Rockport Select Board: topics across meetings

Appointments and elections

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Fall Town Meeting Articles A and B
  Article A pays a late $79.72 Fire Department bill. Article B makes five budget transfers, including $25,900 to DPW vehicle repairs and $25,000 to Board of Health agent wages.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Tentative 2027 and 2028 Town Meeting dates
  Annual Town Meeting is set for April 3, 2027 and April 1, 2028. Fall Town Meeting is set for Sept. 13, 2027 and Sept. 11, 2028. Dates stay tentative until warrants are issued.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee appointments
  The board filled seats on the Cultural Council and Rights of Way Committee for terms ending June 30, 2029, and named an Elder Affairs Coordinator for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Fall Town Meeting warrant issued
  The board placed articles A through G on the Sept. 14, 2026 Fall Town Meeting warrant and signed it. Zoning sign bylaw items are on hold until spring.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Tenant member named to Housing Authority
  The board appointed a tenant member to the Rockport Housing Authority for a term ending June 30, 2029.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 3 to 0, 1 abstaining. Zoning board member not reappointed
  The board voted not to reappoint a Zoning Board of Appeals member to a term ending June 30, 2031. One member recused and one abstained.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including position adjustments, donations to the comfort dog program and Harbor Department, and election officials. Approval of one set of minutes was moved to the next meeting.
• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Sept. 1 state primary warrant issued
  The board approved and issued the warrant for the Sept. 1, 2026 state primary election.
• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Federal BRIC grant for Thatcher Road returned
  The board voted to turn back the BRIC grant for the Thatcher Road corridor. The same culvert design work is already funded by Town Meeting and the state, and federal rules would complicate it.
• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Fall Town Meeting articles placed
  All discussed articles go on the draft Sept. 14, 2026 Fall Town Meeting warrant, and the Town Administrator will prepare a final warrant for the board to issue.
• July 21, 2026: Appointed Roll call 5 to 0. Board of Health, Conservation and Historical posts
  The board made two Board of Health reappointments and one Conservation Commission reappointment, all to June 30, 2029, and appointed a new Historical Commission member through June 30, 2029.
• July 21, 2026: Appointed Roll call 4 to 1. DPW Commission and Historical alternate
  Two DPW Commission members were reappointed and a Historical Commission alternate named, each 4 to 1. The member voting no said the board should either eliminate DPW commissioners or find ways they can better serve the town.
• July 21, 2026: Tabled Roll call 5 to 0. Zoning Board of Appeals reappointment held
  A motion to reappoint a Zoning Board of Appeals member for a term to 2031 was rescinded after a member raised a possible issue. It will be revisited later.
• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Election workers for 2026 to 2027
  The board approved election workers for the 2026 to 2027 cycle as recommended by the Board of Registrars.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Affordable Housing Trust member
  The board appointed a new trustee to the Rockport Affordable Housing Trust for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee reappointments
  Members were appointed to the Granite Pier, Memorial Day Parade, Millbrook Meadow, Thacher and Straitsmouth Island, Town Art, and Traffic Safety and Parking committees for terms ending June 30, 2027.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Longer term appointments
  Members were appointed to the Council on Aging, Finance Committee, Rights of Way Committee and Cultural Council for terms ending June 30, 2029.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 4 to 1. Conservation Commission members
  Three members were appointed to the Conservation Commission for terms ending June 30, 2029.
• May 5, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Full-time police officer
  The board appointed a current department dispatcher and reserve officer as a full-time police officer, effective May 6, 2026.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Local election warrant
  The board approved and issued the warrant for the May 19 annual local election. All seats are filled and the ballot is uncontested.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Police assignments for election
  The board ratified the police officers assigned to the local election, as state law requires.
• May 5, 2026: Adopted 5 to 0. Board membership policy changes
  Members must answer a renewal inquiry within 30 days or will not be reappointed, and new appointees must be sworn in within 30 days. The change takes effect immediately.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Early in-person voting schedule
  Early voting for the 2026 Annual Town Election will be May 12 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and May 13 and 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• April 21, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Board of Registrars reappointment
  On the Town Clerk's recommendation, the board reappointed a member to the Board of Registrars for a term ending April 15, 2029.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, seasonal staff appointments, a Rotary Club reading of the Declaration of Independence in Dock Square and EMS Day on T-Wharf on May 16.

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Town property and projects

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Water main contract to N. Granese & Sons
  The board awarded the water main replacement base bid and alternate for the Great Hill water pressure and Marmion Way projects. Phillips Avenue will not be included.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Fall Town Meeting Articles A and B
  Article A pays a late $79.72 Fire Department bill. Article B makes five budget transfers, including $25,900 to DPW vehicle repairs and $25,000 to Board of Health agent wages.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Old dump truck declared surplus
  DPW may scrap Unit 64, a Chevy C7500 dump truck the town said is very old and in very poor condition.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, a Garden Club tree donation for Granite Pier, closing out Weston & Sampson engineering costs for the DPW facility, a part-time health agent and a Long Beach lease transfer. A second lease transfer was held.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Town Hall supplemental borrowing
  The board recommended Article F for more borrowing to cover rising Town Hall renovation costs, including asbestos and lead work, windows, HVAC and electrical upgrades.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. National Grid anchor and push brace
  After a public hearing, National Grid may install a new anchor and push brace on Main Street and South Street as part of rebuilding 1.77 miles of a power circuit. The company said no outage is expected.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. License for air rights at 69R Main Street
  The board approved a license, drafted by Town Counsel, letting the building use town property air rights, with an annual fee, so its owners can replace two rear decks and renovate.
• June 30, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Illuminations night on Aug. 8
  The board approved fireworks at 9 p.m. from Granite Pier, paper lanterns on town property from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21, park activities and a beer garden open 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with strict ID and fencing rules.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee reappointments
  Members were appointed to the Granite Pier, Memorial Day Parade, Millbrook Meadow, Thacher and Straitsmouth Island, Town Art, and Traffic Safety and Parking committees for terms ending June 30, 2027.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Consent agenda
  Included a Thatcher Road water tank cell antenna lease with a higher lease amount, a Water Treatment Plant HVAC contract with Araujo Brothers Plumbing & Heating, a police dispatcher, a parking control officer, summer counselors and minutes.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Old paving machine to be scrapped
  The consent agenda declared the town's Leeboy paving box surplus. It can no longer be repaired, parts are unavailable, and it will be scrapped.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, a family transfer of the 50 Long Beach lease, gifts of a bench and a tree for Millbrook Meadow and the DPW inventory and supply bid. The board then adjourned.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Surplus school van and fire gear
  An unsafe 2006 F-350 school van will be scrapped by the DPW. Eight sets of expired fire gear will be donated to a group that reuses such gear in other countries.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Yankee Clipper Inn license, with a condition
  The inn's outdoor entertainment license was approved as submitted, subject to written confirmation from the building inspector that there are no violations, after a resident questioned lighting on its sign.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations and the purchase and sale of a Long Beach property.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 0. Coastal wastewater study contract awarded
  Tetra Tech will study how sewer lines and other wastewater systems near the coast, such as in Dock Square, could be hurt by coastal hazards and what can fix the problem spots.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Support for seasonal community articles
  The board recommended Article L, the seasonal community designation, and Article M, a six-month minimum lease for protected ADUs. It took no stance on Article N, the backup if L fails.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and two contracts
  The consent agenda included prior minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, a geotechnical survey contract for the Housing Trust's Main Street property and a design and permitting contract for dredging Old Harbor.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. FY27 free cash spending plan
  The board approved the recommended uses of certified general free cash of $2,949,447, including $1,309,347 for capital requests and deposits to savings, roads, buildings, climate, retiree health, snow and ice, and charities accounts.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  Approved the consent agenda, including minutes, use of T-Wharf for the Motif #1 Day 5K, and an HGAC Buy cooperative purchasing contract.
• Jan. 20, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Town to seek Seasonal Community status
  The town will work toward the state's Seasonal Community designation. Planners said it would let Rockport bring back a six-month minimum lease for new accessory dwelling units.
• Jan. 20, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda included minutes, a paving contract for various roads to Nocella Landscaping and Paving and an electrical maintenance contract to Daigle Electrical Construction Corp.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. NV5 hired to design Town Hall renovation
  After narrowing many proposals to four and then two, the board approved a design services contract with NV5 for the Town Hall renovation, which uses three funding sources.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Denied 5 to 0. No year-round water at Long Beach lease for now
  The board voted not to approve year-round water at a seasonal Long Beach leased property until it consults Town Counsel. Members said leases require the annual shutoff and the sewer agreement with Gloucester does not allow it.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and agreements
  The consent agenda included minutes, sale of a 2023 Ford E-450 ambulance to New England Fire Equipment & Apparatus Corporation, an opioid abatement agreement with Gloucester and Ipswich, and donations to the comfort dog program and Transfer Station.

