[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6099383,"mediaKeyId","2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93","parentId",2818213,"title","Council orders reviews, legal opinion and consultant for Peabody skating rink after committee tour flags Title IX and revenue issues","audioSeconds",2484,"startMs",3148000,"endMs",5632000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93&start=3148&end=5632","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93/thumbnail_3148000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099383/Peabody-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-orders-reviews-legal-opinion-and-consultant-for-Peabody-skating-rink-after-committee-tour-flags-Title-IX-and-revenue-issues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099383-df4b58816b3936de98918f7779159432/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445573&Signature=TNB7emK0KffVpHhp-ihWaPJFO9fWCpmqBhCARRT0v7-u9W7n1tgAmqxXXm~MrMyeDpqVV1eF8FbDKISKj41xf1bSA48lnkEbXauEp18FQ6tXpiM4mK9m-1gkeK9BktdJKiJPHhgDCnQNQdQ0eVrrXMF2XD6rhZ94r3FqLunmoJI2AgcuHrla-oM5iA0i9Bx3oDxdzHOsxyQvshwlWGJ669pFMiQzRUaI5Ui8bpm3zM~2TmK3YWFFFz5eyT~s7OaRleW7tjLp-0VrBBZhm48hQnEbGYyYhqWIHUzvbAFdli-vSR-GgcUVvrjmVS0UxWcU5ho4e2Z1RO2mprOCcCxO3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Peabody, MA","date","2025-03-28T13:44:08Z","article","A Peabody City Council ad hoc committee report and extended debate on March 27 prompted the council to order several follow‑up actions aimed at addressing long‑standing problems at the municipal skating rink.

Councilor Manning Martin, who led the ad hoc committee tour, said the committee viewed “substandard” conditions in the girls’ locker room — including a single small shower and a lack of toilet facilities — that raise Title IX and equity concerns for youth sports users. Representative Tom Walsh, who attended the tour, has drafted legislation referenced in the discussion as part of a response to the facility’s condition.

Committee findings and concerns included: inadequate locker-room facilities for female athletes, limited and noncompetitive fee structures that charged the same as private operators, chronic vacancies and poor facility maintenance, and the rink’s state‑owned status under the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) with a city lease. Councilors said the rink has required repeated city subsidies and that managers have struggled to maximize revenue.

Council action: after debate the council approved multiple motions:

- Refer fee-structure review to the Finance Department (and the rink manager) for a full‑year operating plan and revised rates to be considered by the Finance Committee. The motion passed by roll call vote, 10–0.

- Request a legal opinion and a copy of the current lease to clarify who must pay for building improvements, whether the city may sublease the facility for the remainder of the lease term, and other lease obligations. That motion passed (request to City Solicitor and obtain copy of lease).

- Authorize the mayor to contract for an outside consultant to review rink operations on a year‑round athletic‑facility basis (policies, procedures, revenue opportunities and management options). The scope was amended in discussion to cover full‑year athletic facility operations (e.g., off‑season programs like pickleball). The consultant contract motion passed on a roll-call vote, 9–1.

Councilors debated options including pursuing outside help quickly or having the rink manager develop recommendations internally; several members favored an outside review given repeated, long‑running problems. Councilor Gamache urged an outside review, saying prior internal efforts had not produced adequate results and citing ongoing annual losses. Councilor Gould and others asked the City Solicitor for a legal review to determine whether the lease obliges the city to pay for structural improvements and whether the city can sublease the building before the lease term ends.

Why it matters: councilors said Title IX equity issues (unequal locker-room access) and recurring budgetary support for the rink require an expedited and documented plan. The rink is a high‑visibility municipal asset leased from the state; any structural changes to address Title IX may require state approval because DCR owns the building.

Next steps: the Finance Department and rink manager will prepare a fee‑structure plan for a full year and present it to the Finance Committee; the City Solicitor will be asked to provide an opinion and to deliver a copy of the rink lease; and the mayor’s office will pursue a consultant contract to analyze operations and revenue opportunities for year‑round athletic use. Councilors said they want results before the next budget cycle so the city can make informed decisions about subsidy, management changes, or alternative options such as subleasing when the lease expires.

