 for natural gas and $6,137.16 in community development costs, including $5,000 for the Battle of Bunker Hill reenactment.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Senior center generator and grease trap
  The council moved $110,000 to replace the Council on Aging emergency generator and $32,210 to replace the Rose Baker Senior Center grease trap. Both came from the high school heat exchanger account.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Money for repairs at city buildings
  The council moved $57,790 from the high school heat exchanger account and $100,000 from the energy control software account for upkeep and improvements across all city buildings.
• Aug. 12, 2025: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. O'Maley school loan amended
  The doors and windows loan order rose from $6,500,000 to $6,610,000 to match actual cost, as the state school building authority asked. The first $110,000 was already paid from the school budget, so no new debt is added.
• Aug. 12, 2025: Accepted 8 to 0. Library computer basics grant
  The city accepted a $13,104 Essex County Community Foundation grant for the Sawyer Free Library's Digital Learning Lab. Paid student interns will teach computer skills to 50 people from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.
• July 22, 2025: Adopted 9 to 0. Open space committee role expanded
  The Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee may now advise the mayor on rules for safe use of open space properties and on signs, maps and education materials.
• June 17, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. School budget
  The council approved a bottom-line FY2026 School Department budget of $54,228,897. Rising special education and health care costs drove the increase.
• June 17, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Revolving funds and school meals
  The council renewed school and city revolving funds with set spending limits and approved $2 million for the school food service program, paid from $2 million in expected receipts.
• May 13, 2025: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. $750,000 special education reserve fund
  The council adopted the state law allowing a special education reserve fund and moved $750,000 from free cash into it. It covers surprise special education, out-of-district tuition and transport costs. Spending needs both School Committee and council votes.
• April 22, 2025: Approved Roll call 9 to 0. Buy 2 Blackburn Drive for preschool, school offices
  The council approved borrowing $4,600,000 to buy and outfit the building and a friendly eminent domain taking paying the owner $4,050,000. State law required the taking because the price tops the assessed value.
• April 22, 2025: Approved Unanimous. Letters backing state education funding
  After voting 9 to 0 to suspend its rules so the letters could go out right away, the council voted to send letters to state lawmakers backing education items in the fiscal 2026 state budget.

Showing the 25 newest of 29.

Environment and climate

• Aug. 11, 2026: Adopted 8 to 0. New conservation filing fees
  The council replaced the wetlands permit fee schedule, last updated in 2006. New fees include $200 for a Request for Determination of Applicability and $250 to $1,000 for Notices of Intent, by project category.
• May 26, 2026: Accepted 9 to 0. Housing award for 47 Washington Street
  The council accepted an award of $300,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust and/or Community Preservation Fund to support Habitat for Humanity buying and developing 47 Washington Street.
• April 14, 2026: Adopted Roll call 8 to 0. Written decisions for two housing permits
  The council adopted written decisions for Essex County Habitat for Humanity to turn an office building on Washington Street into three homes, and for a 10-unit project on Friend Street and Taylor Street.
• March 10, 2026: Approved Roll call 8 to 0. Habitat for Humanity homes at 47 Washington Street
  Special permit lets Essex County Habitat for Humanity keep the building's 36 feet 2 inch height while turning former Action Inc. offices into three affordable homeownership units at 60% of area median income.
• March 10, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. $100,000 energy prize terms loosened
  The council revised a 2024 vote so the $100,000 U.S. Department of Energy Community Energy Innovation Prize can go to sustainability and community development projects citywide. There is no deadline and no local match.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Referred 8 to 0. 150 Main Street housing and retail plan sent to review
  Gloucester Main LLC wants to build 40 homes plus shops or a restaurant at 150 Main Street. The council sent it to Planning and Development, the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board and city departments.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Appointed 6 to 0. Nine new board and commission members
  The council filled seats on the Clean Energy, Conservation, Human Rights and Traffic commissions, the Community Preservation Committee, the Council on Aging and the Gloucester Cultural Council.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Referred 6 to 0. Habitat for Humanity housing permit to committee
  Essex County Habitat for Humanity's request to convert an office building at 47 Washington Street into a three-family home went to the Planning and Development Committee.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Money for repairs at city buildings
  The council moved $57,790 from the high school heat exchanger account and $100,000 from the energy control software account for upkeep and improvements across all city buildings.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved Roll call 7 to 0. Curb ramp and shade tree inventories
  The council approved $78,100 from DPW highway force receipts to pay for an inventory of curb ramps and shade trees.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Appointed 7 to 0. Clean Energy Commission member
  The council appointed a new member to the Clean Energy Commission, with a term ending Feb. 15, 2027.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Energy savings and 911 grants
  The council accepted a $53,659 Green Communities grant for insulation and air sealing at City Hall and other buildings, with a $5,000 local match, and a $40,945.55 state 911 emergency medical dispatch grant.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Atlantic Street access easement
  The mayor may grant an access easement over city land at 1 Atlantic Street, mostly wetlands, along an existing driveway. The owner had sought it since the city widened the street in the 1970s.