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Budget and taxes

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. New Granite Pier boat storage rules and fees
  Boats and trailers on the upper pier overnight need written permission and cost $100 a night. Boats moved up or left in summer slots after Sept. 15 face $100 a day, and police may ticket and tow.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Fall Town Meeting Articles A and B
  Article A pays a late $79.72 Fire Department bill. Article B makes five budget transfers, including $25,900 to DPW vehicle repairs and $25,000 to Board of Health agent wages.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, a Garden Club tree donation for Granite Pier, closing out Weston & Sampson engineering costs for the DPW facility, a part-time health agent and a Long Beach lease transfer. A second lease transfer was held.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Community Preservation articles
  The board recommended Articles D and E: the yearly transfers into Community Preservation funds and nine projects voted forward by the Community Preservation Committee.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Town Hall supplemental borrowing
  The board recommended Article F for more borrowing to cover rising Town Hall renovation costs, including asbestos and lead work, windows, HVAC and electrical upgrades.
• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Federal BRIC grant for Thatcher Road returned
  The board voted to turn back the BRIC grant for the Thatcher Road corridor. The same culvert design work is already funded by Town Meeting and the state, and federal rules would complicate it.
• June 2, 2026: Failed Motion failed, no tally recorded. Funeral parking exemption with $20 fee
  A motion to exempt funerals and memorial services for up to six spaces, then charge $20 per space after that, failed.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Year-end budget transfers
  Transfers cover library and police requests, including meter maintenance fees and a new fingerprint machine, and moving health insurance money to fire and auto insurance lines after policy changes.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, a family transfer of the 50 Long Beach lease, gifts of a bench and a tree for Millbrook Meadow and the DPW inventory and supply bid. The board then adjourned.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Sale of town bonds and notes
  The board approved selling $7,905,000 in bonds dated May 7, 2026, to Raymond James & Associates for $8,523,700.07, and $7,335,000 in 3.50 percent notes to Jefferies LLC with a $54,645.75 premium.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor music license for Fleur Cuisine Harborside
  The board granted the restaurant's outdoor entertainment license as submitted after a public hearing.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor dining program for 2026
  The program returns through Oct. 30, 2026, for the three restaurants that take part. Fees are $750, $1,000 or $1,250 for the space of one, two or three parking spaces. No new locations were allowed.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Short-term rental fee money to housing trust
  The board moved the balance of the short-term rental Community Impact Fee account, about $35,000, to the Affordable Housing Trust, which plans to hold it in reserve.
• March 31, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Stance on $30,000 snow and ice transfer
  The board voted to take a stance on moving $30,000 from health insurance to snow and ice for the Town Meeting booklet. The minutes do not say whether it recommended the transfer.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 0. Annual Town Meeting warrant signed
  The board approved and signed the warrant for the April 11, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. One article on the senior tax work off program was pulled after town counsel raised concerns.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Support for tax relief articles
  The board recommended Assessors articles F, G, H and I. One raises an exemption from $500 to $1,000 and lowers the eligibility age from 70 to 65. Others adjust tax deferral and tie an exemption to inflation.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Prior year bills and trust fund agent
  The board recommended Article II to pay bills from past fiscal years and Article 1 naming the town treasurer as trust fund agent.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Longer borrowing terms for three projects
  The board set useful lives of 15 years for elementary school classroom ventilators, 10 years for emergency communications equipment and 20 years for wastewater and sewer work. The default is 5 years.
• March 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Articles placed on Town Meeting warrant
  The board placed all reviewed articles on the April 11, 2026 warrant and told the town administrator to prepare it. They include tax exemption changes, road acceptances, the seasonal community designation, ADU changes, water and a nonbinding citizen resolution.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. FY27 free cash spending plan
  The board approved the recommended uses of certified general free cash of $2,949,447, including $1,309,347 for capital requests and deposits to savings, roads, buildings, climate, retiree health, snow and ice, and charities accounts.
• Jan. 20, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Higher income limit for senior tax work off
  The board sent Town Meeting a proposal to raise the income cap from $25,000 to match the state circuit breaker limits of $75,000 for one person and $94,000 for two or more.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. NV5 hired to design Town Hall renovation
  After narrowing many proposals to four and then two, the board approved a design services contract with NV5 for the Town Hall renovation, which uses three funding sources.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Adopted 5 to 0. Updated buy recycled purchasing policy
  The board adopted the state template sustainable purchasing policy, which the town must follow to keep grants for the Transfer Station.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and agreements
  The consent agenda included minutes, sale of a 2023 Ford E-450 ambulance to New England Fire Equipment & Apparatus Corporation, an opioid abatement agreement with Gloucester and Ipswich, and donations to the comfort dog program and Transfer Station.
• Nov. 18, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Higher EV charging rates
  Town EV chargers will cost $0.55 per kilowatt hour with a $1 minimum once ChargePoint can program it. New taxes taken out of charging revenue cost the town a few hundred dollars.

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Licenses and permits

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. One-day alcohol license for St. Mary's fundraiser
  St. Mary's Church may hold its wine tasting fundraiser on Oct. 9, 2026 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. under the town's alcohol rules.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Fall Town Meeting warrant issued
  The board placed articles A through G on the Sept. 14, 2026 Fall Town Meeting warrant and signed it. Zoning sign bylaw items are on hold until spring.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Harvest Fest and one-day alcohol license
  The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Harvest Fest is set for Oct. 17, 2026, with an Oct. 18 rain date, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The beer garden may run noon to 5 p.m. under police, fire and other conditions.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. License for air rights at 69R Main Street
  The board approved a license, drafted by Town Counsel, letting the building use town property air rights, with an annual fee, so its owners can replace two rear decks and renovate.
• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Federal BRIC grant for Thatcher Road returned
  The board voted to turn back the BRIC grant for the Thatcher Road corridor. The same culvert design work is already funded by Town Meeting and the state, and federal rules would complicate it.
• July 21, 2026: Continued Unanimous. Outdoor display permits postponed
  The board put off outdoor display permits so it can review the policy and suggest changes.
• June 30, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. One-day wine license for theater gala
  Lanes Coven Theater Company may serve donated wine at its fundraising gala at Windhover Center for Performing Arts on July 18 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., subject to alcohol rules and a CORI check.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Parking lot license at 4 Mt. Pleasant St.
  A 20-space lot may be used for weekend overflow parking at least four times a year, with the Rotary Club renting it as a fundraiser.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. One-day alcohol license for Garden Club
  The Rockport Garden Club may serve donated alcohol at an artist reception June 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Rockport Art Association, subject to alcohol rules and a CORI check.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Parade vendor and sign
  As part of the July 4 approval, Gloucester Novelties will be the only vendor, and a parade sign may be posted at the town entrance from June 13 to July 6, 2026.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Far From the Tree farmers market license
  Far From the Tree, LLC may serve alcohol at the Rockport Farmers Market from June 13 to Oct. 11, 2026, subject to alcohol rules and a CORI check.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. 1634 Meadery farmers market license
  1634 Meadery may sell mead at the Rockport Farmers Market on market dates, subject to alcohol rules and a CORI check.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Roy Moore's all-alcohol license
  K&K Inc., doing business as Roy Moore's, may convert its seasonal beer and wine license to all alcohol, subject to inspections, a CORI check, fees and state ABCC approval. One member recused himself.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor music license for Fleur Cuisine Harborside
  The board granted the restaurant's outdoor entertainment license as submitted after a public hearing.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor music license for My Place by the Sea
  The license covers Wednesday events from May 20 to Aug. 26, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., plus Illumination Night on Aug. 8, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Golf club outdoor entertainment license
  After a public hearing, the Rockport Golf Club's outdoor entertainment license was renewed for music nights, special events and an Oktoberfest. One member abstained.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Yankee Clipper Inn license, with a condition
  The inn's outdoor entertainment license was approved as submitted, subject to written confirmation from the building inspector that there are no violations, after a resident questioned lighting on its sign.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor music license for Emerson Inn
  After a public hearing, Emerson Inn by the Sea received an outdoor entertainment license for music on its veranda and patio, for brunch, evening events and four weddings this year.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor music license for The Hideaway
  The Hideaway at Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge may play background music until 9:15 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Illumination Night and the Fourth of July.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 3 to 0, 2 abstaining. Seasonal liquor license renewals
  The board renewed 2026 seasonal alcohol licenses for Little Sister, Rockport Golf Club, Roy Moore Lobster Company and The Hideaway, subject to full compliance with the town's alcohol rules.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and two contracts
  The consent agenda included prior minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, a geotechnical survey contract for the Housing Trust's Main Street property and a design and permitting contract for dredging Old Harbor.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Short-term rental regulations
  The final rules take effect April 1, 2026, for the first year. The license fee was raised to cover inspections and training. Notices will go to owners on the state Department of Revenue list.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Windhover outdoor entertainment license
  After a public hearing, the board approved Windhover's outdoor entertainment license, subject to police, fire, health and inspectional services requirements.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. NV5 hired to design Town Hall renovation
  After narrowing many proposals to four and then two, the board approved a design services contract with NV5 for the Town Hall renovation, which uses three funding sources.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Holiday festivities downtown
  Approved horse-drawn carriage rides Dec. 13, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m., lit trees in Harvey Park Dec. 3 to 29, and a food truck and fire pit on six December days from 2 to 5 p.m., with fire safety rules.

