Select Board – September 9th, 2025

The Select Board reviewed the Billboard Special Permit along with several other license requests.

Chairman Mark Kratman called the meeting to order on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025. All members of the board were present. The board began at 5:30 PM for Zoning Board of Appeals Interviews & Conservation Commission Appointments, Executive Session.

National Grid/Verizon Jointly Owned Pole Petition (Continued): Shawsheen Street – Pole 156-50

Kratman opened the floor to the public, starting with National Grid. Alec Birdsong addressed the board, noting that the petition had been continued pending feedback from the DPW, which was now available. With no questions from the board or comments from the public, the hearing was closed. A motion to approve pole petition #156-50 for Shawsheen Street, including the DPW’s conditions, was made and passed unanimously.

Kratman commended Mr. Birdsong for completing the prior request to remove a pole, and his overall efforts working with the community.

American Outdoor Advertising, LLC (Billboard Special Permit): 1775 Andover Street

Jamie Cutler and Stephen Ross from American Outdoor Advertising presented their petition to install an electronic billboard at 1775 Andover Street near the Marriott. They stated the project met all necessary criteria, had a valid variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and is projected to generate $1 million in revenue for the town over 20 years. Adjustments were made to the billboard’s height and positioning to minimize light spill onto nearby apartments, and an illumination study was previously submitted.

James Mackey inquired whether nearby residents had been notified and asked to review the variance decision, tax compliance certificate, and proof of notification. He emphasized the importance of giving residents an opportunity to provide input, stating, “I want to make sure that those residents have a chance to weigh in on this.”

Eric Ryder noted that the apartment residents are not property owners and thus not entitled to notification under current regulations, though he expressed interest in updating that for future cases.

Ryder also asked for a revenue breakdown, which was confirmed as $25,000 per face ($50,000 annually), with $200,000 for the first four years paid upfront— previously earmarked for sidewalk improvements. Ryder also discussed the billboard’s role in public service messaging, including rapid responses for Amber and Civil Alerts, and clarified that all maintenance and liability for the area around the billboard fall entirely on the applicant.

Kratman emphasized the importance of supporting economic development and increasing town revenue through such initiatives, stating, “We need to generate revenue in this community.”

The motion passed with a 4–1 vote.

Mexica Burrito Grill: 759 Main Street – Pledge of License

A representative from Upton, Connell & Devlin, LLP explained that the application is one of seven submitted statewide as part of a single loan agreement requiring a pledge of liquor licenses at all locations. While aware of the town’s policy against such pledges and anticipating denial, they submitted the application as a procedural step in hopes the board might reconsider.

Town Manager John Curran stated the town’s policy is to deny liquor license pledges because they function like liens, potentially preventing licenses from reverting to the town and instead transferring to a financial institution. This policy protects the town’s interests, though applicants can appeal to the ABCC, which may decide differently.

In response, the representative noted that even if a bank held a pledge, it couldn’t take possession or transfer the license without board approval. Any such request would still need to come before the board and could be denied. They expressed respect for the board’s decision and welcomed questions.

Richard Russo pointed out a possible inconsistency in the regulations, where pledging is generally prohibited but also appears to be allowed in some provisions. Holland supported keeping the current policy, warning that treating licenses as commodities could reduce town control.

Kratman praised the applicant’s engagement and asked why the pledge was needed, given the business’s success. The applicant explained the loan supports a new, eighth location and renovations at other sites, and is not specific to the Tewksbury license.

After discussion, the board voted to deny the pledge of the liquor license.

Ipswich Ale Brewery: Strongwater Farms Event: 365 East Street – One-Day Liquor License

Martha Gaffney, Chair of the Board at Strongwater Farm, and Sarah Blackstone, Marketing and Events Manager at Ipswich Ale Brewery, appeared before the board to request approval for a one-day liquor license for Strongwater’s annual Harvest Hoedown event, scheduled for October 5th at their therapeutic riding facility on the Tewksbury State Hospital grounds.

The family-friendly event will serve a wide range of participants, including veterans and children with special needs. It will feature one alcohol vendor, a food truck offering non-alcoholic beverages, and activities such as face painting, pumpkin painting, and a magician. The event was canceled the past two years due to weather, and this year they are partnering with Ipswich Ale to provide alcohol service.

Mackey confirmed that all staff would be TIPS-certified, and Holland asked about ID checks, noting that the area is not enclosed. Blackstone assured the board that over 30 staff members would be monitoring the grounds, along with support from the Tewksbury Police Department.

A motion to approve the one-day liquor license was made and passed unanimously.

Town Manager

Town Manager, John Curran noted that the Special Town Meeting Warrant Signature Page would be signed that evening without a formal vote, which will occur later when reviewing the warrant.

A $10,000 donation to the police department from the Tewksbury Memorial High School Class of 1994—led by Coach Adam Fuller, now an NFL coach with the LA Chargers—was unanimously approved. The funds are designated for community engagement and policing efforts. Fuller, a hometown native and former classmate of the police chief, was thanked for his generous contribution.

Curran requested the board’s approval to move forward with placing veterans banners on the Town Common. While the final design and placement details still need to be worked out—including input from the Historic Commission—the goal is to have the banners up before Memorial Day. The board’s endorsement is needed to proceed, and efforts will be made to ensure the new banners are compatible with the existing ones.

Vincent Oliva, Commander of Tewksbury VFW Post 8164, came before the board, adding that to place the banners in the Town Common, “We’d have to replace the [Town Common] brackets that are there now with a wider bracket.”

Mackey clarified that the vote would authorize administration to move forward with the program. The board unanimously approved the request and thanked Vinny for his efforts.

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Several updates were provided regarding upcoming events, town developments, and municipal matters. The second annual Fall Fest is scheduled for Sunday, October 19th, from 1 PM to 4 PM. The Finance Committee will meet on September 15th at 7 PM to review the warrant, followed by a public hearing on September 29th at 7 PM. The warrant will be formally presented to the board next week.

On the economic development front, Cambridge Isotope Labs will be continuing its $40 million renovation project, which was spurred by a previously approved TIF agreement—an investment that reflects positively on the town’s efforts. Meanwhile, the 750,000 square foot building at Innovation Drive is currently only 30% occupied. Reno Capital, the owner, plans to subdivide and renovate the space to attract more tenants.

In municipal updates, the Assistant Town Manager position is officially posted on the town website and other relevant platforms. A draft of the Special Town Meeting warrant has been distributed to the board for review, with a full discussion scheduled for the following week. Curran noted the warrant includes standard items, with three key highlights: the allocation of a strong free cash figure, a budget amendment article, and several others, including one zoning article and two citizen petition articles. Board members were encouraged to review the draft and reach out with any questions.

Town Council Invoice and Meeting Minutes

The town council invoice, July 16th – July 31st, for the amount of $2,592.50 was approved. June 10th, 2025, and July 15th, 2025, meeting minutes were approved.

Board Member Reports

Russo commented on the ongoing work with the Long Range Space Committee regarding the RFP process. The consultant selection is currently underway, and the committee will reconvene once that process is in motion.

Kratman highlighted several events in town. The 9/11 ceremony was held at 7 PM at the 9/11 Memorial, marking the 24th anniversary and honoring first responders and veterans. On September 12th, a veterans luncheon BBQ took place at the Senior Center, hosted by Veterans Agent Lisa Downey. Saturday, the 13th, the Lions Club hosted a Beep Ball game between the Boston Strong team and the Tewksbury Fire Department at Livingston Street Park.

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A motion was approved to adjourn the meeting. The next Select Board meeting will be held on September 23rd, 2025.