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Public Comment and Union Concerns (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:07:00)
The Marblehead Select Board meeting commenced shortly after 7 PM on April 23, 2025, with Chair Erin Noonan calling the meeting to order. The session began with an invitation for public comments. A representative from the Marblehead Municipal Employees Union addressed the board, expressing concerns over ongoing contract negotiations. The representative highlighted the town’s hiring of new non-union positions and the perceived lack of progress in union contract negotiations. The union emphasized the importance of resolving these contracts before the upcoming town meeting and reminded the board of their legal obligations under Massachusetts General Law. Following this, another resident, Albert Jordan Roosevelt, voiced his concerns regarding the town’s hiring practices and the creation of new positions. He criticized the town’s decision to hire for a new electric light position and questioned the necessity of additional roles when existing positions remain unfilled. Roosevelt also expressed concerns about the financial implications of these decisions on taxpayers, particularly the elderly population in the town.
Town Administrator Updates (Link: 00:07:00 – 00:16:00)
Town Administrator Thatcher Keezer provided updates on two ongoing matters. The first update concerned the change of voting locations due to issues with the lift at the old townhouse, which is used as a polling place. Keezer explained that the lift’s hydraulic system overheats with heavy use, posing a risk of failure on election day. Consequently, the town proposed relocating Districts 1 and 2 to Abbott Hall and Districts 3 through 6 to the Marblehead High School field house for the upcoming election. This decision was made in collaboration with the town clerk and other relevant parties to ensure ADA compliance and logistical feasibility. Keezer’s second update focused on the certification of free cash. He acknowledged the challenges posed by outdated software and manual systems in reconciling the town’s financial records. Despite these difficulties, Keezer assured the board that efforts were underway to certify free cash before the town meeting, with the assistance of CLA and the Department of Local Services.
Police Department Promotions (Link: 00:16:00 – 00:27:00)
Chief of Police, identified as Chief King, presented promotional requests to the board. The promotions were necessitated by the recent retirement of a captain, which created a vacancy that needed to be filled to maintain operational efficiency. Chief King recommended the promotion of Eric Astatin to the rank of lieutenant and Andrew Damari to the rank of sergeant. Both officers have demonstrated commitment and leadership within the department, with Astatin having served as a sergeant for 11 years and Damari as an officer for nine years. Chief King highlighted Astatin’s leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and technical expertise, particularly in IT and technology-related initiatives within the department. Damari was commended for his dedication to law enforcement, training new officers, and his involvement in the department’s drone unit. The board unanimously approved both promotions, with plans for a formal promotion ceremony to be held later in the summer.
Licensing Request for Amusement Device (Link: 00:27:00 – 00:32:00)
The board addressed a licensing request from Rich Tales of Marblehead Furniture for an automatic amusement device. The applicant, identified as Chris, explained that the device, known as a Key Master machine, is an arcade-style game where players can win prizes. After a brief discussion to clarify the nature of the machine, the board approved the request.
Bond Anticipation Notes Review and Vote (Link: 00:32:00 – 00:40:00)
The Marblehead Select Board meeting continued with a presentation by Cammy Ianiello, the Finance Director and Treasurer, regarding bond anticipation notes (BANs). Ianiello explained that the town had refinanced a BAN from the previous year and introduced new borrowings for the upcoming year. The total amount of the rollover was $2,312,000, with new money amounting to $2,610,598. These funds were allocated for roadway and sidewalk repair, the Mary Alley roof replacement, and the Franklin Street fire station roof and gutter replacement. The board discussed the strategy behind using BANs instead of long-term bonds, emphasizing the importance of cash flow management and the timing of fund utilization. Ianiello highlighted that the BANs were structured to minimize immediate tax impacts, with balloon payments scheduled for the following year. The board unanimously approved the sale of $4,922,598 in general obligation bond anticipation notes at an interest rate of 4%, payable in May 2026. The notes were sold to Fidelity Capital Markets, with a premium to offset issuance costs.
Mary Alley HVAC System and Building Upgrades (Link: 00:40:00 – 01:00:00)
The meeting proceeded with a presentation on the proposed upgrades to the Mary Alley building, focusing on the HVAC system and other necessary improvements. The presentation was led by unidentified speakers, with contributions from Sean Moriarty and Daniel Wall of NV5, the firm responsible for the feasibility study. The Mary Alley building, originally a municipal hospital, has been repurposed for municipal offices. The building’s current HVAC system, dating back to the 1950s, is failing, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies. The proposed upgrades include a new HVAC system, roof replacement, ADA compliance improvements, and fire safety enhancements. The recommended HVAC system is a state-of-the-art VRF system, which offers high efficiency and can be phased in over time. The total cost for the proposed upgrades is estimated at $6.2 million, which includes roofing, ADA upgrades, elevator improvements, asbestos remediation, and fire safety systems. The board discussed the importance of these upgrades for safety, efficiency, and compliance with modern standards. The presentation included a discussion on the expected life expectancy of the new systems and the potential for future renovations.