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Public safety

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. New Granite Pier boat storage rules and fees
  Boats and trailers on the upper pier overnight need written permission and cost $100 a night. Boats moved up or left in summer slots after Sept. 15 face $100 a day, and police may ticket and tow.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Fall Town Meeting Articles A and B
  Article A pays a late $79.72 Fire Department bill. Article B makes five budget transfers, including $25,900 to DPW vehicle repairs and $25,000 to Board of Health agent wages.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Harvest Fest and one-day alcohol license
  The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Harvest Fest is set for Oct. 17, 2026, with an Oct. 18 rain date, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The beer garden may run noon to 5 p.m. under police, fire and other conditions.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Police assignments for state primary
  The board approved police officers assigned to the polls for the Sept. 1, 2026 state primary and let the police chief substitute officers with written notice.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Consent agenda
  Included a Thatcher Road water tank cell antenna lease with a higher lease amount, a Water Treatment Plant HVAC contract with Araujo Brothers Plumbing & Heating, a police dispatcher, a parking control officer, summer counselors and minutes.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Year-end budget transfers
  Transfers cover library and police requests, including meter maintenance fees and a new fingerprint machine, and moving health insurance money to fire and auto insurance lines after policy changes.
• May 5, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Full-time police officer
  The board appointed a current department dispatcher and reserve officer as a full-time police officer, effective May 6, 2026.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Rockport Music On the Town event
  A free day of music on July 11, 2026, at five spots around town, with circus music shows on Millbrook Meadow. The Police Chief will set parking arrangements.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Police assignments for election
  The board ratified the police officers assigned to the local election, as state law requires.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, seasonal staff appointments, a Rotary Club reading of the Declaration of Independence in Dock Square and EMS Day on T-Wharf on May 16.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Acoustic Festival at Millbrook Meadow
  The festival was approved for Aug. 9, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., subject to police, fire, health, DPW and inspectional rules. Music runs noon to 6 p.m., with Old Sloop Hall as a rain site.
• April 7, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Retiring sergeant named special police officer
  A retiring police sergeant with more than 31 years of service was appointed special police officer effective April 16, 2026 through June 30, 2026, subject to keeping state POST certification.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Music at the Beach concerts
  The board approved the 2026 Music at the Beach summer concert series dates. The police chief raised no issues.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, donations to the Fire Department and comfort dog program, and a per diem dispatcher appointment.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Motif #1 Day and beer tent
  The Chamber of Commerce event is set for May 16, 2026, with a May 17 rain date, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., mostly in Harvey Park. The beer tent may run noon to 5 p.m. under police and safety rules.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Longer borrowing terms for three projects
  The board set useful lives of 15 years for elementary school classroom ventilators, 10 years for emergency communications equipment and 20 years for wastewater and sewer work. The default is 5 years.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Special election warrant and police assignments
  The board issued the warrant for the March 31, 2026 Special State Election and approved police officers for the polls, letting the chief substitute officers with written notice.
• March 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Police assignments for special primary
  The board ratified police officer assignments for the March 3, 2026 special state primary election.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Police details for 2026 elections
  The Police Chief will fill police details for elections on March 3, March 31, May 19, Sept. 1 and Nov. 3. The board will approve final assignments.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Windhover outdoor entertainment license
  After a public hearing, the board approved Windhover's outdoor entertainment license, subject to police, fire, health and inspectional services requirements.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. YuKan Run 2026 road race schedule
  The board approved the 2026 YuKan road races, the series' 15th year. Runners must stay to the side of the road, signs must come down within four hours, and the police chief may stop a race if unsafe.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Dogtown Trail Race on June 7
  The Cape Ann Trail Stewards may hold the 5.4-mile Dogtown Trail Race on Sunday, June 7, starting near the water tower at the top of Summit Avenue, subject to police, forest fire and DPW rules.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and agreements
  The consent agenda included minutes, sale of a 2023 Ford E-450 ambulance to New England Fire Equipment & Apparatus Corporation, an opioid abatement agreement with Gloucester and Ipswich, and donations to the comfort dog program and Transfer Station.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Christmas in Rockport
  The Chamber's events were approved: Holiday Shopping Night Dec. 5, 2025, Santa's arrival Dec. 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. with the tree lighting, and the Christmas pageant Dec. 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. The police chief will set road and parking needs.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, part two of an agreement with police union MCOP Local 154 and renewal of the veterans district agreement.

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Harbor and waterfront

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. New Granite Pier boat storage rules and fees
  Boats and trailers on the upper pier overnight need written permission and cost $100 a night. Boats moved up or left in summer slots after Sept. 15 face $100 a day, and police may ticket and tow.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Rebuild of 89 Long Beach home
  Owners may tear down and rebuild the home as a two-story house raised to FEMA flood levels on the same footprint, following Long Beach rules.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, a Garden Club tree donation for Granite Pier, closing out Weston & Sampson engineering costs for the DPW facility, a part-time health agent and a Long Beach lease transfer. A second lease transfer was held.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Sept. 11 ceremony moves to Legion grounds
  The annual 9/11 remembrance will be held at the Back Beach gazebo and American Legion grounds on Beach Street at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Extra Music at the Beach concert
  An added Music at the Beach concert was approved for Aug. 31, 2026.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including position adjustments, donations to the comfort dog program and Harbor Department, and election officials. Approval of one set of minutes was moved to the next meeting.
• June 30, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Illuminations night on Aug. 8
  The board approved fireworks at 9 p.m. from Granite Pier, paper lanterns on town property from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21, park activities and a beer garden open 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with strict ID and fencing rules.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee reappointments
  Members were appointed to the Granite Pier, Memorial Day Parade, Millbrook Meadow, Thacher and Straitsmouth Island, Town Art, and Traffic Safety and Parking committees for terms ending June 30, 2027.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. July 4 parade, bonfire and bake sale
  The Rockport Firemen's Association may hold a June 20 bake sale at Dock Square and the July 4 parade, stepping off at 6 p.m. and ending with a bonfire at Back Beach, subject to safety details.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, a family transfer of the 50 Long Beach lease, gifts of a bench and a tree for Millbrook Meadow and the DPW inventory and supply bid. The board then adjourned.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor music license for Fleur Cuisine Harborside
  The board granted the restaurant's outdoor entertainment license as submitted after a public hearing.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, seasonal staff appointments, a Rotary Club reading of the Declaration of Independence in Dock Square and EMS Day on T-Wharf on May 16.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations and the purchase and sale of a Long Beach property.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 0. Coastal wastewater study contract awarded
  Tetra Tech will study how sewer lines and other wastewater systems near the coast, such as in Dock Square, could be hurt by coastal hazards and what can fix the problem spots.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Music at the Beach concerts
  The board approved the 2026 Music at the Beach summer concert series dates. The police chief raised no issues.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and two contracts
  The consent agenda included prior minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, a geotechnical survey contract for the Housing Trust's Main Street property and a design and permitting contract for dredging Old Harbor.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Denied 5 to 0. No year-round water at Long Beach lease for now
  The board voted not to approve year-round water at a seasonal Long Beach leased property until it consults Town Counsel. Members said leases require the annual shutoff and the sewer agreement with Gloucester does not allow it.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Consent agenda
  Approved items included a donation to the Affordable Housing Trust, a lease address change for 21 Long Beach, a Council on Aging fitness class fee increase and an annual audit services contract. Minutes were held for editing.
• Nov. 18, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Long Beach seawall engineering contract
  GZA will provide engineering for repairs at two spots on the Long Beach seawall damaged in the March 2018 disaster. FEMA has obligated the project, which has a February 2026 deadline the town expects to extend.
• Oct. 21, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog program donations and a name change on a Long Beach lease.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Back Community Preservation articles
  The board recommended the CPC report, the required fund transfers and nine projects, including $409,200 for the Granite Pier boat ramp area and $200,000 for Thacher and Straitsmouth islands.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, Long Beach lease and address items, artwork donations, a Garden Club tree for Millbrook Meadow, an interim managing accountant and a planning and zoning assistant.
• July 29, 2025: Adopted 5 to 0. Granite Pier trailer storage rules
  The board approved Granite Pier Committee rule changes for boat trailer storage at the Granite Pier and the Transfer Station, aimed at people abandoning boats.
• July 29, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Oversize sign for All Dough
  All Dough at 23 Dock Square may put up an oversize sign, the same size as the prior business's sign.
• July 29, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, seasonal hires, year-end transfers, the sale of a 1984 Boston Whaler to the high bidder, a Long Beach lease transfer and a meeting support clerk.