Votes at a glance: Refer revised fee structure to Finance — roll-call 10–0 (approved). Request legal opinion on lease and authority to sublease and obtain copy of lease — approved (unanimous as recorded). Mayor authorized to contract for athletic‑facility consultant to review rink operations (year‑round scope) — roll-call 9–1 (approved).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Peabody City Council Regular Meeting - March 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","An ad hoc committee tour of the state‑owned skating rink led the City Council to order a fee review, a legal opinion on lease obligations and an outside consultant study of rink operations.","taxTitle","Peabody City, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",5128,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099388,"Council approves entertainment license for Brody’s Pub with acoustic-only condition and noise controls",1403,1770000,3173000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93&start=1770&end=3173","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93/thumbnail_1770000.jpg","/articles/6099388/Peabody-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-entertainment-license-for-Brodys-Pub-with-acoustic-only-condition-and-noise-controls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099388-eebba1422f54fb33d936c52d9bab9d50/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445573&Signature=TVuKU-IkZ1anjuKstTQDTMuogU2azA1vhRerOtvVPubsDSbn1pAGaJecOEoPXWFMaCdKQLDP5nWtDbs1tuUbz4N1h~xI-JoFo~yLC1dKhO8OtFZjxQen1ewBUkHD0KQKz9PV4liFWwCB7GUzkcGim3NdPDB1Q74ep3FtMqOiyw~6Xe-wuFYRMsZPZmrvryR6h2NNgEWu7nffsFMNaXWqZF1R4jwuhMovis7vdiL0X~1vYpofzEIHWNmkZML52CFFZYMketKn~z0NH0-lNUnRaj2QJB~ho3~kP5RliB87gzlEeZRrqzL1q4cJbcoQQbPrLGGtM7qYBy4KJ-kuyByMjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Peabody City Council voted 9–1 on March 27 to grant an entertainment license to MJ Voto LLC, doing business as Brody’s Pub, at 10 Lowell Street. The license authorizes non-live entertainment (television, satellite radio) and limited live entertainment — specifically acoustic-only performances.

Attorney John Kelty spoke for the applicant, Michael Voto, describing the renovated building and the applicant’s revised entertainment plan. Kelty said live entertainment would be “occasional” and primarily acoustic, and that the applicant was amenable to conditions proposed by councilors.

Councilor McGinn moved to approve the license with conditions that include: live entertainment limited to acoustic-only performances of one to three people with up to one amplifier; non-live entertainment hours 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday–Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday (or per Sunday license); live entertainment hours set at 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Thursday–Saturday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday; windows to remain closed during any live entertainment; and the owners must make ongoing reasonable efforts to prevent disruptive noise. The council read into the record that the applicant had paid a small outstanding personal property tax balance noted in the packet.

Public comment: Joseph Fragero, owner of the funeral home across the street, requested that the council ensure windows remain closed during live events so as not to disrupt wakes or funerals. Councilor McGinn said he had discussed the proximity with Fragero and that the applicant agreed to the windows-closed condition.

Why it matters: the license permits limited live activity in a prominent downtown building that was recently rehabilitated. Councilors emphasized the need to balance downtown revitalization and respect for nearby businesses that provide sensitive services.