• Aug. 26, 2025: Accepted 9 to 0. Grants and gifts
  The council accepted a Mass Save energy outreach grant of up to $62,502, a $13,250 federal grant for senior center outreach, $804.16 in senior center donations and six framed photographs worth about $3,000 for City Hall Annex.
• Aug. 12, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Colburn Street conservation restriction
  The Conservation Commission will hold a restriction on about half an acre with a pond. The state required it before two condo units could be built, and it blocks further building on the lot.
• June 10, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Routine business
  The council approved the consent agenda and the May 27, 2025, minutes, and corrected a wording error in floodplain zoning minutes.
• May 27, 2025: Adopted 6 to 0. Floodplain zoning updated for FEMA maps
  The floodplain overlay district now uses FEMA flood maps dated July 8, 2025. Lot coverage limits in AE zones now leave out land below 5 feet elevation, and notice rules were updated.
• May 27, 2025: Approved 6 to 0. Magnolia Avenue conservation restriction
  The council approved a conservation restriction from Essex County Greenbelt over about 178 acres. Greenbelt will own the land and keep it open to the public, and the Conservation Commission will hold the restriction.
• April 22, 2025: Referred 9 to 0. Floodplain zoning and fee increases
  FEMA required floodplain overlay changes went to Planning and Development and the Planning Board, with a hearing set for May 27, 2025. Proposed dog license and inflammable license fee increases went to Budget and Finance pending Ordinances and Administration review.
• March 11, 2025: Accepted Roll call 8 to 0. $500,000 MassWorks grant
  The state grant supports improvements at the Water Pollution Control Facility. No local match is needed.
• Feb. 25, 2025: Referred Several votes, see minutes. State grants sent to committee
  A $500,000 MassWorks grant for the Water Pollution Control Facility and a $400,000 Housing Choice grant went to the Budget and Finance Committee.

Water, sewer and utilities

• July 28, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Power easement at 50 Essex Avenue
  The city granted Massachusetts Electric Company an easement for overhead and underground electric lines. It will bring power to the new secondary wastewater treatment plant.
• July 14, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Year-end budget transfers
  The council moved money between accounts to cover Fiscal Year 2026 deficits totaling $1,444,231.35, much of it for fire overtime and DPW electricity and wages.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Water budget and new water rate
  The water rate rises to $13.00 per thousand gallons, up $1.10 or 9.2%, effective July 1, 2026, retroactive to April 1. Water spending is $9,443,777, with $150,000 from reserves to steady fees. One councilor recused.
• June 16, 2026: Approved 9 to 0. Sewer budget and new sewer rate
  The sewer rate rises to $22.01 per thousand gallons, up $2.12 or 10.7%, effective July 1, 2026, retroactive to April 1. Sewer spending is $12,030,991, with $300,000 from reserves to steady fees.
• June 16, 2026: Failed Roll call 1 to 8. Reopening the sewer budget vote
  A motion to rescind the sewer budget vote, so a councilor could propose shifting North Gloucester grinder and step tank repair costs onto the property owners who use them, failed.
• Feb. 25, 2026: Approved 8 to 0. Water and wastewater treatment contract
  The city may sign a five-year contract, with two one-year options, to run and maintain its water and wastewater treatment plants from July 1, 2026, possibly through June 30, 2033. The request listed $3,864,932.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Approved 6 to 0. Fees for city electric vehicle chargers
  Charging at city EV chargers will cost $0.40 per kWh. Cars parked at chargers in the Rogers Street and Gloucester House lots more than four hours will pay an extra $5 an hour.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Accepted 9 to 0. Police grants and donation
  The council accepted a $35,975 federal Municipal Road Safety grant for traffic enforcement, a $30,000 federal Byrne Justice Assistance grant to buy a utility terrain vehicle, and a $250 donation from the Gloucester Elks Lodge No. 892.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Consent agenda
  The council approved its consent agenda, sending a $245,970.46 Gloucester Fund grant for the police Community Impact Unit, a $164,320 state grant for elder services, a $500 cemetery donation and electric vehicle charging rules to committees.