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Arts, culture and events

• Sept. 1, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee appointments
  The board filled seats on the Cultural Council and Rights of Way Committee for terms ending June 30, 2029, and named an Elder Affairs Coordinator for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, a Garden Club tree donation for Granite Pier, closing out Weston & Sampson engineering costs for the DPW facility, a part-time health agent and a Long Beach lease transfer. A second lease transfer was held.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. National Grid anchor and push brace
  After a public hearing, National Grid may install a new anchor and push brace on Main Street and South Street as part of rebuilding 1.77 miles of a power circuit. The company said no outage is expected.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Extra Music at the Beach concert
  An added Music at the Beach concert was approved for Aug. 31, 2026.
• July 21, 2026: Appointed Roll call 5 to 0. Board of Health, Conservation and Historical posts
  The board made two Board of Health reappointments and one Conservation Commission reappointment, all to June 30, 2029, and appointed a new Historical Commission member through June 30, 2029.
• July 21, 2026: Appointed Roll call 4 to 1. DPW Commission and Historical alternate
  Two DPW Commission members were reappointed and a Historical Commission alternate named, each 4 to 1. The member voting no said the board should either eliminate DPW commissioners or find ways they can better serve the town.
• June 30, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. One-day wine license for theater gala
  Lanes Coven Theater Company may serve donated wine at its fundraising gala at Windhover Center for Performing Arts on July 18 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., subject to alcohol rules and a CORI check.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee reappointments
  Members were appointed to the Granite Pier, Memorial Day Parade, Millbrook Meadow, Thacher and Straitsmouth Island, Town Art, and Traffic Safety and Parking committees for terms ending June 30, 2027.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Longer term appointments
  Members were appointed to the Council on Aging, Finance Committee, Rights of Way Committee and Cultural Council for terms ending June 30, 2029.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. One-day alcohol license for Garden Club
  The Rockport Garden Club may serve donated alcohol at an artist reception June 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Rockport Art Association, subject to alcohol rules and a CORI check.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. July 4 parade, bonfire and bake sale
  The Rockport Firemen's Association may hold a June 20 bake sale at Dock Square and the July 4 parade, stepping off at 6 p.m. and ending with a bonfire at Back Beach, subject to safety details.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Parade vendor and sign
  As part of the July 4 approval, Gloucester Novelties will be the only vendor, and a parade sign may be posted at the town entrance from June 13 to July 6, 2026.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Old paving machine to be scrapped
  The consent agenda declared the town's Leeboy paving box surplus. It can no longer be repaired, parts are unavailable, and it will be scrapped.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Rockport Music On the Town event
  A free day of music on July 11, 2026, at five spots around town, with circus music shows on Millbrook Meadow. The Police Chief will set parking arrangements.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor dining program for 2026
  The program returns through Oct. 30, 2026, for the three restaurants that take part. Fees are $750, $1,000 or $1,250 for the space of one, two or three parking spaces. No new locations were allowed.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Acoustic Festival at Millbrook Meadow
  The festival was approved for Aug. 9, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., subject to police, fire, health, DPW and inspectional rules. Music runs noon to 6 p.m., with Old Sloop Hall as a rain site.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Music at the Beach concerts
  The board approved the 2026 Music at the Beach summer concert series dates. The police chief raised no issues.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Motif #1 Day and beer tent
  The Chamber of Commerce event is set for May 16, 2026, with a May 17 rain date, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., mostly in Harvey Park. The beer tent may run noon to 5 p.m. under police and safety rules.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Animal inspector nominated
  The board nominated the town's animal inspector and sent the nomination to the state Department of Agricultural Resources.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Rockport Music gala at Millbrook Meadow
  Rockport Music may hold its annual summer gala at the meadow and keep the tent up until the following Monday for a free family concert featuring students and local musicians.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, part two of an agreement with police union MCOP Local 154 and renewal of the veterans district agreement.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. New Year's Eve event
  Rockport's New Year's Eve event on Dec. 31, 2025, was approved, subject to town department rules. The police chief will set parking and road closures. Buttons cost $25 per adult; children under 12 are free.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Board appointments
  The board appointed new members to the Finance Committee and the Town Art Committee, both through June 30, 2026, and reappointed four Council on Aging members.
• July 29, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Board and committee appointments
  The board named the town's representative to the Action Inc. board through June 30, 2026, and three members each to the Rights of Way Committee and Cultural Council through June 30, 2028.
• July 15, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Annual reappointments, part 3
  The board reappointed four Granite Pier Committee members and seven Thatcher and Straitsmouth Islands members to June 30, 2026, one Affordable Housing Trust trustee to June 30, 2027, and one Traffic Safety and Parking Committee member to June 30, 2026.

Showing the 25 newest of 37.

Roads and traffic

• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. National Grid anchor and push brace
  After a public hearing, National Grid may install a new anchor and push brace on Main Street and South Street as part of rebuilding 1.77 miles of a power circuit. The company said no outage is expected.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Sept. 11 ceremony moves to Legion grounds
  The annual 9/11 remembrance will be held at the Back Beach gazebo and American Legion grounds on Beach Street at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. License for air rights at 69R Main Street
  The board approved a license, drafted by Town Counsel, letting the building use town property air rights, with an annual fee, so its owners can replace two rear decks and renovate.
• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Federal BRIC grant for Thatcher Road returned
  The board voted to turn back the BRIC grant for the Thatcher Road corridor. The same culvert design work is already funded by Town Meeting and the state, and federal rules would complicate it.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee reappointments
  Members were appointed to the Granite Pier, Memorial Day Parade, Millbrook Meadow, Thacher and Straitsmouth Island, Town Art, and Traffic Safety and Parking committees for terms ending June 30, 2027.
• June 2, 2026: Failed Motion failed, no tally recorded. Funeral parking exemption with $20 fee
  A motion to exempt funerals and memorial services for up to six spaces, then charge $20 per space after that, failed.
• June 2, 2026: Adopted Roll call 4 to 0. Free parking spaces for funerals
  The board amended and readopted its Use of Parking Spaces Policy to give funerals and other end-of-life memorial services up to six free spaces. Selectperson Brackett abstained.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Consent agenda
  Included a Thatcher Road water tank cell antenna lease with a higher lease amount, a Water Treatment Plant HVAC contract with Araujo Brothers Plumbing & Heating, a police dispatcher, a parking control officer, summer counselors and minutes.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Parking lot license at 4 Mt. Pleasant St.
  A 20-space lot may be used for weekend overflow parking at least four times a year, with the Rotary Club renting it as a fundraiser.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Cape Ann Animal Aid walk Oct. 4
  Cape Ann Animal Aid may hold a fundraiser dog walk of about two and a half miles through Dogtown on Oct. 4, 2026, starting near the water tower off Summit Avenue, with parking at Evans Field.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Old paving machine to be scrapped
  The consent agenda declared the town's Leeboy paving box surplus. It can no longer be repaired, parts are unavailable, and it will be scrapped.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Rockport Music On the Town event
  A free day of music on July 11, 2026, at five spots around town, with circus music shows on Millbrook Meadow. The Police Chief will set parking arrangements.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Outdoor dining program for 2026
  The program returns through Oct. 30, 2026, for the three restaurants that take part. Fees are $750, $1,000 or $1,250 for the space of one, two or three parking spaces. No new locations were allowed.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Highview Road and Briny Way layout ordered
  The board recommended Article J and ordered the layout of Highview Road and Briny Way so Town Meeting can vote to make them public roads.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and two contracts
  The consent agenda included prior minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, a geotechnical survey contract for the Housing Trust's Main Street property and a design and permitting contract for dredging Old Harbor.
• March 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Articles placed on Town Meeting warrant
  The board placed all reviewed articles on the April 11, 2026 warrant and told the town administrator to prepare it. They include tax exemption changes, road acceptances, the seasonal community designation, ADU changes, water and a nonbinding citizen resolution.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Highview Road and Briny Way
  The board voted its intent to make Highview Road and Briny Way public ways and sent them to the Planning Board for a recommendation. Town Meeting has the final vote.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. FY27 free cash spending plan
  The board approved the recommended uses of certified general free cash of $2,949,447, including $1,309,347 for capital requests and deposits to savings, roads, buildings, climate, retiree health, snow and ice, and charities accounts.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. YuKan Run 2026 road race schedule
  The board approved the 2026 YuKan road races, the series' 15th year. Runners must stay to the side of the road, signs must come down within four hours, and the police chief may stop a race if unsafe.
• Jan. 20, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. LED streetlight conversion with National Grid
  The DPW will work with National Grid to upgrade town streetlights to LED. National Grid must set up samples of the light color options before the board picks one.
• Jan. 20, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda included minutes, a paving contract for various roads to Nocella Landscaping and Paving and an electrical maintenance contract to Daigle Electrical Construction Corp.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Crosswalk safety at Main and High
  The board approved ADA and safety upgrades at Main and High streets, including a flashing beacon and accessible push buttons for people with vision loss.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Christmas in Rockport
  The Chamber's events were approved: Holiday Shopping Night Dec. 5, 2025, Santa's arrival Dec. 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. with the tree lighting, and the Christmas pageant Dec. 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. The police chief will set road and parking needs.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. New Year's Eve event
  Rockport's New Year's Eve event on Dec. 31, 2025, was approved, subject to town department rules. The police chief will set parking and road closures. Buttons cost $25 per adult; children under 12 are free.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Harvest Fest and beer garden
  The Chamber's Harvest Fest downtown on Oct. 18, 2025, was approved with department rules. The fenced beer garden runs noon to 5 p.m. with ID checks, and the Police Chief sets parking and road closures.

