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Opening Remarks and Executive Session Motion (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:01:00)
The Marblehead Select Board meeting commenced with Chair Erin Noonan calling the session to order on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The initial agenda item was a motion to enter into an executive session under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A for contract negotiations concerning the town administrator. The motion was moved and seconded, with all present members, including Bret Murray, Moses Grader, and Dan Fox, voting in favor.
Public Comment and MWRA Loan Agreement Discussion (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:05:00)
Following the executive session, the board reconvened for public comment, although none was made. The meeting proceeded with a presentation by the town’s treasurer and finance director regarding a Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) loan agreement. The board discussed a 0% interest, 10-year loan for $198,750, initially approved in 2021. The loan is intended for water service inspections and potential replacements, with annual payments of $19,875 starting in 2026. The board unanimously approved the sale of the water bond and authorized the necessary agreements.
Shin Dynasty License Revocation Hearing (Link: 00:06:00 – 00:16:00)
The board continued a public hearing regarding the potential revocation of a wine and malt beverage license held by Shin Dynasty at 1 Atlantic Avenue. The hearing had been extended from November 2024 due to challenges faced by the establishment, primarily concerning ADA compliance and firewall installation. An unidentified speaker representing Shin Dynasty explained the ongoing efforts to resolve these issues, including hiring a contractor to complete the necessary work. The board decided to extend the hearing to August 13, 2025, with the expectation of receiving updates on the progress.
Early Voting Hours and Special Election Voting Hours (Link: 00:16:00 – 00:19:00)
The board addressed early voting hours for the upcoming annual town election on June 10, 2025, and a special referendum election on July 8, 2025. The proposed early voting hours were approved as recommended by the town clerk and board of registrars. Additionally, the board discussed and approved the voting hours for the special election, set from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in accordance with Chapter 405 of the Acts of 1954 and General Laws.
Consent Agenda and Contract Approvals (Link: 00:19:00 – 00:24:00)
The board moved to approve several consent agenda items, including meeting minutes, bell ringing requests, and event approvals. They also reviewed and approved various contracts, including amendments for the police tank removal project and storm sewer extensions. The amendments involved adjustments to contract amounts and extensions of project timelines, with funding sourced from ARPA and stormwater construction articles.
5/4 Intersection Grant Notice (Link: 00:24:00 – 00:25:00)
The meeting briefly touched upon a grant notice related to the 5/4 intersection project. Although details were not extensively covered in this section, further information is expected to be shared in subsequent discussions.
Five Corners Intersection Grant and Design Plans (Link: 00:25:00 – 00:30:00)
The meeting continued with a discussion led by an unidentified speaker about a MassWorks infrastructure grant awarded to the town for the Five Corners intersection project. The grant totals $135,000, with a local match of $15,100. The project, identified in the town’s complete streets prioritization plan, aims to advance preliminary designs to the 25% design phase. Design features will include a mini roundabout, traffic calming measures, bicycle facilities, and stormwater management for the School Street public parking lot. The design phase is expected to take 12 to 18 months, including community engagement with local business owners. The board approved the acceptance of the grant and authorized the chair to sign the state contract.
Street Sweeping and Temporary Parking Ban (Link: 00:30:00 – 00:31:00)
The board addressed a request from Anna McHugh, Director of Public Works, for a temporary parking ban to facilitate street sweeping in the downtown, Old Town, and Shipyard districts. The ban is scheduled from June 9 to June 12, 2025, from 12:01 AM to 7:00 AM. Notifications will be sent to residents and visitors through various channels, including temporary no parking signs, targeted flyering, website updates, and social media.
Community Development and Planning Department Grant Proposals (Link: 00:31:00 – 00:46:00)
Logan Casey, the Sustainable Coordinator, presented several grant proposals from the Community Development and Planning Department. These include the Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant, Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, Underutilized Properties Program, Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program, MBTA Community Catalyst Funding Program, Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Grant, MassWorks Infrastructure Grant, and Municipal ADA Grant. The total potential funding from these grants is approximately $2.5 million, with matching funds sourced from various town departments and organizations. The grants aim to address climate resilience, downtown development, underutilized properties, vacant storefronts, and ADA compliance, among other objectives. The board approved sending letters of support for these projects.
