Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board Meeting | September 21, 2026

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Select Board meeting on September 21, 2026, covered a range of municipal topics with significant focus on procurement and capital planning. Key procurement-related discussions included updates on the town's capital improvement projects such as the Ocean Street project, library expansion, Central Street culvert, dredging, and dock extension. The board reviewed fleet replacement schedules and discussed funding sources including free cash and bond payments, noting the town's special act requiring ballot votes for borrowings over one million dollars. The board also approved the appointment of a qualified member to the Coastal Stream Team and revised the town's tree policy to improve data collection and clarify responsibilities. Additionally, the board considered the Jefferson Apartment Group's 40B affordable housing project, discussing its reduced unit count, fiscal impact study estimating a net positive annual impact of approximately $430,000, and infrastructure capacity concerns. The board voted to approve the housing production plan for submission to the state, a necessary step for compliance with Chapter 40B requirements. Other procurement-related items included the upcoming RFP for a historic district demolition delay consultant and the library's ADA bathroom project scheduled for bidding in October 2026. The board also discussed permitting for mobile sauna businesses at White Beach, considering a limited number of days for fall operations and potential future permit fees. Overall, the meeting involved multiple motions and votes related to capital projects, appointments, and policy updates that will influence future procurement and contracting activities in the town.