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Public Concerns and Budget Issues (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:03:00)
During the Marblehead Select Board meeting, an unidentified speaker raised concerns about safety and financial issues within the town. The speaker highlighted the dangers posed by large signs obstructing public building entrances, emphasizing the need for compliance with Massachusetts state codes to ensure public safety during emergencies. The speaker also discussed financial challenges, noting the town’s expenditures on litigation and the need for a more sustainable approach to hiring and budgeting. The speaker expressed frustration over rising taxes and the lack of affordable housing, urging the board to control hiring and spending to prevent further financial strain on residents.
Introduction of Agenda Item: Water and Sewer Commission Vacancy (Link: 00:03:00 – 00:05:00)
Erin Noonan, Chair of the Marblehead Select Board, introduced the next agenda item, which involved a joint meeting with the Water and Sewer Commissioners to fill a vacancy on the commission. The board planned to interview three candidates: James Marr, Tim Schopmeyer, and Tom Vallou. Noonan outlined the process, explaining that candidates would be interviewed in alphabetical order by last name and that those not being interviewed should wait outside until it was their turn. The board members would ask questions related to the position, after which they would deliberate and vote on the appointment.
Interview with James Marr (Link: 00:05:00 – 00:16:00)
James Marr, a candidate for the Water and Sewer Commission vacancy, was invited to the table for his interview. Marr introduced himself, stating that he had lived in Marblehead for over 30 years and had extensive experience in water and wastewater management. He highlighted his career at CDM Smith, where he retired as a vice president, and his involvement in significant projects like the South Essex Sewage District’s secondary treatment plant. Marr expressed his interest in volunteering for the commission, citing his relevant experience and engineering background as assets. He also mentioned his attendance at a recent Water and Sewer Commission meeting to familiarize himself with the commission’s operations.
Interview with Tim Schopmeyer (Link: 00:17:00 – 00:29:00)
Tim Schopmeyer, another candidate for the Water and Sewer Commission vacancy, was interviewed next. Schopmeyer shared his background in ministry and his experience running a family stone quarry in New Jersey, where he worked closely with local departments and commissions. He also served on the Marblehead Finance Committee for several years, gaining insight into the town’s financial operations, particularly those of the Water and Sewer Commission. Schopmeyer discussed his understanding of the commission’s budget and his interactions with the South Essex Sewer District. He mentioned his commitment to the role and his intention to resign from the Finance Committee if appointed to the Water and Sewer Commission.
Interview with Tom Vallou (Link: 00:29:00 – 00:38:00)
Tom Vallou, the final candidate for the Water and Sewer Commission vacancy, was interviewed by the board. Vallou shared his background, noting that he moved to Marblehead five years ago and has extensive experience in sewage and water control systems. He previously worked for the Metropolitan Council, overseeing control systems for a large sewage treatment plant and numerous pumping stations. Vallou emphasized his administrative skills, including budget management and contractual obligations, which he believes would be beneficial for the commission. He expressed his interest in the role and his ability to quickly adapt due to his familiarity with the technical language of the field. Vallou also mentioned his past volunteer experience, including leadership roles in neighborhood and lake boards in Minnesota, where he tackled environmental issues such as nitrogen infiltration.
Deliberation and Appointment of Water and Sewer Commission Member (Link: 00:38:00 – 00:42:00)
Following the interviews, the board moved to deliberate and vote on the appointment to the Water and Sewer Commission. Erin Noonan, Chair of the Marblehead Select Board, facilitated the process, explaining that all three candidates’ names would be placed into nomination. The board conducted a roll call vote, requiring at least five votes for a candidate to be appointed. James Marr received the majority of votes, with board members citing his comprehensive resume and relevant experience as key factors in their decision. Marr was officially appointed to the commission, with the term set to expire in June 2025. The board expressed gratitude to all candidates for their willingness to serve the community.
Town Administrator Updates (Link: 00:43:00 – 00:50:00)
Thatcher Keezer, Town Administrator, provided updates on various town projects and initiatives. Keezer highlighted the ongoing digitization project led by Town Engineer Maggie Wheeler, which involves scanning and preserving historical documents, some dating back to 1845. The project aims to make these documents accessible electronically to staff and the public. Keezer also announced the hiring of Caroline Dalton as the new Assistant Engineer, who will work alongside Wheeler on public works projects. Additionally, Keezer discussed a grant application for restoring historic windows at the Franklin Street Fire Station and ongoing public engagement efforts regarding the MBTA 3A zoning issue. He also mentioned the progress of the Elm Street playground project and the conversion of the State Street bathroom into a year-round facility.