Discussion on Mary Alley Building Upgrades (Link: 01:00:00 – 01:13:00)
The Marblehead Select Board meeting continued with a detailed discussion on the proposed upgrades to the Mary Alley building. The conversation focused on the potential cost savings of including window replacements in the ongoing HVAC and building improvements. An unidentified speaker suggested that bundling window replacements with the current projects could be cost-effective. However, specific cost estimates for the windows were not immediately available, though it was noted that some windows had already been replaced in the West Wing. The board also discussed the implications of reaching a 30% improvement threshold, which would trigger the requirement to bring the entire building up to code, including ADA compliance. This “mousetrap” analogy was used to describe the financial and regulatory commitments that would follow. The board considered the necessity of coordinating with local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes and ADA requirements. The conversation also touched on the need for transition space during the renovations, with suggestions to include potential costs for temporary accommodations in the project budget. The board acknowledged the challenges of managing asbestos remediation while maintaining building occupancy, with assurances that containment measures would be implemented to minimize disruption.
Review of 2025 Town Warrant Articles (Link: 01:13:00 – 01:24:00)
The meeting proceeded with a review of the 2025 Town Warrant Articles. Chair Erin Noonan led the discussion, outlining various articles and their associated financial appropriations. Articles included departmental revolving funds, capital improvements for public buildings, and proposed reclassifications and pay scales for town employees. Specific articles highlighted included Article 33, which pertains to the Mary Alley Building HVAC system with an allocation of $5,750,000, and Article 44, which proposes an increase in parking ticket fees for snow emergencies. The board voted on the articles, with some articles placed on hold for further discussion. Articles related to collective bargaining for police and fire departments were noted as having amounts to be determined. The board also discussed a citizen’s article proposing the elimination of the sustainability coordinator position. An unidentified speaker defended the position, citing the coordinator’s contributions to securing grants and advancing the town’s sustainability goals.
Discussion on Sustainability Coordinator Position (Link: 01:24:00 – 01:30:00)
The Marblehead Select Board meeting continued with a discussion on the sustainability coordinator position within the town’s Department of Community Development and Planning. An unidentified speaker explained the department’s evolution, noting that the sustainability coordinator was the first role filled in the newly created department. The speaker highlighted the contributions of Logan, the current coordinator, who has effectively managed multiple responsibilities and secured significant grants for the town. The department is now fully staffed, and the director is tasked with optimizing team roles to maximize their impact. The board members expressed strong support for the sustainability coordinator position, emphasizing its importance in securing funding and contributing to the town’s economic and environmental goals. A motion was made and seconded to support the ongoing existence of the sustainability coordinator position, which was unanimously approved by the board.
Consent Agenda and Proclamations (Link: 01:30:00 – 01:39:00)
The board proceeded to address the consent agenda items, which included the approval of meeting minutes from various dates in 2025 and rental requests for the Old Townhouse. The board also reviewed and approved several proclamations. The first proclamation recognized World Oceans Day on June 8, 2025, as presented by Sustainable Marblehead. The second proclamation designated May 3, 2025, as Make a Wish Day in Marblehead, celebrating the wish journey of a local nine-year-old and the community’s support for children with critical illnesses. Lastly, the board proclaimed May 1, 2025, as Marblehead Counseling Center Community Champions Day, recognizing the contributions of Ann Castle Tedisco and Camilla Ferreira Gomez to the community’s health and wellness.
Licensing and Financial Agenda Items (Link: 01:39:00 – 01:45:00)
The board reviewed and approved two outdoor dining applications from Elia Taverna and The Landing, subject to the receipt of required forms and approvals from relevant town departments. The board also addressed several financial agenda items, including contracts for the July 4th fireworks display, stormwater catch basin cleaning, road and sidewalk improvements, pavement maintenance, and town-wide pavement marking. Additionally, the board approved a change order for the Elm Street Park project to address safety concerns related to an exposed well during construction.
Perambulation Day and Preservation Project (Link: 01:45:00 – 01:51:00)
Donna Cotterell, the town’s grant coordinator, introduced the upcoming Perambulation Day, scheduled for May 10, 2025. Cotterell explained that the event, which involves walking the town’s boundaries, is a legal requirement and a community engagement opportunity. The event will start at Chandler Hovey Park and include presentations by the town historian. The board also discussed a grant application for the Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund to replace windows at the Franklin Street Fire Station. The board voted to confirm the town’s intention to record a preservation restriction agreement on the firehouse, should the grant be awarded.
Tribute to Harry Christensen Continued (Link: 01:51:00 – 01:56:00)
The Marblehead Select Board meeting continued with heartfelt tributes to Harry Christensen, a former board member and respected community figure. Unidentified speakers shared personal anecdotes, highlighting Christensen’s deep commitment to Marblehead and his friendships within the community. They reminisced about his unique character, noting that he was a legend who served both his country and town with distinction. The speakers extended their condolences to Christensen’s family, including Marcia, Andrew, and Matthew, acknowledging the family’s ongoing contributions to the town. Chair Erin Noonan expressed her admiration for the Christensen family’s spirit of volunteerism, noting Andrew Christensen’s service on the planning board. The board agreed to send a letter of condolences to the Christensen family, honoring Harry’s legacy. Details of the memorial service were discussed, with visiting hours scheduled for May 2nd at Eustace and Cornell, and the service on May 3rd. The board members unanimously supported the motion to send the letter, reflecting on the significant impact Harry Christensen had on the Marblehead community.
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