• Sept. 9, 2025: Accepted 9 to 0. EV charger grant
  A $38,440 MassEVIP grant will pay for two dual port electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall and Rogers Street, with no local match.
• Aug. 26, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Paying last year's bills
  Five National Grid electric bills from fiscal 2025 totaling $86,233.50 and a $14,442.20 beach parking app invoice from Blinkay Mobility will be paid with fiscal 2026 funds. The Blinkay item lists a remaining $1,814.60.
• Aug. 26, 2025: Approved 9 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda passed, sending to committee a $102,983 state 911 grant, $2,758.25 in veterans donations, a $38,440 electric vehicle grant, a $25,000 senior center grant, mayoral appointments and Fishbox Derby street closures.
• July 8, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Water and sewer deficits covered
  The council moved $162,588 to the Sewer Enterprise Fund and $179,153 to the Water Enterprise Fund from the General Stabilization Fund to cover retained earnings deficits not on the FY2025 tax rate recap.
• June 17, 2025: Approved Recorded as 7 and as 6 in favor, 1 opposed. Water rate raised 5%
  The water rate rises to $11.99 per thousand gallons, up $0.57 or 5% from $11.42, effective July 1, 2025, retroactive to April 1, 2025. One councilor recused himself.
• June 17, 2025: Approved 8 to 0. Sewer budget
  The sewer enterprise budget and revenues were set at $10,638,127.
• June 17, 2025: Approved Roll call 7 to 1. Sewer rate raised 2%
  The sewer rate rises to $19.89 per thousand gallons, up $0.39 or 2% from $19.50, effective July 1, 2025, retroactive to April 1, 2025. The increase is meant to cure deficits from the past two years.
• May 13, 2025: Accepted 8 to 0. $2 million EPA sewer plant grant
  A federal EPA grant of $2,000,000 pays for engineering plans for required upgrades to the city's primary wastewater treatment plant. The local match is $500,000.
• March 11, 2025: Accepted 6 to 0. $400,000 Housing Choice grant
  The state grant will pay for downtown water and sewer work. It depends on the city staying in interim compliance with the state MBTA Communities (3A) law. Two councilors recused.

All meetings

• Oct. 13, 2026: Three state grants worth $270,300, two police grants, a change to the rules for marijuana shops and street closures for the Fishbox Derby.
• Sept. 8, 2026: The council approved the new trash and recycling fees, a $164,320 state grant for the Council on Aging and a five-year lease for police Tasers. Each of those votes was 9 to 0.
• Aug. 27, 2026: In a workshop with no votes beyond adjourning, city assessors walked councilors through tax classification choices ahead of the fall hearing, including a split tax rate, a residential exemption and a small business exemption.
• Aug. 25, 2026: Casella Waste Systems and the DPW briefed the council on the new automated trash and recycling service starting Oct. 1. The council approved three Mariners Medals, adopted an Applied Materials height permit and confirmed election workers.
• Aug. 11, 2026: The City Council approved $2.5 million in borrowing for city vehicles and school buses, rewrote the rules for vendors, food trucks, door-to-door sales and special events, raised conservation filing fees, and accepted a disputed $17,000 grant for 65 Rogers Street.
• July 28, 2026: The council approved special permits for a 40-unit apartment and retail building at 150 Main Street, the former Santander Bank site, accepted $400,815 in grants and donations, and heard an update on plans for the city-owned I4C2 waterfront lot.
• July 14, 2026: The council granted Applied Materials a special permit for a taller building on Dory Road, approved $1,444,231.35 in year-end budget transfers, licensed a 225-car lot near Long Beach and accepted several grants, all 9 to 0.
• June 23, 2026: The council lengthened meter time on Pleasant Street to 4 hours, changed short-term parking on Main Street, accepted a $1,017,200 state paving grant and approved a preservation restriction on the historic Riggs House, all 8 to 0.