Cable Television Advisory Committee Presentation (Link: 00:50:00 – 00:55:00)
Bob Peck, Chair of the Cable Television Advisory Committee, along with attorney William Solomon, presented the renewal license agreement with Verizon to the board. Peck explained that the five-year renewal includes a capital grant of $210,000, which exceeds the previous agreement’s funding. The contract maintains the provision of three standard definition channels and one high definition channel for Marblehead residents. The board was asked to approve the license, which supports local public access television and ensures continued service for the community.
Approval of Cable Television Renewal License (Link: 00:55:00 – 01:02:00)
The Marblehead Select Board continued its discussion on the renewal license agreement with Verizon. Bob Peck, Chair of the Cable Television Advisory Committee, and attorney William Solomon presented the agreement, which includes a capital grant of $210,000. The board members expressed their support for the license, acknowledging the partnership between Verizon and the town. A question was raised by a board member about the potential for a three-year opt-out, which was attributed to declining subscriptions and potential federal deregulation. The board unanimously approved the motion to grant the cable television renewal license to Verizon New England Incorporated, effective March 26, 2025.
Change of Manager Request for Boston Yacht Club (Link: 01:02:00 – 01:02:00)
The board addressed a change of manager request for the Boston Yacht Club. Lori Moore, the new general manager, introduced herself to the board. The board reviewed the application and approved the change of manager request, subject to receipt of the required fees and documents and approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
Licensing Requests for Local Noon (Link: 01:02:00 – 01:04:00)
Amy Connolly, a resident looking to open a beach store named Local Noon at 92 Washington Street, presented her application for several licenses. Connolly described her vision for the store, which includes retail sales of beach products and a mixed-use space with rotating pop-ups and arcade games. The board approved four requests: a secondhand dealer’s license, a sign permit, an annual and Sunday entertainment license for acoustical music, and three automatic amusement device licenses. Each approval was subject to the receipt of necessary fees and forms.
Task Force Against Discrimination Appointment (Link: 01:04:00 – 01:07:00)
Maura Dartley Rocco was interviewed for a potential appointment to the Task Force Against Discrimination. Rocco, a health educator at Veterans Middle School, shared her experience and interest in joining the task force, highlighting her alignment with its mission and her professional background in health education. The board unanimously voted to appoint Rocco to the task force, with her term set to expire in June 2025.
Discussion on MBTA 3A Zoning and State Auditor’s Input (Link: 01:07:00 – 01:19:00)
The board engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the MBTA 3A zoning issue and the input received from the state auditor. The conversation revolved around the determination of direct versus indirect costs related to the zoning law and the implications of the auditor’s findings. The board members discussed the potential for remedying the situation through legislative action and the importance of keeping an open mind about future funding opportunities. The discussion included the need for continued information gathering and the potential impact of upcoming court decisions on the matter.
Discussion on Collaboration Among Town Boards (Link: 01:19:00 – 01:30:00)
During the Marblehead Select Board meeting, an unidentified speaker initiated a discussion on enhancing collaboration among various town boards and departments. The speaker emphasized the importance of operational efficiency and the potential for improved service delivery through better alignment of resources. The conversation included input from another unidentified speaker, who stressed the need for collaboration without reducing workforce or taking away duties from any department. The discussion highlighted the potential for centralized resources, such as a human resources department, to streamline operations across town departments. The speakers also discussed the role of Thatcher Keezer, Town Administrator, in implementing a strategy for cross-town resource management and the importance of involving department heads in these discussions.
Exploring Centralized Facilities Management (Link: 01:30:00 – 01:37:00)
The conversation shifted to the topic of facilities management, with an unidentified speaker pointing out the lack of a centralized facilities department in Marblehead. The speaker suggested researching how other towns manage their facilities to better maintain town assets. The discussion included the challenges faced by various departments, such as the Council on Aging, in managing building maintenance without a dedicated facilities department. The speakers agreed on the need to explore the establishment of a facilities department to improve oversight and prioritize maintenance needs. The conversation also touched on the importance of involving department heads and employees in identifying areas for improvement and streamlining services.
Proposal for a Working Group on Collaboration (Link: 01:37:00 – 01:41:00)
The meeting continued with a proposal to form a working group to facilitate collaboration among town boards. An unidentified speaker suggested two potential approaches: forming a committee through the town meeting moderator or having the Select Board, as the chief executive board, establish a working group that includes representatives from other elected boards. The speaker emphasized the importance of involving other elected officials in the process and considering their input on operational improvements. The discussion focused on exploring the formation of a working group to enhance collaboration and resource sharing among town departments.