Vote and record: The final motion to approve the entertainment license with conditions passed on a roll-call vote, 9 in favor, 1 opposed (Councilor Rosignol). The councilor sponsoring the motion and staff confirmed the small tax balance had been paid prior to the vote.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve entertainment license for MJ Voto LLC, d/b/a Brody’s Pub, 10 Lowell Street, with conditions restricting live entertainment to acoustic-only, limiting hours, and requiring windows closed during live offerings — mover: Councilor McGinn; second: not specified; roll call: 9 yes, 1 no; outcome: approved.","City Council approved MJ Voto LLC’s entertainment license for Brody’s Pub at 10 Lowell Street with conditions limiting live performances to acoustic-only, restricting hours, and requiring windows closed during live entertainment; vote 9–1.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099393,"Peabody council approves special permit for Tedisco Towing headquarters at 147A Summit Street",764,962000,1726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93&start=962&end=1726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93/thumbnail_962000.jpg","/articles/6099393/Peabody-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Peabody-council-approves-special-permit-for-Tedisco-Towing-headquarters-at-147A-Summit-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099393-e462036f2c050505cb5f70756dc2d574/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445573&Signature=YPHzNwvLoyVHqTnCxJZyfZtgxd5oCgq7bj7PpLNU1FLe6qr5-MHPzeExkGKsKIzNgauNPBw7t92DCLYaRXfvyNNqIpwYMqL1QVXlZe8K73RBTGd6BCZxQo3CckfmP10qmPG2oEUMMGVyb9IsnxaowKodmgrRc0Z6CXD4esyAl0frV~GwZfIiuOsvIYQ7JyQbIuxgYb0ovznhLWcr8QieIpISoKoA2ZBKS9Vr-Y7VoyIoqzckH-3eTWebrgmaxFF1O3ueIueBD0QtprKNjX12MKnAFv5wU318GodL0V5yK-8zgXoYrqF0BinP0Zt7qqg2QlSSMPxD8rexearYrPCLgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Peabody City Council on March 27 approved a special permit to allow Tedisco Towing to operate a headquarters, service shop and limited outdoor, fenced storage at 147A Summit Street.

The vote carries conditions and is contingent on approval by the Conservation Commission. Attorney John Kelty, representing property owner Pasquale Tedisco III, told the council the company intends to use the site as a corporate headquarters and repair facility for its own fleet. “They have 70 trucks in their fleet. However, this will not become a… storage facility for that fleet,” Kelty said, adding that “there may be some 8 or so vehicles that might await dispatch.”

Councilor Welton moved to approve the special permit for Pasquale Tedisco III, owner of the property held by “147A Summit Street Holdings LLC,” subject to all departmental requests on the permit application and to approval of the Conservation Commission’s minor permit (RDA). The motion required compliance with health, public services and building-inspector conditions that were read into the record and accepted by the applicant; the council approved the motion by roll call, 10–0.

Why it matters: the site lies in a FEMA flood plain and the Conservation Commission’s approval is required before the permit takes full effect. Departments asked for specific mitigation and controls: the health department requested engineering controls to limit emissions and odors when auto-body work occurs; Public Services required motor-vehicle containment and MDC-style separator systems for spills and runoff; and the Building Inspector cited the zoning requirement for a six-foot impervious fence around exterior storage areas (cited as PVD zoning ordinance section 4.20.6 in the application materials).

Council discussion and conditions: Councilor Rosignol asked about the number and size of vehicles planned for on-site parking; Kelty and the applicant said the site plan lists 14 vehicles to be parked on-site and that oversized vehicles would not be left overnight except when undergoing maintenance. Councilors noted the property had been vacant for years and supported re-occupying the building and putting it back on the tax rolls.

Next steps: the special permit approval is explicitly conditioned on complying with departmental requirements and on the Conservation Commission’s decision on the minor permit, scheduled in the record for April 9. The applicant acknowledged an earlier unpaid tax balance has been paid and agreed to the listed departmental conditions.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve special permit for Pasquale Tedisco III at 147A Summit Street, subject to departmental conditions and Conservation Commission approval — mover: Councilor Welton; second: not specified in the record; roll call vote: 10 yes, 0 no; outcome: approved, pending conservation commission action.","The City Council approved a special permit allowing Tedisco Towing to locate an office, shop and limited outdoor storage at 147A Summit Street, with conditions and pending a conservation commission minor permit.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099378,"Peabody Council approves appointments, CPC funding moves and school bus violation detection resolution",5297,595000,5892000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93&start=595&end=5892","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818213-0bc63f362caa03f4a77b80f6103c9e93/thumbnail_595000.jpg","/articles/6099378/Peabody-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Peabody-Council-approves-appointments-CPC-funding-moves-and-school-bus-violation-detection-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099378-1ee153af102a35e15fa1403c398c6a64/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445573&Signature=LUSasJr~-Nvl22kik~DJyWwxnuO2GGNeZYSU4U8YjaAXnBDUU8Wd5lqf9re~NS~Yi8XWKfafdEKL8Y0b0Tgem1HBqKVHwB32KlM0hcIPfwdS13klmTfimCP2ahtalLKiiEVmjiZpUQS4OoIPpCOTvZZkODEBr8izon6TDoKB-AL8HtN~fP1UtpLQoASzWLjLjN9QRHoV86foWQGul7dr2yKMePT~42tRpR7o0pCZEeHnIWIlcfU2yraTXRjrk9SdanziZsOivfugk9jjy-0Xug~Nm1Splo2aTBi11iqz1Tub~LX0uLuXPDFRnBhUJexwaKUGi4860DYjsQrZnX0HxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Peabody City Council on March 27 approved mayoral appointments, multiple Community Preservation Committee (CPC) transfers and a unanimous resolution to adopt school bus violation detection monitoring authorized under Massachusetts General Laws.