Showing the 25 newest of 37.

Other

• July 21, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, and adjourned.
• June 2, 2026: Appointed Roll call 4 to 1. Board picks chair and vice chair
  Paul Murphy was elected chair and Donald Southard vice chair, each by a 4 to 1 roll call vote, with Selectperson Brackett voting no.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the rest of the consent agenda, then accepted the April 21 minutes after a member noted an error that did not change the outcome, and adjourned.
• April 29, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Executive session
  By roll call, the board went into executive session to discuss strategy on litigation and potential litigation. It did not return to open session, and the meeting adjourned at 3:49 p.m.
• April 21, 2026: Failed Fails 4 to 0 to 0; roll call 1 aye, 3 nay. Delaying the Fleur Cuisine hearing
  A motion to move the hearing to a later meeting so the owner could answer a neighbor's objections failed, and the board went ahead.
• March 31, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Routine business
  The board adjourned.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 1. Support for ad hoc water article
  The board recommended Article O, the annual ad hoc water article.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 1. No stance on citizen resolution
  The board voted to take no stance on Article P, a nonbinding citizen petition resolution.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Gallagher named insurance broker
  Gallagher was designated the town's insurance broker of record so it can seek price quotes for the town.
• Feb. 10, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Executive session
  By roll call, the board went into executive session to discuss litigation strategy and did not return to open session.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Response to Open Meeting Law complaint
  The board acknowledged an Open Meeting Law complaint tied to a Nov. 10, 2020 meeting and authorized the Town Administrator and Town Counsel to send a written response.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Annual Town Report goes digital
  Starting with the 2025 report, the Annual Town Report will be 8 1/2 by 11 inches, mainly digital with fewer printed copies, and each department and board must include at least three data points.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Executive session
  The board went into executive session to discuss potential litigation and did not return to open session.
• Nov. 18, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Employee and volunteer holiday party
  The party is Dec. 9, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Rockport Community House. Town offices will close at 4 p.m. that day.
• Nov. 18, 2025: Approved 4 to 1 abstention. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes and other routine items. Selectperson Evans abstained because of the April 29 minutes.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Support for Municipal Empowerment Act
  The board will send the Legislature a letter supporting the Municipal Empowerment Act, which would give towns new options they may choose to use.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Back other bylaw updates
  The board recommended Articles J and L through T, including removing a firearm discharge rule the attorney general flagged and an old ban on nude swimming.
• July 1, 2025: Continued No vote recorded. Two committee interviews postponed
  Interviews for a Finance Committee seat and a Thacher and Straitsmouth Islands Committee seat were moved to the next meeting.
• June 10, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Blue Lantern outdoor display
  The Blue Lantern may display goods outdoors as long as it fully follows the town's outdoor display policy and rules.
• June 3, 2025: Approved 4 to 0. Executive session
  The board went into executive session to discuss strategy for union negotiations and pending litigation, and did not return to open session.
• May 20, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Board officers elected
  Paul Murphy was elected chair and Don Southard vice chair of the Select Board.
• May 20, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, seasonal hires, the Rotary Club reading of the Declaration of Independence and other routine items.
• April 29, 2025: Approved Roll call 4 aye, chair not recorded. Outdoor display of goods
  Wicked Peacock, Soulstice, Gallery La Mer, Bean and Leaf Cafe, and Seaside Boutique & Beads may display goods outdoors, subject to the town's outdoor display policy.
• April 1, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Short-term rental bylaw article
  The board backed Article G, a short-term rental regulations bylaw that lets the town set fees for short-term rentals.
• April 1, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. 2026 pay schedules
  The board approved the 2026 staff compensation schedules, reflecting the cost of living raises in Article 4.

Showing the 25 newest of 30.

Health and human services

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Fall Town Meeting Articles A and B
  Article A pays a late $79.72 Fire Department bill. Article B makes five budget transfers, including $25,900 to DPW vehicle repairs and $25,000 to Board of Health agent wages.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Committee appointments
  The board filled seats on the Cultural Council and Rights of Way Committee for terms ending June 30, 2029, and named an Elder Affairs Coordinator for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, a Garden Club tree donation for Granite Pier, closing out Weston & Sampson engineering costs for the DPW facility, a part-time health agent and a Long Beach lease transfer. A second lease transfer was held.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Town Hall supplemental borrowing
  The board recommended Article F for more borrowing to cover rising Town Hall renovation costs, including asbestos and lead work, windows, HVAC and electrical upgrades.
• July 21, 2026: Appointed Roll call 5 to 0. Board of Health, Conservation and Historical posts
  The board made two Board of Health reappointments and one Conservation Commission reappointment, all to June 30, 2029, and appointed a new Historical Commission member through June 30, 2029.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Longer term appointments
  Members were appointed to the Council on Aging, Finance Committee, Rights of Way Committee and Cultural Council for terms ending June 30, 2029.
• June 30, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, donated replacement benches for the library courtyard and a gift for Council on Aging exercise programs.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Year-end budget transfers
  Transfers cover library and police requests, including meter maintenance fees and a new fingerprint machine, and moving health insurance money to fire and auto insurance lines after policy changes.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Acoustic Festival at Millbrook Meadow
  The festival was approved for Aug. 9, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., subject to police, fire, health, DPW and inspectional rules. Music runs noon to 6 p.m., with Old Sloop Hall as a rain site.
• March 31, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Stance on $30,000 snow and ice transfer
  The board voted to take a stance on moving $30,000 from health insurance to snow and ice for the Town Meeting booklet. The minutes do not say whether it recommended the transfer.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 0. Annual Town Meeting warrant signed
  The board approved and signed the warrant for the April 11, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. One article on the senior tax work off program was pulled after town counsel raised concerns.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. FY27 free cash spending plan
  The board approved the recommended uses of certified general free cash of $2,949,447, including $1,309,347 for capital requests and deposits to savings, roads, buildings, climate, retiree health, snow and ice, and charities accounts.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Windhover outdoor entertainment license
  After a public hearing, the board approved Windhover's outdoor entertainment license, subject to police, fire, health and inspectional services requirements.
• Jan. 20, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Higher income limit for senior tax work off
  The board sent Town Meeting a proposal to raise the income cap from $25,000 to match the state circuit breaker limits of $75,000 for one person and $94,000 for two or more.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and agreements
  The consent agenda included minutes, sale of a 2023 Ford E-450 ambulance to New England Fire Equipment & Apparatus Corporation, an opioid abatement agreement with Gloucester and Ipswich, and donations to the comfort dog program and Transfer Station.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Consent agenda
  Approved items included a donation to the Affordable Housing Trust, a lease address change for 21 Long Beach, a Council on Aging fitness class fee increase and an annual audit services contract. Minutes were held for editing.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, part two of an agreement with police union MCOP Local 154 and renewal of the veterans district agreement.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Board appointments
  The board appointed new members to the Finance Committee and the Town Art Committee, both through June 30, 2026, and reappointed four Council on Aging members.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Police sergeant and Council on Aging member
  On the Police Chief's recommendation, the board promoted an officer to sergeant effective Oct. 1, 2025. It appointed a Council on Aging member for a term ending June 30, 2026.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including a Council on Aging Program Specialist appointment, and the Aug. 19 minutes.
• July 1, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Elder affairs and forest fire posts
  The board appointed an Elder Affairs Coordinator and a Forest Fire Warden, each for a term ending June 30, 2026.
• June 17, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, year-end transfers, a donation to the Council on Aging and other routine items.
• June 10, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Two Board of Health members
  The board appointed two new Board of Health members, one for a term ending June 30, 2026, and one for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• May 20, 2025: Appointed Roll call 5 to 0. Council on Aging director
  The board appointed the Council on Aging's program specialist as its new director, an at-will employee, effective May 21, 2025.
• May 20, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Fourth of July and teen event
  The board approved the Rockport Fireman's Association July 4 events and parade, and use of Evans Field for the YMCA and Gloucester Health Department teen summer send-off.