Women’s History Month Presentation (Link: 01:41:00 – 01:54:00)
Megan Sweeney delivered a presentation in honor of Women’s History Month, focusing on the contributions of defiant women in Marblehead’s history. Sweeney emphasized the importance of acknowledging the roles women have played in shaping the town and the need for equitable representation in public spaces. She highlighted the challenges women have faced throughout history, including violence, inequity, and exclusion, and called for a commitment to address these issues. Sweeney proposed several initiatives, such as a women’s veterans monument and increased visibility of women’s contributions in public records and spaces. She also shared a recent advertisement by Ford Motor Company that humorously illustrated the impact of women’s inventions on modern vehicles. The presentation concluded with a call for the Select Board and the town to embrace proclamations against gender-based violence and support ongoing education and collaboration efforts.
Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (Link: 01:54:00 – 01:59:00)
Following Megan Sweeney’s presentation, the board discussed a proclamation to designate April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Marblehead. An unidentified speaker read the proclamation, which highlighted the pervasive issue of sexual violence and the importance of raising awareness and promoting prevention efforts. The proclamation recognized the work of organizations like Healing Abuse, Working for Change (HAWC) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center in supporting survivors and preventing future incidents. The board unanimously adopted the proclamation, reaffirming its commitment to supporting survivors and working toward a future free from sexual violence.
Consent Agenda and Arbor Day Proclamation (Link: 01:59:00 – 02:03:00)
The board moved on to approve several consent agenda items. These included the minutes of the February 26, 2025 meeting, declaring certain items as surplus, and appointing Daniel Pru as Inspector of Animals. Additionally, the board approved a request from the Rotary Club of Marblehead for the Holiday Pops event in December 2025. The board also proclaimed April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in Marblehead, recognizing the efforts of Sustainable Marblehead and the MHS Green Honor Society in planting trees and promoting environmental conservation.
Handicapped Parking Space Request (Link: 02:03:00 – 02:06:00)
The board considered a request for a handicapped parking space at 118 Front Street. An unidentified speaker explained the criteria for establishing handicapped spaces and noted the lack of available parking in the area between The Landing Restaurant and The Barnacle. The board approved the motion to establish the handicapped parking space, subject to further review by the town engineer to determine the exact placement. The decision was made in accordance with the town’s criteria for handicapped parking spaces.
Water Main Upgrade Project and Temporary Parking Restrictions (Link: 02:06:00 – 02:09:00)
During the Marblehead Select Board meeting, an unidentified speaker provided an update on the water main upgrade project, which involves cleaning and lining water mains. The project requires temporary water lines to be installed along Curtis and Roosevelt streets, with hoses connecting to each dwelling. The speaker highlighted the challenges on Pleasant Street, where the narrow road and density necessitate two four-inch pipes on each side, potentially restricting access for buses and fire engines. The board approved temporary parking restrictions to facilitate the upgrades, effective from March 27, 2025, through June 5, 2025. These restrictions include a 24-hour parking ban on either side of Pleasant Street from Rockaway Street to Washington Street and no parking on the right side of Rowland Street from Cross Street to Prospect Street.
Cannabis Control Regulations Update (Link: 02:09:00 – 02:10:00)
The board briefly discussed the need to update cannabis control regulations to comply with recent law changes. An unidentified speaker noted that due to the agenda’s length, this item would be addressed at the next meeting. The board agreed to continue the discussion at a future date.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items (Link: 02:10:00 – 02:12:00)
The board reviewed and approved several consent agenda items, including contracts and change orders. These included a change order for the Cliff Street Boatyard underground storage tank project, extending the completion date for the Gary Street playground project, and awarding a contract for phase two of the Gary playground project. The board also discussed funding for the Cliff Street Boatyard project, which involved additional contaminants and required financial support from the Harbors and Waters Board.
Licensing and Seasonal Renewals (Link: 02:12:00 – 02:13:00)
The board addressed the renewal of all alcoholic seasonal club licenses and local Sunday entertainment licenses for the Dolphin Yacht Club at 17 Allerton Place. The board approved the renewals, subject to the payment of all taxes and fees, receipt of departmental approvals, and compliance with relevant regulations. The board conducted a poll vote, with members Moses Grader, Dan Fox, Bret Murray, and Erin Noonan voting in favor.
Meeting Adjournment (Link: 02:13:00 – 02:13:00)
The Marblehead Select Board concluded the meeting with a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded and approved by all members present, officially adjourning the meeting.
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