Appointments: Mayor Joe Bettencourt introduced three appointments to city boards. The council voted 10–0 to confirm Michael Rizzo and Francis Hardy for reappointment and to appoint Maureen Murphy to the Liquor Licensing Board. Murphy, introduced by the mayor and briefly welcomed by several councilors, said she recently purchased a home in Ward 2 and said she would be “honored” to serve.

School bus violation detection: In its Legal Affairs report the council adopted a resolution authorizing the city to establish a school bus violation detection monitoring system and to use MGL Chapter 90, sections 14 and 14C, to impose monetary liability on vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. The resolution, presented by Councilor Rosignol and summarized in committee discussion, was approved unanimously, 10–0.

CPC and finance committee actions: The Finance Committee reported and the council approved several transfers and CPC actions, including a transfer of $193,624.36 from the Brooksby Farm revolving account to Brooksby recreation improvements for a new play area; CPC open-space commitments totaling $270,000 (golf course land acquisition) and $400,000 (DBSCI land acquisition) as part of multi‑year commitments; a $3,920 transfer for Old South cemetery restoration (historic gate replacement); and administrative CPC transfers moving $1,000,000 to open-space commitments and returning $24,734.81 from completed projects to the open-space account. The council approved those items in the roll-call votes recorded in the meeting packet (most votes recorded 9–0 per committee reporting details).

Other actions and rules: The council also received and forwarded several routine license renewals and local traffic/parking ordinance drafting requests (for Winter Street) and a stop‑sign ordinance change at Page Street onto Baldwin Street. The council approved routine cable-fund transfers to support PBTv operations as well.

Why it matters: The school bus detection resolution authorizes a new enforcement tool to address illegal passing of school buses, and the CPC transfers and finance actions fund open-space and recreational projects and preserve properties. The appointments refill boards used in municipal decision-making.

Votes at a glance (selected items):
- Appointments (7C): Michael Rizzo; Francis Hardy; Maureen Murphy to Liquor Licensing Board — roll-call 10–0 — approved.
- School bus violation detection resolution (Legal Affairs): adopt MGL c.90 §§14 and 14C monitoring program — roll-call 10–0 — approved.
- CPC transfer to Brooksby recreation improvements (Brookview/Brooksby Farm): $193,624.36 — approved (committee and full council votes recorded).
- CPC land acquisition transfers: $270,000 (golf course partial funding) and $400,000 (DBSCI property) — approved (committee and full council votes recorded).
- Cemetery restoration (Old South): $3,920 — approved.
- Cable fund transfers (Comcast, RCN quarterly receipts): total transfers recorded ~ $16,081.54 and other quarterly amounts — approved.

The council also advanced neighborhood parking and traffic ordinance drafting and several routine license matters for further processing.","At its March 27 meeting the council confirmed three board appointments, advanced several Community Preservation Committee (CPC) transfers and unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing a school bus violation-detection monitoring program under MGL c.90 §§14 and 14C.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council orders reviews, legal opinion and consultant for Peabody skating rink after committee tour flags Title IX and revenue issues

Council approves entertainment license for Brody’s Pub with acoustic-only condition and noise controls

Peabody council approves special permit for Tedisco Towing headquarters at 147A Summit Street

Peabody Council approves appointments, CPC funding moves and school bus violation detection resolution