• June 16, 2026: The City Council adopted the city's FY27 budget, including a $55,778,897 school budget approved 8 to 1, and raised the water rate to $13.00 and the sewer rate to $22.01 per thousand gallons.
• June 9, 2026: Dozens of speakers at the FY27 budget hearing urged the council to fully fund the schools; the budget vote is set for June 16. The council also approved a new trash contract term and wrote off $725,495.53 in unpaid ambulance bills.
• May 26, 2026: The City Council passed a new demolition delay ordinance for buildings from 1899 or earlier on an 8 to 1 roll call, dropped the time limit for Mariners Medal nominations, and accepted a $300,000 housing award for 47 Washington Street.
• May 12, 2026: The council raised taxi fares, changed shellfish permit rules for kids and late applicants, moved $300,000 to special education and approved an Applied Materials expansion. Many speakers urged full school funding, and the council heard trash and library updates.
• May 5, 2026: Mayor Paul Lundberg presented his proposed FY27 budget, with total revenue of $178,690,650, and the City Council voted 9 to 0 to receive it and send it to the Budget & Finance Committee, starting a 45-day review.
• April 28, 2026: The City Council heard how Gloucester will pay for its $218 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade, created a tax title revolving fund, adopted a sustainable purchasing policy and accepted several grants and transfers.
• April 14, 2026: The council let the superintendent seek state help to replace Beeman and Plum Cove elementary schools, approved a six-unit housing permit on Sargent Street, reelected the city auditor and city clerk, and continued the demolition delay hearing to May 26.
• March 24, 2026: The council voted 7 to 1 against making Stillington Drive a public way, approved new parking limits on Hesperus Avenue and Castle Hill Road near Hammond Castle, and moved free cash to pay for two special elections.
• March 10, 2026: The council approved a $3.32 million loan order to repair St. Peter's Landing & Marina, split $4.1 million in free cash among city savings funds, and granted a permit for three affordable Habitat for Humanity homes at 47 Washington Street.
• Feb. 25, 2026: The council approved 10 Community Preservation Act grants for history, housing and recreation, granted a special permit for a 10-unit building on Friend Street, named Gloucester a Purple Heart Community and approved a long water treatment contract.
• Feb. 10, 2026: The council unanimously rejected rezoning 25 East Gloucester lots from Marine Industrial to Neighborhood Business, set fees for city electric vehicle chargers, accepted $80,000 in state grants and reappointed three senior city staff.
• Jan. 28, 2026: The City Council accepted a $125,000 state grant for fire radio service, approved an opioid abatement agreement with Rockport and Ipswich, moved money to cover trash strike overtime and adopted its rules for the 2026/2027 term.
• Jan. 13, 2026: The new council approved a 145-foot cell tower at 50 New Way Lane that will also carry city emergency equipment, accepted $245,970.46 in donations for the police Community Impact Unit, and heard the mayor's goals for education, housing and finances.
• Jan. 1, 2026: At the inauguration, Mayor Paul Lundberg, nine city councilors and the School Committee took office. The council elected Tony Gross president and Sean Nolan vice president, and the School Committee chose Kathleen Clancy as chair.
• Dec. 9, 2025: The Gloucester City Council made Hammond Street resident sticker parking only in summer daytime hours, gave short-term rentals until April 30 to pay 2025 fees, refused to withdraw a waterfront rezoning, and accepted several police and senior grants.
• Nov. 25, 2025: The council kept the business tax shift at 1.03 for fiscal 2026, lowered the trigger for required affordable housing from six units to four, and let beer and wine license holders convert to full liquor licenses.
• Oct. 28, 2025: The council approved $1 million in borrowing for 0% septic loans, set a one-year residency rule for appointed boards, 8 to 1, approved a 10-year YMCA lease for the police Community Impact Unit and sought a 15 mph Burnham Street limit.
• Oct. 14, 2025: The council adopted the warrant for the Nov. 4, 2025, city election, moved stabilization money to replace the senior center generator and grease trap and fix city buildings, accepted a $96,856.26 state 911 training grant and approved a four-unit conversion at 23 Dale Ave.
• Sept. 23, 2025: The council banned cryptocurrency kiosks in Gloucester to fight scams, accepted a $1 million state grant for the Haskell Pond Dam repair and a $600,000 public health grant, and withdrew two traffic changes for Kent Circle and Washington Street.