Showing the 25 newest of 27.

Open space and recreation

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. New Granite Pier boat storage rules and fees
  Boats and trailers on the upper pier overnight need written permission and cost $100 a night. Boats moved up or left in summer slots after Sept. 15 face $100 a day, and police may ticket and tow.
• June 30, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Illuminations night on Aug. 8
  The board approved fireworks at 9 p.m. from Granite Pier, paper lanterns on town property from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21, park activities and a beer garden open 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with strict ID and fencing rules.
• June 30, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, donated replacement benches for the library courtyard and a gift for Council on Aging exercise programs.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Year-end budget transfers
  Transfers cover library and police requests, including meter maintenance fees and a new fingerprint machine, and moving health insurance money to fire and auto insurance lines after policy changes.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Cape Ann Animal Aid walk Oct. 4
  Cape Ann Animal Aid may hold a fundraiser dog walk of about two and a half miles through Dogtown on Oct. 4, 2026, starting near the water tower off Summit Avenue, with parking at Evans Field.
• April 7, 2026: Approved 4 to 0. Golf club outdoor entertainment license
  After a public hearing, the Rockport Golf Club's outdoor entertainment license was renewed for music nights, special events and an Oktoberfest. One member abstained.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Motif #1 Day and beer tent
  The Chamber of Commerce event is set for May 16, 2026, with a May 17 rain date, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., mostly in Harvey Park. The beer tent may run noon to 5 p.m. under police and safety rules.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 3 to 0, 2 abstaining. Seasonal liquor license renewals
  The board renewed 2026 seasonal alcohol licenses for Little Sister, Rockport Golf Club, Roy Moore Lobster Company and The Hideaway, subject to full compliance with the town's alcohol rules.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Dogtown Trail Race on June 7
  The Cape Ann Trail Stewards may hold the 5.4-mile Dogtown Trail Race on Sunday, June 7, starting near the water tower at the top of Summit Avenue, subject to police, forest fire and DPW rules.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Holiday festivities downtown
  Approved horse-drawn carriage rides Dec. 13, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m., lit trees in Harvey Park Dec. 3 to 29, and a food truck and fire pit on six December days from 2 to 5 p.m., with fire safety rules.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Cider maker farmers market license
  Far From The Tree Cider, LLC may also sell at a one-day winter farmers market in a different spot from its Harvey Park license.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. State land purchase notice not waived
  The board acknowledged notice that the state Department of Conservation and Recreation may buy land next to Halibut Point State Park, and voted not to waive the 120-day public notice period.
• Sept. 3, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Fund transfers article
  The board recommended Article B, moving leftover money from police cruiser, tree, vehicle and Evans Field ramp accounts into master tree removal and master facilities accounts, including $16,455.60 and $10,000 from the Evans Field ramp.
• July 29, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Manning Park off the housing list
  The board removed Manning Park from consideration as an affordable housing site. Members noted a deed restriction limits the land to park or school use.
• July 29, 2025: Adopted 5 to 0. Granite Pier trailer storage rules
  The board approved Granite Pier Committee rule changes for boat trailer storage at the Granite Pier and the Transfer Station, aimed at people abandoning boats.
• June 3, 2025: Approved 3 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, a library donation, two Long Beach lease changes, seasonal hires and year-end transfers. The chair abstained because his family is donating to the library in honor of his late mother.
• May 20, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Fourth of July and teen event
  The board approved the Rockport Fireman's Association July 4 events and parade, and use of Evans Field for the YMCA and Gloucester Health Department teen summer send-off.
• April 29, 2025: Approved Roll call 3 aye, 1 abstained, chair not recorded. Rockport Golf Club outdoor music
  The club may host a singer and guitarist from 5 to 7 p.m. on one Friday each in June, July and August at its outdoor pavilion. One board member abstained.
• March 21, 2025: Approved Roll call 3 to 0. Seasonal liquor licenses renewed
  Little Sister, Rockport Golf Club, Roy Moore's Fish Shack and The Hideaway got 2025 seasonal alcohol renewals, subject to full compliance with town alcohol rules. The chair recused himself.
• Jan. 21, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Trail race and Motif No. 1 5K
  The Cape Ann Trail Stewards race moves to a Sunday date. The Motif No. 1 5K, in its 14th year, may use T-Wharf from 8:30 to 11 a.m., with the police chief setting road closures.
• Jan. 21, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes and a donation to the Rockport Library from an estate.
• Jan. 7, 2025: Approved 4 to 0. Shalin Liu gala at Millbrook Meadow
  Shalin Liu may use the meadow for its annual gala at a rate of $1,125, with Millbrook Meadow Committee conditions. The park may not be closed to others.

Housing and zoning

• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Fall Town Meeting warrant issued
  The board placed articles A through G on the Sept. 14, 2026 Fall Town Meeting warrant and signed it. Zoning sign bylaw items are on hold until spring.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Tenant member named to Housing Authority
  The board appointed a tenant member to the Rockport Housing Authority for a term ending June 30, 2029.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 3 to 0, 1 abstaining. Zoning board member not reappointed
  The board voted not to reappoint a Zoning Board of Appeals member to a term ending June 30, 2031. One member recused and one abstained.
• July 21, 2026: Tabled Roll call 5 to 0. Zoning Board of Appeals reappointment held
  A motion to reappoint a Zoning Board of Appeals member for a term to 2031 was rescinded after a member raised a possible issue. It will be revisited later.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. Affordable Housing Trust member
  The board appointed a new trustee to the Rockport Affordable Housing Trust for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Short-term rental fee money to housing trust
  The board moved the balance of the short-term rental Community Impact Fee account, about $35,000, to the Affordable Housing Trust, which plans to hold it in reserve.
• March 17, 2026: Appointed 5 to 0. New full member for zoning board
  A longtime associate member was appointed a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business and two contracts
  The consent agenda included prior minutes, position adjustments, comfort dog donations, a geotechnical survey contract for the Housing Trust's Main Street property and a design and permitting contract for dredging Old Harbor.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Consent agenda
  Approved items included a donation to the Affordable Housing Trust, a lease address change for 21 Long Beach, a Council on Aging fitness class fee increase and an annual audit services contract. Minutes were held for editing.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Adopted 5 to 0. Affordable Housing Trust strategic plan
  The board adopted the trust's five-year plan. Its main goal is to take one affordable housing project from idea to permitting and build a pipeline of future projects.
• Oct. 14, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Affordable Housing Trust declaration
  The board approved the Rockport Affordable Housing Trust's declaration of trust, which records the bylaw with the Registry of Deeds and Land Court. Nothing changes in how the trust works.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Back bylaw recodification
  The board recommended Articles F through I, which reorganize the general and zoning bylaws with changes that do not alter their meaning.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Back zoning articles
  The board recommended zoning Articles U, V and X in one vote and Article W in a separate vote. One article would bar turning first floor shops downtown into homes.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Appointed Roll call 5 to 0. Finance Committee and Housing Authority
  The board filled a Finance Committee seat through June 30, 2028, and a Housing Authority seat until the next local election.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, Long Beach lease and address items, artwork donations, a Garden Club tree for Millbrook Meadow, an interim managing accountant and a planning and zoning assistant.
• July 29, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Manning Park off the housing list
  The board removed Manning Park from consideration as an affordable housing site. Members noted a deed restriction limits the land to park or school use.
• July 15, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Annual reappointments, part 3
  The board reappointed four Granite Pier Committee members and seven Thatcher and Straitsmouth Islands members to June 30, 2026, one Affordable Housing Trust trustee to June 30, 2027, and one Traffic Safety and Parking Committee member to June 30, 2026.
• June 10, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Affordable Housing Trust member
  The board appointed a new trustee to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for a term ending June 30, 2027.
• May 20, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Affordable housing wetlands survey
  The board approved a contract with BSC Group for an ANRAD survey to identify wetlands and mark property for the Affordable Housing Trust.
• April 1, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Zoning articles on floodplain and ADUs
  The board endorsed Articles N, O and P. Two floodplain changes are required, and one lets an accessory dwelling unit be built anywhere a home is allowed.
• March 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. $107,000 to Affordable Housing Trust
  The board moved $107,000 from the short-term rental community impact fee affordable housing fund to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust for affordable housing uses.
• Feb. 18, 2025: Appointed 5 to 0. Zoning Board of Appeals associate member
  The board appointed an associate member with a zoning background to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2025.