Marblehead Youth Baseball Donation for Lighting Upgrades (Link: 00:46:00 – 00:52:00)
The board discussed a $50,000 donation from Marblehead Youth Baseball for lighting upgrades at Getchell’s playground. Shelley Bedrosian provided an update on the project, which involves replacing outdated lighting with new LED lamps and installing timers. The project is a collaboration between Marblehead Youth Baseball, Electric Light, and the Rec and Parks Department, with a total budget of $78,000. The board accepted the donation and expressed appreciation for the partnership.
Town Administrator Contract Approval (Link: 00:52:00 – 00:54:00)
The approval of a new employment contract for Town Administrator Thatcher Keezer was discussed. The contract includes provisions for cost-of-living adjustments, merit-based performance reviews, and market condition changes. The motion to approve the contract was passed unanimously.
Town Administrator Contract and Acknowledgements (Link: 00:54:00 – 01:00:00)
The Marblehead Select Board continued its meeting with a discussion on the contract for Town Administrator Thatcher Keezer. A committee member expressed optimism about the town’s future under Keezer’s leadership, highlighting his strategic approach to restructuring without an override and his ability to maintain a strong team. The board members thanked Keezer, Chair Erin Noonan, and others involved in the contract process for their efforts. The contract, which is for three years, was not yet ratified but was generally agreed upon by the board.
Outdoor Dining Approval for Cafe Italia (Link: 01:00:00 – 01:02:00)
The board reviewed a request from Cafe Italia for temporary outdoor dining at their new location on Bessem Street. The request was supported by a letter from Rocket Management Company. The board approved the application, subject to receipt of required forms, fees, insurance, and approvals from relevant town departments. A polled vote confirmed unanimous support for the motion.
Release and Retention of Executive Session Minutes (Link: 01:02:00 – 01:02:00)
The board addressed the release of select board executive session minutes from various dates, including February 26, 2025, and May 15, 2024. The motion to make these minutes public was approved unanimously. Additionally, the board decided to continue holding certain executive session minutes until deemed appropriate by town council, including those from March 12, 2025, and November 23, 2020.
Town Administrator Updates and Initiatives (Link: 01:02:00 – 01:09:00)
Town Administrator Thatcher Keezer provided updates on various town initiatives. He highlighted the success of the Citizen Police Academy and the ongoing technology infrastructure upgrades funded by ARPA. Keezer discussed the town’s efforts to electrify its vehicle fleet, including the development of an EV transition plan and the installation of charging infrastructure. The board also discussed regulatory compliance and community risk reduction efforts, including floodplain permitting and leaf blower regulations.
Property Valuation and Finance Updates (Link: 01:09:00 – 01:14:00)
Keezer provided updates on property valuation and finance, noting a light abatement season and improvements in the assessing office. He explained the proactive measures being taken to address valuation discrepancies and the coordination between the assessing office and finance director Aleesha Benjamin. Keezer concluded his update by mentioning the upcoming expiration of the town’s ambulance service contract with Atlantic Ambulance and the ongoing evaluation of service providers.
Select Board Announcements and Farewell to Bret Murray (Link: 01:15:00 – 01:20:00)
Chair Erin Noonan and Moses Grader attended a public forum for the town charter, which was recorded for public access. Noonan also announced that this meeting marked the last for Select Board Member Bret Murray. She and other board members expressed gratitude for Murray’s service and contributions to the town. Murray thanked the voters of Marblehead for their trust and expressed confidence in the town’s future direction.
Reflections on Service and Community Involvement (Link: 01:20:00 – 01:22:00)
A committee member, who has served for two years, shared heartfelt reflections on their experience and the significance of community service. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the dedication of individuals like Mr. Thatcher and the teams at Woodrow Road and Tower Way, emphasizing their commitment to the town. The speaker also shared personal anecdotes about their family’s long history in the town, dating back to the 1700s, and the pride they feel in contributing to the community. They acknowledged the sacrifices made by their family to support their service and shared a touching moment when their youngest son discovered a picture of them online, illustrating the impact of their work. The speaker encouraged others to participate in local governance, recognizing the challenges of running for office but also the rewarding nature of serving the community.
Meeting Adjournment (Link: 01:22:00 – 01:23:00)
Following the reflections, another committee member briefly acknowledged the length of the farewell speech with a light-hearted comment. The speaker humorously referenced a lengthy toast they gave at their brother’s wedding. The meeting then moved towards adjournment, with a motion to close the session being proposed and seconded. The motion was carried with unanimous agreement from those present.
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