• Sept. 9, 2025: The council passed an emergency ban on cryptocurrency kiosks, citing scams that target seniors, repealed the Village Development Overlay District, approved two housing special permits and accepted state grants including $102,983 for 911 services.
• Aug. 26, 2025: The council asked state lawmakers to let Gloucester spend city money on permanent repairs to some private roads, approved a four-unit conversion at 23 Dale Ave. and confirmed an interim chief administrative officer.
• Aug. 12, 2025: The council reconsidered and again voted to end the three-year residency rule for Zoning Board of Appeals members, raised the O'Maley Middle School doors and windows loan to $6,610,000 and accepted a Colburn Street conservation restriction.
• July 22, 2025: The council dropped the three-year residency rule for Zoning Board of Appeals members, accepted a $684,282 federal block grant, heard the final new Comprehensive Plan and sent letters on the Republic Services trash strike.
• July 8, 2025: The Gloucester City Council heard how the city is coping with the Republic Services trash strike, closed out the FY2025 budget with $927,000 for a snow and ice deficit and $2,176,591 in transfers, and approved a Walker Street dog kennel and a Gould Court housing conversion.
• June 24, 2025: The council approved turning the former AMVETS building at 14 Prospect Street into seven apartments, raised dog license and mooring fees, and added a food truck spot with one-hour parking at Stage Fort Park.
• June 17, 2025: At a special meeting, the Gloucester City Council adopted the FY2026 budget, including $147,473,433 in General Fund spending and $54,228,897 for schools, and raised water rates 5% and sewer rates 2%.
• June 10, 2025: The council held its hearing on the Mayor's $147.4 million fiscal 2026 budget, with a vote set for June 17, 2025. It tightened recreational shellfish limits, raised food permit fees and approved a $100,000 loan to repair Hesperus Avenue private ways.
• May 27, 2025: The council adopted the state law letting Gloucester set 25 mph limits in thickly settled areas, updated floodplain zoning for new FEMA maps, approved $450,000 for Central Fire Station repairs and rejected a change of use zoning amendment.
• May 13, 2025: The council set up a special education reserve fund with $750,000 from free cash, asked the state to lower speed limits on Dale Avenue and Hancock Street, adopted new ambulance billing rules and accepted a $2 million EPA sewer plant grant.
• May 6, 2025: At a special meeting, the mayor presented his proposed $147 million fiscal 2026 city budget, with a 5.32% increase for schools, and the council formally received it and sent it to the Budget and Finance Committee for review.
• April 22, 2025: The council voted to buy 2 Blackburn Drive, home of the preschool and school offices, for $4,050,000 within a $4.6 million loan, approved $968,000 in Community Preservation grants and split about $2.5 million in free cash among reserves and paving.
• April 8, 2025: The council changed the short-term rental ordinance so current registered rentals are exempt from the 120-day and one-unit limits without a three-year end date, but kept the 500-unit cap. It also approved turning the former Lanesville church at 964 Washington St. into four units.
• March 25, 2025: The council cut the rental registration fee to $30 per building, accepted an $8,898,744.60 FEMA grant to finish the Haskell Pond Dam, doubled certain property tax exemptions, and adopted a proclamation supporting transgender residents, all 9 to 0.
• March 11, 2025: The council raised trash bag fees for the first time since 2016, approved a new schedule of DPW and water and sewer fees, accepted three state grants and set early voting for the April 24, 2025, special election.
• Feb. 25, 2025: The council raised harbor fees, including a new $20 flat fee at Solomon Jacobs Landing, changed street sweeping parking rules, approved 24 apartments at 20 Main St. and rejected a request for a School Department management audit, 1 to 8.
• Feb. 11, 2025: The Gloucester City Council backed early voting and kept Vote by Mail for the April 24, 2025, special election, loosened the short-term rental limit for owners renting rooms in their homes, accepted a $154,050 state senior grant and set a March 25 hearing on demolition delay.
• Jan. 28, 2025: The council raised non-resident beach parking fees by $10, set an April 24, 2025, special election on the MBTA zoning referendum, set the Sept. 16, 2025, preliminary election and cut speed limits on Salt Island and Palfrey roads to 15 mph.
• Jan. 14, 2025: The Gloucester City Council accepted three $15,000 arts grants, honored a resident for rescuing neighbors from a fire, and sent a batch of mayoral appointments and ordinance changes on parking, beaches and short-term rentals to committees.