Environment and climate

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Rebuild of 89 Long Beach home
  Owners may tear down and rebuild the home as a two-story house raised to FEMA flood levels on the same footprint, following Long Beach rules.
• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda covered minutes, a Garden Club tree donation for Granite Pier, closing out Weston & Sampson engineering costs for the DPW facility, a part-time health agent and a Long Beach lease transfer. A second lease transfer was held.
• July 21, 2026: Appointed Roll call 5 to 0. Board of Health, Conservation and Historical posts
  The board made two Board of Health reappointments and one Conservation Commission reappointment, all to June 30, 2029, and appointed a new Historical Commission member through June 30, 2029.
• June 30, 2026: Appointed 4 to 1. Conservation Commission members
  Three members were appointed to the Conservation Commission for terms ending June 30, 2029.
• May 12, 2026: Approved Roll call 4 to 0. Far From the Tree farmers market license
  Far From the Tree, LLC may serve alcohol at the Rockport Farmers Market from June 13 to Oct. 11, 2026, subject to alcohol rules and a CORI check.
• May 5, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, a family transfer of the 50 Long Beach lease, gifts of a bench and a tree for Millbrook Meadow and the DPW inventory and supply bid. The board then adjourned.
• Feb. 3, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. FY27 free cash spending plan
  The board approved the recommended uses of certified general free cash of $2,949,447, including $1,309,347 for capital requests and deposits to savings, roads, buildings, climate, retiree health, snow and ice, and charities accounts.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Holiday festivities downtown
  Approved horse-drawn carriage rides Dec. 13, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m., lit trees in Harvey Park Dec. 3 to 29, and a food truck and fire pit on six December days from 2 to 5 p.m., with fire safety rules.
• Nov. 18, 2025: Appointed Roll call 5 to 0. Conservation Commission member
  The board appointed a new member through June 30, 2026, who must finish state Conservation Commissioner certification within one year.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Christmas in Rockport
  The Chamber's events were approved: Holiday Shopping Night Dec. 5, 2025, Santa's arrival Dec. 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. with the tree lighting, and the Christmas pageant Dec. 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. The police chief will set road and parking needs.
• Nov. 4, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Cider maker farmers market license
  Far From The Tree Cider, LLC may also sell at a one-day winter farmers market in a different spot from its Harvey Park license.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. State land purchase notice not waived
  The board acknowledged notice that the state Department of Conservation and Recreation may buy land next to Halibut Point State Park, and voted not to waive the 120-day public notice period.
• Sept. 3, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Fund transfers article
  The board recommended Article B, moving leftover money from police cruiser, tree, vehicle and Evans Field ramp accounts into master tree removal and master facilities accounts, including $16,455.60 and $10,000 from the Evans Field ramp.
• Aug. 19, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda approved minutes, Long Beach lease and address items, artwork donations, a Garden Club tree for Millbrook Meadow, an interim managing accountant and a planning and zoning assistant.
• June 3, 2025: Approved 4 to 0. Farmers market cider license
  Far From the Tree, LLC may sell four-packs of cider cans to go on Rockport Farmers Market dates, subject to the alcohol rules and a successful CORI check.
• May 20, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Affordable housing wetlands survey
  The board approved a contract with BSC Group for an ANRAD survey to identify wetlands and mark property for the Affordable Housing Trust.
• May 20, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Long Beach home rebuild
  A Long Beach home may be rebuilt on the same footprint and raised out of the flood zone, subject to the Long Beach regulations and all permits.
• April 1, 2025: Failed Several votes, see minutes. No stance on Historic District solar petition
  Three motions failed: to take no stance, 2 to 3; to oppose, 2 to 2 with one abstaining; and to support, 1 to 3 with one abstaining. The article needs a two thirds vote at Town Meeting.
• April 1, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Budget transfers for Town Meeting
  The board backed Article I transfers, including $500,000 from free cash for facilities, $300,000 for roads, $100,000 for climate resiliency and $75,000 for snow and ice, plus several salary line shifts.
• April 1, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Zoning articles on floodplain and ADUs
  The board endorsed Articles N, O and P. Two floodplain changes are required, and one lets an accessory dwelling unit be built anywhere a home is allowed.

Water, sewer and utilities

• Sept. 1, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Water main contract to N. Granese & Sons
  The board awarded the water main replacement base bid and alternate for the Great Hill water pressure and Marmion Way projects. Phillips Avenue will not be included.
• Aug. 18, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Board backs Town Hall supplemental borrowing
  The board recommended Article F for more borrowing to cover rising Town Hall renovation costs, including asbestos and lead work, windows, HVAC and electrical upgrades.
• June 2, 2026: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Consent agenda
  Included a Thatcher Road water tank cell antenna lease with a higher lease amount, a Water Treatment Plant HVAC contract with Araujo Brothers Plumbing & Heating, a police dispatcher, a parking control officer, summer counselors and minutes.
• March 24, 2026: Approved 3 to 0. Coastal wastewater study contract awarded
  Tetra Tech will study how sewer lines and other wastewater systems near the coast, such as in Dock Square, could be hurt by coastal hazards and what can fix the problem spots.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Longer borrowing terms for three projects
  The board set useful lives of 15 years for elementary school classroom ventilators, 10 years for emergency communications equipment and 20 years for wastewater and sewer work. The default is 5 years.
• Jan. 20, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Routine business
  The consent agenda included minutes, a paving contract for various roads to Nocella Landscaping and Paving and an electrical maintenance contract to Daigle Electrical Construction Corp.
• Jan. 6, 2026: Denied 5 to 0. No year-round water at Long Beach lease for now
  The board voted not to approve year-round water at a seasonal Long Beach leased property until it consults Town Counsel. Members said leases require the annual shutoff and the sewer agreement with Gloucester does not allow it.
• Sept. 23, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Town electricity aggregation program
  The board approved the program as submitted. The recommended basic product gets 77% of its power from Massachusetts renewable sources on a 36-month term. Residents will be switched automatically and notified first.
• April 29, 2025: Approved Roll call 4 aye, chair not recorded. Sale of $1,075,000 in bond anticipation notes
  Notes at 4.25%, due May 8, 2026, went to Oppenheimer & Co. with a $5,005 premium. They cover a fire truck, Thatcher Road design, part of the $1.3 million Long Beach sea wall, and water and sewer work.
• Feb. 18, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Fiscal 2026 capital plan
  The board approved the Capital Improvement Planning Committee's recommendations and sent them to the Finance Committee. Borrowing includes $2,000,000 for roads, $2,500,000 each for water and wastewater systems and $2,000,000 for Great Hill water pressure.

Schools and education

• April 21, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Surplus school van and fire gear
  An unsafe 2006 F-350 school van will be scrapped by the DPW. Eight sets of expired fire gear will be donated to a group that reuses such gear in other countries.
• March 17, 2026: Approved 5 to 0. Longer borrowing terms for three projects
  The board set useful lives of 15 years for elementary school classroom ventilators, 10 years for emergency communications equipment and 20 years for wastewater and sewer work. The default is 5 years.
• Dec. 2, 2025: Approved Roll call 5 to 0. Rockport Music gala at Millbrook Meadow
  Rockport Music may hold its annual summer gala at the meadow and keep the tent up until the following Monday for a free family concert featuring students and local musicians.
• July 29, 2025: Approved 5 to 0. Manning Park off the housing list
  The board removed Manning Park from consideration as an affordable housing site. Members noted a deed restriction limits the land to park or school use.
• April 1, 2025: Approved Several votes, see minutes. Other Town Meeting articles backed
  The board recommended Articles II, 1, 3, A and B and the school revolving fund, Article K, each 5 to 0. It backed the Ad Hoc Water Committee article, Article Q, 4 to 1.
• Jan. 7, 2025: Adopted 4 to 0. Rodenticide policy
  The town banned a class of anticoagulant rat poisons on town property. These poisons also kill owls, foxes and other animals that eat poisoned rodents, and had been used at the schools.

All meetings

• Sept. 1, 2026: The board set $100 fees and police enforcement for boats left on the Granite Pier upper level after Sept. 15, awarded a water main contract to N. Granese & Sons, backed two Fall Town Meeting articles and set tentative 2027 and 2028 Town Meeting dates.
• Aug. 18, 2026: The board issued the Sept. 14 Fall Town Meeting warrant, backed nine Community Preservation projects and extra borrowing for the Town Hall renovation, approved Harvest Fest with a beer garden, and voted not to reappoint a Zoning Board of Appeals member.
• July 21, 2026: The board issued the Sept. 1 state primary warrant, turned back a federal BRIC grant for Thatcher Road because state money now covers the work, made several board appointments, and set articles for the Sept. 14 Fall Town Meeting.
• June 30, 2026: The Rockport Select Board heard how crews fixed the sewer force main breaks at Front Beach, approved the Aug. 8 Illuminations night plan with fireworks and a beer garden, and made annual appointments to town committees.
• June 2, 2026: The Rockport Select Board elected Paul Murphy as chair, changed its street parking policy so funerals and memorial services get up to six free spaces, and approved a water tank cell lease, a plant HVAC contract and year-end transfers.
• May 12, 2026: The board approved the Rockport Firemen's Association July 4 parade and bonfire, two farmers market alcohol licenses and an Oct. 4 Cape Ann Animal Aid walk in Dogtown, and heard the snow and ice deficit is down to just under $75,000.
• May 5, 2026: The Select Board let Roy Moore's switch to a seasonal all-alcohol license, hired a full-time police officer, approved Rockport Music's free On the Town event for July 11 and issued the warrant for the May 19 local election.
• April 29, 2026: The Select Board held a short remote meeting to go into executive session on litigation strategy and did not return to open session.
• April 21, 2026: The Select Board approved the sale of $7,905,000 in bonds and $7,335,000 in short-term notes, granted two outdoor entertainment licenses and renewed the outdoor dining program for 2026.
• April 7, 2026: The board renewed outdoor entertainment licenses for the Rockport Golf Club and the Yankee Clipper Inn, approved the Aug. 9 Acoustic Festival at Millbrook Meadow, made three appointments and reviewed readiness for Saturday's Annual Town Meeting.
• March 31, 2026: In a short morning meeting, the board took a position on a $30,000 transfer from health insurance to the snow and ice budget for the Annual Town Meeting booklet. Snow and ice costs this year reached $400,000.
• March 24, 2026: The board signed the April 11 Annual Town Meeting warrant and took stances on its articles, including senior tax relief, the seasonal community designation and two road acceptances. It also awarded a coastal wastewater study contract.
• March 17, 2026: The board approved outdoor music licenses for the Emerson Inn and The Hideaway, Motif #1 Day with a beer tent on May 16, seasonal liquor renewals, and longer borrowing terms for three town projects, and issued the March 31 special election warrant.
• March 3, 2026: The board placed articles on the April 11 Annual Town Meeting warrant, including senior tax relief and the seasonal community designation, and named a managing town accountant. It debated a land survey for affordable housing on upper Main Street.
• Feb. 10, 2026: The Select Board approved short-term rental regulations taking effect April 1, 2026, opened the Annual Town Meeting warrant, started the process to make Highview Road and Briny Way public streets, and set police details for five 2026 elections.
• Feb. 3, 2026: The Select Board approved a plan to use $2,949,447 in general free cash for savings, roads, buildings and capital needs, renewed Windhover's outdoor entertainment license, approved the YuKan road race schedule and heard winter storm and school updates.
• Jan. 20, 2026: The Select Board voted to seek a state Seasonal Community designation, backed raising the income limit for the senior tax work off program and told the DPW to work with National Grid on converting about 800 streetlights to LED.
• Jan. 6, 2026: The board hired NV5 to design the Town Hall renovation, declined to allow year-round water at a seasonal Long Beach leased property until Town Counsel weighs in, approved the June 7 Dogtown Trail Race and answered an Open Meeting Law complaint.
• Dec. 2, 2025: The Select Board approved holiday carriage rides and lit trees in Harvey Park, let Rockport Music keep its gala tent up for a free family concert, and switched the Annual Town Report to a mainly digital format starting in 2025.
• Nov. 18, 2025: The Select Board hired GZA to engineer Long Beach seawall repairs, raised town EV charging to 55 cents per kilowatt hour with a $1 minimum, renewed 13 year-round alcohol licenses and heard of a $500,000 state grant for Thatcher Road.
• Nov. 4, 2025: The Select Board raised liquor license fees and let restaurants start serving alcohol at 9 a.m., adopted a five-year Affordable Housing Trust strategic plan, approved a flashing beacon crosswalk at Main and High streets, and approved Christmas in Rockport.
• Oct. 21, 2025: The Select Board heard that design firms have been picked for the Town Hall renovation and the Long Beach seawall, and that the library may get a $50,000 state earmark. The board then met in executive session on union talks and lawsuits.
• Oct. 14, 2025: The Select Board kept a single tax rate for homes and businesses for fiscal 2026, approved the New Year's Eve celebration, signed the Affordable Housing Trust's declaration of trust and dissolved the DPW Facility Building Committee.
• Sept. 23, 2025: The Select Board approved a municipal electricity aggregation program with 77% Massachusetts renewable power, approved the Oct. 18, 2025, Harvest Fest with a beer garden, and declined to waive notice on a state land purchase near Halibut Point State Park.
• Sept. 3, 2025: In a short meeting, the Select Board backed two late fall Town Meeting articles: paying two small prior year bills and moving leftover money from old accounts into master tree and facilities accounts.
• Aug. 19, 2025: The Select Board took stands on fall Town Meeting articles, backing nine Community Preservation projects, bylaw rewrites, four zoning changes and about $350,000 in road borrowing, but voted 3 to 2 against cutting Town Meeting speaking time.
• Aug. 15, 2025: In a short morning meeting, the Select Board approved and issued the warrant for the Sept. 8, 2025, Fall Town Meeting. An open mic on the warrant is set for Sept. 4, 2025, at the library.
• July 29, 2025: Rockport's Select Board voted 5 to 0 to drop Manning Park as a possible affordable housing site, put all submitted articles on the Sept. 8, 2025, Fall Town Meeting warrant and set a $130,000 minimum bid for a surplus 2023 ambulance.
• July 15, 2025: The Select Board set the warrant for the Sept. 8, 2025, Fall Town Meeting to open July 18 and close July 25, filled seats on several town committees and approved an emergency roof repair at Long Beach with limits.
• July 1, 2025: The Select Board made its second round of yearly appointments to town committees and heard updates on Fourth of July plans, beach closures for high bacteria and the Affordable Housing Trust's July 9 public session.
• June 17, 2025: The Rockport Select Board made its first round of annual reappointments and heard that a private quarry will donate 2 million gallons of water, leak repairs are cutting water loss and the town's audit had no findings.
• June 10, 2025: The Select Board appointed two Board of Health members and an Affordable Housing Trust member, and signed a letter urging the U.S. Coast Guard to keep navigational buoys along the coast.
• June 3, 2025: Rockport lifted its water ban and the DPW reported leak repairs that are cutting lost water from 37% toward the low 20% range. The Select Board approved two outdoor display permits and a farmers market cider license.
• May 20, 2025: The Rockport Select Board approved a five-year contract making Beauport Ambulance the town's primary EMS provider starting July 1, 2025, approved Apple TV filming on Bearskin Neck, hired a new Council on Aging director and approved summer events.
• May 12, 2025: In a short remote meeting, the Select Board approved year-end budget transfers to cover lines that fell short, after questions about recent higher legal bills and ongoing cases.
• April 29, 2025: The Select Board sold $1,075,000 in short term notes for a fire truck, a sea wall and utility work, hired a contractor for the police station HVAC, raised Granite Pier fees and set the May 13, 2025, election warrant.
• April 8, 2025: Responding to a citizen petition, the Select Board called a Special Town Meeting for April 28, 2025, where voters will decide whether to repeal the town's ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.
• April 1, 2025: The Select Board told the Town Administrator to negotiate with a private ambulance company to cover Rockport, citing too few volunteers. It took stances on Town Meeting articles, opposing a residential tax exemption petition and taking no position on solar panels in the Historic District.
• March 21, 2025: The Select Board formally issued the warrant for the April 5, 2025, Annual Town Meeting, including articles on short-term rentals, a new firehouse lease, water and sewer borrowing and a school roof. It also renewed four seasonal liquor licenses.
• March 18, 2025: The Select Board granted outdoor entertainment licenses to the Emerson Inn and the Yankee Clipper and set early in-person voting for the 2025 town election on May 6, 7 and 8, 2025.
• March 4, 2025: Rockport's Select Board moved $107,000 in short-term rental fees to the Affordable Housing Trust, approved the Feather & Wedge liquor license transfer and five revised board policies, and heard many residents ask for a public stance on federal immigration enforcement.
• Feb. 18, 2025: The Select Board approved fiscal 2026 capital recommendations, including big water, sewer and road borrowing, ended health insurance for stipended elected board members to help close a budget gap, and licensed Rockport Brewing to pour beer.
• Feb. 4, 2025: The Select Board approved revised alcohol regulations, set 2025 and 2026 election and Town Meeting dates, and raised several license fees. The town administrator reported a pipe break that sent 378,000 gallons of sewage into Rockport Harbor.
• Jan. 21, 2025: The Select Board raised fees for 15 town licenses and permits for 2025, opened the April 5, 2025, Annual Town Meeting warrant and agreed to seek proposals for a long-term lease of the Old Firehouse Trust building.
• Jan. 7, 2025: The Select Board set a new fee schedule for Millbrook Meadow, approved the Shalin Liu gala there for $1,125 and banned a class of rat poisons on town property that also kills owls and foxes.